Stronger Marriage Connection

In this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, New York Times bestselling author Laura Doyle returns to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her book, The Surrendered Wife. Laura joins Dr. Liz Hale to reflect on the lessons she's learned from helping women strengthen their marriages over the past two and a half decades. Together, they explore how respect, self-care, listening, and expressing desires can transform the way couples connect. Laura shares personal stories from her nearly 37-year marriage, including how letting go of control and focusing on her own happiness helped bring back the affection and connection she once feared was lost. From learning to appreciate your spouse to finding joy in everyday moments, this conversation offers practical ways to create more peace, playfulness, and passion in marriage.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Back, Laura Doyle 
01:26 – Celebrating 25 Years of Marriage Wisdom 
02:02 – Why Relationship Skills Need Practice 
03:40 – Learning What Respect Really Means 
04:06 – How Respect Changed Everything 
06:42 – Reflecting on 25 Years of Impact 
07:34 – Why Even Experts Make Mistakes 
08:37 – Timeless Lessons From The Surrendered Wife 
09:41 – How Childhood Experiences Shape Marriage 
12:43 – Laura's Mission to End Divorce 
13:49 – Finding Healing Through Relationship Skills 
15:23 – When Marriage Feels Hopeless 
18:26 – Rediscovering the Person You Married 
19:22 – The Power of Supportive Women 
22:15 – Why Respect Matters in Marriage 
23:19 – Letting Go of Superiority and Control 
25:14 – Taking Accountability for Your Marriage 
27:03 – Staying on Your Own Paper 
29:53 – Simple Phrases That Show Respect 
30:19 – Apologizing When You Get It Wrong 
32:27 – Listening Without Giving Advice 
34:56 – Why Self-Care Is Essential 
36:42 – Recognizing When You Need Self-Care 
38:13 – Taking Responsibility for Your Happiness 
40:11 – Rest and Remedial Self-Care 
40:55 – Expressing Desires Without Demands 
42:46 – The Power of Saying “I Would Love” 
44:43 – Learning to Receive Graciously 
45:48 – How Gratitude Strengthens Connection 
47:59 – Celebrating Laura's Marriage and Legacy 
49:43 – Handling Criticism and Negative Feedback 
51:35 – Discovering Your Power to Change 
52:57 – Resources for Building Intimacy 
54:14 – Final Thoughts and Farewell

Takeaway of the Day

Laura Doyle: You have more power to improve your experience in marriage than you might realize. Rather than focusing on everything your spouse needs to change, begin by looking at your own actions and how you show up in the relationship. Practicing respect, prioritizing self-care, expressing your desires, and graciously receiving love can create opportunities for greater connection and intimacy. Even after 25 years of teaching these skills, Laura emphasizes that nobody practices them perfectly. What matters is continuing to learn, take accountability, and make small changes that strengthen the relationship.

Liz Hale: One of the most powerful ways to strengthen a marriage is to recognize the connection between personal happiness and marital happiness. Instead of expecting your spouse to be responsible for your happiness, take time to care for yourself and recognize how your attitude and actions influence the relationship. Liz also emphasizes the importance of listening without immediately offering advice, expressing appreciation, and allowing your spouse opportunities to show love in their own way. Small shifts in how we treat our partners can make a meaningful difference in the connection we share.

Laura's Resources:

Website: https://lauradoyle.org/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lauradoyleauthor

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramdoyle

Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.

Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store

Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: 

Website: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/

Podcast: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife

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/ 

In this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, Dr. Alan Hawkins joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to explore the future of relationship and marriage education, including how couples can build stronger relationships without setting unrealistic expectations. Alan introduces the idea of a “good enough marriage” and explains why a healthy, happy relationship doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful and fulfilling. The conversation also explores how relationship education can better meet couples' needs through practical, accessible skill-building opportunities and how artificial intelligence (AI) may change the way people seek relationship advice. From navigating different seasons of marriage to finding a balance between growth and contentment, this episode reminds couples that good really can be good enough—and that great moments often come along the way. 

Chapters 

00:00 – The Future of Marriage Education  
01:34 – Welcome Back, Dr. Alan Hawkins  
03:15 – What Is Relationship Education?  
04:22 – Education Versus Marriage Counseling  
05:19 – Different Types of Relationship Education  
07:31 – Does Marriage Education Really Work?  
09:45 – Concerns About Relationship Education  
10:50 – Are Marriage Expectations Too High?  
13:14 – What Is a Good Enough Marriage?  
14:04 – Intimacy, Commitment, and Security  
16:18 – Finding Fun and Comfort in Marriage  
18:04 – Accepting Imperfections and Life's Seasons  
20:28 – Why Good Really Is Good  
22:17 – Finding Joy in Different Seasons  
24:57 – The Good Enough Dating Relationship  
25:38 – The Dating Recession  
28:19 – Rethinking Dating Expectations  
29:54 – Learning to Adapt in Marriage  
31:28 – Improving Relationship Education  
33:12 – Practical Help for Specific Problems  
35:06 – Different Levels of Relationship Education  
38:18 – Evaluating Stronger Marriage Resources  
40:17 – Why Marriage Rates Are Declining  
41:27 – The Future of AI and Relationships  
42:09 – Will AI Replace Relationship Education?  
44:19 – Building Trustworthy AI Relationship Tools  
46:12 – Opportunities and Risks of AI  
48:52 – Let Good Enough Be Good  
50:35 – Takeaway of the Day 

Takeaway of the Day 

Alan Hawkins: Remember that great is often a season, not a status of a relationship. A good marriage doesn't have to be extraordinary every day to be meaningful and fulfilling. Instead of constantly chasing perfection, appreciate the comfort, security, commitment, and connection you already share. Let good be good enough, and allow the great moments to come naturally. 

Liz Hale: Being satisfied with a good marriage doesn't mean you stop growing together. Couples can appreciate what is already working while continuing to identify areas where they would like to improve. Whether it's strengthening communication, having more fun, or developing new skills, there is always an opportunity to move from “good enough to gooder.” 

Dave Schramm: Good marriages don't happen by accident. Even healthy, connected couples experience stress, disagreements, and difficult seasons. What matters is continuing to invest in the relationship through intentional effort, learning, and commitment. Rather than expecting constant happiness or perfection, focus on making steady progress and building a marriage that grows stronger over time. 

 About Alan:

Alan Hawkins, PhD, is the current Chair of the Utah Marriage Commission. He serves as the Vice-chair of the National Alliance for Relationship and Marriage Education. And he is a non-resident fellow with the Institute for Family Studies and an Affiliated Scholar with the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University. He retired in 2023 from the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University where he taught and did research for 33 years.

Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.

Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store

Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: 

Website: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/

Podcast: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife

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/ 

In This episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, financial relationship coach Dee Zimmerman joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to uncover seven common financial blind spots that can quietly create stress, resentment, and disconnection in marriage. Dee explains why money problems often go deeper than dollars and budgets, reflecting differences in values, fears, family histories, and dreams for the future. Couples will learn how to recognize hidden financial stress, create shared financial goals, communicate more effectively about money, and build systems that support both their finances and their relationship. 

Chapters 

00:00 – Seven Financial Blind Spots 
02:58 – No Shared Financial Direction 
05:44 – Start Money Conversations Early 
07:20 – Identify Your Money Values 
08:58 – Uneven Financial Awareness 
11:01 – Build Financial Partnership Together 
11:59 – Choose the Right Time 
15:24 – Conversations That Go Nowhere 
16:36 – Money Is More Than Numbers 
19:30 – Hidden Financial Stress 
20:34 – Understanding Your Money Fears 
21:36 – Signs of Financial Stress 
25:02 – Different Comfort Levels With Spending 
25:28 – Rethinking Spenders and Savers 
28:26 – How Family Shapes Money Habits 
31:26 – Financial Systems Without Collaboration 
32:10 – Creating Healthy Financial Systems 
35:46 – Uncertainty About the Future 
37:41 – Financial Fear Affects Relationships 
40:22 – Financial Resources and Support 
42:06 – Courageous Money Conversations 
43:16 – Takeaway of the Day  

Takeaway of the Day 

Dee Zimmerman: Financial stress doesn't necessarily mean you or your relationship are failing. There are often deeper reasons underneath money struggles that may not be immediately obvious. Becoming aware of those underlying values, fears, and patterns is the first step toward addressing them together.  

Liz Hale: Look beneath the numbers. Just as conflicts about sex, parenting, or housework often represent something deeper, financial disagreements can point toward underlying needs for connection, safety, and satisfaction. Understanding what's underneath the conflict can help couples connect more deeply.  

Dave Schramm: Be intentional about talking about money rather than allowing fear to lead to avoidance. Strong, connected marriages don't happen by accident. Couples need to take action, have important conversations, and intentionally work together so financial issues don't become a wedge that causes them to drift apart.  

About Dee 

Dee Zimmerman is a Financial Relationship Coach who helps couples talk about money without the fights, so they can manage their finances more peacefully and build long-term wealth together. Her work sits in the space between relationship science and practical financial strategy, blending Gottman-informed communication tools with systems and financial guidance that help couples reduce stress, improve alignment, and feel more confident about their future. 

In addition to coaching, Dee is a podcast guest and writer focused on the relational side of money. She and her husband are currently navigating a major life transition and relocation after almost 30 years in Colorado, an experience that continues to deepen her perspective on partnership, communication, and financial decision-making in real life. 

You can learn more at Dee's website, dzimmermanfinance.com. She also has a free guide called “7 Financial Blind Spots Worth Noticing,” which ties in closely with what we will talk about today. 

Dee's Resources:

• Free guide—7 Financial Blind Spots Worth Noticing: https://www.dzimmermanfinance.com/blindspots
• Website: https://www.dzimmermanfinance.com/
• Private Coaching—Wealth Together: https://www.dzimmermanfinance.com/wealth-together
• Blog: https://www.dzimmermanfinance.com/blog
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3jenew-JVJa8IQHfCIzGAw

Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.

Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store

Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: 

Website: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/

Podcast: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife

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/ 

In this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, global relationship coach and clinical sexologist Dr. Lea Haber joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to explain what it means to have a “personal trainer” for your love life. Lea explores the quiet disconnection that can pull couples apart, why small moments of intentional connection matter, and how desire changes in long-term relationships. She also shares practical ways couples can strengthen communication, intimacy, curiosity, and shared vision before serious problems develop. Whether couples are preparing for marriage or simply want to move from a good relationship to a great one, Lea emphasizes that lasting love requires continued investment and intentional effort. 

#marriageadvice #relationshipcoaching #marriageintimacy #healthyrelationships 

Chapters 

00:00 – Meet Dr. Lea Haber 
01:53 – Understanding Clinical Sexology 
03:17 – A Personal Trainer for Love 
05:28 – What Quietly Pulls Couples Apart 
06:35 – The Magic Wand Question 
07:29 – Creating Intentional Connection 
08:07 – The Power of Micro Moments 
09:35 – What Are You Chasing? 
10:15 – Creating Shared Meaning Together 
10:38 – Understanding Desire in Marriage 
11:01 – Spontaneous Versus Responsive Desire 
12:23 – Why Desire Levels Differ 
13:29 – Talking About Desire Differences 
14:34 – Homework That Strengthens Relationships 
15:39 – Date Your Partner Again 
16:28 – Planning Beyond the Wedding 
18:51 – Marriage Preparation at Any Stage 
20:07 – Conversations Couples Need to Have 
21:24 – Personalized Marriage Support 
24:26 – Who Benefits From Marriage Coaching? 
25:42 – Everything in Marriage Is Connected 
26:32 – Helping Couples Find Common Ground 
28:23 – Stop Comparing Your Marriage 
30:15 – Finding the Right Relationship Expert 
32:08 – What Strong Couples Do Differently 
33:17 – Stay Curious Before Furious 
35:26 – Keys to Stronger Connection 
36:26 – Takeaway of the Day  

Takeaway of the Day 

Lea Haber: Everything in a relationship is deeply interconnected. Communication, emotional connection, intimacy, and other areas of marriage influence one another, so couples benefit from continually investing in the relationship as a whole. Episode 197 - Lea Haber - Love … 

Liz Hale: There is value in seeking expert guidance for your love life just as you might seek professional advice in other important areas. Even when only one partner begins making small, positive changes, those efforts can create a ripple effect within the relationship. Episode 197 - Lea Haber - Love … 

Dave Schramm: Good relationships can become great relationships when couples are willing to invest the time and effort. Strong marriages aren't built through one “secret sauce,” but through communication, intentionality, outside support when needed, and many small and simple actions over time. Episode 197 - Lea Haber - Love … 

About Dr. Lea Haber 

Dr. Lea Haber, Ph.D., is a global relationship expert, clinical sexologist, author, and founder of Dr. LoveLea, a private advisory built on the belief that an extraordinary love life is built, not found.

Specializing in modern premarital guidance, Dr. Lea works with couples to understand the patterns they bring into relationships, clarify the partnership they want to build, and identify the personal work needed to create lasting commitment. Her approach is secular, flexible, and designed for contemporary couples seeking practical and meaningful preparation for marriage.

Dr. Lea holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology and degrees from NYU and Columbia. Her creative, science-informed, and solutions-oriented approach incorporates elements of the Gottman Method, cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and play-based practices. She helps couples navigate communication, conflict resolution, intimacy, shared values, life transitions, and long-term goals.

She is the author of the bestselling book Planning Beyond the Wedding, which encourages couples to devote as much intention to building their marriage as they do to planning their wedding. She also created the Kiss & Commit relationship card game and a comprehensive online premarital course designed to make relationship education engaging, accessible, and actionable.


Dr. Lea’s Resources 

Webite: www.drlovelea.com 

Wesbite: www.kissandcommit.com 

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

Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.

Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store

Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: 

Website: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/

Podcast: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife

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/ 

In this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, author and speaker Arlene Pellicane joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to talk about how technology is shaping family life—and what parents can do when screens begin replacing sleep, hobbies, conversations, and face-to-face connection. Drawing from her book The Great Tech Reset, Arlene explains the “ABCD harms” of technology and shares practical ideas for setting healthier boundaries around smartphones, social media, video games, and AI. Rather than eliminating technology altogether, the conversation focuses on helping families use it intentionally while making more room for real relationships, outdoor activities, creativity, and meaningful family memories. 

Chapters 

00:00 – Technology's Impact on Family Life 
01:08 – When Screens Interfere With Connection 
02:50 – Why Families Need a Tech Reset 
03:57 – The ABCD Harms of Technology 
08:01 – Warning Signs of Technology Problems 
09:49 – The Bad Babysitter Problem 
11:38 – Helping Kids Play Without Screens 
13:18 – Discovering Interests Beyond Technology 
13:59 – Expect Resistance From Your Kids 
16:26 – Social Media and Teen Anxiety 
19:57 – How Smartphones Changed Childhood 
20:55 – Raising Kids Without Smartphones 
24:45 – Finding Practical Technology Workarounds 
26:03 – Parenting in the Age of AI 
29:40 – Creating a Family Technology Plan 
32:31 – Parents Must Model Healthy Technology 
36:03 – Replacing Screens With Real Connection 
38:08 – The Great Tech Reset Resources 
39:14 – Takeaway of the Day  

Takeaway of the Day 

Arlene Pellicane: You only get one childhood with your child, so make sure you—not a device—are a major part of it. Don't be afraid to delay technology or remove something that has become problematic. Setting limits may bring resistance, but parents shouldn't be afraid to do the harder thing now to protect connection and healthy development later. Episode 196 - Arlene Pellicane … 

Liz Hale: We often worry about dangers to children in the physical world while overlooking risks that can reach them online. Liz's takeaway is to become more aware of those digital influences and give online safety the attention it deserves. Episode 196 - Arlene Pellicane … 

Dave Schramm: Technology can be incredibly useful, but it shouldn't replace the experiences that build strong relationships. Keep screens away from bedrooms, beds, and family meals when possible, and replace some of that screen time with real connection—getting outdoors, going on dates, talking together, and creating memories through shared activities. Episode 196 - Arlene Pellicane … 

About Arlene Pellicane: 

Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books including Making Marriage Easier, The Great Tech Reset, and Screen Kids. 

Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, the Wall Street Journal, FamilyLife Today and Focus on the Family and is the spokesperson for National Marriage Week. Arlene and her husband James have three children and live in San Diego. 

Arlene’s Resources: 

Website: https://arlenepellicane.com/  

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B004R7BTF2  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenepellicane/?hl=en  

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

Focus On The Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/arlene-pellicane/ 

Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.

Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store

Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: 

Website: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/

Podcast: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife

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/ 

Ordinary sounds like chewing or breathing can trigger real fight-or-flight, and that reaction can quietly strain closeness at home. We talk with Dr. Thomas Phelan about what misophonia feels like, why it can spiral into resentment, and how we can respond with no-fault compassion and practical plans.

• what mesophonia is and how it differs from everyday annoyance 
• why mouth sounds are common triggers and why reactions can include rage and panic 
• how repeated triggers can create resentment, distance, and dread around family dinner 
• the “second reaction” spiral of shame, blame, and negative stories after a trigger 
• how we start the conversation without blaming, including using written resources first 
• negotiated accommodations that reduce triggers without avoiding your spouse 
• the ABCD model and “five-second plan” to interrupt the reaction fast 
• why “no-fault” thinking becomes the heart of therapy for couples and families 
• the key to stronger connection: shared one-on-one fun

Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.

Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store

Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: 

Website: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/

Podcast: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife

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/ 

We welcome back marriage intimacy coach Dan Purcell to talk about why couples drift into “roommate mode” and how to rebuild fun, friendship, and desire with small daily choices. We share mindset shifts and practical tools that help us create “our spark” on purpose, even in busy seasons with stress, kids, and routines. 

• Dan’s rebrand from Dating Divas to Date Your Spouse and the mission of strengthening marriages one date at a time 
• why fun and play fade after the honeymoon and how passive drifting fuels disconnection 
• challenges as a developmental invitation and “irritation is an invitation” mindset 
• “our spark” and the courage it takes for one partner to go first 
• simple daily habits that keep emotional connection alive 
• the emotions check-in practice for speaking emotionally without rebuttal 
• curiosity as the skill that keeps your relationship map updated 
• differentiation over defensiveness and staying connected through differences 
• what makes date nights meaningful, creative, and connecting 
• Sparked app features for daily prompts, date planning, memory keeping, and at-home experiences 
• Just Between Us for private, protected couple messaging 
• where to find Dan’s work at dateyourspouse.com and getyourmarriageon.com 

Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.

Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store

Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: 

Website: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/

Podcast: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife

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/ 

We sit down with licensed psychologist Dr. Sami Chun to make sexual intimacy easier to talk about and more honest to live. We trade myths and pressure for practical language around safety, excitement, and connection so couples can navigate desire differences without shame. 

• why defining “sex” upfront reduces misunderstanding and disconnection 
• Dr. Chun’s SEX acronym: safety, excitement, and connection 
• how anxiety and performance pressure shut down arousal 
• the five gears of intimacy and how to stop “jumping to fifth” 
• myths about desire, orgasm, and what arousal “should” look like 
• the APPLE framework: anxiety, pain, and loneliness as signals 
• how to make requests instead of assumptions or demands 
• when to consider couples, family, group, or individual therapy 
• the practice of being responsible for yourself to your partner 

Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.

Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store

Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: 

Website: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/

Podcast: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife

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/ 

We sit down with marriage and family therapist Sonnet Hinsey to talk about premarital education as prevention, not therapy for people in trouble. We break down the Five Love Languages, Gottman-inspired connection habits, and simple action plans that help couples stay close when the “in love” high shifts into real life. 
• why prevention work matters before conflict hardens into patterns 
• how RELATE and READY assessments create clarity and shared language 
• what keeps premarital education from feeling scary or stigmatized 
• the Five Love Languages and why couples “miss the mark” with good intentions 
• building a concrete love language action plan that actually gets used 
• Gottman concepts that strengthen friendship, fondness and daily connection 
• bids for connection and why small responses matter more than grand gestures 
• budgeting and money talks as part of preparing for marriage 
• simple CBT tools for handling triggers and communicating needs 
• Sonnet’s online love languages date night and follow-up supports 

Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.

Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store

Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: 

Website: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/

Podcast: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife

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/ 

We talk with Dr. Paul Jenkins about a clear positivity model that explains why our brains swing between judging what is and building what’s next, and how that swing shows up in marriage. We walk away with simple tools that replace helpless frustration with choice, hope, and daily actions that actually change the tone at home. 

• Dr. Jenkins’ shift from traditional therapy to positive psychology after a humbling bankruptcy 
• Awareness precedes choice as a foundation for personal growth and relationship repair 
• Two constant mind processes: evaluation of what is and creation of what is to be 
• How comparison drives emotion and why “it could be worse” can create real relief 
• Hope versus anxiety as outcomes of what we imagine is coming next 
• Toxic positivity as denial of reality versus healthy positivity as making peace with reality 
• Gratitude power-up as a five-day practice to notice what is good right now 
• BB8 Better By Eight as a small daily creation habit for immediate upgrades 
• Choosing love as a verb and a daily decision that shapes the marriage 

Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.

Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store

Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

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Website: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/

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Dr. Dave Schramm: 

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale: 

http://www.drlizhale.com/