Rebuilding Us: Marriage Podcast

We're talking all about intellectual intimacy—what I like to call “brain bonding" in this episode. We spend so much time talking about emotional connection and physical intimacy in marriage, but let me tell you a secret: connecting through ideas, learning, curiosity, and thought-provoking conversations can completely change the game in your relationship.

I open up about a time I was really vulnerable in my own marriage ...

Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo of One Extraordinary Marriage are here to help us improve our sexual intimacy! If you're ready to transform your marriage and reignite the passion, join me and this legendary duo for a candid and hope-filled conversation on sexual intimacy, healing, and how a chance "sex challenge" changed everything in their marriage.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What REALLY builds intimacy in the bedroom (...

Emotional intimacy is a cornerstone you can’t ignore if you’re on a journey to deeper, more authentic relationships—whether in your marriage, friendships, or even workplace. We're joined in this episode by psychotherapist and author Jessica Baum to discuss attachment styles. This is a goldmine for anyone who craves real connection or wonders why emotional closeness sometimes feels out of ...

Former NLF player turned church pastor, Derwin Gray, and his beautiful wife, Vicki, share wisdom drawn from over 33 years of marriage, their journey from a lopsided spiritual partnership to unified faith, and practical ways couples can cultivate deep spiritual intimacy—no matter their starting point.

Notable Quotes

• Derwin: “Intimacy is ‘into me, you see.’ … It’s a position of vulnerab...

Whether you've been married for decades or are just starting out, this episode will help you understand intimacy in all its facets (beyond the bedroom) and how to cultivate the kind of deep connection that produces positive fruit in your relationship. 

Key Takeaways:

• Defining Intimacy: My personal definition—“being fully known and knowing fully”—plus learn the biblical and practical roots of true i...

We've all been given some bad marriage advice from well-meaning folks. But what if that bad marriage advice is ruining your intimacy? My guest, Monica Tanner, and I discuss what helpful marriage advice couples should focus on instead. Monica shares wisdom from her upcoming book, Bad Marriage Advice, and how this relates to intimacy. Let's stop the crazy cycle and lean into the hard truths and practica...

Is it chemistry or intimacy that keeps a relationship going strong? In today's episode, we discuss how chemistry gets you in the door, but intimacy is what keeps you in the room. When I first started dating my husband, it was electric: the butterflies, the late-night talks, the “I can’t stop thinking about you” feeling. We used to talk on the phone until we literally fell asleep listening...

Do you freeze up or shut down when it’s time to have hard conversations? Maybe you avoid conflict altogether because you’re afraid of making things worse. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to stop running from relational tension and start communicating with confidence—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Avoiding conflict might feel safe in the moment, but over time, it damages connection, fue...

Move over, stereotypes! Yes, it's a fact that men and women communicate differently. However, not all gender communication styles are the same. Joining us is my husband, Shaun, who, in his own special way, helps to explain the differences in how men and women communicate. If you're having a bad day, this episode is sure to cheer you up. Plus, you'll learn a lot in the process, like . . .

• Which gender prefers details over the o...

Here’s the hard truth: most of us are not good listeners, even though we think we are. In today’s episode, you’ll learn seven tips on becoming a better listener and how to encourage your people to do the same. Communication doesn't have to go wild! The good news is that with a few tweaks, anyone can become a better listener and have more mutually beneficial conversations with those they care about. 

Here's so...

Today's episode is like a master's course on communication in relationships. We're breaking down Dr. John Gottman’s famous concept of the “Four Horsemen” — four destructive communication habits that can quietly ruin even the strongest relationships if left unchecked.

Drawing inspiration from the dramatic imagery of the biblical Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Gottman ident...

Whether you're a pro at giving the silent treatment or feel hurt by your partner's silence, I'm going to show you how silence can truly be golden in your relationship and how the silent treatment will further damage it. We're unpacking six healthier alternatives to the silent treatment. Rather than withdrawing, learn practical tools to address conflict effectively and foster more connect...

How does it feel when someone shifts the blame for their behavior to you? No bueno, right? In today's episode, we're discussing the power of "I statements" and how they help us to stop pointing fingers and tell our partners about US, not them. Most people have never learned the tools of good communication, so they make accusations, abdicate responsibility for their feelings and/or choices, and incorrectly assign a motive to their p...

Do you have a meddling in-law? Do they break your boundaries and cause a ruckus in your home? Today's episode emphasizes the importance of establishing clear boundaries within the household and the need for spousal support in the sometimes messy family dynamics. Open communication with both the mother-in-law and the other spouse is essential to ensure a respectful and harmonious living environment. 

Key Takeaways: 

• T...

Tough conversations are inevitable—but they don’t have to be toxic. Learn a practical and heart-centered approach to preparing for the difficult conversations we often avoid. Whether it’s addressing betrayal, setting boundaries, or navigating a sensitive issue in your relationship, you’ll learn how to check your emotions, clarify your intentions, and approach the talk with wisdom and courage. Tune in to disc...

Does it seem like you disagree and argue about almost everything in your relationship? A listener writes in to ask how to get his point across without arguing with his wife. Maybe you've wondered the same. In this episode, I am sharing a powerful communication tool (also a conversation starter) called the Mirror Moment. This practice will help you to explain your perspective or opinion to someone else and help them to do the same.&...

Do you constantly second-guess yourself, shrink back in relationships, or feel like you’re never quite “enough”? Insecurity has a way of creeping into every area of our lives—our marriages, careers, friendships, and even our faith. But the good news? Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about knowing who you are and "whose" you are.

This was one of our highest-rated episodes of the Q & A series and, therefore, deserving of a "sweet repeat." Many spouses can relate to the feeling of "falling out of love" with their spouse, yet not wanting to divorce their spouse. If you have ever experienced prolonged resentment or boredom in your relationship, listen up.  Learn how to overcome feeling stuck in your marriage while working on communication. If you're st...

Are you going through something in your life and need to be reminded that you're not alone? I am so grateful to know that God sees, provides, and is always with me. In this episode, I'm helping you to discover this God, to truly know Him intimately and personally—the difference between head knowledge and heart experience.

Drawing inspiration from a recent meeting with a group of women leaders I mento...