Marriage & Motherhood - How To Reconnect With Your Spouse After Kids

Michelle Purta
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Motherhood changes everything... including your marriage. If you’re a mom who feels disconnected from your husband, stuck in roommate mode, or exhausted by the constant tension, miscommunication, or emotional distance after kids, this podcast is for you. Join Marriage Coach Michelle Purta each week to learn how to strengthen your marriage without waiting until the kids are grown. Each episode offers practical communication tools, mindset shifts, and real conversations that help you rebuild emotional connection, navigate conflict without escalation, and feel like true partners again...not just co-parents managing a household. This show is especially for you if you want to:• Communicate clearly without shutdowns or blow-ups• Reduce resentment and mental load in motherhood and marriage• Reconnect emotionally and rebuild intimacy after kids• Create a healthier, more connected marriage in the middle of busy family life Having a strong marriage is all about learning the right skills, not about being perfect.  This podcast is your weekly reminder that you don’t have to choose between being a great mom and having a deeply connected marriage. Ready for deeper support? Learn more about marriage coaching here: https://michellepurta.as.me/clarity

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 271 - Growing Up With Immigrant Parents: The Patterns That Follow Us with Dr. Stacey Litam

    Let us know how you enjoyed this episode! Growing up with immigrant parents shapes how we love, communicate, and show up in marriage. In this powerful conversation, I am joined by Dr. Stacey Litam, licensed professional clinical counselor and author of Patterns That Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants, to explore: - How transactional love patterns form in immigrant households - Why achievement often becomes tied to worth - The impact of collectivistic vs. individualistic culture on marriage - Why affection can feel uncomfortable — and how to navigate that - Modeling healthy self-care for your children - Healing “in-between” identity struggles Connect with Dr. Stacey: Website: www.staceylitam.com IG: @drstaceyalitam LinkedIn: @Stacey Diane A. Litam Grab her book here! Thanks for listening! Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too! Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't) Support the show

    39 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Ep. 270 - Why Your Conversations Are Failing Even When You're Doing Everything Right

    Let us know how you enjoyed this episode! Most communication breakdowns happen before anyone even starts talking. If you’ve ever walked into a conversation with your spouse calm and they still got defensive or shutdown, this episode is for you. In this episode, I break down the often-missed step that determines whether your conversations lead to connection or conflict: nervous system regulation before engagement. Tune in to learn: - Why intention vs. impact matters more than wording - How your nervous system shapes your tone, body language, and pacing - Why “I statements” don’t fix dysregulation - The hidden reason your partner shuts down - How the P (Pause) step in the P.E.A.C.E. Method changes everything - Practical questions to ask yourself before initiating a hard conversation If you’re tired of repetitive arguments, walking on eggshells, or feeling like roommates after conflict, this episode will help you approach conversations in a way that creates safety instead of pressure. Mentioned in this episode: - Free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Couples Need To Have (But Aren't) If this episode has helped you realize that deeper support is needed, you can schedule a Clarity Call with me to talk through what’s happening in your marriage and what would actually help. Thanks for listening! Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too! Support the show

    28 min

  3. FEB 10

    Ep. 269 - How To Stop Feeling Like You're Always Playing Catch-Up with Jill Wright

    Let us know how you enjoyed this episode! If you constantly feel like you can’t keep up or get ahead with time, this episode will change how you see productivity. In this episode, I am joined by Jill Wright, time management expert and creator of the Time Magic System, to talk about why so many women—especially moms and neurodivergent women—feel perpetually behind no matter how hard they try. Jill breaks down why traditional productivity advice doesn’t work for women, how ADHD and neurodivergent brains experience time differently, and why seasonal planning is a more compassionate and effective approach than rigid schedules and daily to-do lists. This conversation is for the woman who is doing a lot—but still feels like she’s losing the race against time. In this episode, we cover: - Why feeling “behind” is often a system problem—not a personal failure - How ADHD and neurodivergent brains experience time, energy, and overwhelm - The hidden cost of always planning from urgency instead of capacity - Why seasonal and 90-day planning works better than yearly goals - How to stop burning out while still getting meaningful things done - Why rest is not laziness—but a productivity tool - How better time management reduces emotional overwhelm and relationship stress Connect with Jill: IG: @energyandhours FB: @energyandhours Substack: @energyandhours Website: www.jillwright.ca Grab The Time Magic Planner here! Listen to Ep. 172 to hear her share more about time confetti! Thanks for listening! Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too! Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't) Support the show

    39 min

  4. FEB 5

    Ep. 268 - Navigating Valentine's Day When Your Marriage Is Rocky

    Let us know how you enjoyed this episode! Valentine’s Day can feel heavy when your marriage isn’t where you want it to be — and that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means something is asking for your attention. If Valentine’s Day brings up disappointment, sadness, resentment, or pressure, this episode is for you. Instead of viewing this holiday as a test of your marriage, we’re reframing it as a signal — one that highlights what’s really going on beneath the surface. In this episode, I share: - How Valentine’s Day often magnifies existing disconnection in marriage - The difference between performative romance and real emotional intimacy - Why one “perfect” date won’t fix unresolved issues - Why micro-connections matter more than grand gestures - How my husband and I approach Valentine’s Day differently — and why it works for us - What to do when Valentine’s Day brings up more pain than excitement If your marriage feels rocky right now, this episode will help you ease the pressure, understand what your feelings are trying to tell you, and take a more grounded, honest step forward. Mentioned in this episode: - Want to know what your love language is? Take the Five Love Languages quiz here! If this episode has helped you realize that deeper support is needed, you can schedule a Clarity Call with me to talk through what’s happening in your marriage and what would actually help. Thanks for listening! Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too! Additional Resources: Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)Support the show

    24 min

  5. FEB 3

    Ep. 267 - Postpartum Doulas - The Support Every New Parent Deserves with Heather Magill

    Let us know how you enjoyed this episode! Postpartum can feel overwhelming—not because something is wrong, but because no one prepares you for how much conflicting information you’ll receive after having a baby. In today’s guest episode, I’m joined by a Postpartum Doula and Matrescence Educator, Heather Magill who helps parents navigate one of the most vulnerable transitions of their lives with clarity, compassion, and zero pressure. We talk about how hard it can be to know what’s normal, what will pass, and when it might actually be time to ask for extra support. This conversation is especially important for parents who feel torn between advice from professionals, family members, social media, and their own instincts—and end up feeling confused or like they’re failing. In this episode, we cover: - What matrescence is - Why postpartum often feels like a problem even when it isn’t - How conflicting advice can create anxiety and self-doubt - The difference between helpful support and emotionally loaded pressure - How having a neutral, informed support person changes everything - Why trusting yourself again is a skill—not something you’re born with If you’re planning to have kids, pregnant or in the postpartum season, this episode will help you feel less alone and more grounded in what actually matters. 🎧 Listen now and share this with a parent who needs permission to stop questioning themselves. Connect with Heather: Website: www.infantconcierge.com IG: @infantconcierge Check out her community - Untangling Motherhood Thanks for listening! Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too! Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't) Support the show

    52 min

  6. JAN 29

    Ep. 266 - Awkward Date Nights? Here’s What’s Really Missing

    Let us know how you enjoyed this episode! Going on regular dates but still feeling emotionally disconnected? You’re not imagining it—and you’re not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I explain why spending more time together doesn’t automatically rebuild connection, intimacy, or closeness in your marriage—and why date nights often fall flat when deeper issues haven’t been addressed. You’ll learn: - The foundation of real connection (it's not time together) - How unresolved resentment and communication breakdowns affect your dates - How connection is built through everyday “micro-moments,” not grand gestures - What actually needs to happen before date nights can feel enjoyable again If you’ve ever thought, “We’re doing the right things… so why doesn’t it feel better?” this episode will help you understand what’s really going on—and what to focus on instead. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building real connection, book a Clarity Call to explore what support could look like for your marriage. Thanks for listening! Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too! Additional Resources: Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)Support the show

    13 min

  7. JAN 27

    Ep. 265 - Red Flags Vs. Green Flags: How To Tell If Your Marriage Is Unsafe with Brooke LaLone

    Let us know how you enjoyed this episode! ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence. Nothing graphic is shared, but listener discretion is advised. Domestic violence doesn’t always leave bruises—but it always leaves an unwanted, undeserved impact. In this episode, I am joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Brooke LaLone to define what domestic violence actually looks like—especially the forms most women don’t recognize until they’re deeply entrenched. If you’ve ever thought, “It’s not that bad,” or “He’s never hit me, so this doesn’t apply,” this conversation may challenge what you’ve been taught to ignore. In this episode, we cover: Why domestic violence is about power and control, not just physical harmThe difference between communication struggles and abusive dynamicsCommon forms of abuseHow trauma bonds keep women stuck—even when they know something is wrongRed flags that often get normalized in long-term relationshipsGreen flags that signal emotional safety, not just chemistryWhy leaving an abusive relationship is so complexHow to support someone you love who may be in an unsafe relationshipConnect with Brooke: 1:1 Support Sessions - www.reclaimingmehealing.com Instagram: @ReclaimwithBrooke Important Note from Michelle: Many of the tools and communication strategies discussed in other episodes on this podcast do not apply to abusive relationships. This episode clarifies why—and helps you determine what kind of support is actually appropriate. Resources Available: National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-799-SAFELocal DV shelters and advocacy centersBrooke LaLone’s online community and support resources found on her websiteIf this episode resonates, please know you’re not alone—and help is available. Thanks for listening! Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too! Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't) Support the show

    50 min

  8. JAN 22

    Ep. 264 - The Subtle Ways Resentment Builds In Your Marriage

    Let us know how you enjoyed this episode! Resentment doesn’t show up overnight—and it doesn’t mean your marriage is broken. In this episode, I break down why resentment builds quietly in marriages, especially after kids. I share: Why resentment builds gradually instead of in one big momentHow unspoken expectations turn into emotional shutdown and loss of intimacyThe connection between resentment, self-abandonment, and feeling like roommatesWhy saving your partner from conflict doesn’t protect your marriageHow early, honest conversations soften resentment and rebuild partnershipIf you’ve been feeling disconnected, less playful, less flirtatious, or emotionally closed off—this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface and how to start shifting it. Resource Mentioned: Download the Conflict To Connection Guide here! Ready to actively rebuild connection in your marriage? Book a clarity call to learn how getting support through marriage coaching can help you! Thanks for listening! Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too! Additional Resources: Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)Support the show

    15 min
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About

Motherhood changes everything... including your marriage. If you’re a mom who feels disconnected from your husband, stuck in roommate mode, or exhausted by the constant tension, miscommunication, or emotional distance after kids, this podcast is for you. Join Marriage Coach Michelle Purta each week to learn how to strengthen your marriage without waiting until the kids are grown. Each episode offers practical communication tools, mindset shifts, and real conversations that help you rebuild emotional connection, navigate conflict without escalation, and feel like true partners again...not just co-parents managing a household. This show is especially for you if you want to:• Communicate clearly without shutdowns or blow-ups• Reduce resentment and mental load in motherhood and marriage• Reconnect emotionally and rebuild intimacy after kids• Create a healthier, more connected marriage in the middle of busy family life Having a strong marriage is all about learning the right skills, not about being perfect.  This podcast is your weekly reminder that you don’t have to choose between being a great mom and having a deeply connected marriage. Ready for deeper support? Learn more about marriage coaching here: https://michellepurta.as.me/clarity

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