Geordie Lass & Doc Sass

Dr. Anna Stratis & Sara Liddle

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. 1d ago

    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 and a few reflections on what happens when we step away from everyday noise, screens and routines. There’s sunshine, yoga under a Bedouin tent, cello music, middle-aged women drinking wine before morning yoga, and the reminder that real-life connection still matters more than anything we can find on a screen. Love Desk This week’s Love Desk brings a wedding story none of us would want to live through. Sara shares the recent story of a bride in Kent who was reportedly covered in black paint by her sister-in-law moments before walking down the aisle. Despite the shock, the bride changed dresses and still went ahead with the ceremony. Sara and Anna discuss: • family feuds and the damage they can cause • what it means to start married life with unresolved family tension • the resilience it must have taken to carry on • why sometimes the “high road” is the only road left And yes, as two engaged women, they are both horrified. Hot Topic: The 35-Minute Marriage Problem The main discussion explores research suggesting that 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 so quietly. 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. Final Thought Connection is not built in grand gestures. It is built in small, steady moments. The little chats. The safe topics. The willingness to try again. The choice to look up from the phone. The decision to turn towards each other, even when it feels a bit awkward at first. As Sara says, 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

    36 min
  2. 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.

    46 min
  3. 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

    39 min
  4. Apr 10

    218. Most couples miss this

    Welcome back to Geordie Lass & Doc Sass, the podcast where we chat all things love, relationships, connection and the messy bits in between. This week, we begin with a little spring energy, from daffodils in Jersey to sunshine in Athens, before settling into another honest and thoughtful conversation about modern relationships, everyday connection and the small things that matter more than most people realise. On the Love Desk, we chat about the rise of low-effort dating. Not low standards, not less care, but a move away from endless messaging, overthinking and emotional intensity before two people have even met. We also take a little detour into the world of AI, dating bots, and what happens when technology starts creeping into our love lives in ways that feel both fascinating and slightly unsettling. For our Hot Topic, we explore something many couples overlook. It is often not the big moments that shape a relationship most, but the small daily ones. The check-in. The message in the middle of the day. The compliment that is left unsaid. The presence that slowly slips when life gets busy. We talk about how easy it is to drift into autopilot and how important it is to keep choosing each other in small, intentional ways. We also discuss: • why daily presence matters more than grand gestures • how distraction and technology can quietly weaken connection • the difference between being in a relationship and actively nurturing one • why rituals, simple habits and thoughtful messages can make such a big difference • how easy it is to focus on what is missing and forget what is already good • why difficult seasons do not last forever, and what that reminder can offer when things feel hard In our listener question, we respond to this: “My partner is kind and reliable, but they rarely compliment me or show affection unless I ask. I don’t want to nag, but I miss feeling chosen. What should I do?” We explore the tension between love languages, unmet needs and the fear that asking for affection somehow makes it less meaningful. We talk about why asking clearly is not the same as nagging, why reminders are sometimes part of building a relationship, and how consistency matters. We also reflect on the importance of noticing the love that may already be there, even if it is being shown in a different form. This episode is a warm reminder that relationships are not built in one big moment. They are built in the ordinary, everyday choices to notice, respond, appreciate and stay present. Till next time, keep noticing the little things, keep choosing each other, and if someone pops into your head today, maybe send the message.   To get in touch, you can find us here: Sara Liddle — www.inflori.co.uk Anna Stratis — www.coachdocanna.com

    35 min
  5. Mar 28

    217. Could you talk to your partner for the rest of your life?

    Sara and Anna are back with even more thoughtful conversation, starting with great hair, trusted hairdressers, carnival glitter and a lovely Valentine’s weekend. Anna shares stories from carnival celebrations in Greece, complete with sparkle, music, day drinking and neighbourhood festivities, while Sara reflects on a sweet Valentine’s dinner at the restaurant where she and her fiancé had what he still insists was their first date. Get ready for the warmth, laughter and those small personal details that make relationships feel special.   Love Desk: Red baskets for singles This week on the Love Desk, Sara brings a Valentine’s story from the UK. Supermarket chain ASDA trialled red shopping baskets for single people on Valentine’s Day, designed to signal they were open to meeting someone while doing their weekly shop.   Sara and Anna chat about: • whether they would have picked up a red basket if they were single • how supermarkets can strangely feel full of relationship energy • the funny reality of overhearing couples negotiating dinner in the aisles • the mix of hope, awkwardness and curiosity that comes with modern dating   It leads into a wider reflection on how people meet, how connection begins, and how even everyday places can carry a surprising amount of emotional meaning.   Hot Topic: Can you really talk to your partner for the rest of your life? The main conversation explores something many couples quietly wonder about, especially once the early intensity of a relationship settles. At the start, talking can feel endless. You want to know everything about each other. Curiosity is high, patience is easy, and even the worst jokes feel charming. But over time, life gets fuller, responsibilities grow, and couples can slowly drift into more practical, surface-level communication.   Sara and Anna unpack: • why conversation often feels effortless at the beginning of a relationship • how busyness and routine can squeeze out deeper connection • the difference between talking with someone and simply sharing the same space • why curiosity is such an important part of long-term compatibility • how growth, change and new experiences keep conversation alive • why emotional safety matters if deeper conversations are going to happen • how real listening means not planning your response while the other person is still speaking • why silence can sometimes be just as important as words   They also reflect on how long-term connection is not just about being able to chat, but about continuing to bring fresh energy, honesty and openness into the relationship over time.   Listener Question “My partner doesn’t really open up emotionally. He’ll chat about work and practical things, but avoids the deeper conversation. I don’t want to nag, but I feel very lonely. What should I do?”   Sara and Anna explore the many layers behind this, including: • how emotional distance is not always obvious at the start of a relationship • why people often choose relationships based on feeling chosen, rather than asking whether they truly feel met • how one partner can grow or change faster than the other • why emotional openness can feel unfamiliar or even threatening for some people • how assumptions often replace real conversations • why people can spend months or years silently carrying dissatisfaction before saying anything out loud • the importance of creating enough safety to talk honestly without judgment   Their answer is compassionate and realistic. This is not about forcing someone to become a completely different person overnight. It is about recognising what is missing, being brave enough to speak it, and understanding that meaningful change often starts with one person choosing a different way to communicate.   Closing thoughts This episode is a gentle but important reminder that good relationships do not just happen. They need curiosity, honesty, safety and room to grow.   The ability to keep talking to each other over time is not about always having something clever to say. It is about staying open enough to keep learning each other as life changes.   Till next time   Get in touch Sara Liddle — info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.uk Anna Stratis — coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com

    38 min
  6. Mar 13

    216. If your relationship had a warning label, what would it say?

    Sara and Anna are back with another episode of Geordie Lass & Doc Sass, bringing their usual mix of humour, honesty and real talk about relationships.   The conversation begins with the collective relief of making it through January, reflections on Dry January discipline (or flexible discipline), and the feeling that the light is finally returning after the long winter months. But quickly the conversation turns to something many couples quietly experience but rarely name.   This week’s Love Desk introduces the concept of relationship burnout, and it sparks a deeper conversation about the pressure modern life places on connection, communication and emotional energy.   Later in the episode, Sara and Anna explore a thought-provoking question: if your relationship had a warning label, what would it say? It’s a surprisingly powerful way to reflect on the patterns we bring into relationships and how those patterns shape the way we communicate, argue, and reconnect.   The episode closes with a listener question that many people will recognise — what to do when your partner says “that’s just how I am” when something they do hurts you.         Love Desk: Relationship Burnout — when life gets too full for connection Sara introduces a rising trend being discussed more frequently in relationship circles: relationship burnout. Much like workplace burnout, it happens slowly and often without us realising it.   They explore how: • modern life creates constant pressure from work, family and responsibilities • the mental load leaves very little emotional capacity for relationships • couples can slowly drift into “transactional living” rather than real connection • busyness becomes a badge of honour, even when it erodes wellbeing • partners can end up sharing space but not emotional closeness • guilt and emotional exhaustion can be early signs of burnout   They also discuss how many couples postpone addressing relationship issues because life feels too busy — only to discover later that the connection has quietly faded. A key reminder from this conversation: being busy together is not the same as being connected.   Hot Topic: If your relationship had a warning label, what would it say? In this playful but insightful exercise, Sara and Anna explore the idea of relationship “warning labels”.   It’s a way of looking honestly at the patterns we bring into our relationships without shame or blame.   Possible warning labels might include:   • “Avoids difficult conversations until things explode.” • “Very loving but terrible under stress.” • “Defaults to practical solutions when emotions are needed.” • “Assumes mind-reading instead of asking.” • “Forgets fun when life gets busy.”   The exercise encourages listeners to step back and reflect on their own patterns and the dynamics they co-create with their partner. Sara and Anna also explore how many relationship behaviours come from childhood experiences and family norms. What feels “normal” to one partner may feel overwhelming or unhealthy to the other.   The key insight: awareness creates the opportunity for change.   Listener Question: “My partner says ‘that’s just how I am’ when I raise something that hurts me.” This week’s listener asks a question that highlights a very common relationship dilemma. How do you address behaviour that hurts you when your partner insists it’s simply part of their personality?   Sara and Anna unpack: • why this situation often appears in anxious–avoidant relationship dynamics • the fear that can sit underneath emotional avoidance • how defensive responses can shut conversations down quickly • why “you always” and “you never” statements often make conflict worse • how changing the way we ask questions can open safer conversations • why curiosity often works better than accusation   They also highlight an important truth: it often only takes one partner to begin shifting the dynamic of communication. Small changes in how conversations are approached can create surprisingly powerful changes in how partners respond.   Reflection from this episode • Busyness can slowly erode connection if we’re not paying attention • Many relationship patterns come from family experiences we’ve never questioned • Awareness is the first step toward changing unhealthy dynamics • The way we communicate matters as much as what we communicate • Even one partner making small changes can influence the whole relationship dynamic   There is always a way to take one small step back towards connection, even if you start on your own.   Till Next Time   Stay Connected Sara Liddle — info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.uk Anna Stratis — coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com

    37 min
  7. Feb 28

    215. The Michelangelo Phenomenon

    Welcome to Geordie Lass & Doc Sass. We’re officially rooted in 2026 and feeling hopeful about what this year might bring. After a couple of heavy-feeling years, we’re ready for more ease, more lightness, and maybe a little bit of magic.   Love Desk: The Dating Trends Shaping 2026 Apparently, 2026 is all about clarity, authenticity and emotional presence. We explore four emerging dating trends: 💗 Clear Coding Being upfront about what you’re looking for instead of leaving things vague. Whether you want something casual or long-term, honesty from the start avoids mismatched expectations. 🔥 Hot Take Dating Confidently sharing your opinions and values early on. Less people-pleasing, more authenticity. Letting your real self show, even if it narrows your options. 💫 Emotional Vibe Coding Prioritising emotional safety and presence over grand gestures or love bombing. Choosing warmth and consistency over drama and intensity. 👯 Friendfluence Friends playing a more active role in dating decisions. From vetting matches to offering honest feedback. With the reminder to stay aware of bias and personal growth. We unpack why clarity and emotional maturity are becoming more attractive than mystery and games.   Hot Topic: The Michelangelo Phenomenon How partners shape each other over time. Have you heard of the Michelangelo effect? This psychological idea suggests that in healthy relationships, partners help sculpt each other toward their best selves. Not by fixing flaws or forcing change, but by supporting who the other person wants to become. We explore: • How encouragement fuels growth • The power of believing in your partner • Why support matters more than fixing • The importance of modelling the behaviour you want to receive • How gentle accountability strengthens connection • Why criticism during vulnerability does more harm than good We reflect on how long-term relationships influence personal development, and why the right relationship often inspires growth rather than stagnation.   Listeners Question “Is it okay to want more emotional depth before committing again?” Such a powerful question. We unpack two possible interpretations: • Wanting emotional intimacy before commitment in a new relationship • Rebuilding depth within an existing relationship before recommitting   We explore: • The chicken-and-egg dynamic of intimacy and commitment • How past experiences can cloud present opportunities • The importance of clearly defining what “emotional depth” actually means • How to communicate needs without triggering defensiveness • Why alignment takes ongoing conversation, not one single discussion   Key takeaway: Clarity and curiosity create safety. Ego and assumption create distance. Relationships thrive when: • We champion each other • We role model the behaviour we desire • We create space for real conversations • We replace ego with curiosity   2026 might just be the year of emotional maturity, intentional honesty and deeper connection.   Till Next Time Stay Connected Sara Liddle | info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.uk Anna Stratis | coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com

    36 min
  8. Feb 15

    214. Clear is kind

    Sara and Anna are back to their usual format, bringing laughter, honesty, and some surprisingly deep relationship truths, all starting with an unexpectedly emotional delivery… of bras. From lost packages miraculously reappearing, to reflections on joy in the small things, this episode weaves humour with meaningful insights about connection, trust, and the courage to be honest in relationships. Love Desk: Family estrangement, boundaries, and the Beckham story Sara and Anna explore the rise in family estrangement, sparked by the headlines surrounding the Beckham family, and what it reveals about modern relationships and boundaries. They talk about: why estrangement is more common than people realise how loyalty conflicts emerge when partners and parents collide the emotional complexity of parent-child relationships as children become adults the stigma people still face when distancing themselves from family when creating distance can protect mental health and emotional wellbeing the importance of exhausting attempts at communication, mediation, and repair before walking away why sometimes space creates peace, and other times repair remains possible   This conversation highlights the difficult balance between protecting yourself and preserving meaningful family bonds, and why there is rarely a simple right or wrong answer.   Hot Topic: Clear is kind. Why mixed signals damage connection Sara and Anna unpack one of the most important principles in relationships, that clarity, delivered with kindness, is one of the greatest acts of respect. They talk about: why people avoid difficult conversations to protect themselves and others how people pleasing and fear of conflict lead to vagueness and mixed signals the emotional damage caused by ghosting, avoidance, and “stringing someone along” how lack of clarity fuels anxiety, insecurity, and emotional imbalance why difficult truths delivered kindly are less harmful than prolonged uncertainty the role of timing, courage, and emotional readiness in honest conversations how avoidance often creates bigger problems than the truth itself   They also explore how honesty creates stronger foundations for trust, safety, and emotional security, even when the truth feels uncomfortable. Clear communication may feel risky in the moment, but avoidance often creates deeper pain over time.   Listener Question: “My partner and I want totally different holidays. Is this a bad sign?” Sara and Anna explore whether wanting different types of holidays signals incompatibility or simply reflects healthy individuality. They talk about: how separate interests can coexist within a strong relationship why shared experiences often help maintain emotional connection how holidays provide essential time for reconnection and intimacy when separate holidays can create distance, and when they can work well the importance of understanding what holidays represent emotionally for each partner how growth, personal change, and different life stages influence compatibility They also reflect on how transformational experiences, when not shared, can sometimes widen emotional gaps between partners. Ultimately, this question invites deeper reflection on connection, shared values, and emotional alignment. Key reflections from this episode Clear communication protects trust, even when it feels uncomfortable Avoidance often prolongs uncertainty and emotional distress Boundaries can protect wellbeing, but repair is worth exploring where possible Shared experiences strengthen emotional closeness over time Honest conversations create stronger, healthier relationships There is always a way to take one small step back towards clarity and connection, even when the conversation feels difficult.   Till Next Time Stay Connected Sara Liddle | info@inflori.co.uk | www.inflori.co.uk Anna Stratis | coachdocanna@gmail.com | www.coachdocanna.com

    45 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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