Marriage iQ

Feeling stuck in pain, betrayal, or resentment in your marriage? You’re not alone. But what if the path from victimhood to empowerment was closer than you think? In this powerful episode of Marriage IQ , we confront the difficult but crucial topic of victimhood in relationships —how it takes hold, why it keeps us stuck, and most importantly, how to break free. Through real-life examples, we unpack...

Talking about sex can feel awkward, even in the most committed relationships—but what if mastering sexual communication could transform your intimacy? In this episode of Marriage IQ , we dive deep into the art (and science) of discussing intimacy with Dr. Rebecca Lucero Jones and Dr. Adam Jones, assistant professors of marriage and family therapy at Texas Woman’s University. Rebecca and Adam bring...

In this episode of Marriage IQ , we dive deep into the fascinating world of female sexual capacity—how it works, what drives it, and how it differs from male sexuality. Drawing from groundbreaking research, including Dr. Emily Nagoski’s Come As You Are , we shatter common myths and reveal the key ingredients of female desire: emotional connection, safety, and true intimacy. We’ll also tackle misco...

Romance is an essential ingredient for a thriving relationship... for Valentine's and all year-round. In this enlightening episode of Marriage IQ, we explore the art of intentional romance with expert Josie McEwen, founder of Romance Enhanced Consulting. From creative date ideas to practical tips for rekindling the spark, Josie shares her wealth of experience in helping couples infuse more romance...

This episode, get expert advice to learn how to improve your communication. We offer a unique blend of scientific insight and practical relationship advice, empowering you to navigate the complexities of marriage with greater understanding and emotional intelligence.  By learning to balance the instinctual reactions of your limbic system with the rational capabilities of your prefrontal cortex, yo...

In this thought-provoking episode of Marriage IQ, we tackle a sensitive yet crucial topic that impacts countless relationships: body image. As your hosts, we delve into the complex interplay between self-perception, societal pressures, and marital satisfaction, offering evidence-based insights and practical strategies to foster a healthier body image within your partnership. We share startling sta...

Expectations play a crucial role in marital satisfaction, yet many couples struggle to align their expectations with reality. In this episode, we explore the intricate relationship between expectations and marital happiness, drawing insights from recent research and our personal experiences. We discuss how childhood experiences shape our expectations, the impact of unrealistic expectations on mari...

In this enlightening episode of Marriage iQ, we explore the intricate world of anxious attachment and its profound impact on relationships. Our special guest, Trevor Hansen from the Art of Healing, brings his expertise to shed light on this often misunderstood aspect of human connection. Trevor, with his master's degree in marriage and family therapy and extensive experience helping thousands of c...

Navigating the uncharted waters of marriage can be both exhilarating and challenging for newlyweds. In this enlightening episode of Marriage IQ, we bridge the generational gap by bringing together us as seasoned marriage experts, with our daughter Emilee and son-in-law Hunter Ray, who are approaching their first wedding anniversary. This unique intergenerational dialogue offers a blend of time-tes...

Are you ready to put your marriage intelligence to the test? In this engaging episode of Marriage IQ, we present an extensive 50-question quiz designed to evaluate your understanding and application of key marital concepts that are necessary to creating a scintillating marriage. 1. Identity 2. Intentionality 3. Insight 4. Intimacy This episode serves as both an assessment and an invitation to cont...

Financial intimacy is a crucial aspect of a thriving marriage, yet it remains an often overlooked dimension of relationship health. In this episode of Marriage IQ, we build upon last week’s episode about finances to explore the profound impact of financial communication on marital satisfaction and stability. We delve into the concept of financial intimacy, which extends beyond mere budgeting to en...

Financial stress can significantly impact marital satisfaction, yet many couples struggle to navigate this critical aspect of their relationship. In this two-part episode of Marriage iQ, we explore the intricate connection between finances and marital happiness, offering valuable insights for couples at any stage of their journey. Drawing from our personal experiences and extensive research, we de...

In the whirlwind of daily life, it's easy for couples to lose sight of the small moments that once defined their relationship. This episode of Marriage IQ explores the profound impact of intentional rituals on marital connection and satisfaction. We share our personal journey from courtship to parenthood, highlighting how deliberate actions kept our bond strong through challenging times. Drawing o...

In seeking to find the intricate balance of "me" and "we" in marriage, self-silencing can lead partners to lose sight of their authentic selves. This episode of Marriage iQ explores the profound impact of a positive or negative sense of self on relationships. This episode features insights from our amazing guest, Dr. Amber Price, a researcher and educator specializing in helping busy moms thrive i...

In this episode of Marriage IQ we tackle the intricacies of masculine intimacy within marriage. Aimed at a male audience, Dr. Scott Hastings provides an insightful, candid exploration of relationship dynamics from a man's perspective. He recounts personal experiences from his childhood, discusses the importance of emotional investment, respecting boundaries, and the detrimental effects of pornogra...

In the intricate dance of marriage, partners often find themselves stepping on each other's toes. But what if the secret to a harmonious relationship lies in the art of ballroom dancing? This episode of Marriage IQ, we explore the fascinating parallels between the world of competitive dance and the dynamics of a successful marriage. Join us as we waltz through an enlightening conversation with Ale...

We all know that disagreements and conflicts are inevitable in marriage. What loving couple doesn't have the occasional tiff? But how we handle those tricky conversations can mean the difference between growing closer together or drifting further apart. On this episode of Marriage IQ, we share an all-too-familiar story of bickering during a much anticipated hike through the Grand Canyon. In that p...

Struggling with the tough talk about disclosing to your partner betrayal stemming from problematic sexual behaviors or pornography use? We've got valuable insights on this podcast episode with betrayal trauma expert, Ellen Drews. She shares how intentionality and care in the disclosure process can minimize trauma and foster true healing for both partners. As a certified life coach and pastoral sex...

Ever wondered why trust is so crucial in marriages? Trust isn't just a feeling; it's the bedrock of a stable, secure attachment in marriage. Trust in relationships is about reliability, dependability, and alignment between who someone says they are and who they truly are. It's the foundation for creating a safe space to connect, create, and engage. We are excited to have Geoff Steurer, a licensed...

Getting away together as a couple is one of the best ways to reignite connection and excitement  in the midst of overbooked schedules and the monotony of routines and ruts. Reigniting the spark in marriage takes intention, and traveling together as a couple is one of the best ways to do that! The good news? You don't need a big budget to plan romantic getaways together. With a few insider tricks,...

 Has the passion faded in your relationship? Is it starting to become stagnant or feel dull? Struggling to prioritize what matters most in your marriage? Our latest podcast dives into the concept of regular intentional weekend-getaways we call “marriage retreats” and how they serve as vital checkpoints for couples to keep the spice in their marriage.  A marriage retreat provides dedicated time for...

How long does the average sexual encounter last? Recent research suggests just 6 minutes. While quickies certainly have their place, most couples yearn for more intimate, enjoyable, and fulfilling sexual connections. This is where mindfulness comes in. Practicing mindfulness during sex slows us down, helps us tune into our bodies and emotions, and enables us to be fully present with our partner. T...

If you're feeling the pain of reactive reactions in your relationships, like snapping at your partner without meaning to, then you are not alone! The struggle to slow down and be more intentional in your interactions can often lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings, leaving you both feeling disconnected and dissatisfied. But what if there was a way to change this pattern for the better? In th...

When married couples face traumatic events or grief, it can be devastating. Many relationships crumble under such intense pressure and hardship. However, with mutual commitment, intimacy, and support, spouses can actually develop greater resilience and closeness in their bond. This was demonstrated profoundly in the powerful story of Jim and Cheryl Hastings, our guests on this episode of Marriage...

What do language lessons, swimming pools, and coping with stress have in common? Uncover the unexpected! Dive into our surprising conversation comparing learning Spanish to navigating stress in marriage. Join us as we explore healthy coping mechanisms, setting boundaries, and the role of mindfulness in response to stress. But what will you discover in learning this new language?  It's a revelation...