Épisodes

  • Daily Acts of Love Build Strong Intimate Marriages | Dr. Alexandra Solomon | #118

    Daily Acts of Love Build Strong Intimate Marriages | Dr. Alexandra Solomon | #118
    Feb 3 2025
    Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zjuKWgivYNo Today Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a renowned relationship expert, joins Dr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm to discuss daily practices for love, relational self-awareness, and fostering intimacy. The conversation dives into overcoming relationship stagnation, understanding family of origin influences, and managing differences in relationship work. Learn how small, intentional actions and curiosity can transform your marriage into a thriving, intimate partnership. About Dr. Solomon: Dr. Alexandra H. Solomon, PhD, is internationally recognized as one of today's most trustedvoices in the world of relationships, and her framework of Relational Self-Awareness hasreached millions of people around the globe. A couple’s therapist, speaker, author, andprofessor, Dr. Solomon is passionate about translating cutting-edge research and clinicalwisdom into practical tools people can use to bring awareness, curiosity, and authenticity totheir relationships. She is a clinician educator and a frequent contributor to academic journals,and she translates her academic and therapeutic experience to the public through her popularInstagram page, which has garnered over 200K followers. She is on faculty in the school ofEducation and Social Policy at Northwestern University and is a licensed clinical psychologistat The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Her hit podcast, Reimagining Love, reachestens of thousands of listeners across the globe each week and features high-profile guests from the worlds of therapy, academia, and pop culture. She is the award-winning author of two books: Taking Sexy Back and Loving Bravely, which was featured on the TODAY show. Insights: Alexandra: "Be willing to study your reactivity. You know, the stuff that makes you feel tense, the stuff that makes you feel urgent, stuff that makes you feel kind of shut down or cynical or hopeless, to take a look at that and to and to be curious about what it what it's showing you about a place that you're stuck, or maybe something that you might need to ask for a bit differently than you have."Liz: "I spend a great majority of my time with couples on the here and now, thepresent and the future, and probably not nearly enough time on the past, the family of origin. But I love that you remind almost that we either put it in their place or it's going to run the show. So, it's really crucial to ask some of those key questions about each other's childhood and especially, especially your own."Dave: "I love the idea that just that concept of consistency, of that compassion, that love, what are we going to do for us today? Getting out of those ruts, they require just intentionality. They require a lot of work. They really do, but the best things in life really do require effort and intentional thinking ahead. Yeah, let me check in with my wife today. Or, hey, what's on your mind, or what's stressful? Or what can I do for you? Those types of check ins regularly, making those deposits into those love buckets I think are, are critical." Dr. Solomon's Links: Website: https://dralexandrasolomon.com/ Podcast: https://dralexandrasolomon.com/podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alexandra.solomon/?hl=en X: https://x.com/AHSolomon Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com  This episode provides a compassionate and practical guide for anyone seeking to build healthier perspectives around sexuality, reduce shame, and improve intimacy in their relationships. Don't miss this deeply insightful discussion!
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    41 min
  • Avoid Divorce: Expert Tips from a Divorce Lawyer | Padideh Jafari, Esq | #117

    Avoid Divorce: Expert Tips from a Divorce Lawyer | Padideh Jafari, Esq | #117
    Jan 27 2025

    Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube:

    https://youtu.be/yoBDCp1li2w

    Today divorce attorney Padideh Jafari shares invaluable insights from her 22 years of experience. She delves into the common challenges marriages face, including financial stress, in-law interference, toxic positivity, and the seven- year itch. Padideh also provides practical tips for better communication, creating healthy boundaries, and the importance of self-awareness in marriage. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their relationship or navigate marital challenges with wisdom and grace.

    About Padideh Jafari

    Padideh Jafari, Esq is the founder and CEO of Jafari Law & Mediation Office, APC, with locations in Los Angeles and Orange County. She earned her B.A. in Communication Studies with a minor in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University and her J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law.

    During law school, Mrs. Jafari served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Michael D. Rutberg of the Los Angeles Superior Court and clerked for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, specializing in child abuse cases. She has also been an Adjunct Professor at NYU and the Southern California Institute of Law, teaching Family Law, Community Property, and Real Estate Law.

    Admitted to the California Bar and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in 2003, Mrs. Jafari has over 22 years of experience handling complex Family Law matters, including high-asset property division, business valuation, cash-flow analysis, and high-stakes custody litigation. She is highly regarded in the Los Angeles and Orange County legal communities as a skilled Family Law litigator.

    In addition to her legal practice, Mrs. Jafari co-hosts The Narcissist Abuse Recovery Channel (NARC), a weekly podcast focused on navigating divorce involving narcissistic partners. She frequently appears on television, YouTube, podcasts, and other media outlets to share her expertise.

    Insights:

    • Padideh: "I would say that before you decide to file for a divorce, do everything humanly possible in order to see if you can make the marriage work. Obviously, if there are you know, domestic violence, that's something that you know cannot easily be worked out. But if there's communication problems, if there's resentments, if there are, you know, different expectations. Now, because remember, people grow right every year, somebody is growing and you want to be growing together and not growing apart. And so, I think it's important."
    • Liz: "...turn over every stone. Let's make sure that we have looked at this left, right, upside down, backwards, inside out, to know that we've had [no] doubts there is no other way than divorce. I don't want people to leave or five years down the road say, gosh, looking back. What if? What if I found a better therapist? What if I tried harder? I want us to turn over every, every stumbling stone."

    Links:

    https://www.jafarilegal.com/

    Instagram, Threads, TikTok: @JafariLegal

    https://www.jafarilegal.com/narcissist-abuse-recovery-channel-podcast/

    Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

    Strongermarriage.org

    Podcast.stongermarriage.org

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/

    Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/

    Dr. Dave Schramm:

    http://drdaveschramm.com

    http://drdavespeaks.com

    Dr. Liz Hale:

    http://www.drlizhale.com 

    This episode provides a compassionate and practical guide for anyone seeking to build healthier perspectives around sexuality, reduce shame, and improve intimacy in their relationships. Don't miss this deeply insightful discussion!
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    47 min
  • Chastity Before and Inside Marriage | Jason Evert | #116

    Chastity Before and Inside Marriage | Jason Evert | #116
    Jan 20 2025

    Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube:

    https://youtu.be/lz5PEu7SOlc

    In this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, Jason Evert shares his insights on
    chastity, self-mastery, and the importance of authentic love in relationships. From defining chastity and its role in dating and marriage to discussing the damaging effects of pornography and the significance of tenderness in relationships, Jason provides actionable advice for singles and married couples alike. With a focus on faith-based values and practical guidance, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to build stronger, healthier connections.

    About Jason Evert:

    Jason Evert has traveled to six continents to bring the message of purity to millions of people
    for more than 20 years. He is a best-selling author of more than 15 books, including Saint John Paul the Great, How to Find Your Soulmate without Losing Your Soul, and the curriculum YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body. He is a frequent guest on podcasts and radio programs throughout the country, and his television appearances include MSNBC, Fox News, the BBC, and EWTN. Jason runs Chastity Project, hosts the podcast “Lust is Boring,” and leads an international alliance of young people who promote purity in more than 40 countries.

    Insights:

    • Jason: "I remember a quote from Pope John Paul the second where he said, Love is a constant challenge thrown to us by God. And so simmer on that for a little bit. God is throwing you a challenge of love. The love isn't merely a feeling. There is a feeling sometimes, but Love is an act of the will. The kind that consists of preferring the good of the other to the good of the self."
    • Liz: "I was struck by the culture of tenderness as well as the self-mastery. It goes back to what Dave often says, "A healthy we is made up of a healthy we." So I am goiung to be thinking a lot about tenderness and self-mastery through out the day after this interview."
    • Dave: " The main theme that runs through all of this is this "outward mindset". It's not about me, it's not about the self self self! It's about an outward mindset and taking into account the other person and seeing the world from their perspective."

    Links:

    https://chastity.com

    Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

    Strongermarriage.org

    Podcast.stongermarriage.org

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/

    Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/

    Dr. Dave Schramm:

    http://drdaveschramm.com

    http://drdavespeaks.com

    Dr. Liz Hale:

    http://www.drlizhale.com 

    This episode provides a compassionate and practical guide for anyone seeking to build healthier perspectives around sexuality, reduce shame, and improve intimacy in their relationships. Don't miss this deeply insightful discussion!
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    42 min
  • Shame and Healthy Sexuality | Natasha Helfer | #115

    Shame and Healthy Sexuality | Natasha Helfer | #115
    Jan 13 2025
    Today in this powerful episode, certified sex therapist Natasha Helfer joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to discuss the complex relationship between sexual health, faith, and cultural messages. Natasha sheds light on the damaging effects of sexual shame, the influence of purity culture, and the importance of open communication around intimacy. She offers actionable advice for parents, couples, and individuals to foster healthier sexual relationships, overcome shame, and approach intimacy with compassion and understanding. This conversation is filled with insights to help listeners navigate their sexual and relational well-being. About Natasha: The owner and founder of Symmetry Counseling. Natasha Helfer received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University and her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University. She also received her certifications as a sex therapist and sex therapist supervisor from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Natasha is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Kansas and Utah. She is also an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. Insights: Natasha: "...sexual shame is a public health crisis. It really is a crisis. And living here in Utah, we've got, you know, air crisis. You know, our air is kind of polluted, and we passed the thing about pornography being a crisis. I mean, you know, there's lots of ideas about what is a crisis, but I really, truly believe that sexual shame hits. So deep and can affect so many things, physical things, like vaginismus, like erections, like stomach issues, you know, like indigestion, like immune immunity systems. It can affect our emotional health. You know, if we have sexual shame, it can lead to depression, anxiety, it can lead to scrupulosity and OCD."Liz: "Those who have chosen to not have sex before marriage, or at least not in this relationship, they wanted to say that and to be really instructive of them to someone right, a professional or a parent or a friend an auntie, to say, let's talk about what you can expect. Let's talk about really giving yourself some time on that even, I think you said three to six months, maybe Natasha right to really get your bodies adjusted and how this is going to be, and ways to converse about your sexuality and your preferences. Don't expect that just to take off on that first night. There's a lot of disappointment, a lot of shame. I think that comes from that not being what you're what you think your partner wanted."Dave: "We talked a little bit about parenting and the approach the parents take, they have to be proactive and intentional, thoughtful about the messages. Because, Natasha, you talked about you can take, you know, one direction and induce more shame, or it can be a positive, uplifting experience for parents that they've got to be willing and you have to talk about this topic. So I think, yes, first, I think it starts with parents and when children are young, and then keeping it it's not a one and done conversation, keeping that conversation going. And yes, absolutely. Couples before marriage, got to be able to talk and then keep the conversation going afterwards. It can't be something that all sudden. It's just silent and we don't talk about afterwards, or that was uncomfortable, or what happened there, and it's now I'm embarrassed and the shame cycle, wow, we've got to be able to, just as a broader society be able to talk and share and be open and honest in our conversation." Links: https://www.natashahelfer.com/ https://symcounseling.com/ Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com  This episode provides a compassionate and practical guide for anyone seeking to build healthier perspectives around sexuality, reduce shame, and improve intimacy in their relationships. Don't miss this deeply insightful discussion!
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    58 min
  • Defining Gender Roles In Marriage | Dr. Daniel Carlson | #114

    Defining Gender Roles In Marriage | Dr. Daniel Carlson | #114
    Jan 6 2025
    Dr. Daniel Carlson joins Dave and Liz to discuss the division of household labor and its impact on marital satisfaction. From managing the mental load to ensuring fairness, Dr. Carlson shares research-backed strategies for balancing responsibilities at home. They explore the effects of the pandemic on gender roles, the importance of communication, and how couples can navigate household responsibilities to strengthen their relationships. This episode offers practical tips and insights for couples at all life stages, helping them foster mutual support and appreciation in their partnership. #marriageadvice #householdchores #genderroles This engaging episode highlights the importance of communication, fairness, and shared responsibility, offering actionable strategies to build stronger and more equitable relationships. Tune in for valuable insights and expert advice. About Dan Carlson is an associate professor of Family and Consumer Studies at the University of Utah and a Senior Fellow at the Council on Contemporary Families. He is a public scholar whose research has appeared in numerous television, print, and radio media outlets. Generally, his scholarship examines the causes and consequences of the Second Demographic Transition in U.S. society with a particular focus on the gendered division of labor. Currently, he is conducting an NSF-funded study examining long-term shifts in U.S. parents' divisions of labor since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and their association with parents' well-being. Insights Daniel - "Don't sleep on the division of labor. You know, it may not be fun to talk about, it may not be sexy to talk about, but it's important to have these conversations with your partner about what you and they envision the load to be in your family. Who's going to do what you know, if you don't talk about it, you run the risk, potentially, of having somebody who has very different idea about these things, and that can potentially be problematic, so have that conversation, and, you know, make sure that the approach on the same page well, but when it comes to who's going to do what."Liz - "Instead of work life, balance, work life, justice, I kind of liked that a lot. I was just looking at the definition of justice as a concern for justice, peace and genuine respect for people, which I love. And I guess it goes back to the communication of even just acknowledging that I'm not going to be home much this week before six o'clock, Honey, can we talk about how that's going to go and just what you're going to need from me most, and what I'm going to need from you most? Can we? Can I pick your brain? Can we have that discussion? I think that's just so lovely, because it really is not going to be that that balance. I think some weeks are just going to be very off balance because of life."Dave - "It's got me thinking that you we really can divide responsibilities without dividing the relationship, if you will. It's and sometimes it's the give and take." Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com 
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    40 min
  • Men Matter: Husbands Need Support Too | Leslie Doares | #113

    Men Matter: Husbands Need Support Too | Leslie Doares | #113
    Dec 30 2024
    In this episode, Lesli Doares joins Dave and Liz to discuss the Hero Husband Project and practical ways husbands can strengthen their marriages. From building emotional safety and communication skills to creating a marriage blueprint, Lesli offers actionable advice for nurturing connection and fostering mutual respect. With over 20 years of experience, Lesli empowers husbands to step into their roles as partners and grow their relationships with intention. Whether it’s addressing common mistakes or implementing small, impactful changes, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their marital bond. #menmatter #mentalhealthmatters #menandmarriage #marriageaadvice About Lesli Doares brings over twenty years of experience working with individuals and couples as acoach and therapist. Combined with her personal experience in an almost 40-year relationshipwith her husband, she has created a paradigm shift in marriage so it can become a space where both partners feel respected and included. Lesli is well known for her direct but compassionate approach – gentle, but total honesty iswhat you’ll get. Her commitment to her marriage and children led her to crisscross the country a couple of times until the L. A. girl settled down in the South. She brings this fusion of cultures to both her business and her life. She is also the author of Blueprint for a Lasting Marriage: How to Create Your Happily Ever After with More Intention, Less Work and Being a Hero Husband: How to Make Your Wife (and You) Happy. Insights Lesli - "Relationships are only natural up to a point, and then they need some skills. You actually need to know how to work through these things. Because everybody you know, love is something that needs to be attended to. You need to feed it. You need to make sure that it's you know, because it can ebb and flow, and if we want to keep it going, we actually have to focus on it. And if we just leave relationships to chance, they're not going to work very well."Liz - "There's just not enough support for men. So, Leslie, I'm so glad that it's you. I love this whole idea of the hero husband, because it's true, they want to be heroes, and we want them to be our heroes. So certain things we as women need to do and need to stop doing. And, to make room for him to show up as a husband. And I love your thought for husbands about the physical and emotional safety for women. If they could really focus on that, gosh, we'll respond favorably."Dave - "I think there's some things as husbands that we can do better, more of, less of. I think one of those for me is to listen past the edge of the voice or the tone, and I think beneath the problem is pain. So looking for the pain beneath the problem the pain point is there fear? Is there frustration? Is there an unmet need, perhaps that's beneath all that. So, listen past that, instead of reacting and trying to get defensive. Listen to what's really hurting, what is underneath all of that, and how can I respond to that, instead of respond to the maybe the edge or the tone of the voice?" Links https://www.theherohusbandproject.com/ https://foundationscoachingnc.com/ Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com 
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    46 min
  • A Key To Keep Romance Alive: Married Dating | Brandon Porter | #112

    A Key To Keep Romance Alive: Married Dating | Brandon Porter | #112
    Dec 23 2024
    Today Dr. Brandon Porter joins Dave and Liz to explore the importance of intentionality and creativity in keeping date nights alive. Brandon shares practical tips for busy couples, including the role of planning, novelty, and nostalgia in fostering connection. With a focus on affordability and accessibility, the conversation highlights how even small, intentional efforts can reignite romance and strengthen relationships. Whether it’s a cozy at-home date or a fresh experience, couples will find inspiration to prioritize quality time together. #marrieddating #marriageadvice #datingtips #datingideas #noveltyinmarriage About Brandon obtained a master's degree in family and human development and a PhD in education, both from Utah State University. He has developed curriculum for, presented on, and teaches college-level courses in marriage and family relationships. Brandon and his wife, Danielle, have created resources to support partners in deepening their friendship, increasing their harmony, and keeping date night alive. They've been married for 20 years and are the parents of 6 kids. Insights Brandon - "When it comes to consistent date nights. Don't make it perfect, just make it happen."Liz - "I love the anticipation. That's something I'm going to apply. Starting today. We have a couple things coming up, and I'm going to send Benny a couple texts on that, anticipating and being together for whatever it might be."Dave - "I love the nostalgia idea. I love the novelty, the fun, the creativity. Togetherness, and I love that it's planned, intentional time, that togetherness." Links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarriageBuilttoThrive Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marriagebuilttothrive/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marriagebuilttothrive Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com 
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    40 min
  • How To Choose a Therapist | Dr. Liz Hale | #111

    How To Choose a Therapist | Dr. Liz Hale | #111
    Dec 16 2024
    Today Dr. Dave Schramm interviews co-host Dr. Liz Hale on the best strategies for finding the right marriage therapist. They discuss what to look for, key questions to ask, and the importance of fit and specialized training in couples therapy. Whether you're considering marriage therapy for the first time or want to ensure you're working with the right professional, this episode provides practical advice to navigate the process effectively. About Dr. Liz Hale Dr. Liz Hale is a passionate marriage and family therapist with over 30 years of experiencehelping couples navigate the complexities of their relationships. Whether working with thoseeager to save their marriage or couples uncertain about their future together, Dr. Liz creates asafe, supportive space to explore the best path forward. Her flexible private practice allows forextended sessions tailored to each couple's unique needs, blending joint and individualconsultations to foster open communication and effective progress. Dr. Liz’s approach is rooted in personal experience and professional expertise. She understands the challenges of marriage firsthand, viewing it as both a humbling teacher and a source of profound fulfillment. With a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and specialized training from renowned experts like Dr. John Gottman, Dr. Sue Johnson, and Dr. David Burns, she integrates research-backed methods with personalized care to help couples thrive. As a former host of KSL's The Dr. Liz Hale Show and current resident expert on Studio 5, Dr. Liz is known for her relatable, insightful advice on everything from stress to intimacy. While LDSherself, she welcomes clients of all backgrounds, incorporating their beliefs and values into acollaborative approach that strengthens their relationships. Dr. Liz is dedicated to guidingcouples toward happier, healthier marriages built on mutual respect, trust, and connection. Inights: Liz: "Liz addressed tough topics like the financial aspects of therapy and when divorce might be necessary. To enhance her impact, she could share more personal anecdotes or client stories (anonymized) and suggest simple, actionable steps listeners can take athome. Her focus on accountability and kindness created a lasting impression." Resources: Marriage Friendly Therapist: https://www.marriagefriendlytherapists.com/ Gottman Referal Network: https://gottmanreferralnetwork.com/ American Association of Marriage & Family Therapist https://www.aamft.org/ Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us Good Therapy https://www.goodtherapy.org/ Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com 
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    42 min