Stronger Marriage Connection

Today on this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, Dr. Liz Hale speaks with Laura Doyle, New York Times bestselling author of The Empowered Wife and a relationship coach dedicated to ending world divorce. Laura shares the six intimacy skills that transformed her own marriage and have since helped thousands of women restore love and passion in their relationships. With practical advice on addressing common marital challenges, including respect, self-care, and creating a spouse-fulfilling prophecy, this episode offers a roadmap for a thriving marriage. About Laura Doyle: New York Times bestselling author Laura Doyle was the perfect wife…until she married. When she tried to improve her husband, he avoided her. She nearly divorced. Then she asked happy wives for their secrets and…got her miracle. Laura’s books are published in 30 countries, and she founded a coach training school. But she’s proudest of her 35-year marriage to John, who’s been dressing himself since before she was born. Insights: * Laura: Laura’s passion for empowering women to transform their marriages stands out. Her relatable storytelling and actionable advice about practicing respect, expressing desires, and using the "spouse-fulfilling prophecy" provided listeners with tangible tools for improving their relationships. Her vulnerability in sharing personal struggles and triumphs made her advice both credible and inspiring. Her emphasis on positivity, gratitude, and accountability resonated deeply, leaving a lasting message of hope and empowerment. Links: https://lauradoyle.org/ [https://lauradoyle.org/] https://connect.lauradoyle.org/roadmap [https://connect.lauradoyle.org/roadmap]   Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org  [https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/] Podcast.stongermarriage.org  [https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ [https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/]  Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ [https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/]    Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com [http://drdaveschramm.com/]  http://drdavespeaks.com [http://drdavespeaks.com/]    Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com [http://www.drlizhale.com/]

Today on Stronger Marriage Connection, Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale talk with therapist brothers Tyler and Brannon Patrick about the "Mr. Nice Guy" persona and its impact on relationships. Often driven by fear and insecurity, this behavior can unintentionally undermine trust and intimacy. The Patricks share how men can embrace authenticity, healthy masculinity, and deeper connection, offering actionable advice on boundaries, communication, and building a courageous marriage. Whether you relate to these challenges or seek to strengthen your relationship, this episode provides valuable insights. #nomoremrniceguy #marriage101 #marriageadvice About: Tyler has been dedicated to his own recovery for over 15 years, striving to live the principles he teaches and becoming a man of courage, passion, and love. Married for over 20 years and a proud father of four daughters, he enjoys fly-fishing, backpacking, training his German shorthair pointer, River, and supporting his children's interests. As a marriage and family therapist, Tyler specializes in recovery from sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. He believes those who fully embrace recovery not only regain their lives but also become exceptional spouses and parents. He feels honored to guide individuals on their journey toward a connected and transformed life. Brannon is passionate about repairing broken relationships and has created several programs for addiction recovery and betrayal. Since 2015, his online content has reached and helped heal thousands of couples worldwide. As co-clinical director and owner of TherapyUTAH, he has extensive experience treating various addictions in settings ranging from inpatient psychiatric care to intensive outpatient programs. Brannon is also a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist with specialized training in recovery. In addition to his clinical work, Brannon is a writer, blogger, podcaster, and content creator. He co-hosts The Betrayed, The Addicted, and The Expert podcast with Ashlynn and Coby Mitchell, offering unique perspectives on relationships, recovery, and addiction to guide listeners through meaningful change. Insights: * Bannon: "Really examine what is real, honest and authentic in a relationship. It's not just saying yes, I did that or no I didn't. It's showing up authentic. It's showing yourself in a relationship. And Mr. Nice Guys, they're scared to do that, and so to do that work takes courage, it's hard work, but it's the key to an actual relationship, because you can't know them unless they show themselves." * Tyler: "If you're feeling mad that we just talked about being a Mr. Nice Guy, you need to look at that. You should go take a look at what it is that's turning inside of you. And the next best step would be to take that feeling and actually go and approach your spouse and ask about it. Have a discussion about it. So, open up the discussion about where things don't seem like they're quite fitting, even though everything looks pretty on the outside. And that discussion will be a great Kickstart to something even better." * Liz: "I love this whole thought about Eastern philosophy, the yin and the yang, and that the more the more feminine I can be, the more masculine it inspires my husband to be, and vice versa. So, women are not helpless hopeless. They really can take a stand. They can even use my two favorite words of I can't when they're asked to do something that keeps men kind of in that mode of not being accountable and staying afraid." * Dave: "This difference of wrestling, okay, but isn't it good to be nice, it's good to be kind. So I'm glad that you clarify right kindness and care and compassion, but it's really like the motive, what's going on underneath, and is it, does it stem from fear or this genuine or authentic, right, desire to be kind, but also to have my own voice and to that it's not this facade, You know, I'm genuine, I am authentic, if this is who I am, and that can be a kind, not even nice, person, but if there's something to the stirring underneath, that's where some of the struggle then comes from. And then I love that, that foundation of safety and trust that you talked about, that that will eventually erode so all kinds of little lights and things going on in my brain." Links: https://therapybrothers.org/about-us/ [https://therapybrothers.org/about-us/] https://www.therapyutah.org/meet-brannon-patrick/ [https://www.therapyutah.org/meet-brannon-patrick/] https://lovestrong.com/our-podcasts/ [https://lovestrong.com/our-podcasts/]   Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org  [https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/] Podcast.stongermarriage.org  [https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ [https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/]  Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ [https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/]    Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com [http://drdaveschramm.com/]  http://drdavespeaks.com [http://drdavespeaks.com/]    Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com [http://www.drlizhale.com/]

Today on the Stronger Marriage Connection, Dave Schramm and Liz Hale sit down with Blake Snow, author of Log Off, to discuss the impact of technology on relationships. Blake shares practical tips for setting boundaries with devices, finding balance, and rediscovering meaningful connection with loved ones. From "Montana moments" to screen-free Sundays, Blake offers simple strategies to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters. Tune in to learn how to foster stronger relationships by managing technology use with intention and purpose About Blake Snow: Award-winning journalist Blake Snow writes for Fortune 500 companies, fancy publications, and 80% of America’s leading travel media. He is the best-selling author of two books, Log Off and Measuring History. A two-time marathoner, former 96% chess player, and avid recording artist, Blake enjoys cooking, playing soccer, and reading 8-10 books per year. High energy is his superpower. Liver in the present. Believer in the afterlife. Die-hard optimist. Blake resides with his wife and five children in Provo, Utah. Insights: * Blake: "You can do this. And I mean that generally like, if you don't like what's going on with your life on your phone and social media, you can make changes. You can do hard things, like, look back at all this incredible stuff humanity, that team human has done for centuries, and you're a part of that. And you can do something I might seems challenging. Uh. Or even with your relationship, but you're capable of great things. And I know and think and believe strongly that each of us have the capacity to change and make changes in our life in a way that works for us and excites us and brings us towards greater health and fulfillment. So you can do this." * Liz: "I'm thinking of all kinds of things, all kinds of changes I'd like to make. Because, you know, if, if I don't control it, it, it is going to control me, info technology. And I'm even just thinking, you know, on date night, I always want my phone with me to clip pictures of Ben and I, dear friend of mine, once said, who lost her husband, she goes Liz. I'm so glad I took pictures on date night, so I make the excuse to have my phone there, but it is a distraction. So I'm thinking of investing in a small camera, and I'm thinking of going back to hard copy scriptures, because again, I take my phone to church. Why? Because scriptures are on there, but it's a distraction. So anyway, all kinds of things are running through my mind." * Dave: "We've got to take back our time, take back our family, our activities, or put this instead of a half hour in the morning, I'm just going to go and scroll. Maybe go for a walk. Even better, phone a friend. Check in, use your technology." Links: https://blakesnow.com/about/ [https://blakesnow.com/about/]   Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org  [https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/] Podcast.stongermarriage.org  [https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ [https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/]  Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ [https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/]    Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com [http://drdaveschramm.com/]  http://drdavespeaks.com [http://drdavespeaks.com/]    Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com [http://www.drlizhale.com/]

In this inspiring episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, Dave Schramm and Liz Hale welcome Casey and Meygan Caston, founders of Marriage 365, to share their journey from the brink of divorce to becoming marriage mentors. They discuss practical tools like the weekly marriage business meeting, emotional check-ins, and the 60-second blessing to help couples reconnect and thrive. With an emphasis on curiosity, intentionality, and self-awareness, the Castons provide actionable insights to strengthen relationships and build a lasting legacy of love. Rebuilding love and connection starts with intentionality, curiosity, and the courage to work on yourself. Simple, consistent habits can create a strong, lasting marriage. About Casey & Meygan: Just three years into marriage, we were voted the couple least likely to succeed. We literally hated each other and had no idea how to get back the love and connection we’d once felt. Through lots of stumbling and trial and error, we did manage to walk back from the brink of divorce. But it was incredibly hard. Largely because there were no affordable and accessible resources for us back then. We felt like we were fumbling around in the dark. So we created the exact resource we wish we’d had: Marriage365. Our restored marriage was the inspiration to help other couples who were feeling stuck, lost, and confused about how to reconnect. Today, our app and website reach millions of couples around the world every day, providing practical advice, tools, and inspiration. You can find all of those resources at www.marriage365.com. Our mission is to create a safe place for people to grow and ask questions that is available to anyone. Money or privilege should never prevent someone from getting the tools they need to better themselves and their relationships.   Insights: * Meygan: "I think everybody should lift up their head and do an emotional check in with themselves, and pick an area of their life where they know that it could probably be better, health, parenting, work, marriage, and just ask yourself, what's working, what's not working, and what needs to change. And that will be truly a gift of self care for someone listening today." * Casey: "If you want to make a better marriage, make a better you, it is a message of empowerment, and it means that you can actually work on your marriage by yourself. You don't have to wait and don't have to feel stuck because your partner's not willing to join. That means, as Liz, I think you said, we take 100% responsibility of our of our marriage, and we own it and we they I'm gonna work on myself, regardless of you. And I think marriage forces you to work on yourself, like when you're single, nobody can come over and go, You know what? You should really shouldn't say stuff like that. It's inappropriate. Marriage is a great tool for self development." * Liz: "...the power of the tongue. Your Words have the power to give life or death. Yep, we know that. I just don't think of that nearly enough." * Dave: "I think that that, honesty, is the key to the stronger marriage connection. I mean, the 60 seconds. It's this intentionality, it's, you know what? But I've never done that, and that might feel awkward for me, but if couples will just do it, adopt some of these positive practices to build that relationship connection. Check in, think of that other person, get curious, ask some questions, and then the sincere compliments, really genuinely eye to eye, knee ball, knee or eyeball to eyeball, kneecap to kneecap, looking them in the eye, and sharing how you really feel deeply about them, whether you appreciate about them." Links: https://marriage365.com/ [https://marriage365.com/]   Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org  [https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/] Podcast.stongermarriage.org  [https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ [https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/]  Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ [https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/]    Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com [http://drdaveschramm.com/]  http://drdavespeaks.com [http://drdavespeaks.com/]    Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com [http://www.drlizhale.com/]

In this insightful episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale are joined by therapist Jake Baczuk to explore the transformative concepts of the pain and peace cycles. Jake, a clinical manager and couples’ therapist, explains how negative patterns in behavior and communication create pain cycles that keep couples stuck in frustration and resentment. He introduces the peace cycle as a way to disrupt these patterns by focusing on understanding underlying emotions and unmet needs. Tune in to learn about the practical tools and techniques to foster empathy, self-reflection, and more peaceful responses in your relationships. About Jake Baczuk: Jake is a clinical manager for evolvedMD, an integrated behavioral health company that utilizes the Collaborative Care Model in Primary Care settings. Jake is passionate about this because they are creating access to mental and behavioral health to a population that would not otherwise receive help. It's amazing! He enjoys writing and playing music, playing softball, watching baseball, and spending time with his wife and three kids. He enjoys doing couples therapy and hope’s to start a small private practice in the near future. Insights: * Jake: "Recognize that we're all human beings. We're all human beings that are going to make mistakes that we're not necessarily broken or wrong or anything like that, because our love or trustworthiness was breached at some point in our life. We're just human beings, right? And when we understand that human element of ourselves, then we have so many opportunities to move in directions that are healthy, that we want to go, whether it's individually or within our relationship or within our family or at work or anything like that, right? So we're all human beings." * Liz: "I think whether we're partners or just people, individuals. We're powerful. So, as we look at the pain cycle or the peace cycle, I just think that there's probably a magic in the pause just to think, now wait a minute, where might that person be coming from? What's really going underneath their behavior? So, I love that. I love the reminder of that cycle." * Dave: "I think what stood out is when you talked about the boxes and learning not to react to your partner's behavior, but really respond to what's underneath, and that's the emotions. These needs are often deep and hidden, but if we can look past that and really see them and understand them, may not even agree with that, but still to understand with that, that understanding is powerful, and understanding this, this pain and these peace cycles that we're often blind to. We don't get it. We're so deep into it that we can't step outside and see that we're stuck and often creating the very problems that we don't like in our in the own reactions that our partner, that we're almost helping to create those which is this, yeah, this paradox." Links: Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org [https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/]  Podcast.stongermarriage.org  [https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ [https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/]  Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ [https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/]    Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com [http://drdaveschramm.com/]  http://drdavespeaks.com [http://drdavespeaks.com/]    Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com [http://www.drlizhale.com/]