Thrive Again - Your relationship podcast Michael & Amy

Ever feel like your long-term relationship could use a little more spark? Michael and I challenge the tried-and-true strategy of scheduled date nights and uncover why they might be adding more pressure than passion to your partnership. Instead, we share innovative ways to keep the flame alive through everyday interactions, proving that it's not just about carving out time, but about creating moments that matter. 

This episode is all about redefining intimacy and connection—moving beyond the calendar and into a realm of spontaneous affection. Discover the potent 'sexual currency' that lies in playful banter, heartfelt compliments, and those seemingly insignificant yet relationship-strengthening daily gestures. Michael and I guide you through the intricacies of desire, showing how a continuous spark can outshine any scheduled encounter and truly deepen your bond.

Wrapping up our discussion, we look at the lifestyle choices that could be sabotaging your intimate life without you even knowing it. From the false allure of alcohol as a romantic enhancer to the intimacy-eroding effects of screen time, we lay bare the habits that may be holding back your love life. Plus, we underscore the importance of sleep in keeping your libido healthy and passion potent. Don't miss our actionable advice and the free resource linked in the show notes to help you pinpoint and ignite those areas of your relationship in need of a little extra heat.
Thankyou for listening, if you liked it, please remember to subscribe.

Join our Private "Thriving relationships - Deepening connection to self and others" community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107209283451758/

Website: https://michaelandamy.com.au/

Join our free 7 day relationship challenge: https://michaelandamy.com.au/free-relationship-challenge

If you would like to book in a private discovery call with us, here is the link: https://michaelandamy.com.au/call

Ever felt lost steering through the sea of sex education with your tween or teen? Natalie Stokell joins us as a beacon of hope, advocating for a transformative and positive spin on this crucial aspect of parenting. She brings to the table a rich tapestry of psychology and parenting experience, making her the ideal guide for breaking generational silence and including must-have conversations about pleasure and healthy relationships. With Natalie's insights, we'll arm you with the tools to initiate these essential dialogues and navigate the digital age's explicit challenges, ensuring our youth are prepared for confident and informed intimate futures.

If you think that sex education is just about preventing diseases and pregnancies, think again. Our latest episode takes you through a reimagined journey of sex ed, where connection, healthy relationships, and pleasure anatomy are the core tenets. Natalie Stokell sheds light on why feeling-based sex education is so critical during the whirlwind of adolescence and how equipping teens with knowledge can actually lead to safer, not riskier, behaviors. We don't shy away from discussing mainstream porn's impact either, as we explore the importance of porn literacy and debunking myths for a healthier understanding of sexual pleasure.

The conversation doesn't stop there; we're passionate about ensuring these life lessons aren't relegated to awkward school assemblies or hushed whispers. Natalie's "Tell Your Daughters" platform is a treasure trove of resources, offering workshops like "Tools for Teens," which tackle consent and communication in bite-sized, relatable chunks. And for parents feeling out of their depth? We've got you covered with an evening session dedicated to you, complete with an online toolkit to support those dinner table talks. So tune in, as Natalie Stokell helps us step up the sex education game, for both our daughters and sons, and transforms uneasy conversations into empowering ones.

Show notes:

FREE 27 page Parent Glossary - so you can know what red flag acronyms your teens might be using like GNOC and KPC mean (- Get Naked On Camera, Keeping Parents Clueless):

https://mailchi.mp/265dd51442fb/p96v4k9ico

Book recommendations from preschool through to teens:

https://www.tellyourdaughters.com.au/blog/my-book-recommendations-across-all-ages

Upcoming workshops for tweens and teens:

https://www.tellyourdaughters.com.au/book-a-workshop

Waitlist for "60 one minute conversations to have with your tweens and teens about s.x, bodies and relating"

https://www.tellyourdaughters.com.au/waitlist
Thankyou for listening, if you liked it, please remember to subscribe.

Join our Private "Thriving relationships - Deepening connection to self and others" community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107209283451758/

Website: https://michaelandamy.com.au/

Join our free 7 day relationship challenge: https://michaelandamy.com.au/free-relationship-challenge

If you would like to book in a private discovery call with us, here is the link: https://michaelandamy.com.au/call

Have you ever faced a moment so dark it seemed impossible to find the light? Andrea Gullick, a beacon of resilience and wisdom, joins us to recount her own journey through such depths. She bravely opens up about battling mental illness and coping with devastating personal losses, all while maintaining the conviction that happiness is a personal responsibility. Andrea's stories are laced with empathy and humor, offering powerful insights into how we can cultivate transformation within our lives and relationships. Her message is clear: happiness is a choice we're all capable of making, regardless of our circumstances.

When life throws its worst at us, who do we become? This episode delves into the raw and often painful process of redefining oneself after loss. Andrea generously shares her experience of navigating the turbulent waters of grief following the loss of her husband. Her poignant narrative sheds light on the importance of maintaining individuality within a partnership and the daunting yet empowering task of building a new identity from the ashes of the past. Andrea's honesty and vulnerability provide a roadmap for anyone embarking on the tumultuous journey of self-discovery after their world has been turned upside down.

Finally, we peel back the layers of our unconscious beliefs to reveal how they shape our experiences and relationships. Andrea guides us through the labyrinth of our internal narratives, questioning the stories we've told ourselves about love, worthiness, and success. With her, we confront the self-imposed limitations holding us back and embrace the uncertainties of life's journey. Her wisdom is a gift to us all, reminding us that the power to heal, to grow, and to forge ahead in the creation of the love and life we desire, resides within each of us. Join us for an episode that will not only move you but might just alter the course of your life.
Thankyou for listening, if you liked it, please remember to subscribe.

Join our Private "Thriving relationships - Deepening connection to self and others" community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107209283451758/

Website: https://michaelandamy.com.au/

Join our free 7 day relationship challenge: https://michaelandamy.com.au/free-relationship-challenge

If you would like to book in a private discovery call with us, here is the link: https://michaelandamy.com.au/call

When the foundations of a family tremble under the weight of a relationship coming undone, where do you turn? Eva and Amanda from Family Focus Mediation extend their hands to guide us through this labyrinth with empathy and expertise. As they peel back the layers of their own separations, they reveal how their personal paths led them to become beacons of support for others. This episode uncovers the heartfelt mission of mediation, emphasizing a child-centered approach that aims to soften the impact of family transitions and prioritizes the emotional well-being of the most vulnerable.

The journey of untangling intertwined lives is fraught with challenges, yet it's the silent echoes in young minds that beckon our utmost care. Eva and Amanda encourage parents to embrace clear communication and stable routines as pillars for children to lean on amidst change. We delve into the emotional and financial strains of divorce, contrasting the hefty price of litigation with the more gentle approach of mediation. As our guests share their wisdom, they inspire a vision where co-parenting becomes a dance of cooperation rather than a battle of wills, ensuring that the future for these evolving families is navigated with dignity and respect.

We part with a chorus of gratitude for the insights shared by Eva and Amanda, pondering on the importance of relationship resilience and the support systems that underpin thriving partnerships. Their stories serve as a lighthouse for those adrift in the sea of separation, illuminating the way towards calmer shores. Join us in this exploration of the transformative power of mediation, where the end of a partnership can also mean the beginning of a renewed commitment to family harmony and individual growth.

Contact Amanda and Eva here: https://www.familyfocusmediation.com.au/
Thankyou for listening, if you liked it, please remember to subscribe.

Join our Private "Thriving relationships - Deepening connection to self and others" community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107209283451758/

Website: https://michaelandamy.com.au/

Join our free 7 day relationship challenge: https://michaelandamy.com.au/free-relationship-challenge

If you would like to book in a private discovery call with us, here is the link: https://michaelandamy.com.au/call

Discover the secret to transforming your relationship from surviving to thriving as we, Michael and Amy, guide you through the groundbreaking work of John and Julie Gottman. With a couple's coach approach, we're bringing you a no-holds-barred conversation filled with insights into the four communication patterns that can spell doom for any partnership. Get ready to equip yourself with the tools to recognise and resolve these challenges, as we provide examples and strategies that will change your relationship game for good.

Ever found yourself wondering why small arguments escalate into full-blown conflicts? Chances are, you've encountered one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse in relationships—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, or stonewalling. We're taking a deep dive into the origins of these behaviors, unpacking how childhood experiences and everyday habits can lead to a breakdown in communication. But fear not, because we're all about solutions. We'll share the antidotes to these patterns, helping you to foster a nurturing and respectful dialogue with your partner.

The journey doesn't end with recognising these patterns—it's about overcoming them, particularly the most destructive of all: contempt. This episode isn't just an exploration, it's a roadmap to building a culture of appreciation within your partnership. We share heartfelt anecdotes and client successes that highlight the importance of mutual effort and admiration. So, join us for this transformative session and let's take that brave step together towards a more loving and resilient bond with your partner.
Thankyou for listening, if you liked it, please remember to subscribe.

Join our Private "Thriving relationships - Deepening connection to self and others" community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107209283451758/

Website: https://michaelandamy.com.au/

Join our free 7 day relationship challenge: https://michaelandamy.com.au/free-relationship-challenge

If you would like to book in a private discovery call with us, here is the link: https://michaelandamy.com.au/call

Have you ever felt disconnected from your own body, especially when it comes to intimacy and pleasure? That's the pivotal question we unpack with Kimberly Vita Rose, a somatic sex educator and sexological bodyworker, who graces us with her profound insights on forging a deeper bodily connection and shedding the layers of sexual shame. Through her diverse expertise in midwifery, naturopathy, and nutritional medicine, Kimberley guides us through the power of somatic practices in enriching relationships and personal empowerment.

Our candid conversation takes a turn into the personal as I open up about the transformative period of leaving a long-term relationship, leading to a voyage of self-discovery and the art of communicating boundaries and desires. We delve into the historical and societal pressures that shape our understanding of women's sexual anatomy and the necessity for precise language in reclaiming our bodies. Kimberley shares the enlightening effect of tantra retreats and somatic practices that have revived not only my sense of self but also the dynamic of her second marriage.

Wrapping up this episode, we touch on practical tools for daily reconnection with our physical selves, from mindful breathing to somatic awareness. Kimberly also introduces us to the wheel of consent and the nuance of embracing vulnerability in our sexual dialogues. For those eager to continue this journey of growth and connection, Kimberley extends an invitation to her upcoming online offerings and shares how listeners can tap into her wealth of wisdom. Join us in this heart-opening discussion that promises to shift the way you think about intimacy, pleasure, and communication.

Here are some key resources from the show:

Book - Esther Perel "Mating in Captivity" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27485.Mating_in_Captivity
Facebook - Kimberley Vita Rose
Instagram - Kimberley Vita Rose 
Website - www.kimberleyvitarose.com
Somatic Sex Educators Association of Australasia Website to find a practitioner - Somatic Sex Educators Association of Australasia | SSEAA
Thankyou for listening, if you liked it, please remember to subscribe.

Join our Private "Thriving relationships - Deepening connection to self and others" community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107209283451758/

Website: https://michaelandamy.com.au/

Join our free 7 day relationship challenge: https://michaelandamy.com.au/free-relationship-challenge

If you would like to book in a private discovery call with us, here is the link: https://michaelandamy.com.au/call