Connection Codes

Elijah Runyan, a Connection Codes-certified coach, wellness mentor, and father of four, joins Tera to dig into the emotional rollercoaster of parenting. In this episode, Elijah opens up about the challenges of raising teenagers and young kids, trying to understand their emotional needs, and confronting his own fears and shame as a parent. He shares how Connection Codes tools have completely change...

Phyllis and Dr. Glenn are joined by Elijah Runyan, a seasoned Connection Codes coach and the director of their coaching certification program. Elijah shares how fear of shame, fear of emotions, and avoidance can drive our behaviors in relationships and everyday life. Through real-life client stories and his own experiences, he explains how slicing emotions thinner and processing them authentically...

Tera sits down with Dan and Kay Ockey, founders of Centsei, to talk about the emotional and practical side of finances in relationships. From overcoming $20,000 of debt in their early marriage to building a system that has helped thousands of couples find financial peace, the Ockeys share their journey of vulnerability, teamwork, and transformation. They discuss the shame that often surrounds mone...

The Connection Codes team has a conversation about the transition into 2025, sharing their insights on goals, community, and the intentional steps they’re taking for growth in the new year. They discuss the importance of connection, both within relationships and with oneself, and the small, actionable changes that can create meaningful momentum. Tera shares her word of the year—see—which is about...

Tera Wages, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill continue their conversation about how they’re navigating life’s big transitions. They reflect on the decision to sell their home of 11 years, the emotional and physical toll of letting go, and the unexpected challenges of rebuilding a new normal. Through stories of fear, exhaustion, and fleeting moments of clarity, they share how community, small steps, and v...

Tera and Wes talk about the challenges of staying emotionally connected during the busy and often chaotic holiday season. They openly share moments of guilt, shame, and loneliness, showing how quickly small interactions can turn into emotional disconnect if left unaddressed. They discuss using the Core Emotion Wheel to break cycles of resentment and miscommunication. It’s not about avoiding confli...

Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill, alongside Tera Wages, reflect on years of caregiving, immense responsibility, and the hidden toll of staying too long in life’s boiling pot. As she shares moments of unexpected joy, pain, and tough decisions, Phyllis talks about how recognizing and addressing pain can lead to profound change. Tera joins the conversation, helping frame the journey of shifting from “I can...

Tera, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis dive right into the deep emotional impact of hurt and how it shapes our decisions, often leading us to throw out meaningful connections. They discuss the origins of the phrase “throwing the baby out with the bathwater” and share examples where unresolved pain led to disconnection—from friendships to church experiences and even political divides. The Connection Codes tea...

Tera, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis talk about the surprising ways emotions can surface and the impact they have on our lives and connections. Phyllis shares a deeply personal moment when a Broadway play unexpectedly brought her to tears, triggering memories and grief she hadn’t felt in years. Tera, Glenn, and Phyllis reflect on the Connection Codes principle that emotions happen to us, often without warn...

Tera sits down with Sharon McMahon, widely known as America’s government teacher, to discuss the power of fear as a driver in politics and history. They discuss how emotions influence decision-making, the importance of warm relationships in bridging divides, and the steps individuals can take to create meaningful change in their communities. Sharon shares insights from her journey, highlights from...

Erika and Jordan Koop are back with the Connection Codes team to discuss creating meaningful connections within relationships and communities. From their initial struggles with applying Connection Codes to their eventual success in fostering a culture of emotional fluency in their northern Canadian community, their story gives you a look into both the challenges and rewards of building relational...

Tera Wages and Echo Vetter Hill are discussing the realities of emotional awareness, exploring how emotions show up in our bodies and what they’re really telling us. They talk about the link between sensations and feelings, the purpose behind emotions like anger and sadness, and why we often resist our own needs. Together, they look at how facing pain can lead to real growth and how connecting wit...

Tera welcomes the co-creator of Connection Codes, Echo Hill Vetter. She’s a trauma informed coach as well as a parenting and lead coach. Today they’re discussing the power of beliefs and how they shape our identities, often keeping us in what Echo calls a "tiny little box." As they talk about the emotional weight of Election Day, they explore why differing perspectives can feel threatening and how...

The Connection Codes Team are talking about the topic of male sexuality and vulnerability. With insights from listener feedback and an open discussion, they take a look at the hidden messages men receive about sex and desire—messages that create shame and emotional distance. Dr. Glenn and Phyllis share personal experiences and clinical observations on how societal pressures force men to conceal th...

Tera and Phyllis talk about overcoming long-standing taboos around sexual exploration in relationships. They discuss listener questions about intimacy and vulnerability, reflecting on personal stories of breaking through fear and shame. The conversation emphasizes the importance of open communication, mutual trust, and being adventurous in the bedroom—whether that means trying pole dancing, explor...

Therapist and author Sam Jolman joins Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill to discuss the topic of masculine sexuality. They discuss the ways men’s sexual identities are shaped by early experiences, cultural messages, and religious teachings. Sam shares stories and insights on how men can reclaim their sexuality by embracing vulnerability, addressing shame, and learning to see sex as a form of play rather t...

The discussion in this episode is about the dynamics of conflict in marriage, exploring how trying to "win" an argument can lead to emotional disconnection. Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill unpack the idea of the "courtroom" in relationships, where couples focus on proving who's right instead of understanding each other's emotions. They discuss how this leads to loneliness, especially in areas like sex,...

We explore the impacts of unprocessed emotions on mental health, from childhood trauma to adult struggles like OCD and anxiety. The team discusses how society’s tendency to label people, rather than understand them, leads to deeper psychological challenges. They discuss the importance of emotional regulation and use simple tools like the Core Emotion Wheel to help both adults and children process...

The Connection Codes crew is taking on a listener's question about how parents can express emotions without making their kids feel like they need to earn love or approval. They explore how parents can balance showing real emotions while avoiding guilt-tripping or creating unnecessary pressure. From discussing parental guilt to finding joy in everyday moments, this episode offers you tools for...

Tera and Wes open up about going through an emotional disconnect and how they rebuilt their relationship using the Connection Codes method. They discuss their struggles with loneliness, guilt, and fear, and how these emotions impacted their marriage and family life. Tera and Wes also explore how learning to process emotions in the moment has helped them break old patterns of conflict, ultimately l...

In this episode, the team is diving into the challenges of dealing with difficult family dynamics, focusing on the difference between disassociation and stunt doubling. The hosts share stories about how overwhelming situations, especially with family, can lead to shutting down emotionally or "faking it" just to get through. They explain how disassociation can protect us in moments of str...

In this episode, the Connection Codes team is discussing the impact of emotional and physical pain on our daily lives and relationships. They share personal stories about how unprocessed emotions can show up physically as chronic pain and stress, affecting our ability to experience joy and connection. They also give advice on how to recognize and address these emotions so we can break free from th...

We confront the overwhelming pressures that come with balancing personal and professional lives, and how unprocessed emotions can drastically reduce productivity and cloud decision-making. The Connection Codes team shares powerful strategies for managing these emotions, helping you break free from the mental blocks that keep you from reaching your full potential. You'll walk away with insights...

Replay Episode. (We will be back next week with something brand new! But this is one of our most popular episodes that is worth revisiting 🙌🏻) Dr Glenn & Phyllis dive into a moment where they were both filled with emotion. They break down how they kept it from becoming a disconnect & share how they worked through it without causing any more damage. A painful moment connected them further...

In this episode, the Connection Codes team talks about the realities of love and marriage, pushing back against the lie that relationships are only about finding "The One." They discuss how feelings of love change over time, as well as the importance of safety and connection in maintaining a healthy relationship. They also go into the science behind emotions, experiences, and the impact...