Married A.F. | Real Talk On Relationships

Matthew & Monica Powers | Relationship Experts
  • 4.6 (11)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Married A.F. is the candid, laugh-out-loud podcast about what really goes on after “I do.” Equal parts heartfelt and hilarious, this show explores the highs, lows, and everyday quirks of married life – with nothing off-limits. Each week, Matt and Monica pull back the curtain on marriage, from navigating intimacy and money squabbles to juggling careers, kids, and in-laws. With their engaging blend of personal stories and expert insights, they tackle questions many couples are afraid to ask (yes, even that one) with refreshing honesty. One minute you’ll be wiping away tears of laughter, and the next you might be nodding along in understanding at a truly raw and honest confession. Whether you’re newly wed, happily ever after, or wondering what you signed up for, Married A.F. offers you a front-row seat to the kind of unfiltered conversations usually reserved for close friends. Matt and Monica share hard-earned lessons to unpack topics like keeping the romance alive, communicating through conflict, and growing together (instead of apart). The tone is always supportive and real. You’ll feel like you’re sitting around the kitchen table with friends who tell it like it is and genuinely want to see your marriage thrive. Clear-eyed about the challenges but celebratory of the joys, Married A.F. is the ultimate marriage companion podcast that will leave you feeling entertained, understood, and inspired to make your relationship stronger than ever. If you believe marriage can be messy and magnificent, this is the podcast for you.  Tune in, and join a community of listeners who know that staying married is an adventure – one that’s easier (and a lot more fun) when you have a great conversation partner along for the ride.

  1. Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt & the Cult That Broke a Family | The Dark Truth Behind ConneXions

    FEB 10

    Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt & the Cult That Broke a Family | The Dark Truth Behind ConneXions

    Send a text A barefoot boy escapes a desert house with duct-tape burns on his wrists and asks a neighbor for a ride to the police. That moment didn’t just expose abuse it unraveled an entire belief system. In this episode, we trace the disturbing collapse of Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt, and the high-control ideology behind ConneXions from wholesome family vlogs to isolation, coercion, and harm done in the name of “truth.” We follow the arc from the polished image of Eight Passengers to a system where: Children became content pipelinesShame replaced careSexual withholding was reframed as righteousnessAbsolute obedience was sold as spiritual maturityA therapist crossed every ethical line—moving into the home, separating a marriage, and redefining discipline as warfareThis isn’t shock content. It’s a case study. We break down how influence, certainty, religion, and therapy fused into something dangerous—and how ordinary warning signs were missed until it was almost too late. From underground bunkers and journals that framed suffering as sacred, to a safe that opened with 1-2-3-4-5-6, the details are chilling but the lessons matter. We also draw a clear line between grace-centered Christian faith and any system religious or therapeutic that: Isolates family membersBans outside communicationPunishes vulnerabilityHarms children under the banner of purity or “truth”Along the way, we talk plainly about: The red flags neighbors and viewers now wish they’d reportedHow family vlogging can drift into exploitationWhy therapy must never become command or cohabitationHealthy digital boundaries: opt-in consent, revocable participation, no child-as-employee dynamics⚠️ If you suspect child abuse, document patterns, trust your instincts, and call 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4A-CHILD). Silence protects systems speaking up protects kids. Stay to the end for a powerful trailer from our friend Sanchez Tannehill’s God Did It short film, an essential reminder that restoration is real, and darkness doesn’t get the final word. If this episode helped you think differently about online family content, counseling ethics, or how to intervene when something feels off: 👉 Subscribe 👉 Share this with someone who needs to hear it 👉 Leave a review so this story reaches the people who can stop the next one Your voice might be the first step that keeps a child safe.

    46 min
  2. When Kids Become Content: The Myka Stauffer Scandal and the Dark Side of Family Vlogging

    FEB 3

    When Kids Become Content: The Myka Stauffer Scandal and the Dark Side of Family Vlogging

    Send us a text What happens when family life becomes a content strategy and children become the product? In this episode, we unpack the Myka Stauffer controversy, one of the most disturbing case studies in the rise (and reckoning) of family vlogging, parent influencer culture, and child monetization online. What started as wholesome adoption content turned into a public unraveling that forced the internet to confront an uncomfortable truth: when kids are the brand, there’s no clean exit. We break down how adoption stories, pregnancy announcements, and “update videos” quietly drive engagement, sponsorships, and algorithmic growth and why audiences begin to feel owed access to children’s lives. We talk money plainly: brand deals, sponsorship pressure, and why most family vlog income has nothing to do with YouTube ads and everything to do with image control. Then we slow the conversation down and ask the question that rarely trends: what does this do to a child? A special-needs child doesn’t need a redemption arc or a thumbnail, he needs consistency, privacy, and secure attachment. When a polished “re-homing” video provides closure for viewers, the child experiences another rupture. That tension sits at the center of this episode. We also explore: The psychology of parasocial relationshipsWhy comment deletion and silence often signal deeper issuesHow creator “communities” disappear the moment accountability shows upThe misuse of faith language where “God told us” blurs into confirmation biasHow influence quietly becomes an idolWe close by connecting this story to what comes next: a deeper dive into Ruby Franke and Jody Hildebrandt, tracing the pattern from spiritual branding to control and from control to real-world harm. Our bottom line is simple but demanding: Keep sacred things sacred. Put God first. Your spouse second. Your kids third. And let the camera come after conscience. If this episode challenged you, share it with someone who follows family vloggers, subscribe for our upcoming breakdown of the Ruby Franke case, and leave a review with your take: Should children ever be monetized online? Your voice helps shift the conversation from clicks to conscience.

    49 min
  3. How Cheating Gets Discovered: Phone Secrets, Emotional Affairs, and the Red Flags Husbands Miss

    JAN 27

    How Cheating Gets Discovered: Phone Secrets, Emotional Affairs, and the Red Flags Husbands Miss

    Send us a text A love song in the wrong car. A phone snatched a second too late. A knock at the door from the “other guy.” These aren’t movie plots, they’re real moments that exposed infidelity. In this episode, we unpack true stories of how husbands discovered their wives were cheating and identify the repeatable patterns that show up again and again: hidden apps, suspicious phone privacy, emotional affairs at work, deleted messages that leave digital receipts, and routines that quietly stop making sense. What starts as a gut feeling often becomes a trail of ordinary clues that, when stacked together, are impossible to ignore. We break down the difference between privacy vs secrecy, why “don’t worry about him” is one of the most common cheating red flags, and how gaslighting erodes trust faster than the affair itself. You’ll learn how to confront suspicion without looking paranoid, how to protect your credibility, and when clarity matters more than closure. If you’re trying to rebuild trust after infidelity, we talk about practical guardrails: shared phone expectations, transparent schedules, and defining what actually counts as cheating before assumptions blow everything up. And if you already know the truth, we discuss how to leave with self-respect instead of chaos. We close with a surprisingly practical reminder: systems matter. A small home habit, a smart pill dispenser, reduced daily friction and created space for real conversations. Because whether you’re dealing with betrayal or boundaries, clear systems beat constant suspicion. If this episode hits close to home, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and tell us, what’s the red flag you’ll never ignore again?

    24 min
  4. How Husbands Accidentally Discovered Affairs: Emotional Cheating, DNA Tests & Phone Records

    JAN 20

    How Husbands Accidentally Discovered Affairs: Emotional Cheating, DNA Tests & Phone Records

    Send us a text Cheating rarely starts with a confession—it starts with subtle red flags most people ignore. A phrase that doesn’t sit right. A “late at work” that keeps repeating. A DNA test taken out of curiosity that permanently rewrites a family’s story. In this episode, we unpack real-life stories of infidelity where husbands discovered their wives’ affairs by accident, not investigation. From emotional cheating at work that went unchallenged for years, to a single sentence—“I got out of it”—that detonated a marriage and led to a swift, evidence-backed divorce, each story reveals how betrayal leaks before it explodes. We confront some of the most uncomfortable scenarios couples face today: Workplace emotional affairs that quietly replace intimacy at homeAncestry and DNA test results exposing long-hidden liesPhone records, Snapchats, and hotel receipts revealing patterns of deceptionThe common deflection tactic of anger over “snooping” instead of accountabilityAnd the devastating moment when trust is broken beyond repairAlong the way, we move past hot takes and into hard truth: transparency beats suspicion, confrontation belongs in the marriage—not the workplace—and unmet needs don’t excuse betrayal. We break down the warning signs of cheating, how emotional affairs escalate, and the signals that distinguish a rough season from a full breach of trust. If you’ve been questioning your gut, noticing behavioral changes, or wondering whether you’re overthinking things—this episode gives you language, clarity, and next steps. 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself the question most couples avoid until it’s too late: Is this just stress… or is trust already slipping? If this episode hits close to home, share it, follow the show, and leave a review telling us the moment that made your jaw drop. Your feedback shapes what we unpack next.

    23 min

  5. JAN 6

    Put the Phone Down and Get Naked: New Rules for a Strong Marriage

    Send us a text Is marriage outdated—or are couples just doing it wrong? With marriage rates at an all-time low and a growing number of young adults saying marriage is “obsolete,” Matthew and Monica Powers dive into the uncomfortable truths nobody wants to talk about. From phone addiction and emotional distance to sexless marriages and unrealistic expectations, this episode pulls back the curtain on why so many couples feel disconnected and what actually works. In this honest, funny, and unfiltered conversation, we talk about: Why New Year’s resolutions fail couples every yearHow phones are killing intimacy (and what to do instead)The power of gratitude, vulnerability, and letting the small stuff goWhy most couples aren’t having enough sex and how to fix itHow experimenting within healthy boundaries can reignite desireWhy marriage isn’t outdated, but lazy marriage isThis isn’t marriage advice wrapped in clichés. It’s real talk for real couples who want more connection, more fun, and a marriage that actually feels alive. If you’re tired of surviving marriage and ready to enjoy it again, this episode is for you. If marriage is so outdated… why do the healthiest couples still fight to protect it?

    33 min

  6. 10/14/2025

    Unfiltered & Unapologetic: 7 “Off-Limits” Talks That Make Couples Obsessed With Each Other

    Send us a text Let’s stop pretending. The happiest couples aren’t lucky, they’re raw, honest, and a little dangerous behind closed doors. In this no-blush episode of Married AF, Matthew & Monica crack open the 7 taboo conversations that turn “roommates” into ride-or-die lovers: unfiltered fears, money secrets, the State-of-Us check-in, past scars, a shared “we” world, laser-fast emotional responsiveness, and yes your detailed desire map (aka the sex menu). We go straight at the headlines,“Is marriage overrated?” “Why aren’t people getting married?”, and show you how couples who actually talk about the “off-limits” stuff end up with more intimacy, hotter chemistry, stronger trust, and way fewer blowups. Inside this episode: The confession that turns fear into magnetic safetyThe financial naked truth, end money secrecy & weekly fightsA 10-minute State of the Union that keeps you from driftingHow to heal unspoken history so it stops hijacking todayBids for connection: the tiny turn-towards that skyrockets trustThe sex conversation that upgrades desire without shameDrop your take: Is marriage outdated or are we just cowards about real conversations?

    34 min

  7. 10/07/2025

    Mirror Lies & Modern Love: Why So Many Feel “Single” Inside Their Marriage (and How to Reclaim Your God-Given Identity)

    Send us a text What if the most dangerous lies in your life aren’t coming from TikTok or culture—but from your own mirror? In this episode, we unpack the identity battles that keep people stuck: the quiet scripts that say you’re not enough, you’ve failed too much, or you’ll never have a “real” marriage. We contrast those lies with biblical truth—Psalm 139, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10—and we share a simple, practical exercise our singles group used to replace lies with truth you can carry daily. We also tackle the cultural headwinds making connection harder than ever: younger adults increasingly calling marriage “outdated,” stagnating marriage rates and declining divorce rates that still mask deep disconnection, and the loneliness epidemic reshaping how we date, commit, and stay married.  Along the way, we name the modern trends—“checklist dating,” viral “icks,” and algorithm-fed expectations—that leave people chronically disappointed and relationally cautious, then offer a better path: identity first, covenant next, habits always.  If you’ve ever thought, “I still love my spouse, but I feel alone,” or if you’re single and wondering who you are before you date again—this one’s for you. Expect vulnerable stories, Scripture, and hard-won hope, plus a 2-minute “index card” challenge that can change your week.

    36 min

  8. 09/30/2025

    11 Things That Make a Man Obsessed With His Wife (It’s Not What You Think)

    Send us a text Ever heard someone say “men are addicted to women”? 😏 Wrong. Men don’t get addicted to any woman, they get addicted to the right one. In this no-filter episode of Married AF, Matthew and Monica break down 11 surprisingly simple things that make a husband obsessed, addicted, and deeply devoted to his wife, not because of flashy grand gestures, but because of the quiet, daily decisions that melt a man’s heart and lock in emotional connection. From public respect that makes him feel like a king 👑 to playful teasing, creating a safe space for vulnerability, and yes…keeping intimacy alive 🔥these habits are the secret sauce behind those couples who can’t keep their hands (or eyes) off each other. They also react to new Pew Research data showing marriage rates hitting historic lows, and ask the hard question: Is marriage becoming outdated…or are we just doing it wrong? Whether you’re dating, newlywed, or years deep into marriage, this episode will make you rethink how powerful the “little things” really are. 👉 Listen now to learn how to go from “roommates” to ride-or-die soulmates.

    29 min
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4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Married A.F. is the candid, laugh-out-loud podcast about what really goes on after “I do.” Equal parts heartfelt and hilarious, this show explores the highs, lows, and everyday quirks of married life – with nothing off-limits. Each week, Matt and Monica pull back the curtain on marriage, from navigating intimacy and money squabbles to juggling careers, kids, and in-laws. With their engaging blend of personal stories and expert insights, they tackle questions many couples are afraid to ask (yes, even that one) with refreshing honesty. One minute you’ll be wiping away tears of laughter, and the next you might be nodding along in understanding at a truly raw and honest confession. Whether you’re newly wed, happily ever after, or wondering what you signed up for, Married A.F. offers you a front-row seat to the kind of unfiltered conversations usually reserved for close friends. Matt and Monica share hard-earned lessons to unpack topics like keeping the romance alive, communicating through conflict, and growing together (instead of apart). The tone is always supportive and real. You’ll feel like you’re sitting around the kitchen table with friends who tell it like it is and genuinely want to see your marriage thrive. Clear-eyed about the challenges but celebratory of the joys, Married A.F. is the ultimate marriage companion podcast that will leave you feeling entertained, understood, and inspired to make your relationship stronger than ever. If you believe marriage can be messy and magnificent, this is the podcast for you.  Tune in, and join a community of listeners who know that staying married is an adventure – one that’s easier (and a lot more fun) when you have a great conversation partner along for the ride.

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew & Monica Powers | Relationship Experts
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Married A.F. | Real Talk On Relationships
  • Show Website
    Married A.F. | Real Talk On Relationships