Marriage Therapy Radio

Zach sits down with Susie and Paul, a couple who found each other through the comment section of a meditation app, fell in love before ever seeing each other's faces, and eventually moved across the globe to build a life together in Wollongong, Australia. Both came out of 20-year marriages. Both made the decision to leave. And both arrived at this second chapter with a fundamentally different understanding of what a relationship is actually for. The conversation covers a lot of ground: the fear and courage it takes to end a marriage, what the brain does when it's protecting you from change, and why staying in stable misery can feel like the smarter option even when it clearly isn't. Susie, a life coach and host of the Love Your Life Show, talks about how she once saw relationships as a transaction, where she got something and gave something back, and how completely that framing has shifted. Paul, who has spent a decade studying, practicing, and teaching Buddhism and mindfulness, brings a steadying philosophy: you are the creator of your experience, not the victim of your circumstance, and your emotions exist to teach you, not to be avoided. Together they describe a marriage built on two whole people rather than two people trying to complete each other, and what it actually looks like in practice, including how Paul came back after a moment of frustration over grocery bags and said, simply, that he'd been a little unregulated earlier. Susie calls it the sexiest thing a man can do. What makes this episode stick is how honest it is about the cost of the path they took and the fruit of it. All five of their kids, across two blended families, are thriving. And neither Susie nor Paul thinks that's a coincidence. Key Takeaways Guest Info Susie is a life coach and educator who works primarily with women on emotional intelligence, relationships, and parenting. She hosts the Love Your Life Show podcast (now at 400 episodes) and runs a monthly membership called the Love Your Life School, which offers classes on emotional regulation, difficult conversations, and parenting coaching, along with live coaching. She offers a free podcast roadmap at her website for new listeners looking for a starting point. https://smbwell.com/ Paul is Susie's husband and a decade-long practitioner, student, and teacher of Buddhism, mindfulness, and meditation. He is the author of 9756 Miles to Happiness, named for the exact distance between where he and Susie were living when they met. He is offering MTR listeners a free 15-minute consultation through his website, https://www.paulpettit.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with Arlina and Bob Allen, a couple who met in a recovery community over 30 years ago and have been building their marriage with the same tools ever since. What starts as a surprisingly revealing Game of Thrones conversation (they watch it on repeat as a bedtime ritual, and yes, they have strong opinions about House of the Dragon) turns into a grounded, real-world look at how recovery principles translate directly into relational health. Arlina walks through a go-to story from early in their relationship: a tipping dispute at a dinner with friends that spiraled into a full-blown money fight. She breaks down the four-column resentment inventory she learned in recovery, showing how she moved from "it's clearly his fault" to "oh no, I'm the jerk." Bob talks about the role his men's group played as a sounding board, helping him sort through what was his business and what wasn't before bringing anything back to Arlina. Together, they describe a pattern of going to their separate corners, doing individual work, and coming back ready to own their part. The conversation shifts into their current season of life: approaching the empty nest, figuring out what retirement looks like, and trying to answer the question "what kind of experiences do we want to have?" Zach reframes self-care as something that is actually selfish not to do, comparing it to an athlete hiding an injury from their team. Arlina and Bob both affirm that their self-care practices, morning routines, gratitude, exercise, prayer, are what keep them showing up as the best versions of themselves for each other. This is a couple who makes 31 years look like something worth rooting for. Key Takeaways Guest Info Arlina Allen:The 12 Step Guide for Skeptics.Bob Allen: See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach is traveling this week, so this episode features his guest appearance on the Sexology Podcast with Dr. Nazanin Moali. Zach joins Dr. Nazanin Moali on the Sexology Podcast for a conversation about how the emotional climate of a relationship directly shapes what happens (or doesn't happen) in the bedroom. The focus is Negative Sentiment Override, a concept from John Gottman's research that describes what happens when couples get stuck in a pattern where even neutral or well-meaning moments get filtered through a lens of criticism, contempt, or defensiveness. It's the kind of thing that quietly erodes connection without either partner fully understanding why. The conversation covers how positive and negative emotional filters work, why a simple comment about pasta can become a full-blown conflict when trust is low, and how gender socialization plays into desire patterns in ways most couples never talk about. Zach and Dr. Moali also talk about the gap between impulse and response, the role of personal responsibility in conflict, and why contempt carries a particular kind of poison because it comes wrapped in a feeling of superiority. What makes this conversation worth your time is the way it connects relational safety to sexual vulnerability. If your relationship feels charged, tense, or emotionally distant, that almost always shows up in your intimate life too. Zach and Dr. Moali reframe what sex is actually for in a long-term relationship and make the case for scheduling erotic play and expanding what intimacy can look like. It's practical, grounded, and refreshingly honest. Key Takeaways Guest Info This episode is a guest appearance by Zach on the Sexology Podcast. Host: Dr. Nazanin Moali, clinical psychologist and host of the Sexology Podcast Website: sexologypodcast.com Instagram: @sexologypodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with Ron and Catrina, a married couple behind the YouTube music show Covers on the Spot, to find out what happens when you treat a relationship like a live recording session. Ron is the creative director and host of the show, where bands are given a song they have never heard and tasked with covering it in a single day. Catrina is a graphic designer on the same media team at Musora and the quieter half of a pairing that, by their own description, sounds like "something harmonic." Together, they have three kids, a shared workplace, and a relationship built on aligned values and very different processing speeds. Using a "covers on the spot" framework for the conversation, Zach gives Ron and Catrina relationship prompts and asks them to riff. What comes out is a candid look at how they handle conflict, protect their time together, and keep choosing each other through the daily grind of parenting and working side by side. Catrina is open about her tendency toward passive aggression and the work she is doing to change it. Ron talks honestly about learning to stop "winning" arguments and start listening instead. One of the most striking moments comes when Catrina says their relationship at its best sounds like silence: quiet, smooth, still moving. Zach ties it all together with a Ben Folds story about orchestras resolving dissonance, not just difference, and drops one of his signature reframes: repair is more important than resolve. This is an episode for anyone who has ever stayed up until 2 a.m. trying to fix something with their partner and wondered if there was a better way. Key Takeaways Guest Info RonCovers on the SpotCatrinaThe TempestCovers on the SpotYouTube PlaylistMusoramusora.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with Natalie and Dan Slagle, a married couple and co-founders of Fyooz Financial Planning, to explore why money is one of the most charged—and revealing—topics in relationships. Despite being financial professionals, Natalie and Dan found themselves running into the same conflicts as the couples they serve. The issue wasn’t knowledge. It was meaning. They describe how two people can look at the exact same number—$2,700 spent this month—and experience it completely differently. For Natalie, it can trigger scarcity and concern about staying within limits. For Dan, it can represent flexibility and confidence that everything will be okay. Same number. Different story. The conversation explores how those differences are rooted in early experiences: Natalie learning at a young age to separate “needs” from “wants” and take responsibility for the latter, while Dan grew up in a household where generosity and gift-giving shaped his relationship to money. Zach helps reframe the tension: the problem isn’t who’s right—it’s that couples often don’t realize they’re talking about different contexts entirely. One partner may be thinking about this month’s budget, while the other is thinking about long-term security. Natalie and Dan share the simple but powerful practice that changed everything for them: regular, structured money conversations. By sitting down together—often in a public space to keep things grounded—and asking each other how they feel about the numbers, they’ve been able to move from assumption to alignment. The conversation expands beyond finances into time, parenting, and partnership—especially as they navigate building a business together while raising a young child. From learning how to “clock out” of work to intentionally creating space to miss each other again, Natalie and Dan offer a practical and honest look at what it takes to stay connected in a shared life. This episode is a reminder that money problems are rarely about money—they’re about meaning, communication, and learning how to build a shared vision. Key Takeaways feel Guest Info Natalie & Dan Slagle Natalie and Dan are a married couple and co-founders of Fyooz Financial Planning, a firm focused on helping couples align their finances with their values and life goals. Their work sits at the intersection of financial strategy and relational dynamics—helping couples not just manage money, but communicate about it effectively. https://www.fyoozfinancial.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with Hazel Grace and Nico for a wide-ranging conversation about polyamory, relational integrity, and what it actually takes to repair after conflict. Hazel Grace, a relationship coach and educator with a PhD in human sexuality, and Nico, a lumberjack and self-described relationship nerd, share how they’ve built a deeply intentional partnership within a polyamorous relationship structure. They unpack common misconceptions about polyamory—especially the idea that it’s simply about sexual freedom—and explain how their approach is rooted in responsibility, communication, and care for the entire relational ecosystem. Zach asks about Hazel Grace’s framework called The Art of Repair. Drawing from their own childhood experiences, decades of personal healing, and years of coaching couples, They outline a clear process for navigating relational ruptures and restoring trust. Through a real-life example involving a broken ankle and an emotional reaction that escalated quickly, Hazel Grace and Nico demonstrate how repair actually works in practice: pausing to regulate, developing empathy, seeking permission to talk, acknowledging what happened, naming the impact, and then rebuilding integrity. The conversation is a powerful reminder that conflict is inevitable in relationships—but repair is a skill anyone can learn. Key Takeaways responsibility for the impact of your choicesdesign agreements that fit the people involvedavoiding conflict can limit emotional intimacyregulationsafety and consentacknowledgment, empathy, and concrete actions Guest Info Hazel Grace, PhD Hazel Grace is a relationship and intimacy coach specializing in relational healing, sexuality, and communication. They teach workshops and courses on relationship repair and works with individuals and couples to develop deeper intimacy and emotional connection. https://drhazelgrace.comNico Nico is a sawyer—running a mobile sawmill business where he mills lumber directly on clients’ properties. In the winter he works in snow removal in the mountains. He also collaborates with Hazel Grace in relationship workshops and educational programs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with Pete and Tasha, a couple whose relationship was forged in the middle of some of life’s hardest realities: addiction, cancer, caregiving, recovery, and the challenge of staying connected when survival itself becomes the focus. Pete and Tasha met in Boulder after years of each pursuing health and healing in different ways. Tasha had already devoted much of her life to recovery from eating disorders, addiction, and chronic illness, and she knew she wanted a partner who was committed to that same path. Pete initially appeared to be on that path too, but as their relationship deepened, more of his struggle with addiction surfaced. Then, shortly after getting engaged, everything escalated: Pete began experiencing severe symptoms and was ultimately diagnosed with a life-threatening tumor in his mediastinum, wrapped around his trachea and pressing against his heart and lungs. What follows is not just a story about illness. It’s a story about what happens to a couple when one person becomes “the patient” and the other becomes “the caregiver,” and how hard it is to keep that dynamic from hardening into resentment, overfunctioning, codependence, and loss of reciprocity. Pete talks about how cancer forced him to confront not only his physical condition but the deeper patterns underneath his addiction and lifestyle. Tasha reflects on the toll of supporting him through treatment while also trying not to lose herself in fixing, managing, and carrying too much. Together, they explore what it means to heal in relationship: how trust gets rebuilt after dishonesty, how accountability has to become daily practice, and how love matures when both people are willing to face their own patterns. They describe practical tools they now use—like regular honesty check-ins, weekly date nights, therapy, and explicit conversations about support, food, recovery, and emotional responsibility—to keep their relationship from sliding into the old “nagging wife / resentful husband” script. This is a deeply layered conversation about partnership under pressure, and about choosing each other not just in romance, but in recovery, grief, health, and the long work of becoming whole. Key Takeaways Serious illness can expose everything already under strain in a relationship Addiction and cancer may look different, but both can force deep reckoning with identity, pain, and self-responsibility Caregiving can become overfunctioning if couples are not intentional about reciprocity Honesty has to be practiced, not assumed Recovery is not just individual; it reshapes the couple dynamic Love is not enough without accountability, boundaries, and tools Trust can be rebuilt, but it requires repeated truth-telling Healing together means learning how not to collapse into patient/caregiver roles forever Guest Info PetePete is the founder of Evolve Health https://www.evolvvhealth.com, where he supports cancer patients through coaching and resource navigation after his own experience with cancer treatment and recovery. TashaTasha is a therapeutic mentor who works with people recovering from chronic illness, addiction, and eating disorders, helping them better understand their patterns and develop healing tools for a more resilient life. Her practice is Resilient Grace https://www.resilient-grace.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One year ago, Robin and Hector came on the show after their first year together. Now they’re back for a relationship “State of the Union.” Using a framework from the Gottman Method, Zach walks them through four powerful questions designed to help couples stay connected, prevent resentment, and strengthen emotional safety: What did we get right? How can I specifically appreciate you? Is there anything we need to repair? What’s coming up, and how can I support you? What unfolds is a masterclass in intentional love. They talk about: Learning empathy at a deeper level Building safety through micro-moments Giving each other the benefit of the doubt Taking accountability before blame creeps in Naming insecurities instead of letting them grow Supporting each other through major life transitions Robin is launching her book Real Love Ready: A Guide to Relational Literacy. Hector is preparing for a major hiking trip. They’re opening a taco shop. They’re blending families. They’re building businesses. And through it all, they’re keeping their relationship clear. This episode is both an update and a practical tool you can use immediately in your own relationship. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to conduct a weekly “State of the Union” conversation Why positive sentiment must come before hard conversations The power of leading with accountability instead of accusation How empathy transforms conflict Why repair attempts should happen quickly How to name insecurities before they become explosions What it means to “keep the relationship clear” How to support your partner through busy seasons The Four Questions (State of the Union Framework) If you want to try this at home, here are the questions Zach uses: What did we get right this week? How can I specifically appreciate or celebrate you? Is there anything we need to repair, revisit, or apologize for? What’s coming up, and how can I support you? When practiced regularly, this keeps small issues from turning into big ones—and builds an emotional bank account that protects your relationship. Guest Info Robin Founder of Real Love Ready Website: https://www.realloveready.com Conference (In Bloom): April 10–12 Book: Real Love Ready: A Guide to Relational Literacy (Available April 7) Robin’s work centers around relational literacy—breaking down big relationship concepts into practical, learnable skills. Hector Entrepreneur, chef, and emotional growth enthusiast. Co-founder of their upcoming taco venture Creator of a long-perfected chili oil recipe (15 years in the making!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this final session of the three-part series, Brian and Kristen reflect on what has shifted—and what still feels tender. They don’t have “big crimes” in their marriage. No betrayal. No catastrophe. What they have are patterns. And the courage to look at them. This episode centers on their struggle around the language of “over-functioner” and “under-functioner.” What started as a helpful framework became a pain point—especially for Brian, whose family-of-origin history makes accusations of “not doing enough” land deeply. Zach helps them untangle what’s really underneath the label: It’s not about over-functioning. It’s about expectations. It’s about connection before correction. It’s about role clarity. It’s about appreciation. Through a simple example—a snowy driveway on the day they learned a friend had died—the couple sees how context, grief, and unmet expectations can spiral quickly. But they also discover something new: Brian doesn’t need fewer requests. He needs more connection and appreciation first. Kristen doesn’t need better labels. She needs help carrying the mental and emotional load. In the end, they shift from asking, “Who’s over- or under-functioning?” to asking: Who’s showing up right now—and how can we show up better for each other? Key Takeaways Labels can illuminate—but they can also wound Context (stress, grief, hunger, fatigue) matters more than theory Connection before correction changes everything Over-functioning often hides an unspoken request for help Defensiveness often protects an old family-of-origin wound Appreciation softens difficult conversations “What do you want more of?” is more useful than “What do you want less of?” Playing the long game means collaborating, not competing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brian and Kristen return after completing their homework: mapping their recurring conflict pattern step-by-step. And something shifts. Instead of focusing on who’s right, they begin identifying when the pattern starts, how it escalates, and where they might choose something different. They talk about having a “good week,” more laughter, and fewer misunderstandings—but Zach presses deeper: Was it luck, or was it intentional? What unfolds is a layered conversation about stress, chronic pain, medication changes, PMS, defensiveness, and the powerful internal story Brian carries that says, “If there’s a problem, it must be me.” Zach helps them connect the dots between depression’s lies, physiological stress, and how quickly neutral requests can turn into personal threat. The couple names their 10-step pattern openly—fight or flight, overthinking, mounting a defense, physical withdrawal—and begins experimenting with something new: interrupting the script before it reaches step six. This episode isn’t about resolution. It’s about pattern awareness and learning how to redirect before old muscle memory takes over. They close by identifying the next layer to explore in Episode 3: their over-functioner / under-functioner dynamic—and how it triggers deeper family-of-origin wounds. Key Takeaways A “good week” is often intentional, not accidental Externalizing the problem (“us vs. the schedule”) strengthens the team Physiological stress (sleep, pain, hormones, meds) directly impacts conflict Depression distorts perception and reinforces “I’m the problem” narratives Defensiveness often protects something deeply valuable Mapping a conflict pattern creates space for choice Interrupting the script—even once—builds momentum Repair matters more than resolution “Something new” is the antidote to “more of the same” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach begins a three-part series with Brian and Kristen, longtime MTR listeners who volunteered to work through their marriage challenges in real time. Brian and Kristen have been together for more than two decades and credit Marriage Therapy Radio as a resource that helped them find language for patterns they felt—but couldn’t name. They describe how listening separately (not together) gave them neutral ground to reflect, build vocabulary, and bring conversations back into their marriage without escalating conflict. The focus of this first session is a familiar cycle: Brian’s defensiveness, Kristen’s experience of being misunderstood, and the growing frustration around repair always landing on one partner. Zach helps them slow the pattern down, name the dynamics at play, and examine how early family modeling, parenting pressure, and long-term habits have shaped their responses to conflict. Rather than trying to “fix” the marriage, this episode centers on clarity: understanding what actually happens when things go off the rails, differentiating between feeling attacked and being attacked, and identifying where each partner has agency. Zach reframes responsibility not as blame, but as freedom—emphasizing that each partner can choose how they show up regardless of the other’s behavior. The episode closes with a concrete assignment: mapping their recurring argument step-by-step so they can externalize the pattern and begin changing it together in the next session. Key Takeaways Long marriages still require new skills as life circumstances change Defensiveness often comes from perceived threat, not actual attack Feeling misunderstood can be as painful as being criticized Responsibility is most powerful when it’s chosen, not demanded Repair patterns can unintentionally create resentment Taking breaks during conflict can prevent escalation and shutdown Naming the pattern creates options for change Playfulness and lightness are essential for long-term connection Why This Episode Matters This episode offers a rare, transparent look at the beginning of relational work—not the polished outcome. Brian and Kristen model what it looks like to be curious, honest, and willing to be seen while still feeling stuck. For listeners, this is an invitation to recognize familiar patterns in their own relationships and to remember: insight is the first step, not the finish line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with Casey and Meygan Caston, founders of Marriage365, to talk about how a marriage that nearly collapsed in year three became the foundation for a global relationship resource. Both Casey and Meygan grew up surrounded by divorce, affairs, and unresolved conflict. Determined not to repeat their parents’ patterns, they entered marriage with optimism—but no tools. By year three, resentment, blame, and emotional shutdown had taken over, and Meygan found herself convinced she had made the biggest mistake of her life. What changed everything wasn’t mutual effort at first—it was personal responsibility. After starting therapy alone, Meygan learned boundaries, emotional regulation, and how to take ownership of her part of the dance. Thirteen months later, her changed posture toward conflict forced a shift in the relationship dynamic, and Casey began doing his own work. Together, they share how changing one partner changes the entire system; why marriage is not about solo dancing; and how resentment—not communication—is usually the real problem couples face. Zach weaves in his own frameworks around adulthood, repair, and the “dance” of relationship, while Casey and Meygan offer practical insight from years of coaching couples in crisis. The conversation also explores forgiveness, curiosity, intentional choice, cultural myths about love, and why healthy marriages are built through habits—not hope. Key Takeaways You’re not stuck – Changing yourself changes the relationship system. Marriage is a team sport – Two people dancing separately isn’t partnership. Resentment breaks communication – Most “communication problems” are really unresolved hurt. Repair requires ownership – A real apology validates pain and invites rebuilding trust. Acceptance matters – Forgiveness doesn’t have to be instant, but honesty does. Curiosity beats defensiveness – Looking inward is the first step toward growth. Feelings fluctuate; choices endure – Love is sustained through intentional action. Differences aren’t the enemy – Harmony comes from resolving dissonance, not eliminating it. Guest Info Casey & Meygan Caston Casey and Meygan are the founders of Marriage365, a relationship coaching platform dedicated to helping couples build intentional, resilient marriages. Drawing from their own near-divorce story and years of coaching experience, they offer practical tools, habits, and frameworks for repair, communication, and connection. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marriage365/ New Book The Marriage Habit — releasing February 3, 2026A practical, habit-based framework for couples who want clarity on how to build a strong marriage—not just why it matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with David and Lisa, long-time partners and leaders in the escape room world, to explore what thousands of hours of collaborative problem-solving have taught them about communication, conflict, and teamwork. They talk about why escape rooms reward kindness over brilliance, why “being right” is a losing strategy, and how the habits that help teams escape under pressure are the same ones that help couples thrive in real life. From debriefing mistakes without blame to celebrating small wins—even when you lose—this conversation offers a surprisingly practical framework for building resilient, collaborative relationships. Key Takeaways Escape rooms reward communication and kindness, not intelligence or dominance The fastest way to lose—both in games and relationships—is trying to win alone Healthy teams normalize double-checking, feedback, and shared responsibility Conflict works best when it happens after the pressure, not during it Strong partnerships focus on learning from mistakes, not litigating them Celebrating small wins matters—even when the overall outcome isn’t perfect Mutual respect and curiosity are foundational to long-term collaboration Guest Info David & LisaPartners in life and business, David and Lisa are leading voices in the escape room community. They have played more than 1,300 escape rooms worldwide, built a global community of players, and help people experience collaborative play through reviews, tours, and industry leadership. They are the team behind Room Escape Artist, a trusted resource for discovering high-quality escape rooms around the world, and they also run curated escape room tours that bring players together across cities and countries. Website: https://roomescapeartist.com Email: contact@roomescapeartist.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with Courtney and Nathan Boyer, a couple married for over twenty years, parenting three kids, and living overseas on a U.S. military base in Germany. Courtney and Nathan share the story of a major turning point in their marriage—when Courtney asked to open the relationship after years of suppressing her needs, identity, and desire. Raised in a strict religious culture, Courtney explains how she spent much of her marriage prioritizing her husband’s career and her role as a mother, slowly becoming resentful and disconnected from herself. Nathan, a military physician, reflects on how his drive for achievement and constant “next step” mindset left him unaware of how much was being lost along the way. The couple walks through the six-month conversation that followed Courtney’s request—marked by resistance, fear, patience, and an honest willingness to walk away if they couldn’t find a way forward together. Nathan shares what it was like to realize he is deeply monogamous at his core, while Courtney names polyamory as an essential part of her identity rather than a lifestyle choice. They also talk candidly about shame, public backlash, parenting through non-traditional choices, and the surprising ways opening the relationship strengthened their emotional and sexual connection. Throughout the conversation, Zach highlights the importance of long-form conversations, adult responsibility, and the courage it takes to renegotiate a marriage rather than quietly disappear inside it. This episode is a nuanced, human look at love, consent, identity, and what it means to grow without abandoning one another. Key Takeaways Long-term marriages go through distinct cycles tied to life stages, not just emotions Suppressing needs often leads to resentment, not stability Identity shifts don’t happen overnight—they require long conversations Consent includes the real option to walk away Monogamy and polyamory can coexist in one marriage with clarity and care Erotic energy and trust can grow through expansion, not just exclusivity Adult relationships require ongoing renegotiation, not silent endurance Guest Info Courtney Boyer Relationship coach, author, and creator behind The Monopoly Couple. Courtney writes and speaks about identity, desire, religious conditioning, and non-traditional relationships. Website: https://www.courtneyboyercoaching.com/ Book: Opened (launching February 17)https://www.courtneyboyercoaching.com/store/p/opened Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonopolycouple/ Nathan Boyer Military physician and longtime partner to Courtney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with Glenn and Jodie, a married couple whose relationship has been shaped by cancer, caregiving, entrepreneurship, and a shared commitment to facing life side-by-side. Their story includes an early breast cancer diagnosis shortly after getting engaged, multiple recurrences over the years, and a present-day reality of living with cancer as a chronic condition. Through it all, Glenn and Jodie describe how the illness became something external to their marriage—an adversary they face together rather than a wedge between them. They talk openly about caregiving, helplessness, perspective, and how repeated medical crises stripped away the impulse to sweat small things. Glenn reflects on learning how to show up when he couldn’t “fix” anything, while Jodie shares how being cared for reshaped her understanding of partnership and trust. The conversation also explores the everyday friction of working together—different wiring, different priorities, and Glenn’s self-identified ADD—along with Zach’s reframing of conditions like cancer and ADHD as things couples must externalize rather than personalize. They close by sharing the work they now do together through their businesses and podcast, Couples, Inc., where they help couples who run businesses navigate boundaries, roles, and relationship health. This episode is a grounded, hopeful look at what it means to fight the right thing—and to stay on the same team over the long haul. Key Takeaways Externalize the problem – Cancer, ADHD, and other conditions aren’t your partner; they’re what you face together. Caregiving is connection – Showing up consistently matters more than having solutions. Perspective changes priorities – Repeated health crises reduced conflict around “small stuff.” Different wiring isn’t disrespect – Productivity styles and attention differences require collaboration, not blame. Mindset precedes tactics – Tools only work when used without resentment or superiority. Play the long game – Healthy relationships focus on reducing the same pain points year over year. Being on the same team is intentional – Unity doesn’t happen automatically; it’s practiced. Guest Info Glenn & Jodie Glenn and Jodie are married partners in life and business. They co-own Living Pink Communications, a marketing firm inspired by Jodie’s ongoing experience with breast cancer, and host the Couples, Inc. podcast, which supports couples who run businesses together. Website: https://livingpinkcommunications.com/ Podcast: https://couplesincpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with couples therapist and author Colette Jane Fehr and her husband Steve Fehr for a candid conversation about second marriage, difference, repair, and what therapy really does—and doesn’t—solve. Colette and Steve met later in life after very different first marriages and divorces. She’s an emotionally expressive, extroverted therapist from New York; he’s a reserved, analytical CPA from Kentucky. On paper, they couldn’t be more different—but from their first night talking for hours at a diner, something clicked. They talk openly about blending families with four teenage daughters, the strain that season put on their marriage, and how therapy became not a last resort but an ongoing resource. Steve reflects on learning—slowly—to speak up before resentment builds, while Colette names her own pattern of over-explaining and chasing understanding when she feels disconnected. The conversation explores how repair actually works in real marriages: who apologizes first, why pauses matter, how shame gets in the way, and why growth is measured in years—not moments. They also share what they’re navigating now: demanding careers, a major book launch, and the need to reinvest in their relationship after a season of borrowing against it. This episode is an honest look at what long-term partnership looks like when both people stay willing to learn, practice, and keep showing up—imperfectly. Key Takeaways Therapy isn’t a referee – Real change happens when each person does their own work, not when someone “wins.” Quiet creates distance – Avoiding small conversations leads to resentment and emotional shutdown. Pausing prevents damage – Taking space can be protective when emotions run hot. Repair matters more than perfection – Apologies don’t require total agreement—just ownership. Different nervous systems need different timing – One partner may need space while the other seeks immediate connection. Growth is gradual – Being better than five years ago counts—and so does staying open to future growth. Relationships require reinvestment – Work seasons drain connection unless time and intention are restored. Guest Info Colette Jane Fehr Couples therapist, speaker, podcast host, and author of The Cost of Quiet, releasing February 2026 https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book. Colette specializes in helping individuals and couples break patterns of avoidance and learn self-connected communication. Website: https://www.colettejanefehr.com Steve Fehr CPA and finance professional with over 30 years of experience. Steve brings a grounded, analytical perspective to conversations about communication, emotional labor, and long-term partnership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach looks back on a standout year of conversations by revisiting some of the most meaningful, memorable, and instructive moments from past episodes. Zach introduces each segment, offering context and reflection on why these moments matter and how they connect to the bigger picture of relational health. Across these clips, you’ll hear stories of intimacy rebuilt, grief held with humor, trust repaired, creativity sustained, and partnerships strengthened through intentional work. Whether you’re catching up, revisiting favorites, or discovering episodes you missed, this episode offers a thoughtful snapshot of what the show has been exploring all year: how real people do the real work of staying connected. Couples featured in this episode include: Susan & Tim Bratton — Episode 394 https://marriagetherapyradio.com/ep-394 Kimberly Crossman & Tom Walsh — Episode 396 https://marriagetherapyradio.com/ep-396 Karen Whitehouse & Helen McLaughlin — Episode 401 https://marriagetherapyradio.com/ep-401 Tarah & EJ Kerwin — Episode 368 https://marriagetherapyradio.com/ep-368 Baya Voce & Emmy Bush — Episode 374 https://marriagetherapyradio.com/ep-374 Additional episodes mentioned by Zach: Victoria Shalet & Adam James — Episode 379 https://marriagetherapyradio.com/ep-379 Brian & Toby — Episode 392 https://marriagetherapyradio.com/ep-392 Billy & Melissa Hokacker — Episode 384 https://marriagetherapyradio.com/ep-384 Jennifer & Andres — Episode 391 https://marriagetherapyradio.com/ep-391 Zach’s Mom & Stepdad — Episode 383 https://marriagetherapyradio.com/ep-383 Ira & Andrea — Multi-Episode Arc (Episodes 307–399) https://marriagetherapyradio.com/ep-397 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with Dana and Sean, a couple whose nearly 30-year relationship includes teenage pregnancy, early marriage, deep faith, repeated infidelity, and an extraordinary rebuilding process that reshaped their marriage from the ground up. Dana and Sean met as children at church, reconnected in high school, and married young after an unplanned pregnancy—long before either of them knew who they were or how marriage actually worked. Pressured by religious expectations and carrying unresolved childhood trauma, they entered marriage already fractured. What followed were years of struggle: emotional immaturity, financial stress, multiple affairs, and seasons where staying together felt impossible. Instead of walking away, they chose the slow, painful work of rebuilding. Sean entered therapy to understand himself before trying to understand his wife. Dana learned to confront her own patterns, pride, and expectations—anchoring herself in faith, presence, and radical honesty. Together, they rejected shallow answers and chose accountability, counseling, and humility. Now parents of four children (ages 26–16), Dana and Sean reflect on how faith became not a rulebook but a living presence—the “third strand” that sustained them when their marriage felt dead. They talk candidly about selfishness, stubborn hope, and why staying isn’t about endurance but about vision: building a marriage their children would actually want to emulate. This conversation is raw, grounded, and deeply hopeful—a reminder that resurrection is possible, even after years of damage. Key Takeaways Early marriage magnifies unhealed trauma – Getting married young without self-knowledge set them up for struggle from the start. Staying isn’t passive – Rebuilding required therapy, in-home separation, humility, and consistent effort from both partners. Self-work precedes relationship work – Sean learned that understanding himself was essential before he could truly love Dana. Faith as presence, not pressure – Their spirituality evolved from rigid rules to lived connection and daily surrender. Infidelity doesn’t have to be the end – While not prescribing staying, they show what repair can look like when both partners commit to real change. Love languages come from childhood – Sean gives gifts; Dana craves quality time—both rooted in how they were raised. Resurrection is real – A marriage can be “dead dead” and still come back stronger the second time around. Vision sustains commitment – They stayed not just for the kids, but to model a marriage worth choosing. Guest Info Dana is a marriage coach, speaker, and host of the podcast Rebuilding Us, where she shares honest conversations about infidelity, faith, and marriage repair. She is known for her commitment to authenticity and refusal to offer shallow advice. Website: https://danache.com/ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrsdanache/?hl=en⁠ Sean is a firefighter who prefers life behind the scenes. His willingness to engage in therapy, self-reflection, and accountability played a central role in their rebuilding process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with Justin and Kylie Coulson, parents of six daughters and co-creators of the Happy Families movement. What unfolds is a deeply honest conversation about failure, repair, intention, and the long road toward building a family culture that actually feels good to live in. Justin shares a pivotal early-parenting moment that became the turning point of his life: a loss of control with one of their young children that forced him to confront who he was becoming as a father and husband. Kylie describes the clarity she felt in that moment—her love for Justin alongside her unwavering commitment to her children’s safety—and how that line in the sand changed everything. From there, the conversation traces Justin’s radical career pivot from radio to psychology, the years of study and sacrifice that followed, and the birth of the Happy Families philosophy. Together, Justin and Kylie unpack what “happy” actually means—not the absence of hardship, but the presence of connection, safety, and shared joy, especially around the family table. They share the simple but powerful structures they use to stay aligned: weekly check-ins, quarterly retreats, and a three-question framework that replaces blame with collaboration. Through stories of totalled cars, hard choices, and repaired moments, Justin and Kylie show how families are built—not through perfection, but through practised responses, accountability, and love that stays bigger than the mess. Key Takeaways We always get to choose our response – Circumstances don’t dictate behavior; intention does. People matter, things don’t – Safety, connection, and relationship always come before stuff. Happy families are built, not inherited – Skills like communication, repair, and emotional regulation are learnable. Hardship doesn’t cancel happiness – Joy is found in meaning, not ease. Repair builds trust – Conflict isn’t the enemy; unresolved conflict is. Structure creates safety – Regular check-ins and retreats help families stay aligned. Blame kills collaboration – Asking “How can we support each other?” changes everything. The table is the vision – A family that wants to be together is the real measure of success. Guest Info Justin & Kylie Coulson Justin Coulson is a parenting expert, author, psychologist, and founder of Happy Families (https://happyfamilies.com.au/). He hosts Australia’s most-downloaded parenting podcast, The Happy Families Podcast, and appears on national television. Kylie Coulson is his partner in parenting and purpose, bringing clarity, steadiness, and lived wisdom to their work together. They are parents of six daughters, grandparents to one (and counting), and passionate advocates for intentional family culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach sits down with Kristan and Brook Seaford, a couple whose marriage was transformed overnight when Kristan contracted a rare and catastrophic infection in 2013. What began as strep throat and the flu quickly escalated into pneumonia, sepsis, organ failure, septic shock, and ultimately the loss of both hands, one foot, and part of the other—a 108-day medical ordeal across six hospitals that changed her life and their family forever. But what unfolds in this interview is not just a medical story—it’s a relationship story. Kristan describes the grief of returning home to a toddler who no longer recognized her, the ache of losing the physical abilities that once defined her identity, and the spiritual shift from fierce independence to complete dependence on God. Brook shares his own transformation as the family’s roles flipped overnight—learning to parent five children, run a home he once took for granted, and support a partner rebuilding her life. Together, Kristan and Brook talk about humor as survival, forgiveness as practice, community as a lifeline, and the unexpected gifts that emerged from unimaginable loss. They explore how their affection, partnership, and independence have evolved, how they’ve adapted to enjoy life together in new ways, and how their children have grown stronger, more empathetic, and more capable because of what their family lived through. Kristan now speaks publicly about resilience, faith, and healing—and this conversation demonstrates the courage and compassion at the heart of her work. Key Takeaways A medical miracle and a marital transformation – Kristan survived sepsis and organ failure, losing limbs but gaining a deeper sense of gratitude, faith, and purpose. Roles reversed overnight – Brook shifted from traditional breadwinner to full-time caregiver and household manager, discovering new respect for the invisible labor of parenting and home life. Anger and grief show up differently – She grieved deeply but rarely felt anger; he felt anger for her, mourning all that had been taken from someone he loved. Rebuilding attachment takes intention – Their 13-month-old daughter was terrified when Kristan came home—so Kristan slept on the nursery floor for months to rebuild their bond. Humor is holy – Dark humor and playful banter became a coping mechanism for both the trauma and the awkward social moments that followed. The story shaped their kids – Their five children grew more independent, responsible, and compassionate as they adapted to new family rhythms. Partnership evolves – Though physical limitations changed what activities they can share, they now intentionally seek “new fun” together—breweries, museums, comedy clubs, creative classes, and cruises instead of scuba diving. Her disability makes her a better counselor – Kristan says she isn’t a good mom, wife, or therapist despite what happened—but in many ways because of it. Guest Info Kristan Seaford Speaker, therapist, author, and survivor. Kristan shares her story of catastrophic illness, limb loss, resilience, and faith through her counseling practice and speaking engagements. Learn more at https://www.kristanseaford.com/. Brook Seaford Pastor, father, and caregiver whose perspective brings honesty, steadiness, and depth to the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.