Marriage Isn't Dead

I am a Gen X father of two Gen Z teenagers. My wife and I have experienced the travel sports/activities grind and maintained a healthy marriage in the process.  It seems like we are in the minority based on what I’ve experienced.  In this episode, I will give you personal details and lessons (good and bad) I’ve learned surrounding travel activities.  If you are a parent and often say “I wish there...

When was the last time you saw an example of a happy marriage in the media? I discuss the negative portrayal of marriage in modern media and the cultural shift away from positive representations. Happy marriages are common and the lack of similar narratives in popular culture is painfully obvious. I talk about the psychology behind this phenomenon and why I think marriage is portrayed in such a ne...

Do you have issues controlling your emotions especially when dealing with difficult people?  In this episode, I discuss how to effectively deal with miserable people and become the master of your own emotions. I give you five useful strategies to handle negativity.  I provide a practical exercise to help you gain control over yourself, particularly in stressful situations like road rage. _________...

Infidelity is complicated and one of the most painful things anyone can go through.  I’ve heard many stories from people over the years and after a while you start recognizing similarities.  In this episode, I break down the differences in men and women when it comes to infidelity. I discuss the statistics surrounding cheating, common motivations, and the emotional and sexual factors that contribu...

In this episode, I share five personal habits that helped a small-town Iowa kid become a millionaire by age 30.  I’m STILL that same kid and always will be.  My content is centered around marriage and relationships, but I mainly focus on self-improvement as the vehicle of true happiness.  This episode is devoted to helping you achieve financial freedom.  Success can be defined by monetary worth, b...

If you think Netflix and Chill evenings sound boring, this episode is for you! Netflix and chill' can be a very valuable tool for couples to connect and set the tone for more (and better) sex. In this episode, I go over how to better connect, how to setup the evening, and I list plenty of great content to watch. When you Netflix and Chill the right way, it turns into something you BOTH look forwar...

Desperation can be a dangerous and costly problem for some! Over the course of my online experience, I’ve seen many examples of coaches and organizations trying to take advantage of others. In this episode, I discuss the challenges and pitfalls of seeking relationship advice online. It’s important to be cautious about high-priced self-help programs and the need for a critical approach to advice. I...

After 20 years of happy marriage, interacting with thousands of people online, and coaching hundreds one on one, I recognize many common traits in happy (and miserable) couples. In this episode, I talk about THREE critical things happy couples have in common. These three traits can be achieved by anyone. You don’t have to be super successful or look like a model to have a happy relationship! _____...

A positive mindset is perhaps the most important aspect of achieving lifelong happiness. In this episode, I identify common negative phrases people use in daily conversations. These phrases can have a huge impact on personal happiness and relationships. I offer alternatives that promote positivity. I cover various aspects of life, including relationships, job satisfaction, and customer service, ul...

My wife and I recently celebrated our 20th Anniversary at a Sandals Resort in St. Lucia.  I share some relationship-related observations we noticed while we were there. If you’ve ever been to a Sandals or spent some time in the Caribbean, these observations will sound very familiar.  I share various tips about health, fitness, relationships, cultural differences, and the importance of making the m...

In this very personal episode, I share my personal journey with video game addiction and its negative impact on my life and marriage. I explore the cultural significance of video games, the definition and criteria for addiction, and the consequences of excessive gaming. I emphasize the importance of recognizing addiction symptoms and offer insights on overcoming these challenges. I ultimately advo...

I discuss the critical differences between winners (growth mindset) and losers (fixed mindset). I give you one simple phrase to help you change your life. I emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes, embracing change, and the value of delayed gratification in achieving success. Mindset plays a significant role in personal development and success! I give you a roadmap to take personal resp...

I dive into the complex issues surrounding infidelity, particularly focusing on sexual frustration. I give you SIX different tips to work on if you find yourself in a dull or unsatisfying sexual relationship.  I discuss the differing perspectives of men and women regarding infidelity, the importance of communication and conflict resolution in relationships, and when it might be necessary to consid...

Will Consensual Non Monogamy (CNM) ever replace traditional monogamy and marriage? I explore the concept of open relationships and polyamory, discussing its implications, challenges, and the reasons why traditional marriage remains prevalent. These are five different reasons CNM will never replace traditional marriage/relationships based on stats, research, and personal experience. I emphasize the...

Let’s talk sex!  In this episode, I discuss the concept of boring “scheduled sex” and how it can be transformed into exciting sex dates. I emphasize the importance of scheduling intimacy in busy lives, the need for communication, and the benefits of anticipation in maintaining a healthy sexual relationship. I provide practical tips on how to create the right environment for sex dates and when to s...

Infidelity is one of, if not the worst thing that can happen in marriage. In this episode, I discuss the complex issue of infidelity in marriages. I highlight the six most common ways affairs begin based on my past coaching experience. I stress the importance of understanding the impact of infidelity on relationships and the necessity of setting boundaries to prevent these situations. I explain my...

I discuss the pitfalls of texting in relationships, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face communication. I highlight how texting can lead to misunderstandings due to the lack of non-verbal cues and tone. I share personal experiences and generational perspectives on communication, offering practical advice for maintaining healthy relationships.  _____________________________ What Is Marriage I...

I recently listened to a female therapist in a podcast saying “Marriage makes your lover a relative.” I completely disagree. In this episode, I discuss the complexities of marriage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining attraction, prioritizing relationships, and navigating the challenges of parenthood. I argue against the notion that marriage diminishes romantic connection, advocating for con...

In this heartfelt episode, I reflect on the tragic murder of Brian Thompson, the United Healthcare CEO whose death deeply affected the central Iowa community where we both grew up. I share my personal memories of Brian, discuss the tribute article I wrote that went viral, and critique the negative responses it received. I explore the broader implications of social media on society, emphasizing the...

In this episode, I explore the evolution of marriage over the past century, discussing historical, cultural, and technological changes that have shaped modern relationships. Topics include the impact of the Industrial Revolution, agriculture changes, the sexual revolution, no-fault divorce, and technology.  I also address the economic independence of women and the influence of technology on dating...

In this episode, I tell another story detailing what life-long love looks like. Many people don’t know what healthy relationships look like. I share insights on what constitutes a healthy relationship and the essence of long-lasting love. I emphasize the importance of recognizing real-life examples of love in your everyday life. Marriage is beautiful when approached with care and commitment. One o...

“Gray” divorce (divorce among people aged 50+) is on the rise. I discuss the alarming rise in gray divorce rates over the last 30 years, the factors contributing to this trend, the impact of technology, and changing societal norms. I offer strategies for couples to avoid falling into the gray divorce trap. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Gray Divorce 01:37 Kid Centric Marriage 03:31 1000 MPH 04:40 Te...

In this episode: I discuss five simple, yet effective ways you can do TODAY to improve your relationship. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in fostering a deeper connection and enhancing the overall quality of relationships. I have seen all of these aspects improve relationships over the course of my coaching and my own marriage. Implementing these strategies in your own life CAN create...

In this episode, I discuss the significance of physical intimacy in romantic relationships, emphasizing the concept of “maintenance sex” as a crucial element for sustaining connection. I explore the importance of variety in sexual experiences, the need for couples to prioritize their physical relationship, and offer practical advice on how to keep intimacy exciting and fulfilling. ________________...

In this episode, I discuss the critical role of parenting in relationships, emphasizing the effective 'good cop, bad cop' strategy. I share personal experiences from a 20-year marriage and parenting two teenagers, illustrating how switching roles between parents can enhance trust and communication with children. Teamwork is very important in parenting, establishing boundaries, and teaching childre...