You know that moment when you look at your spouse and wonder, Are we even connected anymore? Maybe you’re not fighting, but you’re not exactly feeling close either. If your marriage feels more like a business partnership than a loving relationship, you might be experiencing marriage shutdown: a slow, sneaky disconnection that erodes intimacy and leaves you feeling unseen, unappreciated, and alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down what marriage shutdown really is, why it happens, and the subtle ways it’s impacting your emotional and physical connection. More importantly, I’m giving you the tools to wake your marriage back up and start feeling like a team again. Tune in to discover: The sneaky signs of marriage shutdown most couples miss Why your marriage might feel more like a business partnership than a relationship How small, everyday habits could be killing intimacy without you realizing it A simple shift to make conversations feel meaningful again The first step to reigniting connection (even if you feel exhausted or resentful) If your marriage feels stuck in autopilot, this episode will help you recognize what’s really going on and give you practical steps to shift things in the right direction. And if you want even more support, grab my Marriage Shutdown Checklist by commenting "Checklist" on any of my Instagram posts. Let’s get you and your spouse back on the same page! For more on this topic, check out Ep 154: Are You In Marriage Shutdown? FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

Social media has us believe that a great marriage means feeling like newlyweds forever, with constant passion, weekly date nights, and never-ending butterflies. But that’s not real life. And when we compare our relationships to those unrealistic expectations, it’s easy to feel like something is missing. In this episode, I’m breaking down what a truly strong, healthy marriage looks like, what Instagram gets wrong, and how to shift your perspective so you actually appreciate the marriage you have. Tune in to discover: The misleading message social media sends about what a happy marriage “should” look like Why the absence of passion or frequent date nights doesn’t mean your marriage is failing The key expectations that can make or break how satisfied you feel in your relationship The sneaky comparison trap that might be making you feel less connected to your spouse What a healthy, fulfilling marriage actually looks like and how to build one that feels good for you Let’s redefine what a great relationship really is, one that makes you feel safe, secure, and truly supported. FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

Being sick is hard enough, but have you ever noticed how it also stirs up tension in your marriage? Maybe it highlights just how uneven the mental load is or leaves you feeling uncared for when you need support the most. If getting sick has ever made you feel resentful, disconnected, or just plain exhausted in more ways than one—this episode is for you. Tune in to discover: Why sickness can trigger disconnection and resentment in your marriage The real reason moms struggle to rest when they’re sick (and why dads don’t) How societal expectations shape the way illness plays out in partnerships The mindset shift that prevents arguments before they start The simple steps you and your spouse can take to support each other better This episode will change how you and your spouse navigate illness and care for each other—so you feel like a team, even when life (or the flu) tries to take you down. FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

What if the biggest thing keeping you disconnected from your spouse isn’t about spending more time together or even putting in more effort? So many couples focus on what’s missing in their marriage, but what if the real secret to reconnecting is something completely different? In this episode, I’ll help you shift your mindset and show you a powerful way to start feeling closer to your spouse again—without forcing anything or twisting yourself into a pretzel. Tune in to discover: Why feeling disconnected has more to do with how you see your spouse than what they’re actually doing How to stop your brain from only noticing the things they aren’t doing The subtle but powerful mindset shift that makes everything feel easier Why focusing on the proof of your spouse’s love can create a ripple effect of connection A simple challenge to help you start seeing your spouse in a new way—starting today This episode will change how you think about connection in your marriage. Share it with a friend and don’t forget to send me your review of the podcast for my free gift to you to celebrate 200 episodes! FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

Something sneaky is quietly eroding connection in so many marriages, and chances are, it’s happening in yours too. It’s not just the big fights or major betrayals. There’s something else that builds up over time, leaving you feeling frustrated, unseen, and disconnected. But here’s the good news—once you recognize it, you can clear it out and finally feel like you’re in this together again. Tune in to discover: Something that happens all the time—intentionally or unintentionally—that creates disconnection (and what to do instead) Why missing your spouse’s bids for connection is more damaging than you think The shift that stops you from feeling like you’re carrying everything alone How to express what you need in a way that actually gets heard Simple strategies to replace resentment with real partnership and connection FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

What does it take to build a marriage that not only lasts but thrives for 78 years? After witnessing my grandparents’ incredible love story, I’m sharing the key lessons from their decades together—lessons that can help you strengthen your own marriage today. These aren’t just old-school values; they are the foundations of a happy, connected, and resilient partnership. Tune in to discover: The simple daily habit that keeps appreciation alive in a marriage Why respectful communication (even during conflict) is a game-changer How to prioritize your relationship through every season of life The mindset shift that makes your spouse feel like your greatest teammate The small but powerful ways to keep love and connection strong for the long haul If you want to build a marriage that stands the test of time, this episode is for you. Share it with your partner or someone who could use these insights! FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

The little things in your marriage matter more than you realize. Those tiny, everyday moments—how you respond, the words you choose, the way you show up—are either strengthening your connection or quietly pulling you apart. But with just a few intentional shifts, you can start feeling more loved, supported, and connected in your marriage! Tune in to discover: The hidden habit that leads to resentment (and how to shift into a team mentality instead) A simple mindset change that prevents defensiveness and encourages connection How micro-moments of connection can completely transform your relationship (without requiring big date nights or getaways) The key difference between assuming the worst vs. giving your spouse the benefit of the doubt A small language tweak that instantly makes conflict feel less like a battle and more like a collaboration These shifts may be small, but they have a huge impact. Try them out and watch how they change the way you and your spouse connect! FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

Ever feel like your marriage is the problem? Like your spouse isn’t meeting your needs, follows through on nothing, or always gets defensive? While those things do need to change, there’s something bigger at play that makes everything feel so much harder—and it’s not just your relationship. In this episode, I’m breaking down the hidden stressor that’s quietly making marriage after kids so challenging (and what you can do about it). Tune in to discover: Why marriage feels so much harder after kids—and why it’s not just you The unseen force that turns small conflicts into major disconnection How this stress makes even good marriages feel bad (and rocky ones fall apart) The mindset shift that helps you and your spouse work together instead of against each other The two must-have tools to get unstuck and actually feel happier in your relationship If you’ve ever felt like your marriage shouldn’t be this hard, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about what’s really going on—and how to start fixing it today. FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

Parenting disagreements can feel so personal—like you’re being judged by your spouse or anyone watching from the sidelines. But when you and your partner don’t see eye-to-eye on how to raise your kids, it can lead to fights that leave you both feeling disconnected. In this episode, I’ll show you how to navigate these differences and create a parenting partnership that works for both of you. Tune in to discover: How to handle the judgment you feel from your spouse (or that stranger in the grocery store) The key to hearing each other and finding a way forward—even when you disagree Why keeping your shared goal of raising great kids in mind changes everything The power of emotional validation and saying the things that often go unspoken How to compromise without always agreeing, so you both feel good about your parenting decisions This episode will help you as parents take the first steps toward working together as a team. Share it with your partner or a friend who could use these tools! FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

Have you ever opened up to your spouse about the mental load, only to be met with defensiveness, resistance, or invalidating responses? It can feel hopeless, lonely, and leave you questioning whether your partner truly understands or cares. This episode is for you if you’ve tried having these conversations but still aren’t getting what you need. Tune in to discover: Why defensive or invalidating responses to the mental load feel so painful and isolating Scripts you can use when your spouse says frustrating things like, “Well, no one asked you to do all that,” or, “I guess I’m just a bad husband” The importance of understanding your spouse’s intentions and how to navigate the emotions behind their reactions How to avoid shutting down in your marriage, even when things don’t go well Why the solution lies in building systems that work for both of you (and how to start that conversation today) If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying everything alone or that your spouse just doesn’t “get it,” this episode will help you approach these tough conversations with confidence, clarity, and love. It’s not about proving who’s right or wrong—it’s about finding a way to tackle the mental load together. FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

Are you tired of feeling like you’re the one holding everything together - not just managing the household, but also keeping track of every need, schedule, and responsibility for your kids and spouse? The mental load can feel overwhelming, and even more so when you’re carrying it alone. But how do you talk to your spouse about it without it turning into an argument? In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what to do to approach this sensitive topic and how to build a stronger partnership in the process. Tune in to discover: Why the mental load isn’t just about tasks, but about the emotional weight of carrying everyone’s needs The #1 reason holding the mental load makes you feel disconnected and lonely in your marriage How to feel more appreciated and validated, even if your spouse doesn’t fully understand what you’re going through A step-by-step approach to talking to your spouse about the mental load without triggering defensiveness or conflict FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

Have you ever felt upset when your spouse says they’ll do something and then just… doesn’t? Or when they say they’ll be home at a certain time and aren’t? These small moments might not feel like a big deal at first, but over time, they fracture trust in your marriage. And without realizing it, these small cracks can lead to resentment, disconnection, and even marriage shutdown. In this episode, I’m diving into the small ways trust is broken, how it impacts your relationship, and, most importantly, how you can fix it fast to restore connection and partnership. Tune in to discover: The surprising everyday actions that are quietly breaking trust in your marriage The quickest way to push your marriage toward shutdown (and how to stop it) How to rebuild trust through small, intentional actions that make a big impact The secret to knowing exactly what your spouse needs to feel valued and supported Simple strategies to repair fractured trust and create a stronger, more connected partnership FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

As we head into a new year, let’s focus on setting your marriage up for success in 2025. Whether your relationship feels strong or strained right now, these actionable tips will help you intentionally improve your connection and partnership in the months ahead. This episode is packed with simple yet impactful strategies that don’t require a ton of time or energy—perfect for busy parents. Tune in to discover: Why lasting change takes time and how to stay consistent long enough to see results A surprising and powerful tool (that takes less than 5 minutes!) that has the ability to transform your marriage How to align your daily actions with your priorities (and make space for what fills you up) A simple method to organize household management and reduce resentment How to spot and shift negative thought patterns about your spouse and marriage to build a stronger foundation Let’s make 2025 the year your marriage thrives—starting today. FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

The holidays can be an overwhelming time, especially for couples already feeling the strain of marriage shutdown. Many couples find themselves struggling even more during this season, and divorce filings spike right after the holidays for a reason. In this episode, I’ll share practical, research-backed strategies to help you avoid becoming part of that statistic, feel more connected to your spouse, and create the holiday season you truly want. Tune in to discover: The staggering statistic about divorce after the holidays (and what it means for your marriage) Why holiday stress puts extra strain on marriages (and how to counteract it) How to avoid fights or de-escalate them before they spiral out of control The importance of clearly communicating your needs (and not assuming your spouse can read your mind) One simple question to ask yourself daily to ensure you’re staying aligned with what truly matters Why expert support can make all the difference when your marriage feels stuck FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…

Parenthood is a never-ending grind, and the stress of it all can often feel overwhelming. But did you know that how good you feel as a parent is directly impacted by one key thing? In this episode, I’ll reveal what that is and show you how to create more capacity for joy in parenting by prioritizing this often-overlooked area of your life. Tune in to discover: The connection between the quality of your marriage and your happiness as a parent Why resentment, disappointment, or frustration with your spouse depletes your capacity to parent at your best How to prioritize fun with your spouse, even when resentment feels like a barrier The tools you need to switch the dynamic in your marriage instead of focusing solely on what your spouse isn’t doing Why the thoughts you have about your spouse might not be true (and how reframing them can strengthen your bond) The #1 tip to take your marriage from struggling to thriving FREE TRAINING! The Three Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids…