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The 7 Financial Blind Spots Every Couple Should Know | Dee Zimmerman | 198
Financial relationship coach Dee Zimmerman reveals seven common financial blind spots that can quietly create stress, resentment, and disconnection in marriage. Dee explains why money problems often go deeper than dollars and budgets, reflecting differences in values, fears, family histories, and dreams for the future. Couples will learn how to recognize hidden financial stress, create shared financial goals, communicate more effectively about money, and build systems that support both their finances and their relationship.
How A Love Life Advisor Can Help Couples Rebuild Connection | Lea Haber | 197
Global relationship coach and clinical sexologist Dr. Lea Haber joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to explain what it means to have a “personal trainer” for your love life. Lea explores the quiet disconnection that can pull couples apart, why small moments of intentional connection matter, and how desire changes in long-term relationships. She also shares practical ways couples can strengthen communication, intimacy, curiosity, and shared vision before serious problems develop.
The ABCD's Of A Technology Family Detox | Arlene Pellicane | 196
Author and speaker Arlene Pellicane talks about how technology is shaping family life—and what parents can do when screens begin replacing sleep, hobbies, conversations, and face-to-face connection. Drawing from her book The Great Tech Reset, Arlene explains the “ABCD harms” of technology and shares practical ideas for setting healthier boundaries around smartphones, social media, video games, and AI.
"Stop Doing That! It's Driving Me Crazy?" Misophonia in Marriage | Thomas Phelan | 195
Clinical psychologist and author of “1-2-3 Magic” Dr. Thomas Phelan joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to explore misophonia, a condition where everyday sounds like chewing, breathing, sniffing, or throat clearing can trigger intense emotional reactions.
How To Keep The SPARK Alive In Marriage | Dan Purcell | 194
Marriage intimacy coach Dan Purcell explains how couples can keep friendship, fun, emotional connection, and sexual intimacy alive throughout marriage. Dan reveals why losing the spark may be common, but it isn’t inevitable. From intentionally dating your spouse and practicing emotional check-ins to staying curious about who your partner is becoming, couples can use small, consistent efforts to keep growing together. Dan also shares resources designed to make connection easier, including his new Sparked app.
How Fear and Anxiety Sabotage Intimacy in Marriage | Sami Shun | 193
In this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, licensed psychologist Dr. Sami Chun joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to explore how fear, anxiety, pressure, and misunderstandings can interfere with sexual intimacy and emotional connection. Sami introduces a new way to think about sex through safety, excitement, and connection, while explaining how anxiety, pain, and loneliness can point couples toward needs that deserve attention rather than avoidance.
Start With RELATE To Build A Stronger Marriage Connection | Sonnet Hintze | 192
Licensed marriage and family therapist Sonnet Hintze joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to discuss why strong marriages benefit from preparation and intentional investment before problems arise. Sonnet shares how premarital education, the RELATE relationship assessment, the Five Love Languages, and practical relationship tools can help couples better understand one another, strengthen communication, and build lasting connection.
Rebuilding Desire in Your Marriage | Vanessa Cushing | 189
Sexual intimacy can be a powerful source of connection in marriage, but shame, avoidance, unrealistic expectations, and differences in desire can quickly create distance. Licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist Vanessa Cushing joins Dave and Liz to discuss desire discrepancy, performance anxiety, pornography, sexual trauma, and the importance of honest communication.
The Hidden Link Between Sex, Health, and Desire | Laura How | 188
Sexual intimacy can play an important role in emotional connection, relationship satisfaction, and overall well-being. Relationship therapist Laura How joins Dr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm to explore sexless marriages, differences in sexual desire, and the physical and emotional benefits of a healthy sexual relationship.
Unpacking Bad Marriage Advice | Monica Tanner | #144
Now’s the time to challenge tired relationship clichés. Monica Tanner, author of Bad Marriage Advice: 15 Myths That Are Keeping You Miserable, unpacks popular sayings like 'Happy wife, happy life' and 'Don’t sweat the small stuff.' She explains how these well-meaning ideas often backfire—creating resentment, imbalance, and stagnation—and calls for curiosity, collaboration, and early coaching to foster true connection.
A Better You Makes a Better Marriage | Casey & Meygan Caston | #11
Casey and Meygan Caston—once labeled the couple least likely to succeed—share their inspiring journey of transformation with Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz. They discuss how COVID tested their bond, how personal growth and healthy boundaries rekindled trust, and how simple practices like ‘The 60-Second Blessing’ or check-ins can build lasting connection. If you want a better marriage, start with yourself.
Connection is The First Priority | John Howard | #10
In Episode #10, guest John Howard explores how connection—not communication—is what truly matters, grounded in neuroscience. Drawing from his book More Than Words, he shares connection “hacks”—nonverbal cues rooted in the nervous system—and tips for partnering through vulnerability, shifting from ‘I’ to ‘we’, and communicating love beyond words. These practical tools help deepen bonds in families and marriages.
Celebrating Anniversaries | Dr. Dave Schramm & Dr. Liz Hale | #9
Every relationship can fall into routine—and anniversaries can help reset that drift. In this conversation, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz share four heartfelt tips—be authentic, attentive, appreciative, and affectionate—to make anniversaries meaningful opportunities for connection, renewal, and growth. Discover ways to celebrate in ways that reflect your unique love and keep your marriage vibrant.
Turning a Difficult Marriage Around | Jeff Forte | #8
Feeling stuck in your marriage? In this episode, Jeff Forte shares how one person’s commitment—through presence, vision, and intentional interaction—can transform even the most challenging relationships. From navigating stress like COVID to creating ‘The 90-Minute Marriage Miracle,’ Jeff reveals how focusing on what can change restores connection and hope. Listen to learn how small shifts lead to extraordinary turnaround.
Put Down The Phone - Tech Effects on Connection | Dr. Brandon McDaniel | #7
In this episode, Dr. Dave and guest Brandon McDaniel, PhD, dive into the subtle yet powerful impact of technology use on our closest relationships. Brandon explains his term “technoference”—when phones and screens interfere with face-to-face connection. He emphasizes that 'not all technology is bad,' but offers practical advice for managing our tech habits, setting boundaries, and reclaiming real, meaningful connection.