Will a lack of intimacy lead to relationship anxiety? How can you rebuild an intimate connection with your partner? What are safety containers and how do they help in nurturing intimacy? In this insightful episode of the Relationship Renovation podcast, hosts Tarah and EJ Kerwin delve into the complexities of intimacy and its impact on relationships. With a focus on the anxiety and tension that can arise from intimacy issues, they explore practical solutions to help couples foster a safer, more ...
May 03, 2024•28 min•Ep. 171
Are you feeling emotionally disconnected from your partner? Do you wonder how to meet each other's needs more effectively? Are you struggling to set boundaries with family while living under the same roof? In this heartfelt episode of Relationship Renovation, EJ and Tarah delve into a listener's email about the challenges of emotional disconnection after eight years in a relationship. They discuss the nuances of needing affection and support, the struggle of living with judgmental in-laws, and t...
Apr 26, 2024•29 min•Ep. 170
Are you struggling to communicate your needs within your relationship effectively? Do you feel that your partner isn't hearing you or understanding what you truly need? How can you express your needs in a way that not only is heard but increases the likelihood that they will be met? In this compelling episode of the Relationship Renovation podcast, hosts Tarah and EJ dive into the intricacies of recognizing and expressing needs in a partnership. They unpack the common pitfalls that prevent partn...
Apr 19, 2024•22 min•Ep. 169
Are you worried about emotional affairs and how they might be affecting your relationship? Unsure about how to establish healthy boundaries with your partner or friends? Struggling to understand why emotional affairs happen in the first place? In today's insightful episode hosts Tarah and EJ address a listener's challenging experience with an emotional affair and offer their professional guidance to navigate this complex situation. They delve into the reasons behind emotional affairs, discuss ho...
Apr 12, 2024•26 min•Ep. 168
Are you feeling emotionally unsafe with your partner? Do you perceive them as a threat during conflicts? Is it possible that your nervous system and past traumas are shaping your response in your relationship? In this heartfelt episode of Relationship Renovation, EJ and Tarah peel back the layers of emotional safety and explore how our attachments and personal histories can create the lens through which we see our partners—sometimes judging them as adversaries instead of allies. They share their...
Apr 05, 2024•26 min•Ep. 167
Are you and your partner on the same page with your levels of physical and emotional intimacy? How can you discuss and navigate differing desires without judgment or tension? What playful tools can you use to communicate about your intimacy needs effectively? Dive into Episode 166 of Relationship Renovation, where hosts EJ and Tarah unwrap the complex layers of physical and emotional intimacy in relationships. This episode introduces listeners to the "frisky scale," a unique and engaging approac...
Mar 29, 2024•30 min•Ep. 166
Do you feel like your marriage is missing the connection it once had? Are you struggling to communicate effectively with your spouse and resolve conflicts? Are you both open to using therapeutic tools to improve your relationship but unsure where to start? In Episode 165 of Relationship Renovation, EJ and Tarah welcome marriage experts Meygan and Casey Caston from Marriage 365 to discuss the renovation of their own union from the brink of collapse to a joyous and resilient partnership. With over...
Mar 22, 2024•41 min•Ep. 165
In this episode of Relationship Renovation, we delve into the power of body language and body awareness in relationships. Are you interested in uncovering the messages you might be unintentionally sending to your partner? Do you want to create more vulnerable and connecting moments with your partner? Are you looking to understand how body language impacts your communication with your partner? EJ and Tarah explore how paying attention to the nonverbal signals our bodies send can lead to a deeper ...
Mar 15, 2024•25 min•Ep. 164
How does defensiveness affect your relationship with your partner? What role do childhood experiences play in shaping emotional responses in relationship? How did EJ and Tarah work through their challenges and what lessons can listeners learn from their experience? In this revealing and heartwarming episode of Relationship Renovation, EJ and Tarah Kerwin open up about their own journey to emotional safety and intimacy in their relationship. EJ shares his struggle with defensiveness and the impac...
Mar 08, 2024•27 min•Ep. 163
Why do partners sometimes stop making their relationship a priority? What are the consequences and results of not prioritizing your partner and your relationship? What are some practical ways to reverse the trend of not making your partner a priority and strengthen the relationship? In this episode of Relationship Renovation, EJ and Tarah address the common problem of partners feeling like they are no longer a priority in the relationship. The hosts explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and...
Mar 01, 2024•28 min•Ep. 162
In this episode of the Relationship Renovation podcast, hosts EJ and Tarah respond to a listener's email about anxiety, depression, and struggles in their marriage. They offer insightful perspectives on the challenges of early parenthood, differences in upbringing and love languages, and the impact of individual emotional struggles on the relationship. They emphasize the importance of compassion, communication, and intentional growth as a couple, providing relatable personal experiences and valu...
Feb 23, 2024•28 min•Ep. 161
How can you approach a situation where your partner is unwilling to change in the relationship? What are the potential reasons behind a partner's resistance to change in a relationship? How can you empower yourself when feeling disempowered in a relationship dynamic? In this episode of the Relationship Renovation podcast, EJ and Tarah address a listener's struggle with a partner who refuses to acknowledge their need for change in the relationship. The dynamic of feeling stuck and powerless when ...
Feb 16, 2024•22 min•Ep. 161
What are the challenges couples face in maintaining emotional and physical intimacy over time? How do changes in life circumstances, aging, and hormonal shifts affect a couple's intimate relationship? What impact does trauma, big and small, have on emotional and physical intimacy within a relationship? Show notes: In this episode, hosts EJ and Tarah delve deeply into the intimacy dilemma faced by many couples. They candidly explore the challenges that arise in maintaining emotional and physical ...
Feb 09, 2024•27 min•Ep. 159
How can couples use the "Six Words" exercise to define the qualities they want in their relationship? What is the significance of the "Six Words" exercise in the context of improving communication and decision-making for couples? How does the "Six Words" exercise help to promote a positive and intentional approach to nurturing a healthy relationship? In this episode of Relationship Renovation, EJ and Tarah Kerwin delve into the "Six Words" exercise, a powerful tool designed to help couples defin...
Feb 02, 2024•22 min•Ep. 158
Are you seeking ways to reconnect with your partner after a difficult fight? Do you want to learn the importance of understanding emotional triggers in your relationship? Are you wondering how to turn conflicts into opportunities for personal growth and a deeper connection? In this episode, seasoned therapists and married couple EJ and Tarah delve into the transformative power of conflict in relationships and the art of reconciliation. Through their personal experiences and therapeutic insights,...
Jan 26, 2024•30 min•Ep. 157
How can setting a unifying word for the year benefit your relationship? What can be the impact of having a unified theme for the year on your relationship? How can couples maintain alignment throughout the year and use a unifying word as a tool to support their relationship growth? In this episode of Relationship Renovation, EJ and Tarah explore the concept of setting a unifying word as a theme for the year in a relationship. They reveal the importance of this tool and its potential positive imp...
Jan 19, 2024•24 min•Ep. 156
Are you finding it hard to deal with repetitive conflicts in your relationship, no matter how much you try to improve? Do you struggle with intense arguments that last longer than they should, overshadowing the progress you've made? Are you seeking ways to navigate blended family dynamics and set effective boundaries, especially around contentious issues like screen time? In Episode 155, join EJ and Tarah as they delve deep into their own personal challenges and share an intimate look at an inte...
Jan 12, 2024•36 min•Ep. 155
How can couples navigate the complexities of blended families and parenting challenges? What tools and resources are available for individuals seeking to strengthen their relationships in 2024? How can sharing stories and experiences of relationship challenges and growth contribute to building a supportive global community dedicated to relationship wellness? In this episode of Relationship Renovation, EJ and Tarah share the exciting new direction their podcast is taking and the community they ar...
Jan 05, 2024•16 min•Ep. 154
Are you and your partner navigating the treacherous waters of grief and its impact on intimacy? Do you struggle with communicating effectively during major life changes and want to understand how to build emotional safety in your relationship? Looking for real-life examples of couples who've come out stronger after facing significant challenges together? In this episode, our compassionate hosts explore a listener’s poignant struggle with grieving the loss of her mother while managing her husband...
Dec 29, 2023•30 min•Ep. 153
How can active listening change your relationship, and how does this foster a more profound sense of intimacy? How can active listening skills be utilized to navigate challenges while maintaining intimacy? How does active listening contribute to creating a safe and supportive space for emotional expression and vulnerability, thus strengthening the intimacy between partners? Hosts EJ and Tarah address the obstacles that hinder active listening in relationships, exploring how distractions and inte...
Dec 22, 2023•30 min•Ep. 152
Are you struggling with setting healthy boundaries during holiday family gatherings? Do financial pressures and gift-giving expectations during the holidays cause tension in your relationship? How can you stay connected and supportive of your partner amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? In this episode of Relationship Renovation, hosts EJ and Tarah delve into the complexities of managing couple dynamics during the festive period. This episode deals with relatable situations and of...
Dec 15, 2023•32 min•Ep. 151
How can couples manage the distribution of labor and balance self-care during the holiday season? What are the common stressors and dynamics couples face during the holidays, and how can they navigate and support each other through these challenges? What strategies and techniques can couples use to stay connected and mindful during the festive season while maintaining wellness and intimacy? In this episode of Relationship Renovation, EJ and Tarah dive deep into the unique challenges couples face...
Dec 08, 2023•25 min•Ep. 150
How can couples improve emotional intimacy when one partner is less expressive? What are effective communication strategies for less expressive individuals in relationships? Why is emotional safety crucial for maintaining a strong connection in a marriage? In this episode, EJ and Tarah delve into the intricacies of emotional safety and expression within intimate relationships. Through a heartwarming excerpt from a couple's therapy session, they explore the journey of a less emotionally expressiv...
Dec 01, 2023•32 min•Ep. 149
How can repetitive arguments with my partner be transformed into opportunities for growth in our relationship? What are some practical tools and strategies for de-escalating and resolving conflicts in a relationship? How can establishing and respecting boundaries help improve communication and trust in a relationship? How can understanding and addressing attachment styles (e.g., anxious and avoidant) contribute to a more secure and satisfying relationship? In this episode of the Relationship Ren...
Nov 24, 2023•27 min•Ep. 148
1. How can curiosity instead of reactivity improve my relationship? 2. What are effective ways to handle difficult moments with my partner? 3. How can I create emotional safety and attachment with my partner? 4. What are some practical strategies for building a stronger and more loving relationship? In this episode of Relationship Renovation, hosts EJ and Tarah delve into the topic of curiosity versus reactivity in relationships. They explore how difficult moments can often lead to more conflict...
Nov 17, 2023•29 min•Ep. 147
What is internal dialogue, and how does it impact our relationships? How does negative internal dialogue affect emotional safety and connection with our partner? How can we become aware of and address negative self-launching thoughts to improve our relationship? In this compelling episode of the Relationship Renovation Podcast, E.J. and Tarah Kerwin delve into the fascinating topic of internal dialogue and its profound impact on our relationships. They explore how our self-launching thoughts oft...
Nov 10, 2023•23 min•Ep. 146
Are you wondering how to create emotional safety within your relationship? Are you looking for strategies to cultivate a sense of security and acceptance with your partner? Do you want to understand why emotional safety is vital for a healthy and thriving relationship? In this episode of "Relationship Renovation," hosts EJ and Tarah dive deep into the crucial topic of emotional safety in relationships. They explore its definition, the impact of its absence, and the path to building trust and con...
Nov 03, 2023•33 min•Ep. 145
In this episode, EJ and Tarah answer three key questions about the impact of having children on a relationship: 1. How does becoming parents affect the dynamics of a relationship? 2. What are some common challenges couples face when they have children? 3. How can couples stay connected and prioritize their relationship while raising a family? In this episode of Relationship Renovation, hosts EJ and Tarah delve into the topic of how having children can impact your relationship. They discuss the c...
Oct 27, 2023•29 min•Ep. 144
Have you or someone you know experienced hormone fluctuations that affected their relationships? How did you navigate through that time? How can partners stay connected and support each other during periods of emotional upheaval caused by hormonal changes? In this thought-provoking episode of Relationship Renovation, hosts EJ and Tarah delve into the challenging topic of hormones and a woman's menstrual cycle and its impact on relationships. Join them as they share personal experiences, offer ps...
Oct 20, 2023•30 min•Ep. 143
How does the past affect our ability to commit in relationships? Is it common for couples to have different beliefs about marriage and commitment? How do childhood experiences impact our attachment styles in relationships? What factors contribute to one's readiness for marriage and long-term commitment? On this episode of the Relationship Renovation podcast, hosts EJ and Tarah dive into a listener's email about the struggle to commit deeper in a relationship. They explore the idea of knowing if ...
Oct 13, 2023•25 min•Ep. 142