The Psychology of Relationships

What if healthy relationships require more than simply falling in love? Many traditional relationship models teach couples to merge into one shared identity, but that approach can sometimes weaken connection instead of strengthening it. Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, social psychologist and author of Love by Design, joins Julie & Yue to introduce the Emergent Love Model—a more intentional framework for lasting partnership. She explains why thriving relationships allow both people to continue evolving individually while building a meaningful life together.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The difference between emergent and submergent relationships
Why “becoming one” can sometimes weaken connection
The six ingredients that support lasting love
How intentional partnership differs from passive expectation
Ways to approach relationships with more clarity and design

To learn more about Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, follow her @dr.saranasserzadeh and visit https://www.sara-nasserzadeh.com/

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Sex is one of the most important parts of a relationship—and one of the hardest topics for couples to talk about openly. Vanessa Marin, licensed psychotherapist and author of Sex Talks, joins Julie & Yue alongside her husband and collaborator Xander Marin to unpack why conversations around intimacy often feel so uncomfortable, and how avoidance can quietly create distance in relationships. Together, they explore how communication, emotional safety, and vulnerability shape intimacy far beyond the physical side of sex.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why so many couples struggle to talk about sex openly
How avoidance impacts intimacy and emotional connection
Ways to communicate needs without shame or pressure
Why emotional safety is essential for a healthy sex life
How better conversations can strengthen intimacy overall

To learn more about Vanessa and Xander Marin, follow them @vanessaandxander and visit vmtherapy.com.

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Omaha Steaks: Try the Burger Perfection Flight at OmahaSteaks.com today. That’s 20 premium steak burgers for just $79.99. Plus, get $35 off with promo code BEEF.
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com/por
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por
* The Dare: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
* The Throne of Broken Gods: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com

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After enough painful relationships, many people start asking the same question: why do I keep ending up here? Pharaoh Kyle, spiritual coach and entrepreneur, joins Julie & Yue to explore how toxic relationship patterns form, why people ignore red flags, and what it takes to break unhealthy cycles. He shares how emotional wounds and lost self-trust can keep people stuck in dynamics that no longer serve them—and how healing those patterns can lead to healthier, more aligned relationships moving forward.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The common signs of toxic relationship patterns
Why people ignore red flags and stay stuck
How to rebuild trust in yourself after unhealthy relationships
What keeps old relational cycles repeating
Tools for healing and choosing healthier connections moving forward

To learn more about Pharaoh Kyle, follow him @pharaohkyle and visit pharaohkyle.com

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Omaha Steaks: Try the Burger Perfection Flight at OmahaSteaks.com today. That’s 20 premium steak burgers for just $79.99. Plus, get $35 off with promo code BEEF.
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com/por
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por
* The Dare: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
* The Throne of Broken Gods: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com

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Most people believe they’re self-aware—but research shows we’re often far less aware of our patterns, behaviors, and impact on others than we think. Dr. Tasha Eurich, organizational psychologist, researcher, and bestselling author of Insight, joins Julie & Yue to explore how self-awareness shapes relationships, communication, and long-term compatibility. She explains why the gap between how we see ourselves and how others experience us can quietly influence attraction, conflict, and connection—and how increasing awareness can change the way we show up in relationships.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The difference between internal and external self-awareness
Why most people overestimate how self-aware they are
How self-awareness impacts attraction and communication
Why asking “what” instead of “why” creates more change
Ways to become more conscious of your relationship patterns

To learn more about Dr. Tasha Eurich, follow her @tashaeurich and visit tashaeurich.com

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Omaha Steaks: Try the Burger Perfection Flight at OmahaSteaks.com today. That’s 20 premium steak burgers for just $79.99. Plus, get $35 off with promo code BEEF.
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com/por
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por
* The Dare: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
* The Throne of Broken Gods: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com

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Relationships rarely end because of one major event. More often, they slowly break down through small moments where one partner feels dismissed, unseen, or emotionally unsupported. Matthew Fray, relationship coach and author of This Is How Your Marriage Ends, joins Julie & Yue to unpack the lessons behind his viral article An Open Letter to Shtty Husbands*. He shares how emotional neglect quietly erodes connection, why these patterns often go unnoticed until it’s too late, and what it actually takes to become a more present, emotionally aware partner.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How emotional neglect quietly damages relationships
Why small dismissive moments matter more than people realize
The hidden warning signs relationships are struggling
How these patterns can begin long before marriage
Ways to become a more emotionally present partner

To learn more about Matthew Fray, follow him @frayrelationships and visit matthewfray.com

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Omaha Steaks: Try the Burger Perfection Flight at OmahaSteaks.com today. That’s 20 premium steak burgers for just $79.99. Plus, get $35 off with promo code BEEF.
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com/por
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por
* The Dare: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
* The Throne of Broken Gods: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com

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