Better Relationships Through Research

What happens when a respectfully monogamous therapist sits down with one of the most outspoken voices in modern sex therapy? In this episode, Daniel Dashnaw talks with Dr. Chris Donaghue, psychotherapist, media personality, and author of  Rebel Love  and  Sex Outside the Lines,  about what it really means to “deprogram” desire. Together, they explore how culture, capitalism, trauma, and shame shap...

We all think we have a type, tall and outdoorsy, witty and bookish, maybe even someone who can fold a fitted sheet. But what if “your type” isn’t destiny? What if it’s clay, malleable, reshaped by your experiences and choices? In this episode of Better Relationships Through Research, marriage and family therapist Daniel Dashnaw unpacks a new study published in the Personality and Social Psychology...

Romantic comedies sell us the myth of instant compatibility, find your soulmate, cue the fireworks, and live happily ever after. But real couples know love doesn’t just arrive fully formed; it’s something you grow into. In this solo episode of Better Relationships Through Research, marriage and family therapist Daniel Dashnaw unpacks what decades of psychology research reveals about how partners t...

Healthy relationships don’t always sound dramatic. Often, they sound like quiet understanding in the kitchen, like a pause in the middle of conflict, or like a gentle “That makes sense.” In this follow-up to his previous episode on relationship language, Daniel Dashnaw shares seven more phrases emotionally secure people say, and what they reveal about trust, connection, and repair. From “I don’t n...

In this monologue episode, Daniel Dashnaw shares seven phrases that reveal the heart of a healthy relationship, not just in words, but in how they shape the nervous system, build trust, and support lasting connection. From  “I don’t feel like I have to walk on eggshells with you”  to  “Let’s figure out how this fits into both of our lives,”  Daniel explores what these statements really mean, and w...

In this episode of Better Relationships Through Research , Daniel sits down with renowned educator, author, and therapist Dr. Linda Metcalf, PhD. With decades of experience in both clinical settings and public education, Linda brings a refreshing, compassionate lens to therapy and school systems alike. Together, they explore: ✅ The origin and power of Solution-Focused Narrative Therapy ✅ How to...

In this Monologue episode, marriage and family therapist Daniel Dashnaw explores one of the most emotionally charged topics in modern relationships: the invisible mental load. From meal planning and remembering birthdays to managing household logistics and emotional weather, many partners—often women—carry an unspoken weight that goes unacknowledged until it explodes. Daniel walks listeners throug...

You may have seen the headline: Divorced and unmarried people have less cognitive decline than those who are married. Surprising? Yes. But is it true? In this solo monologue, therapist Daniel Dashnaw unpacks a widely circulated study from Florida State University that claims being single may protect your brain. Daniel takes a critical look at the methodology behind the research—highlighting its fa...

In this episode of Better Relationships Through Research , Daniel sits down with internationally recognized psychotherapist Rick Miller, LICSW . Known for his pioneering work with gay men and experiential therapy, Rick brings his decades of clinical experience to an honest and deeply insightful conversation about emotional connection, sexuality, intimacy, and the evolving dynamics of open relation...

In this episode, host Daniel Dashnaw speaks with psychoanalyst, parent coach, and author Erica Komisar about the critical role of emotional presence in the early years of child development and the rising challenges of adolescent anxiety in today’s world. Erica shares practical, research-backed strategies for parents to foster healthy attachment, recognize anxiety, and build resilience in their chi...

In this insightful episode of the Better Relationships Through Research podcast, host Daniel Dashnaw delves into the complex and often controversial topic of infidelity in American culture. Drawing from various examples in popular media, Daniel explores how cultural tropes around infidelity have evolved and their impact on societal attitudes and personal relationships. Key topics discussed include...

In this episode, we delve deep into the complexities of infidelity within BIPOC relationships and how cultural dynamics shape therapeutic practices. Join host Daniel Dashnaw and special guest Dr. Vagdevi Meunier as they explore the Ecological Couples System Diagram (ECSD), a groundbreaking framework that integrates cultural sensitivity with the Gottman Method to better understand and treat infidel...

Join Daniel Dashnaw and Mona Kay on a journey through the intricate landscapes of monotropism, a cognitive process of neurodiverse humans which sometimes challenges a neurotypical partner. In this episode, we delve into the challenges and nuances faced by those whose minds tend to focus intensely on a single interest or task for long periods, often making transitions daunting. From the struggles o...