Love Each Other Better

There's a powerful question I come back to again and again in my own relationships and in my work with couples because it is the single most effective way to transform conflict into connection: "What need is this person trying to meet?" In this episode, I explore why I believe this inquiry is THE most impactful shift we can make when we want someone to change their behavior. While NVC is often tau...

What if one of the most powerful relationship skills could be learned from a kindergartner? In this episode, I share a story about my daughter that sparked a reminder we all need: when someone we love is struggling, they often need our presence more than our solutions. I explore why we instinctively jump into "fix-it mode," how that can create disconnection, and what to do instead. You'll learn a...

Do you struggle with relationship anxiety, constant doubt, or the feeling of being stuck in an on-again, off-again relationship cycle? Are you asking yourself "Should I break up or stay?" and unable to find clarity? In this episode, I explore relationship ambivalence through the lens of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and how to navigate breakup decisions, uncertainty, and doubt in relationships. I...

Whether you're looking for a fast track to more peace and understanding or a deeper, guided journey toward lasting change, Love Each Other Better private programs offer two paths to help you and your partner stop fighting and feel closer than ever. In this episode, you'll hear how both The Essentials and The Deep Dive can help you and your partner create the kind of relationship you actually want...

Valentine's Day can stir up all kinds of longing, worry, and relational anxiety — especially if you love deeply and notice closeness and distance acutely. In this episode of Love Each Other Better , I dive into Marshall Rosenberg's famous metaphor: "I want to be flowers on your table, not oxygen for your lungs." I break down what this means through the compassionate lenses of Nonviolent Communicat...

Are you tired of arguing with your partner over the same issues — or feeling frustrated, unheard, or disconnected? In this episode, we dive into why stuffing your feelings fuels conflict and what you can do instead. You'll learn why ignoring your emotions or pushing them aside may feel easier in the moment but actually costs you time, energy, and connection. We explore a practical approach using N...

If you're tired of avoiding conflict, walking on eggshells, or losing yourself to keep the peace, this episode is for you. Join me as I explore the real cost of people-pleasing, and a different way forward that doesn't require becoming confrontational. People-pleasing often develops as a way to stay safe and connected, especially when conflict felt overwhelming or dangerous earlier in life. But in...

Self-awareness can be powerful, but without self-compassion, it can easily turn into self-criticism or shame. In this episode of  Love Each Other Better , I talk with Cheri Krause , Licensed Professional Counselor, Coach, and teacher of Nonviolent Communication, and my friend and colleague of nearly twenty years. Cheri is passionate about the transformative power of self-compassion, and shares her...

Are you and your partner stuck in the same arguments over and over? In this episode, which is the third in my new series called " Common Communication Patterns That Keep Couples Stuck — And How to Get Unstuck," I'll break down how rushing to get through a conflict might feel like progress, but is ultimately unproductive and keeps you stuck and frustrated.  I'll introduce my Heart-Centered Conflict...

You asked your partner to do something, they said they'd do it… and they didn't. And now you're frustrated, wondering if your partner really cares or if you're asking for too much. If this dynamic feels familiar, you're not alone — and it's not because your partner is a jerk. In most relationships, missed follow-through has far more to do with unmet needs, unclear communication, or shifting capaci...

In this episode of  Love Each Other Better , I'm kicking off a new series on the communication patterns that keep couples stuck — and how to get unstuck. We're starting with one of the most common: when one partner talks more and more to feel heard, while the other gets overwhelmed and pulls away to find relief. It's a loop that leaves both people feeling disconnected, even though both are trying....

In this special episode of  Love Each Other Better , I sat down with Brian G. Murphy — author of Love Beyond Monogamy , certified relationship coach, and co-founder of the  Queer Theology podcast. In this illuminating interview, Brian shares insights on navigating non-monogamy and open relationships, including: How to navigate differing desires between partners and approach the conversation about...

What if generosity isn't something we have to teach or force — but something we're born with? In this special episode honoring the birthday of Marshall Rosenberg, the founder of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), I share a personal story about my 5-year-old daughter — and how her spontaneous, joyful act of giving reminded me of one of Marshall's most powerful teachings: "What I want in my life is com...

Ever feel like you're "in trouble" with your partner—even though you're a grown adult? That tight feeling in your chest, the urge to defend yourself, shut down, or appease… it's more common than you think. And it's not your fault. In this episode, we explore how growing up in a punitive culture wires us to associate conflict with danger—and how that fear shows up in our adult relationships. Using...

Ever find yourself wondering, "Do I even matter to him/her/them?" despite all you do? That painful question points to a fundamental human need: to contribute , to be seen , and to know that your presence truly makes a difference. When this need goes unmet, relationships can grow distant and disheartening. In this episode, we explore why appreciation isn't just a nice gesture — it's essential emoti...

What happens when a seasoned debater embraces the compassionate lens of Nonviolent Communication (NVC)? In this episode, I'm joined by writer and commentator Margot Magowan , who has debated on Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, and Good Morning America —and now finds herself navigating the delicate intersection between advocacy and empathy. Margot shares her evolving journey from using sharp logic to influenc...

Do you feel unheard in your relationship—or like every conversation turns into an argument? In this episode, we'll unpack what's really going on when you and your partner get stuck in blame, defensiveness, or silence. You'll learn how to truly listen (and get listened to) using the powerful tools of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). We cover: What's really underneath most conflict Why empathy change...

In this episode, I'm unpacking one of the most common — and most disconnecting — phrases I hear in relationships: "You made me feel…" It sounds honest. It feels true. But in reality, it often leads to defensiveness, arguments, and emotional distance. Drawing from the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), I'll walk you through why this phrase contains a subtle form of blame — even if you do...

Teri and David have been married for nearly 41 years, and like many couples, they often found themselves caught in repetitive arguments—both about new challenges and unresolved old issues. In this uplifting episode, they share how Ali's NVC-based Small Group Coaching Program for Couples gave them practical tools to openly discuss and finally resolve both fresh conflicts and long-standing tensions...

We tell kids to "use your words" — but the truth is, most adults still don't know how. We hide our feelings, fear sounding "needy," and hope our partners will just know what we need — then feel hurt or resentful when they don't. In this episode, I unpack why adult communication breaks down so often, how unmet needs and unspoken feelings quietly sabotage our relationships, and why using your words...

I'm having a party and you're invited! I sat down with Jen Brummer of Grok the World to demystify what a Grok Party actually is — and why it might be exactly what you didn't know you needed. Jen will be facilitating the Grok Party that I'm hosting this Friday, June 13 at 11am EDT. In this episode, we talk about what you'll experience during this  low-pressure, fun, and highly interactive group exp...

We all experience moments of hurt, frustration, or disappointment in relationship—but how do we address them without making things worse?  How can you talk about the things that bother you in a way that doesn't escalate the conflict or further damage the connection? In this episode, we'll explore the critical difference between intent and impact and why both matter. Most of the time, your partner...

In this episode I'm so honored to be joined by Vivek Patel of Meaningful Ideas to explore the impact of patriarchy, sexism, and misogyny in heterosexual relationships and how to break free from this toxic conditioning that contributes to so much pain for so many people. Vivek shares his own personal journey of recognizing and unlearning his own sexist conditioning and how this profoundly improved...

In this insightful episode of the Love Each Other Better Podcast, I'm honored to have a very special guest, relationship expert Maya Diamond. Maya guides us in a deep-dive into the fascinating world of attachment theory. She unravels the complexities of the four primary attachment styles—secure, avoidant, anxious, and fearful avoidant—and explores how our childhood experiences shape the way we con...

In this episode we dive into how to communicate assertively without crossing into aggression. I share powerful insights from Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and offer practical tools to help you ask for what you want in a way that empowers you AND strengthens your connection with others. Whether you're navigating conflict with your partner, or just want to communicate more effectively, I've got hea...