Geordie Lass & Doc Sass

Dr. Anna Stratis & Sara Liddle
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Semimonthly

Welcome to Geordie Lass & Doc Sass, the relationship podcast hosted by relationship coaches Sara Liddle and Anna Stratis. Together, we explore the real, honest experiences that shape our relationships, from emotional disconnection and communication struggles to intimacy, trust, and the quiet questions many people carry but rarely say out loud. Each episode brings thoughtful conversation, practical insight, and a deeper understanding of what it means to build, maintain, and sometimes repair a relationship over time. Whether things feel strong, uncertain, or somewhere in between, this podcast offers space to reflect and see your relationship more clearly. If any of these conversations feels familiar, you can begin with a private Relationship Reset Review. This is a gentle, personal reflection designed to help you understand what’s been happening and what might need attention next. Start your Relationship Reset Review here

  1. Aug 27

    226. Who gets the best version of you?

    Who gets the best of you? Your colleagues? Your friends? Your children? Everyone else in your life? And then, by the time you get home, is there anything left for your partner? In this episode of Geordie Lass & Doc Sass, we explore what happens when the people we love most end up getting the tired, snappy or switched-off version of us while everyone else gets our energy, patience and charm. THE DESK OF LOVE With wedding season in full swing, we start with a question about wedding etiquette. If children are invited to a wedding, should the couple provide a separate children's menu? Or is it down to parents to make sure their child has something they'll eat? As ever, it comes back to one thing: communication. A quick conversation beforehand can prevent a lot of assumptions and resentment later. HOT TOPIC: WHO GETS THE BEST VERSION OF YOU? We all have a limited amount of energy on any given day. Sometimes we're at 100%. Sometimes we're barely functioning at 20%. But how often do we spend everything we've got at work, with friends, helping family or running around after everyone else, then arrive home with nothing left? We talk about: • Why comfort can sometimes turn into complacency • The difference between feeling safe with your partner and simply stopping making an effort • Why our partners shouldn't always get the leftovers • Communicating when you're tired, hormonal or simply not yourself • The importance of rest and recharging • Why small gestures can create more connection than we realise • Letting go of the idea that everything in a relationship has to be perfectly 50/50 • Noticing the ways your partner shows love, even when it isn't the way you would Sometimes love looks like spontaneous flowers. Sometimes it looks like filling the car with petrol. The important thing is that we're still choosing to show up for one another. LISTENER QUESTION “My husband is a wonderful man. He's loyal, kind and works hard for our family. But he never asks me how I am and doesn't seem to notice when I'm struggling. He says I just need to ask for what I need. I don't want to have to ask every time. Am I expecting too much?” We explore the difference between expecting our partners to read our minds and wanting to feel emotionally noticed. Can emotional attentiveness actually be learned? We think it can, but perhaps not always in the spontaneous way we imagine. Sometimes creating a stronger relationship means becoming clearer about what we need, accepting who our partner actually is and recognising the ways they may already be showing love that we've stopped noticing. CONNECT WITH US Sara Liddle – Geordie Lass sara.liddle@hotmail.co.uk www.inflori.co.uk Relationship Reset: www.inflori.co.uk/reset Anna Stratis – Doc Sass coachdocanna@gmail.com www.coachdocanna.com Have a relationship dilemma you'd like us to discuss? Get in touch. Your question can be completely anonymous. Follow Geordie Lass & Doc Sass wherever you listen to your podcasts.

  2. Aug 11

    225. Why wait till your relationship is in crisis?

    Why do we so often wait until our relationship is in crisis before we do something about it? In this episode of Geordie Lass & Doc Sass, we explore the slow, often almost invisible slide from feeling connected to simply going through the motions. Sometimes there’s a big event that knocks a relationship sideways. But often it’s much quieter. We stop making time for each other. Appreciation disappears. Conversations become functional. We tell ourselves it’s just a busy month, work is stressful or things will get better when life calms down. Until one day we wonder: how did we get here? ❤️ THE DESK OF LOVE We start with research into what happens when women earn more than their male partners, and why the real issue may be less about who brings home the bigger salary and more about who is still carrying the mental load. When one person is managing the appointments, childcare, holidays, meals, laundry and household admin, resentment can quietly build. And yes, we somehow end up discussing that age-old relationship battleground: the dishwasher. 🔥 HOT TOPIC: WHY DO WE WAIT UNTIL CRISIS? Why are relationship problems sometimes so much easier to see with hindsight? We talk about how easy it is to explain away the warning signs and explore: • The difference between compromise and toleration • How relationships slip into transactional mode • Why familiarity can keep us stuck • Noticing disconnection before it becomes a crisis • Using anger as a force for positive change • Why repair needs to continue after the argument • The small, everyday behaviours that keep us connected Relationships aren't built only through holidays, anniversaries and grand gestures. They're shaped by what happens between us every day: appreciation, conversation, affection and choosing to make space for each other. 💌 LISTENER QUESTION Our listener discovers that her husband pretended to go to work but instead took the day off to go on a nine-mile hike and spend the day swimming with his ex-girlfriend. He insists nothing happened and it was completely platonic. But he lied about it. And this isn't the first time honesty has been an issue. So where does she go from here? We discuss why the secrecy matters, how repeated lying damages trust and why confronting something at the height of your anger isn't always the best way to get the conversation you need. We also explore non-negotiables, boundaries and the bigger question: Is the relationship you want actually possible with the person you're with? Not every struggling relationship needs to end. We've seen incredible turnarounds when both people genuinely commit to change. But sometimes awareness means being willing to see what's actually happening rather than what we hope might happen. ❤️ CONNECT WITH US Sara Liddle – Geordie Lass sara.liddle@hotmail.co.uk www.inflori.co.uk Relationship Reset: www.inflori.co.uk/reset Anna Stratis – Doc Sass coachdocanna@gmail.com www.coachdocanna.com Have a relationship dilemma you'd like us to discuss? Get in touch. Your question can be completely anonymous. Follow Geordie Lass & Doc Sass wherever you listen to your podcasts.

  3. Jul 28

    224. Is alcohol becoming the third person in your relationship?

    Is Alcohol Becoming the Third Person in Your Relationship?What happens when a glass of wine after work slowly becomes something much bigger? And how do you know when alcohol is no longer just part of your social life, but has become something that's standing between you and your partner? In this episode, Sara and Anna explore the impact alcohol can have on relationships. From the subtle signs that drinking is changing the dynamic between you, to the loneliness felt by the partner who doesn't drink, this is a compassionate conversation about one of the most difficult topics couples can face. The Love Desk also introduces the idea of a "sunset clause" in relationships. Could setting a date to fully commit or move on help people avoid years of uncertainty? Finally, the listener question asks: "Since my partner and I moved in together, they've stopped seeing friends and pursuing hobbies. Now they rely on me for all of their social interaction. How do I encourage them to build an independent life outside of our relationship?" As always, Sara and Anna share practical advice, honest reflections and plenty of warmth along the way. In this episode:• What the "sunset clause" is and whether it could strengthen relationships. • Why staying in an unhappy relationship often feels easier than leaving. • When alcohol stops being something you share and starts becoming the third person in your relationship. • The warning signs that alcohol is affecting your connection. • Why conversations about drinking are often so difficult to have. • The difference between compassion and enabling. • Why you cannot change someone who isn't ready to change. • How to start difficult conversations with care rather than criticism. • Why maintaining friendships and hobbies matters after moving in together. • The difference between dependence and healthy interdependence. • How supporting your partner's independence can actually strengthen your relationship. Key takeawayHealthy relationships aren't built on dependence. They're built on two people choosing each other while still allowing one another to grow as individuals. Whether you're navigating difficult conversations about alcohol, commitment or independence, approaching each other with curiosity, compassion and honesty creates the strongest foundation for lasting connection. We'd love to hear from youHave a relationship question you'd like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at info@geordielass.com Or connect with us: Sara (Geordie Lass) Website: https://inflori.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inflori_coaching Anna (Doc Sass) Website: https://www.drannakaminsky.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.anna.kaminsky If you've enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it with someone who might find it helpful. It really helps more people discover the show and join the conversation. Until next time, keep choosing connection.

  4. Jul 11

    223. Are elaborate sleep routines ruining your relationship?

    If your sleep plan is getting in the way of your relationship, this episode is for you.

  5. Jun 29

    222. Is your boat slowly sinking?

    What happens when your relationship looks perfectly fine on paper, but something doesn't quite feel right? In this episode, we chat about the growing trend of the "Luddite boyfriend" and why having less of a social media presence is suddenly being seen as one of the biggest green flags in dating. Is being more present with your partner becoming more attractive than being permanently online? We also explore a powerful relationship analogy: Is your boat slowly sinking? Most relationships don't fall apart overnight. More often, it's the tiny leaks that go unnoticed until the damage feels overwhelming. We discuss how to spot those early warning signs and why awareness is one of the greatest gifts you can give your relationship. Finally, we answer a listener's question that's likely to resonate with many long-term couples: "Do I miss my partner… or do I just miss being in a relationship?" It's an honest conversation about comfort, security, fear of change and how to tell the difference between loving the life you've built and truly feeling connected to the person you're sharing it with. In This Episode• Why "Luddite boyfriends" are becoming the latest dating green flag • How social media can quietly become the third person in your relationship • Why relationships rarely end suddenly, and what the early warning signs often look like • A simple daily exercise to help you notice how your relationship is really feeling • The hidden cost of tolerating little frustrations for too long • How to know whether you're staying because of love or because leaving feels too frightening Quote of the Week"Strong marriages aren't built by avoiding storms. They're built by two people who decide the boat isn't allowed to sink." Reflection QuestionIf you rated your relationship every day for the next week, what patterns would you notice, and what are you currently tolerating that deserves your attention? We'd Love to Hear From YouHave you ever caught yourself wondering whether you were holding onto the relationship or the person? Or has social media ever created tension in your relationship? Send us your thoughts or your relationship questions. We'd love to feature them in a future episode.   Get in touch Sara Liddle — info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.uk Anna Stratis — coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com

  6. Jun 12

    221. The 35 minute relationship problem

    Welcome to the podcast! In this episode, Sara and Anna are back after a little recording pause, with Sara bringing her post-yoga-retreat glow from sunny Spain. Love Desk - A wedding story none of us would want to live through. A bride in Kent who was reportedly covered in black paint by her sister-in-law moments before walking down the aisle. Hot Topic: The 35-Minute Marriage Problem Exploring research suggesting many couples spend hours in each other’s company each week, but only around 35 minutes in meaningful conversation. Sara and Anna chat about how this happens, not through one big dramatic moment, but through the slow creep of everyday life. Work. Children. Screens. Tiredness. Logistics. Dinner in front of the TV. Messages about who is picking up what, rather than real chats about how you both are. They explore: • the difference between being together and truly connecting • why scrolling can become a way of numbing out • how holidays often show us what we are missing • why transactional conversations can quietly take over • the difference between comfortable silence and heavy silence • how to start rebuilding connection with small, low-pressure steps Sara shares that connection often starts with awareness. You cannot change a pattern you have not noticed yet. Anna reflects on how difficult it can feel when a couple has fallen out of the habit of chatting properly. Sometimes there are too many emotional landmines, and even simple topics feel risky. Their advice is to start small. Create screen-free time. Choose safe topics. Talk about something low-stakes. Share something from your day, even if your partner does not share the same interest. The point is not always the topic. The point is the reaching out. Listener Question - How do you know the difference between a rough patch in a relationship and a sign that you’re genuinely growing apart? Sara and Anna explore the difference between a difficult season and a deeper relationship shift. A rough patch may still have love, willingness and a desire to find your way back. Growing apart can feel more like emotional distance, loss of intimacy, or the sense that you no longer know how to reach each other. They also discuss the Gottman Institute’s Four Horsemen: • criticism • contempt • defensiveness • stonewalling Contempt gets particular attention, because it can be one of the clearest warning signs that respect has been badly damaged. Eye rolling, humiliation, disgust, public put-downs and silent resentment can all point to something deeper than everyday frustration. But they also reflect on the importance of getting support before making big decisions from inside the fog of hurt, resentment or disconnection. Sometimes the relationship is over. Sometimes there is still love there, but it has been buried under tiredness, disappointment and old patterns. The key is to get honest, get curious, and look at what is really happening beneath the surface. In the tougher times, it helps to remember how much you still love each other, and how good it can be. Get in touch Sara Liddle info@inflori.co.uk www.inflori.co.uk Anna Stratis coachdocanna@gmail.com www.coachdocanna.com

  7. May 22

    220. Grey Divorce: Reinventing Life and Love After 50

    Why More Couples Are Walking Away Later in Life   Welcome back to Geordie Lass & Doc Sass. This week, we’re doing something a little different… and a little special. Not only is this one of our feature-length deep-dive episodes, it’s also our first video podcast episode (yes, our actual faces). We will be launching this new channel soon.    And for this special, we’re unpacking a topic that is quietly becoming more common: Why are more couples walking away later in life? Often called grey divorce, we explore why more people in their 50s, 60s and beyond are questioning long-term relationships, what’s driving that shift, and whether ending a marriage is always the answer or, whether there may still be room for repair. Ssometimes it’s not really about the dishwasher, the clutter on the stairs, or the small everyday frustrations. Often, it’s about something deeper. Disconnection. Identity. Change. Loneliness. Fear. Reinvention. Unspoken resentment. Hope.   In this episode we chat about: 🩷 Why grey divorce rates are rising and what may be behind the cultural shift 🩷 The “third chapter” of life and why people often begin questioning relationships later on 🩷 Empty nest, retirement, menopause, identity shifts, and changing priorities 🩷 Why many couples quietly stay unhappy for years before saying anything 🩷 How avoidance, assumptions, and unspoken feelings slowly build disconnection 🩷 Whether a relationship can evolve into a new chapter together 🩷 When separation may feel like freedom, and when it may simply feel terrifying 🩷 The emotional reality of starting over after a long-term relationship 🩷 What people often underestimate after divorce, loneliness, finances, routines, and identity 🩷 How fear of the unknown can keep people stuck in relationships that no longer feel right 🩷 Why honest conversation matters before making life-changing decisions 🩷 Rebuilding life after separation, support, purpose, friendship, and rediscovering what makes you happy   One of the biggest reminders from this episode: It’s rarely about one big event. It’s often years of small unspoken things.   And equally…   Ending a relationship isn’t always starting over. Sometimes it’s starting differently. Whether you’re happily partnered, questioning things, rebuilding, or simply curious about how relationships evolve over time, this conversation is full of honesty, reflection, warmth, and a little bit of humour (because apparently Netflix, coffee dates at 75, and questionable life decisions all made an appearance).   As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts.   Get in touch Sara Liddle — info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.uk Anna Stratis — coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com   Thanks for listening to Geordie Lass & Doc Sass 💗 And if this episode sounds familiar or sparks a connection, share it with someone who might need it.

  8. Apr 25

    219. Does Technology Improve Your Relationship or Hinder It?

    This week on Geordie Lass & Doc Sass, we’re chatting dating fatigue, AI partners, phone addiction, and whether technology is quietly getting in the way of the relationships we say matter most. From the rise of the “dating recession” to doom-scrolling our evenings away, we unpack how modern life is reshaping connection, intimacy, and the way we show up for each other. Plus, we answer a listener question about what to do when one partner needs more space than the other, and why that dynamic can feel so painful.   Love Desk: This week we discuss the rise of the dating recession and why fewer young adults are actively dating despite many saying they still want relationships. We explore: • Why dating app fatigue may be putting people off romance • The confidence crisis affecting modern dating • Whether technology is making connection easier or harder • Why more people seem to be turning to AI companionship • Why “putting yourself out there” may matter more than ever   Hot Topic: Does Technology Improve Your Relationship or Hinder It? Technology should make life easier… but is it actually making us less connected? We unpack: • How endless notifications and multiple messaging platforms create communication overload • Why social media and scrolling can quietly steal presence from your relationship • The addictive nature of phones and the “autopilot scroll” many of us fall into • Why being physically present isn’t the same as being emotionally present • How technology can become a wedge between partners without us noticing • The challenge of screen time awareness and reclaiming time for your relationship Challenge for listeners: Check your weekly screen time report and ask yourself, if I put just some of that time back into my relationship, what would change?   Listener Question: “My partner says they need more space than I do. I don’t want to smother them, but it makes me feel rejected. How do we balance this?” A deeply relatable question, and one many couples quietly struggle with.   We discuss: • Why needing different amounts of space is common in relationships • How attachment styles can influence this dynamic • Why your partner needing space does not automatically mean rejection • The stories we tell ourselves when someone asks for distance • How insecurity and fear of abandonment can shape our reactions • Why understanding your own triggers matters before addressing the issue together • How to explore what “healthy space” looks like for each partner • When compromise is possible, and when deeper incompatibility may be present   Final Thoughts Relationships in 2026 come with challenges previous generations never had to navigate. From dating apps to AI partners to social media addiction, technology is changing how we connect, communicate, and show up for one another. But the heart of the conversation remains the same: Connection requires presence. And presence is something we have to choose, intentionally.   Till Next Time… Thanks for listening to another episode of Geordie Lass & Doc Sass. If this episode resonated, please share it with someone who needs to hear it, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.   Get in Touch Sara Liddle — info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.uk Anna Stratis — coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com

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About

Welcome to Geordie Lass & Doc Sass, the relationship podcast hosted by relationship coaches Sara Liddle and Anna Stratis. Together, we explore the real, honest experiences that shape our relationships, from emotional disconnection and communication struggles to intimacy, trust, and the quiet questions many people carry but rarely say out loud. Each episode brings thoughtful conversation, practical insight, and a deeper understanding of what it means to build, maintain, and sometimes repair a relationship over time. Whether things feel strong, uncertain, or somewhere in between, this podcast offers space to reflect and see your relationship more clearly. If any of these conversations feels familiar, you can begin with a private Relationship Reset Review. This is a gentle, personal reflection designed to help you understand what’s been happening and what might need attention next. Start your Relationship Reset Review here

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Anna Stratis & Sara Liddle
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    227
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Anna Stratis & Sara Liddle
  • Show Website
    Geordie Lass & Doc Sass