The Marriage Life Coach Podcast

Episódios

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  Stop Spiraling: How to Use Relationship Coaching Tools with Lindsay Dotzlaf 03.08.2026 32min

  Here's something I want you to know: you already have more tools than you think you do. In this episode, I'm talking with one of my best friends and favorite humans again, the brilliant Lindsay Dotzlaf, about how to use the coaching tools you already have on yourself, especially in your relationships. Lindsay is a master coach's coach who helps coaches master the craft of coaching, and she's the host of the Mastering Coaching Skills podcast. She did an episode for coaches about using your coaching skills on yourself, and I told her she had to come talk about it with me. Because here's the thing: if you listen to this podcast at all, you have coaching skills. Pausing and breathing. Asking a better question. Asking "what's the root cause?" Thinking on purpose about your partner. You use these skills at work all the time. Then we go home and forget we know how to troubleshoot. At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful choice: in any charged moment, you can spiral or you can pivot. The spiral is the loop of beating yourself up, blaming your partner, going in circles and never moving forward. The pivot is one tiny step in a different direction. And the more you practice it, the stronger that muscle gets. We talk about internalized blame (and the difference between "I am wrong" and "I did something wrong"), why building self-trust is what lets you pivot more and spiral less, and one of Lindsay's favorite tools for getting unstuck: putting the thought on the shelf. Here is the scoop on what we talked about — ✨ Episode at a Glance Why you already have coaching tools at your disposal, even if you don't call them that The moment of choice in every charged interaction: spiral or pivot Why "developing the muscle" of awareness matters more than any single tool How high emotions lower your access to your own resources (and how the pause changes that) "I have choices" — the sentence Maggie repeats, even in the most dire situations Internalized blame, and the freeing difference between "I am wrong" and "I did something wrong" The secondary wound: when we shame ourselves for spiraling in the first place Building self-trust as a muscle, one tiny pivot at a time Trading all-or-nothing thinking for the "dimmer switch" Lindsay's favorite tool: put the thought on the shelf and ask "if that wasn't allowed to be true, now what?"   Resources mentioned in this episode: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover Visit Lindsay's Website: https://lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/  Listen to The Mastering Coaching Skills Podcast: https://lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/podcast/  Episode 1 of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast: How to Have a Better Marriage Episode 2 of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast: Power Questions Episode 152 of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast: The Most Valuable Thoughts for Your Marriage Mindset  
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  How to Decide If You Should Stay or Go in Your Marriage with Lindsay Dotzlaf 20.07.2026 45min

  Have you ever been in something you care about deeply, whether it's your marriage, your career, or a long friendship, and quietly felt uncomfortable, like it was a sweater that no longer fit, but you weren't sure why or what to do about it? Almost anything we do for a long time will have a season, or more than one, that can feel like a grind. And of course that happens in marriage too. That's exactly what this episode is about: how to decide whether it's time to recommit or release, and the things to consider when you're not sure whether to stay or go. I'm joined by one of my absolute favorite humans, the brilliant Lindsay Dotzlaf, a master coach's coach who helps coaches master the craft of coaching, and the host of the Mastering Coaching Skills podcast. Lindsay originally explored this idea through the lens of business and a long-term career, and we realized it applies just as powerfully to marriage and any long-term commitment. We talk about putting the question "does this still work for me?" on the table, and talking about why we're often too afraid to even ask it.  The drifting apart that happens when we stop turning toward each other on purpose, coming off autopilot to make intentional decisions, why doubt and ambivalence are signals to collect data instead of rushing into action, and what it looks like to recommit and reimagine. Here is the scoop on what we talked about — ✨ Episode at a Glance Why "is this still working for me?" might be the most powerful question you need to ask on a regular basis to have a life that reflects who you are now.  How simply giving yourself permission to ask the question is the first step to everything after it What "The Drift" in marriage is, and why you naturally float apart unless you turn toward each other on purpose Coming off autopilot: the decisions we made 20 years ago for people we no longer are Orienting toward "am I capable?" instead of "am I safe?", and how that can help release the pressure of seeking safety in what is often an inherently unsafe world.  Why doubt and ambivalence are signs to collect data, not to rush into action "What is unclear?", the question that gives you the next thing to look at Making the "exit plan" as an empowering exercise, even when you're staying Releasing what no longer serves the relationship vs. releasing the relationship itself Recommitting AND reimagining: it's not all-or-nothing Why doing new things together rekindles connection RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover Visit Lindsay's Website: https://lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/  Listen to The Mastering Coaching Skills Podcast: https://lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/podcast/  Ep 205: Understanding Divorce Part 1: 10 Things Every Woman Needs to Know Ep 206: Understanding Divorce Part 2: Exit Plans, Legal Structures, and Building Your Support Team  
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  The Power of One: The First Skill You Need When Your Marriage Feels Stuck 06.07.2026 1h 2min

  When you're in a relationship that feels stuck, where you love your partner, you chose this person, and yet something feels off, disconnected, or like you're going through the motions, there's a question that often lives in your mind: Can this actually be different? In this greatest hits episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast, I'm sharing one of my favorite teachings—the power of one. It's a teaching that comes up all the time in so many conversations I have with the women I work with, and when I ask people what's one of their favorite things they learned from me, the power of one comes up over and over again. Here's what I want you to know: The only way to find out if your relationship can be different is to do the work. You have to think differently, do differently, and then see how you feel, see how your partner responds. That's the experiment. You collect data. You try stuff. You evaluate and iterate. The scientific method applied to marriage. So many of us get stuck in this loop of "Why should I be the one to change?" or "It takes two to tango." I get it. I totally hear you. But those thoughts keep you stuck in a holding pattern where nothing moves forward because you keep waiting for somebody else to take action. The power of one—which is completely based on systems theory—tells us that when one element of a system changes, the rest of the system responds to that change. You go first. You lead with love, lead with intention. And then you see what happens. Your partner either meets you there or they don't. Either way, that's information you want to have. You either get closer or you get clear. And both of those outcomes serve you to move forward. Here is the scoop on what's included — ✨ Episode at a Glance Why "going first" doesn't mean doing all the work What happens when you practice gratitude on purpose The importance of showing up for what you want How one person can change a relationship (yes, even you) Pattern interrupts and why they're important The impact of emotional leadership in your marriage Why small tweaks lead to quantum leaps over time The power of a do-over when things go sideways How to express appreciation to yourself today Resources mentioned in this episode: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover Episode #49: Fresh Starts & Do Overs  
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  Heated Rivalry Part 2: Desire & Vulnerability with Laura Jurgens 22.06.2026 37min

  Heated Rivalry is is one of my favorite love stories ever told & I cannot get enough of reviewing, analyzing & talking about it. I am so excited to share Part 2 of my conversation with the amazing Laura Jurgens!  SPOILER ALERT! This is not a spoiler-free zone.  We go deep on specific scenes & episodes, so if you haven't watched it yet & you care about spoilers, save this for another day.  And if you haven't heard Part 1 yet, go back & start there as we set up so much context about why this show matters so much to me and what themes we think can help you see your own relationship differently.  In Part 2, Laura Jurgens, PhD & I pick the conversation right back up.  This time we go into the cultural phenomenon of Heated Rivalry and what it reveals about women's desire & why vulnerability is the real game-changer in relationships.  We also get into the episode-by-episode moments that stopped us in our tracks, & the creative lessons from writer-producer Jacob Tierney about trusting your vision. A quick note on where we're each coming from: I'm a cisgender heterosexual woman, & Laura is a bisexual woman bringing her own lived experience to this.  We're both speaking from our specific lenses, & that feels especially worth naming here in Part 2, where we talk about desire & women's sexuality.  As a person who loves love both in real life & on TV, I have LOTS OF THOUGHTS — & I'm so grateful for the deep joy this celebration of queer love has brought to my life. A second quick note: we talk about sex & sexual situations, so if you're listening somewhere with people who shouldn't be hearing this, save it for later. Here is the scoop on what we talked about — ✨ Episode at a Glance Why "women don't like sex" is a cultural myth — & what's actually true The response to this show as a phenomenon, & what it's revealing about women's desire Why so much of our cultural sexual script is written for & around men The pizza analogy that completely reframes "low libido" Why the show works as inspiration, not a manual "Stop guessing, start asking" — the coaching homework hiding inside the love story Rose, & why we all need allies who help us see ourselves What episode four teaches us about letting fear run the show The Russian monologue & the relief of finally saying it out loud Trusting your vision: the creative bravery of writer-producer Jacob Tierney Why being deeply specific is exactly what makes a story (or a relationship) universal What collaborative leadership on set teaches us about co-creating in our relationships   Resources mentioned in this episode: Part 1 of this conversation: Heated Rivalry — Courage, Shame & Being Seen with Laura Jurgens The Polarity Episode: Masculine, Feminine & Repackaged Patriarchy with Laura Jurgens — www.maggiereyes.com/podcast/203 The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover Visit Laura's website: www.laurajurgens.com  Follow Laura on Instagram: @laura.jurgens.coach Listen to Laura's podcast: The Pleasure Uprising Podcast  
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  Heated Rivalry: Courage, Shame & Being Seen with Laura Jurgens 08.06.2026 43min

  Are you already obsessed with Heated Rivalry like I am? Or am I going to convince you with this podcast episode? It is one of my favorite love stories ever and I can't get enough of reviewing, analyzing and talking about it, so you know we had to do not 1 but 2 podcast episodes on it! And obviously as a cisgender heterosexual woman I will never fully understand the experiences of the gay and bisexual characters in this show, but as a person who loves love both in real life and on TV, I have LOTS OF THOUGHTS. (One thing to know going in: this is not a spoiler-free zone. If you haven't watched it yet and you care about spoilers, save this for another day.) I'm joined by one of my favorite colleagues and friends, the brilliant Laura Jurgens, PhD—a Somatic Sex & Intimacy Specialist and Master Certified Intimacy & Relationship Coach who works at the intersection of attachment and sexuality. You may remember her from our conversation on the patriarchy and masculine-feminine myths, and I'm so happy to have her back. This is two relationship coaches talking about Heated Rivalry—what it shows us about courage, shame, vulnerability, and what happens when we can finally say what we actually want out loud. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, and in this episode we dig into the emotional core of the story: the courage it takes to listen to your inner voice and put yourself out there, why shame is a social wound that only heals when we let ourselves be seen, what it means to keep turning toward each other, and why vulnerability—not invulnerability—is what actually creates trust and safety. A quick note: we talk about sex and sexual situations, so if you're listening somewhere with people who shouldn't be hearing this, save it for later. Here is the scoop on what we talked about — ✨ Episode at a Glance Why Heated Rivalry is so much more than a smutty, sexy hockey romance The courage to listen to your inner voice and put yourself out there first Why putting yourself out there isn't equally easy for everyone—and why that matters Shame as a social wound—and why being seen is what actually heals it What the coming-out-to-parents scene shows us about having someone "stay with you" Turning toward each other—and why it's one of the most underrated relationship skills Why invulnerability is so rewarded, especially for men—and the "plastic person" it creates Why Scott & Kip move faster by being honest: "Can I be too much with you?" Male affection and how under-touched men are in our culture The power of being direct from day one—and the 20-year marriage it created   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover The Polarity Episode: Masculine, Feminine & Repackaged Patriarchy with Laura Jurgens — www.maggiereyes.com/podcast/203 Visit Laura's website: www.laurajurgens.com  Follow Laura on Instagram: @laura.jurgens.coach Listen to Laura's podcast: The Pleasure Uprising Podcast
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  Depression, Medication, and the Myth of Doing It All Alone 25.05.2026 1h 9min

  Today's episode is a little bit different because I'm sharing a conversation I had with my dear friend, Lindsay Dotzlaf, on her podcast Mastering Coaching Skills. When Lindsay asked me to come on her show and talk about coaches and mental health, specifically sharing about my mental health journey—I said yes immediately. Here's the thing: We talk a lot on this podcast about doing the inner work, about taking responsibility for your half of the relationship, about choosing who you want to be and what values you want to express. And I 100% believe in everything I teach and in using my own tools on myself on a regular basis. And I also believe that sometimes the inner work is something we can do individually and sometimes the inner work requires us to get support. In this season of my life, when I am getting a lot of support, I wanted to share what it was like, what I was going through. And in my case, part of being supported involved speaking to a psychiatric nurse, starting therapy, and starting a medication that genuinely changed my life and how I live day to day. This episode is me being the kind of coach I want you to have, the kind of coach I want to be in the world—someone who models that there is such a thing as toxic hyper-individualism, that trying to do it all by yourself is absolutely not it. A quick note: In this episode, I share how I got diagnosed with depression and what my journey has been to get support around that. If hearing someone share their mental health story will feel useful and nourishing, please listen and share with anyone who could be comforted by it. At the same time, if it's something that is a little too close to home, I have over 200 podcast episodes, just go back into the feed and pick one that calls to you today. Here is the scoop on what's included — ✨ Episode at a Glance How I got diagnosed with depression (and what that journey looked like) Why I started therapy and medication—and how it changed my life The myth of "I should have this figured out by now" Toxic hyper-individualism and why we need support How to reconcile your self-concept with a mental health diagnosis The difference between therapy and coaching (and when you need both) Why Googling "successful people with depression" at midnight matters ;-) How to look for a therapist or coach who aligns with your values Permission to do what you need to do to take care of yourself RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover Visit Lindsay's Website: https://lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/ Listen to The Mastering Coaching Skills Podcast: https://lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/podcast/
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  Embrace the Awkward: How Consent Makes Your Marriage Stronger and Your Sex Life Better with Marcia Baczynski 11.05.2026 42min

  Today we're talking about a topic that I think we are under-educated on as a society and that we need to have a better understanding of in order to thrive. And that topic is consent. I think you will find this conversation fun, interesting, and useful.  When you hear the word consent, it could feel uncomfortable or a little heavy.  But my guest today, the brilliant Marcia Baczynski, has a principle called "embrace the awkward" that we dive into in this episode. Marcia is a sought-after coach, writer, and internationally known facilitator who helps people talk about the things they were told to never talk about: sex, boundaries, consent, desire. Her work sits at the intersection of embodiment, consent culture, and unlearning "good girl" conditioning. We talk about consent in ways that go beyond the bedroom - in friendships, family, and everyday life. These principles, once you understand them, are important in so many different arenas. A quick note: We talk about sex and sexual situations in this episode. If you're listening in the car with people who shouldn't be hearing this, save it for later to come back to. Here is the scoop on what's included — ✨ Episode at a Glance What consent really is (hint: it's not just permission) The agreement model vs. the gatekeeper model Why the gatekeeper model is dehumanizing for everyone How to embrace the awkward in conversations about sex and desire Why saying yes doesn't mean you're signing a contract forever How to make clear agreements (from airport pickups to what happens in bed) The myth that your partner should "just know" after 20 years Why consent is actually the sexiest thing ever How to create freedom and full self-expression in your relationship RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover Field Guide to Consent (PDF) by Marcia Baczynski Creating Consent Culture: A Handbook for Educators by Marcia Baczynski Marcia's Website: https://www.askingforwhatyouwant.com/  Follow Marcia on Instagram: @askmarciab  
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  Using The Four Agreements in Your Marriage & Your Life with Annie M. Henderson - Part 2 27.04.2026 44min

  Welcome to Part 2 of my conversation with the brilliant Annie M. Henderson—a transformational life coach, educator, and former licensed professional counselor who specializes in whole-brain approaches that work with the subconscious and nervous system—about The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, I highly recommend listening to this one first as you're here and then go back and listen to Part 1. In Part 1, we covered the fable about how we're all made of light, breaking generational curses, and the first two agreements: Be impeccable with your word and don't take anything personally. Today in Part 2, we're picking up with Agreement 3: Don't make assumptions, and Agreement 4: Always do your best. These last two agreements really build on the first two. And Annie points out something so interesting—how breaking one agreement kind of triggers breaking the others, like a domino effect. And how practicing any one of the agreements strengthens the others. We dive deep into what "your best" actually means, especially for those of us with perfectionist tendencies who hold ourselves to impossible standards. Annie also shares about a modality I have never heard of before called Regenerating Images and Memory (RIM). It's one of those tools that could be useful if you've tried a bunch of things in therapy or coaching and you haven't made the progress you want to make yet. And we have so much fun with the Questions for Couples Journal. Annie showed up with her own copy and had a question for me! Here is the scoop on what we talked about — ✨ Episode at a Glance Agreement #3: Don't Make Assumptions—and the courage to ask questions  Agreement #4: Always Do Your Best—and what "your best" actually means  How the four agreements work together like dominoes  What RIM (Regenerating Images and Memory) is and how it works  How RIM gives you the experience of a psychedelic journey without psychedelics  The levels of awareness and how they shift  Questions for Couples Journal fun with Annie  Why social media can be a tool for liberation (even when it's designed as a weapon) Resources Mentioned In This Episode: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Visit Annie's website www.anniemhenderson.com  Follow Annie on IG @life_coach_annie Follow Annie on TikTok @Anniemhenderson  
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  Using The Four Agreements in Your Marriage & Your Life with Annie M. Henderson - Part 1 13.04.2026 46min

  The Four Agreements. I read this book over 20 years ago. It change the way I move through life on a daily basis and I hope it does the same for you. Whether this is the first time you hear about it or it's one of your classic favorites too.  I just had an amazing conversation about the book with the brilliant Annie M. Henderson—a transformational life coach, educator, and former licensed professional counselor who specializes in whole-brain approaches that work with the subconscious and nervous system. We had such a deep and in-depth conversation that it ended up being a longer than usual episode.  So I wanted to cut it into two sections to make it easy to reflect on the first part, easy to reflect on the second part, and to digest the lessons we're talking about—what we learned from the book, how to put it into practice. It was so rich that I just wanted to give it space to breathe. In this episode, Part 1, we walk you through the fable at the beginning of the book. If you're not familiar with the book, don't worry. You don't need any prior knowledge. We walk you through everything. Then we do a deep dive into the first two agreements: Be impeccable with your word and don't take anything personally. Annie brings such a beautiful perspective to being impeccable with your word and how to think about it. I had never heard it explained quite like she did. In Part 2, our next episode, we will cover agreements three and four: Don't make assumptions and always do your best. Annie is also a specialist in a really fascinating modality called RIM—Regenerating Images and Memory. And we're going to tell you all about it in Part 2. Here is the scoop on what's included — ✨ Episode at a Glance The fable from The Four Agreements about how we're all made of light What the "fog" is made of—all the agreements we've absorbed about who we are  Breaking generational curses by making new conscious agreements Agreement #1: Be Impeccable with Your Word—and how we talk to ourselves  Agreement #2: Don't Take Anything Personally—and what to ask instead The movie analogy for reconciling divinity with difficult people Why domestication keeps us in an unconscious pen How to use "What if it's not about me?" in your marriage The power of one: How you shift first and they react to that shift Resources Mentioned In This Episode: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Visit Annie's website www.anniemhenderson.com  Follow Annie on IG @life_coach_annie Follow Annie on TikTok @Anniemhenderson
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  Soul-Centered Communication: How to Talk About Money in Your Marriage with Jamie Berman 30.03.2026 48min

  I am so excited to share this week's conversation with you. I had the joy and honor of being a guest on the Money, Manifestation, and Business podcast with my friend, former life coaching client, and brilliant coach Jamie Berman. We had a deep conversation about navigating money and manifestation in your relationships. And when I say manifestation, it's really just about managing different values and approaches, no matter what you're talking about with your partner. In this episode, Jamie and I dive into my Soul-Centered Communication framework — Solution-focused, Open-hearted, Uncomplicated, and Loving. We talk about stress cycles and how to recognize when you're in fight, flight, freeze, or appease mode. And we explore the concept of psychological safety and how to create it in your money conversations. This conversation is practical, strategic, and will shift how you approach not just money conversations, but all the harder conversations in your marriage. Here is the scoop on what's included — ✨ Episode at a Glance The Soul-Centered Communication framework: Solution-focused, Open-hearted, Uncomplicated, Loving Why our entire life happens inside of a conversation The three elements of connected conversations How to recognize stress cycles: fight, flight, freeze, appease Why someone saying "yes" but never following through is actually a stress response (not lying) What psychological safety is and why it matters in money conversations How the words we use create and inspire feelings and results The difference between "we have a problem" vs. "we have an opportunity" Why loving yourself equally matters in conversations about money Resources Mentioned In This Episode: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover The Money, Manifestation & Business Podcast with Jamie Berman
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  How to Receive Love in Your Marriage: The Nervous System Skill You Were Never Taught with Dr. Shideh Shafie 16.03.2026 1h 3min

  Today we're talking about something that might sound really simple, but is actually one of the most revolutionary acts you can practice in your marriage and your life—receiving. Not just accepting or tolerating, but actually receiving love, help, pleasure, appreciation, and support. How do we actually receive the things we long for? This is something I've noticed in my work with smart, strategic women who are deeply committed to their marriages—the ones who've mastered achievement in every other area but find themselves craving connection they don't quite know how to let in. We've been culturally trained to give, to over-give, to anticipate everyone else's needs before our own. And then we find ourselves craving connection, but not feeling fully equipped to let it in. As I was preparing for this episode, I thought about: What if the marriage you want is actually the marriage you're allowing yourself to receive? That is a question I have never asked myself before and I think it is worth pondering.  In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Dr. Shideh Shafie. She is a board-certified emergency physician and a high-performance coach who helps leaders live and lead without breaking. Today, she's here to talk about why receiving is actually a nervous system skill. It's not a personality trait. It's a skill we can build. We're exploring why receiving is a practice you can build and how this practice can transform not just your marriage, but your entire life. Here is the scoop on what's included - ✨ Episode at a Glance Why receiving is a nervous system skill you can build (not a personality trait) What happens in your body when you try to receive and why it feels uncomfortable The "deflect and diminish" pattern women do automatically  How to practice "toning the muscle" of receiving  The simple phrase that changes everything: "Thank you, I receive that"  Why you need to receive from yourself first before you can receive from others  How to become conscious of what you actually want to receive (not what you're told to want)  Why your partner can't play every role in the movie of your life  The difference between disappointment and something being wrong  How grief is actually the natural progression of love Resources Mentioned In This Episode: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover Follow Dr. Shideh on Instagram: @shideh.shafie Visit Dr. Shideh's website: www.shidehshafie.com
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  Understanding Divorce Part 2: Exit Plans, Coaching & Your Options with Lauren Fair 02.03.2026 1h 3min

  This is part two of our two-part series on understanding divorce. We're getting really strategic in this episode with Lauren Fair—a divorce attorney with 16 years of experience AND a master certified life and divorce coach. I recorded this interview because I think as a society, we are woefully under-educated on how divorce actually works. The actual nuts and bolts of the process. Here's the thing: whether you're actually going through a divorce OR you're happily married and never want one, understanding how the process works is incredibly empowering.  Because we are socialized as women to not pay attention to the law part of things, the fine print that governs our lives and our marriages.  Understanding all the different structures for divorce, whether for your own education or to support a friend or family member will help you in ways we may not know today, but I am trusting that having this resource will be so important and I am so proud to share it with you.  In this episode I'm joined by the brilliant Lauren Fair as she puts her lawyer hat on and teaches us some simple law things about the different structures we can use and why to use them and why not to use them. What makes her approach so aligned with my values is that she sees divorce not as a failure but sometimes being one of the most self-honoring choices a woman can make. From my philosophy, even if you've decided to stay in your marriage, it's still super useful to understand what the heck is divorce and how it works.  Because everything you need in your marriage you will also need in your divorce—conflict resolution skills, emotional management, strategic communication. It may be that understanding divorce will motivate you to try really hard one last time or it may open a door in your mind that tells you, it's okay to make this choice from an informed and grounded place.  So we're getting practical in this episode.  We talk about exit plans, the strategic advantage of working with a divorce coach (a relatively new discipline that is growing and helping everyone have better outcomes), and we also talk  about safety—financial safety and emotional safety. This conversation is your permission to get educated, get empowered, and make whatever choice serves your highest good. If you haven't heard episode one in this series, we will link to that episode in the show notes so you can hear both of them together. Here is the scoop on what's included -   ✨ Episode at a Glance What an exit plan is and why knowing your options frees you from feeling trapped How everything you need in your marriage you will also need in your divorce  Why your first call should be to a divorce coach (not an attorney)  The different divorce options: mediation, collaborative divorce, litigation, and "kitchen table" divorce  Why mediation gives you the most control over your outcome  When mediation isn't appropriate and what to consider instead  How grief shows up in divorce (even when you're the one who wanted it)  Why the way your partner showed up in the marriage is likely how they'll show up in the divorce  The importance of building your village: divorce coach, attorney, financial planner, therapist   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover Episode 179: Navigating Stress Cycles Episode 76: Trauma, Resourcing & Windows of Tolerance with Shelby Leigh Follow Lauren @sensiblesplitdivorce Visit Lauren's website: https://faircadora.com/sensiblesplit/ Listen to her podcast: The Sensible Split
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  Understanding Divorce Part 1: 10 Things Every Woman Needs to Know with Lauren Fair 16.02.2026 53min

  I have a very special two-part series starting with this episode. We're doing a deep dive on how to prepare and how to think about divorce.  And I think as a society, we are woefully under-educated on how divorce actually works. Here's the thing: as a marriage coach, one of the things that can strengthen your relationship the most is understanding the nuances of ending it. When we understand what it takes to stay AND what it takes to leave, it helps empower us for any choice we make. In this episode I'm joined by Lauren Fair—a divorce attorney with 16 years of experience AND a master certified divorce coach.  What makes her approach so aligned with my values is that she sees divorce not as a failure but sometimes being one of the most self-honoring choices a woman can make. Choosing to end a relationship can be a healthy, powerful growth experience, and the collective cultural narrative we have that still shames divorce in a variety of ways is something I hope these 2 episodes contribute to changing.  This conversation is your permission to get educated, get empowered, and make whatever choice serves your highest good. We also start with a segment on how to support a friend going through a divorce which I think is so important as well so no matter where you are in your relationship journey right now, I think you will find something useful in this 2 part series.  Here is the scoop on what's included -  ✨ Episode at a Glance How to be a supportive friend when someone you love is going through divorce Why understanding divorce options empowers you whether you're staying or leaving The three common mistakes women make when hiring an attorney from an emotionally activated place Why you want strategic, not "shark," legal representation  How to manage your attorney (yes, you need to manage them) The difference between full scope representation and other options Why the moment you deliver the news matters more than you think How the divorce conversation begins determines the entire trajectory of the divorce Why you should never use the word "divorce" until your bags are packed The importance of slowing down when everything feels urgent RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover Episode 38: Soul Centered Communication Follow Lauren @sensiblesplitdivorce Visit Lauren's website: https://faircadora.com/sensiblesplit/  Listen to her podcast: The Sensible Split
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  The Growth Gap: Reading the Signals in Your Marriage with Emily Reuschel 02.02.2026 1h 19min

  I recently sat down with Emily Reuschel on her Wild and Waking podcast to talk about something I call the growth gap. What happens when one partner outpaces the other in personal development work? It was such a great conversation that I wanted to share it here with you too, because this is such a common pattern I see with my clients. Here's the thing: you've been reading all the books, listening to podcasts just like this one, doing all the inner work - because of course you have, and maybe your partner chooses to evolve differently than you. And that gap, that difference in growth pace and in growth focus, can feel incredibly isolating and frustrating. But what if I told you that the growth gap isn't the actual problem? What if the real issue is what you're doing with that gap? Emily and I dive deep into why personal growth can actually create more tension in your relationship at first, and then what to do about it. The counterintuitive truth about why your partner's lack of interest in therapy or coaching or a workshop might not be the deal breaker that you think it is. How to stop turning your relationship into a project you're trying to fix. The power of leading from your side of the street without carrying the whole emotional load. This is one of those episodes where you really want to grab your journal and maybe listen to it once and then go back and take notes because we're going to be practical, we're going to be strategic, and of course we're going to be soulful and have fun all at the same time.   ✨ Episode at a Glance  What the growth gap is and why it happens when one partner evolves and the other resists change The "Power of One" framework and how one person's transformation can shift the entire relationship Why the mindset of "I go first" changes everything The difference between your partner being scared vs. thinking growth is dumb (and why it matters) How to communicate your insights without triggering defensiveness Why asking for consent before sharing what you learned is essential The concept of do-overs and how one client's family transformed it into "rewinds"  How men and women process differently (and why understanding this helps) When to adjust your expectations vs. when it's time to call it Why quality matters more than length in relationships RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover Emily Reuschel's website Listen to Ep 172 on Wild & Waking with Emily Reuschel and Maggie Follow Emily in Instagram @emilyreuschel
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  The Polarity Episode - Masculine, Feminine & Repackaged Patriarchy with Laura Jurgens PhD 12.01.2026 51min

  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Jurgens to talk about something I have very strong feelings about: polarity. If you've been out in the internet wilderness hearing about masculine-feminine energy and how you need to lean into it to create spark in your marriage, and you're getting a weird vibe about it—you're not alone. A couple years ago, my husband and I took a virtual retreat on this exact topic with a well-renowned teacher. And I had the most visceral experience of probably disgust I've ever had in a teaching setting. The class promoted things like agency and consent in the description, but the structure was the opposite—repressive, oppressive, and the exact opposite of choice. Ever since then, I've been a hard no on teaching polarity in my programs. But then I found Laura's podcast episode on this topic and it was like finding a Coca-Cola in the desert. She brings the nuance, the research, and the practical wisdom about when polarity can work without causing harm—and when it's just patriarchy disguised as spirituality. We talk about the mix of deep and fun that I love, and we're going to tell you exactly when this approach can be helpful and when it becomes harmful. Episode at a Glance What polarity actually is (and why it's everywhere right now) Why the masculine-feminine framework often reinforces harmful gender stereotypes  How polarity can damage women's agency and men's emotional vulnerability The five criteria for when polarity can work without causing harm Why high-achieving women often fantasize about being dominated (and what that actually means) The difference between healthy dom/sub dynamics and repackaged patriarchy Resources Mentioned In This Episode: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Growth Gap Workshop (FREE) The Desire Gap Podcast with Laura Juergens Visit Laura's website: https://laurajurgens.com/  Laura's Instagram: @laura.juergens.coach Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski  
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  How Understanding Gray Divorce Can Help You Make Your Marriage Stronger Now 29.12.2025 30min

  In this greatest hits episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast, I'm resharing one of my most important episodes for the long-term health of your marriage: teams versus alliances. This framework explains why some marriages thrive for decades while others dissolve—and gives you specific tools to strengthen yours starting today. Here's what made this especially timely: Oprah recently did a whole podcast episode on gray divorce (which has tripled for people 65+ since 1990). I've been talking about this phenomenon since 2016, and honestly? It made me do a little happy dance to see this conversation going mainstream. Because the more you understand what's driving gray divorce, the more you can prevent it in your own future. In this episode, I share updated research on gray divorce, then dive into the original framework about what separates marriages that stay strong from those that quietly drift apart. You'll discover: The exact difference between a team and an alliance (you'll immediately know which one you are) Why teams create happiness and resilience while alliances eventually run out of reasons to stay together Three mindset shifts to build more team spirit in your marriage Ready to make your marriage not just functional, but five-star? Let's dive in.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Growth Gap Workshop (FREE) Marriage Mindset Makeover Episode #1: How to Have a Better Marriage Bowling Green State University research on gray divorce Institute for Family Studies research  
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  How to Use Conscious Uncoupling for Friend Breakups with Ali Ryan 15.12.2025 59min

  In this episode, I sit down with Ali Ryan, a trauma-informed embodiment coach and clinical nurse hypnotist, to talk about something we don't discuss enough: friend breakups.    I just went through one myself, and even as a relationship coach, I needed support and guidance, so I was up at 1 am googling, what are the steps in Conscious Uncoupling? And they were SO HELPFUL!    I share some of my process in my conversation with Ali and was so delighted to hear her insights!    On this episode, we explore conscious uncoupling (not just for romantic relationships!), how to have what I call a "loving ending" that honors the past while acknowledging when something needs to end, and why we don't have to make someone right or wrong when a relationship evolves.  This conversation is for anyone navigating the end of a friendship and wanting to do it with grace, integrity, and love. ✨ Episode at a Glance What conscious uncoupling really means beyond the buzzword Why we need to normalize talking about friend breakups The five steps of conscious uncoupling and how they apply to friendships How to stay out of survival brain when a relationship needs to end Why our society conditions us to be unconscious in both coupling and uncoupling The power of allowing relationships to evolve without making anyone wrong RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie The Growth Gap - Free Workshop Ali's Instagram: @ali_ryan__ Ali's Website: www.aliryancoaching.com  Katherine Woodward Thomas (creator of Conscious Uncoupling framework)  
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  The Power of Pleasure with Tia Conway 01.12.2025 58min

  In this milestone 200th episode, I sit down with licensed therapist and sex educator Tia Conway to talk about why pleasure actually matters, especially for those of us who've spent our whole lives prioritizing productivity over feeling good.  Tia shares her definition of pleasure, why it's not selfish or indulgent, and how giving yourself permission to enjoy your life transforms everything. We talk about the difference between aesthetic pleasure and embodied pleasure, why we resist good feelings, and how to create more joy without waiting for the perfect moment. ✨ Episode at a Glance Why pleasure isn't hedonism or laziness—it's essential for operating effectively The difference between aesthetic pleasure (looking good) and embodied pleasure (feeling good) How to bring pleasure to mundane tasks (yes, even grocery shopping) Why high-achievers resist pleasure and how to reclaim permission The connection between pleasure and reducing relational conflict Practical ways to increase pleasure capacity in your marriage   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Tia's Podcast: Pleasure and Peace Practice Connect with Tia on Instagram @pleasureandpeacewithtia Anonymous Question Box for Tia The Questions for Couples Journal Growth Gap Workshop (Free) Marriage Mindset Makeover Private Coaching with Maggie  
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  Making Every Day Sacred. A Conversation about Ordinary Mysticism with Crystal Thompson 17.11.2025 59min

  This week's episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast is something special. I'm joined by my emotional support Canadian (yes, really!) and fellow coach Crystal Thompson, and we're diving into a book that touched both our hearts: Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground by Mirabai Starr. If you've ever wanted to feel more connected—spiritually, emotionally, relationally—but didn't quite know how, this conversation is for you. We talk about finding sacredness in everyday life, receiving love when it feels hard, and why awe and gratitude can change everything, especially in long-term relationships. There's laughter. There's depth. There's even a moment that made me cry on the mic. ✨ Episode at a Glance Why the word mysticism can feel scary—and how to reclaim it What sacred ground actually looks like in everyday life How awe + gratitude fuel connection (and soften resentment) The neuroscience of wonder, and why it matters in marriage What Mirabai Starr, Richard Rohr, and Mary of Guadalupe have in common The real-life moment I almost deflected a miracle   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ordinary Mysticism by Mirabai Starr Connect with Crystal on Instagram @crystalruthcoaching The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie  
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  The Anger Scale - How to Stop Treating Every Frustration Like a Crisis 03.11.2025 31min

  If you feel like you're exhausted and angry all the time, you're probably treating every frustration like a crisis. In this greatest hits episode, I'm teaching you The Anger Scale - a simple but powerful tool that helps you stop reacting to dirty socks the same way you'd react to unpaid bills. I'll share: Why we treat anger like an on/off switch (and why that's exhausting) The story of when I completely lost it at my bank (Cuban-ity unleashed!) How to rate your anger on a 1-10 scale and why this changes everything How to decide ahead of time what's worth your energy The 15-minute rule that prevents explosions How to stop being angry all the time and actually enjoy your marriage   Resources Mentioned in This Episode 📖 Questions for Couples Journal My bestselling journal with conversation starters to deepen connection in your marriage 🎓 The Growth Gap Workshop (FREE) Free on-demand training for high-achieving women who are growing while their partner stands still 💎 Private Coaching with Maggie: Work with me 1:1 to create more clarity, power, and love in your marriage ✨ The Marriage Mindset Makeover: Self-study program with all my best tools and frameworks for transforming your marriage