In this greatest hits episode, we’re revisiting one of the most powerful communication tools I teach—one that’s both simple and transformative.

If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation feeling misunderstood, reactive, or like your needs weren’t truly seen, this episode is for you.

It’s not just about what you say. It’s about the lens you’re using to listen.

I’m breaking down why the perspective you bring into a conversation—the emotional framing you carry—can change everything. You’ll learn how noticing your “lens” helps you shift your energy, change the direction of the dialogue, and respond in ways that bring more clarity, calm, and connection.

From the sneaky effects of internalized patriarchy to how we’re conditioned to live “leftovers lives,” this episode is packed with both mindset shifts and practical tools you can apply right away.

Grab a journal, take a walk, or just listen with curiosity—and let’s explore how small shifts in perspective create big changes in communication.

✨ Episode at a Glance

• Why communication feels so hard (even though we do it every day)

• What it means to “notice your lens”—and why it matters

• The connection between your emotions and how you hear your partner

• A coaching challenge to shift your perspective and improve conversations

• How internalized patriarchy shapes how we listen, respond, and prioritize our needs

• An invitation to live a 5-star life instead of a “leftovers life”

What if self-sabotage isn’t sabotage at all—but self-protection in disguise?

In this powerful and playful conversation between two life coaches (and dear friends), Dr. Melissa Parsons and I unpack the messy middle of procrastination, rest, and the inner parts that slow us down.

We talk about why so many high-achieving women resist rest, how to reframe “boredom” as a sign of emotional safety, and what happens when we stop making ourselves the villain in our own story.

✨ Episode at a Glance

• Why “self-sabotage” might actually be a protective part of you

• The difference between physiological vs. psychological procrastination

• How to practice satisfaction in a “what’s next?” society

• Rewriting your internal script around rest, repair, and thriving

• The gift of a “boring” marriage—and why that might be exactly what you want

This episode is part life coaching, part loving smackdown, and all about giving yourself radical permission to be human.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Questions for Couples Journal

• Private Coaching with Maggie

• Visit Melissa’s website https://www.melissaparsonscoaching.com/

• Connect with Melissa on IG @coachmelissaparsonsmd

When you think about making changes in your marriage, it can feel overwhelming—especially when you’ve tried things before and nothing seemed to stick. But if there’s one thing I’ve seen over and over again, it’s that beliefs shape everything.

In this greatest hits episode, I’m walking you through three powerful beliefs that will help you create real, lasting shifts in your relationship—starting today. These aren’t vague affirmations. They’re the foundation of the work I do with my private coaching clients and the work I’ve done in my own marriage.

If you’ve been wondering whether change is possible—or whether you’re the one who can spark it—this episode is your reminder (and your roadmap) that you absolutely can.

✨ Episode at a Glance

• The first belief: You are worthy of something better.

• Why taking action on your own behalf matters more than waiting for your partner

• The second belief: Things can actually change.

• What to do if you’ve tried before and it didn’t work

• The third belief: You need to trust your guide.

• Why support matters—and how to find the right fit for you

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Questions for Couples Journal

• Private Coaching with Maggie

• Move My Marriage Forward Worksheet

• Susan Hyatt’s Bare Book - In this book, Susan Hyatt shares her personal story of weight gain, weight loss, diet hell, body drama, and her journey to health, happiness, and liberation—and how she decided to try the most radical thing of all: treating her body like a friend.

• EPISODE # 13 – Sex in Stressful Times with Danielle Savory

• EPISODE #15 – How to Argue Better with Simone Seol

• Rich Coach Club Podcast Interview - Maintaining A Thriving Business And A Successful Relationship With Maggie Reyes

In this first episode of my new four-part series on Love & Patriarchy, I’m breaking down why resentment isn’t a flaw—it’s a map. I’ll share the real reason it shows up, how it connects to internalized patriarchy, and why your guilt might actually be your inner wisdom trying to guide you home. This is consciousness work—and it starts right here.

✨ Episode at a Glance

• What patriarchy really means (it’s probably not what you think)

• Why guilt, frustration, and resentment are invitations—not flaws

• The difference between linear vs. holistic thinking in relationships

• Five Relationship Powers you can activate—no matter what your partner does

• The “Power of One” and how your inner shifts change the whole system

• Everyday examples of internalized patriarchy—and what to do about them

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Questions for Couples Journal

• Private Coaching with Maggie

• Episode 173: Responsive Desire

• Episode 189: Why Your Marriage Should Feel Like A Sanctuary 

• Episode 58: The Power of One

In today’s episode, I am dropping a brand-new framework—straight from my own mental oven—showing you how to tell if your marriage feels like a nourishing refuge or a never-ending war zone. I am sharing a raw story about crying in the car with her task-focused engineer husband and turns it into a masterclass on collaboration, personal responsibility, and the power of a single re-frame.

✨ EPISODE AT A GLANCE

• Sanctuary vs. Battleground—what those vibes actually feel like day-to-day, leaks in the roof and all.

• The 80 % Rule for “safe enough” and why thriving might ask you to raise that bar.

• Maggie’s Three R’s: Re-IMAGINE, Re-NEGOTIATE, or Re-LEASE when things stop feeling safe.

• The Sanctuary Scale (1 = war zone, 10 = oasis) + game-changing coaching questions.

• Two ways to “release”: shift expectations or lovingly exit the relationship.

• How to know if you need specialized support instead of another communication tip.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Questions for Couples Journal

• Private Coaching with Maggie

• Episode 58: The Power of One

• Episode 181: Compound Stress Syndrome, The Stroy/State Cycle & Turning into an Opportunity for Connection in Your Marriage

On this episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast, I’m joined by a brilliant coach and nervous system educator Sarah Hall, whose compassionate approach to stress and productivity has helped so many women feel more calm, clear, and in control. I am proud to say she is also a former client of mine and so delighted to share her wisdom with you! 

In this episode Sarah shares some of her favorite takeaways from our private life coaching together. And we talk about the transformative power of life coaching, particularly in managing stress and integrating personal and professional lives. 

Sarah introduces the concept of an intentional stress mindset—a way of working with your nervous system, instead of against it. We explore how our stress responses are often shaped by patterns we don’t even realize we’re in, and how simple shifts in awareness and preparation can dramatically change our experience.

You’ll hear us talk about the three core nervous system states—mobilized, shut down, and safe—and how to recognize which one you're in. Sarah also shares how to access what she calls “glimmers,” or moments of calm and connection that help support your body and mind even in high-pressure seasons.

This conversation is full of insight, but also deeply grounding. It offers a new lens for understanding your stress—not as something to avoid, but something to understand, and eventually, support.

Listen in to learn more about:

• The three nervous system states: safety, mobilization, and shutdown

• Four intentional stress mindsets and how they reframe your relationship with pressure

• How preparation supports your nervous system before overwhelm sets in

• What “glimmers” are and how to identify them in everyday life

• Why regulating stress starts with tuning in, not powering through

• The difference between avoiding stress and integrating it

Highlights -  

00:00 Introduction to Life Coaching and Stress Management

02:01 Integration of Personal and Professional Life

06:50 The Power of Guided Meditations

10:41 Building Confidence and Following Nudges

12:41 Navigating Life's Challenges

18:36 The Importance of Resilience

22:52 Exploring Time Hacking and Productivity

23:51 Understanding the Role of the Mind in Time Management

34:15 Recognizing Gains in Relationships

35:12 Intentional Stress Mindset

36:12 Understanding Stress Cycles

38:35 Mindset for Managing Stress

40:46 Normalizing Dysregulation

42:19 Identifying Nervous System States

47:19 Supporting and Regulating Yourself

49:56 Proactive Nervous System Support

54:09 Glimmers and Micro Moments

57:42 Following Your Nudges

On this episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast, I’m joined by manifestation expert, master coach, and money mentor Jamie Berman to explore how manifestation principles can help you create a more intentional, connected, and joyful marriage.

We’re talking about that magical mix of strategy and soulful wisdom—what I like to call practical magic. This isn’t about bypassing hard things or “thinking positive” 24/7. It’s about aligning your energy, your actions, and your imagination with the kind of relationship you truly want.

Jamie brings a grounded, soulful perspective on manifestation—rooted in both cognitive psychology and spiritual insight. We talk about how to hold a vision for your relationship, navigate when things don’t go your way, and use everyday tools like gratitude and celebration to fuel your growth together.

If you've ever been curious about how manifestation principles can apply to your real-life relationship, this conversation is filled with ideas and tools you can start using today.

Listen in as we explore:

• Why going first in your marriage isn’t about doing more work—it’s about claiming your power

• How your emotional state impacts the stories you tell yourself about your partner

• What we’ve learned from supporting clients (and each other!) through messy, beautiful relationship moments

• How Soul-Centered Communication and The Power of One show up when real life gets real

This episode is full of laughter, real talk, and reminders that you are not alone—and you are more powerful than you know.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Connect with Jamie on Instagram

• Money, Manifestation & Business Podcast

• Jamie Berman’s Website

• Ep 184: Marriage Coaching Concepts: Exploring Reluctant Tolerance All In Energy & Committed Detachment

• Ep 48: Celebrations & Word of the Year

• Ep 58: The Power of One

• The Questions for Couples Journal

• Private Coaching with Maggie

This week we celebrate 18 years of marriage. 

Whaaaat?! 

YES. 

It is our wedding anniversary, and I invited my favorite human (my husband!) back on the podcast to celebrate with me.

We’re getting real about what it actually looks like to love each other out loud—not just in Instagram-worthy moments, but in hallway hellos, morning text rituals, and that one time on a cruise ship when we totally misunderstood each other... and turned it into one of our best love lessons.

This isn’t a “how-to” episode.

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we LIVE the frameworks I coach on—✨Soul-Centered Communication, the Power of One, and honoring difference with delight.✨

You’ll hear what it sounds like to co-create emotional safety, savor the simple stuff, and stay connected—even when you’re not on the same page.

Whether you’ve been married 18 years or 18 months, my hope is that you FEEL the energy under our words: grounded, loving, deeply human.

✨This is love in real life. Not perfect. But deeply, intentionally, joyfully true.✨

Here’s what we cover:

• Why how we greet each other matters more than grand gestures

• What we’ve learned about honoring differences (especially when one of us uses 10,000 words... and the other 10!)

• The small rituals that keep our connection sacred

• How a cruise ship miscommunication became a masterclass in partnership and one of our forever favorite marriage bloopers

• Why we sometimes choose rose-colored glasses... on purpose

It’s tender. It’s playful. It’s full of gold.

I can’t wait for you to listen and I absolutely want to hear your favorite takeaway! Come back here and hit reply or message me on instagram. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Episode 10: How To Manage Crisis As a Team

• Episode 12: Questions For Couples Journal: Behind The Scenes

• Episode 30: Marriage MBA

• Episode 47: 5 Lessons From Our Christmas Love Story

• Episode 70: Relationship Inertia

• Episode 116: 10 Lessons Learned from 15 Years of Marriage Part 1

• Episode 117: 10 Lessons Learned from 15 Years of Marriage Part 2

• The Questions for Couples Journal

• Private Coaching with Maggie

On this episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast, I am beyond excited to bring you a conversation with the incredible Kate Hutson from the Conscious Leadership Group. 

We’re diving into two of my absolute favorite relationship tools: the drama triangle and the empowerment triangle, frameworks that have completely shifted how I think about conflict, power, and emotional leadership, not only in marriage but in every kind of relationship. 

Kate’s brilliant perspective will help you see the unconscious patterns we all slip into and how these show up in even the most loving partnerships.

In our conversation, Kate and I explore the three roles of the drama triangle—villain, hero, and victim—and how we each tend to cycle through them when we feel overwhelmed, reactive, or disconnected. 

We also talk about what it looks like to shift into the empowered versions of those roles and how that transformation can ripple through your entire life. 

Kate shares examples from her coaching and therapy work, and I share personal insights and questions I ask myself when I notice I’ve landed on the drama triangle (because let’s be honest, we all land there sometimes!).

What I love most about this episode is how universal and practical these tools are. 

Whether you're navigating tension in your marriage, struggling to set boundaries at work, or trying to reconnect with yourself, using the lens these tools provide gives you a clear map to move from reactivity to conscious, grounded presence. 

No matter what kind of relationship you’re trying to improve, these tools will meet you where you are and help you move forward with more clarity, compassion, and connection.

Listen in to hear more about:

• How to spot when you're in the drama triangle and shift into a more empowered stance

• What each role—villain, victim, and hero—really looks like in daily relationships

• Simple questions to help you reconnect with your values when you’re feeling triggered

• How to cultivate compassion for the scared part of you that activates reactive patterns

• Why seeing the innocence in others (and yourself) can be the beginning of real healing

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Connect with Kate on Instagram

• The Conscious Leadership Group

• The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership

• The Drama Triangle

• The Questions for Couples Journal

• Private Coaching with Maggie

On this episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast, I’m taking you on a dive into three powerful marriage coaching concepts: reluctant tolerance, all-in energy, and committed detachment. If you've ever felt a low-grade frustration with your partner where everything they do seems to trigger annoyance, you may be stuck in reluctant tolerance. It’s that feeling of "this should be different," which creates an invisible barrier between you and your partner. Today, we explore how this dynamic erodes connection and how shifting out of it can lead to deeper appreciation.

One alternative to reluctant tolerance is all-in energy, where we fully accept our partner as they are, without resentment or disdain. Using examples from personal stories and client experiences, I share how choosing to go all in—embracing our partner’s quirks with love and respect—can radically change the energy in a relationship. 

One eye-opening example is a client who was frustrated by her husband's habitual lying. Instead of staying in reluctant tolerance, she chose to truly accept him, and, to her surprise, his lying decreased. This unexpected result reminds us of the power of unconditional love and emotional safety to shift long-standing patterns. 

Finally, I introduce the concept of committed detachment. Unlike reluctant tolerance, committed detachment isn't about resisting reality. It’s about stepping into a place of self-empowerment and clarity. If you've ever felt stuck between wanting to change your partner and not wanting to leave, my highest intention is that this episode will help you find a new path forward. 

Listen in to hear more about:

• Where reluctant tolerance comes from and how it pulls partners in different directions

• Why the small, seemingly insignificant moments of frustration, sighs, and eye rolls create distance in a relationship

• How to fully embrace your partner as they are, with appreciation instead of subtle rejection

• Things you can lovingly do to create surprising shifts in your partner’s behavior

• One of THE biggest relationship killers: what it is, and how to counteract it

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Questions for Couples Journal

• Private Coaching with Maggie