In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the multifaceted nature of love, emphasizing the importance of emotions, particularly sadness, in fostering healthy relationships. He argues that society has largely replaced sadness with anger, leading to a culture that values toughness over vulnerability. Hicks advocates for the reintroduction of sadness as a necessary emotion for healing and compassion, suggesting that acknowledging our feelings can lead to healthier interactions in families, workplaces, and communities.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer, but we must explore the questions.
• Emotion is a vital component of love.
• Sadness is an emotion we need to bring back.
• Society often replaces sadness with anger.
• Anger is a stereotype for strength, especially in men.
• Women also face pressure to appear strong and tough.
• Sadness is often dismissed as weakness.
• Our nervous system reacts differently to anger and sadness.
• Sadness calls us to healing and compassion.
• We need to practice sadness to improve our relationships.

Chapters

00:00 The Three Phases of Starting Over

03:35 The Dismissal of Feelings in Business and Family

06:10 The Replacement of Sadness with Anger

10:03 Understanding Anger and Sadness

12:26 The Importance of Compassion and Healing

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the concept of starting over in life, emphasizing that love is the answer to many of life's challenges. He discusses the importance of recognizing when it's time to make a change, the fantasy of erasing the past, and the necessity of going through a grief process to heal. Hicks highlights the significance of mutual agreement in relationships, the unpredictability of life, and the importance of learning from past experiences without creating villains. He also addresses the need for a strategic approach to professional changes and outlines three essential phases for starting over: grief, honesty, and taking small steps.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to life's challenges.
• You are never truly stuck in life.
• Starting over requires a realistic approach, not fantasy.
• Grief is essential for healing and moving forward.
• Emotional scars can coexist with a fulfilling life.
• New patterns must replace old ones for true change.
• Life's unpredictability means you don't need a clear vision.
• Learning from past relationships is crucial for growth.
• Avoid creating villains in your personal narratives.
• Take small, actionable steps towards change.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Love and Starting Over

02:05 Facing the Fantasy of Starting Over

04:45 The Process of Healing and Grief

08:44 Building New Patterns in Relationships

12:48 Starting Over Alone: Lessons Learned

16:19 Navigating Career Changes and Professional Growth

21:08 The Three Phases of Starting Over

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this episode of the Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks, the host, discusses his new book 'Learning Love,' set to be released on June 10, 2025, by Morgan James Publishing. Dr. Hicks shares his journey of writing and the life lessons about relationships he learned through the experience. He recounts the various stages of his writing process, his move to Prague, fortuitous meetings with friends who guided him through self-publishing, and his eventual collaboration with Morgan James Publishing. Additionally, he delves into broader themes such as the importance of self-love, the practicality of love as a skillset, and the inclusive power of love in overcoming division. The episode emphasizes the application of love in personal and communal life and tackles the misguided belief that love can eradicate all fears and darkness. Instead, it positions love as a balancing force that enhances life quality. The podcast also explores fundamental questions like 'Who made that rule?' to challenge societal norms and encourage listeners to embrace rest and self-worth regardless of productivity levels.

00:00 Welcome to the Learning Love Podcast

00:34 The Journey of Writing 'Learning Love'

02:04 Meeting Don and the Path to Self-Publishing

04:16 From Self-Publishing to Morgan James Publishing

07:58 The Practicality of Love

11:54 The Inclusive Nature of Love

13:35 The Image of Love and Self-Love

19:14 The Goals and Misconceptions of Love

24:56 Questioning Life's Rules

29:10 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this replay episode of The Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark Hicks revisits a powerful conversation from his guest appearance on The Love Story Podcast, hosted by Ashley Green. Together, they explore the realities of relationships, particularly during young adulthood, and unpack the pressures created by societal expectations around love, career, and life milestones.

Dr. Hicks challenges the idea that following a prescribed checklist leads to fulfillment, emphasizing instead the importance of emotional vulnerability, honest communication, and sustained curiosity within relationships. The conversation highlights how grief, growth, and self-awareness are not signs of failure, but essential parts of building meaningful connections.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Hicks introduces and reinforces the five core components of love, offering listeners a thoughtful framework for understanding how healthy relationships are formed, nurtured, and sustained over time. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships and consider how learning love is an ongoing, intentional practice.

Key Takeaways

• The twenties are often a turbulent season for relationships
• Societal checklists do not guarantee happiness or fulfillment
• Emotional vulnerability is essential for healthy connections
• Grief is a natural and necessary part of relationships
• Curiosity about one another strengthens intimacy
• Clear communication helps partners understand each other’s needs
• Self-love is foundational to loving others well
• Relationships evolve as people grow and change
• Love requires intention, reflection, and adaptability
• The five components of love provide a framework for thriving relationships

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the profound impact of love and the necessity of silence in our lives. He emphasizes that while love is the answer to many of life's questions, applying it can be challenging. Hicks introduces the concept of embracing silence as a difficult yet transformative practice that can enhance mental clarity, emotional processing, and relationships. He discusses the overwhelming noise of modern life and how regular moments of silence can help regulate our nervous systems, improve our listening skills, and foster deeper connections with others.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to life's problems.
• Applying love requires effort and practice.
• Embracing silence is a difficult but essential practice.
• Silence helps regulate our nervous system.
• Modern life is filled with distractions and noise.
• Regular quiet time can improve mental clarity.
• Practicing silence enhances our listening abilities.
• Silence fosters better relationships and communication.
• Emotional exhaustion can stem from constant noise.
• Learning to be quiet can lead to personal growth.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the profound impact of love, wisdom, and cooperation in various aspects of life, including families, organizations, and society. He emphasizes that the greatest moment in human history is when we collectively decide that these values are more important than dominance, fear, and division. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Hicks discusses the evolution of societies towards connection and the potential for positive change, especially in the wake of crises. He advocates for applying these principles in our daily lives to build healthier relationships and communities.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to life's problems.
• We must learn to apply the principles of love.
• The greatest moment in history is when we choose love over fear.
• Many families operate on principles of dominance and fear.
• Healthy workplaces thrive on cooperation and wisdom.
• Connection tends to win over strength in society.
• We are on a slow march towards a more compassionate culture.
• Crises can lead to greater awakenings and positive change.
• Love and wisdom can guide us towards a better society.
• Building healthy relationships is essential for thriving communities.

Chapters

00:00 Building Healthy Relationships Through Awareness

02:24 The Greatest Moment in Human History

04:04 Transforming Families and Organizations

04:58 The Power of Love, Wisdom, and Cooperation

07:32 Connection Over Strength: A Societal Shift

09:50 Historical Progress Towards Compassion

12:10 Awakening Through Crisis

14:37 Guiding Principles for a Better Society

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the concept that love is the ultimate answer to life's problems, emphasizing the importance of applying love in our relationships. He discusses how our brains often deceive us, leading to misunderstandings and unhealthy dynamics in relationships. By recognizing these mental biases and choosing to respond with compassion and awareness, we can build healthier, more fulfilling connections with others.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to life's problems.
• We are often misled by our own brains.
• Our brains prioritize protection over happiness.
• Negative bias affects our perception of reality.
• Mind reading leads to misunderstandings in relationships.
• Confirmation bias reinforces our existing beliefs.
• Emotional reasoning can distort our reality.
• Anxiety can stem from past experiences.
• Compassionate communication can break the cycle of fear.
• Healthy relationships require awareness and love.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the profound concept that love is the answer to many of life's questions. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our inherent worth, independent of our accomplishments. Hicks discusses the societal pressures that tie self-worth to achievements and how this mindset can lead to stress and exhaustion. He advocates for a shift in perspective, encouraging individuals to give and contribute out of love rather than obligation, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and less stressful life.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to many questions in life.
• You do not have to accomplish anything to have worth.
• Your inherent value cannot be added to or taken away from.
• Accomplishments do not define your self-worth.
• Society often ties value to achievements, creating pressure.
• Understanding your worth allows you to share your value.
• Giving out of love is more fulfilling than giving out of obligation.
• Recognizing your skills can lead to personal growth.
• You already belong in this world and have inherent value.
• Contributing to others can bring joy and fulfillment.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the transformative power of love and the importance of choosing to be in a good mood for no reason. He emphasizes that happiness can be a default setting through practice and neuroplasticity, encouraging listeners to develop this skill for a more fulfilling life and healthier relationships.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to many questions in life.
• Choosing to be in a good mood can transform your life.
• It's normal to experience a range of emotions, including sadness and anger.
• Being in a good mood for no reason is a valuable skill.
• We often accept being in a bad mood without reason, which should change.
• Our default setting should be happiness unless there's a reason not to be.
• Neuroplasticity allows us to form new habits and pathways in our brains.
• Practicing happiness can lead to a more positive atmosphere at home and work.
• Setting a good mood example can create a ripple effect in our surroundings.
• Learning to be happy for no reason can improve our overall well-being.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the idea that love is the answer to life's challenges, particularly in the context of American politics. He discusses how love can be applied to navigate through difficult problems, emphasizing the importance of compassion and helping others amidst political divisions. Hicks identifies four groups in the political landscape and highlights the role of 'helpers' who focus on alleviating suffering rather than assigning blame. He advocates for a movement of helpers to diminish political leverage and create a more compassionate society.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to life's challenges.
• Applying love can help navigate difficult problems.
• Political divisions can be addressed through compassion.
• There are four groups in the political landscape: Democrats, Republicans, disengaged, and helpers.
• Helpers focus on alleviating suffering rather than assigning blame.
• Love can diminish political leverage and create change.
• Compassionate action can make a significant difference.
• We can be politically active while also being helpers.
• Helping others is a powerful way to demonstrate love.
• A movement of helpers can transform society.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/