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Therapy For Relationship Wellness | Dr. Don & Carrie Cole | #25
Join the conversation today as Dave and Liz invite doctors Don and Carrie Cole, founders of the Center for Relationship Wellness, onto the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast to bring you some amazing tools and strategies for creating more connection in your relationship. Don and Carrie’s work is backed by years of scientific research with John and Julie Gottman, so you won’t want to miss out on today’s episode!
Marriage Happy Hacks | Dr. Dave Schramm & Dr. Liz Hale | #24
On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection podcast, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz discuss some of the top tips they call “Happy Hacks” that help us flourish as individuals and bring more happiness into our relationships. Strong marriages are built on the virtues and character strengths of the spouses, so join the conversation to learn what you can do starting today to better yourself and your relationship!
How To Continue To Nurture Long Relationships for Seniors | Dr. Dave Schramm ABC 4 Utah
Aging brings its own challenges to long-term relationships—empty nests, health shifts, and falling into routines. Dr. Dave Schramm offers timely, heartwarming advice for seniors watching the ABC-4 Utah segment: try new activities together, pause distractions to keep genuine communication alive, prioritize small moments of physical affection, and balance couple time with individual interests. These simple habits help relationships stay vibrant and deeply connected.
Empty Nest Marriage | Richard & Linda Eyre | #23
Empty nesting can feel like an end—but for Richard & Linda Eyre, it marks a joyful new chapter. In this episode, the Eyres guide couples on rediscovering each other through vision statements, co-grandparenting harmony, ongoing projects, and daily rituals. Learn how to recommit, communicate, and live fully in the present—together again.
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.