The Learning Love Podcast

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the concept of love, emphasizing that it is a learned skill set rather than an innate feeling. He discusses various pieces of bad advice surrounding love and relationships, advocating for healthier patterns and practices. Hicks highlights the importance of setting boundaries, the dangers of toxic relationships, and the necessity of self-love. He also addre...

In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the transformative power of love and its application in building healthy relationships. He emphasizes the importance of measuring relationship health through the ratio of positive to negative interactions, drawing on research by John Gottman. Hicks discusses how this principle applies not only in personal relationships but also in workplace dynamics, ad...

In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the complexities of love and relationships, emphasizing the importance of respect as a non-negotiable element in healthy connections. He discusses the challenges of navigating unhealthy relationships, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the foundational role of self-love in fostering healthy interactions. Mark encourages listeners to seek help when...

In this episode of the Love Story Podcast, host Ashley Green interviews Mark Hicks, author of 'Learning Love.' Mark shares his insights on the five components of love, drawing from his personal experiences and professional background in counseling. He emphasizes that love is a learned skillset and discusses the importance of self-love, boundaries, and the role of grief in building healthy relation...

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the concept of being triggered and how it affects our relationships. He emphasizes that while being triggered is a natural human instinct, how we respond to those triggers is our responsibility. Hicks provides strategies for managing emotional responses, including taking time to breathe, using sensory techniques, and making wise decisions to maintain healt...

In this conversation, Mark discusses the inevitable mistakes we make in relationships and how to navigate them effectively. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our errors, understanding their impact on others, and the necessity of sincere apologies. Mark also highlights the distinction between guilt and shame, advocating for a healthy approach to personal growth and relationship repair. Th...

In this conversation, Mark Hicks shares his journey of writing and publishing his book 'Learning Love', which explores the importance of love and relationships. He discusses the challenges he faced, the people who supported him, and the life lessons he learned along the way. The book not only serves as a practical guide to building healthy relationships but also incorporates a charitable aspect, w...

In this conversation, Dr. Mark Hicks explores the concept of enmeshment in relationships, contrasting it with healthy relationship dynamics. He discusses how enmeshment leads to a loss of identity and autonomy, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and personal growth. Mark provides insights into recognizing unhealthy patterns and encourages listeners to seek help in navigating these complex dy...

In this conversation, Mark explores the epidemic of loneliness that many individuals face, even in the presence of relationships. He discusses the difference between solitude and loneliness, the impact of trauma on emotional well-being, the importance of self-love, and the necessity of building authentic connections to combat feelings of loneliness. Mark emphasizes the need for professional help w...

In this episode, Dr. Mark Hicks discusses the essential elements of sustaining healthy relationships. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in doing small, easy things rather than relying on grand gestures. The conversation explores how relationships should not be viewed as battles to be won but rather as a dance to be enjoyed. Dr. Hicks provides insights on the dangers of control in relatio...

In this episode, Dr. Mark Hicks discusses the complexities of balancing relationships in a busy life. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that perfect balance is a myth and introduces the concept of constant balancing across five key areas: family, work, community, friendships, and self-care. Dr. Hicks encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and to monitor and adjust their focus on...

In this episode, Dr. Mark A Hicks explores the intricate relationship between love and respect, emphasizing that they are intertwined in healthy relationships. He discusses the consequences of separating the two, particularly in dysfunctional relationships, and offers insights on how to rebuild respect through communication and kindness. The conversation highlights the importance of mutual respect...

In this episode, Dr. Mark Hicks discusses the common issue of lackluster relationships, emphasizing that it's not necessarily a sign of dysfunction but rather a phase that many relationships go through. He offers insights on how to revitalize these connections by focusing on understanding partners better and reducing their suffering. By paying attention to the small changes in our loved ones' live...

In this episode of the Learning Love podcast, Dr. Mark A Hicks discusses the essential steps to prepare oneself for healthy and thriving relationships. He emphasizes the importance of self-love and understanding one's core values as foundational elements for building meaningful connections with others. The conversation explores the common misconception of seeking external validation and the necess...

In this episode, Dr. Mark A Hicks explores the complexities of love and life directions, discussing how emotional attachments can conflict with personal ambitions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the components of love, including emotional commitment and practicality, and how grief plays a role in navigating relationships. The conversation provides insights into making wise decisions...

In this episode of the Learning Love podcast, Dr. Mark A Hicks discusses the common issue of repetitive arguments in relationships. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing patterns in conflicts and understanding that these arguments often stem from deeper emotional issues rather than the surface topics being debated. Dr. Hicks advocates for open communication, the use of 'I' statements to expr...

In this episode of the Learning Love podcast, Dr. Mark A Hicks explores the complexities of feeling good in a world filled with challenges. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between happiness and joy, advocating for the ability to experience multiple emotions simultaneously. The conversation delves into strategies for staying present, managing negative thoughts, and finding serenity a...

In this episode, Dr. Mark A Hicks explores the challenges of communication in a divided world. He discusses the reasons behind societal divisions, the brain's instinctual responses to conflict, and the importance of curiosity and respect in fostering healthy dialogue. By emphasizing love and relationships, he provides insights on how to navigate disagreements and build thriving connections despite...

In this episode, Dr. Mark A Hicks discusses the concept of healthy outrage, emphasizing that while anger is a natural response to injustice, it should not be used as a strategy for change. Instead, anger should be viewed as a signal that prompts individuals to develop constructive strategies for addressing issues. The conversation explores the importance of self-care, the need for a clear strategy...

In this episode, Dr. Mark A Hicks explores the intricate relationship between power dynamics and love in various types of relationships. He argues that one cannot possess both love and power simultaneously, as asserting power often leads to oppression and dysfunction. Through examples from family dynamics, societal structures, and marriage counseling, he emphasizes the importance of empowering oth...

In this conversation, Dr. Mark A Hicks delves into the complexities of love and relationships, questioning whether love can be segmented into different areas of life. He shares stories of individuals who struggle to maintain love in their personal lives while harboring anger and bitterness in other areas. The discussion emphasizes the importance of boundaries over defensiveness, advocating for a l...

In this episode of the Learning Love podcast, Dr. Mark A Hicks delves into the complexities of love, questioning whether it is inherently easy or requires effort. He discusses the balance between commitment and emotional connection, emphasizing that love is a skill set that can be learned and practiced. By reframing love as a skill, listeners are encouraged to put in the work necessary to cultivat...

In this episode of the Learning Love podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks explores how our past experiences shape our present and future relationships. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the impact of past events, whether big or small, and how our reactions to these events can lead to emotional scars and loneliness. Dr. Hicks encourages listeners to consciously choose their reactions and seek sup...

In this episode of the Learning Love podcast, Dr. Mark A Hicks discusses the critical role of honesty in relationships. He emphasizes that while honesty is essential for building trust, it must be tempered with empathy and care. The conversation explores the nuances of honesty, including the dangers of brutal honesty and the importance of intent in communication. Dr. Hicks encourages listeners to...

In this conversation, Mark explores the themes of sacrifice and self-care within relationships. He emphasizes that while sacrifice is essential for healthy relationships, it must be balanced with self-care to avoid exhaustion and burnout. Mark argues that self-care is not selfish but rather a necessary preparation for giving to others. He highlights the importance of loving oneself as a prerequisi...