Zach and Laura discuss the pendulum swings we take in relationships.    

Marriage Therapy Radio

Ep 139 The Pendulum Swing

Laura is flying solo this week as Zach is away. She gets to interview Catherine O'Brien author of Happy with Baby about ways to protect the relationship when you add a baby to the mix.  Learn more about Catherin at her website Happy with Baby.

Ep 152 Happy with Baby with Catherine O'Brien

Zach kicks us off with some jokes. Laura is the gift-giving master. This leads them into a discussion about the importance of Valentine's Day and what it represents.  We know, Valentine's Day is over, and this is a valuable discussion any day of the year. 

Ep 151 Let's Talk about Valentine's Day

Zach is loving Marriage Therapy Radio. Laura cashed in on Gamestop. They go on to discuss how the vulnerabilities that get triggered in our relationships can be understood and navigated. 

Ep 150 Enduring Vulnerabilities .

Laura is prepping for some glamping. Zach hired an actor to play himself. They go on to discuss Dan Wile's 10 Rules of Good Communication from his book After the Honeymoon: How Conflict Can Improve your Relationship. Communication Rule 1. Make “I” Statements not “You” Statements. Communication Rule 2: Don’t Say “Always” or “Never” Communication Rule 3: Don’t interrupt your partner Communication Rule 4: Paraphrase what your partner just said Communication Rule 5: Don’t Mind-Read Communication Rule 6: Stick to One Complaint Communication Rule 7: Don’t Dig Up Old Grievances Communication Rule 8: Don’t Get Sidetracked Arguing Over Irrelevant Details Communication Rule 9: Don’t Label, Name-Call, Use Sarcasm, or Threaten to End the Relationship Communication Rule 10: Don’t Dump Out Stored-Up Complaints  

Ep 149 10 Rules of Good Communication

Zach details his Peleton "buying" experience. Laura is looking forward to a Spring Break RV trip. They go on to discuss how to deal with anxiety and depression as it comes up in your self and your partner.  If you are looking for one on one help check out our sponsor Better Help   Sign up for our February Breakfast Club.

Ep 148 Anxiety and Depression

Zach really wanted to sleep in, but Laura wants to get everything done early. Zach just celebrated 27 years of watching The American President, and they both are feeling a bit hungry. They go on to discuss how to manage yourself and your relationship when you get flooded.    If you are looking for one on one help check out our sponsor Better Help   Sign up for our February Breakfast Club.   Transform your marriage in the comfort of your own home with our online course Marriage in Motion. 

Ep 147 Making it Through the Flooding

Laura is flying solo today. She wanted to share some of her favorite things and how they have benefited her marriage.  If you're needing personal help with your marriage, you can connect with a counselor through our sponsor Better Help.   

Ep 146 Laura's Favorite Things

Zach is almost a winner. Laura can't sit down. They discuss how to navigate differences in how you communicate in your relationship.   

Ep 145 Navigating Different Communication Styles

Zach updates us on his fantasy football success and bemoans 1-star reviews. Laura is getting her health groove on. This leads to a discussion of how to support new habits and rituals in your relationship. 

Ep 144 Supporting Habits and Rituals

Zach and Laura discuss how many folks are looking for therapy these days. Laura's practice is full, but Zach doesn't believe in full. Zach has some fantasy football scores to settle. They go on to discuss how to put SPARK in your marriage in 48 hours. 

Ep 143 Add SPARK to your Marriage in 48 Hours

Zach applies for a game show. Laura is opening a home gym and going BIG on Christmas. They discuss three tools that can help you create an intentional relationship.    

Ep 142 Three Tools for an Intentional Relationship

Zach and Laura reflect on the strangeness of Thanksgiving in the midst of a pandemic. They go on to discuss Zach's theory that knowing the What, Why, and Who when beginning a conversation can prevent you from falling into conflict. 

Ep 141 The 3 Ws to Prevent Conflict

Zach is working out a new joke. He and Laura both agree that they would like to be a lumberjack and lumberjill, respectively. They go on to discuss how understanding your most fulfilling and least fulfilling sexual experiences can lead to a wonderful sex life.    

Ep 140 Sex: Bakes & Gas

Laura is dealing with a full load and tiny balls. Zach forgot how to solve a Rubik's Cube. They go on to address two listener questions and provide a TON of practical tips for improving your relationship. 

Ep 138 Listener Questions

Look... every couple struggles. You fight too much; you're bored; sex is either okay (or rare); maybe you're even considering divorce. OR... maybe your marriage is actually pretty good, but you want to go deeper. In this podcast, straight-talking marriage therapists Zach Brittle and Laura Heck tackle the most common complaints virtually every marriage experience. Along the way, they reveal the science behind strong relationships and talk about what's really going on for couples. Topics include conflict, communication, compatibility, money, sex, in-laws, infidelity, time-management, future dreams, and more. If you want relief? A deeper connection? A new way forward...? Then you've got to find out what's REALLY going on in your marriage. That's what this podcast is about. You can learn more about Zach and Laura, and their alternatives to traditional therapy at www.forbetter.us.

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Ep 139 The Pendulum Swing

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