Stronger Marriage Connection - podcast cover

Stronger Marriage Connection

Utah Marriage Comissionextension.usu.edu

It's often said that marriage takes work. The Stronger Marriage Connection podcast wants to help because a happy marriage is worth the effort. USU Family Life Professor Dr. Dave Schramm and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Liz Hale talk with experts about the principles and practices that will enhance your commitment, compassion, and emotional connection. 

More than ever before, marriages face obstacles, from the busyness of work and daily hassles to disagreements and digital distractions. It's no wonder couples sometimes drift apart, growing resentful, lonely, and isolated.

The Utah Marriage Commission invites you to listen and discover new ways to strengthen and protect your marriage connection today!

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Episodes

Money Struggles & Financial Planning | Amanda Christensen | #50

Today’s episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection dives into Amanda Christensen’s personal money mission to help couples learn how to manage their finances and build their connection. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Amanda Christensen? 2:28 – Why is money such a hard topic to discuss in marriage? 5:03 – Dave’s experience: managing a tight budget as college students. 6:02 – Liz’s experience: managing money when you are developing financial independence prior to marriage. 7:05 – Money au...

Sep 11, 202342 minSeason 2Ep. 50

Relationship Repair: More Than Fighting Fair | Laura Silverstein | #49

On Today’s episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection, we dive deep into disagreements with our guest, Laura Silverstein, who is a certified Gottman couples therapist. Discover with Dave and Liz all kinds of tips to help couples manage differences in their marriage shared by Laura. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Laura Silverstein 1:47 – Conflict is not a bad thing in marriage 4:00 – The number one communication problem in couple relationships 6:21 – Two parts to establishing new habits...

Sep 04, 202335 minSeason 2Ep. 49

The 7 Primal Questions | Mike Foster | #48

On today’s episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection, learn about the 7 primal questions that all humans are seeking to answer if their lives, careers and especially their relationships. Discover with Dave, Liz and Mike how to remedy these questions and understand their answers and how that works in your life. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Mike Foster? 2:02 – What is the primal question model? 5:17 – The 7 Primal Questions 9:09 – How does understanding these questions apply to marria...

Aug 28, 202338 minSeason 2Ep. 48

How To Escape The Dating Game | Julie Balkman | #47

On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sit down with life coach Julie Balkman and discuss the dating game when it comes to relationships and how to get out of the game and develop healthy happy relationships without the runaround. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Julie Balkman? 2:01 – Getting into coaching 5:47 – Thinking that gets us stuck 7:28 – Playing the dating game can be confusing 8:30 – Being in a “situationship” 9:28 – CCQ: Clear, Concise, Qu...

Aug 21, 202335 minSeason 2Ep. 47

Marriage & Money Matters | Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black | #46

In this episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast, Dr. Ashley LeBaron- Black tackles the hard conversation “How do I manage money in marriage.” Join us to learn how conversations about money can connect you and your partner rather than pull you apart. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Ashley Lebaron-Black? 1:48 – Is the issue really about money? 5:12 – Managing money habits: Family background 7:34 – Working together to manage money 8:45 – Family financial socialization 10:25 – Ov...

Aug 14, 202331 minSeason 2Ep. 46

How To Help Friends & Family with Marriage Struggles | Dr. Bill Doherty | #45

On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sit down with Dr. Bill Doherty, back from Season 1 due to popular demand, to share how we can all become marital first responders. A long time Marriage and Family Therapist, he is an expert on challenges couples face when navigating marital crisis. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Bill Doherty? 2:29 – Where the idea of marital first responders comes from 4:42 – First important step in being a first responder. 6:3...

Aug 07, 202337 minSeason 2Ep. 45

Saving A Marriage On The Brink of Divorce | Sam & Ember | #44

Sam and Ember were on the verge of divorce for several years. They were a couple that Dr. Liz Hale worked with in her private practice, and they are willing to no longer be private but go public and share how they miraculously turned their marriage around from miserable to incredible. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who are Sam and Ember? 2:35 – What is something you wish you would have known before getting married? 4:51 – Contributors to the breakdown of a marriage 9:00 – Sam’s background 11:5...

Jul 03, 202350 minSeason 1Ep. 44

How To Overcome Roommate Syndrome | Nate Bagley | #43

Do you ever feel like your partner is more like a roommate than a spouse? This isn’t uncommon for couples to experience, and is actually a feature of marriage than a bug. Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz talk with Nate Bagley about “Roommate Syndrome” and discuss how being in this rut can act as a catalyst for growing up our marriage. As something that everyone in a relationship encounters, this podcast is a must-listen-to resource to create a stronger marriage connection! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: W...

Jun 26, 202340 minSeason 1Ep. 43

A Better Approach for Dating & Marriage | Dr. John Van Epp | #42

On today’s episode, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz talk with Dr. John Van Epp who brings to light some of the most important things we can do when selecting a life partner as well as how to strengthen those relationships over time. We learn some of the predictors of how long-term relationships will turn out as well as some principles to help navigate both red and green flags within our relationships. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is John Van Epp? 2:42 – Life-partner selection process 11:58 – Predic...

Jun 19, 202352 minSeason 1Ep. 42

Keys For Successful Addiction Recovery | Dr. Robert Navarra | #41

Our podcast today is with our guest speaker Dr. Robert Navarra. He talks about addiction and how there is hope in recovering. An interesting talking point he mentions is that recovery should be done as a partnership. He provides some helpful insights for partners in dealing with the disease of addiction that can sweep into a relationship. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Robert Navarra? 2:44 – Fear and misunderstanding of addiction 5:42 – What’s the difference between codependency and int...

Jun 12, 202342 minSeason 1Ep. 41

7 Basic Needs for Healthy Relationships| Dr. Matt Townsend |#40

Dave and Liz talk with Dr. Matt Townsend on the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast today about how we can foster our basic needs in our relationships. Dr. Matt shares seven principles that we can use to increase our marriage connections: Safety, Trust, Appreciation, Respect, Validation, Encouragement, and Dedication. By adhering to each of these principles our needs as well as our partner’s needs can be met in healthy ways. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Matt Townsend? 3:12 – What’s g...

Jun 05, 202335 minSeason 1Ep. 40

Respond To Your Partners Needs Not Behaviors | Dr. Cole Ratcliffe | #39

On today’s podcast of Stronger Marriage Connection, Dave and Liz talk to Dr. Cole Ratcliffe about how we often get stuck in bad behaviors in our marriage relationships. Dr. Ratcliffe explains five steps that help eliminate bad behavior and provides some tips that might help increase connection in a sustainable way. Showing our partners we love them takes time and effort, but is incredibly worth it! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Cole Ratcliffe? 2:29 – Why are annoying and bad behaviors ...

May 29, 202337 minSeason 1Ep. 39

Navigating the Newlywed Years | Dr. Jeremy Boden | #38

Our conversation today is with Dr. Jeremy Boden who talks about the importance realistic and hopeful expectation have in creating a stronger marriage connection. By committing to our partner and being aware of their needs, we can build our relationships in such a way that helps them last beyond the newlywed years. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Jeremy Boden? 1:56 – Why would we need relationship education when we love each other so much? 4:59 – Marriage is a loss of some expectations 7:...

May 22, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 38

Brain Habits for Hacking Happiness | Dr. Alex Korb | #37

On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz have a great conversation with Dr. Alex Korb talking about the little things we can do to create a stronger marriage connection. Happiness hacks start with us which then can translate into strengthening our relationships through understanding our own and other’s perceptions. Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Alex Korb? 2:25 – What makes the Upward Spiral unique? 7:45 – The healthy “we” starts with the healthy “me” ...

May 15, 202353 minSeason 1Ep. 37

Taking Your Marriage From Good to Great | Dr. Terri Orbuch | #36

Today Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sit down with Dr. Terri Orbuch who is also known as the love doctor and discuss taking your marriage from good to great. From communication to frustration to positivity and managing money, Terri breaks things down into practical principles that anyone can apply. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Terri Orbuch? 2:49 – Terri’s research 4:32 – 46% of married couples divorce 5:15 – The positive and optimistic statistic of 71% of divorced couples 7:52 – Affirmations in...

May 08, 202342 minSeason 1Ep. 36

Overcoming Sexual Struggles in Marriage | Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife | #35

On today’s episode, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz talk with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife about healthy sexuality and why many struggle in this area. She also discusses how to develop the capacity for deeper emotional and sexual intimacy. She shares the number one goal she has for people who visit with her and her practice. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife 2:53 – Where do you begin in your sexuality coaching with clients? 3:18 – Time, sex, and money are the top three issu...

May 01, 202337 minSeason 1Ep. 35

Love & Constructive Conflict | Dr. Chad Ford | #34

On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sit down with Chad Ford, author of the book Dangerous Love, to discuss some tips and tools about how we can change the conflict patterns within our relationships. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Chad Ford? 2:50 – What is dangerous love? 4:57 – Dangerous love demands fearlessness; choosing love over fear 6:16 – Fearlessness is being vulnerable without guarantee that your partner will be too 8:49 – Nothing about c...

Apr 24, 202339 minSeason 1Ep. 34

Mindfulness in Marriage| Dr. Jacob Hess | #33

Today’s conversation is one you don’t want to miss! Listen in to the Stronger Marriage Connection as Dave and Liz sit down with Dr. Jacob Hess, a master of mindfulness, to discuss the realities of love and romance & what is hijacking relationships today. TimeStamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Dr. Jacob Hess? 2:36 – What is hijacking relationships & causing couples to drift apart? 4:52 – The narratives of romance - how things are “supposed” to be 6:56 – What is the reality of romance? 9:...

Apr 17, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 33

Safe Conversations | Clay & Sonja Arnold | #32

On today’s episode, Dave and Liz are joined by Clay and Sonja Arnold, relational coaches and communication experts, to discuss safe conversations - what they are and how couples can use them to decrease negativity and foster more connection in their relationships. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who are Sonja & Clay Arnold? 2:23 – What exactly is a safe conversation & how did it get started? 4:56 – Sentence Stems - phrases used to keep us from triggering negative responses 6:09 – “Is th...

Apr 10, 202339 minSeason 1Ep. 32

Relationship Resilience After Betrayal Trauma | Geoff Steurer | #31

Listen in as Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz invite back to the show Geoff Steurer, specialist on betrayal trauma, to talk about how couples can bounce back and move forward after trust is broken in the relationship. If you or someone you know is experiencing betrayal trauma, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Dr. Geoff Steurer? 3:00 – What is betrayal trauma? 5:35 – Most people initially stay with their partner after being betrayed 7:49 – Quick trust does no...

Apr 03, 202340 minSeason 1Ep. 31

Tackling Money in Marriage | Taylor & Megan Kovar | #30

On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection, Dave and Liz sit down with Taylor and Megan Kovar, also known as the money couple, to share the strategies and resources they offer couples in handling money in marriage. Listen in to find out what you can do to avoid financial infidelity and create financial freedom today! About Taylor & Megan Kovar: The Kovar's have been branded as the Money Couple since 2020 after realizing one of the biggest woes couples were having involved money m...

Mar 27, 202339 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Becoming A Smart Step Family | Ron Deal | #29

On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sit down with author and expert on blended families, Ron L. Deal, to bring you the leading research, tips and tools about how to create successful step family relationships. If you are navigating remarriage and/or blending a family unit, join the conversation and learn what may help you on your journey! About Ron Deal: Ron L. Deal is one of the most widely read and viewed experts on blended families in the country. He i...

Mar 20, 202341 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Embracing Regrets | Dr. Dave & Dr. Liz | #28

Join ourn host Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale as they discuss how to embrace regret and learn from the past. Insights: Do not let regrets bog us down. They can be a reminder into who we are becoming and how we are learning and growing in our relationships. Living a life filled with shame and guilt is not a productive way to live, but by acknowledging and seeking understanding of your regrets you can develop a greater feeling of peace and happiness in your marriage. Invites: ● Sit down with yo...

Mar 13, 202336 minSeason 1Ep. 28

Unconditional Love In Marriage | Dr. Greg Baer | #27

Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz Take a deep dive into the topic of unconditional love in marriage with Dr. Greg Baer. Greg shares principles and insights about real love, how it can transform your marriage and parenting. Giving 5 steps to real love. About Greg Baer: For 20 years, Greg Baer was a successful surgeon, teacher, civic leader, and entrepreneur. Despite all these things, Greg didn’t feel happy. In his search for happiness, he learned principles that has changed the lives of thousands. Dr. Baer re...

Mar 06, 202341 minSeason 1Ep. 27

Tips For A Better Sex Life in Marriage | Dan Purcell | #26

Join Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz today in talking about sexual intimacy within your relationship, where they welcome on special guest Dan Purcell. Dan talks with us about the importance of keeping our relationships close and connected. Sharing some great tips to help couples navigate this important topic and offering some excellent resources for you to learn more. About: Dan and his wife Emily Purcell are the founders of Get Your Marriage On! Their marriage went through a bit of a renaissance a few yea...

Feb 27, 202341 minSeason 1Ep. 26

Therapy For Relationship Wellness | Dr. Don and Carrie Cole | #25

Join the conversation today as Dave and Liz invite doctors Don and Carrie Cole, founders of the Center for Relationship Wellness, onto the stronger marriage connection podcast to bring you some amazing tools and strategies for creating more connection in your relationship. Don and Carrie’s work is backed by years of scientific research with John and Julie Gottman, so you won’t want to miss out on today’s episode! The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, by Dr. John & Julie Gottman Abou...

Feb 20, 202347 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Marriage Happy Hacks | Dr. Dave & Dr. Liz | #24

On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection podcast, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz discuss some of the top tips they call “Happy Hacks” that help us flourish as individuals and bring more happiness into our relationships. Strong marriages are built on the virtues and character strengths of the spouses, so join the conversation to learn what you can do starting today to better yourself and your relationship! Insights: Liz: Living amidst conflict hurts our health. Living amidst good, warm, lovin...

Feb 13, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Empty Nest Marriage | Richard & Linda Eyre | #23

On todays’ episode, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz welcome Richard and Linda Eyre back on the show to shed some light on grandparenting and how to make your marriage thrive as empty nesters. Richard and Linda share some powerful tips and tools from their online course and community called grandparenting101.com so that you can prepare now for this exciting phase of life! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who are Richard & Linda Eyre? 2:44 – “Gray Divorce” & why the divorce rate has gone down in rece...

Feb 06, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 23

How to Turn Conflict into Connection | Emil Harker | #22

Listen in as Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sit down with Emil Harker, a respected therapist and talented author, to give you some practical tips and tools for turning conflict into connection and closeness. By following a few powerful principles, we all have the ability to use inevitable conflict for good in our relationships. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Who is Emil Harker? 3:19 – Conflict is inevitable - tips for dealing with it in the moment 5:40 – Handling situations so you feel good and your par...

Jan 30, 202346 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Preparing for Marriage and Surviving the First Year | Dr. Mark Ogletree | #21

Join in today on the Stronger Marriage podcast as Dave and Liz sit down with Mark Ogletree, a professional marriage and family educator, to guide you through how to not just survive, but thrive in your marriage. Whether you’re a fiance, newlywed, or long-time spouse, these tips apply to all couples and are sure to help you strengthen your relationship. About Mark Ogletree: Mark is a professional educator, having taught for over 20 years in the Church’s seminary and institute program. Since 2010,...

Jan 23, 202352 minSeason 1Ep. 21
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