From Long Distance to Marriage
124 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 63 ratingsHosts Aindrea and Rich were in a long distance relationship separated by over 5,000 miles, from Arizona to London. They closed the distance and are fast approaching a decade of marriage, having experienced many ups, downs and challenges along the way.
From Long Distance to Marriage exists for all types of relationships, and covers topics often not discussed. The podcast covers date ideas for couples who can be together physically and those who can't, the difficulties in relationships and how to overcome them, and the vital role of communication.
And much, much more.
This is a podcast where listeners can get involved. Aindrea and Rich read every email and social interaction they receive, giving their insight on every step of a relationship that followers want to know about - from long distance to marriage.
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Episodes
74: E74: The scavenger hunt date
April 26, 2020 07:26 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBLooking for different date ideas? A way to really sweep your love off their feet and remind them how much you care? Enter the scavenger hunt date. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich walk you through the options for creating this date, whether you're looking for a big gesture or just a fun lead up to finding a surprise or meal at home. This is a brilliant way to mix up your dating life, especially during the endless days of quarantine. There are also long distance options!
73: E73: Your long distance toolkit
April 19, 2020 06:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBDue to the coronavirus outbreak, many couples are struggling with having to spend even more time apart, or are experiencing long distance for the first time. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich suggest tools and products to help ease the burden of the miles. From video call platforms that integrate games to long distance bracelets to make you feel closer, they share ways to cope with the distance.
72: E72: Tips for couples working from home together
April 12, 2020 07:03 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBAround the world, people are finding themselves working from home for an extended period of time - for the first time in their life. That might mean working from home with your spouse or significant other, which poses its own set of challenges. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich discuss: - Setting boundaries - Having a routine - How you still 'go to work' - The importance of a designated space, even if you lack the space to work in separate rooms - Adjusting to a new normal
71: E71: Jordan Syatt on long distance and fitness for couples (plus Harry Potter)
April 05, 2020 06:00 - 46 minutes - 43 MBThis is a special episode, as Aindrea & Rich are joined by Jordan Syatt. Jordan is a fitness coach and trainer to Gary Vaynerchuk, and he recently closed the distance with his long term girlfriend. Jordan discusses that relationship, as well as fitness for couples including how to motivate your partner to eat healthier or work out, why shaming and negativity isn't the right approach, and his outlook on relationships with food and body image. A huge Harry Potter fan, Jordan also explained whi...
70: E70: Coping with jealousy in your relationship
March 29, 2020 10:13 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MBJealousy is a broad term and is difficult for the person feeling it and the person they're in a relationship with. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich look at causes of jealousy, how to handle and try to overcome them, inconsistencies, why porn isn't usually worth being jealous of, and what jealousy really means.
69: E69: Coping with self-isolation during the coronavirus pandemic
March 22, 2020 15:05 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBIn this episode, Rich and Aindrea address what’s happening all over the world right now. From quarantine talk to the shops running out of food, it’s a mad time to be alive. Join as Rich and Aindrea share ideas for what to do with yourself while social distancing, at home date ideas for couples, and support for couples who are long distance during these uncertain times. Read our latest blog, “Coronavirus and your long distance relationship” Get our Ultimate Guide to Long Distance Relation...
68: E68: Life as an expat with Meg of the Gin and Beer It Show
March 15, 2020 07:30 - 1 hour - 60.7 MBRich and Aindrea are joined by Meg, host of the Gin and Beer It Show, to discuss life as an expat. If you're in a long distance relationship, considering moving to another country, or have already moved abroad, this episode is for you. Meg opens up about feelings of resentment and sadness at being in another country, as well as the positives and things she loves about it. Follow Meg at her website Gin and Beer It Show and listen to her podcast here
67: E67: Your partner deserves a happy relationship too
March 08, 2020 15:28 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBSaying 'no' is easy. Sometimes, too easy. We can take things for granted and not always consider how happy our other half is, or how our reactions affect them. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich look at whether it's reasonable to stop them doing certain things, how to approach conversations that have better outcomes, when you absolutely wouldn't say no and why you have a responsibility to your partner's happiness as well as your own.
66: E66: Dating your spouse with Tony & Alisa Dilorenzo from One Extraordinary Marriage
March 01, 2020 07:30 - 58 minutes - 54 MBAindrea and Rich are joined by Tony and Alisa Dilorenzo from One Extraordinary Marriage. In this episode they discussed the importance of dating your spouse. This covered how it can save your marriage, why and how to eliminate distractions, lots of ideas for cheap or home dates, sharing the planning responsibility and what a date actually is. Learn more about One Extraordinary Marriage at their website or listen along by searching One Extraordinary Marriage in your favourite podcast app.
65: E65: How to discuss whether or not you want to have children
February 23, 2020 08:00 - 59 minutes - 54.9 MBHaving children is a big decision, and not right for everyone. In episode 65, Aindrea and Rich discuss how to have the conversation with your partner, the important points to consider, and why it's important to talk even if you both know you want children. Plus, they look at the emotional aspect of why people may not want them, as well as why it can be upsetting and hurtful when people ask "When are you getting pregnant?"
64: E64: Handling religious differences
February 16, 2020 08:28 - 1 hour - 100 MBReligion is a sensitive topic. For those with faith, it's wonderful. Those without it may see it as harmful or pointless. In episode 64, Aindrea and Rich talk with Alice (from daretodoubt.org) and David (from The Graceful Atheist podcast) about their own journeys, what role religion has played (and continued to play), and how it affects their relationships - including David's marriage featuring religious faith as a central role, only for him to eventually lose his faith and have a difficult ...
63: E63: The importance of the little things
February 09, 2020 13:29 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBValentine's Day is just a few days away and so to continue the tips for showing your love, Rich & Aindrea discuss the importance of small gestures this week. From anticipating your partner's needs and doing them a service to listening to their wants or desires and delivering - without being asked - this episode is a must listen. Not everything has to be a grand gesture, and more often than not, a small, thoughtful act holds more power than a big, bold move. This episode is sponsored by Bal...
62: E62: Expressing love languages for Valentine's Day
February 03, 2020 07:04 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBMost people have heard about love languages. There are books on them, endless blog posts, and one of our earlier episodes was all about them. But a lot of this information just tells you what they are and how to work yours out - they often don't explain how to utilise the information. For example, you might know your partner likes words of affirmation. Great! But what next? If you don't know how to provide those words of affirmation, you're back at square one. In this episode, with Valenti...
61: E61: Next-level communication
January 19, 2020 11:41 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBIt’s easy to say couples need to communicate more, but sometimes a serious conversation isn’t the answer to a problem. What about non-verbal communication - what part does this play in a relationship? From watching for tells that your partner is upset about something to understanding what messages your behaviour is sending your partner, in this episode, Rich & Aindrea cover next level communication. If you find verbal talks don’t always help you handle problems in your relationship, this is ...
60: E60: Common interests for couples
January 12, 2020 15:23 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBSometimes as a relationship moves on, couples can find it difficult to establish common interests. Is it ok to have your own interests separate from your partner? What should you do if you and your partner don’t have any interests in common anymore? What if your partner’s hobbies are taking them away from you? It’s a complex issue and one that Aindrea and Rich discuss in this week’s episode. Stream now to find out more.
59: E59: Making your partner feel special
January 05, 2020 11:20 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBOnce the haze of new love settles, we can find ourselves scratching our heads and unsure how to make our partner feel as special as we did in the early days. Sometimes we're oblivious, and sometimes our partner makes it clear that they don't feel as special or loved. Either way, it's vital that both people in a relationship do what they can to keep this feeling alive. Listen for date ideas, inspiration for small gestures, and ways you can tune in to find out how to give your partner what the...
58: E58: New Year's resolutions for couples
December 29, 2019 16:44 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB2020 is just around the corner and many of us are taking stock and reflecting, as well as planning for what we want in the new year. But what about your relationship? What could you and your partner do in 2020 to make it the beginning of your happiest chapter yet? In the last episode of 2019, Rich and Aindrea discuss ideas for resolutions couples can work toward together, and how to do so.
57: E57: Keeping Christmas special for couples
December 22, 2019 15:56 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBWith Christmas just a few days away, Rich and Aindrea offer tips for how to make sure you keep the season special for you and your partner. From ways to find time for just the two of you, ideas for making new traditions, and keeping it special if you’re still long distance, this episode is here to help keep your Christmas romantic and memorable.
56: E56: The 7 year itch
December 15, 2019 11:04 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBWhat is the 7 year itch and why does it affect so many couples? From tips to coping with ruts in your relationship to ideas for getting things back on track, this is a great episode for anyone currently out of sync in their relationship, or looking to be proactive.
55: E55: Managing communication expectations
December 08, 2019 11:28 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBThis week Aindrea and Rich bring you another special episode requested by a listener. Are you and your LDR love struggling to get on the same page in terms of how much you should be talking, texting, or FaceTiming? Communication is the biggest part of a long distance relationship, so it’s understandable that a lot hinges on just how much time you spend talking. So whether you’re not talking enough, you feel your partner wants to communicate more than you can manage, or you just can’t seem to...
54: E54: First year of marriage with Marcus and Ashley
December 01, 2019 12:07 - 49 minutes - 46 MBThis week Aindrea and Rich have a special episode and were joined by Ashley and Marcus, the couple behind Our Peaceful Family, a website dedicated to helping newlyweds navigate the first year of marriage. But couples at all stages of their marriage can benefit from their experience. Listen as they discuss their own very challenging first year and some of the biggest challenges marriages can face. https://ourpeacefulfamily.com
53: E53: Surviving the holidays in a long distance relationship
November 24, 2019 11:15 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBThe topic of this week’s episode was a special request from a listener, and so Aindrea & Rich are addressing the topic of how to handle the holidays in a long distance relationship. From spending holidays apart to finding ways of making it still feel special, and throwing family into the mix, you’ll definitely want to listen to this episode with the festive season kicking off for many this week.
52: E52: Deciding who moves in a long distance relationship
November 10, 2019 14:47 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBThis is probably the most difficult conversation you'll have in a long distance relationship: which one of you is going to leave their life and move to their partner? Or will you both move to somewhere completely new? In this episode, Aindrea and Rich talk about how to approach this conversation, the things to consider and why moving to a new place together may not be the best option. They also discuss the key topics to think about, and suggest ways of making the move easier.
51: E51: When to (and to not) get married
November 03, 2019 16:19 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBMarriage. When should you do it, when should you not do it? In episode 51, Rich and Aindrea discuss this question and all the things you'll need to consider. Are you hoping marriage will fix something in your relationship? Have you built the necessary foundations?
50: E50: Let's talk about sex
October 13, 2019 12:19 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MBFor the 50th episode, Rich and Aindrea are opening up the conversation about navigating the tricky waters of your sex life. Listen as they cover topics like how to talk about sex issues in your relationship, what to do when the sex starts to dwindle, how to communicate your needs to your partner and so much more.
49: E49: Communicating, with Dr Laura Louis
October 06, 2019 15:07 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBThis week, Aindrea and Rich interview psychologist, author and speaker, Dr Laura Louis. Laura is an expert in relationship therapy and the interview covers topics such as how to keep the peace in your relationship, how to end an argument, understanding compromise and supporting a partner with mental health issues. Find out more about Laura here: AtlantaCoupleTherapy.com DrLauraLouis.com
48: E48: On the topic of ghosting
September 29, 2019 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBThis week, Aindrea and Rich are on the topic of ghosting. In a long distance relationship, usually more than 50% of your communication and time spent together is in the digital world, a place where it’s now possible to “ghost” someone, or simply just disappear from their life and stop responding to messages and calls. This is a topic that we get messaged about a lot, by people concerned about why their partner hasn’t responded to them in weeks, why they’re becoming less and less available ...
47: E47: Avoiding criticism, with special guest Dovid Feldman
September 22, 2019 10:17 - 1 hour - 73.6 MBMarriage counsellor Dovid Feldman joins Aindrea and Rich for episode 47 of From Long Distance to Marriage. The discussion is on criticism in a relationship, why you should avoid it and how to communicate in a more positive manner. They discuss why fighting is kryptonite to a healthy relationship, and the importance of a hierarchy of needs and knowing what you're prepared to fight about so you can more easily let the trivial things go. Dovid Feldman website: dovidfeldman.com Twitter: twit...
46: E46: Keeping score in a relationship
September 15, 2019 09:24 - 47 minutes - 44.2 MBThis week’s episode brings interesting discussion around the topic of keeping score in your relationship. Are you constantly discussing who has paid for what, or who was the last to take out the trash? If you’re long distance, maybe it’s an ongoing debate of whose turn it is to come and visit. Or maybe you’re constantly wishing your partner was as thoughtful as you are. The reality is, keeping score in your relationship is dangerous to your health as a couple. Listen to this episode to hea...
45: E45: Lending money to your partner
September 08, 2019 12:22 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBWhen we love someone, we want to help them in any way we can. But what happens if your partner asks you to lend them money? This can happen in all kinds of scenarios, but it can be particularly worrisome if the request is coming from a romantic interest you met online - and not in person yet. In this week's episode Aindrea and Rich discuss reasons couples may want to lend money to their significant other, and tips for staying smart and safe if you feel comfortable doing so. They also share...
44: E44: Managing time in your long distance relationship
September 01, 2019 10:31 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBThis week’s episode came as a special request from a listener. When you’re in a long distance relationship it can be a challenge to balance your time and dedicate yourself to all areas of your life, including friends, family, and your significant other. But what happens when you move away from home and every time you go back to visit, you have people vying for your attention? In this episode, Aindrea and Rich break down the importance of spending time with all of those important to you when...
43: E43: Keep family and friends out of your relationship
August 18, 2019 16:26 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MBRich and Aindrea are true believers in keeping your relationship sacred. Sometimes that can be difficult, though. Perhaps you have overbearing family members or friends who get jealous. Maybe you’ve had a really bad fight and need someone to talk to. Maybe your partner is acting different and you just need advice. In this episode, Rich and Aindrea discuss when this is okay and when it’s not the best idea, and how to have conversations about your parter that don’t paint them in a negative l...
42: E42: Showing gratitude in your relationship
August 11, 2019 10:29 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MBAre you showing your parter enough gratitude? All over the world, people are making gratitude lists and trying to live that #blessedlife. But the best place to start is in your own relationship, by showing your partner that you appreciate them and are grateful for the value they add to your life and the things they do for you. Find out why Aindrea and Rich thank each other for even the most mundane tasks and gestures, and why it sets their marriage apart and encourages love rather than res...
41: E41: Growing apart in your relationship
August 04, 2019 13:26 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBIt's everyone's worst fear - that this beautiful, fantastic love will one day fade away and you'll be left in a loveless marriage or relationship. In this episode, Aindrea and Rich discuss growing apart in your relationship, what is natural and what you should regard as a red flag. It's natural for your relationship to change and evolve, and for you both to grow as people. Listen for tips on how to navigate the ups and downs of growing as a couple, and individuals - rather than growing apart...
40: E40: Romantic getaways and their importance
July 28, 2019 08:32 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB*Note: please do not be put off by the title of this episode! We are not only talking about big expensive vacations.* In this episode Aindrea and Rich talk about how vital it is to get some special away time with the love of your life. This doesn’t have to be a once in a lifetime, luxury vacation. It can be a day out at your local zoo, or just a little weekend getaway housesitting, like Rich and Aindrea are doing this weekend themselves - it’s all what you make of it. This week, they discus...
39: E39: Are you in your relationship for the right reasons?
July 21, 2019 10:59 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBPeople come together in a relationship under so many circumstances and for any number of reasons. But are you together for the right ones? In this week’s episode, Aindrea and Rich talk about some of the ways relationships may not work out if people aren't honest about why they're together. Our fundraisers for the Mitchells (episode 38) is still live. If you can donate even $1 to help them be together as a family, please visit the Go Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/the-mitchells-to-c...
38: E38: Meet the Couple - Nyla and Lawrence
July 14, 2019 14:14 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBThis week, Aindrea & Rich have a really special episode for you. Two very special guests join the podcast - Nyla and Lawrence, a long distance couple currently trying to close the distance. Nyla lives with her two daughters in Wales, UK and Lawrence lives with his own two daughters in Florida, USA. Throughout the interview, the sparkling couple shares their amazing story, along with LDR tips and advice, as well as some in-depth visa information. You can learn more about Nyla and Lawerenc...
37: E37: Having alone time in a relationship
June 30, 2019 08:10 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBSometimes we all just need a bit of headspace and time on our own, and that's perfectly ok. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich discuss why a recent night apart did wonders for their snappy moods with one another. From being important to your mental health and helping you to "reset" your relationship, listen to this episode to find out why you simply *must* be giving yourself some alone time.
36: E36: When to call it quits in a long distance relationship
June 23, 2019 13:38 - 56 minutes - 51.8 MBEnding a relationship is never easy. Long distance relationships sometimes seem to come with their own unique challenges and even rules, but at some point you might be faced with the decision: is it time to end my LDR? This week, Aindrea and Rich hash over how to tell if it is, in fact, time to end your LDR and flags to look out for.
35: E35: Feeling left out after closing the distance
June 16, 2019 17:09 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBAfter you've closed the distance, you might find yourself feeling dejected, isolated, and like your family doesn't matter now that you're spending all your time, holidays and occasions with your partner's family. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich discuss how to cope with and work to prevent these feelings.
34: E34: Visa advice and tips - Instagram Live
June 09, 2019 16:58 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBIn this week’s special episode, Aindrea & Rich have included the audio from a recent Instagram live video in which they addressed listener questions all about visas. From the application process to financial requirements, this episode is essential listening if you’re approaching the visa stage of your long distance relationship.
33: E33: Having the hard conversations in your relationship
June 02, 2019 12:43 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBRelationships are full of difficult and emotional conversations, but they're conversations you *have* to have to improve and sustain your relationship. It might be ongoing pet peeves that turn into bigger problems, like household chores, finances or public displays of affection. Or it can be big issues, like respect or communication. In episode 33, Aindrea & Rich discuss methods for ensuring your difficult conversations are productive and how that can be an important thread in the fabric of...
32: E32: How to get a job abroad after closing the distance
May 19, 2019 09:01 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBAs if closing the distance in an LDR isn't tricky enough, you most likely have to figure out getting a new job as well. Based on a listener question, in this episode, Aindrea & Rich share tips for getting a job once you've made that move, starting the search before the move, and important things to remember throughout your job search.
31: E31: Friend or foe? Masturbation in relationships
May 12, 2019 07:41 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBPeople have strong feelings when it comes to many things in relationships, and masturbation can often be one of these topics. Many couples don't talk about, have issues with the other's habits or are completely uncomfortable with the idea. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich discuss the role of masturbation in relationships and the damage that insecurities around masturbation can cause if not handled properly.
30: E30: Coping between visits in a long distance relationship
May 05, 2019 09:05 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBThe thing about a long distance relationship is that it's never easy. One of the most difficult periods in an LDR can be between visits. You've just had a few days, weeks or even months together where you functioned like a "normal" couple who doesn't have to deal with distance or timezones and you've loved every minute of being together. But then inevitably, the visit has to end and it can feel like you're back at square one, apart and miserable. In this episode which was a special request f...
29: E29: Balancing family relationships after you've closed the distance
April 28, 2019 09:16 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBWe've said it before - closing the distance with your LDR partner doesn't mean that long distance is no longer a part of your life. Now all your loved ones back home - family, friends - are your long distance relationships. In this special episode suggested by a listener, Aindrea & Rich discuss how to maintain balance with your family after you've moved away. From practical tips to communication advice, how to make sure your family still feels included and more - this is an episode you won't...
28: E28: How to stay sane in a long distance relationship
April 21, 2019 08:35 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBIt's easy for the difficulties of a long distance relationship to weigh heavy on you. You're constantly missing your partner, dealing with the inconvenience and pain of being apart - and you also find a lot to worry about. Why haven't you heard from them today? Who is this male/female friend they've been mentioning lately? Are they getting tired of always being apart? Have they met someone else? This week, Aindrea and Rich discuss how to deal with these thoughts, the damage they ca...
27: E27: Money Management for Couples
April 14, 2019 07:39 - 1 hour - 78.1 MBLike it or not, money is an important topic in committed relationships. Aindrea and Rich are not finance experts, but as a couple who started with nothing nearly a decade ago, working together to make their financial situation work for them is something they have a lot of experience with. This week, Aindrea and Rich discuss money issues that some couples have, like getting on the same page with spending and savings goals, debt, daily management of finances, how to be open and communicate abo...
26: E26: Suspicions about cheating
April 07, 2019 07:16 - 1 hour - 71.5 MBSometimes your partner’s behaviour might change or they might say or do something that concerns you. Could they be cheating? Whether you’re in an LDR or not, cheating can be a huge concern for couples. In this episode, Aindrea & Rich discuss suspicious about cheating, how to deal with them, and how to recognise when they are actually founded concerns. Most importantly, they discuss how serious a matter it is when you accuse your partner, and how to do this in a way that is not seriously dama...
25: E25: Why there's no mystery in our relationship
March 31, 2019 07:56 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBIt's easy to keep up the illusion of perfection early on in a relationship, but what happens after time goes on? Eventually, masks start to slip and the less perfect side of us starts to come out - bodily functions, bad breath, embarrassing moments - you name it. Aindrea and Rich admit that they are very open about this stuff in their relationship, which some people might find weird. In episode 25, they explain their motivations for this, why it's important to them, and how it all makes them...