Married After Kids

Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh
  • 5.0 (61)
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Married After Kids is a podcast dedicated to strengthening marriages for parents after having kids. Hosted by Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh, psychologist turned marriage coach, this podcast discusses all the ways children can challenge your marriage, while also offering effective, evidence-based solutions to help make marriages stronger and more enjoyable, which makes parenting and life so much easier. Married After Kids will completely transform how you look at marriage and give you the tools to have the marriage you want and need.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 108: The Tool I Use When My Spouse Gets Defensive

    Defensiveness is one of the fastest ways conversations shut down in marriage. One minute you are trying to communicate, and the next you feel blamed, misunderstood, or completely disconnected. Many couples get stuck here and assume there is no way forward once defensiveness shows up. In this episode, I’m sharing the specific tool I use when my spouse becomes defensive and why it works. I break down what defensiveness is actually protecting, why pushing harder makes things worse, and how this tool helps deescalate conflict so real connection can happen again. Tune in to discover: • Why defensiveness shows up so quickly in marriage • What defensiveness is actually protecting underneath • The common mistake that escalates conflict • How to lower defenses in the moment • Ways to keep conversations productive instead of shutting down Ways to Connect: FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call:  https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call The Us System: https://marriedafterkids.com/the-us-system Marriage Shutdown Checklist: https://marriedafterkids.com/marriage-shutdown?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=links&utm_campaign=MSoptin The 3 Secrets to a Happier Marriage Video: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Links&utm_campaign=3%20Secrets%20-%20Jan26 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less) E-Book: https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie 60 Min Marriage Shutdown Breakthrough Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/306057-marriage-shutdown-breakthrough-call Instagram: www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids

    27 min

  2. MAR 2

    Ep. 107: I Tried the Healthy Marriage Tool…And it Flopped

    Have you ever tried to use a healthy marriage tool and it completely backfired? In this episode, I’m breaking down why that happens and why it is often not about the tool itself. Sometimes the real issue is not a lack of skills, but a lack of emotional safety. If you have felt frustrated after trying to communicate “the right way” and still ending up in conflict, this episode will help you understand what is actually getting in the way and where to start instead. In this episode, we discuss: • Why good communication tools sometimes backfire • When the issue is not skills, but emotional safety • What emotional shutdown does to your connection • How resentment and defensiveness block progress • What to focus on before trying the tool again Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call:  https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call FREE Marriage Shutdown Checklist: https://marriedafterkids.com/marriage-shutdown?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=links&utm_campaign=MSoptin FREE TRAINING! The 3 Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Links&utm_campaign=3%20Secrets%20-%20Jan26 Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids

    20 min

  3. FEB 23

    Ep. 106: His Relationship Failed… Here’s What To Do Differently with Bryan Power

    We do not often hear the honest, unfiltered story of how a marriage actually breaks down and what it truly takes to rebuild it. In this episode, Bryan Power shares his journey from having a restraining order against him to now experiencing a deeply fulfilling relationship with the very same person. He opens up about the blind spots he could not see, the patterns that slowly eroded connection, and the wake up call that changed everything. If you have ever minimized issues or assumed things would work themselves out, this conversation will challenge you to look beneath the surface and take responsibility for the health of your relationship now. In this episode, we discuss: • The warning signs Bryan missed before everything fell apart • How complacency and emotional distance quietly build over time • The ownership shift that changed the trajectory of his relationship • Why waiting until things feel extreme makes repair harder • What he is doing differently now to maintain a healthier relationship Connect with Bryan: • Website: https://www.myrelationshipfail.com/ • My Relationship Fail Podcast: https://www.myrelationshipfail.com/podcast (coming soon!) Connect with Lindsay: FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call FREE Marriage Shutdown Checklist: https://marriedafterkids.com/marriage-shutdown?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=links&utm_campaign=MSoptin The Us System: https://marriedafterkids.com/the-us-system 60 Min Marriage Shutdown Breakthrough Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/306057-marriage-shutdown-breakthrough-call Instagram: www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids

    34 min

  4. FEB 16

    Ep. 105: Marriage Shutdown Mindset Traps that Keep You Stuck

    Marriage shutdown does not usually happen all at once. It builds slowly through emotional exhaustion, repeated disappointment, and the belief that nothing will change. Over time, couples start protecting themselves by pulling back, going quiet, or emotionally checking out. In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common mindset traps that keep couples stuck in shutdown. These are the thoughts that feel protective in the moment but quietly block repair, connection, and movement forward. I explain how these patterns show up, why they make sense, and what actually helps you begin shifting out of shutdown without forcing conversations or pretending everything is fine. Tune in to discover: • What marriage shutdown really looks like over time • The mindset traps that keep couples emotionally stuck • Why self protection often blocks connection • How fear and hopelessness reinforce shutdown • What helps you begin reconnecting safely and slowly Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call:  https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call FREE Marriage Shutdown Checklist: https://marriedafterkids.com/marriage-shutdown?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=links&utm_campaign=MSoptin 60 Min Marriage Shutdown Breakthrough Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/306057-marriage-shutdown-breakthrough-call FREE TRAINING! The 3 Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Links&utm_campaign=3%20Secrets%20-%20Jan26 Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids

    31 min

  5. FEB 9

    Ep. 104: How To Build Connection When There’s NO Connection

    There are seasons in marriage where you look at your spouse and realize the connection just is not there anymore. You may still care about each other and be doing life together, but emotionally it feels flat, distant, or even tense. Many couples tell me they feel like roommates instead of partners and worry that something is seriously wrong. In this episode, I’m walking you through what low connection actually means, why it happens so often after kids and stress, and what truly helps rebuild it. I break down the difference between emotional safety and surface level closeness, why trying to force connection usually backfires, and the specific ways to start creating small moments of connection even when things feel awkward or shut down. Tune in to discover: • What low connection in marriage really looks like • The most common reasons couples drift apart emotionally • The exact three things men and women need for connection • Why forcing closeness often creates more distance • Practical steps to rebuild closeness over time 60 Min Marriage Shutdown Breakthrough Call (for just $89!): https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/306057-marriage-shutdown-breakthrough-call FREE TRAINING! The 3 Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Links&utm_campaign=3%20Secrets%20-%20Jan26 Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids

    30 min

  6. FEB 2

    Ep. 103: Part 2: An Episode for Men/Non-Default Parents to Improve Connection & Intimacy

    In part one, we talked about the mental load and why simply doing more tasks does not always lead to feeling more connected in marriage. In today’s episode, we’re taking that conversation deeper and focusing on what actually builds emotional and physical intimacy between partners. This episode is specifically for men and non default parents who want a closer relationship with their spouse but are unsure how to bridge the gap. I’m breaking down the emotional needs that often go unspoken, the common mistakes that unintentionally create distance, and the practical ways to show up that help your partner feel truly supported and desired. Tune in to discover: • Why connection comes before intimacy in marriage • The emotional needs many partners struggle to articulate • Common habits that unintentionally push your spouse away • What actually helps your partner feel safe, supported, and close • Simple shifts that build deeper intimacy over time 60 Min Marriage Shutdown Breakthrough Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/306057-marriage-shutdown-breakthrough-call The 3 Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Links&utm_campaign=3%20Secrets%20-%20Jan26 Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids

    32 min

  7. JAN 26

    Ep. 102: An Episode for Men

    Today’s episode is for men, dads, and non default parents who want to feel more connected to their spouse but feel stuck, discouraged, or like nothing they do is ever enough. My goal with this conversation is not to criticize or shame, but to help you actually win in your marriage without burning yourself out or overhauling your entire life. I’m walking you through one of the biggest areas couples struggle with after kids: the mental load. I explain what it really is, why focusing only on tasks keeps couples disconnected, and how shifting from a helper role to a shared management mindset can completely change the dynamic in your marriage. This is part one of a two part conversation designed to help you feel more confident, more effective, and more appreciated in your relationship. Tune in to discover: • What the mental load actually is and why it matters in marriage • The three parts of the mental load and which one is most draining • Why doing more tasks does not always lead to less conflict • The difference between being a helper and being a partner • Small shifts that help you feel more connected and supported at home The 3 Secrets to a Happier Marriage: https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Links&utm_campaign=3%20Secrets%20-%20Jan26 Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call:  https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call The Us System: https://marriedafterkids.com/the-us-system FREE Marriage Shutdown Checklist: https://marriedafterkids.com/marriage-shutdown?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=links&utm_campaign=MSoptin Get your FREE EBOOK! 3 Ways To Connect More With Your Spouse (In 5 Min or Less): https://marriedafterkids.com/freebie Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids

    36 min

  8. JAN 19

    Ep. 101: Why Parenting Stress Is Hurting Your Marriage with Dr. Hilary Mandzik

    Parenting doesn’t just test your patience with your kids. It can quietly strain your marriage in ways most couples do not expect. Differences in parenting styles, emotional triggers, and how each partner handles stress can quickly turn everyday moments into conflict, resentment, and disconnection. In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Hilary Mandzik, to explore how parenting stress shows up inside marriage. We talk about why parenting is one of the most emotionally charged areas for couples, how unaddressed triggers spill into your relationship, and what actually helps couples feel like a team again. Tune in to discover: • Why parenting is one of the biggest sources of conflict for couples • How differences in parenting styles create distance and resentment • The role emotional triggers play in both parenting and marriage • Why repair matters more than getting it right in the moment • How shared frameworks reduce stress and strengthen your partnership Connect with Dr. Hilary: • Podcast: raisedresilient.com/podcast • 5 Shifts to End the Meltdowns Masterclass: raisedresilient.com/registration • Free 45 minute call: raisedresilient.com/breakthrough Connect with Dr. Lindsay: • Sign up for The 3 Secrets to a Happier Marriage (Free LIVE training Jan 22nd): https://marriedafterkids.com/3-secrets?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Links&utm_campaign=3%20Secrets%20-%20Jan26 • The Us System: https://marriedafterkids.com/the-us-system • Connect with me for a FREE Married After Kids Intervention Call: https://marriedafterkids.satoriapp.com/offers/277730-married-after-kids-intervention-call •Follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing! www.instagram.com/marriedafterkids

    41 min
See All (108)

5
out of 5
61 Ratings

About

Married After Kids is a podcast dedicated to strengthening marriages for parents after having kids. Hosted by Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh, psychologist turned marriage coach, this podcast discusses all the ways children can challenge your marriage, while also offering effective, evidence-based solutions to help make marriages stronger and more enjoyable, which makes parenting and life so much easier. Married After Kids will completely transform how you look at marriage and give you the tools to have the marriage you want and need.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 null All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Married After Kids

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