Heart and Soulution

Mike Jones and Kristen Jones

Learn how to do relationships better! Mike and Kristen Jones have been married for more than 30 years and in this podcast they explore relationship topics and share stories and lessons they have learned along the way. Kristen is a certified Relationship Coach and Mike is a non-denominational Pastor. Together and separately they have coached and counseled dating, pre-marital and married couples for nearly three decades.

  1. 3d ago

    The Dates That Change Everything: Deepening Faith and Fun in Marriage

    In this episode, Mike and Kristen Jones discuss the importance of intentional dating and spiritual intimacy in marriage using the resource "10 Great Dates: Connecting Faith, Love, and Marriage." They acknowledge that many couples struggle with spiritual differences and the fear of vulnerability, noting that research links strong faith-based connections to higher relationship satisfaction. To overcome these hurdles, the hosts recommend being teachable, practicing compromise, and recognizing that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey rather than a competition. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes that regularly pursuing your spouse and scheduling intentional dates will reignite passion and deepen your bond as a couple. © 2025-2026 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme (feat. Mike Jones)", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.   Reference material and Resources to dive deeper: Book Featured in Episode:Title: 10 Great Dates: Connecting Faith, Love, and Marriage; Authors: Peter Larson, Heather Larson, David Arp, and Claudia ArpYou can find it on Amazon. Articles & Research Mentioned: Title: "Do 'Church Ladies' Really Have Better Sex Lives?"Authors: Matthew Saxey and Hal Boyd[3][4]Publisher: Institute for Family Studies (November 16, 2020)Link: Institute for Family Studies Article Title: "New Study Finds Spiritual Intimacy Tied To Greater Satisfaction And Commitment In Dating Couples"Author: Susan Johnson (reporting on research by Daniel D. Flint & Annette Mahoney in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality)Publisher: Cottonwood Psychology (November 27, 2025)Link: Cottonwood Psychology Article  Connect with Heart and Soulution: Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.

  2. Sep 30

    Stop Waiting for "Rock Bottom": How to Help an Addicted Loved One Today with Amber Hollingsworth

    In this episode of Heart and Soulution, hosts Mike and Kristen sit down with Amber Hollingsworth, a veteran addiction counselor with over 20 years of clinical experience and founder of the popular YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down (boasting over 800,000 subscribers). Amber challenges traditional narratives around addiction, rejecting the notion that families must passively wait for a loved one to hit "rock bottom" or rely strictly on harsh "tough love". Drawing from both her professional work and her own upbringing in an addicted family system, Amber outlines practical, empathetic strategies that empower loved ones to break toxic communication loops, rebuild mutual trust, and inspire lasting recovery. © 2025-2026 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme (feat. Mike Jones)", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.   Reference material and Resources to dive deeper: Amber Hollingsworth's YouTube channel, Put The Shovel Down. You're not helpless. You just need a better strategy. Amber's website, Family Recovery Academy. For families that have tried everything and are running out of ideas. ⁠You can also reach Amber on Instagram @puttheshoveldown  Connect with Heart and Soulution: Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.

  3. Sep 23

    Dublin Down on Connection: Sleep Divorce and Traveling with Adult Kids

    This podcast episode features hosts Mike and Kristen Jones as they launch the third season of Heart and Soulution, a show focused on improving interpersonal relationships. The hosts introduce the concept of a "sleep divorce," exploring how modern couples manage sleep disruptions like snoring or mismatched schedules to preserve their connection. Transitioning from home life to international adventure, they recount a recent family trip to Ireland intended to honor Kristen's late father. The narrative balances practical travel advice, such as navigating Dublin’s transit and finding hidden landmarks, with emotional reflections on traveling with adult children. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reintroduction to the series, highlighting upcoming topics like addiction, finances, and burnout. © 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme (feat. Mike Jones)", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.   Reference material and Resources to dive deeper: Article Mentioned: 3 Signs You're Going Through a 'Sleep Divorce' – And the Expert Strategies to Restore Your Quality of Rest Right Now. Publication: Homes & Gardens. Author: Ottilie Blackhall (Sleep Editor). Published Date: March 6, 2026. Link: Homes & Gardens Article. Barry Lodge: Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Ireland. Originally built in 1790 but has been tastefully updated and sits on 6 acres near the coast. David is an amazing host and the home is incredible,  Connect with Heart and Soulution: Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠@heartandsoulution.

  4. May 20

    Because of You: Navigating Relationships with Emotionally Immature Parents (Part 2)

    In this episode, Mike and Kristen Jones discuss the psychological impact of emotionally immature parents. Drawing from Lindsay Gibson's research, the hosts explore how such parents often exhibit child-like behaviors, including a lack of empathy, extreme defensiveness, and the use of guilt or silence to control their children. These dynamics frequently lead to emotional isolation and a persistent sense of loneliness for the adult child, who may inadvertently seek out similarly unhealthy relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the necessity of establishing firm boundaries to break generational cycles of dysfunction. Ultimately, Mike and Kristen encourage listeners to shift their expectations, acknowledging that while they cannot change an immature parent, they can find healing and security through personal growth and spiritual faith.    © 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.   Reference material and Resources to dive deeper: "Emotionally Immature" Is Not A Diagnosis, by Rachel Haack, MA, MFTI, "Psychology Today" (April 18, 2025).Gibson, Lindsay C., PsyD (2016), Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents:How to Heal From Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involve…, New Harbinger Publications.Song reference (title): "Sign of the Times" by Harry Styles (2017).Scazzero, Pete and Gerri. (2023), Emotionally Healthy Relationships: Discipleship That Deeply Changes Your Relationship With Others. HarperChristian Resources.Growing up, Bianca could never predict her father’s moods: the disorientation of an emotionally imm…, by Carly Dober, "The Guardian" (October, 2025).  Connect with Heart and Soulution: Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation @heartandsoulution.

  5. May 13

    Sign of the Times: Navigating Relationships with Emotionally Immature Parents (Part 1)

    In this episode of Heart and Soulution, Mike and Kristen Jones discuss the psychological concept of emotionally immature parents and the polarizing reception of Lindsay Gibson’s popular book on the topic. They explore a Psychology Today article that criticizes the book for potentially encouraging layman diagnoses and shutting down family dialogue, contrasting it with a Guardian piece that validates the painful, unpredictable experiences of adult children. The hosts emphasize that while the book may not be a strictly scientific clinical tool, it serves as a valuable resource for self-awareness and setting healthy boundaries. They define emotional maturity as the ability to remain objective, take responsibility for one’s feelings, and maintain deep connections without exploiting others. Ultimately, the discussion encourages listeners to use these insights to break generational cycles of dysfunction and foster more honest, differentiated relationships.    © 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.   Reference material and Resources to dive deeper: ​"Emotionally Immature" Is Not A Diagnosis, by Rachel Haack, MA, MFTI, "Psychology Today" (April 18, 2025).Gibson, Lindsay C., PsyD (2016), Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents:How to Heal From Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents, New Harbinger Publications.Song reference (title): "Sign of the Times" by Harry Styles (2017).Scazzero, Pete and Gerri. (2023), Emotionally Healthy Relationships: Discipleship That Deeply Changes Your Relationship With Others. HarperChristian Resources.Growing up, Bianca could never predict her father’s moods: the disorientation of an emotionally immature parent echoed into her adulthood, by Carly Dober, "The Guardian" (October, 2025).  Connect with Heart and Soulution: ​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation @heartandsoulution.

  6. May 6

    Fix You: Revisiting Relational Repairs

    BONUS MATERIAL: In this episode of Heart and Soulution, Mike and Kristen Jones revisit the concept of repair techniques, which are tools used to de-escalate tension before an argument spirals out of control. The hosts introduce Dr. Gottman’s Four Horsemen—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—as negative behaviors that predict relationship failure if left unaddressed. To illustrate these concepts, they share a personal anecdote called the "mattress debacle," where poor communication and defensiveness led to a significant argument over disposing of an old bed. Ultimately, the hosts emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence and viewing disagreements as opportunities to grow closer rather than "winning" a fight. Through their own experiences, they demonstrate that even healthy relationships require continuous investment in a "positive perspective bank" to survive inevitable friction.    © 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.   Reference material and Resources to dive deeper: Song referenced: "Fix You", Coldplay (2005)⁠Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2002), The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony Books.  Connect with Heart and Soulution: ​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation @heartandsoulution.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Learn how to do relationships better! Mike and Kristen Jones have been married for more than 30 years and in this podcast they explore relationship topics and share stories and lessons they have learned along the way. Kristen is a certified Relationship Coach and Mike is a non-denominational Pastor. Together and separately they have coached and counseled dating, pre-marital and married couples for nearly three decades.