Has the passion faded in your relationship? Is it starting to become stagnant or feel dull? Struggling to prioritize what matters most in your marriage? Our latest podcast dives into the concept of regular intentional weekend-getaways we call “marriage retreats” and how they serve as vital checkpoints for couples to keep the spice in their marriage.

A marriage retreat provides dedicated time for couples to intentionally focus on their identity and priorities without everyday distractions. Our retreat agenda includes:

- Reviewing our family mission statement

- Creating annual themes and setting shared goals

- Constructing 1, 3, and 5-10 year visions

- Identifying character traits to develop

- Aligning on financial plans and household responsibilities

The outcome is an "action plan" to reference in ongoing weekly check-ins.

Join us on Marriage iQ to learn about how to plan your own marriage retreat!

How long does the average sexual encounter last? Recent research suggests just 6 minutes. While quickies certainly have their place, most couples yearn for more intimate, enjoyable, and fulfilling sexual connections. This is where mindfulness comes in. Practicing mindfulness during sex slows us down, helps us tune into our bodies and emotions, and enables us to be fully present with our partner. The benefits of this sexual mindfulness are profound. Studies show it enhances intimacy, satisfaction, libido, and frequency of sex.

One big takeaway from our discussion is how sexual mindfulness can help you tackle common relationship issues like communication barriers, intimacy struggles, and shame. By creating an open and shame-free space to talk about your intimate experiences, you and your partner can be vulnerable with each other and strengthen your connection.

Tune in for practical strategies and insights to elevate your relationship to the next level.

If you're feeling the pain of reactive reactions in your relationships, like snapping at your partner without meaning to, then you are not alone! The struggle to slow down and be more intentional in your interactions can often lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings, leaving you both feeling disconnected and dissatisfied. But what if there was a way to change this pattern for the better? In this episode, we share insights from expert researcher and educator, Dr. Chelom Leavitt, on how practicing mindfulness improves relationships. Listen to this episode of Marriage IQ to discover the powerful impact of mindfulness on relationships and how it can transform your connection with your partner.

When married couples face traumatic events or grief, it can be devastating. Many relationships crumble under such intense pressure and hardship. However, with mutual commitment, intimacy, and support, spouses can actually develop greater resilience and closeness in their bond.

This was demonstrated profoundly in the powerful story of Jim and Cheryl Hastings, our guests on this episode of Marriage IQ. Over their nearly 30 years of marriage, Jim and Cheryl endured severe trauma yet grew stronger in their unity along the way. Early on they had to adjust to caring for a daughter born with major disabilities requiring extensive medical treatment. Later, they experienced the wrenching loss of another daughter, who died a tragic and sudden death at age 19.

In a cultural landscape filled with fractured relationships, Jim and Cheryl stand as beacons - not of perfect endurance, but of the profound reservoirs available when two choose to suffer together rather than apart. May we likewise tap into the power of intimacy and transcendent purpose to carry our partnerships through life's crushing blows, hand in hand.

What do language lessons, swimming pools, and coping with stress have in common? Uncover the unexpected! Dive into our surprising conversation comparing learning Spanish to navigating stress in marriage. Join us as we explore healthy coping mechanisms, setting boundaries, and the role of mindfulness in response to stress. But what will you discover in learning this new language? It's a revelation that might just change the way you see coping and relationships forever. Get ready to be intrigued and inspired as you unravel the unexpected connections between language, coping, and resilience. Join us for learning how to navigate differences in perceptions of stressful times of life in helpful rather than harmful ways.

Have you ever had a week that just seemed to pile on one stressful event after another, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained? You may have believed you had to simply power through the stress, but did that really help alleviate the pain and frustration you were feeling? If this sounds all too familiar, you're not alone. In this episode, let's dive into the topic of managing stress and explore a more effective approach to finding resilience and emotional well-being. Buckle up for a journey of discovering the true impact of stress and how to navigate it with grace and intentionality.

We often find ourselves making excuses—“It’s too hard,” “We’re too busy,” or “My spouse will never change”—when faced with the prospect of improving our relationship. While these excuses may offer temporary comfort, they can keep us from experiencing the deeper connection and fulfillment we truly desire.

Whether you’re struggling with making big changes or just looking for ways to strengthen your marriage, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement. Don’t let fear or excuses stand in the way of a fulfilling and connected marriage.

Tune in and take the first step towards a more mindful and meaningful relationship!

In this episode of Marriage IQ, we reminisce about the early days of our marriage, recalling the advice given by the person who officiated our wedding. We were urged not just to think about being romantic but to make it a law in our relationship, a priority to adhere to. The concept of making romance a law resonated deeply with us, sparking a journey filled with heartfelt moments, comical mishaps, and budget-friendly gestures. From lighting candles by our bed to dressing up in togas for a homemade Italian-themed Valentine's Day, we've experienced the ebb and flow of romance. We share how the impact of friendship and recreational activities have played a role in balancing their passion and friendship over the years. This episode intertwines personal stories and research with insight, offering relatable experiences and practical advice for nurturing romance in marriage.