171. Jillian Riddell: Divorce-Proof Your Marriage —Going Beyond Date Nights & Love Languages

In this powerful episode, trauma nurse turned relationship expert Jillian Riddell shares her journey from near-divorce to deep connection and provides practical tools for emotional awareness and relationship growth. From understanding baseline emotions to scheduling intimacy, this conversation offers actionable steps for anyone looking to strengthen their relationships and emotional intelligence.

About Jillian:

Jillian Riddell's life has been marked by profound personal transformation, shaped by her origins and relationships. Raised in a broken family, she carried the weight of being a secret child for 18 years, hidden by her father due to the circumstances of her birth. This pivotal experience instilled in her a unique perspective on life and relationships. Through her journey of self-discovery, Jillian recognized the importance of addressing personal blind spots, often unveiled by those closest to us. Her story emphasizes the significance of understanding and overcoming one's past to foster meaningful connections and personal growth.

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TIMESTAMPS:

• [03:36] - Jillian shares her powerful story of meeting her husband in Las Vegas and how their shared trauma initially connected them

• [04:31] - The concept of "grief cases" in relationships and how unresolved emotional baggage can accumulate over time

• [14:20] - Introduction to the three-column exercise for emotional awareness: stressors, emotional reactions, and current responses

• [17:46] - How to identify and document your stressors to understand emotional patterns

• [23:49] - Creating an "emotional playlist" of positive experiences to draw from during challenging times

• [30:56] - The science behind heart rate variability and how emotions affect physical responses

• [43:49] - Discussion on baseline emotions and how they shape our perception of experiences

• [51:05] - The importance of scheduling date nights and trying new activities together

• [57:27] - Candid conversation about scheduling intimacy and creating safe spaces in relationships

Connect with Jillian on Instagram @lifewithoutsecretspodcast

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Adventure Challenge Couples Edition Book

Heart Math Institute Study

Life Without Secrets Couples Course

100 Emotions List

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TRANSCRIPT

KEYWORDS: Emotional Intelligence, Relationship Growth, Heart Rate Variability, Trauma Healing, Couples Therapy, Emotional Awareness, Love Languages, Marriage Success, Stress Management, Intimacy, Communication Skills, Personal Development, Date Night Ideas, Emotional Patterns, Heart Math, Breathing Techniques, Emotional Manifestation, Emotional Release, Hear