
Stronger Marriage Connection
It's often said that marriage takes work. The Stronger Marriage Connection podcast wants to help because a happy marriage is worth the effort. USU Family Life Professor Dr. Dave Schramm and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Liz Hale talk with experts about the principles and practices that will enhance your commitment, compassion, and emotional connection.
More than ever before, marriages face obstacles, from the busyness of work and daily hassles to disagreements and digital distractions. It's no wonder couples sometimes drift apart, growing resentful, lonely, and isolated.
The Utah Marriage Commission invites you to listen and discover new ways to strengthen and protect your marriage connection today!
Episodes
137 episodes
Why Being Nice Kills Passion (And What To Do Instead) | Alexandra Stockwell | #136
Dr. Alexandra Stockwell shares her journey from physician to intimacy coach and reveals how couples can create passionately intimate marriages through authenticity rather than compromise. She offers transformative insights on cultivating everyd...
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Season 3
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Episode 136
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1:02:39

Your Baby Deserves Parents Who Love Each Other | Julie Blackburn | #134
Julie Blackburn shares her expertise on helping couples maintain strong relationships during the challenging transition to parenthood, drawing on her experience as a registered nurse, midwife, and Bringing Baby Home educator.• 67% of co...
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Season 3
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Episode 134
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42:39

A Great Marriage Starts With a Great You | Greg Denning | #133
Greg Denning shares his journey from a troubled childhood to creating an extraordinary marriage and family life while traveling to over 60 countries with his wife and seven children. His positive energy and unique ability to inspire others stem...
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Season 3
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Episode 133
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45:44

Gottman's Science of Love: Practical Tools for Connection | Julie Sharon-Wagschal | #132
Struggling to understand what makes a relationship flourish over time? In this eye-opening episode with Dutch-American psychologist Julie Sharon, we uncover the science-backed secrets that separate thriving marriages from those that falter....
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Season 3
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Episode 132
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42:09

Navigating Relationship Conflict: Healing Through Connection | Dr. Ryan Seedall | #131
Dr. Ryan Seedall draws on his 20+ years of experience as a therapist to share insights about relationship conflict patterns and the role of attachment in marriage dynamics. He provides practical pointers to strengthen marriage connections, incl...
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Season 3
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Episode 131
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48:44

The Imago Connection: Transforming Conflict into Growth | Mary Kay Cocharo | #130
Mary Kay Cocharo shares how Imago therapy helps transform relationship conflicts into opportunities for healing childhood wounds through a structured dialogue process that fosters safety, understanding, and deep connection. • Imago...
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Season 3
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Episode 130
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51:09

Technology Meets Therapy: How Digital Tools Are Transforming Modern Relationships | Brian Doss | #129
Dr. Brian Doss shares a science-backed digital resource called Our Relationship that helps couples identify relationship challenges and implement effective solutions through a structured framework.• Our Relationship program has been con...
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Season 3
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Episode 129
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37:31

Relationship Churning: The On-Again, Off-Again Cycle | Sarah Halpern-Meekin | #128
Relationship churning—the pattern of breaking up and getting back together with the same partner—affects nearly half of young adults and creates emotional whiplash for couples, children, and their support networks. Dr. Sarah Halpern-Meekin shar...
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31:53

Connection: The Core of Human Experience | Adam Dorsay | #127
Connection forms the foundation of mental health and happiness, with disconnection from ourselves, others, the world, and something greater underlying virtually every psychological struggle we face.• Four types of connection: with self ...
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Season 3
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Episode 127
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52:44

Betrayal Trauma: Finding Hope After Infidelity | Dave Jones | #126
Betrayal trauma occurs when trust is violated within a relationship, creating a profound alteration of reality for the betrayed partner and causing symptoms similar to PTSD. David Jones, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares insights...
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Season 3
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Episode 126
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36:42

When Marriage Meets Faith | Dr. Loren Marks | #125
Faith and religion shape marriages by influencing beliefs, practices, and community connections that help couples build "championship marriages" through shared sacred purpose. Dr. Loren Marks shares insights from the American Families of Faith ...
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Season 3
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Episode 125
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55:28

Hidden Toll: How Conflict & Divorce Impact Children | Jenet Erickson | #124
Dr. Liz and Dr. Dave welcome Dr. Janet Erickson to discuss the profound impact of marriage on children and families, exploring how parental relationships shape child development and identity formation.• Strong marriages create a sense o...
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Season 3
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Episode 124
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44:35

The Art of New Parenthood: Protecting Your Relationship While Welcoming Baby | Joni Parthemer | #123
Dr. Liz and Dr. Dave welcome Joni Parthimer, education director for the Gottman Institute's Bringing Baby Home program, to discuss how couples can maintain a strong relationship while navigating the challenges of new parenthood.About ...
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Season 3
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Episode 123
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42:48

Why Marriage is So Important | Dr. Brad Wilcox | #122
Besure to watch this and every episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/pXpkkT0DyZADr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm talk with Dr. Brad Wilcox, sociology professor and Director of the National...
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Season 3
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Episode 122
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49:30

Why Do We Argue So Much? | Laura Heck & Zach Brittle | #121
Be sure to watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/tEm34gytP4AToday Laura Heck and Zach Brittle, co-hosts of Marriage Therapy Radio, break down why couples argue and how to navigat...
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Season 3
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Episode 121
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46:38

Relationship Evaluation | Don & Carrie Cole | #120
Besure to watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/Lk5moCDwYWQToday Don and Carrie Cole return and share with host Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale a unique Rel...
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Season 3
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Episode 120
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53:48

Establishing Household Roles: Tips For Couples to Avoid Conflict | Dr. Julie Hanks | #119
Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube:https://youtu.be/IQ3pSyQ-9HYToday on Stronger Marriage Connection, hosts Dr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm sit d...
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Season 3
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Episode 119
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36:08

Daily Acts of Love Build Strong Intimate Marriages | Dr. Alexandra Solomon | #118
Be sure to watch this and every episode of the podcast on YouTube:https://youtu.be/zjuKWgivYNoToday Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a renowned relationship expert, joins Dr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave ...
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Season 3
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Episode 118
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42:06

Avoid Divorce: Expert Tips from a Divorce Lawyer | Padideh Jafari, Esq | #117
Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube:https://youtu.be/yoBDCp1li2wToday divorce attorney Padideh Jafari shares invaluable insights from her 22 years of experie...
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Season 3
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Episode 117
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47:24

Chastity Before and Inside Marriage | Jason Evert | #116
Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube:https://youtu.be/lz5PEu7SOlcJason Evert shares his insights on chastity, self-mastery, and the importance of authentic lo...
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Season 3
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Episode 116
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43:51

Shame and Healthy Sexuality | Natasha Helfer | #115
Today in this powerful episode, certified sex therapist Natasha Helfer joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to discuss the complex relationship between sexual health, faith, and cultural messages. Natasha sheds light on the damaging effects of sexua...
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Season 3
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Episode 115
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59:59

Defining Gender Roles In Marriage | Dr. Daniel Carlson | #114
Dr. Daniel Carlson joins Dave and Liz to discuss the division of household labor and its impact on marital satisfaction. From managing the mental load to ensuring fairness, Dr. Carlson shares research-backed strategies for balancing responsibil...
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Season 3
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Episode 114
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37:11

Men Matter: Husbands Need Support Too | Leslie Doares | #113
Lesli Doares joins Dave and Liz to discuss the Hero Husband Project and practical ways husbands can strengthen their marriages. From building emotional safety and communication skills to creating a marriage blueprint, Lesli offers actionable ad...
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Season 3
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Episode 113
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46:34

A Key To Keep Romance Alive: Married Dating | Brandon Porter | #112
Today Dr. Brandon Porter joins Dave and Liz to explore the importance of intentionality and creativity in keeping date nights alive. Brandon shares practical tips for busy couples, including the role of planning, novelty, and nostalgia in foste...
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Season 3
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Episode 112
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37:18
