EmPowered Couples with The Freemans

Most couples want to feel more loved, appreciated, and connected. But the way we go about it often backfires. We wait until we're running on empty to tell our partner what we need, and in that vulnerable moment, it's easy for things to slip into defensiveness or comparison. This episode flips that dynamic entirely. Instead of focusing on what your partner isn't doing, we explore the powerful shift of going first—initiating repair, creating small moments of connection, and becoming the kind of loving presence that naturally evokes more love in return. We'll walk you through three meaningful areas of your life and relationship where small shifts can dramatically change the energy between you. When you focus your effort in these places, you'll notice your partner softening, responding, and giving back in ways that feel natural, not forced. These steps create a positive feedback loop where your daily choices shape your attitude, your emotional tone, and ultimately how loved both of you feel. ➡️ Want structured, daily ways to bring more affection, spark, and emotional intimacy into your relationship? Join the 30-Day "Best of Us" Couples Challenge—designed to help you reconnect, play more, and show love in ways that actually land. It only opens 3 times per year, so join now at mycoupleschallenge.com/best.

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2025

Most couples glide into the new year on autopilot, sometimes with excitement and optimism, hoping things will feel different, more connected, less chaotic… yet they end up repeating the same patterns that make it feel the same as last year . In this episode, we're giving you one of the most powerful "end-of-year check-in" conversations we use with our private coaching clients. It's a guided reset that helps you break out of routine, reconnect with each other's dreams and needs, and get aligned before January even begins. Think of this episode as your personal coaching session; one that can spark more clarity, purpose, and connection between you than you've felt in months. We'll walk you through four core areas of your life and relationship that absolutely shape how fulfilled, peaceful, and united you feel as a couple. You'll leave with prompts, structure, and a simple framework to help you set the tone for 2026 with intention, not stress or default habits. If you want the upcoming year to feel meaningful, fun, and deeply connected, this is the conversation to have before December 31st! ✨ If you want to feel closer and more connected now—not just in January—join our special edition 30-Day Couples Challenge, The Best of Us. It's designed to reignite emotional and physical intimacy through small, daily actions that bring out more joy, affection, and playfulness in your marriage. It only opens three times per year, so don't miss this round: mycoupleschallenge.com/best.   For our other top resources, from guides, books, events, and even coaching visit think weblink 👉 https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

So many couples love each other deeply… yet still feel disconnected. They talk every day, but the conversations revolve around schedules, responsibilities, and what needs to get done next. In this episode, we're unpacking why emotional intimacy often fades in long-term relationships, not because the love is gone, but because genuine connection isn't being fed. You'll learn what emotional intimacy actually is (in practical, real-life terms), why so many partners misunderstand it, and the surprising psychology behind why couples get stuck in surface-level communication. Then we'll walk you through 5 simple, powerful actions that help you move from "talking" to truly connecting again. Whether your marriage feels good but could use a deeper spark, or you've been feeling like roommates who care about each other but don't feel emotionally close, this episode will give you clarity, hope, and next steps you can implement right away. If you're ready to reignite the spark and create more emotional and physical intimacy in your marriage, sign-up for our special edition 30-Day Couples Challenge, The Best of Us. It's only open 3 times per year and couples absolutely love it.   Relationship Resources: If you are looking for our other top resources, you can find everything from guides, courses, events, and coaching here 👉 https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links 

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

The holidays can bring out both the best and the worst in a marriage. Between packed schedules, family dynamics, and endless to-do lists, it's easy for connection to get lost in the chaos. But this season doesn't have to feel like survival mode or that you are just getting through the functions. There are a few key areas in your relationship that—if you focus on them each day—can make you feel appreciated and united as a couple, no matter what the holidays throw your way. In this episode, we're sharing three powerful shifts with the "3C's" to help you stay emotionally close and work as a team through the holiday season. You'll walk away knowing exactly where to put your attention so the two of you can feel loved, supported, and in sync instead of drained or distant at the end of this holiday season.  Desiring to bring back more affection, intimacy, and spark during this season 🔥 Join the 30-Day Best of Us Couples Challenge—open now—to reignite emotional and physical intimacy through small, daily actions. We only host this challenge 3x per year, so head to MyCouplesChallenge.com/Best to register for the January 1st start date!    Relationship Resources: If you are looking for our top resources—everything from guides, to challenges, coaching, and live events, just visit 👉 https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links 

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

The holidays are supposed to feel relaxing and joyful. But for many couples, they're anything but. Between travel plans, family visits, and unspoken expectations, this season can quickly become chaotic, exhausting, and full of tension. One partner often ends up feeling like they're carrying most of the mental and emotional load, while the other doesn't realize how unbalanced it feels. In this episode, we're unpacking the real root of holiday stress in relationships: mismatched and unmet expectations. You'll hear the kinds of conversations you need to have to prevent disconnection and resentment. Everything from dividing travel and family responsibilities to setting boundaries with in-laws and staying emotionally connected as a couple. Because when you plan as a team, the holidays can actually bring you closer instead of pulling you apart. ✨ If you want the holidays to feel connected rather than chaotic - Join the Prioritizing Us 30-Day Couples Challenge starting December 1st. This will keep your love accounts full before the season begins so you can stay united through whatever the season brings. Register at: MyCouplesChallenge.com.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

Have you ever shared an idea or dream with your spouse, something that genuinely excited you, only to have the energy immediately flattened by practicality or fear? In this episode, we're unpacking a dynamic that quietly drains energy and connection in many marriages: when one partner is in enthusiastic, imaginative energy and the other instantly shifts into logic and control mode. We'll explore why this happens, what it reveals emotionally for each partner, and how to respond in a way that keeps the energy between you alive instead of shutting it down. In this episode you'll hear: The hidden psychology behind why partners "squash" enthusiasm (even with good intentions) How to frame a conversation for your partner from the start, so you're on the same wavelength Practical shifts that help you stay connected and engaged, even when you see things differently Why joining in the energy doesn't mean agreeing to every idea How this dynamic slowly erodes emotional intimacy if you don't adjust If you've ever felt misunderstood for your excitement, or struggled to stay open when your spouse starts dreaming big, this conversation will help you both feel seen and stay on the same wavelength. If this episode resonates, grab our 3-Guide Bundle—a powerful trio of tools that help you communicate and stay connected during the moments that matter most: 📘 De-Escalating Conflicts 📘 Making Up & Moving Forward 📘 The Family Meeting Guide Get the bundle at meetthefreemans.com/links and start using the same tools we teach our couples every day.

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2025

As the holiday season approaches, many couples find themselves hitting a quiet but undeniable breaking point. Something about this stretch of time—from mid-October through the new year—brings things to the surface. Maybe it's the reflection that comes with the end of a year. Maybe it's the pressure of finances, family expectations, or feeling like life is flying by. But without the closeness you hoped to feel by now. For many, it's a season where the question "Can we really keep going like this?" starts to creep in. In this episode, we unpack a question so many couples wrestle with: Can one spouse change the marriage if the other isn't ready or willing? What happens when one person is trying, growing, learning... and the other seems stuck? Is it unfair to hope for more? Is it foolish to keep waiting? We're diving into the emotional weight of this question, why so many couples delay getting support, and what it really takes to shift the direction of your relationship. Especially in the seasons that feel the hardest. In this episode we cover: The surprising reason many marriages reach a breaking point during this season The #1 personality trait that determines whether couples make it through hard seasons Why some partners resist working on themselves or the relationship until separation is on the table What delays couples from getting help—and how much damage that can do The emotional cost of carrying the growth for two people   To then interrupt destructive cycles and finally start moving forward together: 🎥 Watch the free 1-hour Marriage WebClass: [The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection in Marriage & How to Overcome Them]   This is the fastest way to learn what's really underneath recurring arguments, disconnection, and shutdowns—and how to turn it around together. Couples say it gave them more clarity than 6 months of counseling. 👉 Watch this Marriage WebClass now [with this link here] 👉 See all of our practical resources here - from couples challenges, guides, and in-person events.  

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

Have you ever thought about how your own stress affects your kids — or how your parents' stress might still be affecting you? In this powerful conversation with Dr. Taz Bhatia, integrative medicine physician, author, and founder of Hol+, we explore how the health of the parents — especially the mother — sets the tone for the entire family system. Because wellness isn't just about self-care… it's about the legacy you're creating for the next generation. Together, we unpack how patterns of anger, overwhelm, and chronic stress get passed down in families — and how to finally break the cycle. In this episode you'll hear: Why stress isn't always bad, but becomes harmful when your body never feels safe (aka the cortisol hum). How unresolved emotions and disconnection show up in the body — from hormone imbalances to fatigue and resentment. The way childhood modeling shapes how we handle conflict and stress in marriage. Practical ways to track your body's signals (like HRV) and create a calmer emotional climate at home. Simple habits couples can build to protect their emotional and physical well-being — and, in turn, their kids'. Dr. Taz also shares how she's disrupting the medical industry through her Hol+ network (add link) — an integrative system combining Eastern and Western medicine to care for families as a whole, offering both in-person clinics and virtual access nationwide. Her mission is simple yet profound: to help every family heal from the inside out. This episode is a reminder that when one person in the family heals, everyone benefits. The health of your marriage, your body, and your home are all connected — and you have the power to create a new emotional legacy for your family. You can find our most popular resources including our FREE Marriage Webclass:  The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection at -  meetthefreemans.com/links

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

It seems like the "I need more space" and "I need to talk this out now" partners always find each other! This is the basis of the Pursuer/Withdrawer as well as the Anxious/Avoidant partner dynamics in marriage. When this dynamic happens, it always causes more tension, defensiveness, anxiety, and distance than the initial topic of conversation. If this sounds at all like dynamics you and your partner get into, you certainly are not alone!  In today's episode you will hear more detail about what's really happening for each partner, whether it is the need for space or resolution. There are many factors that contribute to this, like personality type and emotional processing capacity. But tune in to hear about details you would have never thought of, hear more about how this dynamic has played out in our own marriage over the years, and then specific steps you can take to keep this dynamic from escalating simple conversations. This will make you both feel even more secure, understood, and loved in your relationship. 👉 Don't forget to join us on our FREE Live Marriage Webclass on: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection in Marriage. This live event only happens 2x per year. If you can't attend live, still register, as we will send you the replay. So don't miss out!   

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

Division isn't just a problem in the world—it's creeping into homes, marriages, and families everywhere. When couples start turning against each other instead of standing together, the bond that once felt safe and secure begins to weaken. In this episode, we're breaking down The 4 D's That Create Division in a Marriage: Dismissiveness, Defensiveness, Deflecting, and Divorce Threats. These subtle but destructive patterns slowly undermine connection and emotional safety, often without you even realizing it. We'll clearly define what each of these behaviors looks and sounds like—and why they're so damaging to your closeness and trust. More importantly, we'll share how to stop them before they erode your foundation.  👉 And don't miss our live + free Marriage WebClass: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection in a Marriage. It's a topic we've never taught publicly before, packed with the exact insights and tools we use with coaching clients. Register now at OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025

Many times in marriage, you can start what you think is a simple conversation and have it turn into a miscommunication or even a conflict. It is frustrating when you are trying to simply communicate something and it isn’t received by your partner.  In this episode we talk about the difference between productive and unproductive communication and what makes partners good communicators vs poor communicators. You will be surprised by the simple shift you can make and the massive difference it will make in how you each speak and listen to one another.  To dive further into the source of conflicts, attend our FREE LIVE Marriage Webclass on Oct 23rd: Navigating the 5 Root Causes of Conflicts. After this date you will be able to watch the replay as well.  For all of our resources visit: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links 

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2025

When emotions run high in marriage, one of the most common traps couples fall into is what to do with each other’s feelings. Should you validate them? Should you challenge them? Or should you just offer a quick solution so you can move on? The truth is when emotional validation is missing or misunderstood, small hurts linger, conflicts spiral, and one or both partners can end up feeling dismissed, forced into solutions, or left unresolved. It’s also one of the biggest complaints we hear from spouses…”you’re not validating my feelings!”  In this episode, we unpack: Why couples often confuse validation with agreement The hidden ways spouses accidentally invalidate each other Why solutions don’t stick if this piece is missing What actually creates the safety to collaborate, repair, and move forward together If you’ve ever wondered “Am I supposed to validate even when I don’t agree?”—this conversation is for you. Because the order in which you respond to your partner’s emotions might be the very thing that determines whether you stay stuck… or actually grow closer. Also, register for our LIVE + FREE Marriage WebClass coming up on: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection…and the Tools to Overcome Them!  Register For The Webclass HERE 👈  

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2025

After our recent intimacy series, there were dozens of follow up questions from you all asking us to dive further into normal hormonal changes as we age and proactive steps you can take to age gracefully AND stay connected through the changes.  In this episode, double board-certified physician Dr. Amy Shah (women's health & nutrition) joins us to bust the "dad bod/mom bod is just aging" myth—and lay out practical, evidence-informed steps couples can use to sleep better, reduce stress, protect libido, and stay united through perimenopause, menopause, and men's steady testosterone decline. In This Episode You'll Learn: -Why "dad bod/mom bod" is more about habits + hormones than age -The gut–brain–hormone loop that impacts mood, energy & attraction -How to time difficult conversations around the cycle (and when not to) -The midlife health stack: movement, strength, sprinting, nutrition, sleep -Alcohol & hormones: why a 30–90 day break can be a game-changer -Men's testosterone: fix root causes before quick fixes -Labs that matter (and why symptoms often beat hormone numbers) -The updated science on HRT for women—and when to consider it -"Gray divorce": how to adapt as a team through this season   About Our Guest: Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified MD and nutritionist focused on the gut-brain connection, women's health, and fitness medicine. Through AmyMD Wellness, books, speaking, and social channels, she helps people take control of their wellness with practical, research-backed tools.   Resource Links: • Dr. Amy Shah: IG @dramymd • TikTok @dramymd • Website: amymdwellness.com • Our most-used marriage tools & guides: meetthefreemans.com/links • Work with us / in-person Couples Workshop Oct 5th (AZ): meetthefreemans.com/workshop If this helped, tap 👍 + Subscribe for weekly tools to communicate better, de-escalate faster, and feel closer—through every season.   Episode Timestamps of What We Discussed: 02:34 Welcome + why we brought Dr. Amy on this topic 03:43 Health ↔ marriage: stress, cortisol, sleep & conflict 05:10 Listener question: attraction & a partner's "dad bod" 06:04 Why "dad/mom bod" isn't inevitable—habits + hormones 07:35 What healthy aging actually looks like (mindset matters) 08:58 The study: reversing heart age over 2 years (plan overview) 10:59 Modeling vs. nagging your partner's health 12:21 Women 30s–50s: perimenopause basics & early signs 14:01 Energy, sleep, gut changes & libido shifts 15:23 Estrogen vs. progesterone—"two sisters" in your brain 19:00 Don't make big decisions late-luteal; timing tough talks 23:03 Men's testosterone: steady decline & root-cause fixes 26:40 Alcohol & hormones: realistic targets + try a break 29:41 Movement, nutrition & why sleep is #1 32:07 Should couples go to bed at the same time? 33:04 Labs that matter; why symptoms often beat hormone levels 35:01 HRT for women (updated science) & considerations for men 37:50 "Gray divorce," shifting tolerance & communicating needs 41:16 Adapting habits together to age gracefully as a team 44:23 Where to find Dr. Amy + wrap  

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2025

Are we getting too self-focused in marriage? In this episode, we unpack the cultural messages that push hyper-individualism ("fill your cup first") and show why great marriages are actually built on mutual care, not solo self-care. We talk about healthy vs. overcorrected boundaries, why prosocial actions (doing good for your partner) boost your own mood, how to shift from short-term impulses to a long-term family vision, and practical ways to "out-love" each other in daily life. What you'll learn from this episode:  The trap of "me first" and how it quietly erodes connection Mutual care vs. self-care (and why you can't get to 100% alone) Boundaries that protect vs. boundaries that avoid A neuroscience-backed reason to give more (and feel better) How shared vision → shared sacrifice → shared joy Simple ways to prioritize your partner without losing yourself If this helped, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, hit 👍, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Reviews seriously help—thank you for taking a moment to rate the show! Explore all our resources (Couples Workshop, 30-Day Challenges, guides & more): meetthefreemans.com/links   Episode Timestamps of What We Discussed:  0:00 Love is a commitment (not just a feeling) 1:15 Intro & topic: Are spouses becoming too selfish? 2:41 The myth of "self first," then the relationship 5:38 Mutual care over self-care (why you can't get to 100% alone) 9:31 Study: prosocial acts boost mood & connection 11:48 Boundaries: healthy vs the overcorrection 14:05 F1 analogy — from beginner rules to mastery standards 17:47 Culture: hyper-individualism & consumerism in relationships 20:54 Shift to long-term vision (let the future guide today) 22:30 Family values & the erosion of the family-oriented model 28:24 Why media rarely tells you what truly strengthens marriage 30:01 Interdependence & "out-loving" each other 31:25 Choosing your partner's needs: practical examples 32:46 Main takeaways & reminders 33:38 Love = commitment + shared vision 34:54 Closing: reviews, subscribe 35:12 Resources & sign-off

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2025

This week marks our 10-year wedding anniversary and if we’re being honest, the months leading up to it weren’t easy. Research even shows that around the 10-year mark, couples hit peak dissatisfaction. But here’s the truth: challenges don’t mean your marriage is broken. They’re invitations to grow, reconnect, and come back stronger. In this episode, we’re opening up about the 10 most powerful lessons from our 10 years together — the highs, the lows, the laughter, and the lessons that have shaped us as individuals, as partners, and as parents. Whether you’ve been together 2 years, 20, or 50, these lessons will give you perspective, encouragement, and practical tools to stay on the same team in every season. Don’t miss this one—it might change the way you see your marriage.   Relationship Resources: In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we’re keeping The Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge open for just a few more days! This special edition is designed to reignite emotional and physical intimacy, spark joy, and bring out the BEST in each other again. Join here: mycoupleschallenge.com/best Or explore all of our tools — from upcoming workshops to guides — at meetthefreemans.com/links 👉 If this episode gave you value, hit subscribe, drop a comment with your favorite lesson, and please leave a review so more couples can find this podcast.   Episode Timestamps of What We Discuss: 0:00 – Why 10 years can be a breaking point for couples 3:20 – Lesson 1: Keep updating your shared vision 9:17 – Lesson 2: Connection is more than just being around each other 15:52 – Lesson 3: Differences can make you a stronger team 25:14 – Lesson 4: Becoming parents forces you to reconstruct your marriage 32:09 – Lesson 5: How you show up daily becomes how your marriage feels 39:37 – Lesson 6: Be more committed to repair than being right (or hurt) 47:49 – Lesson 7: Most arguments aren’t about the surface-level issue 53:03 – Lesson 8: Don’t shift from biggest supporters to biggest critics 59:59 – Lesson 9: The same challenges repeat until you learn the lesson 1:08:48 – Lesson 10: Sometimes you just need to have fun and switch the energy 1:12:43 – Final reflections after 10 years

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2025

What keeps couples united through all the ups and downs? A shared vision. In this episode of the Empowered Couples Podcast, we break down why having a vision together is essential, how to define your values as a couple, and the practical steps to keep you connected in both everyday life and during challenges. Whether you’re in a hard season or just feeling stuck in routine, your vision as a couple is what pulls you out of the mundane and gives deeper meaning to your marriage. In this episode you will hear: -Why self-focus leads to more negativity (and how vision shifts that) -The 4 steps to creating a shared vision for your marriage and family -How values guide tough choices around career, parenting, and money -Ways to connect daily life back to your bigger purpose together -How to turn challenges into growth and strengthen your bond long-term 👉 Ready to reignite your intimacy and spark? Our Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge is only open 3x a year—don’t miss this round. Join here: https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and write us a quick review—it means the world to us and helps more couples find the podcast!   Timestamps of Episode: 0:00 – Why self-focus increases negativity 0:18 – How vision helps you think beyond yourself 0:34 – The danger of losing sight of your shared values 0:47 – Making hard choices aligned with your vision 1:00 – Looking back on challenges with pride 1:19 – Welcome + episode introduction 1:55 – Why vision bonds couples from the beginning 2:14 – Losing sight of “why” in everyday life 2:38 – Announcement: The Best of Us 30-Day Challenge 3:18 – Why vision is collaborative and long-term 3:40 – The psychology of self-consciousness & negative emotion 4:23 – How lack of vision creates conflict cycles 4:39 – Seeing hard seasons in the bigger picture 5:18 – Finding meaning even in the mundane days 6:26 – Step 1: Moving from present pain to future vision 7:52 – How vision brings relief and peace 9:09 – Parenting example: values guiding hard choices 10:17 – Step 2: Defining higher values and purpose 11:25 – Career choices and money vs. vision 12:37 – Step 3: Creating a simple, memorable vision statement 13:47 – Aligning vision with values, actions, and results 15:29 – Expanding your vision beyond your family 16:06 – Vision boards and visual reminders 16:29 – Step 4: Connecting present challenges back to vision 17:09 – Real parenting example from our daughter 18:43 – Seeing challenges as stepping stones to vision 19:29 – Simple reflection questions for couples 20:18 – The Hero’s Journey and your marriage 20:38 – Looking back on challenges with pride and strength 21:07 – Who you want to become vs. what you want to achieve 21:59 – Why connection is the most fulfilling outcome 22:22 – Final reminder: Best of Us 30-Day Challenge 23:16 – Closing encouragement + subscribe & review

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2025

Marriage after kids can feel like survival mode. Once out of the immediate chaos, it can settle into a state of function. Between diapers, school runs, shuttling to sports practices, your work, and endless to-do lists at home, it's easy to put your relationship on the back burner. But here's the truth: your kids don't just thrive on how well you care for them—they thrive on how connected YOU are as a couple. In this episode of the Empowered Couples Podcast, Jocelyn & Aaron ("The Freemans") share practical, real-life ways to stay emotionally and physically connected after kids. You'll learn how to move beyond just "functioning" as roommates and bring back fulfillment, intimacy, and spark in your marriage before it's too late. If you've ever felt the distance growing, this conversation will give you hope and concrete steps you can implement today. From this episode you'll walk away with: How to make daily emotional check-ins that go beyond "How was your day?" Why non-sexual touch matters (and how to bring it back without pressure) Simple ways to make family dinners and daily routines bonding moments How to prioritize weekly and yearly quality time as a couple Why your kids benefit most when YOU thrive together Don't just survive marriage after kids—reignite the connection that makes everything else in family life easier. Not only is this for your own satisfaction, but critical for what you then model to your kids.  Want to reignite the spark and feel truly connected again? Join the Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge—a proven path to bring back emotional closeness, intimacy, and joy in your marriage. Enrollment only opens a few times per year, so don't miss this round: https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best 👈   If This Episode Resonated, Don't Forget to: -Subscribe for weekly episodes -Leave a rating & review to support the show -Share this episode with a couple who needs encouragement   Episode Topics Timestamp: 00:08 – Why putting your relationship on the back burner hurts your kids too 00:09:50 – The emotional wall couples feel after building the "dream life" 00:10:38 – Why dissatisfaction peaks around the 10-year mark (and how to avoid it) 00:13:37 – Connection is what makes parenting and life easier 00:14:00 – Step 1: Daily emotional check-ins (not just logistics) 00:19:18 – Step 2: Non-sexual touch & physical affection 00:23:59 – Why kids need to SEE your love, not just receive it 00:25:02 – Special edition: The Best of Us 30-Day Challenge 00:28:11 – Step 3: Make family dinners intentional & device-free 00:32:57 – Step 4: Weekly marriage nights (beyond TV time) 00:34:44 – Step 5: Yearly getaways & bucket list adventures together 00:37:24 – The danger of drifting apart slowly 00:39:34 – Kids notice everything—why your marriage is their model 00:41:26 – Final encouragement & invitation to reignite your spark  

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

The problem isn't that your desire or drive is changing. The problem is that you're not talking about these changes and finding solutions on how to evolve with them and stay connected.  In this vulnerable and eye-opening episode, we share the real reasons intimacy shifts over time (especially after kids, through peri-menopause, or with stress and aging), and how couples can adapt together rather than growing apart. In this episode you’ll hear: -A raw confession from a wife/mom at a retreat Jocelyn spoke at recently -The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire -Why intimacy isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional and environmental -How hormones, lifestyle, and fear influence libido -Practical steps to create a more connected, satisfying intimate relationship—at any age   This episode is part of our Intimacy Series—helping couples reignite closeness and communication in every season of marriage. Want daily prompts to rebuild emotional & physical intimacy? 👉Join our special edition 30-Day Couples Challenge: https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best   Timeline of what we discuss in this episode:  00:00 – A real confession: “I feel guilt because I used to want intimacy all the time…” 00:21 – The real problem isn’t desire changing—it’s not talking about it 00:42 – Welcome to the Empowered Couples Podcast 01:00 – The impact of postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause 02:03 – Men experience changes too (and it affects confidence) 02:52 – Don’t compare to the past—it’s not the same anymore 03:17 – Powerful conversation starters to open up about desire 04:00 – Do men and women experience different libido shifts? 05:00 – Understanding hormonal changes: perimenopause and aging 06:01 – Postpartum, hormone shifts, and how your body chemistry changes 07:00 – Getting your hormones tested and being proactive 08:00 – Personal lifestyle changes and challenges we’ve faced 09:04 – Poor sleep, stress, and sedentary living affect libido 10:11 – Emotional exhaustion and cycle awareness in women 11:18 – How birth control and fertility windows affect attraction 12:18 – Fathers experience biological shifts too 13:06 – Fear of pregnancy can lower intimacy desire 14:05 – Lifestyle habits that support libido 15:21 – The power of variety, newness, and weekly rhythms 16:22 – Our 30-Day Challenge to reignite the spark (The Best of Us) 17:14 – Why we brought this challenge back more than once a year 18:04 – Spontaneous vs. responsive desire explained 20:20 – Most women (and couples) are more responsive than spontaneous 22:15 – Long-term relationships shift desire patterns 23:13 – Intimacy becomes more about environment and intention 24:32 – Create emotional connection without pressure 25:02 – Start with the hard conversation: talk about what’s changed 26:04 – Learn your erotic blueprint—how you’re wired now, not then 27:07 – Focus more on quality of intimacy than frequency 28:23 – Final marriage reminder: evolve together, not apart 29:13 – Join the 30-Day Best of Us Challenge 29:30 – Like, Subscribe, and Leave a Review  

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

Is it normal for intimacy to feel like another item on your to-do list? You love your partner, but between parenting, exhaustion, and unspoken resentment… desire can fade. In this episode, we're unpacking why intimacy feels like an obligation — and how to shift the emotional and physical energy in your marriage so that you both actually want it again. We share real stories, emotional dynamics, and practical shifts that help couples go from feeling like roommates to rekindling passion — even in the busiest seasons of life. Topics we cover in this episode: -Emotional disconnection vs desire -Why frequency isn't the real issue -How to rebuild emotional and physical intimacy -Shifting from "obligation" to "wanting" again   Relationship resources: Ready to reconnect and reignite the spark? Join our 30-Day Special Edition Couples Challenge — The Best of Us (only open 3x a year): 👉 https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best   🎧 Subscribe for more non-boring marriage advice: New episodes weekly to help you communicate better, resolve conflicts, and stay on the SAME TEAM.   Episode timestamps: 00:00 – The real reason intimacy feels like a chore 00:28 – A typical day that drains your connection 01:28 – Intimacy isn't just about frequency 02:08 – Emotional & physical disconnection = exhaustion 03:36 – Intimacy should fuel your life, not feel like an obligation 05:12 – What makes marriage different from other relationships 06:07 – Why passion fades (and how to bring it back) 07:06 – From obligatory intimacy to real desire 08:02 – The role of stress, overstimulation, and exhaustion 10:17 – Are you ignoring intimacy too long? 11:03 – Hormones, life seasons & libido shifts 12:10 – How unresolved tension blocks intimacy 13:00 – Top 5 blocks to intimacy (from our survey) 14:04 – Is intimacy actually enjoyable for both of you? 15:09 – Why honest intimacy check-ins matter 15:48 – Emotional tone shift #1: warmth, eye contact & presence 17:00 – Emotional coldness kills desire 19:00 – Micro habits that warm up emotional intimacy 20:08 – Shift #2: Physical touch outside the bedroom 21:36 – Shift #3: Initiation & anticipation matter 23:35 – Why women must also participate in creating desire 25:06 – Dating energy vs marriage complacency 26:35 – Would your dating self get a "yes" today? 27:53 – Shift #4: Intimacy starts outside the bedroom 29:19 – Check-ins and parenting stress affect desire too 30:12 – The power of fun and play in rekindling intimacy 31:27 – Relaxation and play spark openness 32:18 – Why our "Best of Us" Challenge is perfect for this 33:03 – Intimacy should be enjoyable — not expected 33:35 – Stop forcing frequency. Focus on connection instead. 34:13 – Subscribe + get ready for our upcoming Q&A episode  

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

Attraction in marriage doesn't just disappear overnight, but it can fade through the habits, energy, and unspoken patterns you fall into over time. In this episode, we reveal the biggest emotional and physical turn-offs (and turn-ons) based on anonymous submissions from real couples. This episode is for couples who want to feel that spark again—without needing to go back to the beginning. In this episode you will hear: What's quietly draining desire in your relationship Five patterns that slowly erode attraction How to reignite emotional connection and physical intimacy—without pressure or perfection Plus, learn how to take small daily actions with the 30-Day Best of Us Intimacy Challenge (sign ups officially open now - only available 3x/year) Reignite emotional & physical intimacy through small, meaningful actions by starting this September 1st challenge here 👉 mycoupleschallenge.com/best   Episode Time Stamps:  3:54 – Attraction in marriage takes effort 5:34 – How attraction quietly erodes 6:06 – Biggest turn-offs (survey results) 7:23 – Biggest turn-ons (survey results) 8:54 – Turn-offs women report most 10:18 – Turn-offs men report most 11:28 – Average satisfaction score (2.07 out of 5!) 12:25 – Criticism vs appreciation 15:12 – Physical self-care and energy 19:25 – The roommate dynamic 24:30 – Resentment is blocking desire 28:00 – Emotional shutdown erodes intimacy 30:33 – Rebuilding intimacy from now, not the past 31:39 – Energy you bring to the room 32:50 – Making your partner feel admired 35:33 – Refreshing rituals to spark attraction 37:00 – Timing matters: don't wait till exhaustion 38:00 – Join The Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge  

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

You want to feel peace, love, and connection—especially in your marriage. But when something disrupts that inner calm, it’s easy to slip into old patterns: snapping, shutting down, blaming. Sound familiar? This episode is about how to stop being emotionally reactive—and start responding in a way that brings clarity, compassion, and connection (even in the tough moments). 🎧 What You’ll learn: Why controlling your partner won’t regulate your emotions How to take ownership without bypassing what you feel A 5-step process to go from reactive to responsive How to repair when you do mess up (because we all do) If you’ve ever said, “I don’t want to keep reacting like this…”—this is the conversation that will help you shift. 🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → Rebuilding Us 30-Day Challenge → De-Escalating Conflicts Guide

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

Every couple has conflict. But when disagreements turn into labeling your spouse—with words like “selfish,” “dramatic,” or “narcissist”—it doesn’t just hurt in the moment… it chips away at emotional safety and long-term connection. In this episode, we unpack: Why labeling is so destructive (even if you didn’t mean it that way) How it rewires the way you see each other over time What to say instead that’s honest—but not hurtful Real-life phrases to express hurt without attacking character We also give you a simple script to use during tough conversations—so you can still speak your truth without triggering shame or defensiveness. If you want to feel closer and more emotionally safe in your marriage, even during conflict, this is a must-listen. 🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode: → De-Escalating Conflicts Guide → Making Up & Moving Forward Guide → Family Meeting Guide   Episode Time Stamps: 00:00 – Why name-calling or labeling is never okay in a marriage 01:05 – What actually happens in your brain when you label your partner 02:13 – Pop psychology traps: labeling as “anxious,” “avoidant,” or “narcissist” 03:12 – Labels attack identity, not behavior — and here’s why that matters 04:01 – Labels don’t inspire change—they create shame and resistance 05:05 – The long-term damage: how labels rewire how you see each other 06:38 – How labels erode emotional safety and destroy repair opportunities 08:13 – The shift from “us vs. the problem” to “me vs. you” 09:42 – A moment of truth: do you and your partner ever label each other? 10:18 – What to say instead of labeling: label behavior, feelings, or boundaries 12:09 – Scripts to use: “When you ___, I feel ___, and what I need is ___.” 13:35 – Labeling your boundaries vs. punishing your partner 15:00 – Quotes to remember: “Name the impact, not their character” 16:02 – Why this episode is a wake-up call for every couple 17:13 – The 2 tools every couple needs to stop the label-repair cycle 18:05 – Final encouragement + how to find our best conflict resources  

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

You don't just marry your partner's strengths—you marry their triggers too. If you've found yourself walking on eggshells to avoid setting them off… or shutting down because you feel like you're too much… you're not alone. But let's be clear: tip-toeing isn't emotional maturity—it's disconnection in disguise. In this episode, we unpack how to create real emotional safety in your marriage—so you can stop spiraling and start feeling heard, seen, and safe again. 🎧 What You'll learn: How to bring things up without triggering defensiveness What to do if your're the one who reacts quickly The subtle shift that turns arguments into deeper understanding How your perception—not just the event—shapes your emotional response A real-life story from our marriage about navigating triggers in real-time Whether you're the one walking on eggshells or the one who reacts fast, this episode will give you tools to stop avoiding hard conversations—and start transforming them into connection. 🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode 1) If triggers are hijacking your conversations, these three guides will help you de-escalate, repair, and reconnect fast—especially in those "walking on eggshells" moments.  → De-Escalating Conflicts Guide: https://thecouplesexperience.com/conflictguide   2) If you're working through a hard season in your marriage — the Rebuilding Us 30-Day Challenge was made for you. For 30 days, you'll rebuild trust, improve communication, and reconnect emotionally through simple, guided steps each day. Start healing and moving forward together:  → Rebuilding Us: www.MeetTheFreemans.com/Rebuilding   3) Meet Us In Person — October 5th Couples Workshop Want to go beyond podcasts and guides? Come experience a full-day, in-person marriage workshop with us in Chandler, AZ. You'll do private, guided exercises, learn powerful tools, and walk out feeling closer than you've felt in a long time. Spots are limited and always sell out. → Reserve your seats now for the Couples Workshop: https://www.thecouplesworkshop.com   4) You can also view all of our other resources here: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links   Episode Time Stamps: 00:00 – Are you tiptoeing around your partner's emotions? 01:10 – The problem with trying to "keep the peace" in marriage 02:24 – How we accidentally train each other to hide the truth 04:00 – When you're scared of your partner's reactions (or they're scared of yours) 05:13 – What emotional eggshells actually sound like in real conversations 06:28 – The silent damage of unspoken resentment 07:42 – Why you both need to feel emotionally safe to be honest 09:03 – It's not about walking on eggshells—it's about building emotional maturity 10:21 – A secure marriage isn't trigger-free—it's repair-friendly 11:45 – How to shift your tone, so feedback doesn't land as an attack 13:12 – Real example: giving feedback without provoking defensiveness 15:01 – "I want to be able to bring things up without it becoming a blow-up" 16:30 – The difference between emotional regulation and emotional suppression 18:18 – Why tiptoeing keeps your marriage stuck 19:20 – You both play a role in the dynamic—here's how to change it 21:04 – Your tone might be more triggering than your words 22:47 – Tools for building a secure marriage where honesty is welcome  

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

Just because something is common in marriage doesn't mean it's healthy. We've heard countless couples ask: "Is this just a hard season… or is something actually wrong?" "Are we still okay, even though this feels hard?" In this episode, we unpack those questions using anonymous submissions from real couples. You'll hear what challenges are normal in long-term relationships—and what behavior or dynamics cross the line into unhealthy territory. We cover emotional disconnection, mismatched intimacy, recurring conflict, parenting stress, and more. Plus, we share clear next steps for how to handle each one. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just want clarity, this conversation will leave you feeling validated, informed, and ready to make meaningful change. 🎧 What You'll Learn: What's normal vs what's not okay in conflict, intimacy, and parenting What's normal vs what's not okay in conflict, intimacy, and parenting Real examples from couples like you (and how we'd respond) One mindset shift that helps you stop tolerating what's not working   🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode  THIS SUMMER ONLY 3 MARRIAGE CHANGING GUIDES FOR THE PRICE OF TWO 🎉  → Making Up & Moving Forward Guide  → De-Escalating Conflicts Guide  → Family Meeting Guide Get the bundle here: https://thecouplesexperience.com/3guidesbundle   Surprise Bonus for Committed Couples If this episode was a wake-up call or gut check, you're not alone. Many couples drift because they normalize disconnection, resentment, or the roommate phase… until it's too late. That's why we created the Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge to help you reignite emotional and physical intimacy in just a few intentional minutes a day. This limited edition is only available a few times per year. And right now? We've got a surprise for you waiting here:  https://thecouplesexperience.com/surprise   Episode Time Stamps:  01:00 – Is this a normal marriage challenge… or not okay? 01:38 – One key mindset shift: "If it hurts your partner and you won't change, it's an issue" 03:03 – Are you playing the same game—or using totally different marriage rulebooks? 05:29 – Conflict: What's normal vs. what's actually damaging 07:13 – Are you really repairing—or just resetting the same fight cycle? 08:43 – Is it okay to not talk for days after an argument? 11:27 – Want to shorten your conflict recovery time? Here's how 13:05 – The truth about intimacy: What's normal… and what hurts the relationship 16:00 – Intimacy shouldn't only satisfy one person 18:48 – What to do if desire is low (emotionally, physically, or hormonally) 20:44 – The role of emotional and physical check-ins 22:57 – Are you in a "roommate rut"? You need this challenge 24:35 – The emotional load & mental load: What's normal, what's not okay 28:15 – "If you're not playing by the same rules, no wonder it feels off" 32:11 – Parenting struggles: How common are they and what's truly not okay 36:55 – You don't just need consistency… you need adaptability 38:44 – Stop parenting by default—here's what to do instead 42:30 – What happens when personal struggles or boundaries go unaddressed 44:15 – The boundary breakdown: "If you're not playing by the same rules, you're losing" 47:55 – Final takeaways + How to get resources for your marriage  

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

Why is it so hard to change the way we show up in marriage, even when we know what we want to do differently? In this special episode, we sit down with John Assaraf, a renowned global leader in success and performance coaching, decades-long behavioral neuroscience researcher, and CEO of MyNeuroGym.com. He's authored 4 bestselling books (including 2 New York Times bestsellers) and has been featured in 11 films. Together, we explore the science behind why we get stuck in patterns like defensiveness, withdrawal, or reactivity and how to finally break free. Whether you're trying to communicate better, stay calm in conflict, or just feel more connected, this episode reveals what's really happening in your brain during those moments, and what it takes to rewire it. John shares breakthrough insights from his book Innercise, along with practical tools to reshape your beliefs, upgrade your mindset, and master the habits that shape your relationship. Which is required if you want to get new results in your life and marriage. If you are ready to become the partner your relationship and your future needs, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Grab John Assaraf's book Innercise on Amazon   🎯 Get the Freemans' relationship tools at MeetTheFreemans.com/links

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Few things create more frustration in a marriage than the feeling of a double standard—when it seems like the rules are different for you than for your partner. Whether it’s around emotional regulation, how long you’re “allowed” to feel upset, or what tone is acceptable from whom, these invisible imbalances quietly erode trust and connection over time. In this episode, we unpack the real-life double standards men and women often feel in marriage—and how those dynamics are deeply tied to core fears like unfairness, rejection, or not being heard. We’re not here to point fingers—we’re here to name the patterns, give them language, and teach you how to break the cycle without turning on each other. You’ll learn how to move beyond keeping score, how to express your needs without weaponizing them, and how to create emotional safety when things feel uneven. If you’ve ever thought, “Why is it okay when they do it, but not when I do?”—this one is for you. 👉 One way to prevent these double standard dynamics is by consistently building up your “Love Account” through small daily deposits of connection, appreciation, and presence. That’s exactly what the Prioritizing Us 30-Day Couples Challenge is designed to help you do. Start today at MyCouplesChallenge.com.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

You want your marriage to feel like a place of joy, momentum, and shared purpose—not just survival mode. Just like in any great sport, the most fulfilling performance only happens inside clear, agreed-upon boundaries. In this episode, we explore the invisible lines that protect your connection, prevent slow erosion, and allow your relationship to thrive through both play and pressure. Whether it’s how you handle conflict, manage emotional energy, or protect your marriage from outside influences, these boundaries are non-negotiables for couples who want to go the distance. You’ll walk away with powerful insights and practical tools to strengthen your bond and prevent unnecessary damage along the way. 👉 Don’t miss the summer-only special of our 3-guide bundle—De-Escalating Conflicts, Making Up & Moving Forward, and Family Meeting—designed to help you implement everything from this episode. Get the Special 3 Guide Bundle here.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Your emotional state doesn't just affect you—it affects your partner, too. In fact, if you don't learn how to co-regulate, you'll unintentionally become each other's stressor instead of each other's support system. This episode goes beyond managing your own emotions and explores how to stay grounded together, especially in high-stress moments. We'll break down what co-regulation really means in marriage, how your nervous systems influence each other in subtle but powerful ways, and how to stop spiraling into fights about the fight. You'll learn 5 practical steps to co-regulate in real-life moments and how to create a more emotionally safe home—one small choice at a time. 👉 Don't forget to grab the summer-only special of our 3-guide bundle, featuring the De-Escalating Conflicts Guide, Making Up & Moving Forward Guide, and Family Meeting Guide—all designed to help you stay connected and handle hard moments with more calm and clarity. Available here Special 3 Guide Bundle

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

Stressful situations are inevitable, but how you handle them together can either strengthen or strain your relationship. In this episode, we talk about the kind of external stress that sneaks up on you: sick kids, surprise job changes, financial curveballs, or even your dog throwing up after eating crayons. But the real breakdown doesn’t come from the stress itself, it comes from when that stress turns into tension between you. Suddenly, you're no longer teammates, you're opponents. That’s when decisions get harder, emotions run hotter, and connection takes a hit. We share personal stories from our own chaotic summer, what it’s like prepping for big life changes (including being guests on Ed Mylett’s podcast), and how good stress and bad stress can show up in unexpected ways. You’ll also hear real-life examples from couples navigating stress with completely different approaches—and how to stay united even when your instincts don’t align. If you want to face pressure as partners, not enemies, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Ready to strengthen your connection and navigate tough seasons as a team? Start the Prioritizing Us 30-Day Couples Challenge at mycoupleschallenge.com

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

What if the key to a deeper, more connected marriage wasn’t just about communicating more, but communicating in the right way? In this episode I sit down with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg, whose newest book Supercommunicators breaks open the science of how real connection happens. We explore how couples often end up having two totally different types of conversations — practical, emotional, or social — without even realizing it, and how that mismatch can quietly erode understanding and intimacy. Charles also shares how vulnerability and mirroring build emotional closeness, but how quickly that connection can be disrupted by subtle patterns of judgment or control. These hidden dynamics don’t always show up as shouting or criticism. Sometimes they sneak in through trying to fix, correct, or redefine how your partner sees themselves. Whether you're navigating everyday stress or deeper conflict, this episode reveals how to shift from disconnect to understanding, and how to communicate in ways that sync both your brains and your hearts.   Relationship Resources ⬇️ Start the 30-Day Prioritizing Us Couples Challenge to grow your connection, improve communication, and feel like a team again, especially for those that are parents. It starts on June 1st, 2025. You can add your partner for free. www.mycoupleschallenge.com

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

With all the conflicting relationship advice floating around, like "you shouldn't need your partner" versus "you should be able to lean on them emotionally", it's no wonder couples feel confused about what a healthy marriage really looks like. In this episode we unpack the real difference between codependence, hyper independence, and interdependence and why understanding where you and your partner fall on this spectrum could change everything. We also share our own journey through these patterns and explore how they show up in daily life, especially in conflict, under stress, and when you're trying to get your needs met. If you've ever felt too needy, too shut down, or just unsure how to stay connected without losing yourself, this episode is for you. We'll walk you through the signs, the shifts, and the steps to build a partnership that feels secure and sustainable without giving everything away here.   Relationship Resources Grab our 3 Guides Bundle for deeper connection and conflict repair Includes: • The Family Meeting Guide • The De-Escalating Conflicts Guide • The Making Up and Moving Forward Guide These tools will help you communicate clearly, reconnect after conflict, and stay united through life's toughest moments.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

What if being a happier couple had less to do with big changes—and everything to do with small, intentional daily habits? In this episode, we’re breaking down five simple but powerful actions that bring more connection, lightness, and emotional closeness into your marriage. These aren’t just “nice to do” ideas—these are the habits that shift the atmosphere in your relationship and help you feel like true teammates again. We’ll explore the daily patterns that shape how connected or distant you feel, and why certain overlooked moments carry more weight than you realize. Whether you're in a good place or trying to find your way back to each other, these five habits are practical, doable, and surprisingly impactful. Listen in and see which one your relationship might need most right now.   Relationship Resources: 💛 Want us to send you the daily actions that create these kinds of habits? Join the “Prioritizing Us” 30-Day Couples Challenge, it’s designed to help you reconnect in small but meaningful ways and fill your love accounts each day, especially during busy seasons.  

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Women’s needs in marriage evolve—and if you're not paying attention to those changes, disconnection can creep in even when there’s love. This is especially true in the seasons of motherhood, when emotional, physical, and mental demands are at their highest. In this week’s podcast episode, we break down the 5 key categories of needs most women have in marriage right now—especially mothers in the thick of parenting. Whether you’re navigating newborn life, toddler chaos, or school-age schedules, this conversation helps both partners understand what matters most for staying connected. Relationship Resources ⏬ 1) If you're ready to reconnect in small but meaningful ways, join the Prioritizing Us 30-Day Couples Challenge. It’s full of daily connection builders that fit into real life—especially in busy seasons like parenting. 2) To make sure that your partner has the best Mothers Day possible, we also have a FREE Mother's Day Prep Guide that you can access (and then use) for this weekend!  3) Also come see us in person at The Couples Workshop in Arizona on Oct.5th, 2025. This will be a half-day of learning and practicing communication and conflict resolution tools that will create real momentum in your marriage NOW! 

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

It's easy to assume that love alone should keep you feeling connected, but day-to-day life has a way of pulling couples apart without them even realizing it. In this episode, we break down why feeling loved and being committed are two different experiences — and what really determines whether you feel close or distant from your partner. You'll learn the surprising factor that affects how you interpret everyday moments, why good intentions sometimes miss the mark, and what shifts help couples rebuild emotional closeness over time. If you want to feel more connected, seen, and understood, this conversation will give you the roadmap for the steps to take in your own marriage today.   Relationship Resources: Join the  "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting May 1st, 2025 - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and raise their love accounts with daily actions! You get the Family Meeting Guide as a bonus, or get it on it's own here.   

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Suppose that  something is bothering you about your partner. The two options are to express it or to suppress it. Likely you have had moments where you have chosen both options. At times when you have expressed it your partner received it well, other times it caused tension or even conflict.  Over time maybe you have started to hold things in instead for the sake of keeping the peace. But then down the line you end up reacting to another situation and you bring up your unhappiness and frustration with all you have been holding in. So when is the right time to bring things up?  This is the question you will get answers to in this episode. It does take a balance and some awareness about how and when to bring up an issue. During this episode you will hear 3 situations where you should express and another 3 situations where it would be best to 'temporarily' suppress. With this awareness you should be able to navigate emotional situations for the best outcome for both of you. After all, expressing needs and being understood is a key part of your marital satisfaction.   Relationship Resources 👇 If you want a consistent way to bring things up before they build up… The Family Meeting Guide is for you. It helps you check in weekly—so small frustrations can be shared as seeds, not weeds. Use it on its own, or get it FREE as a bonus when you join the Prioritizing Us Challenge starting May 1st, 2025. 👉 Grab the Family Meeting Guide here 👉 Start the Prioritizing Us Challenge (and get the guide)

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Marriage isn’t static; it evolves, and to thrive in it, you have to evolve too. Often, it’s the resistance to this truth, not just the circumstances you face, that makes marriage feel more difficult. Satisfaction goes down, frustration goes up. That’s why personal growth and self-awareness are non-negotiables in a long-term marriage. In this episode, we unpack what “personal growth and development” actually looks like in a relationship. You’ll hear six key areas to reflect on and bring more awareness to within yourself, before turning to what you want your partner to change. Growth starts with awareness, but we’ll also share specific ideas and actions you can take in each area. This is the path both partners must walk individually so the marriage can continue to evolve in a connected, fulfilling way.   Relationship Resources ⏬ If you’ve felt stuck in patterns lately, don’t miss this. We’ve temporarily re-opened the replay of our Marriage WebClass that 8,000 couples joined last month. Go to OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com to watch it, and right after registering, you’ll get access to a rare bundle deal of our most powerful marriage guides.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

“Throughout the course of your life, you will be married 2–3 times. For some, this will be to the same person.”This sentiment is becoming more widely recognized, and it means you need to be ready for your marriage to evolve. Those who aren’t ready (or who don’t accept this) often go through harder seasons and are more likely to split from their partners. We will all face difficult chapters in the lifespan of a marriage, but those who accept the evolution are the ones who can re-make their marriage with the same partner. Today’s episode is about the importance of being able to rebuild a marriage when a couple arrives at this crossroad. You’ll hear the 7 steps couples go through to repair and rebuild their marriage for the next season ahead. This is one of the hardest things to do, so it’s not expected that you’ll take all these steps now, or even on your own. But knowing this is the path to rebuilding can give you clarity and hope that you can turn your marriage into what you want it to be. This episode is meant to help you understand the process and then use one of these resources to guide you through practical steps in this difficult (but ultimately rewarding) phase of marriage. 👇 Start the 30-Day “Rebuilding Us Couples Challenge", to get daily prompts straight to your inbox that give you the steps to have these rebuilding conversations.  Use the “Steps to Rebuild a Marriage Guide” to see and follow the tangible steps of the conversations in each of the 7 steps discussed in this episode. Both resources can be found here: MeetTheFreemans.com/rebuild

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

You can love your spouse and still feel overwhelmed by the unspoken responsibilities constantly running through your mind. The mental load is the invisible to-do list in your head—and when roles and responsibilities feel imbalanced, it can quietly erode connection, create resentment, and impact intimacy. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Morgan Cutlip— author of the upcoming book A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load—for one of the most important conversations couples need to have. Together we explore: • How to bring up the mental load in a way that unites you, not divides you • A simple but powerful question your spouse can ask instead of getting defensive • What unspoken resentment actually sounds like in day-to-day marriage • The surprising link between mental overload and decreased intimacy • And how to reset your roles and reconnect as a team Whether you're the one carrying the weight or you're not even sure what the "mental load" really is—this episode will open your eyes and strengthen your marriage. 📚And make sure you order her amazing book right here!  Here's Dr Morgan's IG, too!

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

This is the logical followup from last week's episode about emotional intimacy differences, which is about maintaining physical intimacy with your partner the longer you are together. It might seem obvious to say that men and women are different in this area yet in this episode you will hear a breakdown of some of the modern challenges that lead to a decline in physical intimacy for men and women. Many of these things are the predictable, daily life tasks and stressors that all couples will have.  The main takeaways from listening to this episode will be 6 different things you can take action on now to increase and maintain your satisfaction in your physical intimacy. These are not going to be the mechanics of intimacy however, but the things every couple needs to do and communicate about to be on the same page and better understand what intimacy means to each partner for the season you are currently in as a couple.   Relationship Resources: 1) The LIMITED EDITION Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge, is starting again April 1st, 2025. Over 4000 couples completed this challenge to start this year, many of which felt a real shift even after the first 5 days. We got so many requests for the challenge again, that we are bringing it back for April. But won't be available for another 5-6 months. So do not miss this opportunity to bring back that SPARK 💥 2) After this challenge window closes, take a look at the next available challenges of Prioritize Us or Rebuilding Us. ❣️  

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Emotional intimacy is a key part of your having high satisfaction in your marriage. The challenge becomes maintaining this the longer you are together with your partner. There are a number of reasons for this that you will hear in this episode, one of the obvious ones being that each partner feels connection in different ways.  In this episode you will hear a breakdown of the differences in emotional intimacy for men and women. You will hear 3 different ways that both men and women feel emotionally close so that you can begin to bring more emotional intimacy into your relationship that meet your current needs and preferences. Over time even your partner begins to seem like "just another part of your day" which reduces the potential for connection. You also might think you know what makes your partner feel emotionally close… but you will be surprised to find that idea outdated for what they need in this current season.   Relationship Resources:  1) The LIMITED EDITION Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge, is starting again April 1st, 2025. Over 4000 couples completed this challenge to start this year, many of which felt a real shift even after the first 5 days. We got so many requests for the challenge again, that we are bringing it back for April. But won't be available for another 5-6 months. So do not miss this opportunity to bring back that SPARK 💥 2) After this challenge window closes, take a look at the next available challenges of Prioritize Us or Rebuilding Us. ❣️

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Things are going to happen in your life and marriage. When they do, are you on the same team or find that you turn against each other? This is one of the most important ideas when it comes to having a successful marriage. As hard as we try we just can’t avoid conflict or even external situations happening in our lives that we do not like. But the differnece for successful marriages is that they stay on the same team and do not let these stressors amplify an already difficult situation.  In this episode today you will hear 5 principles for staying on the same team when both small and big things happen in your life together. Remember that whatever situation you find yourselves in is temporary but how you handle it can have a lasting effect on your marriage. When you handle them together you build trust, confidence and your bond; when turn against each other, you make it worse, lose trust, and build resentment.   Relationship Resources ⏬ As mentioned in the episode, get the Family Meeting Guide to help you navigate challenging moments and seasons with the weekly, quarterly, and yearly check-ins to stay on the same team no matter the challenge 👉 https://thecouplesexperience.com/family Alternatively, you can get the Family Meeting Guide for free as a bonus for starting the Prioritize Us 30-Day Couples Challenge starting in 2 weeks at 👉 https://mycoupleschallenge.com/    

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

Everyone should have the appropriate expectation that things in life won’t always be easy or go your way. This is the same in marriage. Having harder seasons of marriage is a part of the journey a couple needs to accept. Now these harder seasons can come from two places: external circumstances and from poor interactions of your own making!  In this episode you will hear about the 3 changes that need to be made to better handle these hard seasons. The situation will be different based on whether it is an external circumstance out of your control or whether it is from a series of poor patterns that have formed between you. In both cases, making these 3 changes will allow you to handle the season with more togetherness and come out of it stronger.   Relationship Resources: ➡️ Level 1: “Prioritizing Us” is focused on strengthening your connection, communication, and fun “Love Deposit” ideas. LINKED HERE ➡️ Level 2: “Rebuilding Us” is focused on repairing and rebuilding after a harder season of marriage. LINKED HERE 🥇 Also if you have not watched the Couple Things interview with Shawn Johnson & Andrew East, make sure tune into this great interview about Navigating Happy and Hard Seasons of Marriage on YouTube. 

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

Set aside all the things you DO in your marriage and answer this question. Is your heart more open or closed to your partner? It is easy to get stuck in all of the tasks and responsibilities within a marriage and even think that getting these done is the main goal. But what is your experience like most of the time? You can get all your tasks done, but have a heart that is closed off to your partner and you experience disconnection, distance, unappreciation, or even resentment.  The true goal in a marriage is to have an open heart because this is when you experience love, connection, joy, understanding, happiness, and fulfillment. In this episode you will explore this idea of living more with an open heart and get 5 steps to take to keep from closing your heart off to your partner. In the end, we are here to “adult” and get done what we need to, but it will really only add to your marriage satisfaction if you complete these tasks while staying open to each other.    Relationship Resources: Join the 30 Day Couples Challenge that is the best fit for keeping your heart open: ➡️ Level 1: “Prioritizing Us” is focused on strengthening your connection, communication, and fun “Love Deposit” ideas. LINKED HERE ➡️ Level 2: “Rebuilding Us” is focused on repairing and rebuilding after a harder season of marriage. LINKED HERE 🌟 For all the other resources, including the guides and webclasses: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

Last week was our LIVE Marriage Webclass on effective communication, de-escalating conflicts, and repairing after an argument. If you missed registering for that FREE event, you can still access the replay link here. There was so much that we covered that we did not have time to answer any of the questions pertaining to the Before, During, and After skills that we taught.  So on today's episode we will cover the 3 most common questions we received at the end of the class, so that everyone that was on can get those answers. If you did not watch, you can use the link to still watch, even if you did not, these are very common questions that will be very meaningful for you to hear. These answers will be very practical so that you can use them in your own life immediately. These are the questions you will hear answers to:  ✅ What can I do? How do I handle when my partner is defensive/not receptive despite the timing of the conversation.  ✅ How do you communicate when expressed needs go unmet? What to do if/when agreements are broken? ✅ What do we do when our partner usually doesn't allow us to take a timeout from a conflict?   Relationship Resources:  ➡️ As you listen, make sure you watch the REPLAY of our Live + Free Marriage WebClass. We only host this ONCE a year, and this link will only be available for one more week.  ➡️ Find the links to all the guides and 30-day challenges with our resources page here. https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

When you are not having the same type of conversation it is very easy to misunderstand each other. When there is misunderstanding it is easier to get frustrated and have the conversation escalate into a conflict. It is important to know which type of conversation you are having, a logical or emotional one, so that this doesn’t happen.  As much as any one of us thinks we are logically minded people, there is still an underlying emotional need such as respect, understanding, love, partnership ect. This is definitely the case whenever there is some tension or upset. In those moments you have to realize that to be effective in your communication with each other, emotions come before logic. This statement can bring up a few questions so dive into this episode to undercover how to better identify when an emotional conversation is needed versus when you can stick to the logical details of a conversation.    Relationship Resources: ➡️ As you listen, make sure you register for our Live + Free Marriage WebClass coming up February 19th, 2025. We only host this ONCE a year, so don’t miss it! ➡️ Find the links to all the guides and 30-day challenges with our resources page here. https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

Raising one’s emotional intelligence (EQ) is a critical factor in the long term satisfaction and maturity within a marriage. Without this, the depth of a couple’s connection will be limited and small emotional disruptions will turn into bigger conflicts (and likely never address the root cause). This is a term you have likely heard of before in terms of marriage and other important relationships in your life. But it can often be too abstract and conceptual to be put into practice.  In today’s episode you will hear 5 skills that build EQ. You will get a clear definition of each of these skills as well as the practical action to take to strengthen that muscle. These 5 skills do build on themselves and can be seen as sequential. So as you work on each of these, be sure you are completing each step before moving to the next. By listening to this episode you will have a clear understanding of how to raise your EQ and the benefit it will be for your relationship.   Relationship Resources: ➡️ As you listen, make sure you register for our Live + Free Marriage WebClass coming up February 19th, 2025. We only host this ONCE a year, so don’t miss it! ➡️ Find the links to all the guides and 30-day challenges with our resources page here. https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

As fellow parents, we share in that deep responsibility you feel to equip your kids with healthy relationship skills—and conflict is a huge part of that! How you and your partner handle disagreements doesn’t just impact your marriage; it actively shapes how your kids will navigate conflict in their own future relationships. In this episode, we’ll break down four key aspects of conflict that your kids need to witness—and how small shifts can make a lasting impact. ➡️ As you listen, make sure you register for our Live + Free Marriage WebClass coming up in February. We only host this ONCE a year, so don’t miss it 🌟   For video content follow on IG: @meet_the freemans

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

You are likely aware that conflicts are going to happen, they shouldn't be avoided, but accepted that they will happen. But how you handle the conflict determines whether it can be connecting and clarifying or it escalates and causes hurt. What really causes it to escalate is when you each are triggered and you let that trigger cause you to just react.  In this episode today you will hear how you can better recognize emotional triggers, which has to be the first step, and then how you can de-escalate before a bigger conflict arises. A key takeaway is that you need to recognize your own triggered events and reaction patterns, but as a partner, how to recognize these in your partner as well. You will then hear the 2 responsibilities you each have, followed by practical steps to de-escalate as you practice these things. This is the true work to be done in marriage, your marital satisfaction depends on your ability to recognize triggers and keep yourself from reacting in more hurtful ways.   Relationship Resources: DO NOT MISS the once per year LIVE Marriage Webclass with The Freemans. The date is set for Feb 19th, 2025. This will be a virtual, 1 hour weblcass to communicate more effectively, de-escalate conflicts, and repair from conflicts fully. The class is FREE, but will be limited to 1000 attendees live. There will be a recoding as well, but you will need to register to have it sent to you. We will see you there! Register here: https://onlinecouplesworkshops.com/   After the date passes, you will be able to find the recording and all the other guides and challenges with this link: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links   Follow us on Instagram @meet_thefreemans  

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

When you have a marriage conflict there are a few options you have as a partner. You can react or you can suppress it. Neither of these are good options. Your two good options are to repair or have a more simple debrief conversation.  In this episode you will hear the simple steps to take to have a debrief conversation. You will hear the difference between when a repair conversation is needed and when you just need this type of debrief conversation. By implementing these steps you can avoid lengthy conversations and get back on the same page faster with the productive steps to be on the same team to move forward.   Relationship Resources From Epsiode: DE-ESCALATE CONFLICTS GUIDE: A realistic guide to managing your emotions and keeping simple conversations from escalating into overblown fights. It's the De-escalating Conflicts & Regulating Emotions Guide and it's only $19.   REPAIR CONFLICTS GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it's resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It's the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it's only $19.

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025