Dear Young Married Couple

🎉 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Coming to an Amazon near you in February: FUNDAMENTOS Baraja de cartas 🎉 ♥ You guys! We can't tell you how excited we are for this project to come to fruition. So many of you have asked about the DYMC card decks being available in Spanish because you have a spouse, friends, or family members who don't know English, but would love this resource. This has been in the works for a long time and it will finally be ready to ship to you (2-Day Prime shipping on Amazon) in February. Listen to Adriel and Magdiel (who also served on the translation team) share their experience with the #DYMCdecks: ♥ “The FUNDAMENTOS deck has been such a blessing to us! Every Friday, we have date night and on our way to the place, we do the DYMC cards (but we usually only get through one card)! We spend all 30 minutes talking about ONE thing. Oftentimes, the one card gets us started talking about different topics that we really needed to talk about. ♥ In our culture, it’s not common for men to be very open. On top of that, even if the husband IS being open, sometimes we don’t even know where to start. It can be so frustrating to have the desire for your suppose to really understand how you’re feeling, but not know the words to start a deep conversation like that. ♥ The cards do a great job of breaking down the wall for men to be sensitive about your feelings. It just takes a little card from this deck that can provide an opportunity for you to express yourself and be vulnerable to your spouse. ♥ Sometimes my husband even wants to dig further and says, ‘Tell me more about this!’ These decks have been such a blessing to our marriage that now we even keep them in our car.” — Adriel Solís and Magdiel De Salas de Solís. ♥ Listen to this episode with our Dominican (+Puerto Rican, +Wisconsian 😅) friends as they share some powerful insights about their experience in a Hispanic culture and observing many other Hispanic cultures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3 Blended Family Pitfalls that Can Destroy a Marriage: Putting your children before your spouse Reactive instead of proactive communication Thinking you’re alone in the storm Cynthia shares practical solutions for each of these challenges in this episode. Listen in to become equipped as a blended family. You can contact Cynthia at: www.imaginemeefc.com [email protected] (916) 272-0950 Cynthia recommended these resources: Building Love Together in Blended Families: The 5 Love Languages and Becoming Stepfamily Smart by Gary Chapman and Ron Deal Black and Married with Kids Smart Stepfamilies - Ron Deal STEP PARENTING: 50 One-Minute DOs and DONTs for Stepdads and Stepmoms Family Life Blended While these books are written to help children and teens understand their blended family, their messages are great for the entire family. Do You Sing Twinkle? A Story About Remarriage and New Family Step One, Step Two, Step Three and Four The Things About Leftovers Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"But when you turn off your emotions to the people you love, all it does is create distance. Especially us, as men. We tend to turn off all emotion, even when we don’t need to. That used to be me, but it all changed after I found myself on Ground Zero as a firefighter during 9/11.⁠ ♥️⁠ The NYC fire department lost 343 firefighters. Being there on that day was like being on another planet. I saw so many people I knew just... vanish. But it was the months afterwards that were incredibly stressful.⁠ ♥️⁠ We firefighters don’t get a lot of help with learning to talk about stressful events. We learn to separate our work from our home and that’s about it. The problem was that my wife was stressed out too. She felt like she couldn’t talk to me because she didn’t want to make me feel worse. Then, I couldn’t talk to her because I didn’t want to bring work home. What do you think started happening to my marriage?⁠ ♥️⁠ There was no oxygen to give life to my marriage, so the distance crept in. So much of what I teach now is what I learned to do back then. It's called Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). I never thought I’d be traveling around the world talking about emotions. It’s all about flexibility. If we’re okay getting help to turn it off, we should all be okay getting help to turn it back on.” — George Faller, MS, LMFT You can reach George Faller at: www.georgefaller.com www.successandvulnerability.com - for therapists New York Center for EFT George recommended: Magnificent Sex by Peggy Kleinplatz Sacred Stress by George Faller Created for Connection by Sue Johnson Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Adam and Karissa reflect back on October 8, 2007 - a date that Adam was 10 minutes from death and called Karissa while stuck in the cab of an old truck at the bottom of a 40-ft ravine (while his lung filled up with blood). Listen in to hear the story and lessons learned. Hope you'll join us LIVE on 1/15/21 @ 5:30pm where we'll share a template for YOUR goal setting session and we'll share OUR 2021 goals. We'll also cover "How to Write a Marriage Mission Statement". Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every year between 12/26 and 12/31, we sit down with intentionality and map out new habits for each area of our life and marriage - including our sex life! Hope you'll join us LIVE on 1/15/21 @ 5:30pm where we'll share a template for YOUR goal setting session and we'll share OUR 2021 goals. :) Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don't get so caught up with the holiday hurry that you miss out on sweet moments with each other. Try these 5 things to stay connected with your lover this week! Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we interview Nick and Amy McKinlay, the creators of the Christian marriage app, @ultimateintimacyapp. This couple figured out how to attain and maintain ultimate intimacy, so they created an app for it so that they could help many more couples on this journey! Hear their story about how they went from quantity sex to quality sex after having four children. You can reach Nick and Amy at: [email protected] Nick and Amy Recommended: Ultimate Intimacy App on Apple Ultimate Intimacy App on Google Play www.UtlimateIntimacy.com IG: @ultimateintimacyapp Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 LOVES Crewneck Sweaters available here. ♥️⁠ In English, we can love vegan tacos, our golden doodle, Christmas lights, Jeeps, our spouse, and God -- but we call it all "love". The Bible, however, uses FOUR different Greek concepts of love:⁠ ♥️⁠ 1. storge // affection love⁠ 2. philia // friendship love⁠ 3. eros // romantic love⁠ 4. agape // selfless love⁠ ♥️⁠ We dive into each of these on today's podcast, so get ready to nerd out with us for a bit. :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this interview, we interview Christian apologist Nancy Pearcey on her new book, Love Thy Body. Yes, the title is a little shocking to some, but it is, as she argues, the biblical point of view. The body is created by God and is good. Down through the centuries, as secularism has taken root, the reverence for the body as God's creation has been displaced. We explore these topics along with asking, "What, if any, non-biblical ideas about the body have infiltrated Christianity? What's the societal result of not loving your body?" Tune in for this fascinating conversation. You can reach Nancy at: www.nancypearcey.com Nancy Recommended: Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey Please Understand Me by David Keirsey 16Personalities.com Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman The New Rules of Marriage by Terry Real The Secrets of Happily Married Men by Scott Haltzman Soft Patriarchs by Bradford Wilcox The Emotionally Destructive Marriage by Leslie Vernick Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix and Helen Hunt Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"If you’re hesitant in moving forward with your relationship because it might take away from your degree, then you might need to take a step back and think about several other things going on in your relationship.⁠ ♥️ When you make the decision to get married while in school, you have to make it as a team. You need to have the mentality that says, ‘I’ll be there for you.’ or ‘I’ll go back to school with you.’⁠" - Curtis and Korena Hendryx ♥️⁠ Take it from a couple that obtained a bachelors, masters, teaching credential, law degree and passed the bar exam... all within 7 years of marriage.⁠ Even if you or your spouse don't plan on going to school but want to be successful as a couple, you don't want to miss this podcast episode! Resources recommended in the episode: Debt Free Degree by Anthony O’Neal Fear Setting by Tim Ferris Find Your Why by Simon Sinek The Disciplined Life by Richard Taylor The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg Sheet Music by Kevin Leman Men are From Mars. Women are from Venus by Dr. John Gray Jordan Peterson Podcast The Bible Project You can reach Curtis and Korena on IG: @chendryx + @korenahendryx Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“My biggest piece of advice for the wedding night: Don’t aim for intercourse, aim for arousal.⁠ ♥️⁠ Christian women experience sexual pain at twice the rate of the general population… so this is OUR problem. I think a large part of that is due to the rushing for intercourse on the wedding night, even if she’s been looking forward to sex her whole life.⁠ ♥️⁠ The reason we tell dating couples to avoid lying down on a couch together and making out is because once you start in that progression, it can be hard to stop. The couples that avoid those things when they’re dating often end up completely skipping steps on their wedding night. They’re thinking, 'Now we can have sex, so why would you do all those middle things?'⁠ ♥️⁠ That’s why I ask couples to ask themselves why it is that those middle things are arousing? Why is making out while your hands wander arousing?⁠ It’s often because you’re not aiming for anything — you’re just enjoying each other. You’re taking a really long time and you’re RELAXED together.⁠ ♥️⁠ What happens for many couples on their wedding night is that they feel like they have to have sex… so they take off their clothes and try intercourse. In the surveys that we did, a lot of women said that they were not aroused the first time they had sex and that’s a problem…⁠ ♥️⁠ Instead of aiming for intercourse on your wedding night, aim for arousal so you can stay relaxed together. I know it’s really difficult because you’ve been looking forward to this your whole life, but just trust me on this one.” — Sheila Wray Gregoire, MA⁠ ♥️⁠ Listen in to hear the much-needed conversation we have with award-winning author/public speaker, Sheila Wray Gregoire.⁠ Sheila recommended: The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex by Sheila Wray Gregoire 31 Days to Great Sex by Sheila Wray Gregoire The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire The Orgasm Course Boost Your Libido Course You can reach Sheila at: www.tolovehonorandvacuum.com [email protected] Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all need connection and we aren't designed to get that solely from our spouse, hence the reason we got asked this question. ♥️⁠ In this episode, we share some easy-to-learn tips for gaining friends and keeping them. ♥️⁠ Here's the link to How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. ♥️⁠ Are you enjoying these mini ASK episodes with your voices recorded in them?⁠ You can record your own question for our next episode here. ♥️⁠ Connect with us on IG/FB: @dearyoungmarriedcouple www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com ♥️⁠ Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode, we featured another question from YOU! "How can a spouse learn to be more empathetic when they were not shown empathy growing up?" We have three answers for you, so listen in on this quick 10-minute episode! :) Are you enjoying these mini ASK episodes with your voices recorded in them?⁠ You can record your own question for our next episode here: Connect with us on IG/FB: @dearyoungmarriedcouple www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"My generation was raised by pornography. When it comes to learning sexuality, porn was our parent. Porn was our substitute girlfriend. Porn was our Sex Ed teacher. More importantly, it became our pacifier.⁠" - Drew Boa, MA Drew Boa is passionate about helping men become porn-free before marriage and he runs the "Husband Material" programs (links below). In today's episode, he shares a method to help you get to the bottom of a pornography addiction. To download a FREE PDF of the FLOSS method discussed in the episode today, go here. Drew recommended: Redeemed Sexuality by Drew Boa (book for small groups) Unwanted by Jay Stringer Unwanted Workbook by Jay Stringer and Drew Boa HusbandMaterialMen.com (FB Group) Husband Material Academy (Coaching Program) Husband Material Podcast You can reach Drew Boa at: Text: (805) 881-3673 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.husbandmaterial.com IG: @husbandmaterialmen Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To all of the busy couples in our tribe: this one is for you! Pastor Yuri Sangueza and Dr. Cami Allard Sangueza, a Pastor-Psychologist couple in Norway, join us in a discussion about avoiding burnout in your marriage and it's chalk-full of excellent tips. We cover: Symptoms of Burnout Identity in Ministry Asking for Help Sleep Hygiene Practical Tips for Self-Care Yuri and Cami recommended: Journaling Grit by Angela Duckworth The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst You can reach Yuri and Cami at: [email protected] IG: @casnlaci + @ysnlaci Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a multifaceted question (and a question that we receive a lot here at DYMC), but we cover what the answer to this question ultimately comes down to in today’s ASK episode on the #DYMCpodcast.⁠ Are you enjoying these mini ASK episodes with your voices recorded in them?⁠ You can record your own question for our next episode here: Connect with us on IG/FB: @dearyoungmarriedcouple www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. If you're a married couple, here's a shameless plug for the SEXPECTATIONS Deck - 52 cards of questions designed with you in mind - grab it here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"In the premarital stage, what are some good boundaries to have sexually?" When we get this question, we like to use a model called "The Dating Ladder" to answer it. We got the idea from our friends over at Moral Revolution (they dubbed it "The Intimacy Ladder" and we expound upon it in today's episode on the #DYMCpodcast).⁠ This question was asked from the SpeakPipe (where your recorded voice is actually in the episode). Record YOUR question for our next ask episode here on SpeakPipe. Connect with us on IG/FB: @dearyoungmarriedcouple www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. If you're a dating/engaged couple, here's a shameless plug for the REALIZATIONS deck - 52 cards of questions designed with you in mind - grab it here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of you asked this question on our SpeakPipe, and we thought it was important to clarify a better question to ask. Listen in to hear the better question and let us know your thoughts by commenting below. Record YOUR question for our next ask episode here on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/dearyoungmarriedcouple Connect with us on IG/FB: @dearyoungmarriedcouple www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Don’t wait to give until you get... It goes both ways: don’t wait to have sex with your partner until they’re doing all the things outside the bedroom. On the other hand, don’t wait to do things outside the bedroom until you’re getting the sex you want inside the bedroom.⁠⁠ It’s important for couples to work on meeting these needs so that they can move TOWARD each other." - Dr. Morgan Cutlip Today's episode covers the not-so-talked about dynamics of your sexual relationship. Tune in to hear our interview with Dr. Morgan Cutlip, relationship expert and course creator. Dr. Morgan Cutlip recommended: For Women Only: Sex and Marriage Online Courses: online.mylovethinks.com You can reach Dr. Morgan Cutlip at: Website: https://www.mylovethinks.com IG: @mylovethinks Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I worked with women when they’d come in for their annuals and I'd ask them, 'How is it going with your sex life?' Sometimes, they would tense up and wouldn't want to talk about it. Then, I started thinking to myself, 'Wow! Sexual dysfunction is far larger of a problem than I realized when I was in school.'" - Kimberly Mathis Listen in to what the medical professionals have to say about sexual arousal and pain disorders in today's episode of the DYMC Podcast. Kimberly and Meredith recommended: ISSWSH articles Etiology of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Implications for Treatment: Four Case Scenarios by Brooke M. Faught, DNP, WHNP-BC, NCMP, IF, and Susan Kellogg-Spadt, PhD, CRNP, IF, FCST UpToDate (access to medical professionals) Contact Info: Kimberly Mathis, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB, MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (Urogynecology and Reproductive/Infertility Specialist) E-mail: [email protected] Meredith McWhirter, MSN, RNC-OB, APRN, NP-C Family Nurse Practitioner (Urology Specialist) E-mail: [email protected] Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"We’re so open about sharing our story, as many times and as often as necessary, because if one more person can realize this happens, that this is a thing and that they can get out of it, then it’s so worth it." - Cole and Cait Zick, Directors of Moral Revolution In this episode, Cole and Cait share their story of having entirely different upbringings around sex and sexuality, how they merged their lives, and how they healed from being completely disconnected in their sex life. Now, they have a thriving and healthy sex life and they're here to share how they did it. Cole and Cait recommended: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk Intimate Issues by Linda Dillow Look at You, Girl by Caitlin Zick “Sex. Church. Culture.” E-Course Parenting Sexuality E-Course Sexpectations Card Deck You can reach Cole and Cait: IG: @colezick + @caitlinzick Website: www.moralrevolution.com E-mail: [email protected] Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Join us for the next Monthly Live Date Night where we dig into some of these topics with you LIVE for 90 minutes this month! Here’s the YouTube Video we talked about during the shout-out at the beginning on 3 Strategies for Praying Together as a Married Couple Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you're looking to destress your life/marriage and if you like having clear, practical steps, this podcast is for you! It consists of 5 tips to simplify your life, explained thoroughly and practically by the lovely minimalist, Shelley Coon. We like to think of her tips as "attainable minimalism". :) Shelley recommended: Evernote Going Paperless (blog post) Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt Full Focus Planner by Michael Hyatt The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport You can reach Shelley: E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.thegoodnessmargin.com IG: @thegoodnessmargin Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can we have empirical data to back up the claims we make or advice we give about something so subjective (like relationships)? Hear all about that in this episode as we interview Don and Carrie Cole, Licensed Professional Counselors and Directors of the Gottman Institute. Don and Carrie share incredible research from the most robust marriage studies ever done, involving 40+ years of observing 3000+ couples in the Love Lab in Seattle. Their insights are grounded on what actually works in relationships that are happy and stable. Listen to this episode to see for yourself why millions of couples worldwide have benefited from the Gottman Method. Don and Carrie recommended these resources for couples who want to invest in their relationship: The Art and Science of Love Workshop (ASL) 30 Days to a Better Relationship Eight Dates by John and Julie Gottman The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman What Makes Love Last? by John Gottman The Mathematics of Marriage by John Gottman Principia Amoris by John Gottman You can reach Don and Carrie: IG + FB: @gottmaninstitute Website: www.centerforrelationshipwellness.com Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We go deep "real quick" in this episode, answering these questions: What role do SMELLS play in physical intimacy? Is it normal to have sexual TEMPTATION as a married Christian man? How do I deal with a very ANGRY spouse? Come join us as we dive even further into like topics at our Monthly LIVE Date Night! (Next one is September 11th @ 5pm-6:30pm PDT and it's called Your Brain, Your Body, and the Bedroom.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony and Kelli are a Student Pastor and Teacher/RN in Tennessee who have a 1-year-old baby girl. In this episode, they talk about how to keep your marriage alive with an infant. They discuss: Co-Sleeping and Sleep Training Date Nights Traveling before Baby Traveling Alone after Baby PDA Speaking Highly of your Spouse You can reach Anthony and Kelli: IG: @kelli.danielle E-mail: [email protected] Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Having been married for only 3 weeks, we were just home from our honeymoon, unpacking, building our new life, and excited for our first home. We were on track. We were headed toward our goals. We were right on schedule. I was a nurse and Kevin had just started his third year of medical school. In an instant, it all changed. An explosion in our home initiated the scariest challenge ever given: the fight for our lives. While Kevin was also injured, his recovery is often overshadowed by mine. Even so, he endured much pain as well, having: • 35% of his body burned mostly to the 2nd degree. • Some 3rd degree. • 2 days in the burn ICU. • 3 weeks hospitalized. • 4 surgeries. For me: • 96% of my body was burned to the 2nd and 3rd degree. (Chance of survival, slim). • 2 weeks of a medically-induced coma. • 3 months in a burn ICU. • 2 months in a rehab hospital. • 27 surgeries. So, many other things... One day, we will talk about it all. Words cannot articulate all of my feelings, but God... He stepped in that day, exactly one year ago, and He’s been there every painful day since then." -Kevin and Medley Bokun, a newlywed couple, shares their story in this episode and lessons learned from the first year of marriage. You can reach Kevin and Medley: IG: @medleyregan FB Group Page: Kevin and Medley's Road to Recovery Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"When we talk about scheduling sex, we’re not necessarily saying Tuesday at 9:07pm. Scheduling sex is looking at how frequently the two of you want to have sex and then saying, ‘Okay. What does it look like to start dividing up the week?’⁠" This episode addresses the common debate around scheduling sex. Join in on the conversation we have with the amazing creators of One Extraordinary Marriage, Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo.⁠ Tony and Alisa recommended these resources for couples who want to work on their sex life and their marriage in general: The Intimacy Lifestyle Planner 19 Questions to Amazing Sex Coffee Break You can reach Tony and Alisa: IG + FB: @oneextraordinarymarriage Website: www.oneextraordinarymarriage.com Podcast: The One Extraordinary Marriage Show Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you constantly live in your adaptive self so that you don't have to risk being rejected, you might be safer -- but you might also be limiting yourself big time. Today, we had the honor of interviewing our mentor and coach, Andrew Bentley. In this episode, he shares key insights for folks who aren't satisfied with settling and he gives practical tips for taking action now! Andrew Bentley recommended these books for those just getting started with a dive into personal development: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey Great by Choice by Jim Collins Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Granny, McMillan, and Switzler Andrew says he has been on a "consciousness kick" lately, so he also recommends these books to folks who are interested: A Ghost in the Atom by PCW Davies How the Mighty Have Fallen by Jim Collins Am I Just My Brain? by Sharon Dirckx Self Comes to Mind by Antonio Damasio Mind & Cosmos by Thomas Nagel You can reach Andrew Bentley via IG: @bentley238 Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your marriage deserves a retreat! DYMC VIRTUAL MARRIAGE RETREAT: August 14-15, 2020 DYMC COUPLES CRUISE: June 14-18, 2021 We can't wait to hang out with you at two upcoming events: DYMC VIRTUAL MARRIAGE RETREAT: This LIVE event is just around the corner, so be sure to register right away! August 14-15, 2021 - just $37 Learn 5 Communication and Conflict Resolution Tools Talk Confidently about your Sex Life Download the Workbook with all the Tools and Handouts Interact with other Couples Take a Custom Online Assessment for Your Marriage DYMC COUPLES CRUISE: June 14-18, 2021 We want to keep the cruise relatively small, so we will cap the registration. Sign up today and our travel agents will be in touch to collect a $200 registration deposit. Depart from Miami, Florida on Monday, June 14th, 2021 on Navigator of the Seas Visit Nassau, Bahamas and CocoBay, Bahamas! Includes: Beautiful Stateroom, All Food, Tips, Tax, and Registration Fees Includes: 4 Marriage Bootcamp Group Sessions with Adam and Karissa Optional individual or couple's counseling with Adam, Karissa, or another counselor (limited slots available upon request - sign-ups start in 2021) Optional Couple Massage and Other Couple Activities E-mail us with any questions you have! [email protected] Here are the links for the two events. We can't wait to be with you! DYMC VIRTUAL MARRIAGE RETREAT: August 14-15, 2020 DYMC COUPLES CRUISE: June 14-18, 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wonder why your spouse doesn't receive your feedback well? In this episode, you'll learn lots of tips for how to make sure you're actually giving feedback and not criticism. Our guests for today's episode are Aaron and Jocelyn Freeman of The Empowered Couples Podcast and authors of "The Argument Hangover". They cover everything "Conflict Resolution" in this episode as they share helpful hints for the person giving feedback and also valuable tools for the person who wants to learn how to receive feedback better. In short, you'll learn how to fight smarter. Aaron and Jocelyn recommended: The Argument Hangover The New Power Couple The Empowered Couples Podcast You can reach Jocelyn and Aaron via their website at: www.meetthefreemans.com Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode, we have a conversation with Yvette Kumar, LMFT about how anxiety impacts us as individuals and how it can affect the marriage. Yvette teaches several practical tools for overcoming anxiety and all from a Christian perspective. Yvette recommended: The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel The Assertiveness Guide for Women by Julie de Azevedo Hanks The Assertiveness Workbook by Randy Paterson Butterflies on the First Day of School You can reach Yvette via e-mail at: [email protected] Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In last week's episode, we shared some tips for speaking about difficult topics like SEX and MONEY. This week, we're sharing some tips for how to listen and understand when your spouse does bring something up. Here's the link to our upcoming live VIRTUAL MARRIAGE RETREAT: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/1/n6075a7 Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks that we created for you and your spouse: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sex and Money - two topics of conversation that often get you to shut down or heat up (maybe in more ways than one?). If you're going to bring up a conversation that you think could cause some more-than-normal tension, trigger unpacked emotions, or even some pain, it's important to let your spouse know that you're going to throw the ball. If you don't give them the heads-up, you might hit them in the back of the head, causing further negative emotion, pain, and tension around the topic next time it gets brought up.⁠ Here are some ways to give your spouse a heads-up:⁠ "Babe, I need to unpack a pretty big conversation box with you that has to with our sex life. I want to make sure we're both in a good mental space for it. Would tomorrow during the kids' nap time be a good time for us to discuss a few needs that we both have about our intimacy?"⁠ "I know we both want to win with money and we each have some ideas to put on the table for how to best do that. Do you think we could both do some research between now and Saturday on retirement investment options and then we could work toward a decision together on Saturday after breakfast?"⁠ "Babe, I have an important need to share with you about our spending. Is now a good time to chat?"⁠ "Hey Babe - when in the next week or so would be a good time for us to have a check-in about how often we have sex? I know today's probably not the best day and I'd like for us both to have time to think about it before we check-in."⁠ P.S. If you call your spouse something other than Babe, that works too. 😆 More about these conversation stems in today's episode. Here is the link to our upcoming LIVE virtual marriage retreat: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/1/n6075a7 Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether you think you're married to someone from a different culture than your own or not, this podcast is for you! The truth is, we all come from different family cultures, and when we marry someone, we're faced with many challenges of adopting, adapting, or dismissing various family traditions and norms that we bring into the marriage. In today's episode, Jonathan and Tiffany Bonilla, youth pastors in Florida, share their experience marrying into a culture different than their own. They discuss language barriers, familial expectations, spiritual alignment, and more. Jonathan and Tiffany recommended: Andy Stanley Podcast The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman @ianmorgancron (author of "The Road Back to You") Take notes and soak up lots at marriage seminars and church! Read the Word of God You can find Tiffany and Jonathan on IG: @tiffboni + @jonboni_ Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachael was born by artificial insemination to two moms and moved every few years while Montie grew up witnessing the outgrowth of "street life" and the conflicts that surround gang culture - their story about changing generational patterns in your marriage is one you don't want to miss. “One of the biggest impacts for both us, even when we were just dating, was going to families’ houses in the church and being blown away at the family interactions and all their love. Neither of us had seen that growing up.⁠ It was like a dream to look at them and think ‘We can create that for own family.’” Montie and Rachael Easter How do you pursue a godly relationship that was originally founded by the world’s standards? How do you create a thriving, two-parent household without having that example growing up? Come join the conversation on today's episode. You can find Montie and Rachael on IG: @rachael.easter + @montie_trc⁠ Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Looks actually do matter," says Pastor Myron Wideman Jr., in reference to looking for a potential spouse. Myron is Karissa's former student in the Bachelor of Science in Human Development Program at Wilson University and he earned a concentration in Counseling. He's also the Associate Pastor at Dekalb UPC in Stone Moutain, GA (Metro Atlanta Area). In this episode, we discuss: Biblical Perspective of Physical Attraction Keeping up with Your Physical Appearance while Married Ways to Support Your Spouse's Eating/Exercise Goals Sex vs. Intimacy Scheduling Sex Coming to Bed Intentionally Myron Wideman Jr. recommended: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman Before You Say "I Do" by H. Norman Wright After You Say "I Do" by H. Norman Wright Dr. R.A. Vernon's 10 Rules of Dating by R.A. Vernon You can find Myron Wideman on IG: @myronwidemanjr Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wow... We just finished learning from three amazing friends and colleagues about their experiences, perspectives, insight, and lessons. As we type this description (today, Juneteenth), our hearts are heavy and our motivation is high to listen, learn, and continue this conversation -- or as one of our panelists suggested, "Don't stop the conversation when it gets uncomfortable." Our prayer for you is that you can take down your walls as you listen to these stories and try to learn from the lessons that they teach us -- all of us. Our guests on the panel are: —Cynthia Eldridge: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and School Counselor at a Community Day School in Sacramento —Dr. Daniel Blash: Licensed Psychologist, Pastor, and Vice Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at St. Louis University School of Medicine —Kevin Goward: Owner of a Signing Agent Service Company (Banking/Finance Industry for 16 years) and Licensed Minister Some of the topics that our panelists covered (based on your and our questions) are: Significance of Juneteenth Black Lives Matter as a statement vs. organization Identity as People of Color (Black, African-American) and Identity as a Child of God Experiences with racism as a child and adult (both decades ago and months ago) Statements like "All Lives Matter" Interracial Marriage Racism in the Church We had so many takeaways from this conversation, but we'd like to hear from you... What's something you learned today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nic and McKenzie Norris dated long-distance (from two different countries, actually), and they shared several tips from their experience in this interview. Listen in as we discuss: Benefits of Long-Distance Dating Challenges of Long-Distance Dating Immigration Communication Trust/Transparency Boundaries when Dating This was a special episode for us since McKenzie is actually Adam's sister. So it was fun reminiscing and laughing about old dating memories. Whether you're a dating couple (long-distance or not) or a married couple who dated long-distance, you'll really enjoy the reflections and nuggets of wisdom in this episode. Nic and McKenzie Recommended: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman You can find Nic and McKenzie on IG: @norris_clan_2.0 + @nicholasbertram Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This was a special interview for us because Linda Carlos, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, was Karissa's supervisor before she became licensed several years ago. Linda was trained at Fuller Theological Seminary and has a deep understanding of how to integrate faith and practice. She has been a therapist for 30+ years, has two private practices in California and is an expert on attachment. In this podcast episode, Linda helps us understand attachment styles and how they impact our relationships as adults. Linda recommended: The Attachment Theory: How Childhood Affects Life (YouTube) How Your Childhood Affects Your Love Styles (You Tube) What Your Love Style Says About Your Childhood (YouTube) The Four Attachment Styles of Love (YouTube) How We Love (Quiz) Attachments: Why You Love, Feel, and Act the Way You Do by Clinton and Sibcy Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson Created for Connection by Johnson and Sanderfer How We Love by Milan and Kay Yerkovich You can contact Linda Carlos: [email protected] Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, the way you respond (both as an individual and as a couple) speaks volumes of your maturity, character, and depth. We had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Daniel Blash and his lovely wife Annemarie Blash about various struggles and setbacks they've experienced in their lifetime together. Their response was unique and reflected the depth of trust they have in God -- a faith that doesn't deny the facts, but defies the facts. Together, Daniel and Annemarie pastor in St. Louis, Missouri and Dr. Blash also practices as a Psychologist in St. Louis, Missouri. Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A recent survey showed that couples fight about money more than any other subject (including sex, chores, communication, and what's for dinner). As young married couples, it's most common for us to argue about: frivolous purchases budgeting credit card debt not having a great emergency fund frustrations about retirement plans not living up to the same money status as friends or family In this episode, Ramsey Personality and Personal Finance Expert, Rachel Cruze, tackles these subjects as she shares with us what she wishes she would have known about money before she got married (which is quite ironic, since she's Dave Ramsey's daughter). Rachel recommended: Financial Peace University (14-day Free Trial as of May, 2020) Every Dollar App You can check out more of what Rachel has to offer here: The Rachel Cruze Show (podcast) Love Your Life, Not Theirs: 7 Money Habits for Living the Life You Want (book) The Contentment Journal (90-day journey - learn to love your life and not someone else’s) You can contact Rachel at: www.rachelcruze.com or @rachelcruze on IG Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is our third "ASK" episode! Every now and then, we'll take a few of your questions and answer them here in a short 10-15 minute episode. Many of you asked questions about keeping your marriage alive while parenting, so we decided to share some reflections on these topics: What is the best way that you have found to stay intimately connected when you have kids? Did you have any systems that you put in place once you had children to make sure you stayed connected? What was the biggest adjustment for your marriage after you had your first child? As a stay-at-home mom with a 20-month-old, how do I get out of feeling like my life is a re-run? If you're looking for ways to connect with your spouse while quarantined, check out these marriage card decks that we created just for you: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States among people ages 15-44 and 2/3 of them don't actually seek or receive proper treatment. In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Beth Baus, tells us how depression can affect the marriage, and she gives practical steps for both the depressed person and the spouse for how to deal with depression. Beth recommended: It's Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst Hope Prevails by Michelle Bengtson I want to Change My Life by Steven Melemis When Your Spouse is Depressed (Focus on the Family article) Christian Counseling: A Guide for Pastors, Ministers, and Christian Counselors by Beth Baus You can contact Beth Baus: www.ourhealthyfamilies.org or @bethdbaus on IG Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wish you could pick the brain of a Christian sex therapist? Well we did just that in our interview with Laura Brotherson, LMFT, CST and we get to share it with you! These 12 "T's" provide a recipe of key ingredients, especially for women, to embrace their sexuality and wholeness - necessary for a "Sextraordinary Marriage." You can rate yourself in each of these areas to see where you might need to focus your efforts. Laura recommended: Knowing Her Intimately: 12 Keys for Creating a Sextraordinary Marriage From Honeymoon to Happily Ever After: 23 Keys to Prepare for a Sextraordinary Marriage (use code: honeymoonprep to get this book for $10!) Rocket Fuel for Female Sexual Desire (PDF) 5-Minute Meditation Text and Audio Sexual Wholeness Workshop for Women The Gift of Sex by Cliff and Joyce Penner Celebration of Sex by Doug Rosenau The Marital Intimacy Show Podcast w/ Laura You can contact Laura Brotherson: [email protected] or @strengtheningmarriage on IG Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is our second "ASK" episode! Every now and then, we'll take a few of your questions and answer them here in a short 10-15 minute episode. These two questions were asked in various ways this month, so we decided to share some reflections on these topics: Can you talk about embracing your sexuality? How do you go from no sex, to sex all the time? Do you think that God will still bless a marriage if you had premarital sex? If you're looking for ways to connect with your spouse while quarantined, check out these marriage card decks that we created just for you: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last week, we heard from a couple who shared their story of recovery from pornography addiction. This week, we get to hear from an expert in the field, Rev. Timothy Hadden, CADC-R, an outpatient addictions counselor. He sheds some light on how addictions form and the red flags to look out for if you suspect that your spouse is addicted. He covers common addictions that he sees in church circles, like prescription medications and pornography, but also shares insight for other addictions like drugs, alcohol, gambling, and internet addiction. Timothy also shares guidelines and boundaries to have in place for a marriage to stay free of addictions. Timothy Hadden recommended: Worthy of Her Trust by Stephen Arterburn Hope Casting Podcast Hope Connect Community @hope_connector on Instagram and Facebook You can contact Timothy Hadden: [email protected] Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the second part of a 2-part exclusive interview with Nathan and Martha Driskill, the Young Married Leaders at Christian Life Church in Mequon, WI. (If you haven't listened to Part 1, go back and do that now!) In this interview, Nathan shares his childhood story of how the addiction to pornography began and how it followed him into adulthood. Martha joins the story when she shares how she met, dated, and married Nathan, and then how the porn addiction stayed hidden until their 7th year of marriage. In part 2, Martha shares how she found out about Nathan's addiction and then Nathan and Martha discuss practical steps they took toward healing over the last 13 years (including resources that they recommend to other couples who find themselves in this place of pain and fear). Nathan recommended the following books for the spouse with the addiction: Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker Every Man's Marriage by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker Intoxicated with Babylon by Steve Gallagher At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry by Steve Gallagher Pure Desire by Ted Roberts The Walk of Repentance by Steve Gallagher / Pure Life Ministries - 24-week course: the first 12 weeks are overseen by a mentor and the final 12 weeks are completed solo. (Martha and I went through this individually in 2013. It was crucial in Martha's recovery and further solidified my recovery as it led me even closer to God's heart for us in this world.) The Conquer Series (Our church recently went through this program. I served as a group leader in this 10-week series as well as the following series) 7 Pillars of Freedom Workbook by Ted Roberts (28-week men's group series: I am currently leading this series with a group of men from our church - Good stuff!) Martha recommended the following books for the wounded spouse: Every Heart Restored by Fred and Brenda Stoeker The Healing Choice by Brenda Stoeker and Susan Allen When His Secret Sin Breaks Your Heart by Kathy Gallagher Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker (This book was very helpful for me to understand men’s struggle.) Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we created for couples who want to become more connected: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the first part of a 2-part exclusive interview with Nathan and Martha Driskill, the Young Married Leaders at Christian Life Church in Mequon, WI. In this interview, Nathan shares his childhood story of how the addiction to pornography began and how it followed him into adulthood. Martha joins the story when she shares how she met, dated, and married Nathan, and then how the porn addiction stayed hidden until their 7th year of marriage. In part 2, Martha shares how she found out about Nathan's addiction and then Nathan and Martha discuss practical steps they took toward healing over the last 13 years (including resources that they recommend to other couples who find themselves in this place of pain and fear). Nathan recommended the following books for the spouse with the addiction: Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker Every Man's Marriage by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker Intoxicated with Babylon by Steve Gallagher At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry by Steve Gallagher Pure Desire by Ted Roberts The Walk of Repentance by Steve Gallagher / Pure Life Ministries - 24-week course: the first 12 weeks are overseen by a mentor and the final 12 weeks are completed solo. (Martha and I went through this individually in 2013. It was crucial in Martha's recovery and further solidified my recovery as it led me even closer to God's heart for us in this world.) The Conquer Series (Our church recently went through this program. I served as a group leader in this 10-week series as well as the following series) 7 Pillars of Freedom Workbook by Ted Roberts (28-week men's group series: I am currently leading this series with a group of men from our church - Good stuff!) Martha recommended the following books for the wounded spouse: Every Heart Restored by Fred and Brenda Stoeker The Healing Choice by Brenda Stoeker and Susan Allen When His Secret Sin Breaks Your Heart by Kathy Gallagher Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker (This book was very helpful for me to understand men’s struggle.) Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we created for couples who want to become more connected: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Daniel Blash, a psychologist and pastor in St. Louis, Missouri is anointed, educated, and gifted. It was an honor to interview him about the impact that trauma can have on the marriage. In this episode, Dr. Blash addresses: What trauma is vs. what it looks like Five domains of intimacy Small traumas that build up and the impact they can have on your marriage Holding on to stuff and letting trauma take space in your life How people get triggered How to work through a sexual history Healing through encounters with God and through godly counsel Dr. Blash recommended: His Needs Her Needs by Willard Harley We also recommend these books for couples healing from sexual trauma: Healing the Wounded Heart by Dan Allender When a Woman You Love was Abused by Dawn Scott Jones Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Studies show that how often you argue actually doesn't matter when it comes to your satisfaction in the marriage; how those arguments are handled, however, will definitely be a determining factor in predicting not only satisfaction, but divorce rates and other important dynamics in your marriage. So how do we argue well? Today on the podcast, Matthew and Sabrina Schlesinger share five rules for arguing effectively: Seek first to understand. Call a grown-up time-out. Don't go to bed angry. Respect their process. Become a safe place. One of our favorite things that Matthew and Sabrina said during this episode was, "Have a good customer service desk for your spouse." You may not always agree, but seek to understand. This will definitely result in a much happier customer. Matthew + Sabrina gave a couple of book recommendations: The Naked Marriage by Dave and Ashley Willis Hedges: Loving Your Marriage Enough to Protect It by Jerry Jenkins You can contact Matthew and Sabrina at www.mommentor.org or [email protected] (or on IG: @sabrinaschlesinger). Their two podcasts are "Marriage on the Go" and "Parenting on the Go" Stay in conversation with us on IG: @dearyoungmarriedcouple or on our website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com P.S. Here are the links to the marriage card decks we talk about in the episode: FOUNDATIONS: https://amzn.to/2RaXF7g SEXPECTATIONS: https://amzn.to/2GbVMRA REALIZATIONS: https://amzn.to/3brNTWh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices