Marriage and Intimacy Tips for Christian Couples: Secrets of Happily Ever After

In this episode, we explore how recommitting to daily conversations and weekly date nights can reignite emotional intimacy and transform your relationship with your partner. • Gottman research shows mapping your partner's inner world is crucial for emotional connection • People constantly change and evolve—nobody remains the same person they were when you married • Commit to 20 minutes of dai...

Passionate relationships require more than love—they need the right psychological dynamics to keep desire alive. When couples come to me feeling more like roommates than lovers, they're often surprised to learn that their sexual disconnection has less to do with libido or attraction and more to do with unrecognized emotional patterns. The truth about passionate marriages might surprise you. W...

What's the worst piece of marriage advice you've ever received? In my years coaching couples, I've heard countless well-meaning but misguided tips passed down between generations. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on one of the most damaging myths that keeps showing up, especially in religious communities: "divorce is not an option." Despite its popularity among rel...

I'm announcing my first book "Bad Marriage Advice: 15 Myths that Are Making you Miserable," releasing on May 3rd to coincide with my 23rd wedding anniversary and my son's wedding day. The book challenges popular but potentially harmful marriage advice and offers better relational skills based on my experience as a marriage coach and interviews with couples married over 50 years...

Monica Tanner shares transformative relationship skills to help couples communicate more effectively and maintain passion in their marriages. Through practical frameworks, she reveals how making specific requests and mastering repair techniques can dramatically improve relationship satisfaction. • Most people complain about relationship problems rather than making clear requests • Every complaint...

Walking with your partner is a powerful tool that has strengthened my marriage through every season, from dating challenges to parenting transitions and career changes. • Discovered the power of walking while facing parental disapproval during our engagement • Walking side-by-side creates a safe space for difficult conversations that face-to-face interaction doesn't • Daily walks help us down...

This episode sheds light on the often challenging journey of forgiveness in relationships. Understanding how to forgive is crucial for moving forward after betrayal or hurt.  • Exploring the emotional journey of betrayal in relationships  • Importance of understanding personal willingness in forgiveness  • Discussing the withholding dynamic in relationships  • Actionable steps to effectively commu...

Trust is an essential foundation of relationships, but sometimes it gets broken. This week, Nate and I dive into the complexities of restoring damaged trust, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies.  • Definition of trust and its importance in relationships  • Exploring types of hurts: big and small  • Discussing personal responsibility in rebuilding trust  • Effective communication...

This episode addresses how to navigate feelings of disappointment in a relationship, particularly following Valentine's Day. We explore effective communication strategies, the importance of honesty, and techniques to foster understanding and empathy during tough conversations.  • Discussing the common aftermath of unmet expectations  • Importance of maintaining open and honest communication ...

Can understanding love languages actually harm your relationship? Nate shares a remarkable personal experiment with his wife that uncovers some surprising insights into how we express and perceive love. While the idea of identifying your partner's love language is popular, we discuss the potential pitfalls of using it as a benchmark or a tool for assigning blame. When expectations aren't...

This episode explores the concept of emotional entropy in relationships, emphasizing that love requires consistent effort and attention to thrive. Through relatable analogies and expert insights, we are encouraging you to actively nurture your marriage to prevent stagnation and promote growth. • Overview of emotional entropy and its relevance to relationships  • Common misconceptions about marriag...

The episode explores effective strategies for couples to enhance their emotional connections through acknowledgment, making specific requests, and celebrating small progress in relationships. By emphasizing the importance of turning complaints into requests, recognizing positive behavior, and ignoring unhelpful dynamics, listeners are encouraged to build a healthier, more supportive partnership. •...

Explore the transformative power of Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and how it can help couples break free from unhealthy patterns to foster deeper connections. Risa Ganel discusses how the adaptive child, systemic changes, and a focus on second-order change can reshape relationships for lasting benefit. • RLT emphasizes systemic connections in relationships • Differentiates between first-order and...

Communication is key to a thriving relationship, and asking for what you want instead of complaining is a game-changer. This episode offers practical tools to help you identify your unexpressed needs and transition from a blame-focused mindset to positive, actionable requests.  • Emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in relationships  • Identifying the root of complaints and transforming the...

This episode focuses on understanding the importance of taking risks to rejuvenate a relationship and combat mediocrity. Monica and Nate discuss fears that hold couples back, with insights into how to engage in open conversations that lead to positive change and passion in marriage.  • Emphasizing the need to awaken passion in relationships  • Discussing the three common fears preventing honest co...

Unlock the secrets to transforming a mediocre marriage into one filled with passion and fulfillment. Discover how to navigate the ebb and flow between survival and self-actualization, and learn why investing time and effort into your partnership can reignite the flames of passion. In this episode, we'll give you the 3 rules of turning a mediocre marriage into one full of passion, play and ple...

After returning from a rejuvenating, phone-free escape to Cancun with my husband, I'm back with insights on how to create a year-end wrap-up experience. Joined by my faithful co-host, Nate Bagley, we share how undivided attention can transform your partnership, even if a luxury getaway isn't in the cards this year.  Discover creative ways to carve out meaningful moments at home or on a s...

Want to navigate this holiday season with ease and connection rather than stress and conflict?  Join Nate Bagley and I as we discuss the complicated dynamics of holiday traditions, family gatherings, and the financial strain that often accompanies this joyous time. We offer insights into recognizing stress indicators in ourselves and our relationships—like emotional reactivity and perfectionism—an...

Are you ready for a BIG Announcement and fun surprise? Introducing my new co-host, Nate Bagley. Listen in as we reminisce about our first meeting at a Tennessee marketing conference and how his work with marriage legands like John and Julie Gottman first piqued my interest.  Nate shares his experiences as his life took an unexpected turn during the pandemic. Nate and his wife made the bold decisio...

Feeling like roommates or wrestling with resentment in your marriage?  Discover how to rekindle an insanely fun and intimate partnership with actionable strategies in every episode.  After a six-month break filled with family milestones and personal growth, I'm back with a fresh perspective and a streamlined approach.  This season promises simplicity and focus, ensuring you'll get top-no...

Feeling the pressure of life's relentless to-do list and summer bucket list? In the finale episode of my third season, I'm revealing exactly how to ensure all of your relationships flourish, even when life throws chaos and overwhelm at you.  I'll teach you with my number one HACK to keep your calm and carry on, regardless of the hustle and bustle that may come your way. Get ready to...

Ever wonder how some couples seem to navigate the ebbs and flows of marriage with grace and a smile?  This week, I'm chatting with Brian and Jen Goins from Family Life, who join us to share their 27 years of wisdom on building a relationship that thrives.  We discuss the everyday skills essential for cultivating both individuality and unity in marriage. This episode isn't just about the...

Wondering what it takes to keep passion burning HOT  in the hustle of daily life? Alex and Katie Dutton join me this week to share the sparks of truth behind their EveryLove adventure—a service that's rekindling the fire in marriages through creative date night packages and model-free lingerie. They tell their story of entrepreneurship entwined with the commitment to nurturing a deep, intimat...

Have you ever felt like your conversations with loved ones are getting a little dry? This week's interview with Emmy Award-winner, Topaz Adizes shatters that pattern, unveiling "12 Questions for Love" to revolutionize our understanding of intimate dialogues.  Topaz is known for his work on The { } And project and shares how carefully crafted questions can peel back the layers we oft...

Ready to become the author of your own love story? In this week's episode, I tackle the dreaded 'intimacy death traps,' dissecting the root causes that lead to disconnection and providing a comprehensive 5-step framework to navigate your way back to a fulfilling partnership.  This isn't your run-of-the-mill relationship advice; it's a deep dive into taking responsibility,...