Rebuilding Us: Marriage Podcast

Move over, stereotypes! Yes, it's a fact that men and women communicate differently. However, not all gender communication styles are the same. Joining us is my husband, Shaun, who, in his own special way, helps to explain the differences in how men and women communicate. If you're having a bad day, this episode is sure to cheer you up. Plus, you'll learn a lot in the process, like . . . Which gen...

Here’s the hard truth: most of us are not good listeners, even though we think we are. In today’s episode, you’ll learn seven tips on becoming a better listener and how to encourage your people to do the same. Communication doesn't have to go wild! The good news is that with a few tweaks, anyone can become a better listener and have more mutually beneficial conversations with tho...

Today's episode is like a master's course on communication in relationships. We're breaking down Dr. John Gottman’s famous concept of the “Four Horsemen” — four destructive communication habits that can quietly ruin even the strongest relationships if left unchecked. Drawing inspiration from the dramatic imagery of the biblical Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Gottman ident...

Whether you're a pro at giving the silent treatment or feel hurt by your partner's silence, I'm going to show you how silence can truly be golden in your relationship and how the silent treatment will further damage it. We're unpacking  six healthier alternatives to the silent treatment . Rather than withdrawing, learn practical tools to address conflict effectively and foster more connected...

How does it feel when someone shifts the blame for their behavior to you? No bueno, right? In today's episode, we're discussing the power of "I statements" and how they help us to stop pointing fingers and tell our partners about US, not them. Most people have never learned the tools of good communication, so they make accusations, abdicate responsibility for their feelings and/or choices, and inc...

Do you have a meddling in-law? Do they break your boundaries and cause a ruckus in your home? Today's episode emphasizes the importance of establishing clear boundaries within the household and the need for spousal support in the sometimes messy family dynamics. Open communication with both the mother-in-law and the other spouse is essential to ensure a respectful and harmonious living environment...

Tough conversations are inevitable—but they don’t have to be toxic. Learn a practical and heart-centered approach to preparing for the difficult conversations we often avoid. Whether it’s addressing betrayal, setting boundaries, or navigating a sensitive issue in your relationship, you’ll learn how to check your emotions, clarify your intentions, and approach the talk with...

Does it seem like you disagree and argue about almost everything in your relationship? A listener writes in to ask how to get his point across without arguing with his wife. Maybe you've wondered the same. In this episode, I am sharing a powerful communication tool (also a conversation starter) called the Mirror Moment. This practice will help you to explain your perspective or opinion to someone...

Do you constantly second-guess yourself, shrink back in relationships, or feel like you’re never quite “enough”? Insecurity has a way of creeping into every area of our lives—our marriages, careers, friendships, and even our faith. But the good news? Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about knowing who you are and "whose" you are. In today’s episode,...

This was one of our highest-rated episodes of the Q & A series and, therefore, deserving of a "sweet repeat." Many spouses can relate to the feeling of "falling out of love" with their spouse, yet not wanting to divorce their spouse. If you have ever experienced prolonged resentment or boredom in your relationship, listen up.  Learn how to overcome feeling stuck in your marriage while wor...

Are you going through something in your life and need to be reminded that you're not alone? I am so grateful to know that God sees, provides, and is always with me. In this episode, I'm helping you to discover this God, to truly know Him intimately and personally—the difference between head knowledge and heart experience. Drawing inspiration from a recent meeting with a group of women leader...

I love today's listener's question about the different travel styles she and her husband have. Our listener, Carrie, wants to know how to vacation when she and her husband have different vacation interests and travel needs. In this episode, I discuss the importance of travel as a means to reconnect and recharge, while also discussing the necessity of compromise and individual preferences during va...

Does it seem like your spouse doesn’t listen to you? Maybe you find yourself wondering how to talk so they will listen and understand you. Listening skills are an essential part of communication in relationships, and one that trips many people up. Today’s episode (a sweet repeat from 2023) will teach you the right communication principles to guide you toward a better understanding and...

Have you considered a separation in your marriage? A listener wrote asking about the right way to do a separation. How long should it be? What are the "rules of engagement"? We're discussing reasons for separation, establishing clear rules, and knowing the realities of the situation, including the need for a timeline and the significance of having a plan for reconciliation (or not!).  Takeawa...

I know you have good intentions, but want to know if you are helping or enabling? This episode will help you to discover if you are indeed an enabler: what it really means, the signs you might be an enabler, and the dangers of mistaking enabling for grace (especially within Christian circles and families). I share about my strength in setting boundaries, shaped by the experiences I witnessed growi...

We're addressing a listener's question about how to support a loved one experiencing domestic abuse. It's essential to understand the victim's perspective, maintain open communication, and take proactive steps to ensure safety. This episode offers practical guidance on how to approach the situation with empathy, while also encouraging the victim to seek help and report the abuse. The episode also...

Have you gone through a season of brokenness in your life, or are you being triggered by a painful event in your past? Today's guest, Frank Meadows, is here to help shed light on triggers, the brokenhearted, and inner healing. Along with this powerful conversation, we discuss strongholds and how they manifest as addictive behavior in people's lives.  Frank Meadows is a licensed clinical socia...

Guest host Shaun is stepping in for his wife and regular host, Dana Che, who is under the weather helping a husband to know if he and his wife should tell their kids their marriage is in trouble and that they're considering a possible separation. Shaun delivers Dana’s thoughtful response, providing practical advice on how parents can approach difficult conversations with their children and e...

Today's guest, Tweeny Randall, helps to shed light on the concept of soul ties. Maybe you’ve felt ‘stuck’ after a past relationship, or perhaps you’re curious how soul ties form—even outside of a romantic relationship. Tweeny and I share experience and research on how soul ties affect us in relationships.  Episode Highlights What is a Soul Tie? Tweeny breaks it d...

Have you let yourself go or perhaps lost yourself in your marriage? Today's episode will help you find yourself again. A listener struggles with finding the motivation to find herself again, having let herself go, and seeks advice on how to rediscover who she is in her marriage. This episode originally aired in Dec. 2024 and was one of our highest rated episodes that season. Listen in for encourag...

Infidelity is one of the most heart-shattering experiences anyone can endure in a marriage. It shakes the bedrock of trust and can leave spouses grappling with pain, betrayal, confusion, and fear for the future. If you’re reading this, you may be right in the middle of this storm—or you know someone who is. Take heart: your story is not over, and healing truly is possible. We’re...

Have you ever felt like you are the only one putting in the work, or maybe you're putting in a significantly more amount of work than your spouse is? That can feel very unjust. It can feel unfair, and most of us get tired of doing that. We have a question that I think all of us can probably relate to at some point: What if I'm doing more work on my marriage than my spouse? Key Takeaways: Change Yo...

Can an emotional affair be just as damaging as a physical one? Research says yes. Yet, the topic of emotional affairs is complex because of their impact on the psyche and the marriage. This episode (a sweet repeat of ep. 284) focuses on understanding, prevention, and healing, providing valuable insights for couples navigating this challenging terrain. Key Highlights: Defining Emotional Affair...

We're tackling a sensitive yet common issue in some marriages: what to do when your spouse’s hygiene (or lack thereof) is causing tension in your relationship. A listener wants to know how to respond without hurting their partner or furthering the disconnect. Key Takeaways: It’s Not Uncommon: Hygiene issues are not as uncommon as one might think. Yet they can be a dealbreaker for many...

As we continue our Healing After Infidelity series, a commonly asked yet sensitive topic is how to re-engage in sex after an affair. If you’ve experienced infidelity in your marriage, you’ve likely wondered this too.  I'm offering grounded, compassionate wisdom on when and how couples should consider re-engaging sexually after infidelity. With a blend of personal stories, biblical...