Episode Summary  
In this powerful episode of *Cutting Up with the Crawfords*, Derrick and Dari Crawford—an interracial couple navigating life and love with faith and intentionality—get real about emotional health, communication, and the transformative power of regular relationship check-ins.  

They share vulnerable insights from their own marriage, exploring how emotional check-ins helped them better understand each other’s mental and emotional state, reduce miscommunication, and create a safe space for honest conversations. From dealing with anxiety and depression to dismantling pride and shame, this conversation highlights the critical role of mental health in marriage and everyday relationships.  

Whether you're married, dating, or just trying to be a better friend, this episode is full of practical tools and powerful encouragement to help you check in with the people you love.

Keywords
relationship check-ins 
- Christian marriage advice  
- emotional health in relationships  
- faith-based podcast on marriage  
- interracial couple podcast  
- mental health and marriage  
- overcoming shame in relationships  
- healthy communication strategies  
- therapy in Christian relationships  

Episode Takeaways  
- Regular check-ins can improve emotional health and connection.  
- Understanding your partner’s emotional state helps prevent conflict.  
- Therapy is a valuable tool for emotional and spiritual growth.  
- Mental health struggles like anxiety and depression should be discussed openly.  
- Pride and shame often block honest conversations.  
- Safe, judgment-free zones allow for vulnerability and deeper connection.  
- Open-ended questions spark meaningful conversations.  
- Sharing struggles with a trusted partner or friend builds intimacy.  
- Awareness of each other’s schedules can boost emotional support.  

Chapters  
00:00 – Why Relationship Check-Ins Matter  
06:21 – Reading Emotional Cues & Responding with Care  
10:06 – Marriage, Anxiety, and Being a Supportive Spouse  
12:00 – How Communication Builds Stronger Bonds  
17:09 – Mental Health in Marriage: Breaking Cultural Stigma  
19:07 – The Emotional Weight of Vulnerability  
21:10 – Anxiety vs. Excitement: Knowing the Difference  
22:10 – The Pressure to Be “Strong”  
23:53 – Letting Go of Pride & Shame  
25:18 – Creating a Safe Space for Hard Conversations  
27:46 – Ask This, Not That: The Power of Open-Ended Questions  
30:13 – How to Check In Without Being Awkward  
32:46 – Building Safe Spaces That Last  
35:48 – Call to Action: Who Will You Check In With?

🎧 Listen to this episode on:  
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts  
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

YouTube | Instagram