The Couples Expert

In episode 111 Stuart talks about a goal he sets for couples who come to his practice which is the renewing of their vows or a recommitment ceremony. Please listen as Stuart gives some insight and some great ideas for ways that couples can make their vow renewal a fantastic experience for all involved. 

What you’ll learn on today’s podcast: 

• Transformation happens after a relationship injury is repaired at 3:03 

• The reasons to renew your vows at 6:07 

• Stuart is ordained to officiate when you renew your vows at 9:57 

• Rituals and symbols that can be meaningful to you both at 12:20 

• Who and what you can include in the ceremony and vows at 14:15

Click here to view the complete show notes.

Mother's Day is right around the corner and as we prepare to celebrate the woman in our lives that raised us, or our wives and grandmothers, we thought it important to acknowledge the women who are in the role of mother for children who are not biologically theirs.

In today's 3 Minutes with Stuart video, Stuart shares a little about his family upbringing in a blended family. He also talks about his wife Debbie, who is not the mother of his two children from a previous relationship.

He asks the question: Which Mother is A Priority on Mother's Day?

The answer to that question is BOTH.

Though the stepmother is easily overlooked, she should be celebrated just as much as the natural mother of a child. Yes, the biological mother birthed the children and still plays an active role in the child's life (in most situations), however, stepmothers sign up for a package deal. Just like stepfathers do.

They walk into a situation knowing that there are children involved that are not theirs, and take on some level of responsibility for the child(ren). That should be recognized by husbands, the children, and even the biological mother.

This Mother's Day, if you are apart of a blended family, be sure to emphasize the importance of celebrating BOTH mothers. It's a touchy subject in lots of families, but the fact still remains stepmother's are mother's too.

Episode 110 of The Couples Expert Podcast is all about appreciating all the special women in our lives, but particularly our mothers and the mothers of our children. 

Listen as Stuart recounts his growing up in a blended family and the lessons he learned about the importance of his Mother and her role in the family. He also had a Stepmother whom he loved and was very influential in his life. He talks about ways to honor the important women in your life this Mother’s Day, (Sunday, May 14th).                                                            

What you’ll learn from today’s podcast:

• Moms deserve your encouragement every day at 3:00
• It helps when you’re struggling to see your partner through fresh eyes at 4:17
• Dad’s responsibility on Mother’s Day at 5:49
• Some suggestions for making Mom’s day special at 7:45
• Recognize your partner for all they do and show appreciation at 10:49
• Suggestions for a romantic Mother’s Day treat for her at 12:05
• If you listen you will learn what she wants at 15:19
• Honor Mom and Grandmother on Mother’s Day 17:44
• Stepmoms are Moms too at 18:21

View the complete show notes here

In today's Three Minutes with Stuart, Stuart shares what a couple that truly wants to move forward and heal their relationship after an affair must do.

An affair is one of the worst relationship injuries, and going through the process of affair recovery is hard on both partners.

Tune in to today's episode and find out why Stuart says that in order to move forward after an affair you have to "bury your marriage".

In Episode 109 of The Couples Expert Podcast Stuart’s guest is Jim Thomas. Jim Thomas is an internationally known speaker, EFT guru and teacher. He and Stuart are going to be discussing sexuality, infidelity, monogamy and long term partnerships.

Please Note: The language in this podcast may not be suitable for small children. We advise parental guidance. Please take a listen to Stuart and Jim’s candid and genuine discussion of sex, love and relationship issues around the topic of infidelity. 

What you’ll learn from today’s podcast: 

• What defines “normal” and conversations about sex and gender at 8:50 

• Fantasy and role play is more common than you think at 16:28 

• Couples who have secure emotional bonds are more affectionate and have better sex at 23:45 

• Kissing without expectation of sex increases affection and connection 26:10

• How lack of emotional intimacy can lead to affairs and infidelity at 32:40

• Specific things you can do right now at 39:00

• Rebuilding trust after an affair 43:39

Click here to view the full show notes.

The question of infidelity, and what is infidelity comes up a lot with couples. It can be a confusing topic because there's more than one type of infidelity.

Of course the most commonly known type of infidelity is sexual or physical infidelity. Having intercourse is not the only way that sexual infidelity takes place. Touching, hugging, kissing, caressing and holding hands are all parts of sexual infidelity.

In today's Three Minutes's with Stuart, Stuart discusses sexual infidelity, along with emotional infidelity and financial infidelity.

In episode 108 of The Couples Expert Podcas Stuart’s guest is Dr. Charlie Glickman, a writer and sexuality educator who teaches workshops and seminars on sexuality. Listen as he and Stuart discuss sexuality, travel and keeping your sexual intimacy strong in a long-distance relationship.

What you’ll learn from today’s podcast:

• Verbal conversations are better than texts for sharing emotions at [4:57]
• What you can do when you can’t physically touch your partner at [14:37]
• How sexting can play a part in keeping your erotic life alive at [17:42]
• How role play can bring out a different side of us  at 25.48
• How to understand what you and your partner need to be aroused at [30:06]
• How to explore your fantasy life (3 questions) [34:53]

 Click here to view the full show notes

In today's 3 Minutes with Stuart we get the answer to the question many of us who have suffered the loss of a loved one have sought the answer to; is it betrayal to move on with your life?

Are you betraying your partner that has passed on if you start a relationship with someone new?

Should you feel guilty if you develop feelings for someone new?

How do you move forward after losing someone you love?

The answers to these questions and more in today's episode!

In episode 107 of The Couples Expert Podcast Stuart talks about a deeply personal topic for him as he observes Patriot’s Day which celebrates one of the first battles of American Revolution at Lexington and Concord in 1775. This date (April 19th) became the day that was chosen for the running of the Boston Marathon and it’s been run every year since 1897. It’s also the birthday of Stuart’s sister, who lives very near to where the race starts.   

As you know the terrible bombing occurred at the Marathon in 2013. This terrorist attack on the marathon participants and spectators affected thousands; not only those in Boston but their family members all around the world. Stuart’s sister and family usually attended the race as spectators, so you can imagine how anxious and worried he was when he heard the news about the bombing. Listen in as Stuart tells the story and talks about the impact of grief and loss on your relationship.  

What you’ll learn in today’s podcast: 

• The impact of an unexpected or tragic loss at 3:07
• Keeping loved ones alive in memory  5:38
• Loss of a child 8:50
• Make each day count, find the positivity in life 10:10
• Encourage and support each other in your grief 14:50
• Don’t allow yourself to be distracted from what’s important 18:30
• The importance of connecting with your partner and resolving your hurts 20:21
• What would you want in your eulogy? 23:22 

This week we've been focusing on grief and loss at the Couples Expert. Many of us have experienced losing someone that was very dear to us. It could have been a husband or wife. We could have suffered through the loss of a family member, like a grand parent, aunt, or sibling.

How do we cope when our heart is hurting because we've lost a loved one? What should we do?

In today's Three Minutes with Stuart video, Stuart performs a short skit, where he is a man that has just experienced the loss of his beloved wife. He talks about some of the thoughts and feelings that one may experience at a time like this and offers suggestions of what we can do to help cope and move forward through the pain of losing a loved one.

Be sure to watch the entire video. You will be glad that you did!