In this episode, I share insights gained from my recent experiences in therapy training, highlighting the importance of emotional safety in relationships. I discuss how a clinician's listening approach influenced my willingness to share and how this relates to fostering emotional intimacy in marriage. I further explore how being a safe spouse means being present and non-judgmental, which requires self-awareness and understanding of what safety feels like. Join me as I reflect on my personal jour...
Mar 05, 2025•12 min•Ep. 193
In this episode, I address my hiatus from the podcast and the reasons behind it. I discuss my evolving perspective on marriage therapy, shaped by both personal experiences and professional training. Join me as I share insights from my journey, touching on the importance of working on personal issues before tackling couples therapy. This year, my goal is to provide you with tools for achieving security and intimacy in your relationships. Follow along every week as we embark on this journey togeth...
Jan 10, 2025•9 min•Ep. 192
Understanding Grace, Boundaries, and Wisdom in Marriage In this episode, we revisit episode number two, where I discuss how we can't change our husbands, only ourselves, and the importance of offering grace. Taking it a step further, I address common concerns about feeling like a doormat and emphasize the difference between silence and wisdom. Silence is fear-driven while wisdom involves choosing the right moment to express oneself. We delve into practical steps such as using effective communica...
Oct 01, 2024•14 min•Ep. 191
Harnessing the Power of Breathwork to Regulate Emotions and Trauma This week's episode features an enlightening conversation with Samantha Skelly, founder and CEO of Paws Breathwork. Samantha shares her journey from battling anxiety and an eating disorder to discovering the transformative potential of breathwork. She explains how breathwork can help regulate emotions, reduce trauma responses, and create space between triggers and reactions, which can be particularly beneficial in relationships. ...
Sep 23, 2024•40 min•Ep. 190
Understanding Emotional Abuse: Disappointing vs. Destructive Marriages In this episode of the Grace Fueled Wife Podcast, I'm delving into the critical difference between disappointing and destructive marriages. Building on last week's discussion about emotional abuse, I reference Leslie Vernick's book, 'Emotionally Destructive Marriage,' to provide clarity. We explore what it means to feel emotionally unsafe and identify when it crosses into abuse. We'll also discuss the importance of fully disc...
Sep 18, 2024•19 min•Ep. 189
Navigating Marriage Therapy: Tips for Encouraging Your Spouse to Participate This week, we dive into communication strategies, using 'I-statements,' and how to approach the topic with your spouse in a way that makes them feel safe and understood. I'll also share insights on clarifying what you want to achieve in therapy and the common issues couples face, like miscommunication, mistrust, and lack of emotional safety. Plus, we'll discuss options for those whose spouses refuse to go to therapy. Tu...
Sep 16, 2024•23 min•Ep. 188
In this episode of the Gracefield Wife Podcast, I have the distinct honor of hosting Debra Smith Pegues. Debra is a best-selling author, global inspirational speaker, CPA, MBA, certified John Maxwell leadership coach, and Bible teacher who shares 45 years of marital wisdom. We discuss her journey, the secrets to her successful marriage, and the importance of communication and confrontation in maintaining a healthy relationship. Debra provides invaluable insights on how to approach difficult conv...
Aug 05, 2024•40 min•Ep. 187
Hello, and welcome back to the Grace Field's Wife podcast! After a brief hiatus due to my training as a marriage and family therapist, I'm excited to bring fresh insights to our podcast. This week, we tackle the pressing question: 'How do you stand for your marriage in the midst of trouble or separation?' I'll share three essential Cs: Clarity, Commitment, and Community. We'll discuss identifying whether your relationship is abusive or just disappointing, understanding your and your husband's co...
Jul 29, 2024•22 min•Ep. 186
In this episode, we discuss the value that is even more important to your marriage than communication and why. We also talk about the limitations of working on your marriage alone and what skills can be learned even if only one spouse is participating. For those of you looking to enrich your marriage and become the hero in your marriage story, check out The Marriage Lab and enter GFW in the coupon code to secure $20 off your monthly marriage membership. Wait!!! Before you go! Here are some other...
Mar 20, 2024•13 min•Ep. 185
In this episode, I discuss the importance of establishing healthy boundaries in marriage by reviewing 5 rules for healthy boundaries. Through the examples presented, I illustrate how these principles can help couples navigate the complexities of marriage, empower themselves, and foster mutual respect and love. 00:08 The Importance of Healthy Boundaries in Marriage 04:48 Exploring the Laws of Boundaries in Marriage 06:09 Applying Boundary Laws to Real-Life Scenarios 14:52 The Power of Choice and ...
Mar 18, 2024•24 min•Ep. 184
In this week’s podcast, we dive deep into the ins and outs of building a sturdy foundation in marriage. I take you through a group coaching exercise, encouraging you to rate your marriages and personal mental health. We discuss the critical role appreciation, taking responsibility, open communication, and self-care play in fostering a healthy, vibrant marriage. We delve into the 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' concept coined by the Gottman Institute, pinpointing the dangerous behaviors that co...
Mar 08, 2024•21 min•Ep. 183
On this episode of the Grace Fueled Wife, we get to dive into conversations all about marriage, healing, and the power of stories with the exceptional Tracy Johnson. Tracy's work at Restory Counseling inspired me on my own journey to becoming a marriage therapist. She gives us the scoop on what it means to engage our personal stories in marriage and how that can supercharge healing. Tracy shares a deeply moving personal story about the weight of past experiences and the healing power of having s...
Feb 28, 2024•44 min•Ep. 182
Communication struggles are one of the most common issues in marriage. You are not alone if this applies to you. In this week’s episode, we discuss the importance of communication, and I share three key ideas for improving your communication in marriage. First, we recognize that everything a person does or doesn't do communicates something. Second, we look to understand the lens or perspective through which communications are filtered, both when speaking and listening. Lastly, I emphasize the im...
Feb 06, 2024•25 min•Ep. 181
In this week’s episode, I continue my conversation with Annette Otlmans. Annette takes us into the mind of a chronic abuser and gives us the 4 pillars of emotional abuse which are: Ridgid thinking in these areas: Entitlement Image management Faulty belief system Lower emotional IQ Annette and I also discuss what the bible says about submission, oppression, and abuse as it relates to being a biblical wife. We talk about toxic masculinity but also acknowledge the ways in which the patriarchy can b...
Jan 31, 2024•33 min•Ep. 180
Do you ever feel like what is wrong with me? Am I not loveable? Why do we have so many communication problems? Are you wondering why your relationship is so toxic? Have you felt like you’re walking on eggshells and can’t determine if your husband is abusive or just has a cranky demeanor? All these questions are answered in this interview with Annette Oltmans of the Mend Project as she shares her work with us on covert emotional abuse. This is one of my most important episodes to date because as ...
Jan 30, 2024•45 min•Ep. 179
A loving and connected marriage doesn’t happen by accident. It takes work and intention. In fact, all intimacy takes intention! Whether that be with your husband or the Lord, in today's episode, Rosie Alejandro gives us tips to grow your relationship with God and strengthen your marriage. If you loved today's guest, you can find out more about her here: Website: https://theintentionalchristianwoman.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-intentional-christian-woman-daily-bible-st...
Jan 15, 2024•45 min•Ep. 178
Here are 5 of my newest book recommendations to help you achieve a more loving and connected marriage! Listen in to find out why I think these books are special and how I think they can help you in your marriage journey today. Wait!!! Before you go! Here are some ways you can work with me or become a part of my community! Work with me: Schedule a FREE discovery call: https://gracefueledwifecall.gr8.com / The Grace Fueled Marriage Method: https://gracefueledmarriagemethod.com Not ready to work wi...
Jan 08, 2024•19 min•Ep. 177
Most women looking to save their marriages first look to try marriage counseling. While Marriage counseling can be really helpful, there are important things to know before you invest time and money into the process. Not to mention that I take issue with some things that happen in marriage counseling and think it’s important to know the types of marriage counseling I recommend. This episode will let you know what red flags to look for when searching for a marriage counselor, what types of marria...
Jan 04, 2024•28 min•Ep. 176
We’ve all been there, we’ve all prayed for a thing that was in God’s will or truly believed it to be in His will and wondered why that prayer wasn’t answered or wasn’t answered the way we thought it should. This conversation between friends will fill your cup and encourage you in a profound way in that season. In this episode, my friend shares the story of how she prayed in earnest to save her marriage but still ended up in divorce. She shares how God has brought her through it. What he did, and...
Dec 27, 2023•47 min•Ep. 175
Infidelity…Let’s talk about it. For a show on marriages, I’m surprised I don’t talk about it more! In this week’s episode, we talk about the root cause of infidelity, discern the risk factors that might exist for our own marriages, and explore ways to guard our marriage against it. Even if - or especially if, you haven’t walked through infidelity before, this episode is for you!!! Wait!!! Before you go! Here are some ways you can work with me or become a part of my community! Work with me: Sched...
Dec 20, 2023•30 min•Ep. 174
As wives and moms who wear all the hats and juggle all the priorities, it can be easy to fall into a role of people pleasing and subsequent burnout. This week's guest Tanya Engesether, of the Grace Filled Leader podcast, shares her journey of people pleasing through her work relationships, and how she was able to reclaim her identity in Christ and start setting healthy boundaries. We also get vulnerable in discussing how recovering from people-pleasing can potentially bring distress to a marriag...
Dec 14, 2023•40 min•Ep. 173
We’ve all been through tough seasons in life. Times when we are struggling in life and marriage, times when we don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, times when our mental health is low and we’re experiencing anxiety, depression, overwhelm, and burnout. As a wife and mom, these seasons can happen more often than you think. In today’s episode, I give you 3 practical ways to give yourself grace in such seasons. Wait!!! Before you go! Here are some ways you can work with me or become a part ...
Dec 05, 2023•27 min•Ep. 172
It's out of character for me to go so long without an episode!!! Honestly, I've been going through a lot personally over the past few weeks. Here is a QUICK life update AND a link to an episode I guested on for another show. Happy Listening and I'll be back soon for you!! My guest appearance on The Grace Filled Leader Podcast is linked for you below. I will have the episode I recorded with her available soon. Check her out! Part 1- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grace-filled-leader-pe...
Oct 22, 2023•6 min
Intimacy can come in many forms. When we think of our close relationships we often think of emotional intimacy. When we think of marriage, we often think of physical & emotional intimacy. But financial intimacy is another type that can really only be experienced through the close bond that comes with sharing a life, goals, and bills with someone! This week, we sit down with Marital Financial Coaches Rebecca and Dylan who who talk to us about what is financial intimacy and how to create it. W...
Sep 21, 2023•48 min•Ep. 171
There’s a difference between the monetary price of something and the cost of it. As we work to redeem our marriages it’s important to know what the full cost will be. In this episode, I give you three things to consider as a cost when are fighting for our marriages! Wait!!! Before you go! Here are some ways you can work with me or become a part of my community! Work with me: FREE Better Marriage Masterclass: https://bettermarriagemasterclass.com The Grace Fueled Marriage Method: https://gracefue...
Sep 15, 2023•27 min•Ep. 170
God can speak to us at any time, but the times it can be most life giving is when we are in the midst of a dark or uncertain season. In fact, all of my best life decisions have been because God had spoken a word to me. Today’s guest, Jenilee Samuel of the Java with Jen podcast give us really helpful tips on how to identify God’s voice in our life AND how to strengthen our spiritual senses. To learn more about her programs check her out at: www.javawithjenpodcast.ORG and use code GRACEFUELEDWIFE ...
Aug 30, 2023•46 min•Ep. 169
Have you considered marriage counseling but aren’t sure if it will be worth your time and investment? Perhaps you’ve tried counseling before but felt like it just “didn’t work” or maybe you went to one session and your hubby never wanted to go back. In this episode, you’ll learn 3 ways to discern if marriage counseling is right for you, why it hasn’t worked in the past, and how to make the most of it if you choose to invest in marriage counseling in the future. Here is the info for Dr. Ruan that...
Aug 25, 2023•21 min•Ep. 168
Has your husband told you that he feels disrespected by you but you’re not sure what he means? You don’t fight often but you want to make sure you are doing everything you can to have a healthy marriage. Perhaps you have a good marriage that you want to make great, or perhaps your marriage is struggling and you are looking for ALL the answers to make it better. Either way, this episode will teach you what it means to increase intimacy in your relationship, communicate respect to your husband and...
Aug 15, 2023•21 min•Ep. 167
Have you ever suspected that you or your husband might have ADHD? You’re not alone. Experts are estimating that ADHD is overlooked AND underdiagnosed in adult women because symptoms present as more internalized and with less hyperactivity as compared to men. Unless there is a deep understanding of one another, having only 1 neurodivergent spouse can cause major communication roadblocks and disagreements in a marriage. In this episode, we explore how to handle those differences and what it looks ...
Aug 10, 2023•39 min•Ep. 166
Couples in troubled marriages fall within a spectrum of behavior. Some are busy doing EVERYTHING they can to improve the marriage while others are sitting idly by not even picking up the clues that their spouse is leaving for them. Which one are you? In this week’s episode, I give a 3 step framework to avoid the over-functioning (or under-functioning) that can happen within the marriage so that you can take clear action before things get to a critical place. Wait!!! Before you go! Here are some ...
Aug 02, 2023•19 min•Ep. 165
