The Relationship Lab

Hosted by Ledora Yerks-Birdlow Featuring Dr. Ashlie Gray

Welcome to The Relationship Lab, where relationships, mental health, and healing meet. Hosted by Ledora Yerks-Birdlow and featuring Dr. Ashlie Gray, this podcast explores love, communication, intimacy, emotional wellness, family dynamics, trauma, personal growth, and the challenges that shape our lives. Through expert conversations and real-life stories, you'll gain practical tools to build healthier relationships and stronger connections.

  1. Aug 18

    How do you know you are in a Dating Rut?

    Have you found yourself repeating the same dating patterns, feeling discouraged by your options, or wondering why dating no longer feels exciting? You may be stuck in a dating rut—and recognizing it is the first step toward changing it. In this episode of The Relationship Lab, Ledora Yerks-Birdlow and Dr. Ashlie Gray, and special guest(s) Elaine, and Breanne explore the signs that your dating life may be running on autopilot. We discuss dating fatigue, settling for connections that do not meet your needs, repeatedly choosing the same type of partner, staying attached to unavailable people, and losing sight of what you truly want in a relationship. We also share practical ways to reset your dating mindset, identify unhealthy patterns, reconnect with your standards, and approach dating with greater confidence and intention. In this episode, we explore: • Common signs that you are in a dating rut• The difference between being patient and being stuck• Why you may keep attracting or choosing the same type of partner• How unresolved experiences can affect your dating decisions• When taking a break from dating may be healthy• How to return to dating with clearer expectations and boundaries Whether you are actively dating, recovering from dating burnout, or preparing to put yourself back out there, this conversation will help you determine whether your dating life needs a small adjustment—or a complete reset. Listen, reflect, and ask yourself: Am I dating with intention, or am I simply repeating what feels familiar? Connect with The Relationship Lab: Follow The Relationship Lab on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can also find Ledora and the Motivate Wellness team online: Website: firemeetsdesire.orgFacebook: @MotivateWellInstagram: @therelationshiplabpodcastYouTube: @motivatewellness320To inquire about counseling or relationship services: https://forms.gle/z2nfLdEKxEUbiNH27 If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who may need a dating reset. Please remember to follow, rate, and leave us a review! The Relationship Lab is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace individualized mental health treatment, diagnosis, or professional advice. #TheRelationshipLab #DatingRut #DatingAdvice #RelationshipAdvice #DatingPatterns #HealthyRelationships #RelationshipGoals #DatingBurnout #EmotionalWellness #MentalHealth #IntentionalDating #KnowYourWorth #MotivateWellness

  2. Feb 3

    Is Competition Ever Healthy in a Relationship?

    Is a little competition in a relationship motivating—or is it a silent relationship killer? In this episode, we talk about how competition shows up between partners in ways we don’t always recognize: who’s doing more, who’s sacrificing more, who’s “winning,” and who’s always feeling behind. We break down why competition often replaces collaboration, how it impacts emotional intimacy, and what it says about unmet needs in the relationship. You’ll learn how to recognize unhealthy patterns, shift from comparison to connection, and create a partnership where both people feel valued—not measured. This is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt like love turned into a scoreboard. This episode is intended for educational and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for mental health treatment, couples therapy, or professional counseling. Listening to this episode may bring up emotions, memories, or realizations about your relationship dynamics. If at any point the conversation feels overwhelming or activating, we encourage you to pause, take care of yourself, and seek support from a licensed mental health professional. If you are currently experiencing emotional, physical, or psychological abuse, professional support is strongly recommended before engaging in reflective couple conversations. #HealthyRelationships#CouplesConversations#RelationshipGrowth#EmotionalIntimacy#PartnershipOverCompetition #RelationshipPsychology#MentalHealthMatters#EmotionalSafety#SecureAttachment#TherapyTalk #RelationshipPodcast#MentalHealthPodcast#CouplesPodcast#TherapistLed#WellnessPodcast Follow us on all social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky: @motivatewell Tiktok: Motivate Wellness Therapist

About

Welcome to The Relationship Lab, where relationships, mental health, and healing meet. Hosted by Ledora Yerks-Birdlow and featuring Dr. Ashlie Gray, this podcast explores love, communication, intimacy, emotional wellness, family dynamics, trauma, personal growth, and the challenges that shape our lives. Through expert conversations and real-life stories, you'll gain practical tools to build healthier relationships and stronger connections.