Welcome to the Expedition Marriage Podcast! We're glad you're here! We're Chris and Jamie Bailey, and we are Christian counselors and marriage coaches. We're here to help you put God in the center of your marriage by sharing some solid biblical truth, along with some practical marriage tips. So, no matter where you're at in your marriage, start getting excited, because we're here to help you Enjoy the Journey!
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Marriagehelp Podcasts
Every week on the Growing In Marriage podcast, we create a space where Christian married couples can rediscover joy, connection, and purpose in their relationship. Hosted by Rich and DeAnna Millentree, each episode dives into real-life challenges—like feeling emotionally distant, navigating unresolved conflicts, or reigniting laughter and intimacy—and offers practical, faith-filled advice to help you turn toward each other and toward God. Through relatable stories, biblical wisdom, and actio ...
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Ep. 164: Dry Seasons in Marriage - How to Navigate the Wilderness Together
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42:30Every marriage walks through dry seasons, times when connection feels absent, emotions run low, and apathy sets in. But a dry season doesn't mean your marriage is dying; it often means God is doing deep, unseen work beneath the surface. In this episode, we're digging into how to recognize, remain in, and receive from the wilderness seasons of marri…
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Ep. 163: Becoming a PhD of Your Spouse: How to Recognize Stress Cues and Respond with Love
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42:22When life gets heavy, stress often shows up in our marriages—not just in words, but in subtle cues, tones, and behaviors. In this episode, Chris and Jamie share why becoming a "PhD of your spouse" is one of the most loving and practical things you can do for your marriage. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why stress "tells" matter and how notici…
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Ep. 162: Letting Go — Trusting God with Your Kids
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1:02:06Letting go isn't easy, especially when it comes to our kids. Whether they're stepping into adulthood, moving far away, or simply living life differently than we expected, this season of release can stir up a mix of emotions: pride, fear, loss, hope, and everything in between. In this raw and heartfelt conversation, we're joined by our friends Brad …
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Remember when you were dating—those extra drives across town, late-night phone calls, sweet notes, and the way you rearranged your whole schedule just to be together? Back then, sacrifice felt natural. But somewhere along the way, many couples lose that intentionality. In this episode, we dive into what it means to rediscover sacrificial love in ma…
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Ep. 160: Just a Little Bit Better: Small Shifts That Move the Needle in Marriage
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39:16Big change isn't always what your marriage needs. In fact, sometimes the most powerful growth comes from the smallest, most consistent choices. In this episode, we talk about how to move the needle forward in your relationship—just 1% at a time—without the pressure of perfection. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why the pressure to fix everythin…
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Ep. 159: When Marriage Hurts: Why Joy Still Matters
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36:48When your marriage is in a painful season, joy might feel like the last thing on your mind. But what if those small, lighthearted moments are not only possible—but essential for healing? In this episode, we're talking about why joy still matters in marriage, even when things hurt. You'll discover how laughter, rest, and simply enjoying each other c…
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Ep. 158: Breaking the Usual Error — How Assumptions Sabotage Your Marriage and What God Says About It
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43:23Have you ever caught yourself assuming you knew what your spouse was thinking or feeling—only to find out you were completely wrong? That's what we call "The Usual Error"—and it's one of the most common causes of conflict, hurt, and disconnection in marriage. In this episode, we'll unpack what the Bible says about making assumptions, why they're bi…
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Ep. 157: When Your Husband Doesn't Share Your Faith — Hope for Spiritually Unequal Marriages
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40:28Marriages Marriage is challenging enough, but when your spouse doesn't share your faith, it can feel like you're walking this journey alone. In this episode, we're diving deep into what it means to be in a spiritually mismatched marriage and how to find hope, peace, and purpose along the way. What You'll Learn in This Episode 1. The Reality of Spir…
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Ep. 156: Curiosity Over Offense — How Staying Spiritually Mature Can Transform Your Marriage
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40:52Have you ever noticed how quickly small misunderstandings can spiral into full-blown conflicts? One simple comment can turn into a wall between you and your spouse if you let offense take over. But spiritual maturity calls us to a different path—one that chooses curiosity, compassion, and connection over pride and defensiveness. In this episode, we…
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Ep. 155: Healing Your Marriage After Chronic Illness
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45:41When chronic illness enters a marriage, it doesn't just affect one person—it touches everything. Routines shift, intimacy changes, energy drops, and even the way you see each other can be altered. In this honest and hope-filled episode, we talk about the silent grief couples carry, the changes they face, and how to begin healing and reconnecting in…
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Ep. 154: When Love Feels Like a Roller Coaster: Understanding the Vacillator in Marriage
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41:18Does your relationship ever feel like it swings from intense connection to deep frustration—and then back again? If so, you may be married to a Vacillator. In today's episode, we're diving into what it's like to live and love with this emotional love style, and how you can find more stability and connection together. 💬 "Being married to a Vacillato…
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Our today's episode of the Growing In Marriage podcast we have a fantastic conversation with author and marriage advocate Meika Harmon about her brand-new book, I'm Sorry. DeAnna had to sit this one out (she wasn't feeling her best), but that didn't stop the good times from rolling (or the belly laughs) from filling the room. Meika opened up about …
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Ep. 153: When One of You Can't Say No: Understanding the Pleaser in Marriage
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39:47Does your spouse always say "yes," avoid conflict, or seem overly focused on making everyone else happy—even at their own expense? You may be married to a Pleaser. In this episode, we're unpacking what it really means to be married to a Pleaser—how this love style forms, how it impacts your relationship, and what both of you can do to create deeper…
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This week, Rich and DeAnna share their favorite things for Fall, cozy candles, chai lattes, board games, pumpkin pie, sweater weather, and more. But this isn't just about personal favorites; it's about how couples can use simple, seasonal joys to connect, laugh, and grow closer. With funny stories (including Rich's shower steamer fail), playful ban…
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Ep. 152: When One of You Shuts Down: Understanding the Avoider in Marriage
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42:07
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42:07Do you ever feel like you're talking to a wall? Or maybe like you're carrying all the emotional weight in your marriage? If so, you might be married to an Avoider—someone who disconnects emotionally, struggles with vulnerability, and often insists they're "fine" when they're anything but. In today's episode, we're taking a deeper look into what emo…
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What if your marriage could feel like friendship again—safe, connected, and filled with laughter? In this episode, Rich and DeAnna pull back the curtain on The Team, their Christ-centered marriage community designed to help couples move beyond "just fine" into real intimacy and joy. You'll hear stories from couples who've experienced transformation…
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Ep. 151: Letting Go of Control: Trusting God with Your Marriage and Your Spouse
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40:48Do you find yourself trying to "fix" your spouse, control the outcome of your marriage, or manage every detail so nothing goes wrong? You're not alone—and you're not broken for feeling that way. But there is a better, more freeing path forward. In this episode, Chris & Jamie unpack why we try to control our marriages, what's really behind that urge…
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251. Without This, Your Marriage Will Never Feel Safe or Fun
49:59
49:59
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49:59What if the real reason your marriage feels distant isn't a lack of love, but a lack of safety? In this episode, Rich and DeAnna unpack what emotional safety is—and what it isn't—and show how it becomes the foundation not just for trust and vulnerability, but for laughter, playfulness, and joy. Through real coaching stories, their own marriage expe…
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Ep. 150: Powerful Emotions Meant to Be Experienced in Your Marriage
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44:02Emotions in marriage aren't the enemy—they're God-given tools meant to stir your heart toward action, deeper intimacy, and meaningful connection. In this episode of Expedition Marriage, Chris & Jamie dive into some common powerful emotions that, when understood and embraced biblically, can strengthen your relationship and reignite passion. You'll d…
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250. Why Your Marriage Can't Survive Without a Support System (and How to Build One That Lasts)
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49:07In this episode of Growing in Marriage, Rich and DeAnna unpack why no couple can thrive in isolation and why building a support system is essential if you want your marriage to last. You'll hear examples of couples who looked perfect on the outside but crumbled in secret—and others who found strength, healing, and accountability by inviting trusted…
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Ep. 149: The Different Decades of Marriage — Every Season Has a Purpose
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45:55
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45:55Marriage is a lifelong journey that evolves with each decade—and every season comes with both its own challenges and its unique purpose. In this episode, Chris & Jamie walk through the different decades of marriage—from the idealistic 20s to the legacy-filled 70s—and share biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for every stage. Whether you're …
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249. Don't Let Your 8-to-5 Destroy Your 'Til Death Do Us Part'
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55:28
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55:28Most affairs don't start in bedrooms—they start in break rooms, chat rooms, gyms, social media spaces, etc. In this episode, we're exposing the subtle workplace habits that can quietly erode trust, intimacy, and faithfulness in your marriage. You'll learn the early warning signs you might already be crossing a line, how to set boundaries that refle…
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Ep. 148: How to Use Your Marriage as Your Best Parenting Tool
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45:56
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45:56When it comes to parenting, most couples focus on discipline strategies, school choices, and managing behavior. But what if one of your most powerful parenting tools isn't a strategy at all—but your marriage itself? In this episode, we'll show you how a Christ-centered, connected marriage naturally overflows into your parenting. The way you love, c…
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248. The 5 Daily Habits Every Thriving Christian Marriage Has (Does Yours?)
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46:03
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46:03In this episode, Rich and DeAnna are walking you through five small, daily habits that every thriving Christian marriage has—and why skipping them could quietly chip away at your connection. You'll hear real, behind-the-scenes stories from our own marriage (sticky hot breath and all), along with practical ways to build emotional safety, deepen spir…
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Ep. 147: Safe and Sound: How to Co-Regulate in Marriage and Become Each Other's Safe Place
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36:59How to Co-Regulate in Marriage and Become Each Other's Safe Place Ever feel like you and your spouse are constantly missing each other emotionally? In this episode, we're talking about the powerful (but often overlooked) practice of co-regulation—and how it can transform your marriage into a place of emotional safety, healing, and connection. We'll…
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Ep. 146:
Leaving and Cleaving: What It Really Means and Why It Still Matters in Marriage
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35:30You've probably heard the phrase "leave and cleave" at some point—maybe in premarital counseling or during your wedding ceremony—but what does it actually mean in everyday married life? In this episode, we unpack the biblical command to leave and cleave (Genesis 2:24) and explore how it goes far beyond the honeymoon stage. Whether you've been marri…
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⛈️ In This Episode: What's your marriage really built on? In today's episode, Chris and Jamie explore what it means to build a marriage that can withstand life's storms. Drawing from Jesus' words in Matthew 7, they'll help you identify if you've unknowingly been building on shaky ground—and show you how to rebuild on the rock-solid truth of Christ.…
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Ep. 144: Is Your Emotional Bucket Overflowing? How to Recognize and Release Emotional Flooding in Marriage
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42:13Have you ever found yourself snapping, shutting down, or numbing out—and not even sure why? You might be experiencing emotional flooding. In this episode, Chris and Jamie unpack what emotional flooding is, how it silently impacts your marriage, and what you can do to find healthy release instead of letting it explode or bury you. Just like a 10-gal…
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Ep. 143: Is Jesus Just a Guest in Your Marriage?
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40:22Most couples say they're Christians—but is Jesus truly at the center of their marriage, or just a guest? In this episode, Chris and Jamie explore what it really means to orient your life and marriage around Christ, not just in name, but in everyday action. We're unpacking the difference between a marriage that's influenced by Jesus and one that's b…
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Ep. 142: When You're Fighting for Your Marriage Alone
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35:52What do you do when it feels like you're the only one fighting for your marriage? Maybe your spouse is emotionally checked out, spiritually distant, or just seems unwilling to grow alongside you. This episode is for the one carrying the weight, wondering if anything is ever going to change. We want you to know: you are not alone, and your faithfuln…
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Ep 141: Learning to Wait Well. Patience, Faith and God's Timing in Marriage
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33:20Have you ever felt like you're just done waiting for things to get better in your life or marriage? Maybe you've been praying —but nothing seems to be changing. In this episode, we're talking about what to do when your patience runs out and how to restore wonder, faith, and trust in God's timing. You'll discover how to wait well, what scripture tea…
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Ep. 140: When the Past Shows Up Uninvited: Understanding Implicit Memory in Marriage
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35:15Have you ever reacted to your spouse in a way that felt a little too big for the moment? Maybe something small set you off, or a simple disagreement left you feeling anxious, shut down, or angry—and you didn't know why. Chances are, your implicit memory was doing the talking. In this episode, we're diving into what implicit memory is, how it quietl…
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Ep. 139: Out with the Old, In with the New: How to Renew Your Marriage God's Way
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36:57If you're tired of repeating the same arguments, feeling stuck in old habits, or just wondering how to truly grow together as a couple—this episode is for you. We're discussing what it really means to renew your marriage God's way—not just through behavior change, but through heart transformation. Straight from Ephesians 4:22–24, we're walking you …
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Ep. 138: When Fools Rush in: What Proverbs Teaches Us About Conflict
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38:17Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment that you immediately regretted? You're not alone—and you're not without hope. In this episode, we're diving into what it means to respond with wisdom instead of reaction in your marriage—especially during those emotionally charged conversations. We'll walk through several Proverbs that offer pr…
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Ep. 137: Feeling Angry, Anxious, or Discouraged in Your Marriage? Let's Talk About It!
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37:42Have you ever found yourself feeling angry, anxious, or just plain discouraged in your marriage—and then wondered what it really means? In this episode, we're taking a closer look at those tough emotions that show up in marriage and what they're actually trying to tell you. You'll learn how: Anger often signals a blocked goal Anxiety often reflects…
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Ep. 136: Games People Play in Marriage: Breaking Free from Relational Patterns
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37:21Have you ever found yourself stuck in the same frustrating cycle with your spouse—arguing over the same thing, reacting the same way, or saying, "Here we go again…"? You might be caught in one of the "games people play" in relationships. In this episode, we explore some of the unconscious patterns couples fall into and how these games sabotage inti…
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Ep. 135: Is Your Phone Silencing What Matters Most?
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38:23Is Your Phone Silencing What Matters Most? In a world full of dings, buzzes, and endless scrolling, it's easy to slowly drift away from the things that matter most—our connection with God, our closeness with our spouse, and the purpose we were created to live out. In today's episode, we're exploring how the enemy uses everyday distractions, especia…
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Ep. 134: First Things First, How to protect your marriage in life's hard and busy seasons
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33:34When life gets overwhelming—whether it's from busyness, health struggles, or a hard season—it's easy to let your marriage quietly slip to the back burner. In today's episode, we're talking about why putting first things first matters more than ever when you're under pressure. We'll explore the hidden costs of busyness, how to recognize when it's ti…
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247. Unlocking Communication Skills for Real Vulnerability & Breakthrough in Your Marriage w/ Monika Farhadi (Part 2)
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48:56This week on the podcast, we are back in the studio with our guest from last week, Monika Farhadi! We're tackling the barriers that keep couples from truly opening up, the difference between hearing and actually listening, and how to create a safe space for vulnerability. Monika shares powerful insights on navigating difficult conversations, recogn…
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246. Unlocking Communication Skills for Real Vulnerability & Breakthrough in Your Marriage w/ Monika Farhadi
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51:19This week on the podcast, we're diving deep into the heart of communication with Monika Farhadi! We're tackling the barriers that keep couples from truly opening up, the difference between hearing and actually listening, and how to create a safe space for vulnerability. Monika shares powerful insights on navigating difficult conversations, recogniz…
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245. Feel Closer & More Connected in Just 14 Days: Your Guide to Embrace
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20:58Feel closer and more connected to your spouse in just 14 days! This week, we're diving into Embrace—our brand-new resource designed to help couples grow closer and communicate better. We're answering the most common questions from couples who want to know what Embrace is all about and whether it's the right fit for their marriage. If you've ever fe…
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244. Respect for Him, Encouragement for Her: What Every Couple Needs to Know
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44:35In this episode, we're tackling two game-changers for a strong marriage—respect and encouragement. If you've ever felt unappreciated or like your efforts go unnoticed, you're not alone! Respect fuels a husband's confidence and leadership, while encouragement reassures a wife that she's valued and cherished. We're breaking down what this looks like …
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243. Married & Craving Connection? Let's Talk About Feeling Emotionally Pursued
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39:13In this episode, we're talking about something every married couple craves—feeling emotionally pursued. It's easy to assume love and connection will just happen, but over time, life gets busy, routines take over, and that intentional pursuit can start to fade. So, what does it really mean to feel emotionally pursued? How can you keep that deep conn…
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242. Young Married & Fighting Fair: Turning Conflict Into Connection with Tyler & Connie Boyd
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1:08:19In this episode, we dive into conflict resolution and forgiveness with Tyler and Connie Boyd, exploring how young married couples can navigate disagreements without letting them spiral out of control. They share personal stories of arguments they handled well (and not so well), along with practical strategies for discussing sensitive topics and mov…
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241. Young Married, Let's Talk Sex: Building Romance and Connection with Tyler & Connie Boyd
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1:07:06In this episode, we get real with Tyler and Connie Boyd about sex, romance, and staying connected in the early years of marriage. From setting healthy expectations for intimacy to navigating tough topics like porn struggles and vulnerability, we cover it all. Tyler and Connie open up about their own journey—what helped them talk openly about their …
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240. Young Married, One Vision: Building Spiritual Growth and Purpose with Tyler & Connie Boyd
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48:37We're continuing our conversation with Tyler and Connie Boyd and this week we are talking about aligning your personal and spiritual goals early in marriage to create a shared vision for the future. They share how they've balanced their individual relationships with God while growing together in faith, plus the spiritual habits that have fueled the…
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239. Young Married Life Unfiltered: Navigating Connection & Communication with Tyler & Connie Boyd
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45:54In this episode, we're chatting with Tyler and Connie Boyd about what it takes to build a strong emotional connection in those early years of marriage. From the small daily habits that deepen intimacy to tackling communication breakdowns, they're sharing their real-life experiences and practical tips. We'll dive into the kinds of conversations that…
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Ep. 133: Midlife Marriage Check-In: 5 Questions to Strengthen Your Marriage
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24:51Is your marriage at a midlife crossroads? Tune in to this episode, where we dive into 5 essential questions every couple should ask to strengthen their relationship. From dreaming about your future together to understanding your personal responsibility in your marriage, we're giving you practical steps to keep your marriage strong and thriving. Plu…
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Ep. 132: Boundaries and the Nervous System
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46:43In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Christine Baker, a trauma specialist and somatic therapist, to explore the connection between setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Boundaries are essential for protecting your peace, especially in toxic relationships or challenging situations, but they can be incredibly difficult to esta…
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Ep. 131: Betrayal Trauma and the Nervous System
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44:20In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Christine Baker, a trauma specialist and somatic therapist, to discuss the impact of betrayal trauma on the nervous system. Betrayal can leave us feeling broken and stuck in patterns of fear and hypervigilance, but understanding how our nervous systems respond is the first step toward healing. Dr. Baker explains…
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