Dr. Steve Harris joins us to explain discernment counseling, a specialized approach helping couples gain clarity about whether to work on their marriage or move toward divorce. • Developed at the University of Minnesota after research showed 30% of divorcing couples had at least one person who didn't want the divorce • Differs from traditional couples therapy by focusing on decision-making clarity rather than relationship improvement • Designed specifically for "mixed-agenda couples" where one p...
Jun 30, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 139
Chad Ford returns to share powerful insights from his new book 70x7, exploring how fear drives conflict and how radical forgiveness can transform our marriages and relationships. His work as an international conflict mediator brings unique perspectives on moving from destructive to constructive conflict patterns. • Understanding that conflict is natural and inevitable in marriage—the goal isn't eliminating conflict but handling it well • Recognizing common conflict styles: avoidance (burying iss...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 138
How do you transform relationship challenges into opportunities for growth? What does it mean to truly flourish together beyond mere happiness? When hardship strikes, what separates couples who crumble from those who emerge stronger? Dr. Nathan Lenhart, assistant professor at Brigham Young University and author of "The Science of Virtue," tackles these profound questions with refreshing clarity. He introduces the concept of "capital R Resilience" versus "lowercase r resilience" – distinguishing ...
Jun 16, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 137
Dr. Alexandra Stockwell shares her journey from physician to intimacy coach and reveals how couples can create passionately intimate marriages through authenticity rather than compromise. She offers transformative insights on cultivating everyday eroticism, communicating with kindness, and deepening emotional connection to enhance sensual experiences. • Developing "everyday eroticism" by making conscious choices to embody sensuality in daily activities • Distinguishing between "nice" communicati...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 136
Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com...
Jun 02, 2025•45 min
Julie Blackburn shares her expertise on helping couples maintain strong relationships during the challenging transition to parenthood, drawing on her experience as a registered nurse, midwife, and Bringing Baby Home educator. • 67% of couples become unhappy with each other during the first three years of their baby's life • The greatest gift you can give your baby is a happy and strong relationship between parents • Parenting differences stem from our upbringing and personal experiences • The "s...
May 26, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 134
Greg Denning shares his journey from a troubled childhood to creating an extraordinary marriage and family life while traveling to over 60 countries with his wife and seven children. His positive energy and unique ability to inspire others stems from his personal transformation after leaving home at 16 and experiencing homelessness before discovering the secrets to creating a happy life. • Making marriage the true priority by saying no to anything that competes with the relationship • Using micr...
May 19, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 133
Struggling to understand what makes a relationship flourish over time? In this eye-opening episode with Dutch-American psychologist Julie Sharon, we uncover the science-backed secrets that separate thriving marriages from those that falter. When couples find themselves locked in the same frustrating conflict patterns, the answer might be surprisingly physiological. Julie reveals how a racing heart (over 100 BPM) signals we've entered "fight or flight" mode—a state where productive communication ...
May 12, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 132
Dr. Ryan Seedall draws on his 20+ years of experience as a therapist to share insights about relationship conflict patterns and the role of attachment in marriage dynamics. He provides practical pointers to strengthen marriage connections, including how to navigate the demand-withdraw cycle and use anger productively. • Healthy marriages require not just absence of negative interactions but presence of positive ones • Couples need to recover from conflict, not just learn how to argue better • Th...
May 05, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 131
Mary Kay Cocharo shares how Imago therapy helps transform relationship conflicts into opportunities for healing childhood wounds through a structured dialogue process that fosters safety, understanding, and deep connection. • Imago theory suggests we're unconsciously attracted to partners who possess both positive and negative traits of our childhood caretakers • Relationships typically move from a romantic stage (lasting about two years) to a power struggle phase where childhood wounds emerge •...
Apr 28, 2025•51 min•Season 3Ep. 130
Dr. Brian Doss shares a science-backed digital resource called Our Relationship that helps couples identify relationship challenges and implement effective solutions through a structured framework. • Our Relationship program has been continuously funded by the NIH for 15 years and helped tens of thousands of couples • The DEEP framework helps couples understand Differences, Emotions, External stress, and Patterns of communication • Surface emotions like anger often mask hidden emotions like hurt...
Apr 21, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 129
Relationship churning—the pattern of breaking up and getting back together with the same partner—affects nearly half of young adults and creates emotional whiplash for couples, children, and their support networks. Dr. Sarah Halpern-Meekin shares her groundbreaking research on this common relationship phenomenon, explaining why couples fall into these patterns and what it means for their wellbeing. • Relationship churning comes in two main forms: breaking up and getting back together, and having...
Apr 14, 2025•32 min
Connection forms the foundation of mental health and happiness, with disconnection from ourselves, others, the world, and something greater underlying virtually every psychological struggle we face. • Four types of connection: with self (authenticity), others (relationships), the world (nature/art), and something greater (awe/spirituality) • Modern distractions like social media, FOMO, and constant digital interruptions actively prevent meaningful connection • Self-connection provides the founda...
Apr 07, 2025•53 min•Season 3Ep. 127
Betrayal trauma occurs when trust is violated within a relationship, creating a profound alteration of reality for the betrayed partner and causing symptoms similar to PTSD. David Jones, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares insights on the unique challenges of betrayal trauma and offers a three-part framework for healing. • Betrayal trauma is defined as an "alteration of reality" - discovering that what you thought was true about your relationship wasn't • What makes betrayal trauma ...
Mar 31, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 126
Faith and religion shape marriages by influencing beliefs, practices, and community connections that help couples build "championship marriages" through shared sacred purpose. Dr. Loren Marks shares insights from the American Families of Faith Project, featuring interviews with 300 exemplary couples from 20+ faith traditions. • Shared beliefs create a "family vision" that transcends daily conflicts and provides meaning • Religious practices like family prayer, Shabbat dinners, and observing Rama...
Mar 24, 2025•55 min•Season 3Ep. 125
Dr. Liz and Dr. Dave welcome Dr. Janet Erickson to discuss the profound impact of marriage on children and families, exploring how parental relationships shape child development and identity formation. • Strong marriages create a sense of wholeness, identity, and belonging for children • Research consistently shows divorce has significant impacts on children of all ages • Children of divorce often face existential questions about their identity and place • Adult children of divorce can overcome ...
Mar 17, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 124
Dr. Liz and Dr. Dave welcome Joni Parthimer, education director for the Gottman Institute's Bringing Baby Home program, to discuss how couples can maintain a strong relationship while navigating the challenges of new parenthood. About Joni: Joni Parthemer, M.Ed., is a Master Trainer and Education Director for the Bringing Baby Home Program. She is a certified Childbirth Educator and faculty member at Bastyr University’s Simkin Center, specializing in birth and family education at Swedish Medical...
Mar 10, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 123
Besure to watch this and every episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pXpkkT0DyZA Dr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm talk with Dr. Brad Wilcox, sociology professor and Director of the National Marriage Project, about why marriage matters more than ever. They discuss its key benefits—emotional support, financial stability, child well-being, and community strength—while addressing challenges like cohabitation, communication struggles, and shifting cultural attitudes. This episode offers practical ins...
Mar 03, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 122
Be sure to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tEm34gytP4A Today Laura Heck and Zach Brittle, co-hosts of Marriage Therapy Radio, break down why couples argue and how to navigate disagreements in a healthy way. Drawing from Dr. John Gottman’s research, they explore practical strategies to express needs, take responsibility, regulate emotions, and increase appreciation. About: Laura Heck is a licensed marriage and family therapist and Certified Gottman Therapist, specializing solely i...
Feb 24, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 121
Besure to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lk5moCDwYWQ Today Don and Carrie Cole return and share with host Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale a unique Relationship Evaluation checklist they created to help couples check up on there relationship connection. Don and Carrie also discuss unique insights and techniques they have learned in practice with couples at the Center for Relationship Wellness and The Gottman Institute to improve relationship connection and intimacy. About Dr. D...
Feb 17, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 120
Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IQ3pSyQ-9HY Today on Stronger Marriage Connection , hosts Dr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm sit down with Dr. Julie Hanks, a licensed therapist specializing in marriage and family therapy. They discuss the challenges couples face when dividing household labor and how to create a fair and equitable partnership. Dr. Hanks introduces the concept of a partnership model of family organization, emphasizing the importan...
Feb 10, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 119
Be sure to watch this and every episode of the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zjuKWgivYNo Today Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a renowned relationship expert, joins Dr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm to discuss daily practices for love, relational self-awareness, and fostering intimacy. The conversation dives into overcoming relationship stagnation, understanding family of origin influences, and managing differences in relationship work. Learn how small, intentional actions and curiosity can transf...
Feb 03, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 118
Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yoBDCp1li2w Today divorce attorney Padideh Jafari shares invaluable insights from her 22 years of experience. She delves into the common challenges marriages face, including financial stress, in-law interference, toxic positivity, and the seven- year itch. Padideh also provides practical tips for better communication, creating healthy boundaries, and the importance of self-awareness in marriage. This episode is a...
Jan 27, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 117
Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lz5PEu7SOlc Jason Evert shares his insights on chastity, self-mastery, and the importance of authentic love in relationships. From defining chastity and its role in dating and marriage to discussing the damaging effects of pornography and the significance of tenderness in relationships, Jason provides actionable advice for singles and married couples alike. With a focus on faith-based values and practical guidanc...
Jan 20, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 116
Today in this powerful episode, certified sex therapist Natasha Helfer joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to discuss the complex relationship between sexual health, faith, and cultural messages. Natasha sheds light on the damaging effects of sexual shame, the influence of purity culture, and the importance of open communication around intimacy. She offers actionable advice for parents, couples, and individuals to foster healthier sexual relationships, overcome shame, and approach intimacy with comp...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 115
Dr. Daniel Carlson joins Dave and Liz to discuss the division of household labor and its impact on marital satisfaction. From managing the mental load to ensuring fairness, Dr. Carlson shares research-backed strategies for balancing responsibilities at home. They explore the effects of the pandemic on gender roles, the importance of communication, and how couples can navigate household responsibilities to strengthen their relationships. This episode offers practical tips and insights for couples...
Jan 06, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 114
Lesli Doares joins Dave and Liz to discuss the Hero Husband Project and practical ways husbands can strengthen their marriages. From building emotional safety and communication skills to creating a marriage blueprint, Lesli offers actionable advice for nurturing connection and fostering mutual respect. With over 20 years of experience, Lesli empowers husbands to step into their roles as partners and grow their relationships with intention. Whether it’s addressing common mistakes or implementing ...
Dec 30, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 113
Today Dr. Brandon Porter joins Dave and Liz to explore the importance of intentionality and creativity in keeping date nights alive. Brandon shares practical tips for busy couples, including the role of planning, novelty, and nostalgia in fostering connection. With a focus on affordability and accessibility, the conversation highlights how even small, intentional efforts can reignite romance and strengthen relationships. Whether it’s a cozy at-home date or a fresh experience, couples will find i...
Dec 23, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 112
Today Dr. Dave Schramm interviews co-host Dr. Liz Hale on the best strategies for finding the right marriage therapist. They discuss what to look for, key questions to ask, and the importance of fit and specialized training in couples therapy. Whether you're considering marriage therapy for the first time or want to ensure you're working with the right professional, this episode provides practical advice to navigate the process effectively. About Dr. Liz Hale Dr. Liz Hale is a passionate marriag...
Dec 16, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 111
Today on this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, Dr. Liz Hale speaks with Laura Doyle, New York Times bestselling author of The Empowered Wife and a relationship coach dedicated to ending world divorce. Laura shares the six intimacy skills that transformed her own marriage and have since helped thousands of women restore love and passion in their relationships. With practical advice on addressing common marital challenges, including respect, self-care, and creating a spouse-fulfilling prop...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 110
