Communication, Conflict & Intimacy: Real Talk for a Thriving Marriage

00:00 – Welcome Back!
Ali & Joshua dive into the real-life tension of marriage communication—especially when one spouse is ready to sleep, and the other is ready to talk 🫠

01:20 – When Is the Right Time to Talk?
Why timing matters when discussing big topics like finances, parenting, and expectations—and the communication mistake they stopped making.

03:00 – Date Nights Are Not Strategy Meetings
Why your marriage needs protected time for connection—not confrontation.

04:15 – How Miscommunication Builds Resentment
Ali & Joshua get honest about how lack of clarity and emotional overload creates unnecessary conflict in marriage.

06:05 – The Bottler vs. The Talker
Joshua shares how he used to internalize everything—while Ali was rapid-fire ready. Why understanding each other’s processing styles is key.

08:40 – Knowing Each Other’s Strengths & Weaknesses
Ali explains how their opposite personalities—her fast pace, his slow-and-steady discernment—have become a strength (once they learned how to honor each other’s rhythms).

10:30 – Divine Order in Decision-Making
Why submitting major decisions to God—and each other—creates peace in the home. Ali shares what changed when she stopped pushing ahead without Joshua’s covering.

13:00 – The Shift That Saved Their Communication (and Finances)
Ali opens up about losing her first business and how giving Joshua financial leadership helped bring restoration, clarity, and unity.

15:30 – Servanthood vs. Selfishness
A biblical lens on communication: laying down your life, not proving your point.

17:20 – Walk it Out (Literally)
Joshua shares his go-to strategy for emotional regulation before tough conversations: walking, praying, and reframing.

18:40 – Out-Serve Each Other
The simple marriage principle from their premarital counseling that still shapes their communication today.

20:15 – Letting Go of Stubbornness
Ali shares how surrender, patience, and Spirit-led restraint softened her strong personality and strengthened their unity.

22:00 – Let’s Talk About Sex (Yes, Really)
Why open communication around sexual needs matters—and how couples can avoid disconnect, temptation, and unmet expectations.

24:00 – Don’t Go to Bed Angry
The rule they live by, rooted in Scripture: resolve conflict before sleep and never let little wedges build into big gaps.

25:30 – Final Word: Soft Answers & Celebrating Growth
A closing encouragement to give grace, celebrate progress, and commit to growing in communication—together.