Are our expectations for ourselves, our partners, and those around us too high? Are we setting ourselves up for failure? Is social media causing us all to feel we pale by comparison? Adam and Danielle discuss all of this, how their own upbringings has influenced their set of expectations, and what our expectations for our own kids are. Maybe if we can start figuring out a way to appreciate for what we already have and instead of concentrating on what hasn’t happened or gotten done, we would all walk around feeling even a little more satisfied and content. 
Purchase the Date Night Questions Experience paperback book here. Use code "MNMPODCAST" for 15% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

59. The Expectations Episode

Marriage and Martinis is an attempt to present a real, authentic marriage at its core: the love, hate, teamwork, struggles, laughter, humiliation, and ever-changing dynamics that comprise spousal relationships. Join Danielle and Adam as they explore every hilarious, heartfelt, shocking, embarrassing, and completely inappropriate facet of marriage and parenting. It’s a bumpy ride, but it’s worth it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this follow up episode from Danielle's Boudoir shoot, Adam and Danielle discuss how it felt to finally see the pictures, and how they handled posting pictures that most suburban moms don't reveal to over half a million people. What did Danielle say to her 15 year old son and how did that discussion go? How did she prepare people like her mother-in-law and others whom she was worried might feel uncomfortable with the situation? How did Adam react initially, and what was his ultimate takeaway from the whole experience? Plus, the two discuss:Why is Danielle finally ready to reveal her size when she never has been before?An honest talk about period sex and why it's turned complicated with perimenopause.What negative comments did Danielle receive and how did she respond?How has this whole experience affected her confidence?What did guilt cause Danielle to do in the midst of all of this excitement?What would Adam like them to do as a couple that will even further their connection and sex life?Why was this one of the most memorable experiences Danielle has ever had?
 don't forget to follow Danielle's new hero @evginiaribinikstudios Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Mama is posting racy pictures on the internet"

Danielle has wanted to work up the courage to have a Boudoir shoot for years. Finally, after finding a photographer she knew she could be comfortable with, she went to have this experience, without informing Adam. In this episode, the two discuss: 
Why it was important to Danielle to do this without Adam knowing.Why it took so much courage to jump this hurdle and go through with the photoshoot.What Adam is most "concerned" about her posting the pictures.If Adam would be willing to go back and do a couples' shoot.How doing this shoot has affected Danielle's confidence, and more!
 To find out more about Danielle's amazing photographer, check out Evgenia Ribinik. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Boudoir Effect

Recently, Danielle heard something on Tik Tok that really struck her: "are we all just spending the second half of our lives recovering from the first half?" This got her thinking about all the things we're taught for so long while growing up, only to figure out that all of those messages and concepts are all just a bunch of BS. Are we all too "gaslit" to even know what we, as individuals, even want in life? How can we separate our own goals and desires with those we've been TOLD we should want? In this interestingly nostalgic-yet-eye-opening episode, Adam and Danielle discuss: 
why weren't they taught more preparedness strategies for life in school, rather than subject matter that has proven to be almost totally obsoletewhy Danielle is no longer looking back on elementary school through rose-colored glasses, and how she thinks the whole experience affected her self-esteemwho the "cool kids" were in school, as opposed to who should have been deemed "cool"what messages were Adam fed about what being a boy means?what messages was Danielle fed about what being a girl means?what did they both get wrong about body image, and what do they now realize?in what ways have movies and TV shows helped in disseminating so many false messagesis chivalry still allowed?
 and so much more!

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Short Stroll Down Gaslit Lane

Molly had reached her breaking point as an overwhelmed mom and wife when she and her husband decided to open up their marriage back in 2008. In this honest conversation, Danielle asks Molly questions that are on so many people's minds when we think about allowing our partners to be intimate with other humans. Some of these include, how do you handle the intense moments of jealousy that follow knowing your partner has been sexual with someone else? What happened when your kids found out, and how did they react? Were you worried about your parents finding out? And, has the experience been all you hoped it would? Molly's new memoir, "More," takes readers through the journey of becoming polyamorous, and all of the layers, hardships, and joys involved in this process. Luckily, Molly was willing to share some of those stories on the podcast. Hearing these reflections helps us to understand the concept of open marriage from a different, more honest perspective.
Buy Molly's book More, A Memoir Of Open Marriage wherever books are sold.
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts and/or on Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reflections On A "Real" Open Marriage, With Molly Roden Winter

In this not-so-conventional "check-in" episode, Adam and Danielle answer some deep questions about recent lessons on life they've learned, what's something they've each done recently about which they're proud, and a lighting round of quick answers concerning how they're feeling about certain aspects of life. Plus, Danielle introduces Adam to the term, "tradwife," and wants to know if he secretly wishes she was more like one of those wives. Get a pen and paper out, because partners are going to want to write down these questions to ask one another (or anyone in your life with whom you'd like to have a deep conversations). 
Check out our upcoming, awesome sessions of Beyond Permission, including a discussion on Sex Toys, Libido and Desire, and a DATE NIGHT opportunity with Danielle and Adam! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

59. The Expectations Episode

Download our free app to listen on your phone