Did you know I took my son on a 5-day father’s son wilderness survival trip a few months ago? It was so amazing. And, did you also know connecting with nature by just taking a brisk walk at your local park is good for improving your mental health and emotional well-being? Just stepping away from my phone and laptop for 5 days was the kind of digital detox I needed. Back when I was lost in my life, nature was always there for me. Nature is a big family value of ours. That’s why I wanted to take m...
Jan 05, 2021•1 hr 1 min
As 2020 winds down, what are you hoping to see what happens in the new year with your relationship? Maybe you want to rekindle the romance. Or maybe you want to start a family. Whatever your hopes and dreams are for the new year, in this podcast, my wife Ellen and I give you four important questions to start the new year. Here is one of the questions: Why are you together? In other words, what is the purpose of your relationship? Listen in as we unpack this question along with the other three. S...
Dec 29, 2020•19 min
Did you know the longest study conducted by Harvard University on human behavior found that the single biggest determining factor of a well-lived life was based on the quality of relationships the participants had? In today’s podcast, I give a few more examples of human behavioral studies showing how relationships affect the overall quality of life. I also give tips on how moving forward with your relationships with yourself and others are going to fit into all the challenges that lie ahead in t...
Dec 22, 2020•15 min
Ever wonder what makes a successful couple? This week, my wife and I welcome back a returning guest Christine Hassler (and her partner!).We hosted this fun Q&A related to growth in relationships, marriage & raising kids. Here’s one of the questions we answer in this podcast: What should I do if I'm growing, but my partner isn't? If you want to know the answer to this question, I invite you to listen to this interesting podcast. Shownotes: 3:25 Introduction Christine Hassler and Stefanos ...
Dec 16, 2020•1 hr 12 min
Ever wonder why oxytocin is called the “Love Drug?” This week, Dr. Sue Carter, author of "Attachment and Bonding: A New Synthesis” joins me in a very interesting discussion on why oxytocin is one of the primary glues that keeps long-term relationships together. According to Dr. Sue Carter, without oxytocin, we probably would not have been able to evolve into the complex creatures that we are today. If you have always wanted to know the relationship between oxytocin and attachment dynamics, you’l...
Dec 08, 2020•43 min
In this week’s podcast, my wife Ellen and I continue the discussion on attachment dynamics and give tips for all you ‘pursuers.’ If you are the pursuer in your relationship who always wants to connect with your partner, especially under stress and anxiety, we want to help you learn how to communicate your need for connection better so you don’t drive the other person further away. Here are two very important questions I ask all couples to think about: Do we want the same kind of relationship? Wh...
Dec 01, 2020•20 min
Here’s a scenario: You and your partner had a fight or disagreement. You want to talk about it; they don’t. Hmmm. How do you deal? In this podcast, my wife Ellen and I give you a few tips for you avoidant-types on how to deal with your partner who always wants a connection or wants to talk about it. Here’s a critical question I ask space-takers to think about: Does withdrawing relieve my partner or not? In other words, is my space-taking helpful to my partner and good for our relationship? Liste...
Nov 23, 2020•12 min
Did you know when males have an emotive experience, two parts of the brain lights up? And when females have an emotive experience, nine parts of the brain light up? You’re probably thinking, why just two parts with men and nine parts with women? If you’re interested in brain differences that boys and girls experience from the time they start school throughout adulthood, you’ll want to check this out: This week, New York Times best selling author of "The Wonder of Boys: What Parents, Mentors and ...
Nov 17, 2020•45 min
What happens when you’re in a relationship with someone who’s dealing with depression and is being distant? Should you stay or should you give them an ultimatum? In this week’s podcast, that was just one of the questions I answered from one of our listeners' posts in the Relationship School Facebook group. I covered a lot of ground in the sex and relationships category from polyamorous relationships in the context of post-betrayal to dealing with relationship dissatisfaction. Some pretty intense...
Nov 11, 2020•23 min
Somatic Abolitonist, Resmaa Menakem, shares a true story about racial discrimination between the police and his family. He also challenges the hell out of me. Man, this was a good one, very intense. I learned a ton. I continue to learn about how me, as a white heterosexual male, can improve in the area of race, equity and diversity. This is a pretty charged episode. Trigger warning. Check it out. Shownotes: 5:25 Introduction Resmaa Menakem 9:35 Fearing racism deep-rooted in society 15:05 The nec...
Nov 04, 2020•1 hr 27 min
We continue our discussion from last week’s podcast with my wife Ellen on attachment dynamics. This week, writer Bethany Saltman, author of a "Strange Situation: A Mother's Journey into the Science of Attachment” breaks down her own experience with attachment after diving head first in the research. If you are unsure if you are “secure” or “insecure” and how that might impact your adult partnership or future family, you’ll want to check this out. Shownotes: 3:25 Introduction Bethany Saltman 9:45...
Oct 28, 2020•52 min
Here’s a scenario: You want to talk about something that is bothering you, but your partner tells you they need some time to think and walks away. You end up feeling frustrated and ignored for the rest of the day. Sounds familiar, right? Then this new podcast will shed some serious light on this dynamic. If you are interested in attachment dynamics, you’ll appreciate this podcast. My wife Ellen and I answer some of your questions about attachment styles posted directly from our Instagram followe...
Oct 21, 2020•28 min
Using psychedelics to resolve trauma wasn’t something I was aware of when I first started experimenting over 30 years ago. The research has exploded as well as the positive outcomes for people with PTSD. In this interview, I speak to one of the leading authorities on psychotherapy and psychedelics, Rick Doblin. Rick is such a trail-blazer. If you have questions about how “safe” or “effective psychedelics are for your healing journey, this is a must listen. We cover MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and aya...
Oct 13, 2020•1 hr 14 min
When you were young, did you know how to work through conflict? Were the adults involved at all or was it more of a “hands off” situation? Whatever you went through as a kid, there’s another way. My belief is that if we raise kids in a good way, and teach them how to work through their differences, we’ll have a brighter future. My family and I wanted to record this podcast to show you what’s possible when kids have conflict. This is an unscripted conversation with my kids. Check it out here Show...
Oct 08, 2020•31 min
A lot of couples fight about money. Money has a lot of charge for most of us. That’s why I wanted to interview Ken Honda about how we can improve our relationship to money. Ken has written dozens of books and has tons of advice for you about money and how you can increase wealth and connection. I think you’ll enjoy this one. Shownotes: 4:05: Introduction Ken Honda 12:10: Why is there pain and fear around money 16:00: Finding out who you are in order to have a better relationship with money 24:40...
Sep 24, 2020•1 hr 4 min
If you are single, I got some feedback from a lot of people on this. They helped me ensure that these are in fact, 3 of the biggest myths around being single. Would love your input. Take a listen and leave a comment on social, or below in the blog/podcast post. Shownotes: 4:45: Myth # 1 6:30: Myth # 2 8:25: Myth # 3 12:20: Action step Useful Links: https://relationshipschool.com/connected/ Text me (USA): 7207044850...
Sep 16, 2020•19 min
Have you ever upset someone because you wanted to speak your truth or follow your truth? If you choose to follow your heart in life, you’re going to upset people and disappoint people. It’s part of the path. But so many of us listen to the fear and shrink away from what’s true for us, instead of having the courage to stand up, express ourselves, or follow our dreams. In this podcast, you’ll hear one man’s story of overcoming fear and saying no to his father’s wishes. Whew. It’s powerful what he ...
Sep 09, 2020•1 hr 8 min
If you are feeling stressed I think this will be helpful for you now, and to save for a future date when you are feeling stressed. Your ability to meet adversity will likely determine your results in your relational life, and more. Useful Links: https://relationshipschool.com/connected/
Sep 02, 2020•16 min
Have you ever been around someone who just drains you of energy? Or, on the flip side, fuels you up? We all have energy flows, and it can actually be mapped among us. In episode 305 of the RS podcast Dr. Wayne Baker, an author and sociologist, shares his work with energy mapping and why we need both human capital AND social capital to be more effective in our relationships (I just learned these terms too and it’s fascinating stuff!). This one is especially valuable for bosses, business owners an...
Aug 26, 2020•44 min
A lot of podcast listeners ask about narcissism so I thought I’d find an expert. Stan Tatkin is that guy. He did his dissertation on narcissism. So this one gets really dense. Stan reminds the listener that if you find yourself with a narcissistic person, you might want to look in the mirror. Gulp. Shownotes: 7:50 Introduction Dr. Stan Tatkin 17:05 What is a narcissist person? 26:45 The second form of narcissism 38:30 How narcissists perceive their relationships 47:30 Is it possible to recover f...
Aug 20, 2020•1 hr 10 min
If you’ve ever struggled to bring up something challenging with someone you care about, you know how dicey it can be sometimes. If you don’t bring it up, you might start to resent them. If you do bring it up, they might react and get upset. Hmmm. What do you do? Here are a few tips to help you navigate this quandary. Shownotes: 4:15: How to bring up difficult things 16:40 Action step Useful Links: https://relationshipschool.com/community/...
Aug 11, 2020•20 min
If you are feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, this is a must listen. It might have been one of the best parenting interviews I’ve done. My guest Tina Bryson shares 2 things that create stress in kids right now then she covers 3-4 things that relieve stress and anxiety. This one is very good. Even if you’re not a parent, you were a kid a while back and this will help you see what’s possible. Shownotes: 5:15 Introduction Dr. Tina Bryson 9:40 The importance of self-awareness for parents 17:4...
Aug 05, 2020•1 hr 9 min
Some of you know that I nerd out on research about relationships. Well, have you heard about the research study that says loneliness is more lethal than smoking 15 cigarettes per day? Well, I finally got to talk to the woman that did this research. Wow. It’s astounding and puts our relationships with other people front and center. Shownotes: 5:10 Introduction Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad 7:30 The impact of loneliness and social isolation on people's health 14:00 Dr. Julianne’s health studies 19:45 ...
Jul 28, 2020•1 hr 9 min
If you are a helper, therapist, or coach (or you are curious), here’s a great podcast I just recorded about helping others and taking the leap to be a relationship coach. Shownotes: 9:50 What is coaching? 11:30 How to become a good relationship coach 25:05 About our coaching program 37:25 Action step Useful Links: https://relationshipschool.com/rct https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/therapy-vs-coaching-sc-139/...
Jul 22, 2020•39 min
My good friend and Men’s Coach Tripp Lanier joins me in episode 299 of the podcast for a killer convo about why we shouldn’t take ourselves so seriously and how to put a voice to our fears so we can use them for fuel to get what we want. Shownotes: 5:00 Introduction Tripp Lanier 10:35 What put Tripp on a path of self-discovery and growth? 12:50 Men dealing with their emotions and fears 14:25 The 3 big threats 18:00 The fear of being ourselves 20:40 Facing the problems in our lives 25:30 Using ou...
Jul 15, 2020•1 hr 9 min
Can we rewire our brains to find more fulfillment in ourselves and in our relationships? Psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson joins me in episode 298 of the podcast to share his take on how exactly we can get there. Shownotes: 3:30 What is happiness and why do we seek it? 6:40 How to overcome negativity without ignoring our traumas 10:25 The importance of self-awareness in our relationships 14:00 Why relationships matter so much 19:25 Recognizing good and bad intentions of others 27:40 What prevents peo...
Jul 08, 2020•57 min
Join me in episode 297 of the podcast for a moving and motivating conversation with Lloyd Fickett, founder of “The Collaborative Way”. We get in deep about life, love and leadership in this one. Shownotes: 3:55 Introduction of Lloyd Fickett 5:55 What is The Collaborative Way? 16:00 Problems that can be solved with The Collaborative Way 24:25 How team leaders can improve their leadership skills 30:00 Steps we can take to make our relationships stronger 41:20 Lloyd's experiences with grief and gro...
Jun 30, 2020•53 min
I’m a big fan of esteemed psychologist Dr. Ed Tronick and was stoked to pick his brain in episode 296 of the podcast. Join us for an amazing conversation on The Still Face Experiment, relationship dynamics, his new book and much more. Shownotes: 5:30 Introduction of Dr. Edward Tronick 8:10 The impact on children from mask wearing 11:25 The “Still Face” experiment and its impact on culture 15:25 Understanding mother-child interactions 24:50 Working on our mismatches with others and building secur...
Jun 24, 2020•1 hr 17 min
In episode 295 of the podcast I continue our race conversation with Michael Taylor and Jon Walton, 2 friends of TRS whose life’s work is to educate others and lift up people of color. Check it out. Shownotes: 4:20 Introduction to Michael Taylor and Jon Walton 7:30 The roots of racism and white supremacy 12:00 Michael and Jon's experiences with racism 20:30 Is the reactivity around these problems necessary? 25:50 What can white people do? 33:25 Why we judge other people based on the color of thei...
Jun 15, 2020•1 hr 25 min
As the anti-racism protests and movement continue to spread across our country, I wanted to represent a few Black voices on the podcast to help me/us get involved. In early 2019, I took a 7-week class for white people on equity, race, and diversity. Louiza “Weeze” Doran, who took time out of her insanely busy schedule right now, was one of my teachers. I consider her one of my main mentors when it comes to the subject of racism. Weeze is a coach, educator, political activist, organizer, and stra...
Jun 08, 2020•1 hr 15 min
