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Dr. Dave Schramm:

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale:

http://www.drlizhale.com

Julie Blackburn shares her expertise on helping couples maintain strong relationships during the challenging transition to parenthood, drawing on her experience as a registered nurse, midwife, and Bringing Baby Home educator.

• 67% of couples become unhappy with each other during the first three years of their baby's life
• The greatest gift you can give your baby is a happy and strong relationship between parents
• Parenting differences stem from our upbringing and personal experiences
• The "secret sauce" for healthy relationships includes maintaining friendship, regulating conflict, and creating shared meaning
• Criticism can cause partners (especially dads) to withdraw from parenting involvement
• When dad is unhappy in his relationship with mom, a gulf often grows between him and his child
• Father involvement is crucial for child development, affecting temperament, self-regulation, confidence, and academic performance
• Military families face unique challenges requiring extra intentionality in maintaining connection
• The Gottman card deck app offers structured ways to maintain meaningful conversations and express needs without criticism
• Keeping an emotional "bank account" full through expressions of fondness and admiration sustains relationships through challenges

The key to a stronger marriage connection is friendship and kindness. Remember to remain each other's best friend, hold space for each other, and keep telling your partner how much you appreciate them.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

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Podcast.stongermarriage.org

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/

Dr. Dave Schramm:

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale:

http://www.drlizhale.com

Greg Denning shares his journey from a troubled childhood to creating an extraordinary marriage and family life while traveling to over 60 countries with his wife and seven children. His positive energy and unique ability to inspire others stems from his personal transformation after leaving home at 16 and experiencing homelessness before discovering the secrets to creating a happy life.

• Making marriage the true priority by saying no to anything that competes with the relationship
• Using micro deposits (daily acts of connection) and macro deposits (regular getaways and annual honeymoon trips) to invest in marriage
• Applying the "Silent Film Test" – asking if observers would know your spouse is your priority based only on actions
• Working on yourself first – resolving personal issues that create obstacles in your marriage
• Understanding that men can increase their capacity to handle pressure through mindset shifts and physical health
• Learning to truly listen to your spouse without trying to fix or respond
• Strategically creating systems that enable you to manage complex family life without burnout
• Remembering the marriage equation: as you improve yourself, the relationship improves even if only one partner is initially working on it

We live at the level of our habits, not our hopes. Don't settle for a mediocre marriage – keep pursuing your dream of a phenomenal relationship through consistent small adjustments that create big differences over time.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

Strongermarriage.org

Podcast.stongermarriage.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/

Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/

Dr. Dave Schramm:

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale:

http://www.drlizhale.com

Struggling to understand what makes a relationship flourish over time? In this eye-opening episode with Dutch-American psychologist Julie Sharon, we uncover the science-backed secrets that separate thriving marriages from those that falter.

When couples find themselves locked in the same frustrating conflict patterns, the answer might be surprisingly physiological. Julie reveals how a racing heart (over 100 BPM) signals we've entered "fight or flight" mode—a state where productive communication becomes nearly impossible. Learn why taking a structured 20-30 minute break can transform heated arguments into constructive conversations, and why agreeing to return to difficult topics builds crucial trust.

The episode dives deep into the Gottmans' groundbreaking research on "bids for connection"—those small moments when we reach toward our partner for acknowledgment or engagement. Julie explains why couples who respond positively to these bids 86% of the time stay happily married, while those responding only 33% of the time face relationship breakdown. These seemingly minor interactions create what she calls an "emotional bank account" that buffers relationships during inevitable conflicts.

Beyond the research, Julie shares practical tools you can implement today: the stress-reducing conversation (listening without solving), effective repair attempts after conflicts, and creating a culture of appreciation and kindness. She emphasizes that healthy relationships aren't conflict-free—they simply maintain a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions during disagreements.

Ready to transform your relationship? Start by looking inward at your own contributions rather than focusing on your partner's shortcomings. As Julie reminds us: "Slow down, take a look inside. Don't respond too quickly. Think before you act, think before you speak, feel before you speak."

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

Strongermarriage.org

Podcast.stongermarriage.org

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/

Dr. Dave Schramm:

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale:

http://www.drlizhale.com

Dr. Ryan Seedall draws on his 20+ years of experience as a therapist to share insights about relationship conflict patterns and the role of attachment in marriage dynamics. He provides practical pointers to strengthen marriage connections, including how to navigate the demand-withdraw cycle and use anger productively.

• Healthy marriages require not just absence of negative interactions but presence of positive ones
• Couples need to recover from conflict, not just learn how to argue better
• The demand-withdraw pattern creates a cycle where one person's behavior triggers the exact response they're trying to avoid
• "Signal and respond" describes how partners communicate needs and respond to each other
• Anger serves as a protest signal that something needs attention, not necessarily a destructive force
• Technology creates new challenges for couples, with text arguments losing crucial nonverbal cues
• Mixed-faith marriages require special navigation of differing beliefs and values
• Early intervention is crucial - addressing small issues before they become entrenched patterns
• Attunement to partner's emotional state builds trust and connection
• Vulnerability, when met with responsiveness, creates deeper intimacy

Remember, it's the small things that create a stronger marriage connection. Find more resources at StrongerMarriage.org, including workshops, e-courses, webinars and relationship surveys.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

Strongermarriage.org

Podcast.stongermarriage.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/

Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/

Dr. Dave Schramm:

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale:

http://www.drlizhale.com

Mary Kay Cocharo shares how Imago therapy helps transform relationship conflicts into opportunities for healing childhood wounds through a structured dialogue process that fosters safety, understanding, and deep connection. 

• Imago theory suggests we're unconsciously attracted to partners who possess both positive and negative traits of our childhood caretakers
• Relationships typically move from a romantic stage (lasting about two years) to a power struggle phase where childhood wounds emerge
• 50% of married couples divorce during the power struggle phase after about six years of conflict
• The Intentional Dialogue process involves mirroring (reflecting what was said), validating (acknowledging the other's perspective makes sense), and empathizing
• Surface conflicts often mask deeper childhood wounds, as illustrated by a couple fighting about a dog that actually connected to grief over a mother's death
• Sitting 18 inches apart with eye contact calms the limbic brain and activates the cortex, creating a neurobiological state conducive to problem-solving
• People typically respond to conflict by either "hyper-arousing" (getting louder/more expressive) or "hypo-arousing" (withdrawing/shutting down)
• Three key elements for a stronger marriage connection: touch/physical affection, safe/respectful communication, and shared activities
• Focus on the dynamic in the space between you rather than blaming your partner
• Simple eye gazing for a few minutes can rebuild connection when words have become triggering

Mary Kay's Resources

https://www.mkcocharo.com/ 

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

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Dr. Dave Schramm:

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale:

http://www.drlizhale.com

Dr. Brian Doss shares a science-backed digital resource called Our Relationship that helps couples identify relationship challenges and implement effective solutions through a structured framework.

• Our Relationship program has been continuously funded by the NIH for 15 years and helped tens of thousands of couples
• The DEEP framework helps couples understand Differences, Emotions, External stress, and Patterns of communication
• Surface emotions like anger often mask hidden emotions like hurt, loneliness, or feeling disconnected
• "Invisible support" like doing household tasks before your partner notices can significantly reduce relationship stress
• Expressing gratitude for small actions helps maintain positive connections with your partner
• The program takes approximately 8-10 hours and offers optional coaching support
• Free versions are available for military families and qualifying households based on income
• Research shows the program improves not just relationships but also mental health, physical health, and family functioning

Visit OurRelationship.com to learn more about the program, which is available both online and through app stores.

Brian's Resources

https://www.ourrelationship.com/

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

Strongermarriage.org

Podcast.stongermarriage.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/

Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/

Dr. Dave Schramm:

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale:

http://www.drlizhale.com

Relationship churning—the pattern of breaking up and getting back together with the same partner—affects nearly half of young adults and creates emotional whiplash for couples, children, and their support networks. Dr. Sarah Halpern-Meekin shares her groundbreaking research on this common relationship phenomenon, explaining why couples fall into these patterns and what it means for their wellbeing.

• Relationship churning comes in two main forms: breaking up and getting back together, and having sex with an ex
• Nearly half of young adults report churning in their current or most recent relationship
• Churning relationships show higher psychological distress, lower satisfaction, and worse communication, but surprisingly higher intimate self-disclosure
• Fathers in churning relationships stay more involved with their children than those who permanently break up
• Economic distress, incarceration history, and one-sided breakups increase likelihood of churning
• The key to healthy relationships includes investing time in connection, developing conflict management skills, and setting clear expectations
• Before reconciling after a breakup, ask if what caused the original breakup has actually changed

Sarah's Resources

https://www.irp.wisc.edu/staff/halpern-meekin-sarah/ 

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/

Dr. Dave Schramm:

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale:

http://www.drlizhale.com

Connection forms the foundation of mental health and happiness, with disconnection from ourselves, others, the world, and something greater underlying virtually every psychological struggle we face.

• Four types of connection: with self (authenticity), others (relationships), the world (nature/art), and something greater (awe/spirituality)
• Modern distractions like social media, FOMO, and constant digital interruptions actively prevent meaningful connection
• Self-connection provides the foundation for all other connections - if disconnected from ourselves, we can't truly connect elsewhere
• Personal "connection formulas" vary widely - activities that energize one person may drain another
• Novel shared experiences allow families and couples to see each other through fresh eyes and strengthen bonds
• Friendships serve vital roles that romantic relationships cannot replace - no single relationship can meet all our connection needs
• Workplace connection can be found by developing valued skills and experiencing flow states even in less-than-ideal jobs
• Loneliness impacts physical health more than smoking, highlighting connection as a fundamental human need

The book "Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love" is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and you can learn more at DrAdamDorsay.com.

Adam's Resources

https://dradamdorsay.com/  

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

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Dr. Dave Schramm:

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale:

http://www.drlizhale.com

Betrayal trauma occurs when trust is violated within a relationship, creating a profound alteration of reality for the betrayed partner and causing symptoms similar to PTSD. David Jones, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares insights on the unique challenges of betrayal trauma and offers a three-part framework for healing.

• Betrayal trauma is defined as an "alteration of reality" - discovering that what you thought was true about your relationship wasn't
• What makes betrayal trauma unique is that the betrayed often must interact with the source of their trauma
• The "three legs of the stool" framework for healing: boundaries, individual coping skills/self-care, and connections
• Recovery takes significant time - often years - but healing is possible whether the relationship continues or ends
• Forgiveness does not equal trust - forgiveness is releasing bitterness while trust must be earned through consistent behavior
• Emotional safety forms the foundation for rebuilding connection after betrayal
• Support people should be "marriage friendly" if the couple is working toward reconciliation

If you'd like to learn more about the resources discussed in this episode, visit Secure Connection Counseling at secureconnectioncounseling.com or explore the resources available at StrongerMarriage.org.

David's Links:

https://secureconnectioncounseling.com/

About David Jones:

David Jones is dedicated to strengthening marriages and families. Growing up with divorced parents and a father in recovery from alcoholism shaped his passion for helping couples navigate challenges. His own blended family of eight children further fuels his commitment to marriage therapy.

A Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist, Certified Family Life Educator, and EFT Supervisor Candidate, David specializes in helping couples facing betrayal trauma, infidelity, sexual addiction, and ADHD-related relationship struggles. He also teaches university courses on family relationships and serves as an Army Reserve Chaplain, expanding his real-world perspective.

As an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor and EFT Supervisor in Training, David is a leader in his field. He applies attachment theory to therapy, believing that secure relationships not only heal but create lasting transformation. Clients often credit his work with saving their marriages. With a deep well of experience, empathy, and expertise, David is a trusted guide for couples seeking healing and growth.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

Strongermarriage.org

Podcast.stongermarriage.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/

Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/

Dr. Dave Schramm:

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale:

http://www.drlizhale.com