Marriage iQ

Have you ever had a week that just seemed to pile on one stressful event after another, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained? You may have believed you had to simply power through the stress, but did that really help alleviate the pain and frustration you were feeling? If this sounds all too familiar, you're not alone. In this episode, let's dive into the topic of managing stres...

We often find ourselves making excuses—“It’s too hard,” “We’re too busy,” or “My spouse will never change”—when faced with the prospect of improving our relationship. While these excuses may offer temporary comfort, they can keep us from experiencing the deeper connection and fulfillment we truly desire. Whether you’re struggling with making big changes or just looking for ways to strengthen your...

In this episode of Marriage IQ, we reminisce about the early days of our marriage, recalling the advice given by the person who officiated our wedding. We were urged not just to think about being romantic but to make it a law in our relationship, a priority to adhere to. The concept of making romance a law resonated deeply with us, sparking a journey filled with heartfelt moments, comical mishaps,...

If you're feeling conflicted about balancing your individuality and emotional connection in your marriage and finding yourself reacting instead of responding calmly to distressing situations, then you are not alone! The struggle to be a strong, independent individual while also fostering deep emotional intimacy with your spouse can be a source of immense frustration and confusion. But what if we t...

In this special episode of Marriage IQ , we welcome our first guests, Dan and Emily Purcell, creators of Get Your Marriage On! Join us as they share about their journey and insights on developing deeper emotional and sexual intimacy in marriage through their sex-positive, intimacy-based approach. Their openness about evolving from anxiety-producing views on sex to fostering genuine communication p...

Testosterone levels can play a significant role in relationship satisfaction, with higher levels linked to lower commitment and satisfaction in both men and women. Understanding the impact of testosterone on behavior and emotions can help couples navigate their relationship dynamics more effectively. Addressing hormonal differences within a relationship can lead to improved communication and a dee...

Let's get morbid in this episode of Marriage IQ as we discuss the concept of conducting relationship 'autopsies' to transform conflicts and negative interactions into opportunities for growth. Join us as we reminisce about a not-so-perfect getaway weekend that taught us the importance of examining our interactions closely. We share the details of how we have applied the autopsy method to understan...

In the latest Marriage IQ episode, we share our insights on effective communication and joint decision-making in marriages as the antidote to power imbalances. We emphasize the importance of understanding each other's perspectives and finding common ground. We also share our approach to strengthening their marriage through regular couples' councils, where we set and review marriage goals. Our comm...

Join us as we delve into Part 2 of the crucial topic of balanced power dynamics in relationships. Drawing from personal experiences and research, we shed light on the transformative impact of shared vulnerability, mutual attunement, and equitable power distribution within marriages. We emphasize the value of understanding one's own needs while being open to a partner's and stress the importance of...

In this episode of the Marriage IQ podcast, we delve into the complex dynamics of power imbalances in marriages. Drawing on our expertise and personal experiences, we provide an authentic and insightful perspective on the challenges and opportunities power creates within marital relationships. They explore the impact of power imbalances, addressing factors such as financial control, parenting, and...

What if we told you that the most scintillating love songs could hold the key to a deeper understanding of love in marriage? In this episode, we delve into the complexities of love, sacrifice, and creating meaningful connections in marriage. Get ready to be swept off your feet as we share some of our intimate experiences, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for love. Discover the depth and nu...

Discover the surprising truth about the hormones that could transform your marriage. Dive into the unexpected impact of hormones on connection and intimacy, and uncover the gender differences that might just change the way you see your relationship. But that's not all - find out the simple, natural ways to increase one hormone for a deeper, more fulfilling connection. Get ready to be amazed by the...

Discover the unexpected truth about the impact of integrity on mental health and marriage. Uncover the surprising connection between keeping secrets and mental anguish, and the eye-opening insights on the true cost of deception. Join us as we talk about our own experiences and unravel the complexities behind building emotional fidelity and strategies for honest communication in relationships.

If you're feeling disconnected and like you're just going through the motions in your marriage, trying to achieve a deeper emotional, physical, and sexual connection, then you are not alone! Despite putting in effort, you may find that your attempts at building intimacy are falling short, and you're left feeling like something crucial is missing. It's like trying to grasp onto sand slipping throug...

What are the three most powerful words you can tell your spouse? Surprise, it's not “I love you!" Dive into this eye-opening conversation as we discuss the power of gaining insight in marriage. We unravel the complexities of internal and external self-awareness and how practicing self-awareness can help you overcome feeling frustrated and stuck in the same old patterns of miscommunication and misu...

Hey, intelligent lovers! Ever thought about how scheduled sex can actually strengthen your marriage? In a scintillating episode of Marriage IQ, we delve into the unexpected benefits of intentional relationship building. From setting personal goals to intentional couple activities, we uncover the secrets to a thriving marriage. But here's the kicker: it's not just about the big gestures; it's about...

“If you know who you are and you've practiced it... you'll be able to become a victor much faster.” - Dr. Scott Hastings Does navigating through the complexities of identity in marriage feel like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces? You may just go with the flow, and hope everything will fall into place, but sometimes you feel lost and unsure of who you are in your marriage. If you're...

“We have to work on ourselves before we worry about our spouse.” - Dr. Heidi Hastings The premier episode of Marriage IQ, hosted by Dr. Heidi Hastings and her husband, Dr. Scott Hastings, delves into the foundational principles crucial for building a strong and thriving marital relationship. Heidi, a marriage and sex researcher, also draws from her personal experience of going through a painful di...