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How To Turn Conflict into Connection | Emil Harker | #22
In this episode, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sit down with therapist Emil Harker to explore how conflict—when handled intentionally—can deepen intimacy. By assuming good intent, validating emotional experiences, responding to criticism with humility, and prioritizing connection over solutions, couples can transform everyday disagreements into outposts of closeness and trust.
Preparing for Marriage and Surviving the First Year | Dr. Mark Ogletree | #21
Drs. Dave and Liz talk with Dr. Mark Ogletree about building a solid marriage foundation. Whether you're engaged, newlywed, or seasoned spouses, discover how to strengthen connection with premarital assessments, conversations on expectations and in-laws, the 12 core traits for marriage, and daily rituals that reignite love—even amid the challenges of the first year.
Discernment Counseling | Dr. Bill Doherty | #20
Dr. Bill Doherty, creator of Discernment Counseling, introduces a short-term path for 'mixed-agenda' couples—where one partner leans in and the other pulls away. In just one to five sessions, this compassionate method helps couples decide between staying married, pursuing therapy, or separating—offering clarity rather than quick fixes. It’s designed to reduce agony by guiding couples toward clarity, courage, and confidence.
Can Marriage Survive Abuse, Affairs, and Addiction? | Geoff Steurer | #19
Dr. Geoff Steurer joins Drs. Dave and Liz to tackle marriage crises marked by abuse, affairs, and addiction—what he calls the ‘Three A’s.’ He unpacks early intervention steps, outlines how 70–80% of marriages survive these traumas, and gives both partners guidance—whether inside or outside the relationship—on how to respond, heal, and rebuild trust.
Relationship Resolutions | Dr. Dave Schramm & Dr. Liz Hale | #18
Kick off the New Year with intention and heart. In this episode, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz share powerful resolutions to intentionally strengthen your relationship: bring adventure into the ordinary, celebrate small wins, say ‘yes’ more often, pause before reacting, practice a soft start in conflict, and create financial transparency. These life-changing tools turn everyday moments into tokens of love and connection.
Getting To The Heart of Connection | Dr. Wally Goddard | #17
Dr. Wally Goddard joins Drs. Dave and Liz to remind us that true connection begins in the heart—not just with skills, but with humility, curiosity, and understanding. Learn how embracing irritation as an invitation, focusing on the 80%, and caring with compassion shifts both your self-awareness and your relationship. This episode invites you to become a healer, not a preacher.
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts | Dr. Les Parrott | #16
Dr. Les Parrott and Dr. Dave break down essential tools for couples—whether engaged, newly married, or long-term partners. From the SYMBIS and PREPARE/ENRICH assessments to forming the habits of cooperation, ownership, respect, and empathy, they discuss binding marriages with intentional habits, healthy conflict, empathy, and lifelong partnership. Discover timeless insights to strengthen your foundation before marriage really begins.
Countering Marriage Myths | Richard & Linda Eyre | #15
Richard and Linda Eyre unpack their latest book, The 8 Myths of Marriaging, reframing harmful beliefs—like the Clone Myth, No-Waves Myth, Independence Myth, and more—that can undermine connection. In this episode, they invite listeners to treat marriage as a verb, practice weekly marriage meetings, and replace myths with intentional truth to build intimacy, commitment, and joy.
Navigating The Holidays After Betrayal | Jill Manning | #14
Betrayal during the holiday season can cause feelings of joy and celebration to turn sour. However, there is hope. Dr. Jill Manning joins Liz to share her expertise in navigating the holidays after betrayal. Get cozy and tune in for a recipe for holiday healing. When betrayal collides with the holidays, joy can feel distant. Dr. Jill Manning urges gentle self-care: simplify traditions, let feelings unfold, journal honestly, and integrate healing into celebrations. Keep your routines grounded—like a walk, a therapy session, or reaching out to a safe ally. These small, intentional actions can light your path toward hope and connection in a season often marked by sting and shame.
A New Perspective on Pornography | Dr. Cameron Staley | #13
In this compassionate and shifting dialogue, Dr. Cameron Staley explores recovery and hope amid compulsive sexual behavior—reframing it as compulsive sexual behavior rather than addiction. Using the river analogy, he guides viewers through short-term allure vs. long-term emotional growth, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and parenting strategies. This post offers practical tools for spouses, individuals, and parents seeking healing and dignity.
What Happened to Our Relationship Connection? 8 'Ds' That Disrupt Intimacy| Dave & Liz | #12
Have you ever wondered why the spark slowly fades? In this episode, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz use a relationship pool metaphor—reminding us that connection needs intentional “cups” added regularly. They then unpack eight common threats to intimacy—from drifting and defensiveness to digital distractions—so couples can become aware and take steps to fill their connection pool before it runs dry.
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.
Happy Hacks: Dr. Dave Schramm’s Texas A&M 2022 Presentation on Positivity & Connection
In his November 2022 “Happy Hacks” presentation at Texas A&M, Dr. Dave Schramm unveils science-backed strategies for living well: focusing on social bonds, cultivating mental positivity, and practicing humility. He explores what truly makes people happy—like emotional “flow,” mindfulness, gratitude, random acts of kindness, and the importance of meeting core needs. This talk blends practical tips with inspiration for deeper connection.
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.
Am I in an Abusive Relationship? | Jill Anderson | #6
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—Dr. Dave Schramm and Jill Anderson, CEO of CAPSA, guide us through recognizing abuse: understand the power & control wheel, decode gaslighting, and learn when to set boundaries. Packed with survivor stories, clear definitions, and practical resources, this episode offers vital clarity and courage for those questioning their relationship dynamics.
How to turn Resentment into Compassion | Dr. Steve Stosny | #5
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Steve Stosny—founder of CompassionPower and author of Empowered Love—reveals how resentment, anger, and emotional disconnection can be offset by compassion, which he calls the lifeblood of intimate relationships. Through powerful ideas like ‘acting on your values, not your feelings’, compassionate assertiveness, and breaking the cycle of negativity, he offers a clear path toward deeper marital connection.
The Key to a Happy Marriage: 4 Principles to Build Connection & Happiness| #4
“Discover why ‘a happy we’ starts with ‘a happy me.’ In episode #4 of the Stronger Marriage Connection, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz unpack four foundational principles—Search Inward, Turn Outward, Look Upward, Press Forward—that guide you toward deeper connection, resilience, and fierce loyalty in your marriage. These simple, intentional steps empower couples to cultivate joy and enduring partnership.