009 | GR Masters: "18 Communication & Connection Lessons from 31 Years of Marriage" with my friend Cathy Domoney

009 | GR Masters: "18 Communication & Connection Lessons from 31 Years of Marriage" with my friend Cathy Domoney

In this episode of 'The RelateGREAT! Podcast with Jonathan Sherman and Friends,' Jonathan, a marriage and family therapist, engages in an insightful conversation with Cathy Domoney, founder of the Backyard Peace Project, about lessons she and her husband have learned from 31 years of marriage. They discuss the challenges people face in seeking advice in social media groups and the importance of getting support from trusted experts. Kathy shares her mission to create a safe community for authentic connection and support. The discussion delves into effective communication strategies, managing conflict, and maintaining intimacy in relationships. Kathy's personal stories about her 31-year marriage to Ian offer real-life examples of creating peace at home, emphasizing radical communication, humor, and appreciating each other. The episode closes with advice on maintaining kindness and joy in relationships and a reminder to visit the Backyard Peace Project for more inspiration. A must-listen for anyone seeking to strengthen their relationships and find peace and joy in their daily lives. 00:00 Introduction and Stuff 08:05 Lesson 1: The Two Layers of Communication - What vs. How 08:47 Lesson 2: Softened Startup - Enlisting Your Ally, Not Attacking Your Enemy 11:33 Lesson 3: Receiving Well - Preparing to Accept Influence 13:47 Lesson 4: Radical Honesty - Sharing the Meaning Behind the Surface Issue 15:32 Lesson 5: Attunement - Reading Between the Lines 17:01 Lesson 6: Taking Time to Learn Another Human 20:08 Lesson 7: Multiple Love Stories - Falling In and Out of Love Intentionally 20:48 Lesson 8: Continually Learning New Steps - Adapting as You Grow 28:49 Lesson 9: Looking for Reasons to Love Each Other 29:30 Lesson 10: Caring About Each Other's Experience 31:00 Lesson 11: Regular Check-Ins - Editing and Auditing Your Relationship 38:42 Lesson 12: Vulnerability - Being Soft with Your Person 40:10 Lesson 13: Being Teachers and Students to Each Other 41:17 Lesson 14: Being Together While Apart 43:45 Lesson 15: Choosing Your Timing - Honoring Readiness to Receive 47:54 Lesson 16: The Power of Laughter and Play 54:13 Lesson 17: Lightening the Load - Finding Perspective 59:03 Lesson 18: Little Things Matter - Daily Acts of Care 01:01:04 Closing Thoughts - Peace Begins at Home

008 | “Better Sex & Connected Intimacy” with my friend, sex coach Xanet Pailet

In this episode of The RelateGREAT! Podcast, Jonathan welcomes Xanet Pailet (pronounced "zhuh-nay pay-let"), bestselling author and founder of Passionate Intimacy Retreats, to discuss overcoming intimacy challenges and living an enriching, orgasmic life. Xanet shares her journey from a sexless 26-year marriage to becoming a sex and intimacy educator, emphasizing the importance of somatic experiences in healing and connection. The conversation covers practical tips for couples to enhance their intimacy, the differences between traditional talk therapy and experiential approaches, and how to create a safe, judgment-free sexual playground. Xanet offers actionable advice and resources, including her books and retreats, to help couples reignite passion and build deeper emotional connections. 00:30 Introduction to Xanet Pailet 01:56 Personal Journey and Name Change 03:58 Transition to Sex and Intimacy Educator 07:58 Understanding Somatic Approaches 10:02 Challenges in a Sexless Marriage 16:35 Discovering Tantra and Healing 21:25 Practical Tips for Intimacy 29:17 The Pressure to Perform and Misattunement 29:33 Coaching Couples: Hands-On Guidance 30:45 Creating a Safe Playground for Couples 32:56 Program Overview: Passionate Intimacy Retreats 34:23 Experiential and Interactive Exercises 35:23 The Importance of Repair in Relationships 38:52 Differences Between Talk Therapy and Experiential Therapy 45:15 Upcoming Retreats and Final Thoughts 48:20 Message of Hope and Free Gift

007 | MH: “Mess and Mental Health - The Hidden Shame of Clutter” with my friends, The Pahl Sisters, Decluttering Experts

▶︎▶︎ EPISODE NOTES In this episode of the Relate Great podcast, host Jonathan Sherman is joined by Chelsea Paul and Karissa Pahl from All of You Services, a cleaning company that goes beyond traditional cleaning to address mental health struggles. Jonathan discovered Chelsea through a heartfelt social media post highlighting the connection between depression and overwhelming mess. Chelsea and Karissa share their approach to helping clients declutter and deep clean their homes without judgment, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of a tidy space. They discuss the emotional and relational impacts of living in disorganized environments, their personal connection to mental health issues like ADHD, and their unique teamwork dynamics. The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners feeling overwhelmed by clutter. 00:00 Introduction to Chelsea's Post on Depression and Messiness 02:44 Mental Health and Cleaning: A Deeper Connection 03:29 Client Experiences and Vulnerability 06:12 The Process of Decluttering and Organizing 08:58 Challenges and Boundaries in Cleaning 10:42 The Emotional Impact of a Clean Space 21:16 The Sisters' Journey into Cleaning 25:13 Hyper-Focused and Satisfied 26:08 Family Therapist Insights 26:23 Navigating Family Business Dynamics 27:24 Communication Challenges and Strategies 31:50 Impact of Home Organization on Relationships 40:13 Tips for Listeners: Cleaning and Mindset Hacks 44:07 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Referenced Resources: Original post with pics [https://www.facebook.com/chelsea.pahl89/posts/pfbid0o3PqjsAv1GDmDtaKbgs8HyPZ85V5iE62YSVffmih12i15Qtt2VEoXn7J9YHgSN12l?__cft__[0]=AZUQ20Pc7nmAGSzSQDaTjtRgK2-nO2lTgSNr5n4TFYwASkuhBnfuc91oXdZg2j7vbgul3bTRj2vIZB3ACmEUfJ_P2_qOTb-5Ce_RrcXqiTpvJndTeUeu1iL-cGkiE5491HH5Uognv3V1dLb1ralI_J08-DRMy5Bk-qRbcIjnX-4xlw&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R] Website: All of You Services [https://www.allofyouservices.com/] Facebook: facebook.com/allofyouservices [https://www.facebook.com/allofyouservices] Episode Page: RelateGREAT.net/podcast/007-mess-and-mental-health [https://RelateGREAT.net/podcast/007-mess-and-mental-health]

006 | Parenting: “7 Ways to Connect with Your Kids and Teens.” Interview with Jonathan.

▶︎▶︎ EPISODE NOTES In this episode, Jonathan Sherman, a marriage and family therapist, offers seven crucial parenting tips. The advice stems from a presentation he gave at a conference and an interview with young clinicians from Utah Youth Village. The key areas covered include understanding your child's world, allowing feedback, avoiding power struggles, the importance of both quality and quantity time, fostering good relationships with teenagers from an early age, being interested in your child's interests, and the value of appreciation. Sherman shares personal anecdotes and professional insights, encouraging parents to grow and adapt alongside their children while maintaining patience, presence, and authentic communication. ▶︎▶︎ HIGHLIGHTS 01:24 1. Make an effort to understand your child’s world 02:11 2. Allow kids to give you feedback 05:26 3. Not engaging in power struggles allows kids to teach us -- Lesson from a 13-year-old rebel 12:37 4. Quality time is a function of quantity time - Patience and Presence. 16:07 5. Relationships With Teenagers Starts When They’re Young 18:32 6. Be interested in the things that interest your kids 21:19 7. Appreciation is a cushion ▶︎▶︎ Referenced Resources: The 7 Principles for Building a Strong Family book and online masterclass. • RESOLVE conflict, • IMPROVE communication, • INCREASE bonding, and • SECURE attachments with your partner and your kids. My 7 Principles for Building Strong Families workbook and online course will help you, your partner, and your family overcome problems and create truly GREAT relationships that last a lifetime. Enroll today and get the workbook at RelateGREAT.net/strongfam [http://RelateGREAT.net/strongfam]

005 | The Call-in Show: “Dating Disasters!” Part 2

▶︎▶︎ EPISODE NOTES In this episode of the RelateGREAT! Podcast with Jonathan Sherman, listeners are treated to a variety of dating stories during the second part of a two-part call-in show focused on dating disasters. The episode features 12 callers, including Jonathan's son Adam, who shares his high-school dating mishap. Other callers like Peyton and wife Lauren narrate their humorous and awkward relationship beginnings, and Austin recounts his clumsy journey from heartbreak to finding true love. Xerxes and Laurene share their long-term marriage experiences, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and friendship in enduring relationships. Jonathan Sherman, a marriage and family therapist, also shares insights drawn from John Gottman's relationship research, highlighting the significance of friendship and admiration in successful marriages. ▶︎▶︎ HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 The Call-in Show: Dating Disasters! Part 2 00:54 Adam's High School Date 05:54 Caller Peyton and Lauren's Awkward Beginnings 17:23 Caller Austin's Nervousness 17:40 Introduction to the Writing Group 18:42 Austin's Clunky Love Story 20:42 The Turning Point in Austin's Relationship 24:45 The Proposal and Marriage 31:33 Reflections on Marriage and Friendship 36:00 Xerxes' Story of 32 Years of Marriage 43:01 Laurene's Bad Date and Love Story 49:13 Conclusion and Future Plans Referenced Resources: None