Rebuilding Us: Marriage Podcast

How do you reconnect emotionally in marriage when the feelings just aren't there? I’m answering this listener’s question on today’s episode. First, I just have to say how grateful I am for her transparency; I, too, have walked through seasons in my marriage where I felt disconnected. I’m sure many of you can relate to knowing the right actions to take but not feeling the em...

In our 300th episode, we’re discussing the popular yet often misunderstood topic of "Marriage Goals" and how to live united in marriage. Social media paints a picture-perfect image of what marriage goals should look like – those idyllic photos on a beach or atop a mountain with captions like #MarriageGoals. But today, we’re venturing beyond the Instagram facade to explore how you can truly create...

  If you’ve ever felt like you’ve let yourself go or lost yourself in your marriage, this will encourage you. A listener is struggling with self-image and motivation after having three kids in five years. She feels that she has let herself go and seeks advice on how to rediscover herself and get back to feeling like her old self. Listen in for encouragement, practical steps, and a simple 4-week bl...

Entering into marriage is undoubtedly one of the most significant decisions you'll make in your life. But it comes with a cost. With the joys of the engagement season heightened by holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day, many find themselves caught up in the excitement of wedding planning. However, while beautiful ceremonies and Instagram-worthy moments are cherished, the essence of a marriag...

We're addressing a listener's distressing experience of financial abuse within her marriage. Despite having a stable job and a good income, her husband refuses to pay household bills and indulges in personal expenditures. This has brought about financial strain and an emotional toll. Listen as we discuss the nature of financial abuse and what she can do to "fix" her situation. Key Discussion Point...

Being a peacemaker is one of the greatest qualities to have in a relationship. As the holiday season approaches, many of us are preparing to gather—whether with family, friends, or even by ourselves—and the pursuit of peace in our relationships becomes more relevant than ever. In this episode, we discuss the value of peacemaking in relationships and discuss the many differences between peacemaking...

Have you ever felt like your spouse was a shell of a person and you couldn't emotionally connect to him/her? I'm addressing a pressing concern shared by a listener and many couples - the struggle of feeling emotionally disconnected in their marriage or relationship. Many in similar situations will resonate deeply with this discussion. Episode Highlights: Create a Safe Environment: I address the im...

Can you guess the divorce rate of arranged marriages? The stats might shock you. As an Indian immigrant and an insightful storyteller, Sherene Joseph joins me to discuss the nuanced world of arranged marriages. We’re debunking some common myths and exploring the profound impact of family involvement on choosing spouses, providing listeners with valuable relationship advice that transcends cultural...

One listener feels overwhelmed by marriage problems and doesn’t know where or how to start addressing them.  In today’s episode, we will discuss how to identify and prioritize marriage issues more effectively. Knowing where to focus can be challenging. How do you tackle your marriage problems without feeling buried under them all? Shaun is also here to give his take and offer guidance on finding p...

We've all heard it said—marriage is hard. But what about marriage is so hard? Specifically, what is about your marriage that makes it hard work? In this episode, I’m sharing five reasons your marriage may be harder than it should be. Also, can we reframe that belief? What if instead of seeing marriage as hard work, we saw it as heart work? Key Points : Changing Your Perspective on Marriage Reframe...

A husband is seeking advice on how to communicate to his wife that her nurturing behavior sometimes feels smothering and he needs space. They have been together since high school and married for three years. In this episode, we discuss compassionate and clear ways to communicate when you need to tell your spouse something that may be hard to hear. Key Points Discussed: Understanding the Source Smo...

We all want lives of meaning. But building your life and relationships on a solid foundation is more complex than simply desire. This topic hits home for pretty much all of us—whether you're hustling in the business world, running after little ones at home, or working a 9-to-5. We all need to pause and ask: What am I living for, really? I reflect on a time I spoke at a business leaders conference;...

When you're best friends with both halves of a splitting couple, as listener Sherry is, things can get messy. Divorce is one of those life events that not only impacts the couple involved but also sends ripples through their connected circle of friends and family. So how do you show love and support without finding yourself stuck in the middle, or worse, causing unintended strains on your relation...

In marriage and relationships, it’s crucial to understand how to build resilient relationships. Resilience isn’t about never facing challenges; it’s about facing them, growing through them, and becoming better because of them. Not everyone who faces hardship in relationships develops resilience; many become bitter and disillusioned. Having been married for 25 years, my husband Shaun and I have fac...

Chris, a husband of three years, is seeking advice on managing his friendships while maintaining harmony in his marriage. He shares his struggle with balancing time spent with friends and his wife's apparent displeasure with it. In this episode, we discuss what to do when your spouse has trust issues, the important balance between friendships and marital commitments, and other practical advice for...

Life is busy! Now more than ever is the time to stay connected as a couple. Shaun is back on the podcast and we’re discussing how to maintain a strong connection as a couple in the midst of busy schedules and seasons. Whether you’re juggling careers, family, life changes, or personal growth, listen as we share insights we’ve learned (and are in the process of learning) on effective communication,...

I received a heartfelt email from a listener struggling with the aftermath of his wife’s affair. His words resonated with me, and I found myself reflecting on my own journey through such tumultuous times. In this episode, I share some insights, offering guidance and support for anyone walking this difficult path, including:  Understanding the Aftermath The Importance of Time and Patience Avoid Tri...

Emotional affairs are entanglements that can quietly wreak havoc on marriages, so understanding and addressing them is critical for rebuilding trust and intimacy in our relationships. Too many couples allow unmet desires or longings to be fulfilled in other people and, as a result, introduce dysfunction in their marriages. Rebuilding trust after an emotional affair is possible, but first, let’s di...

Have you ever felt an unexpected attraction towards someone who should be off-limits, like a friend's spouse? In today's episode, we answer a listener's dilemma about finding herself attracted to her best friend's husband—all while she's navigating a rocky marriage of her own. In this episode, I'll walk through steps on how to handle these sensitive situations without jeopardizing friendships and...

Are you a wife who feels overwhelmed and exhausted? If you're a busy woman trying to juggle multiple roles, you’re not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the burnout epidemic affecting many women (especially wives) today. In "Burnout of the Busy Wife," I share my personal journey and provide invaluable insights on how to detect and combat burnout effectively. Let’s unpack the differences be...

In today’s Q&A episode, I’m addressing a relatable question from Shannon, a listener who feels that her “decent” marriage could use a change, but she doesn’t want to sound like she’s complaining to her husband. After twelve years of marriage and three kids, Shannon is eager to reignite the spark in her marriage but finds communication challenging when her husband perceives her concerns as comp...

If you've ever struggled to forgive, you'll find the hope and help you're looking for in one of my most inspirational episodes yet. It's time you find the will to forgive and, in the process, find yourself again. When I was healing from infidelity, I found it difficult to lay down my need to be justified and have my pain validated. Because of this, I kept myself stuck in a cycle of pain, bitternes...

Allison, a listener who's torn between her husband and her family of origin, wrote to ask my advice on navigating how to honor her marriage while also honoring her family, as her husband "hates" the family she grew up with. Because of past family trauma, Allison was estranged from her parents when she and her husband married. She has since reconciled with them, but her husband's not on board. List...

Should you divulge every detail of your life to your spouse or keep certain things in the pocket? Let's talk about the importance of openness, trust, and friendship in a healthy marriage. Marriage is a beautiful journey of mutual love, trust, and companionship. However, whether we should tell our spouse everything often looms large. Are secrets always a bad thing? In this episode, you’ll hear insi...

Dating your spouse is oh-so-important, but what if your finances are on the struggle bus? I'm sharing four budget-friendly getaway ideas you'll want to try in your marriage. All of these tips are an invitation to the adventure of consistently dating your spouse . . . for a longer time stint. No money? No problem. Listen as I share some tips on how you can utilize the people in your circle to plan...