EmPowered Couples with The Freemans

Stay on the same team, no matter the challenge you face! Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman, known as The Freemans, are the husband-and-wife duo behind viral marriage content seen by 20M+ couples every month. Both hold Master’s degrees in Psychology, are authors, coaches, and parents... but what makes them stand out is how real and relatable their advice is. Most couples say: “Are they watching us?!” This show gives couples the practical tools, real talk, and honest coaching that most relationships are missing. Whether you're in a tough season or just want to stay connected through the chaos of life, you'll walk away from every episode with something you can actually use. If you're ready to improve communication, resolve conflict faster, and feel emotionally connected again, subscribe now. You’ll want to binge past episodes and never miss what’s next.

Discussing Holiday Expectations and Visiting In-Laws (To Prevent Chaos and Conflict): Episode 423 11/18/2025

Accidentally Squashing Your Partner’s Excitement (When You’re on Two Different Wavelengths in a Conversation): Episode 422 11/11/2025

Can One Spouse Change the Marriage For the Better? Episode 421 11/05/2025

Can One Spouse Change the Marriage For the Better? Episode 421 As the holiday season approaches, many couples find themselves hitting a quiet but undeniable breaking point. Something about this stretch of time—from mid-October through the new year—brings things to the surface. Maybe it’s the reflection that comes with the end of a year. Maybe it’s the pressure of finances, family expectations, or feeling like life is flying by. But without the closeness you hoped to feel by now. For many, it’s a season where the question “Can we really keep going like this?” starts to creep in. In this episode, we unpack a question so many couples wrestle with: Can one spouse change the marriage if the other isn’t ready or willing? What happens when one person is trying, growing, learning... and the other seems stuck? Is it unfair to hope for more? Is it foolish to keep waiting? We’re diving into the emotional weight of this question, why so many couples delay getting support, and what it really takes to shift the direction of your relationship. Especially in the seasons that feel the hardest. In this episode we cover: The surprising reason many marriages reach a breaking point during this season The #1 personality trait that determines whether couples make it through hard seasons Why some partners resist working on themselves or the relationship until separation is on the table What delays couples from getting help—and how much damage that can do The emotional cost of carrying the growth for two people To then interrupt destructive cycles and finally start moving forward together: 🎥 Watch the free 1-hour Marriage WebClass: [] This is the fastest way to learn what’s really underneath recurring arguments, disconnection, and shutdowns—and how to turn it around together. Couples say it gave them more clarity than 6 months of counseling. 👉 Watch this Marriage WebClass now [] 👉 See all of our - from couples challenges, guides, and in-person events. /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/38913765

The Science of Stress, Anger & Connection—How to Heal the Family System with Dr. Taz Bhatia: Episode 420 10/28/2025

The Science of Stress, Anger & Connection—How to Heal the Family System with Dr. Taz Bhatia: Episode 420 Have you ever thought about how your own stress affects your kids — or how your parents’ stress might still be affecting you? In this powerful conversation with Dr. Taz Bhatia, integrative medicine physician, author, and founder of Hol+, we explore how the health of the parents — especially the mother — sets the tone for the entire family system. Because wellness isn’t just about self-care… it’s about the legacy you’re creating for the next generation. Together, we unpack how patterns of anger, overwhelm, and chronic stress get passed down in families — and how to finally break the cycle. In this episode you’ll hear: Why stress isn’t always bad, but becomes harmful when your body never feels safe (aka the cortisol hum). How unresolved emotions and disconnection show up in the body — from hormone imbalances to fatigue and resentment. The way childhood modeling shapes how we handle conflict and stress in marriage. Practical ways to track your body’s signals (like HRV) and create a calmer emotional climate at home. Simple habits couples can build to protect their emotional and physical well-being — and, in turn, their kids’. Dr. Taz also shares how she’s disrupting the medical industry through her Hol+ network (add link) — an integrative system combining Eastern and Western medicine to care for families as a whole, offering both in-person clinics and virtual access nationwide. Her mission is simple yet profound: to help every family heal from the inside out. This episode is a reminder that when one person in the family heals, everyone benefits. The health of your marriage, your body, and your home are all connected — and you have the power to create a new emotional legacy for your family. You can find our most popular resources including our FREE Marriage Webclass: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection at - /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/38797820

When the ‘Needing Space’ and ‘Needing Resolution’ Partners Marry Each Other: Episode 419 10/21/2025

The 4 D’s That Create Division in a Marriage: Episode 418 10/14/2025

The Difference Between Productive and Unproductive Communication: Episode 417 10/08/2025

Do Spouses Need to Validate Every Feeling or Emotional Upset? Episode 416 09/30/2025

Hormones, Sleep, Alcohol & Perimenopause: How to Age Gracefully Together with Dr. Amy Shah: Episode 415 09/23/2025

Hormones, Sleep, Alcohol & Perimenopause: How to Age Gracefully Together with Dr. Amy Shah: Episode 415 After our recent intimacy series, there were dozens of follow up questions from you all asking us to dive further into normal hormonal changes as we age and proactive steps you can take to age gracefully AND stay connected through the changes. In this episode, double board-certified physician Dr. Amy Shah (women’s health & nutrition) joins us to bust the “dad bod/mom bod is just aging” myth—and lay out practical, evidence-informed steps couples can use to sleep better, reduce stress, protect libido, and stay united through perimenopause, menopause, and men’s steady testosterone decline. In This Episode You’ll Learn: -Why “dad bod/mom bod” is more about habits + hormones than age -The gut–brain–hormone loop that impacts mood, energy & attraction -How to time difficult conversations around the cycle (and when not to) -The midlife health stack: movement, strength, sprinting, nutrition, sleep -Alcohol & hormones: why a 30–90 day break can be a game-changer -Men’s testosterone: fix root causes before quick fixes -Labs that matter (and why symptoms often beat hormone numbers) -The updated science on HRT for women—and when to consider it -“Gray divorce”: how to adapt as a team through this season About Our Guest: Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified MD and nutritionist focused on the gut-brain connection, women’s health, and fitness medicine. Through AmyMD Wellness, books, speaking, and social channels, she helps people take control of their wellness with practical, research-backed tools. Resource Links: • Dr. Amy Shah: IG @dramymd • TikTok @dramymd • Website: • Our most-used marriage tools & guides: • Work with us / in-person Couples Workshop Oct 5th (AZ): If this helped, tap 👍 + Subscribe for weekly tools to communicate better, de-escalate faster, and feel closer—through every season. Episode Timestamps of What We Discussed: 02:34 Welcome + why we brought Dr. Amy on this topic 03:43 Health ↔ marriage: stress, cortisol, sleep & conflict 05:10 Listener question: attraction & a partner’s “dad bod” 06:04 Why “dad/mom bod” isn’t inevitable—habits + hormones 07:35 What healthy aging actually looks like (mindset matters) 08:58 The study: reversing heart age over 2 years (plan overview) 10:59 Modeling vs. nagging your partner’s health 12:21 Women 30s–50s: perimenopause basics & early signs 14:01 Energy, sleep, gut changes & libido shifts 15:23 Estrogen vs. progesterone—“two sisters” in your brain 19:00 Don’t make big decisions late-luteal; timing tough talks 23:03 Men’s testosterone: steady decline & root-cause fixes 26:40 Alcohol & hormones: realistic targets + try a break 29:41 Movement, nutrition & why sleep is #1 32:07 Should couples go to bed at the same time? 33:04 Labs that matter; why symptoms often beat hormone levels 35:01 HRT for women (updated science) & considerations for men 37:50 “Gray divorce,” shifting tolerance & communicating needs 41:16 Adapting habits together to age gracefully as a team 44:23 Where to find Dr. Amy + wrap /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/38320590

Are Spouses Becoming Too Selfish? What a Healthy Marriage Actually Requires That Media Isn’t Telling You: Episode 414 09/16/2025

Are Spouses Becoming Too Selfish? What a Healthy Marriage Actually Requires That Media Isn’t Telling You: Episode 414 Are we getting too self-focused in marriage? In this episode, we unpack the cultural messages that push hyper-individualism (“fill your cup first”) and show why great marriages are actually built on mutual care, not solo self-care. We talk about healthy vs. overcorrected boundaries, why prosocial actions (doing good for your partner) boost your own mood, how to shift from short-term impulses to a long-term family vision, and practical ways to “out-love” each other in daily life. What you’ll learn from this episode: The trap of “me first” and how it quietly erodes connection Mutual care vs. self-care (and why you can’t get to 100% alone) Boundaries that protect vs. boundaries that avoid A neuroscience-backed reason to give more (and feel better) How shared vision → shared sacrifice → shared joy Simple ways to prioritize your partner without losing yourself If this helped, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, hit 👍, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Reviews seriously help—thank you for taking a moment to rate the show! Explore all our resources (Couples Workshop, 30-Day Challenges, guides & more): Episode Timestamps of What We Discussed: 0:00 Love is a commitment (not just a feeling) 1:15 Intro & topic: Are spouses becoming too selfish? 2:41 The myth of “self first,” then the relationship 5:38 Mutual care over self-care (why you can’t get to 100% alone) 9:31 Study: prosocial acts boost mood & connection 11:48 Boundaries: healthy vs the overcorrection 14:05 F1 analogy — from beginner rules to mastery standards 17:47 Culture: hyper-individualism & consumerism in relationships 20:54 Shift to long-term vision (let the future guide today) 22:30 Family values & the erosion of the family-oriented model 28:24 Why media rarely tells you what truly strengthens marriage 30:01 Interdependence & “out-loving” each other 31:25 Choosing your partner’s needs: practical examples 32:46 Main takeaways & reminders 33:38 Love = commitment + shared vision 34:54 Closing: reviews, subscribe 35:12 Resources & sign-off /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/38227195

10 Lessons From 10 Years of Marriage: The Highs, Lows, and What No One Prepares You For: Episode 413 09/09/2025

10 Lessons From 10 Years of Marriage: The Highs, Lows, and What No One Prepares You For: Episode 413 This week marks our 10-year wedding anniversary and if we’re being honest, the months leading up to it weren’t easy. Research even shows that around the 10-year mark, couples hit peak dissatisfaction. But here’s the truth: challenges don’t mean your marriage is broken. They’re invitations to grow, reconnect, and come back stronger. In this episode, we’re opening up about the 10 most powerful lessons from our 10 years together — the highs, the lows, the laughter, and the lessons that have shaped us as individuals, as partners, and as parents. Whether you’ve been together 2 years, 20, or 50, these lessons will give you perspective, encouragement, and practical tools to stay on the same team in every season. Don’t miss this one—it might change the way you see your marriage. Relationship Resources: In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we’re keeping The Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge open for just a few more days! This special edition is designed to reignite emotional and physical intimacy, spark joy, and bring out the BEST in each other again. Join here: Or explore all of our tools — from upcoming workshops to guides — at 👉 If this episode gave you value, hit subscribe, drop a comment with your favorite lesson, and please leave a review so more couples can find this podcast. Episode Timestamps of What We Discuss: 0:00 – Why 10 years can be a breaking point for couples 3:20 – Lesson 1: Keep updating your shared vision 9:17 – Lesson 2: Connection is more than just being around each other 15:52 – Lesson 3: Differences can make you a stronger team 25:14 – Lesson 4: Becoming parents forces you to reconstruct your marriage 32:09 – Lesson 5: How you show up daily becomes how your marriage feels 39:37 – Lesson 6: Be more committed to repair than being right (or hurt) 47:49 – Lesson 7: Most arguments aren’t about the surface-level issue 53:03 – Lesson 8: Don’t shift from biggest supporters to biggest critics 59:59 – Lesson 9: The same challenges repeat until you learn the lesson 1:08:48 – Lesson 10: Sometimes you just need to have fun and switch the energy 1:12:43 – Final reflections after 10 years /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/38131990

The Power of a Shared Vision in Marriage (And Why It Keeps You Strong Through Every Season): Episode 412 09/02/2025

The Power of a Shared Vision in Marriage (And Why It Keeps You Strong Through Every Season): Episode 412 What keeps couples united through all the ups and downs? A shared vision. In this episode of the Empowered Couples Podcast, we break down why having a vision together is essential, how to define your values as a couple, and the practical steps to keep you connected in both everyday life and during challenges. Whether you’re in a hard season or just feeling stuck in routine, your vision as a couple is what pulls you out of the mundane and gives deeper meaning to your marriage. In this episode you will hear: -Why self-focus leads to more negativity (and how vision shifts that) -The 4 steps to creating a shared vision for your marriage and family -How values guide tough choices around career, parenting, and money -Ways to connect daily life back to your bigger purpose together -How to turn challenges into growth and strengthen your bond long-term 👉 Ready to reignite your intimacy and spark? Our Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge is only open 3x a year—don’t miss this round. Join here: If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and write us a quick review—it means the world to us and helps more couples find the podcast! Timestamps of Episode: 0:00 – Why self-focus increases negativity 0:18 – How vision helps you think beyond yourself 0:34 – The danger of losing sight of your shared values 0:47 – Making hard choices aligned with your vision 1:00 – Looking back on challenges with pride 1:19 – Welcome + episode introduction 1:55 – Why vision bonds couples from the beginning 2:14 – Losing sight of “why” in everyday life 2:38 – Announcement: The Best of Us 30-Day Challenge 3:18 – Why vision is collaborative and long-term 3:40 – The psychology of self-consciousness & negative emotion 4:23 – How lack of vision creates conflict cycles 4:39 – Seeing hard seasons in the bigger picture 5:18 – Finding meaning even in the mundane days 6:26 – Step 1: Moving from present pain to future vision 7:52 – How vision brings relief and peace 9:09 – Parenting example: values guiding hard choices 10:17 – Step 2: Defining higher values and purpose 11:25 – Career choices and money vs. vision 12:37 – Step 3: Creating a simple, memorable vision statement 13:47 – Aligning vision with values, actions, and results 15:29 – Expanding your vision beyond your family 16:06 – Vision boards and visual reminders 16:29 – Step 4: Connecting present challenges back to vision 17:09 – Real parenting example from our daughter 18:43 – Seeing challenges as stepping stones to vision 19:29 – Simple reflection questions for couples 20:18 – The Hero’s Journey and your marriage 20:38 – Looking back on challenges with pride and strength 21:07 – Who you want to become vs. what you want to achieve 21:59 – Why connection is the most fulfilling outcome 22:22 – Final reminder: Best of Us 30-Day Challenge 23:16 – Closing encouragement + subscribe & review /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/38049490

Don’t Learn This Too Late: Ways to Stay Connected After Kids: Episode 411 08/26/2025

Don’t Learn This Too Late: Ways to Stay Connected After Kids: Episode 411 Marriage after kids can feel like survival mode. Once out of the immediate chaos, it can settle into a state of function. Between diapers, school runs, shuttling to sports practices, your work, and endless to-do lists at home, it’s easy to put your relationship on the back burner. But here’s the truth: your kids don’t just thrive on how well you care for them—they thrive on how connected YOU are as a couple. In this episode of the Empowered Couples Podcast, Jocelyn & Aaron (“The Freemans”) share practical, real-life ways to stay emotionally and physically connected after kids. You’ll learn how to move beyond just “functioning” as roommates and bring back fulfillment, intimacy, and spark in your marriage before it’s too late. If you’ve ever felt the distance growing, this conversation will give you hope and concrete steps you can implement today. From this episode you’ll walk away with: How to make daily emotional check-ins that go beyond “How was your day?” Why non-sexual touch matters (and how to bring it back without pressure) Simple ways to make family dinners and daily routines bonding moments How to prioritize weekly and yearly quality time as a couple Why your kids benefit most when YOU thrive together Don’t just survive marriage after kids—reignite the connection that makes everything else in family life easier. Not only is this for your own satisfaction, but critical for what you then model to your kids. Want to reignite the spark and feel truly connected again? Join the Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge—a proven path to bring back emotional closeness, intimacy, and joy in your marriage. Enrollment only opens a few times per year, so don’t miss this round: 👈 If This Episode Resonated, Don’t Forget to: -Subscribe for weekly episodes -Leave a rating & review to support the show -Share this episode with a couple who needs encouragement Episode Topics Timestamp: 00:08 – Why putting your relationship on the back burner hurts your kids too 00:09:50 – The emotional wall couples feel after building the “dream life” 00:10:38 – Why dissatisfaction peaks around the 10-year mark (and how to avoid it) 00:13:37 – Connection is what makes parenting and life easier 00:14:00 – Step 1: Daily emotional check-ins (not just logistics) 00:19:18 – Step 2: Non-sexual touch & physical affection 00:23:59 – Why kids need to SEE your love, not just receive it 00:25:02 – Special edition: The Best of Us 30-Day Challenge 00:28:11 – Step 3: Make family dinners intentional & device-free 00:32:57 – Step 4: Weekly marriage nights (beyond TV time) 00:34:44 – Step 5: Yearly getaways & bucket list adventures together 00:37:24 – The danger of drifting apart slowly 00:39:34 – Kids notice everything—why your marriage is their model 00:41:26 – Final encouragement & invitation to reignite your spark /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/37950385

Marriage Intimacy Q&A: Mismatched Desire, Dry Spells, Emotional Safety & Reigniting the Spark: Episode 410 08/19/2025

How Intimacy and Desire Change as You Age and How to Evolve With It (Not Drift Apart): Episode 409 08/12/2025

How Intimacy and Desire Change as You Age and How to Evolve With It (Not Drift Apart): Episode 409 The problem isn't that your desire or drive is changing. The problem is that you're not talking about these changes and finding solutions on how to evolve with them and stay connected. In this vulnerable and eye-opening episode, we share the real reasons intimacy shifts over time (especially after kids, through peri-menopause, or with stress and aging), and how couples can adapt together rather than growing apart. In this episode you’ll hear: -A raw confession from a wife/mom at a retreat Jocelyn spoke at recently -The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire -Why intimacy isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional and environmental -How hormones, lifestyle, and fear influence libido -Practical steps to create a more connected, satisfying intimate relationship—at any age This episode is part of our Intimacy Series—helping couples reignite closeness and communication in every season of marriage. Want daily prompts to rebuild emotional & physical intimacy? 👉Join our special edition 30-Day Couples Challenge: Timeline of what we discuss in this episode: 00:00 – A real confession: “I feel guilt because I used to want intimacy all the time…” 00:21 – The real problem isn’t desire changing—it’s not talking about it 00:42 – Welcome to the Empowered Couples Podcast 01:00 – The impact of postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause 02:03 – Men experience changes too (and it affects confidence) 02:52 – Don’t compare to the past—it’s not the same anymore 03:17 – Powerful conversation starters to open up about desire 04:00 – Do men and women experience different libido shifts? 05:00 – Understanding hormonal changes: perimenopause and aging 06:01 – Postpartum, hormone shifts, and how your body chemistry changes 07:00 – Getting your hormones tested and being proactive 08:00 – Personal lifestyle changes and challenges we’ve faced 09:04 – Poor sleep, stress, and sedentary living affect libido 10:11 – Emotional exhaustion and cycle awareness in women 11:18 – How birth control and fertility windows affect attraction 12:18 – Fathers experience biological shifts too 13:06 – Fear of pregnancy can lower intimacy desire 14:05 – Lifestyle habits that support libido 15:21 – The power of variety, newness, and weekly rhythms 16:22 – Our 30-Day Challenge to reignite the spark (The Best of Us) 17:14 – Why we brought this challenge back more than once a year 18:04 – Spontaneous vs. responsive desire explained 20:20 – Most women (and couples) are more responsive than spontaneous 22:15 – Long-term relationships shift desire patterns 23:13 – Intimacy becomes more about environment and intention 24:32 – Create emotional connection without pressure 25:02 – Start with the hard conversation: talk about what’s changed 26:04 – Learn your erotic blueprint—how you’re wired now, not then 27:07 – Focus more on quality of intimacy than frequency 28:23 – Final marriage reminder: evolve together, not apart 29:13 – Join the 30-Day Best of Us Challenge 29:30 – Like, Subscribe, and Leave a Review /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/37765835

When Intimacy Feels Like Another Task in Marriage — How to Shift the Energy & Reignite Desire: Episode 408 08/05/2025

When Intimacy Feels Like Another Task in Marriage — How to Shift the Energy & Reignite Desire: Episode 408 Is it normal for intimacy to feel like another item on your to-do list? You love your partner, but between parenting, exhaustion, and unspoken resentment… desire can fade. In this episode, we're unpacking why intimacy feels like an obligation — and how to shift the emotional and physical energy in your marriage so that you both actually want it again. We share real stories, emotional dynamics, and practical shifts that help couples go from feeling like roommates to rekindling passion — even in the busiest seasons of life. Topics we cover in this episode: -Emotional disconnection vs desire -Why frequency isn’t the real issue -How to rebuild emotional and physical intimacy -Shifting from “obligation” to “wanting” again Relationship resources: Ready to reconnect and reignite the spark? Join our 30-Day Special Edition Couples Challenge — The Best of Us (only open 3x a year): 👉 https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best 🎧 Subscribe for more non-boring marriage advice: New episodes weekly to help you communicate better, resolve conflicts, and stay on the SAME TEAM. Episode timestamps: 00:00 – The real reason intimacy feels like a chore 00:28 – A typical day that drains your connection 01:28 – Intimacy isn’t just about frequency 02:08 – Emotional & physical disconnection = exhaustion 03:36 – Intimacy should fuel your life, not feel like an obligation 05:12 – What makes marriage different from other relationships 06:07 – Why passion fades (and how to bring it back) 07:06 – From obligatory intimacy to real desire 08:02 – The role of stress, overstimulation, and exhaustion 10:17 – Are you ignoring intimacy too long? 11:03 – Hormones, life seasons & libido shifts 12:10 – How unresolved tension blocks intimacy 13:00 – Top 5 blocks to intimacy (from our survey) 14:04 – Is intimacy actually enjoyable for both of you? 15:09 – Why honest intimacy check-ins matter 15:48 – Emotional tone shift #1: warmth, eye contact & presence 17:00 – Emotional coldness kills desire 19:00 – Micro habits that warm up emotional intimacy 20:08 – Shift #2: Physical touch outside the bedroom 21:36 – Shift #3: Initiation & anticipation matter 23:35 – Why women must also participate in creating desire 25:06 – Dating energy vs marriage complacency 26:35 – Would your dating self get a “yes” today? 27:53 – Shift #4: Intimacy starts outside the bedroom 29:19 – Check-ins and parenting stress affect desire too 30:12 – The power of fun and play in rekindling intimacy 31:27 – Relaxation and play spark openness 32:18 – Why our “Best of Us” Challenge is perfect for this 33:03 – Intimacy should be enjoyable — not expected 33:35 – Stop forcing frequency. Focus on connection instead. 34:13 – Subscribe + get ready for our upcoming Q&A episode /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/37653820

Emotional & Physical Turn-Offs in Marriage (and How to Create More Attraction Again): Episode 407 07/29/2025

Stop Reacting and Start Responding (How to Take Control of Your Emotions in Marriage): Episode 406 07/22/2025

Why Labeling Your Spouse is More Damaging Than You Think: Episode 405 07/15/2025

Why Labeling Your Spouse is More Damaging Than You Think: Episode 405 Every couple has conflict. But when disagreements turn into labeling your spouse—with words like “selfish,” “dramatic,” or “narcissist”—it doesn’t just hurt in the moment… it chips away at emotional safety and long-term connection. In this episode, we unpack: Why labeling is so destructive (even if you didn’t mean it that way) How it rewires the way you see each other over time What to say instead that’s honest—but not hurtful Real-life phrases to express hurt without attacking character We also give you a simple script to use during tough conversations—so you can still speak your truth without triggering shame or defensiveness. If you want to feel closer and more emotionally safe in your marriage, even during conflict, this is a must-listen. 🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → → → Episode Time Stamps: 00:00 – Why name-calling or labeling is never okay in a marriage 01:05 – What actually happens in your brain when you label your partner 02:13 – Pop psychology traps: labeling as “anxious,” “avoidant,” or “narcissist” 03:12 – Labels attack identity, not behavior — and here’s why that matters 04:01 – Labels don’t inspire change—they create shame and resistance 05:05 – The long-term damage: how labels rewire how you see each other 06:38 – How labels erode emotional safety and destroy repair opportunities 08:13 – The shift from “us vs. the problem” to “me vs. you” 09:42 – A moment of truth: do you and your partner ever label each other? 10:18 – What to say instead of labeling: label behavior, feelings, or boundaries 12:09 – Scripts to use: “When you ___, I feel ___, and what I need is ___.” 13:35 – Labeling your boundaries vs. punishing your partner 15:00 – Quotes to remember: “Name the impact, not their character” 16:02 – Why this episode is a wake-up call for every couple 17:13 – The 2 tools every couple needs to stop the label-repair cycle 18:05 – Final encouragement + how to find our best conflict resources /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/37093105

Stop Tip-Toeing Around Each Other’s Triggers (How to Create Real Emotional Safety in Marriage): Episode 404 07/08/2025

Stop Tip-Toeing Around Each Other’s Triggers (How to Create Real Emotional Safety in Marriage): Episode 404 You don’t just marry your partner’s strengths—you marry their triggers too. If you’ve found yourself walking on eggshells to avoid setting them off… or shutting down because you feel like you’re too much… you’re not alone. But let’s be clear: tip-toeing isn’t emotional maturity—it’s disconnection in disguise. In this episode, we unpack how to create real emotional safety in your marriage—so you can stop spiraling and start feeling heard, seen, and safe again. 🎧 What You’ll learn: How to bring things up without triggering defensiveness What to do if your're the one who reacts quickly The subtle shift that turns arguments into deeper understanding How your perception—not just the event—shapes your emotional response A real-life story from our marriage about navigating triggers in real-time Whether you’re the one walking on eggshells or the one who reacts fast, this episode will give you tools to stop avoiding hard conversations—and start transforming them into connection. 🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode 1) If triggers are hijacking your conversations, these three guides will help you de-escalate, repair, and reconnect fast—especially in those “walking on eggshells” moments. → De-Escalating Conflicts Guide: 2) If you’re working through a hard season in your marriage — the Rebuilding Us 30-Day Challenge was made for you. For 30 days, you’ll rebuild trust, improve communication, and reconnect emotionally through simple, guided steps each day. Start healing and moving forward together: → Rebuilding Us: 3) Meet Us In Person — October 5th Couples Workshop Want to go beyond podcasts and guides? Come experience a full-day, in-person marriage workshop with us in Chandler, AZ. You’ll do private, guided exercises, learn powerful tools, and walk out feeling closer than you’ve felt in a long time. Spots are limited and always sell out. → Reserve your seats now for the Couples Workshop: 4) You can also view all of our other resources here: Episode Time Stamps: 00:00 – Are you tiptoeing around your partner’s emotions? 01:10 – The problem with trying to “keep the peace” in marriage 02:24 – How we accidentally train each other to hide the truth 04:00 – When you’re scared of your partner’s reactions (or they’re scared of yours) 05:13 – What emotional eggshells actually sound like in real conversations 06:28 – The silent damage of unspoken resentment 07:42 – Why you both need to feel emotionally safe to be honest 09:03 – It’s not about walking on eggshells—it’s about building emotional maturity 10:21 – A secure marriage isn’t trigger-free—it’s repair-friendly 11:45 – How to shift your tone, so feedback doesn’t land as an attack 13:12 – Real example: giving feedback without provoking defensiveness 15:01 – “I want to be able to bring things up without it becoming a blow-up” 16:30 – The difference between emotional regulation and emotional suppression 18:18 – Why tiptoeing keeps your marriage stuck 19:20 – You both play a role in the dynamic—here’s how to change it 21:04 – Your tone might be more triggering than your words 22:47 – Tools for building a secure marriage where honesty is welcome /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/37092080

What Marriage Challenges Are 'Normal' and What’s Not Okay: Episode 403 07/01/2025

What Marriage Challenges Are 'Normal' and What’s Not Okay: Episode 403 Just because something is common in marriage doesn’t mean it’s healthy. We’ve heard countless couples ask: “Is this just a hard season… or is something actually wrong?” “Are we still okay, even though this feels hard?” In this episode, we unpack those questions using anonymous submissions from real couples. You’ll hear what challenges are normal in long-term relationships—and what behavior or dynamics cross the line into unhealthy territory. We cover emotional disconnection, mismatched intimacy, recurring conflict, parenting stress, and more. Plus, we share clear next steps for how to handle each one. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want clarity, this conversation will leave you feeling validated, informed, and ready to make meaningful change. 🎧 What You’ll Learn: What’s normal vs what’s not okay in conflict, intimacy, and parenting What’s normal vs what’s not okay in conflict, intimacy, and parenting Real examples from couples like you (and how we’d respond) One mindset shift that helps you stop tolerating what’s not working 🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode THIS SUMMER ONLY 3 MARRIAGE CHANGING GUIDES FOR THE PRICE OF TWO 🎉 → Making Up & Moving Forward Guide → De-Escalating Conflicts Guide → Family Meeting Guide Get the bundle here: Surprise Bonus for Committed Couples If this episode was a wake-up call or gut check, you're not alone. Many couples drift because they normalize disconnection, resentment, or the roommate phase… until it’s too late. That’s why we created the Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge to help you reignite emotional and physical intimacy in just a few intentional minutes a day. This limited edition is only available a few times per year. And right now? We’ve got a surprise for you waiting here: Episode Time Stamps: 01:00 – Is this a normal marriage challenge… or not okay? 01:38 – One key mindset shift: “If it hurts your partner and you won’t change, it’s an issue” 03:03 – Are you playing the same game—or using totally different marriage rulebooks? 05:29 – Conflict: What’s normal vs. what’s actually damaging 07:13 – Are you really repairing—or just resetting the same fight cycle? 08:43 – Is it okay to not talk for days after an argument? 11:27 – Want to shorten your conflict recovery time? Here’s how 13:05 – The truth about intimacy: What’s normal… and what hurts the relationship 16:00 – Intimacy shouldn’t only satisfy one person 18:48 – What to do if desire is low (emotionally, physically, or hormonally) 20:44 – The role of emotional and physical check-ins 22:57 – Are you in a “roommate rut”? You need this challenge 24:35 – The emotional load & mental load: What’s normal, what’s not okay 28:15 – “If you’re not playing by the same rules, no wonder it feels off” 32:11 – Parenting struggles: How common are they and what’s truly not okay 36:55 – You don’t just need consistency… you need adaptability 38:44 – Stop parenting by default—here’s what to do instead 42:30 – What happens when personal struggles or boundaries go unaddressed 44:15 – The boundary breakdown: “If you're not playing by the same rules, you're losing” 47:55 – Final takeaways + How to get resources for your marriage /episode/index/show/newpowercouples/id/37091985