Imagine you could wave a magic wand to make your marriage the way you want it to be. How would it be different? Maybe your husband would do a lot more chores or be more attentive and affectionate, seeking your company and kissing you whenever he got the chance. He wants to be all of that for you so he can make you happy. All men want to succeed–especially with their wives. So what’s stopping him? It could be, and often is, that he’s misunderstood. Maybe he’s trying to express his love, but you’re hearing a complaint. Maybe he’s trying to protect you, but you hear control or criticism. Maybe he wants to make you happy, but he’s afraid he’s not succeeding. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast, we’re talking about two two ways to hear his heart message. My guest Hannah’s husband broke her heart when he said he wasn’t in love with her or attracted to her anymore and wanted to sleep with someone else. They had huge blow-ups daily. But Hannah took action that has changed everything. Today her husband is affectionate, and she says their sex life is amazing. He even said he was in love with her again and that he was so happy with her. She’s going to describe exactly what she did so you can do it too. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week, which you’ve heard many times before, is guaranteed to make you seem needy and resistible.

When you live with someone who loses his cool, it’s very scary and draining. It seems logical to try to minimize those blow-ups however you can. You try to keep the kids quiet or keep quiet yourself or just agree with him or remove yourself when you feel the tension rise. It's exhausting to always be thinking about how to keep the drama from happening. Even worse, it doesn’t always work, which makes the whole thing even more terrifying and tiring. When your best efforts to keep him calm by sucking it up don’t stop him from blowing up, it’s the worst! On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast, we’re talking about how to stop walking on eggshells when he yells. Then, Master Coach Kathy Murray interviews a student who was lonely and sad that her husband didn’t love her or want to spend time with her, but she didn’t know why. Then she made some changes, and now he seeks out her company, conversation, and her hand for holding. He told her, “This is the best thing you could have done for us.” What exactly did she do? She’s going to share the specific steps she took so you can take them too, including joining the FREE Adored Wife Challenge, which starts on January 10, 2022.  The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week, about how a wife should handle her husband’s low self-esteem, is only two words, which could devastate this young family if she follows them. 

Do you wish your husband would help out around the house but, no matter how nicely you ask, he’s too busy binge watching Breaking Bad? Have you begged him to spend time with the kids, but he’s still more interested in his phone than his own children? Or asked him to have sex–or just spend time with you, period–but he’d rather work all hours than be with you? If you’re going through any of this, it’s natural to wonder if you’d be better off without him. But then you remember that you’d really rather keep your family together. Or maybe simply that you still love him and don’t want to be another divorce statistic. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast, we’re talking about 3 ways to deal with a miserable husband. My guest Jamie and her fiancé got engaged two years ago, but they were constantly fighting, with name-calling and cursing, and it seemed like they couldn’t get along long enough to actually get to the marriage. So she moved out and gave back the ring. But today, Jamie and her now husband have a light, fun, peaceful marriage with a blended family. She’s going to describe what she did so you can do it too! The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is about how to get your husband to appreciate your financial contributions to the household when you’re a stay-at-home mom, but it makes your marriage a lot harder than it needs to be! 

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if saying “We need to talk” made him gaze into your eyes and describe all the ways he’s so in love with you? Or if telling him he needs to be more affectionate and attentive made him turn off the TV and gallantly sweep you off to the bedroom? Unfortunately, calling him out doesn’t work. But if he’s not taking initiative to be romantic and you can’t tell him to do something about it, won’t you have to suffer forever and just get your romance needs met by watching Hallmark movies? Fortunately, there is plenty you can do to inspire him to be more romantic without saying a word about what he’s NOT doing. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 4 ways to get the romance back. My guest Maggie’s marriage was full of verbal abuse, which was affecting their children and had her looking for nearby apartments. Her husband was so angry, resentful, critical and controlling. But today she says they have an indescribably deep connection and that he wants to take care of her heart. They’re having so much fun together and, when they do fight, it doesn’t last long and they can get back to their sweet spot fast. Her blended family feels healthy and strong. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week about how to know if you’re better off ending your relationship is likely to lead to exactly that if you follow it.

Does your husband always have friends over? Or talk to his best friend more than you? Whether he’s a social butterfly or a barfly, not being his number one is downright disappointing. It can feel hopeless, lonely, and make you angry too! Going it alone surely isn’t what you had in mind when you said “I do.” On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 3 moves for becoming his #1 priority. I’ll share what to do when your husband puts his friends first so that you can become irresistible and get the attention you deserve. My guest Melissa and her husband were discussing separation instead of celebrating their 10-year anniversary. They had stopped communicating about important stuff, which seemed like a good solution since most of their conversations turned into arguments, including discussions about parenting and his drinking. But when she cleaned up her side of the street, his reaction was beyond her wildest dreams! He started working to be a better person, quit drinking and wanted to be with her and the kids more. Today, she says they have so much more fun together and are so much more relaxed. She’s going to describe the steps she took so you can copy them. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is from an article in a major women’s magazine about the signs that tell you your relationship is over, and wow is it ever far out and appalling!  

My guest, Matthew, is not a student on our campus but rather the husband of a new coach. He generously agreed to be part of our Man Panel series, and today I’ll get his perspective on the changes in his family as a result of his wife using the Connection Framework and the 6 Intimacy Skills™. He’s also going to answer anonymous questions from students on the husband’s perspective. Get ready to hear what makes a man feel attracted to his wife and want to be her hero. Matthew has had an extraordinary transformation in the last couple of years. He’ll describe what it was like at his house before his wife started studying the Intimacy Skills along with the Connection Framework and what it’s like now. He’s going to explain why he gives his wife credit for his 18 months of sobriety and his 80-pound weight loss and how she motivated him to make those changes. Matthew melted me right from the start of the interview, when he described how he feels about his wife. It was humbling to hear his incredible side of the story and his reactions to the changes as his wife was working to become a certified relationship coach. I learned so much from Matthew, who is one brave, open, and accountable guy!Now, imagine being his wife, who invited him on the show on my behalf to be a guest and talk openly about their marriage on a podcast that’s downloaded by tens of thousands of listeners! Can you imagine the courage that must take? So I want to give a big shout-out to Matthew’s wife for the gift of her husband sharing with us on this podcast! I’m incredibly grateful for your generosity and determination! 

My guest, Dr. Ben, is not a student on our campus but rather the husband of a student--and the father of two of our coaches! He agreed to be part of our Man Panel series, and today I’ll get his perspective on the changes in his family as a result of his wife and two daughters having the Connection Framework and the 6 Intimacy Skills™. He’s also going to answer anonymous questions from students on the husband’s perspective.  Dr. Ben, who has been married for decades, will describe the challenges they faced at his house and what’s different there today. He shares how he responded to his wife’s changes and what he appreciates most about her now. Dr. Ben was so honest, wise and willing to share deeply and personally about his many years of marriage, and once again I learned a lot!  Now, imagine being his wife, who invited him on the show on my behalf to be a guest and talk openly about their marriage on a podcast downloaded by tens of thousands of listeners! Can you imagine the courage that must take?  So I want to give a big shout-out to Dr. Ben’s wife for the gift of her husband sharing with us here! I’m so grateful.

On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about insights from the husband of a ridiculously happy wife (part 2). My guest Antonio is not a student or a book reader but rather the husband of a coach trainee. He generously agreed to be part of our Man Panel series! He’ll share his perspective on the changes in his marriage as a result of his wife using the Connection Framework and the 6 Intimacy Skills™. You’ll hear what makes a man feel attracted to his wife and want to be her hero. Antonio is very forthright in admitting that he was inappropriate with another woman, which I so appreciate. He’s going to describe what happened, what was going through his mind, and what his wife did to turn it all around and get him back. He shares how he responded and what he thought of the whole approach his wife took.  Antonio was very open and willing to share deeply and personally about his marriage, and once again, I learned a lot! I especially loved hearing his accountability and what he loves about his wife. Now, imagine being his wife, who invited him on the show on my behalf to be a guest and talk openly about their marriage on a podcast that’s downloaded by tens of thousands of listeners! Can you imagine the courage that must take? So I want to give a big shout-out to Antonio’s wife for fearlessly sharing her husband with us on this podcast. Thank you! 

On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast, I’m sharing insights from the husband of a Ridiculously Happy Wife. My guest, Len, is not a student or a book reader but rather the husband of a recently certified coach. He generously agreed to be part of our Man Panel series, and today I’m going to get his perspective on the changes in his family as a result of his wife using the Connection Framework and the 6 Intimacy Skills™. Prepare to hear the male perspective on what attracts men to their wives and makes them want to be our heroes. Imagine that you’re a husband who can’t seem to make your wife happy, even though you’ve tried and tried. Then, out of nowhere, your wife starts saying things that she never has before, even though you’ve been married a long time. What goes through your head? How do you react? Len is going to describe his side of the journey when that happened at his house.  I was nervous to meet Len because I knew I’d want to ask him some deeply personal questions, and I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to do that when you first meet someone. But Len was very open, generous and willing to share deeply about his marriage, and I have to admit, I learned a lot! I especially loved hearing his reaction when his wife started showing up differently, his thoughts about making her happy, and the transformation that he sees in his family. Now imagine being his wife, who invited him on the show on my behalf to be a guest and talk openly about their marriage on a podcast that’s downloaded by tens of thousands of listeners! Can you imagine the courage that must take? So I want to give a big shout-out to Len’s wife, Catherine, for fearlessly sharing her husband with us on this podcast! What a great gift. 

It’s lonely to be married to a workaholic. If he’s not at work, he’s sleeping or working from home. Or he’s too tired from working so much to be much fun. He neglects not just you but also the kids. You feel like a single mom going to get-togethers without him, always for the same old reason: he has to work. If only you could get him to spend more time with the family. Well, you can. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about how to get more couple time with a workaholic. I’ll share 4 ways to inspire him to linger and lounge with you. My guest Sandy was so miserable and lonely in her marriage that she would sit in her closet and cry every day. Finally she got her husband to agree to go to marriage counseling! But she was mortified when he blew up at the counselor, saying it wasn’t helping them at all. She felt hopeless and worried that he would always be resistant and harsh to her. But today her husband takes her on trips where he treats her like his girlfriend, and he helps around the house like never before. She describes their relationship as life-giving and says it’s even more fun than when they were dating. She’s going to explain how she did it. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is about how boundaries are supposed to work but really don’t. At all!  

On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about whether you should fake it. When I say “fake it,” of course I’m talking about pretending you respect your husband even if you’re not feeling it because he doesn’t seem to deserve your respect. Wait, what did you think we were going to talk about? Oh, faking it in the bedroom!  Funny you would bring that up while we’re talking about respect because respect and passion are so thoroughly intertwined, in my experience. But what if you’re struggling to muster respect when your husband has made so many bad choices or is so hostile or is always disappointing you or has hurt you so much? Then what? I’ll share how to bring back the capable, considerate guy you married and get to relax more while you’re at it. My guest Amber’s husband was so full of anger and rage that she and her son lived with a lot of verbal and emotional abuse. Affection and physical intimacy were scarce, but there was plenty of name-calling, yelling and disrespect. She was overwhelmed at the prospect of fixing her marriage. But she took action, which she’s going to tell us all about, and today they are happy and constantly telling each other “I love you” and sharing gratitudes. Even the relationship between her husband and son is fun and kind. She’s going to describe exactly how she transformed her marriage into something beautiful. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is about what to do if you’re married to a narcissist, according to one misinformed clinical psychologist. Wait until you hear this uninspiring and unoriginal bit of unwisdom.

Can you think of someone you have a difficult time with? Whether it’s a family member, colleague, or someone in your circle of friends, who in your life is driving you buggy? If you have someone in mind, good! Because today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast is about using the Six Intimacy Skills™ with everybody. You get to be a fly on the wall in our monthly storytelling meeting, which is normally for coaches’ ears only. But my coaches were vulnerable enough to let me share this private meeting because it’s so empowering we couldn’t keep it to ourselves. That’s because we’re talking about how we use the Intimacy Skills not just with our husbands but with others in our lives too. And how this not only helps us create connection, ease and love everywhere we go but makes us feel more dignified and confident. I'll share true stories of how Certified Laura Doyle Relationship Coaches have used the Intimacy Skills with everyone they want to feel connection and love with (or at least not animosity and tension), including in-laws, parents, children and friends.  

When you have unpleasant things happening at your house, things that seem embarrassing or shameful, you tend to keep them a secret. At least that was my strategy early on and that of many of my students. We didn’t want anyone to know that our marriages were dysfunctional, distant, and falling apart. There aren’t many places you can go to share about the painful, scary parts of your marriage without either losing status or feeling judged, both of which feel terrible. Especially if everybody else appears to have a happy family pictured right there on social media--everybody but you. Keeping your marriage shame a secret seems like a smart strategy, but it’s also a heavy burden. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about the magic of telling your marriage story. During our free Adored Wife Challenge twice a year, where we all experiment with the 6 Intimacy Skills™ together for five days, I interviewed Master Coach Kathy Murray, who has been practicing the Intimacy Skills and Connection Framework for nearly 20 years. She shares so much wisdom in such an engaging way that I knew I wanted you to hear this interview. Her story was a powerful catalyst for transformation during that Challenge, with so many women hearing themselves as she revealed her own experience. See if you too hear yourself in Master Coach Kathy’s story.  The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week goes to the third largest newspaper in the U.S. for what I wish were satirical notions of self-love. 

Let’s say you get a diagnosis for your husband. So you finally know What’s Wrong with Him. But what if his being passive aggressive or bipolar, exhibiting adolescent syndrome, or having ADD, OCD or NPD is not what keeps you sleeping in separate rooms or has every conversation turn into an argument? Imagine that the real issue were something completely unexpected, like it was in my lonely marriage. Today it’s as if my husband never had a deficit disorder, even though he was diagnosed with and medicated for an incurable one years ago. Turns out that treating the illness is not what got me closer to feeling connected and cherished. In my experience, it’s something YOU can change that will have his face light up when you come home and have him chasing you into the bedroom. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about how to cope when he's mentally ill.  During our free Adored Wife Challenge twice a year, where we all experiment with the 6 Intimacy Skills™ together for five days, I interviewed Virginia, who has had such a powerful transformation in her marriage that I knew I wanted you to hear it. I’m excited that Virginia agreed to let me share with you what she did so you can do the same things to make your marriage thrive.  The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week had one of my students sobbing when her marriage counselor prescribed it. No wonder since this exercise only heightens the unpleasantness and hopelessness.

If you’re having a breakdown in your marriage, you may just be playing out a pattern you learned in your family. Whether your parents are divorced, never married or are married to this day, maybe they don’t have the kind of marriage you want to emulate. There probably was no Relationships 101 at school, so where were you supposed to learn how to have a good marriage? Most of us do get our early training in relationships from our families since our first relationships were with our parents and siblings.  I unwittingly copied my parents’ recipe so well that I ended up with a miserable marriage, at which point I nearly got divorced, just like my parents had. And if I hadn’t found some new and better training on relationships, I’m confident my marriage wouldn’t have lasted and all of my other relationships would also be suffering. Fortunately, there have been modern advances in revitalizing relationships that weren’t available to our parents, who had the TV show All in the Family with Archie Bunker to study from. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast, we’re talking about 3 ways to break your family patterns.  During our free Adored Wife Challenge twice a year, where we all experiment with the 6 Intimacy Skills™ together for five days, I interviewed Heather, who has such a hopeful and engaging story that I knew I wanted you to hear it. I’m excited that Heather agreed to let me share with you what she did so you can do the same things to make your marriage thrive.  The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is from an article titled “Empowering Relationship Advice for Women,” but it should be called “Exhausting Relationship Advice.” If the effort in your relationship isn’t 50/50, this advice is a reliable way to cause distance or an outright fight.

If you’re anything like I was, some fights come up in your relationship more often than a hit song plays on Top 40 radio. You don’t want to have the same fight over and over, but it keeps happening. You’re just talking about the leftovers from dinner and next thing you know, your mother–who isn’t present–is involved, and you’re both yelling things you would be embarrassed to repeat. It makes you question whether this relationship is even sustainable because these blow-ups are so draining and painful. And so distracting from the things you were planning to do because the fight keeps replaying in your head. Happily, you don’t have to stay stuck in wall-to-wall hostility or a week-long cold war. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 3 moves to restore peace after a fight.  Twice a year we host a free Adored Wife Challenge, where we all experiment with applying the 6 Intimacy Skills™ together every day for five days. As part of our Challenge, I interviewed Alison, who was so inspiring and authentic that I knew I wanted you, dear podcast listener, to hear what she did to make her marriage last. So we asked her permission, and Alison agreed to let me share it with you! She’s going to reveal what she did so you can do the same things to make your marriage thrive.  The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is part 2 from an article on how to get your husband to take out the garbage, guaranteed to kill the romance and make you sound like a condescending, nagging kidney stone of a person. 

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if marriage came with an easy-to-follow instruction manual? But since it doesn’t, most women bumble along trying out relationship advice from the hair salon, well-meaning friends or even strangers at bars. There’s a lot of bad relationship advice floating around disguised as “common sense.” Maybe that’s why so many marriages are falling apart. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 3 Mistakes Wives Make Trying to Get His Time and Attention. I’ll share how to get the consideration you want the way you want it. My guest Darla’s marriage felt like a cold war mixed with moments of peace. The lack of intimacy was excruciating, but she didn’t know how to break out of it. Then she learned about a secret affair from five years ago, back when she was a new mom. But today she feels like she’s in love! The intimacy is great. Her husband flirts with her and says he feels butterflies when he kisses her. She’s going to tell us exactly how she did it.    The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is about how to get your husband to take out the garbage, but this advice should be left at the curb on trash day. 

An affair is a betrayal that hurts like crazy and seems impossible to recover from, both personally and as a couple. It’s human to want to make him hurt too, to yell and throw things. As you desperately seek relief from the sharp ache, the doorway marked “End this relationship!” will look like the fastest way to stop the hurt. Unfortunately, the hurt won’t die with the end of the relationship. Fortunately, you can absolutely end your suffering and save your marriage. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast, we’re talking about how to get past cheating. I’m going to share 3 specific ways you can recover and make your relationship better than ever.  My guest Marybeth had been happy in her marriage for years and never dreamed anything would go wrong. But after a serious car accident and a death in the family, things started to fall apart. Her husband was so angry and detached that she didn’t see how her marriage would ever get better. She was terrified. But she decided to do things she had never done before to have the relationship she’d never had before. Today her marriage is full of laughter and love, and she says it’s a source of strength and confidence that she has turned it all around. She’s going to tell us exactly how she did it so you can do it too.    The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is from a well-known magazine’s advice columnist who advises her dear reader what to do about her husband not helping when she asks.

Over twenty years ago I was shocked to find out that I could single-handedly make my crumbling marriage thrive using the 6 Intimacy Skills. I felt a strong desire to share this information with other women, the only way that I could get myself to stick to the new practices myself. A lot of women reached out for help, but without a team of coaches or any structure at that time, I got completely overwhelmed. So, I’m not proud to say, I ran away. I’ll share why the Intimacy Skills weren’t enough for me on today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast, where we’re talking about 3 Insights from 20 Years of Empowering Happy Wives.  My guest Milcah refused to be intimate with her husband, who was cold, critical and so tight with money he would not contribute financially except for rent. She was just waiting for her five kids to grow up so she could file for divorce and get away from him and his parents, who put her down and made fun of her. But today she says she’s married to a cute, generous, loving man who brings her flowers and says wonderful, kind things. Same guy! They love to sit in the garden and talk, and she says the change is unreal. She’s going to describe the steps she took so you can do the same thing.  The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is from a well-meaning PhD and professor who explains how to know if you’re falling out of love. Like you need a quiz to tell you that! But wait until you hear what he says is a very bad sign. This approach guarantees more loneliness.

On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast, we’re talking about the weirdest, scariest--and probably most indispensable--ingredient for creating intimacy. I’ll share how to inspire others to help and protect you, take care of you and support you--without being weak, submissive or acting like a doormat. My guest Ch’vaun’s marriage was deeply lonely and felt like a rollercoaster ride. She knew that trust and respect were missing but had no idea how to get them back. But when she discovered what respect really looked like to her husband, he went back to doing all the great things he used to do when they fell in love. Today she says she could cry because she feels so loved. She’s going to tell us what she did so you can do it too! The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is from a well-known syndicated columnist. If you’re resentful and angry because your man isn’t contributing, she’ll give you the map straight to the victim swamp. 

When I started fixing my marriage, I really didn’t want my husband to know! And I know I’m not alone here. It’s nice to have the freedom to experiment without your husband asking about it--or being your armchair coach. The last thing you want is having an experiment go wrong and hearing “I told you so!” Especially from the very person you so want it to go right with!  If you too are experimenting behind your husband’s back, should you ever come clean about it? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about why so many women keep it a secret that they’re fixing their marriage. I’ll also share which Intimacy Skill they use when they do let the cat out of the bag. My guest Stephanie was unhappy in her marriage and exhausted by the constant tension. Moments of physical intimacy were few and far between. Then she found out there was another woman. Fortunately, she made a discovery that gave her hope to save her marriage. Unfortunately, when she changed the way she interacted with her husband, he reacted with anger and frustration. But today, she feels light and free, and her 25-year marriage feels like a gift that keeps getting better. She’s going to tell us what she did so you can do it too. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is so cringey and unpleasant it would just make everyone avoid you if you followed it. 

In the bad old days, when my husband John and I used to fight all the time or have cold wars, there was plenty of drama. It wasn’t much fun, but I was used to it. When I finally discovered The Six Intimacy Skills, along with the Connection Framework of a community and paying forward what I was learning, our house became peaceful but strangely quiet. I was uncomfortable and felt like something was missing. Often a client has the same dilemma: The relationship is going great, her husband is sweet and affectionate. But she feels restless and bored, wondering if maybe she doesn’t have much in common with him after all. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast, we’re talking about how to fix this problem and keep drama out of your relationship. My guest Annie’s marriage was a mess. She and her husband had been separated for seven months, there was another woman, and the divorce papers had been filed. But then she started some new practices. Slowly, her husband came closer. He initiated calls and visits with her more and more, until eventually, the other woman just went away. Annie’s sweet husband not only returned, their marriage is better than ever. Now they’re making plans to have another baby! She’s going to share what she did to get rid of that other woman and transform her marriage into the one she always dreamed she would have. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is from a syndicated advice columnist who suggests doing something that I tried many times, but it never, ever worked. Join me in rolling my eyes at this inept suggestion!

Whenever a student tells me that she’s having a lot of conflict in her relationship or feeling hopeless about it, there’s one question I always ask. It’s the same question I ask myself if my husband is bugging me. Then he doesn’t seem so bad; in fact, he seems pretty funny and sweet. And I forget what I was irritated about. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast, we’re talking about the #1 indispensable practice for a lasting marriage. I’ll share what to do when your relationship feels stressful and ridden with conflict. Within their first year of marriage, my guest Liz’s husband told her he was already thinking about other women and that marrying her had been a mistake. She struggled with anger and depression for the next fourteen years while he stayed on the fence the whole time. But today things are light and easy when they’re together, he spends more time at home and is quick to fulfill her desires, and they enjoy extremely passionate physical intimacy. She’s going to tell us exactly what she did to cause a 180-degree change in her marriage.  The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is about how to make sure your partner isn’t “micro-cheating.” I can’t wait to make fun of this sensible-sounding but silly suggestion!  

If you’re anything like me, you love having deep conversations with your husband. They’re probably part of what made you fall in love with him. If they’ve gone missing, you may have wondered how to get those started again at your house. And there are two common tactics that you’ve probably been told are healthy but that may actually be backfiring on you. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about two things that wives with lasting marriages don't say. I’ll share why they’re not working and what to do instead. My guest Jessica had big communication problems, and then even bigger problems when she found out that her intuition was correct and her husband had been having an affair for two years. She was crushed and felt like she couldn’t breathe. But she got her husband back and now her marriage is better than ever. She’s going to share what she did that made her marriage last. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week, which started as a Facebook post telling tired moms what they should do if there’s a labor imbalance at their house, was amplified by a major magazine as “excellent work.” See if you’re as horrified as I am with what they suggest.

You’ve been working really hard on your relationship. The bad news is you may have been working on fixing the wrong things. The good news is that, no matter how bad it seems now, it’s not too late to save the relationship—and get the fulfilling one you set out to have when you first fell in love. So how do you restore the peace, passion and connection you once shared? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 3 genius marriage hacks. My guest Rivkah felt like she’d married the wrong person. She and her husband just couldn’t connect, and she constantly felt criticized and defensive. After 36 years of marriage, she felt like she was just going through the motions but not feeling loved like she’d always wanted to be. But she started a practice that changed her experience completely. Her husband is no longer critical and he tells her he has the wife of his dreams! And she has the husband of her dreams. How did she do it? She’s going to tell us. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is something a counselor actually charged money to tell a struggling couple. Wait until you hear this one!  

Having your best relationship may feel impossible if your marriage is struggling. You might think, like I once did, that you’d need to start over with someone new in order to have a good relationship. When you’re in a lot of pain because of fighting or feeling abandoned, it’s easy to dread the future, hard to picture your marriage becoming its best. Yet here you are, and I admire that. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast, we’re talking about 3 things that might be getting in the way of having your best marriage and what you can do to get unstuck. My guest Kathy’s husband was depressed, drinking daily and had been having an emotional affair for six years. Her marriage had so many problems and cold wars that she believed it was a lost cause. But she not only attracted her husband back, he put the wedding ring back on her finger in a moving, heartfelt way that made them both cry. They enjoy laughter and peace in their home and he sends her sweet videos throughout the day. She’s going to tell us what she did so you can do it too. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week Award is something I’ve already tried and I bet you have too, but it only makes your marriage more hostile, distant and lonely. 

Today we’ll talk about three ways you can help end world divorce and get advanced self-help for your own marriage at the same time. My guest Magenta was still a newlywed when she started wondering what had happened to the wonderful guy she married! Instead of talking to her, texting her and video chatting, he just was not paying attention to her and she didn’t know why. He also refused to join their finances even though she’d done all the paperwork for him at the bank and all he had to do was sign it. But today he handles all the money and bills, and greets her with a big hug and kiss every day when he comes home. What happened? She’s going to tell us what she did so you can do it too.  The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week offers an explanation for why men stop being romantic that is both dopey AND offensive.

If you’ve never had a coach except in school sports, then counseling is probably your point of reference for what you think of when you picture any conversation with a professional for help with your relationship. That’s all any of us had for a long time. Whether it was through your place of worship or a professional counselor who had a particular education, marriage counseling was all there was for decades.  Today, both relationship coaching and relationship counseling are presented as options for improving your life and your relationship. So how different could they be?  If you’ve already been to marriage counseling as so many people have, and that didn’t work, why would coaching be any better? But relationship coaching is very, very different. Today I’m sharing 3 myths that women are surprised to find are just not true when they get relationship coaching on our campus.

Last week you heard Part 1. This week, I’m sharing the rest of the Empowered Wife Session on “How to RSVP ‘Not Attending’ When you’re invited to an Argument” from my paid program. If you missed What is a Ridiculously Happy Wife Part 1 last week (episode #83), check that out first to get the most value from hearing the students in my programs share how they’re applying the skill in their unique situation. You can listen in as we workshop it together to get her the best, fastest improvement in her relationship. You’ll gain insight for your relationship too.

What is a Ridiculously Happy Wife and how do you become one? One of the things that feels nearly impossible to do when you’re really struggling in your marriage and feeling like it’s hopeless, is to make yourself happy.    Unless…Unless you have the thing that I stumbled on early on in my own marriage journey. Words alone couldn’t explain what I want to share with you. You have to experience it for yourself. I’ll show you what I mean in today's episode, which is part one of a two-part series.That’s why instead of an interview, today I’m sharing the recording from a live Empowered Wife session from my paid programs, where we focus on practicing a specific skill, and students share how they’re applying the skill in their unique situation and we workshop it together to get her the best, fastest improvement in her relationship.    The Empowered Wife session that I’m sharing with you today is on “How to RSVP ‘Not Attending’ When You’re Invited to an Argument.”

Being part of a group of women who are all committed to making their marriages last, sharing authentically and standing for each other’s marriages is the most powerful way I know to quickly get the transformation that I experienced, and that now tens of thousands of students have also experienced. That’s why group coaching is a critical part of all of the programs on our campus--The Ridiculously Happy Wife, Diamond Private Coaching, and Relationship Coach Training. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast you’re going to get to eavesdrop on a Master Relationship Coach at work. Instead of an interview, my guest Karen gave us permission to share a recording of a group coaching call where she brought the challenge of feeling unloved to Master Coach Kathy, one of the best relationship coaches in the world. If you’ve never been in any of our programs, this is your opportunity to hear first-hand what it’s like to be coached. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week tries to offer help but isn’t actually helpful at all.

Maybe your marriage is painful right now, and you have a hunch that training to become a coach would put it right again. Or maybe your marriage is doing better than it has in a long time, and you just want to keep it that way. Maybe you’re like me and you just want to stay in the fascinating conversation with women like you who make marriage a priority. But what does the process look like? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about how to become a relationship coach. My guest Anne’s husband said he wanted a divorce, AND HE MEANT IT, because 5 months later, they were legally, officially divorced. The main reason being their marriage was failing, but also because he started a relationship with another woman once he said he wanted the divorce. But Anne didn’t give up on her marriage, and they ended up reconciling in the SAME month that their divorce was finalized, and re-married 3 months to the day later. They even started a family. Now she says their relationship is amazing, fun and loving. She’s going to describe what she did so you can have the same results. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week offers a bossy and authoritative suggestion.

If you’ve ever wondered if your husband even loves you anymore, then you’ve experienced him being distant and cold, or more interested in his phone or the TV than spending time with you, like my husband was. How can get your husband’s attention and fix your marriage for good? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 4 steps for making your cold marriage hot. My guest Kaylee’s marriage suffered from a lack of connection and was filled with fighting. She was so tired because she felt like the only adult. But not anymore. Today she says her relationship is wonderful, that they are happy and they play, giggle and flirt a lot. She’s going to share the steps she took to make her marriage so connected again so you can have that too. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week paints a popular illusion when it comes to marriage.

Sometimes your marriage looks bleak. You wish it were the way you imagined when you said your vows, but you didn’t imagine having cold wars, without speaking for days. When his latest hurtful words and neglect are still stinging, you can feel like a sucker for falling for a man who isn’t who you thought he was. But that doesn’t mean you have to either be miserable-ever-after or get divorced. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about the one thing you need to fix your marriage. My guest Dawn and her husband had been to four marriage counselors, but still they were so angry with each other that they would yell and fight so much that one counselor wouldn’t even see them at the same time. Her husband frequently slept on the couch but she was shocked when he roared at her that he wanted a divorce. But today her husband takes her on dates, kisses her good-bye, pats her butt, and even bought her a fabulous convertible. There are no more nights on the sofa and their sex life is ridiculously steamy! She’s going to tell us how she turned it all around. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week perpetuates a myth that is often repeated by women who are just about to get divorced.

When your husband lets you down again and again, it’s discouraging. You don’t want to feel so resentful, but how can you help it when you can’t count on him to do what you know would make things so much better for your marriage. What if it’s been years that you’ve felt resentful toward him? How are you going to just wash that away? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about how to stop resenting your husband in 3 simple steps. My guest AnneMarie resented that her husband could dip in and out of home life while she was left with all the responsibility of it falling apart if she didn’t manage it. They were so disconnected they only communicated about practical things. She told him very seriously that they should split up. But instead, she made some changes that resulted in her husband delighting in making her happy and wanting to talk to her again. Today her marriage is supportive, fun, warm, peaceful. She’s going to describe the steps she took to transform her marriage for the better so you can do the same thing. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week suggests that you solve problems together but ends up backfiring more often than not.

Ending your marriage is a huge decision, and if it’s a question you’re considering, it’s probably weighed heavily on you for a long time. And that’s very tiring. Nobody considers divorce unless they’re really hurting and hopeless that things will ever get better. You’d like answers. What’s the best path? Which choice will make you happier in the long run? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 3 questions to ask before you divorce. My guest Lucia was tired of being lonely when her husband came home late and drunk so many nights, but she knew something really had to change when she found a flirty note from another woman in her husband’s pants pockets when she was 8 months pregnant. Today, her husband comes home to his wife early and sober. They laugh and chat easily every day and spend a lot of time cuddling. What happened? She’s going to describe exactly what she did to get a much better response from her husband, so you can do it too. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week points to a popular myth that’s believed to be true all too often.

When your man is making bad decisions, it drags you down. It’s like he’s broken, and since your fates are tied together by matrimony, that’s a lot of weight you’re pulling when your hands are already full. You probably think there isn’t anything you can do, right? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 3 secrets for fixing your husband. My guest Janice had been married almost 30 years and the spark was diminishing. The kids had flown the nest. As they were getting older, she was afraid she was less attractive to her husband. He didn’t even want to plan a weekend trip with her. But today she knows she’s attractive to her husband that he is planning adventures for the two of them all over the globe, just to make her happy. She’s going to describe the steps she took to change her husband without his conscious effort. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week just might be the worst advice of the entire year!

When you’re fighting, bickering and snapping at each other, you just want it to stop. You want him to understand where you’re coming from and make him realize that it’s ridiculous to keep arguing. Most of all, you want a peaceful house. But how? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 3 ways to resolve conflicts quickly. My guest Clara didn’t feel loved or appreciated at home. Her husband was cold, sharp and distant. She was so frustrated that he had plenty of time for gaming, but none for chores. She tried using The 6 Intimacy Skills, but found they didn’t work on her husband! Finally she had an “a-ha!” moment, and now her marriage is sweet and tender, and her man helps with everything in the house! He initiates conversations as he knows she loves to talk, and he appreciates her for everything she does. She’s going to share what she realized and how she changed everything in her marriage for the better. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week encourages you to find evidence that your marriage is doomed.

When you’re falling in love, it’s like you’re temporarily insane, but over time you may lose sight of whatever it was you saw in your man. You wish you could admire your husband and feel excited about your relationship. But how can you if you’re feeling repulsed? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 2 steps to bring back the sizzle even if you’re not feeling it. Almost every conversation my guest Erika had with her husband was an argument that included threats, name-calling, swearing and even occasional physical altercations. They separated. But today, he has moved back and they are happier together than they’ve ever been. They laugh together and she gets huge hugs from her man. She’s going to describe exactly what she did to save her marriage and make it terrific, along with her best tip for wives who want to fix their marriages too. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week can quickly create drama out of a friendly situation.

If your man says things that are subtly insulting and hurtful but then acts like you’re the one who is overreacting, it can be crazy making. At times you wonder how you can ever win when he mopes around and won’t say what’s wrong. If all you’re getting is the silent treatment, how do you respond to that? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 3 ways to solve a passive aggressive husband problem. My guest Lucy often joked that her husband was like one of her kids or one of her social work clients. She couldn’t trust him to be a responsible adult or parent because before he became a stepdad to her kids, he had abused opiates and moved into his mom’s basement. But Lucy worried that she was going to ruin her second marriage, so she did something completely different from anything she’d been doing before. Today, her relationship is peaceful, with lots of laughter and she feels desired. Also, she never worries about money. She’s going to share her best secrets for keeping the same man but getting a much better husband. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week suggests that you can fix being unhappy with one unique strategy.

If your husband criticizes you, it hurts. You’re doing so much, yet somehow it’s not enough. No matter how hard you try, your parenting, your housekeeping, or your work just don’t measure up–or so he would have you think. How can you fix your marriage when you’re in this lonely place? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about how to deal with disrespect in marriage. One year into their 18-year marriage, my guest Gabi already wanted a divorce. Her husband was always cranky and blamed her for being a bad parent of their five kids even though he was the one abusing alcohol. He lied, he flirted with female co-workers, he didn’t get along with her family, and made her feel like she wanted to die. But today her marriage is exactly what she dreamed about, and she has no doubt that her husband loves her and wants to be her hero. She’s going to share her secrets for creating your own loving story even if your relationship seems hopeless. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week seems to promote honesty but actually encourages you to be critical of your husband.

When you work with your spouse, it can be too much togetherness. Plus, if you don’t see things the same way, it often creates tension both at work and at home. How can you revitalize your marriage while improving your bottom line? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 3 secrets to succeeding in business and love with the same person. My guest Deb was giving and doing so much to get her husband’s appreciation, but he was the grumpiest man ever and ignored her as much as he could get away with. She suspected he was a dry drunk, but she encouraged him to drink beer anyway so he would at least talk to her. When his son slapped her across the face, and he didn’t lift a finger to defend her, she brought up divorce, and insisted they go to counseling. But just two weeks in, the counselor happily declared they no longer needed counseling! Today she says her marriage is fantastic and she feels like the passenger while her husband is the chauffeur. She’s going to describe exactly how she changed it for the better.  The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week creates problems in your relationship where there were none.

Being constantly disappointed in your marriage can wear you down and make you hopeless about the future. But what if you didn’t have to just suck it up and continue to hurt endlessly? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 5 ways to inspire him to be a better man. My guest Rachel’s husband checked every box for Narcissistic Personality Disorder which she knew meant he would NEVER change his selfish ways. Their weekly marriage counseling sessions were ugly fights, so she got a divorce attorney and started making plans to leave him. But instead she went on a getaway that changed her life. Today she says her husband loves, honors and respects her and they have an amazing life together. Same husband! She’s going to tell us how she did this. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week is so ridiculous that it’s had my husband John and I laughing non-stop.

It’s devastating to hear your husband tell you he’s done, or worse, leaves you. It’s easy to feel hopeless especially when it seems he’s made up his mind. But what if the breakdown in your marriage is actually a doorway to a breakthrough? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 4 ways to win back your husband's heart. My guest Catherine was overwhelmed and exhausted just counting the number of mistakes that her husband was making with their children. He had retreated into his work but when he was there, the tension and conflict ran high. Then she made a commitment to finding a way to fix her marriage, and that’s exactly what she did. She’s going to tell us how she created a marriage that’s filled with not just generosity, tenderness, respect and support but also playfulness and fun. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week advises avoiding critical statements but offers an even worse alternative.

For some, quarantining with your family during the pandemic has been a wonderful bonding experience. Others may find that each day is filled with drama and conflict. How can you restore playfulness and passion to your home even during a pandemic? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 3 marriage mistakes everyone is making during quarantine. My guest Yvonne’s husband had left and was living out of the house for over a year. To make things worse, there was another woman in the picture. But within the first week of practicing the Intimacy Skills, he started bringing her small gifts. Not long after, he was back home 100%! She’s going to tell us exactly how she did that. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week says you should ask your partner a set of questions that will only lead to suffering.

When you don’t feel as if you’re living up to your full potential, it can put a strain on your relationship. Similarly, struggling in your marriage can make it difficult to reach your goals. Would you believe me if I told you that you can cause a transformation in both areas of life at the same time? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about finding your purpose while fixing your relationship. My guest Karen’s husband had an affair and lied about it. When he finally admitted it--after Karen found out herself--she begged him to go to marriage counseling, but he refused. He said he would get divorced before he would ever go to counseling. But Karen wasn’t giving up! She found a way to fix her marriage without her husband’s participation. She’s going to share exactly what she did to make her home happy again. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week comes from a therapist who promotes total disrespect of your husband.

It’s normal for everyone to feel insecure sometimes and wanting to feel more self-assured is a great goal. It can be hard to know where to begin, especially if you just feel too broken or hopeless to ever totally relax. On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about 7 ways to become more confident. My guest Mary realized that she was controlling, but didn’t know how to stop. She wanted attention from her husband but instead she found herself frequently texting another guy. She knew that wasn’t what she wanted, but the pull was so strong! Today she finds the playfulness and connection with her husband so gratifying and fun her vision for her marriage and her family is coming true. She’s going to tell us how she did that. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week concludes women have a higher risk of death if they do this one thing.

In the beginning of your marriage, you were probably attracted to your husband for many reasons. But what if you look at him now and wonder if you should give up and find someone else? On today’s episode of The Empowered Wife Podcast we’re talking about what to do if you're not attracted to your husband. My guest Dianne was shocked and terrified when, after a serious accident, her husband completely changed from the person she had known for 30 years to one who was consumed with anger, unpredictable and unrecognizable from the man she had married. Today her husband is back to the humble, gentle, man who loves to please her and make her happy. She’s going to describe what she did to fix her marriage. The Worst Relationship Advice of the Week talks about diagnosing your husband with a disorder.