Relational Lives Podcast

What happens when your partner’s brain is wired differently than yours? In this episode, hosts Ali and Ros explore the unique dynamics of neuro-mixed (or neuro-distinct) couples, where one partner is on the autism spectrum and the other is neurotypical.

We move past the stereotypes to look at the daily reality of loving across neurological lines, offering a roadmap for couples looking to bridge the gap between two different ways of...

In this episode, relationship therapist Catherine Topham Sly shares insights on rekindling intimacy after having children, addressing the emotional and physical challenges couples face, and practical tips for reconnecting.

00:00 Introduction to Catherine Topham Sly

01:32 Catherine's Journey into Relationship Therapy

05:29 The Impact of Parenthood on Relationships

11:34 Navigating Sexuality and Intimacy Post-Childbirth

17:16 Communi...

In this episode, we explore what it really means to feel “triggered” and why some reactions in the present are powered by unhealed moments from the past. We look at how triggers show up in the body and nervous system, how they’re shaped by earlier relationships, and why they can feel so fast and overwhelming. You’ll hear practical ways to spot your own triggers, pause before reacting, and respond with more self-compassion. We also ...

In this episode, we’re joined by Monica Tanner, host of Secrets of Happily Ever After, to explore the myths that quietly shape our expectations of marriage. We dive into what actually helps couples communicate more openly, rebuild intimacy, and create relationships grounded in mutual respect. If you’ve ever questioned the “rules” you’ve been taught about love, this conversation offers a refreshing and practical new perspective.

Cha...

In this episode of Relational Lives, the hosts explore what it really means to listen, and to feel heard, in our relationships. They unpack the idea of ‘holding space’ for one another, the subtle barriers that get in the way of meaningful communication, and the difference between simply hearing and truly being present. Blending personal stories with professional insight, they reflect on how different communication styles shape conn...

In this episode, Ros and Ali explore the vital role that boundaries play in our relationships, how they shape connection, protect well-being, and promote self-respect. They unpack what boundaries really are, the different forms they take, and why so many of us struggle to set or maintain them. Along the way, they consider the influence of family dynamics, workplace norms, and personal history, highlighting how self-awareness is key...

In this episode of Relational Lives, couples therapist Michael Preston opens up a thoughtful conversation about the inner emotional worlds of men in relationships. He reflects on the challenges men often face when trying to connect emotionally with their partners, and how cultural expectations can shape, and sometimes limit their capacity for vulnerability. Michael discusses the role of father–son relationships, the power of emotio...

✨This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image. It may be distressing or triggering, especially if you are currently struggling. Please take care while listening and feel free to skip this episode if you need to. If you are affected by eating difficulties, consider reaching out to a GP or mental health professional, or contacting an eating disorder support service in your area for help. ✨

In this episode, psychotherapists Ali and Ros unpack the often misunderstood experience of social anxiety. They explore what social anxiety really is, how it shows up in everyday life, and why so many people are struggling with it more since the COVID pandemic. The conversation looks at the impact of technology and social media, the role of early life experiences, and how anxiety can become a self-perpetuating cycle. Ali and Ros di...

In this episode of Relational Lives, Ali and Ros explore how artificial intelligence is changing the landscape of therapy, mental health, and personal relationships. From ChatGPT offering relationship and mental health advice to AI-driven emotional support tools, they discuss real-world examples, personal experiences, and insights from a listener survey. The conversation tackles the big questions: Can AI ever replace the human aspe...

In this episode of Relational Lives, hosts Ali and Ros explore the tender and universal experience of grief, the pain that accompanies the loss of those we love, whether human or animal. Together, they unpack the many faces of grief, from its emotional and physical expressions to the cultural stories that shape how we mourn. The conversation reminds us that grief is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of love, its depth often m...

In this episode, Ali and Ros explore what it really means to take accountability in relationships — or, as they put it, to “own your own shit.” They unpack how recognizing the impact of our actions and reactions can transform the way we connect with others, whether in romantic relationships, friendships, or at work. Using everyday examples — including the classic disagreement over how to load the dishwasher — the hosts reveal how s...

In this episode, Ali and Ros unpack the connections between the sexual cycle and the relational cycle, offering insights into how emotional and physical intimacy mirror one another. They explore the distinction between responsive and spontaneous desire, how attachment patterns influence sexual connection, and why communication is at the heart of a satisfying sexual relationship. The discussion also touches on cultural expectations ...

In this episode, Ali and Ros unpack the mental load in relationships – the invisible emotional labour of planning, organizing, and remembering that often falls on one partner. They explore how this uneven cognitive and emotional load creates resentment, burnout, and feelings of inadequacy, while the other partner may feel criticised, confused, or like they can never get it right.

Ali and Ros look at how relationship dynamics, commu...

Join Ali and Ros for a raw, heartfelt, and unscripted conversation as they look back on eight months and over 30 episodes of Relational Lives. In this special episode, the hosts pull back the curtain on their journey — from the shock of going viral on Shut Up & Talking (160,000+ views!) to building a podcast from scratch, all while navigating friendship, vulnerability, and the realities of being two women in their 50s in the di...

For a decade, RED (Rise Every Day) January has inspired thousands to move more, feel better, and support one another through the darkest month of the year. Now, it’s taking a bold new step forward — and it starts with you. 

Join the nationwide warm-up to RED January 2026 at redjanuary.com.  

Join hosts Ali and Ros on Relational Lives for an inspiring conversation with Hannah Beecham, founder of Red January, as she shares the deeply...