The Loving Truth - podcast cover

The Loving Truth

Sharon Popesharonpope.com

As a Relationship Expert & Certified Master Life Coach, Sharon Pope has helped thousands of women gain the confidence and clarity they need to either fix their struggling marriages or move forward without regret. On The Loving Truth Podcast, she shares advice on how to navigate deep marriage hardships, challenging common beliefs about what love and relationships “should be” and providing realistic steps towards peace and happiness. If you can’t decide whether to stay or go in your marriage… you’re facing infidelity… you’re terrified of hurting your kids… you can’t bring yourself to leave your marriage, even though you want to… or you’re wondering whether it’s possible to respark the desire between you… tune in to the weekly episodes.

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Episodes

Ask Sharon: Why doesn’t he do more?

Too many women find themselves overfunctioning in relationships—particularly in midlife. You’re doing the heavy lifting of the emotional and mental load for your entire household: The logistics of family activities, the caretaking for your kids and spouse… all of it. But while you’re busy meeting everyone else’s needs, you’re also abandoning your own. In today’s episode, I’ll share 3 powerful coaching insights to help you: Understand how overfunctioning creates imbalance in your relationship Rec...

Apr 01, 202523 minEp. 121

Why Most Couples Don’t Have A Great Marriage

There’s one key similarity with all the couples I see in unhappy marriages… In this episode, I’ll share the #1 reason people remain dissatisfied and stuck in these relationships, plus the real price you have to pay to build a healthy marriage. “Temporary discomfort is the price of freedom.” - Dr. Joe Dispenza Struggling to decide whether to stay or go in your marriage and you’re serious about finding that answer? Book a Truth & Clarity Session with a member of my team. We’ll discuss where yo...

Mar 26, 202515 minEp. 120

Relationship Advice for Men

Building a healthy marriage is not rocket science… so why don’t we do it better? Today’s episode is dedicated to the men in our lives: These are the ingredients for a good, healthy marriage! I’ll talk about what it means to pay attention to your partner, how to avoid driving your marriage into a ditch, and how to course-correct when things aren’t working well in your relationship. Listen in for a light-hearted deep dive into what makes a relationship last. Struggling to decide whether to stay or...

Mar 19, 202513 minEp. 119

More Than Comfortable Companions

What will make your marriage feel ‘good’ again… beyond comfortable companionship? Women are often MORE unhappy in marriage than men. In this episode, I’ll give you 3 reasons why. I’ll talk about the different expectations we have, how men and women define ‘success’ in life, and why marriage has always been a better deal for men than women. This episode is especially for you if your marriage is ‘good enough’ but you want more! Struggling to decide whether to stay or go in your marriage and you’re...

Mar 12, 202518 minEp. 118

Why Can’t I End My Affair?

You know the ‘right’ thing to do. You know the ‘logical’ decision. So why is it so hard to end your affair relationship? In this episode, I’ll give you 5 reasons why you’re struggling to end an affair—and I’ll start with a hint… you’re not making this decision with logic! That’s not how you started the affair, and it’s not how you’re trying to end it. Listen in for another “loving truth” about this deeply profound and important moment in any relationship that’s experienced an affair (on either s...

Mar 05, 202522 minEp. 117

Should You Stay or Go? The Only Two Choices That Matter

If “decision paralysis” has stalled your next steps forward, this episode is for YOU! I’ll explain why an endless loop of “possibilities” keeps you in limbo and how to narrow your pool of options to finally make decisions with a little more ease. I’ll introduce you to my client Faith* who feels lost in a cycle of “Should I Stay Or Go?” and give you the only real question you need to ask yourself. Listen in for a healthy dose of clarity—particularly if you feel overwhelmed by making a decision ab...

Feb 26, 202524 minEp. 116

My Husband’s Addiction is Killing Me

In my experience working with women in unhappy marriages, the topic of their partner’s addiction has become increasingly common. In this episode, I tell the story of my client Shelley* whose partner struggles with an addiction to alcohol—but in fact, that’s not the whole story. There’s something else going on. You’ll hear the possible wounds beneath addictive behavior and how we might take action inside a marriage plagued by addiction—with both kindness and compassion, for ourselves and our part...

Feb 20, 202514 minEp. 115

What If I’m Alone Forever?

One of the top fears of women considering divorce is: What if I’m alone forever? In this episode, I’ll share the story of one of my clients stuck in limbo because of her fear of being alone. I’ll explain why you can’t solve this problem logically and offer five benefits of being alone that you probably haven’t considered before. (Listen in for my personal experience with the fear of loneliness, too.) Mentioned In This Episode Struggling to decide whether to stay or go in your marriage and you’re...

Feb 12, 202526 minEp. 114

When Clarity Finally Comes (And Why It Feels Elusive)

“Anger gives us courage… but courage is not the same thing as clarity.” – Sharon Pope The renowned sociologist and life coach Martha Beck taught me to ask a very important question when I’m feeling unclear about my next steps. In this episode, I’ll share the question, the brain science, and the first step to take if you feel unclear about a decision in your relationship. I’ll also talk about the difference between courage and clarity and explain why the story of my first marriage has nothing to ...

Feb 06, 202517 minEp. 113

We're Fine!

You’ve just told your partner how you’re feeling disconnected and unhappy… and they respond, “Oh, we’re just fine!” Why do we invalidate our partner’s feelings like this? (Why do we accept invalidation as enough?) In this episode, I’ll explain how to face this communication challenge head-on. “When one of us isn’t fine, we’re not fine as a couple.” – Sharon Pope Struggling to decide whether to stay or go in your marriage and you’re serious about finding that answer? Book a Truth & Clarity Se...

Jan 30, 202515 minEp. 112

Two Things Can Be True At Once

How can two opposing viewpoints both remain “true”? We often think in binaries: “ Everything is all good or all bad. I’m right, so you’re wrong.” But this isn’t reality: Human relationships are complex. So how can we allow for the nuance of holding two truths at the same time? In this episode, I use my difficult relationship with my dad as an example for how we might expand our thinking to envelop non-binary perspectives of truth. I’ll even give you 10+ examples of “opposing” truths to consider....

Jan 22, 202523 minEp. 111

Is Your Husband a Man-Child?

Are the men in your life a “life-long project?” In this episode, I’m talking about why it seems your husband is a “man-child” and what you can do to change this. I’ll dig into topics of co-dependency, the different expectations we have for men and women, and how this impacts our sons and daughters, too. Mentioned In This Episode Struggling to decide whether to stay or go in your marriage and you’re serious about finding that answer? Book a Truth & Clarity Session with a member of my team. We...

Jan 15, 202518 minEp. 110

Love at Last: A Conversation with Sandy Weiner

Too many women never leave their partners solely because they’re afraid of being alone later in life. In this episode, I’ve invited fellow Relationship Coach and the Chief Love Officer of Last First Date , Sandy Weiner, to break down the myth that “late love” is anything less than True Love. Sandy details both the challenges and opportunities of finding love later in life (or post-divorce) from lived experience and through the stories of her real-life clients. (Maybe you’re married and you just ...

Jan 13, 202526 minEp. 109

The Stages of a Relationship

“You can always find your way back to each other… should you both want that.” - Sharon Pope Your marriage will evolve through several important stages of relationship, and this episode we examine each one. You’ll learn why you can’t think straight before you get married (and why you find your partner annoying soon after), the major neurological change that happens to women who have kids, and which stage people most commonly struggle with affairs. I’ll also explain the “ideal” time in your relati...

Jan 01, 202534 minEp. 108

6 Ways to Repair Your Relationship After an Argument

If you have any kind of relationship at all, you and your partner will surely argue… but will you repair your relationship afterwards? In this episode, I’m explaining why it’s important to repair the connection with your partner after you’ve had an argument or disagreement, plus 6 ways to get started (even if your partner doesn’t have any “relationship tools”). You’ll also hear me explain the 70/30 Rule for relationships (backed by neuroscience!) MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Struggling to decide wh...

Dec 25, 202423 minEp. 107

The Undercurrent Of Discontent In A 'Boring' Marriage

We look for safety and security at the beginning of our relationships… so why do we end up resenting these same things in our marriages? Let’s get curious about this 180° turnaround with a real-life example from one of my clients. Vicki built her life around feeling secure, but then she started to feel restless and even oppressed by the predictability of her marriage. She started wondering - “Who’s to blame when we get what we want… but we’re unhappy? What happens when we feel buried by the stab...

Dec 18, 202419 minEp. 106

Q&A: My Husband Cheated & He Brought Her to Our Home

Jennifer discovered that her husband has been cheating for two years - and bringing his affair partner to their home. She’s struggling to reconnect (with herself and her husband) when she knows that his betrayal happened in the space they share. In this episode, I offer some advice to help Jennifer prioritize her own healing and avoid the re-traumatization of her husband’s affair. To anyone who’s ever been cheated on, I want you to know: You’re not alone. You’re not the first person to walk this...

Dec 11, 202418 minEp. 105

Your Semi-Happy Marriage

How do you know if you’re in a “semi-happy” marriage? What’s the solution to a marriage that’s just “fine”? In this episode, I explain what you need to know about “low conflict, low passion” relationships, how to escape “the comfort zone” of a semi-happy marriage, and why you can’t wait for your partner to ignite your passion. Mentioned in This Episode Struggling to decide whether to stay or go in your marriage and you’re serious about finding that answer? Book a Truth & Clarity Session with...

Dec 04, 202415 minEp. 104

Advice That Made a Difference to Me

Sometimes it’s the simplest advice that makes the biggest difference in our lives. In this episode, I’m sharing the advice that’s made the biggest difference for me (much of which came from unlikely sources - people I didn’t know or even like!) You’ll hear some advice that’s taken me years to unpack, a powerful moment with my inner-self during my separation and divorce - plus the hard part about “simple” advice. Mentioned In This Episode Struggling to decide whether to stay or go in your marriag...

Nov 20, 202421 minEp. 103

The Blame Game

In this episode of The Loving Truth , I dive deep into the dynamics of blame in relationships. I pose the question: why do we so readily reach for blame, and how does it impact our marriages? I explore the emotional drivers behind blame, the consequences of outsourcing our lives to others, and how to take back our power by taking responsibility for our own choices. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the blame game—whether it’s blaming your partner or being blamed—this episode offers insightful guidanc...

Nov 20, 202414 minEp. 102

Guilt & Codependency

In this episode, I explore the powerful and often misunderstood role of guilt in relationships, especially when considering a major decision like ending a marriage. I discuss how guilt, while sometimes a healthy indicator of empathy and self-awareness, can cross into codependency. I explain how taking responsibility for others' emotions often leads to self-abandonment and living a life that’s not truly authentic. I share insights to help listeners find balance between empathy and self-respect, e...

Nov 13, 202417 minEp. 101

Top 10 Ways You're Ruining Your Marriage or Doing it Wrong

In this milestone 100th episode of The Loving Truth podcast, I reflect on my journey in podcasting and deliver a powerful, practical guide to saving marriages. I dive into the top ten habits that silently destroy relationships, providing insights into how we unknowingly harm our marriages through technology, complaints, and passive behavior. I challenge listeners to consider their role in building a healthy, connected relationship and share actionable strategies for fostering intimacy and trust....

Nov 06, 202437 minEp. 100

Q&A: Serial Cheating

In this episode of The Loving Truth podcast, I address the deeply painful issue of serial cheating. Inspired by a listener's story of repeated betrayal in her marriage, I delve into why some people may repeatedly break trust. I explain how inner conflicts, addiction to novelty, and a lack of self-awareness can lead to ongoing infidelity. Finally, I offer compassionate advice on how listeners can find clarity, peace, and direction after discovering serial cheating in their own relationships. MENT...

Oct 30, 202418 minEp. 99

Love Isn’t Safe. Now What?

In this episode of The Loving Truth podcast, I dive into the complexities of love and safety in relationships. I discuss how, despite our desire for security, love inherently involves risk. I share personal insights about how seeking "safe" partners can sometimes lead to boredom in long-term relationships and I explore why people choose predictable love for comfort, yet crave excitement and change later on. I encourage listeners to embrace the uncertainties of love, reflecting on how love, thoug...

Oct 22, 202418 minEp. 98

Political Differences in Your Marriage

In this episode of The Loving Truth , I tackle a topic I never expected to cover: navigating political differences within a marriage. I explore how political disagreements can add strain to an already complex relationship and share practical tools to maintain respect and connection, even when you and your partner don’t see eye to eye on politics. I emphasize the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and respectful communication, offering advice on how to stay grounded and avoid conflict du...

Oct 16, 202418 minEp. 97

How Technology Has Made Relationships More Difficult

In today’s episode of The Loving Truth, I talk about the impact of technology on relationships, particularly in long-term committed marriages. While technology provides us with more ways to connect and access information than ever before, it has also introduced challenges that can make it harder to nurture close, intimate relationships. I explore both the positives and negatives of technology’s role in relationships and offer actionable steps for ensuring that technology isn’t creating additiona...

Oct 09, 202420 minEp. 96

Navigating Your Gray Divorce

In today’s episode of The Loving Truth, I discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of going through a 'gray divorce'—divorce after the age of 50. Divorce is never easy, but divorcing later in life comes with its own set of complexities, from financial considerations to emotional shifts. I share valuable insights, statistics, and advice for those navigating this stage of life and relationship changes Mentioned In This Episode Struggling to decide whether to stay or go in your marriage and ...

Oct 02, 202433 minEp. 95

Leaving a Good Man

In today’s episode of The Loving Truth, I address the complex and often painful decision of leaving a good man. Many women find themselves in a situation where they are married to someone who is genuinely kind, caring, and stable—yet they feel unfulfilled or disconnected. I share my personal experience and explore the challenges of holding two truths at once: loving and caring for a good person while also recognizing they may not be the right partner for your most intimate relationship. In this ...

Sep 25, 202415 minEp. 94

Will My Partner Ever Change?

“Will my partner ever change? Because I really want him to.” What a great question - and it’s one I hear all the time. Let me start with this: Yes, people can change. And I can say this with deep humility… the person I was in my first marriage is NOT the person I am now. In this episode, I talk about the ways I’ve changed in my own relationships (and the reasons why), plus what we really have control over (and what we don’t) what is actually our personal responsibility (and what belongs to our p...

Sep 18, 202419 minEp. 93

Do You Want This? Or Do You Just Want to Want it?

Do you want your marriage… or do you just WANT to want it? This is an important distinction (and something I teach inside my membership program: The Decision ). In this episode of the podcast, I share the story of Sue: She’s got the “perfect” marriage… but she’s unhappy with it. I talk about why this might be, plus how she can take steps to fix the problem. Whether or not you relate to Sue’s problem of the “perfect” marriage, I think you’ll find these clarifying questions VITAL to your own relat...

Sep 11, 202412 minEp. 92
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