Sometimes the communication dynamics that we grew up with are so familiar to us that we don't recognize how unhealthy they are. One of these dynamics is what I call "should-ing."

You can tell that you're "should-ing" on someone when you've already thought of several reasons why this person "should" believe or behave the way that you do before you start a conversation with them.

Get the full shownotes and links to the resources mentioned at keeptalkingrevolutionpodcast.com/ep-60

I started hearing people use the word “surrender” a couple of years ago and I thought to myself, who wants that?

I see myself as a confident and assertive woman and surrender feels weak and disempowering.

For a while, I’ve been thinking there must be something that I’m missing here. Because people I really respect are finding value in surrender…so what is it?

Listen to this short episode on the differences between control and surrender to learn just how empowering it can be to let go and trust the process.

Get the full shownotes and links to the resources mentioned at keeptalkingrevolutionpodcast.com/ep-59

So often, we feel stuck before we even have the conversation because we’re trying to figure out the right words to say. But saying the right words isn’t what makes a conversation go smoothly. It’s more about what’s beneath the words we say that really matters. Listen to this episode to learn what three things are most likely to cause you communication problems and what you can do instead.

Get the full shownotes and links to the resources mentioned at keeptalkingrevolutionpodcast.com/ep-58.

Are you always running short on time? Do your priorities always seem to take a back seat to everyone else?

Listen to this episode to learn three important lessons from those who master time management.

You'll learn three questions you can ask yourself to get the insight you need to take back control of your time.

Get the full shownotes and links to the resources mentioned at keeptalkingrevolutionpodcast.com/ep-57

We're trying out a new "Five Minute Friday" series and this is our first episode.

Today I'm sharing some insights and experiences with asking for what you want. So often - too often - we give up or get frustrated when we aren't getting what we need.

That doesn't have to be the case. I'm helping my kids and my clients learn how to be both patient and persistent in asking for what they want.

Get the full shownotes and links to the resources mentioned at keeptalkingrevolutionpodcast.com/ep-56

Mario and I started meeting with Sara Thingvold at the beginning of the year to create our couple & family portrait.

In this episode of the podcast, Mario and I share our portrait, what our experiences were creating the portrait, and how this guiding document has already helped us move through some previously sticky situations more gracefully.

I shared the image of our family portrait on social media a couple of weeks ago and I’ve already gotten a lot of questions about how you can do a portrait for yourself.

Whether you’re single and contemplating a future relationship, just want to get clear on your own vision, purpose and values, or are in a long term relationship and want to work on your couples portrait, Sara can help.

Get the full shownotes and get Sara's info at keeptalkingrevolutionpodcast.com/ep-55

A family portrait - as described in this episode of the podcast - is a tool for determining the shared vision, values, dreams, goals, and purpose of your family relationships.

“Envisioning with the end in mind and leaving a legacy we are proud of is really what a family portrait is all about,” Sara says.

Four outcomes that a portrait can bring for a couple is increased:

• self-awareness and awareness of your partner
• clarity of roles and personal responsibility in the relationship
• commitment to the relationship
• peace, harmony & joy in the relationship

In Part 2 of this two-part series, Sharon & Mario share their family portrait and their experience creating the portrait.

Get the full show notes and links to resources mentioned at https://keeptalkingrevolutionpodcast.com/ep-54

If bringing up a need or making a request feels hard and heavy, listen to Nathan Schechter describe how the simple formula for Non-Violent Communication (NVC for short) can help you navigate both the emotion and logic of any conversation.

NVC is an approach to communication, based on principles of nonviolence. It is not a technique to end disagreements, but rather a method designed to increase empathy and improve the quality of life of those who utilize the method and the people around them.

The four main components of NVC are OFNR:

• Observe without judging
• Express feelings
• Share your needs
• Make a request

Get the full show notes and links to the resources mentioned here: https://keeptalkingrevolutionpodcast.com/ep-53

I have an ongoing fantasy where my partner does something that bugs me, I calmly tell him, "That was lame" and he looks at me and says, "You're absolutely right! I understand why you feel that way. I can't believe I didn't realize that."

And if you're like most of us, you realize that my communication fantasy is about as unrealistic as most other fantasies we have for love and romance.

Addressing bad behavior can be tricky, but if you follow the three rules I share in this episode you can avoid the biggest land mines in most hard conversations.

Get the full show notes and resources mentioned at https://keeptalkingrevolutionpodcast.com/ep-52

This episode is part 2 of a two-part series on the differences between complementarian and egalitarian marriages. I invited Bruce Pagano to come back on the podcast and talk about an idea that is prevalent both within religious communities and in everyday life - the idea that men and women are better suited to specific roles within a relationship and within communities.

Often these beliefs aren't so clearly stated, but they manifest in the way that men fail to accept the influence of their spouses, don't give the same respect to their female peers and managers at work, and act in ways that prioritize their needs and experiences.

Bruce and I talk about our own experiences in our relationships and the conflicts that arise when couples are playing a role rather than embracing their strengths.

Get the full shownotes and links to resources mentioned at https://keeptalkingrevolutionpodcast.com/ep-49