The Marriage To The Max Podcast

If excelling at communication is a goal of so many couples, why are so many of us still so bad at it? Did you know that communication happens even when we're not talking to each other? Wanna get a little better at communication? Listen in as Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement give some basic how-to's!

In today's episode we explore the concept "Is honesty always the best policy?".  Some feel there should be zero tolerance when it comes to deceit of any kind.  The question is, is that realistic?  Can you be 100% transparent 100% of the time?  And if it's not, what if it becomes a habit lying about significant things?

We all get stuck sometimes.  We have limiting beliefs about ourselves.  But, what about how we limit our thinking in our marriage?  Tune in to this episode as Kellie and Brett Hurst discuss some common limiting beliefs that can negatively affect our relationships.

We're finally finishing our series on John Gottman's habits for making marriage work.  Creating shared meaning in your relationship is the cherry on top of a great sundae of rich tools for your marriage.  Soon we'll get back to some stand-alone topics for you to enjoy.  

We’re nearly through with our series about relationship principles from John Gottman’s research.  Today we’re looking at how to get unstuck when we’re stuck in conflict.  In the last episode we discussed how to solve our solvable problems.  But what do we do when we feel gridlocked with our partner?  In today’s episode,  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  chat about creative ways to e...

Every couple has problems.  Some are more simple than others to solve.  If you need some help determining whether or not a problem is solvable, listen to today’s conversation with  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement .  They are continuing a series based on Dr. John Gottman’s research, and it’s getting goooooooood.

We’re continuing with our series based on Dr. John Gottman’s research on marriage.  Principle #4 is about allowing ourselves to be influenced by our spouse.  How good are you at opening yourself up to your partner’s opinions and decisions?  If you typically resist this idea, you might be encouraged by today’s conversation.  Join  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  as they discuss how...

We’re continuing with our series based on the research of Dr. John Gottman.  Today’s episode is all about learning how to turn toward each other.  Sounds simple, right?  Not necessarily.  In today’s busy world, we’re often pressed for time, energy, and attention.  Sometimes our spouses get the short end of the stick.  Listen in on today’s conversation with  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encoura...

Fondness and admiration are two traits in marriage that need to be nurtured continually.  As  Kellie and Brett Hurst of  Home Encouragement  continue with their series focusing on Dr. John Gottman’s 7 Principles, listen in to discover ways to keep fondness and admiration alive in your relationship.

We’re kicking off a new series based on Dr. John Gottman’s expansive research on healthy marriage relationships.  Join  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  today for the first in the series.  We’re talking about Love Maps, and how learning about your mate actually makes for a better relationship!

A simple definition for the word “attunement” is “to make harmonious”.  What married person wouldn’t want to have more harmony with his/her spouse?  Join in on today’s conversation with  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  as they chat about what ingredients make for more harmony in the home.

Catch up with  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  as they toss in a few marriage tidbits in this “catch-all” episode!

In Episode #85 we introduced the concept of emotional triggers.  Now that we know what they are, and that they can cause emotional strife, what do we do with them?  Listen to today’s conversation as  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  talk about how to learn to manage triggers … not just our spouse’s, but maybe more importantly, our own.

“Triggers” is a recent buzz word, but a very old idea. We all have them, but what are they, and how were those hot buttons originally installed? Listen to Part 1 of a two-part episode on triggers, as  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  discuss what they look like in marriage.

We all behave in passive-aggressive ways sometimes. But does it really work for us? Usually, we end up having to deal with the stuff we were trying to avoid in the first place. Could there be a healthier way to manage our mate’s passive-aggressive behavior? In today’s episode,  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  chat about possible ways to assertively deal with our spouse when they’re...

Every married person wants to be happy. But are you looking to your marriage to make you happy? Without realizing it, we can be guilty of expecting our marriage relationship to be the end-all to our needs and desires. In today’s episode,  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  chat about how to keep your marriage from becoming an idol … while also making it the healthiest it can be.

We all know how good it feels to be encouraged and valued by someone’s words. It’s all the more important in marriage … not just because it feels good, but because it’s an important investment in the relationship. In today’s episode,  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  talk about everyday ways you can fill your mate’s love tank with loving words … and who can’t use a little more of th...

Are regrets healthy? Some people don’t think so. Others think they’re necessary for change. When it comes to marriage, how good are you at admitting you have regrets? Listen in to today’s show with  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  as they talk about regrets, and whether or not to have them.

No one really likes to have them. Hard conversations, that is. It’s much easier to avoid them altogether. But if you’re in a close relationship with someone, they come around once in a while. Believe it or not, there is a way to make them a little less painful … maybe even productive. Listen to today’s conversation with  Kellie and Brett Hurst of  Home Encouragement  as they discuss some ways that...

Life is full of transitions. Sometimes very stressful transitions. When you and your spouse are going through transitions, how does it affect your relationship? Do you move toward each other? Or is it easier to take your stress out on each other? If you’re experiencing a shift underneath your feet, listen to today’s conversation with  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement , as they talk a...

When we argue, we sometimes say things we regret. We also say and do things that may seem helpful, but aren’t. Are you unwittingly saying something in the middle of your fight that shuts everything down? Listen to today’s conversation with  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement , as they discuss certain phrases that might be getting in the way of fighting fair.

A follow up to Episode #76, join  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  as they engage in the remaining laws of healthy boundary setting.

Healthy couples know and respect each other’s needs, choices, and freedom. Because of this, they can give themselves freely and lovingly to one another. Respecting each other’s personal boundaries is one way this happens. Want to know how? Tune in to today’s episode with  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  as they unpack the laws of boundaries.

Turnabout is fair play. Our last episode dealt with common complaints of wives. Now it’s the mens’ turn! Tune in to today’s episode with  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  to see if your complaints made the list.

Everyone complains. And married couples are no different. Someone recently compiled a list of the most universal complaints of unhappy wives. Interested in what made the list? Tune in to this episode with  Kellie and Brett Hurst  of  Home Encouragement  to find out.