#34: Before You Start Spring Cleaning... Do This First

Marriage isn’t just about love. It’s about preparation, compatibility, and knowing what you’re really signing up for. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Michelle Richards, a licensed marriage and family therapist with 35+ years of experience, about the most common mistakes couples make before marriage. From emotional blind spots to family dynamics and avoidance in conflict, we cover the conversations you need to have now, before it’s too late.  

n this episode, I’m unpacking a lie that too many of us carry into relationships without realizing it. We’re told men should do one thing, women another. But what happens when those roles don’t reflect your real life, your strengths, or your relationship? I’m breaking down how rigid gender roles can create disconnection, why so many couples silently struggle because of outdated expectations, and how to build a more flexible, personalized dynamic that actually works. If you’re ready to stop performing and start creating real connection, this episode is for you.

There’s one habit I see ruin dating and long-term relationships over and over again. Most people don’t even know they’re doing it. In this episode, I’m sharing how emotional avoidance and silence in relationships can quietly create distance, block connection, and leave people wondering what went wrong. If you’ve ever held back what you really feel to avoid conflict or keep the peace, this episode is for you. I’ll walk through real examples from my work as a therapist and coach, and offer practical relationship advice to help you stop self-sabotaging and start creating more honest, healthy connection.

After seeing a viral video titled “5 Things Christian Women Need to STOP Wearing,” I couldn’t stay quiet. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest reaction — not to tear anyone down, but to open a real conversation about modesty, accountability, and why we need to stop blaming women for other people’s choices. We talk about: Why intention matters more than appearance The danger of shame-based messaging What true self-control looks like And why it’s time to grow past the blame game

There’s something I hear often — and most parents don’t even realize they’re doing it. It sounds like this: “You never listen.” “You always do this.” “No one else has this problem.” In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most common parenting mistakes I see — and how the words we say (even casually) can quietly shape our children’s identity, confidence, and emotional health. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being more mindful of the things we say when we think they’re not listening.

You can scrub every inch of your home, but if your mind is cluttered and your heart is heavy, you’ll still feel stuck. In this episode, I walk you through how to do a mental spring cleaning — letting go of emotional weight, tackling lingering to-dos, and clearing the way for real peace this season.

Are you speaking your partner’s love language—or are your words getting lost in translation? In this episode, I break down the 5 Love Languages and how they shape the way we give and receive love. If you’ve ever felt unloved, misunderstood, or disconnected, it might be because you and your partner express love in different ways. Join me as we explore how to decode your partner’s love language and improve communication for a stronger, more fulfilling relationship!

Tired of doing the exact same thing for date night... over and over again? It's time to switch things up. Watch this video to get learn how to make unforgettable date nights.

Tired of swiping left and right with no real results? If online dating has left you frustrated, disappointed, or just plain exhausted, you’re not alone. In this episode, I'm breaking down 8 real-world alternatives to dating apps that will help you meet amazing people without relying on swipes and algorithms. Whether you've had bad experiences with online dating or just don’t like it, these methods will help you connect in authentic, meaningful ways. Tune in to learn: ✔️ Why online dating doesn’t work for everyone ✔️ 8 powerful ways to meet potential partners in real life ✔️ The best strategies for building real, lasting connections  

Tired of swiping, waiting, and wondering if you’ll ever find “The One”? The truth is, most people are looking for love the wrong way—and no one is talking about how to find your soulmate. In this video, I reveal how to find your life partner in a way that works.