Accidentally Squashing Your Partner's Excitement (When You're on Two Different Wavelengths in a Conversation): Episode 422
Have you ever shared an idea or dream with your spouse, something that genuinely excited you, only to have the energy immediately flattened by practicality or fear? In this episode, we're unpacking a dynamic that quietly drains energy and connection in many marriages: when one partner is in enthusiastic, imaginative energy and the other instantly shifts into logic and control mode. We'll explore why this happens, what it reveals emotionally for each partner, and how to respond in a way that keeps the energy between you alive instead of shutting it down. In this episode you'll hear: The hidden psychology behind why partners "squash" enthusiasm (even with good intentions) How to frame a conversation for your partner from the start, so you're on the same wavelength Practical shifts that help you stay connected and engaged, even when you see things differently Why joining in the energy doesn't mean agreeing to every idea How this dynamic slowly erodes emotional intimacy if you don't adjust If you've ever felt misunderstood for your excitement, or struggled to stay open when your spouse starts dreaming big, this conversation will help you both feel seen and stay on the same wavelength. If this episode resonates, grab our 3-Guide Bundle—a powerful trio of tools that help you communicate and stay connected during the moments that matter most: 📘 De-Escalating Conflicts 📘 Making Up & Moving Forward 📘 The Family Meeting Guide Get the bundle at meetthefreemans.com/links and start using the same tools we teach our couples every day.
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Can One Spouse Change the Marriage For the Better? Episode 421
As the holiday season approaches, many couples find themselves hitting a quiet but undeniable breaking point. Something about this stretch of time—from mid-October through the new year—brings things to the surface. Maybe it's the reflection that comes with the end of a year. Maybe it's the pressure of finances, family expectations, or feeling like life is flying by. But without the closeness you hoped to feel by now. For many, it's a season where the question "Can we really keep going like this?" starts to creep in. In this episode, we unpack a question so many couples wrestle with: Can one spouse change the marriage if the other isn't ready or willing? What happens when one person is trying, growing, learning... and the other seems stuck? Is it unfair to hope for more? Is it foolish to keep waiting? We're diving into the emotional weight of this question, why so many couples delay getting support, and what it really takes to shift the direction of your relationship. Especially in the seasons that feel the hardest. In this episode we cover: The surprising reason many marriages reach a breaking point during this season The #1 personality trait that determines whether couples make it through hard seasons Why some partners resist working on themselves or the relationship until separation is on the table What delays couples from getting help—and how much damage that can do The emotional cost of carrying the growth for two people  To then interrupt destructive cycles and finally start moving forward together: 🎥 Watch the free 1-hour Marriage WebClass: [The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection in Marriage & How to Overcome Them]  This is the fastest way to learn what's really underneath recurring arguments, disconnection, and shutdowns—and how to turn it around together. Couples say it gave them more clarity than 6 months of counseling. 👉 Watch this Marriage WebClass now [with this link here] 👉 See all of our practical resources here - from couples challenges, guides, and in-person events. Â
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The Science of Stress, Anger & Connection—How to Heal the Family System with Dr. Taz Bhatia: Episode 420
Have you ever thought about how your own stress affects your kids — or how your parents' stress might still be affecting you? In this powerful conversation with Dr. Taz Bhatia, integrative medicine physician, author, and founder of Hol+, we explore how the health of the parents — especially the mother — sets the tone for the entire family system. Because wellness isn't just about self-care… it's about the legacy you're creating for the next generation. Together, we unpack how patterns of anger, overwhelm, and chronic stress get passed down in families — and how to finally break the cycle. In this episode you'll hear: Why stress isn't always bad, but becomes harmful when your body never feels safe (aka the cortisol hum). How unresolved emotions and disconnection show up in the body — from hormone imbalances to fatigue and resentment. The way childhood modeling shapes how we handle conflict and stress in marriage. Practical ways to track your body's signals (like HRV) and create a calmer emotional climate at home. Simple habits couples can build to protect their emotional and physical well-being — and, in turn, their kids'. Dr. Taz also shares how she's disrupting the medical industry through her Hol+ network (add link) — an integrative system combining Eastern and Western medicine to care for families as a whole, offering both in-person clinics and virtual access nationwide. Her mission is simple yet profound: to help every family heal from the inside out. This episode is a reminder that when one person in the family heals, everyone benefits. The health of your marriage, your body, and your home are all connected — and you have the power to create a new emotional legacy for your family. You can find our most popular resources including our FREE Marriage Webclass: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection at - meetthefreemans.com/links
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When the 'Needing Space' and 'Needing Resolution' Partners Marry Each Other: Episode 419
It seems like the "I need more space" and "I need to talk this out now" partners always find each other! This is the basis of the Pursuer/Withdrawer as well as the Anxious/Avoidant partner dynamics in marriage. When this dynamic happens, it always causes more tension, defensiveness, anxiety, and distance than the initial topic of conversation. If this sounds at all like dynamics you and your partner get into, you certainly are not alone! In today's episode you will hear more detail about what's really happening for each partner, whether it is the need for space or resolution. There are many factors that contribute to this, like personality type and emotional processing capacity. But tune in to hear about details you would have never thought of, hear more about how this dynamic has played out in our own marriage over the years, and then specific steps you can take to keep this dynamic from escalating simple conversations. This will make you both feel even more secure, understood, and loved in your relationship. 👉 Don't forget to join us on our FREE Live Marriage Webclass on: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection in Marriage. This live event only happens 2x per year. If you can't attend live, still register, as we will send you the replay. So don't miss out! Â
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The 4 D's That Create Division in a Marriage: Episode 418
Division isn't just a problem in the world—it's creeping into homes, marriages, and families everywhere. When couples start turning against each other instead of standing together, the bond that once felt safe and secure begins to weaken. In this episode, we're breaking down The 4 D's That Create Division in a Marriage: Dismissiveness, Defensiveness, Deflecting, and Divorce Threats. These subtle but destructive patterns slowly undermine connection and emotional safety, often without you even realizing it. We'll clearly define what each of these behaviors looks and sounds like—and why they're so damaging to your closeness and trust. More importantly, we'll share how to stop them before they erode your foundation. 👉 And don't miss our live + free Marriage WebClass: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection in a Marriage. It's a topic we've never taught publicly before, packed with the exact insights and tools we use with coaching clients. Register now at OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com
Stay on the same team, no matter the challenge you face!
Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman, known as The Freemans, are the husband-and-wife duo behind viral marriage content seen by 20M+ couples every month. Both hold Master's degrees in Psychology, are authors, coaches, and parents... but what makes them stand out is how real and relatable their advice is. Most couples say: "Are they watching us?!"
This show gives couples the practical tools, real talk, and honest coaching that most relationships are missing. Whether you're in a tough season or just want to stay connected through the chaos of life, you'll walk away from every episode with something you can actually use.
If you're ready to improve communication, resolve conflict faster, and feel emotionally connected again, subscribe now. You'll want to binge past episodes and never miss what's next.
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