Stronger Marriage Connection

Utah Marriage Comission
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

It's often said that marriage takes work. The Stronger Marriage Connection podcast wants to help because a happy marriage is worth the effort. USU Family Life Professor Dr. Dave Schramm and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Liz Hale talk with experts about the principles and practices that will enhance your commitment, compassion, and emotional connection.  More than ever before, marriages face obstacles, from the busyness of work and daily hassles to disagreements and digital distractions. It's no wonder couples sometimes drift apart, growing resentful, lonely, and isolated. The Utah Marriage Commission invites you to listen and discover new ways to strengthen and protect your marriage connection today! The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

  1. 7h ago

    How A Love Life Advisor Can Help Couples Rebuild Connection | Lea Haber | 197

    In this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, global relationship coach and clinical sexologist Dr. Lea Haber joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to explain what it means to have a “personal trainer” for your love life. Lea explores the quiet disconnection that can pull couples apart, why small moments of intentional connection matter, and how desire changes in long-term relationships. She also shares practical ways couples can strengthen communication, intimacy, curiosity, and shared vision before serious problems develop. Whether couples are preparing for marriage or simply want to move from a good relationship to a great one, Lea emphasizes that lasting love requires continued investment and intentional effort.  #marriageadvice #relationshipcoaching #marriageintimacy #healthyrelationships  Chapters  00:00 – Meet Dr. Lea Haber  01:53 – Understanding Clinical Sexology  03:17 – A Personal Trainer for Love  05:28 – What Quietly Pulls Couples Apart  06:35 – The Magic Wand Question  07:29 – Creating Intentional Connection  08:07 – The Power of Micro Moments  09:35 – What Are You Chasing?  10:15 – Creating Shared Meaning Together  10:38 – Understanding Desire in Marriage  11:01 – Spontaneous Versus Responsive Desire  12:23 – Why Desire Levels Differ  13:29 – Talking About Desire Differences  14:34 – Homework That Strengthens Relationships  15:39 – Date Your Partner Again  16:28 – Planning Beyond the Wedding  18:51 – Marriage Preparation at Any Stage  20:07 – Conversations Couples Need to Have  21:24 – Personalized Marriage Support  24:26 – Who Benefits From Marriage Coaching?  25:42 – Everything in Marriage Is Connected  26:32 – Helping Couples Find Common Ground  28:23 – Stop Comparing Your Marriage  30:15 – Finding the Right Relationship Expert  32:08 – What Strong Couples Do Differently  33:17 – Stay Curious Before Furious  35:26 – Keys to Stronger Connection  36:26 – Takeaway of the Day   Takeaway of the Day  Lea Haber: Everything in a relationship is deeply interconnected. Communication, emotional connection, intimacy, and other areas of marriage influence one another, so couples benefit from continually investing in the relationship as a whole. Episode 197 - Lea Haber - Love …  Liz Hale: There is value in seeking expert guidance for your love life just as you might seek professional advice in other important areas. Even when only one partner begins making small, positive changes, those efforts can create a ripple effect within the relationship. Episode 197 - Lea Haber - Love …  Dave Schramm: Good relationships can become great relationships when couples are willing to invest the time and effort. Strong marriages aren't built through one “secret sauce,” but through communication, intentionality, outside support when needed, and many small and simple actions over time. Episode 197 - Lea Haber - Love …  About Dr. Lea Haber  Dr. Lea Haber, Ph.D., is a global relationship expert, clinical sexologist, author, and founder of Dr. LoveLea, a private advisory built on the belief that an extraordinary love life is built, not found. Specializing in modern premarital guidance, Dr. Lea works with couples to understand the patterns they bring into relationships, clarify the partnership they want to build, and identify the personal work needed to create lasting commitment. Her approach is secular, flexible, and designed for contemporary couples seeking practical and meaningful preparation for marriage. Dr. Lea holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology and degrees from NYU and Columbia. Her creative, science-informed, and solutions-oriented approach incorporates elements of the Gottman Method, cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and play-based practices. She helps couples navigate communication, conflict resolution, intimacy, shared values, life transitions, and long-term goals. She is the author of the bestselling book Planning Beyond the Wedding, which encourages couples to devote as much intention to building their marriage as they do to planning their wedding. She also created the Kiss & Commit relationship card game and a comprehensive online premarital course designed to make relationship education engaging, accessible, and actionable. Dr. Lea’s Resources  Webite: www.drlovelea.com  Wesbite: www.kissandcommit.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissandcommit  Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life. Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org   Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com   Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com/

  2. Sep 28

    The ABCD's Of A Technology Family Detox | Arlene Pellicane | 196

    In this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, author and speaker Arlene Pellicane joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to talk about how technology is shaping family life—and what parents can do when screens begin replacing sleep, hobbies, conversations, and face-to-face connection. Drawing from her book The Great Tech Reset, Arlene explains the “ABCD harms” of technology and shares practical ideas for setting healthier boundaries around smartphones, social media, video games, and AI. Rather than eliminating technology altogether, the conversation focuses on helping families use it intentionally while making more room for real relationships, outdoor activities, creativity, and meaningful family memories.  Chapters  00:00 – Technology's Impact on Family Life  01:08 – When Screens Interfere With Connection  02:50 – Why Families Need a Tech Reset  03:57 – The ABCD Harms of Technology  08:01 – Warning Signs of Technology Problems  09:49 – The Bad Babysitter Problem  11:38 – Helping Kids Play Without Screens  13:18 – Discovering Interests Beyond Technology  13:59 – Expect Resistance From Your Kids  16:26 – Social Media and Teen Anxiety  19:57 – How Smartphones Changed Childhood  20:55 – Raising Kids Without Smartphones  24:45 – Finding Practical Technology Workarounds  26:03 – Parenting in the Age of AI  29:40 – Creating a Family Technology Plan  32:31 – Parents Must Model Healthy Technology  36:03 – Replacing Screens With Real Connection  38:08 – The Great Tech Reset Resources  39:14 – Takeaway of the Day   Takeaway of the Day  Arlene Pellicane: You only get one childhood with your child, so make sure you—not a device—are a major part of it. Don't be afraid to delay technology or remove something that has become problematic. Setting limits may bring resistance, but parents shouldn't be afraid to do the harder thing now to protect connection and healthy development later. Episode 196 - Arlene Pellicane …  Liz Hale: We often worry about dangers to children in the physical world while overlooking risks that can reach them online. Liz's takeaway is to become more aware of those digital influences and give online safety the attention it deserves. Episode 196 - Arlene Pellicane …  Dave Schramm: Technology can be incredibly useful, but it shouldn't replace the experiences that build strong relationships. Keep screens away from bedrooms, beds, and family meals when possible, and replace some of that screen time with real connection—getting outdoors, going on dates, talking together, and creating memories through shared activities. Episode 196 - Arlene Pellicane …  About Arlene Pellicane:  Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books including Making Marriage Easier, The Great Tech Reset, and Screen Kids.  Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox & Friends, the Wall Street Journal, FamilyLife Today and Focus on the Family and is the spokesperson for National Marriage Week. Arlene and her husband James have three children and live in San Diego.    Arlene’s Resources:  Website: https://arlenepellicane.com/   Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B004R7BTF2   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenepellicane/?hl=en   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArlenePellicaneAuthor/   Focus On The Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/arlene-pellicane/  Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life. Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org   Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com   Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com/

  3. Sep 21

    "Stop Doing That! It's Driving Me Crazy?" Misophonia in Marriage | Thomas Phelan | 195

    Ordinary sounds like chewing or breathing can trigger real fight-or-flight, and that reaction can quietly strain closeness at home. We talk with Dr. Thomas Phelan about what misophonia feels like, why it can spiral into resentment, and how we can respond with no-fault compassion and practical plans. • what mesophonia is and how it differs from everyday annoyance  • why mouth sounds are common triggers and why reactions can include rage and panic  • how repeated triggers can create resentment, distance, and dread around family dinner  • the “second reaction” spiral of shame, blame, and negative stories after a trigger  • how we start the conversation without blaming, including using written resources first  • negotiated accommodations that reduce triggers without avoiding your spouse  • the ABCD model and “five-second plan” to interrupt the reaction fast  • why “no-fault” thinking becomes the heart of therapy for couples and families  • the key to stronger connection: shared one-on-one fun Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life. Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org   Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com   Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com/

  4. Sep 14

    How To Keep The SPARK Alive In Marriage | Dan Purcell | 194

    We welcome back marriage intimacy coach Dan Purcell to talk about why couples drift into “roommate mode” and how to rebuild fun, friendship, and desire with small daily choices. We share mindset shifts and practical tools that help us create “our spark” on purpose, even in busy seasons with stress, kids, and routines.  • Dan’s rebrand from Dating Divas to Date Your Spouse and the mission of strengthening marriages one date at a time  • why fun and play fade after the honeymoon and how passive drifting fuels disconnection  • challenges as a developmental invitation and “irritation is an invitation” mindset  • “our spark” and the courage it takes for one partner to go first  • simple daily habits that keep emotional connection alive  • the emotions check-in practice for speaking emotionally without rebuttal  • curiosity as the skill that keeps your relationship map updated  • differentiation over defensiveness and staying connected through differences  • what makes date nights meaningful, creative, and connecting  • Sparked app features for daily prompts, date planning, memory keeping, and at-home experiences  • Just Between Us for private, protected couple messaging  • where to find Dan’s work at dateyourspouse.com and getyourmarriageon.com  Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life. Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org   Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com   Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com/

  5. Sep 7

    How Fear and Anxiety Sabotage Intimacy in Marriage | Sami Shun | 193

    We sit down with licensed psychologist Dr. Sami Chun to make sexual intimacy easier to talk about and more honest to live. We trade myths and pressure for practical language around safety, excitement, and connection so couples can navigate desire differences without shame.  • why defining “sex” upfront reduces misunderstanding and disconnection  • Dr. Chun’s SEX acronym: safety, excitement, and connection  • how anxiety and performance pressure shut down arousal  • the five gears of intimacy and how to stop “jumping to fifth”  • myths about desire, orgasm, and what arousal “should” look like  • the APPLE framework: anxiety, pain, and loneliness as signals  • how to make requests instead of assumptions or demands  • when to consider couples, family, group, or individual therapy  • the practice of being responsible for yourself to your partner  Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life. Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org   Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com   Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com/

  6. Aug 31

    Start With RELATE To Build A Stronger Marriage Connection | Sonnet Hintze | 192

    We sit down with marriage and family therapist Sonnet Hinsey to talk about premarital education as prevention, not therapy for people in trouble. We break down the Five Love Languages, Gottman-inspired connection habits, and simple action plans that help couples stay close when the “in love” high shifts into real life.  • why prevention work matters before conflict hardens into patterns  • how RELATE and READY assessments create clarity and shared language  • what keeps premarital education from feeling scary or stigmatized  • the Five Love Languages and why couples “miss the mark” with good intentions  • building a concrete love language action plan that actually gets used  • Gottman concepts that strengthen friendship, fondness and daily connection  • bids for connection and why small responses matter more than grand gestures  • budgeting and money talks as part of preparing for marriage  • simple CBT tools for handling triggers and communicating needs  • Sonnet’s online love languages date night and follow-up supports  Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life. Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org   Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com   Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com/

  7. Aug 24

    The Power of Pathological Positivity In Marriage | Dr. Paul Jenkins | 191

    We talk with Dr. Paul Jenkins about a clear positivity model that explains why our brains swing between judging what is and building what’s next, and how that swing shows up in marriage. We walk away with simple tools that replace helpless frustration with choice, hope, and daily actions that actually change the tone at home.  • Dr. Jenkins’ shift from traditional therapy to positive psychology after a humbling bankruptcy  • Awareness precedes choice as a foundation for personal growth and relationship repair  • Two constant mind processes: evaluation of what is and creation of what is to be  • How comparison drives emotion and why “it could be worse” can create real relief  • Hope versus anxiety as outcomes of what we imagine is coming next  • Toxic positivity as denial of reality versus healthy positivity as making peace with reality  • Gratitude power-up as a five-day practice to notice what is good right now  • BB8 Better By Eight as a small daily creation habit for immediate upgrades  • Choosing love as a verb and a daily decision that shapes the marriage  Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life. Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org   Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com   Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com/

  8. Aug 17

    The One Relationship Skill Every Marriage Needs | Mike Elliott | 190

    Men are often expected to be strong, successful, and dependable while receiving little encouragement to express vulnerability or ask for support. Relationship coach Mike Elliott joins Dave and Liz to explore how emotional awareness, presence, and feeling heard and seen can transform relationships. Mike shares his Relational Authority framework, the importance of strong support systems, and a practical tool couples can use to create greater safety and connection. Learn why lasting relationship growth begins with taking responsibility for yourself and choosing devotion over domination.  The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission. Takeaway of the Day  Mike Elliott: An under-resourced person can become reactive and disconnected. Take an honest inventory of your emotional, physical, and relational resources. Build supportive relationships, care for yourself, and develop the capacity to show up with greater safety and gentle power. Liz Hale: Vulnerability, acknowledgment, and reassurance can deeply strengthen connection. The VAR framework offers a simple way to help your partner feel emotionally heard, seen, and safe. Dave Schramm: Slow down and remember that people are more important than problems. Presence, attention, reassurance, and appreciation create meaningful connection, especially when partners feel valued for their efforts and sacrifices. Mike's Resources: Website: https://www.itsmikeelliott.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeelliott.relating/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Itsmikeelliott   Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life. Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:  Strongermarriage.org   Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm:  http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com   Dr. Liz Hale:  http://www.drlizhale.com/

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

It's often said that marriage takes work. The Stronger Marriage Connection podcast wants to help because a happy marriage is worth the effort. USU Family Life Professor Dr. Dave Schramm and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Liz Hale talk with experts about the principles and practices that will enhance your commitment, compassion, and emotional connection.  More than ever before, marriages face obstacles, from the busyness of work and daily hassles to disagreements and digital distractions. It's no wonder couples sometimes drift apart, growing resentful, lonely, and isolated. The Utah Marriage Commission invites you to listen and discover new ways to strengthen and protect your marriage connection today! The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

Information

  • Creator
    Utah Marriage Comission
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    195
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stronger Marriage Connection
  • Show Website
    Stronger Marriage Connection

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