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Marriage Therapy Radio

328 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 645 ratings

Look... every couple struggles. You fight too much; you're bored; sex is either okay (or rare); maybe you're even considering divorce. OR... maybe your marriage is actually pretty good, but you want to go deeper. In this podcast, straight-talking marriage therapists Zach Brittle and Laura Heck tackle the most common complaints virtually every marriage experience. Along the way, they reveal the science behind strong relationships and talk about what's really going on for couples. Topics include conflict, communication, compatibility, money, sex, in-laws, infidelity, time-management, future dreams, and more. If you want relief? A deeper connection? A new way forward...? Then you've got to find out what's REALLY going on in your marriage. That's what this podcast is about. You can learn more about Zach and Laura, and their alternatives to traditional therapy at marriagetherapyradio.com.

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Episodes

Ep 314 Ask Me Anything Part 2

April 02, 2024 07:00 - 39 minutes

Laura admits to a potential crime in the most privileged setting possible. Zach drops his wife off for surgery after an argument in the car. After starting strong they return to your questions. The answers to these questions from individual listeners contain insight that will benefit all relationships. Sponsor: Target the root cause of aging with OneSkin. Get 15% off by using code MTR at https://oneskin.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 313 Ask Me Anything Part 1

March 26, 2024 07:00 - 39 minutes

Zach and Laura welcome spring by answering a couple of questions listeners have sent in. They share both their clinical perspective as well as their personal experiences in this first in an AMA series. Sponsor: Target the root cause of aging with OneSkin. Get 15% off by using code MTR at https://oneskin.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 312 How Your Marriage Ends with Matt Fray

March 19, 2024 07:00 - 49 minutes

Zach and Laura chat with author Matt Fray https://matthewfray.com/ about his book This is How Your Marriage Ends https://matthewfray.com/order-book/. Matt's wisdom was hard-earned after a divorce that forced him to look deeply at the skills and habits he lacked in his marriage. You will end this episode with insights that will improve your relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 311 Women are Amazing

March 12, 2024 07:00 - 37 minutes

Laura is working to get in the best shape of her life. Zach is celebrating women and recognizing he sometimes gets the Man Flu.  They share some great resources that can support you as you seek to grow your relationship. Sponsor: Paired. Download the PAIRED app at https://www.paired.com/MTR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 310 Training in Costa Rica

March 05, 2024 16:44 - 47 minutes

Laura is moving back into her house. Zach recaps his trip to Costa Rica to receive training from Esther Perel and Terry Real. Sponsor: Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to  https://rocketmoney.com/mtr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 309 - ADHD in Marriage with Melissa Orlov

February 27, 2024 08:00 - 48 minutes

Zach and Laura are both seeing ADHD be raised as a topic, if not an issue, in their practices. So they are delighted to get to sit down with Melissa Orlov to learn how to address its impact on a marriage. Melissa is a leading expert on the impacts of ADHD on marriage and relationships, the author of The ADHD Effect on Marriage, and the founder of ADHD & Marriage. Their discussion is insightful for those in a marriage impacted by ADHD, or anyone interested in this underdiagnosed neurodiverity...

Ep 308 Peel the Orange

February 20, 2024 17:08 - 38 minutes

Zach shares his impressive home improvement skills. Laura is grateful for a listener's support. They discuss a recent TikTok trend that may have a greater impact on a relationship than many understand. Sponsor: Target the root cause of aging with OneSkin. Get 15% off by using code MTR at https://oneskin.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 307 The Ingredients of Love with Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, PhD

February 13, 2024 08:00 - 54 minutes

Zach has an engaging conversation with Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh about her research and new book Love by Design. Laura is off this week. They discuss the 6 ingredients to build lasting love. You can learn more about Dr. Nasserzadeh's work and order her book at https://www.sara-nasserzadeh.com/  Sponsor: Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to  https://rocketmoney.com/mtr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 306 Marital Collusion

February 06, 2024 08:00 - 39 minutes

Zach is a bit annoyed with his auto dealer. Laura is downsizing her car to a much bigger vehicle. They go on to discuss the importance of positive collusion with your partner to better yourself and your relationship. They offer a number of personal examples as well as some tips and tricks to see growth in any marriage. Sponsor: Paired. Download the PAIRED app at https://www.paired.com/MTR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 305 Vulnerability and Intimacy with Dr. Jessica Higgins

January 30, 2024 08:00 - 34 minutes

Zach and Laura welcome Dr. Jessica Higgins to the podcast. They discuss the importance of acknowledging and expressing emotions, modeling vulnerability, and using language that promotes curiosity and understanding in communication. They emphasize the need to slow down, bring awareness to interpretations, and create space for regulating emotions during interactions. Learn more about Dr. Higgins and her work at https://drjessicahiggins.com/ Sponsor: Visit https://lumedeodorant.com and use code...

Ep 304 Making Sense

January 23, 2024 08:00 - 29 minutes

Zach and Laura discuss the role of Wordle in their lives. Laura had a fun conversation with her kid after he walked in on her and her husband.  In a roundabout way, this reminds Zach of a tool he's been using in his practice to help couples make meaning of their decisions and experiences.  Sponsor: Identify and cancel your unwanted subscriptions, track your bills, and save money by signing up for free at https://rocketmoney.com/mtr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...

Ep 303 Feeling Stuck

January 16, 2024 08:00 - 46 minutes

Zach and Laura discuss their New Year's goals. They reflect on a kind listener's email offering some critique. In the spirit of new beginnings, they offer a ton of insight into what to do when you are feeling stuck or you feel like your partner is keeping you stuck. Sponsor: Paired. Download the PAIRED app at https://www.paired.com/MTR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 302 Anger Resolution with Dr. Nick Sotelo

January 09, 2024 08:03 - 41 minutes

Zach and Laura hear from Dr. Nick Sotelo about his work helping men manage their anger. Nick has a fascinating background that gives him a unique perspective on unmanaged anger. He has developed many helpful resources for men to address this in their lives. Sponsor: Visit https://everyplate.com/podcast and enter code 49MTR to get started for as low as $1.49 per meal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 301 Happy New Year

January 02, 2024 08:00 - 52 minutes

Laura wasn't really feeling the Christmas spirit this year.  Zach started his Christmas morning around 11. Laura accidentally stole half of a sign.  They reflect together on Christmas cards and how to be authentic but also remind each other that we are OK.  They talk a bit about broken hearts and early relationships and spend time reflecting on this last year and their hopes for the new year.  Sponsor: Identify and cancel your unwanted subscriptions, track your bills, and save money by signin...

Ep 300 Fondness and Admiration

December 26, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes

Zach and Laura reflect a bit on making it to 300 hundred episodes and what they hope listeners have gained along the way. Zach tells Laura how he has learned from her in the different way that she approaches thinking and talking about sharing fondness and admiration. It leads to a great conversation about how to appreciate your partner and love them the way they want to be loved. Sponsor: Identify and cancel your unwanted subscriptions, track your bills, and save money by signing up for fre...

Ep 299 All the Parts

December 19, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes

Zach reflects on some of what he heard at a recent therapist conference. It leads to a wonderful discussion of the different parts of ourselves that we bring to our relationships and how we can access those parts for the improvement of our marriages and partnerships.  Sponsor: Visit https://www.dipseastories.com/mtr for a free 30-day trial of erotic audio storiesConnect with your partner every day using Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 298 Can of Worms Part 2

December 12, 2023 08:00 - 37 minutes

Zach and Laura get to the topic they teased last episode. It is an exercise that couples can use to safely discuss the unspoken topics in their relationship. If done well, it will lead to greater intimacy, understanding, and maybe some makeup sex :) Sponsor: Paired. Download the PAIRED app at https://www.paired.com/MTR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 297 Can of Worms Part 1

December 05, 2023 08:00 - 47 minutes

Zach and Laura's kid kind of sing a song together. Laura discusses toilet time with your partner, leading to a great discussion about different types of intimacy. She hoped to work out an exercise she's been doing with her clients, but she and Zach got distracted. At the end of the episode, Laura shares an important update about what she is doing to support her son's recent diagnosis. Sponsors: Visit https://everyplate.com/podcast and enter code 49MTR to get started for as low as $1.49 per ...

Ep 296 Holiday Hangover

November 28, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes

Zach and Laura discuss the exhaustion and stress of the holidays and the relational struggles that can cause. Sponsors: Visit https://www.dipseastories.com/mtr for a free 30-day trial of erotic audio stories Visit https://everyplate.com/podcast and use code 49MTR for a $1.49 per meal special Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 295 Sazan & Stevie Hendrix on their Real Good Life

November 21, 2023 08:00 - 58 minutes

Zach and Laura welcome Sazan and Stevie Hendrix; authors, influencers, parents, and a real couple, to discuss their new book and more. Be sure to check out the book and all they have to offer at https://stevieandsazan.com/  Sponsors: Visithttps://www.dipseastories.com/mtrfor a free 30-day trial of erotic audio stories Connect with your partner every day using Paired. Download the app athttps://www.paired.com/MTR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 294 Your New Hobby

November 14, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes

Zach and Laura discuss hair length and how it works for each of them. They contemplate if there are any shared activities that they could enjoy doing together (besides podcasting). This leads to a conversation about how treating areas of your relationship that you want to improve like a hobby.  Sponsors: Visit https://www.dipseastories.com/mtr for a free 30-day trial of erotic audio stories Visit https://everyplate.com/podcast and use code 49MTR for a $1.49 per meal special Learn more about ...

Ep 293 What It's Like to Be Laura Heck

November 07, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes

Today we break from our normal format to share an episode from Dan Heath's new podcast What It's Like To Be... Dan interviews Laura about what it's like to be a couples therapist. It's a chance to hear about Laura and her work from another perspective. We hope you enjoy it. Check out the other episodes at https://www.whatitsliketobe.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 292 Real Couple, Real Struggles, Real Triumphs

October 31, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes

Zach is flying solo this week and is joined by real-life couple Elizabeth and Steve Andrews. They share stories of what brought them together, the struggles they have overcome, and what keeps them going after over 30 years together.  Sponsor: Connect with your partner every day using Paired. Download the app at https://www.paired.com/MTR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 291 Infidelity & Recovery with Dr. Monique Thompson

October 24, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutes

Zach and Laura sit down to discuss infidelity and recovery with Dr. Monique Thompson. Dr. Thomson offers insight and practical tips for navigating this traumatic event in any relationship. Learn more about Dr. Thompson and her offerings at https://doctormoniquethompson.com/about-dr-thompson At the end of the episode, she shares the secret of her famous bundt cake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 290 Ireland

October 17, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutes

Laura is trying to solve a persistent eye twitch.  Zach shares about his recent trip to Ireland and what he learned about life and relationships in his travels.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 289 Feedback

October 10, 2023 07:00 - 40 minutes

Zach quizzes Laura to see how well she knows him which leads to some discussion on expectations within your family system.  Zach uses his personal example to revisit a helpful tool for giving and receiving feedback in your relationship.  Sponsors: Visit https://factormeals.com/mtr50 with code MTR50 for 50% off delicious ready-to-eat meals. Visit https://www.dipseastories.com/mtr for a free 30-day trial of erotic audio stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 288 Freedom in Divorce with Dr. Karin Luise

October 03, 2023 07:00 - 42 minutes

Zach and Laura hear from Dr. Karin Luise (https://doctorkarin.com/) about what can happen when the changes we go through in our marriages end in divorce. Dr. Karin offers some personal stories as well as professional guidance for claiming your freedom and new path.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 287 Partner in Pain

September 26, 2023 21:46 - 40 minutes

Laura is hoping to celebrate Christmas in her home. Zach lost one of his defining characteristics after scrolling Instagram one evening, but then used the 2 German words he used to escape being entrapped. Laura shares a couple of stories of disappointment in international travel.  They go on to discuss how to be a good partner when you or your partner are in pain. You will find some really great tips that will increase your intimacy and connection.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

Ep 286 Just Friends

September 19, 2023 18:03 - 38 minutes

Zach and Laura had to restart the podcast because they were so scattered. Zach revisits a dad joke. Laura tells you why she travels with a vibrator. They move on to answer a lister question about how to think about and manage relationships with a viable alternative partner.  Sponsor: Visit https://www.dipseastories.com/mtr for a free 30-day trial of erotic audio stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 285 The Sober Life with Courtney Anderson

September 12, 2023 07:00 - 53 minutes

Zach and Laura discuss getting and staying sober with Courtney Anderson. They share some personal stories as well as some tips for navigating sobriety in your relationship. Courtney is the author of Sober Vibes https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/sober-vibes-pre-order and offers a variety of support to women living the sober life. Sponsor: Visit https://factormeals.com/mtr50 with code MTR50 for 50% off delicious ready-to-eat meals.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 284 Apologizing

September 05, 2023 17:33 - 43 minutes

Zach is getting ready to head to Ireland after 3 years of planning and Laura is off to Tuscany. They talk a bit about the good things that can come from traveling with your partner. They transition to a topic Zach has on his mind: apologizing.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 283 Sexual Information

August 29, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes

Laura is feeling a bit of a vulnerability hangover from the last episode. But that doesn't stop her from opening up about some ways that she is enlivening her sex life. She leads Zach in discussing various resources you can use to grow your sexual intimacy. Sponsor: Visit https://www.dipseastories.com/mtr for a free 30 day trial of erotic audio stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 282 Your Deeper Story

August 22, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes

Zach and Laura interview Chris Bruno and Tracy Johson of ReStory about their work taking both individuals and couples into deeper work about how their past stories inform their present and future. Be sure to check out their work at https://www.restory.life/ and snag their free resource Thrive Dates https://www.restory.life/thrive-dates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 281 Feeling all the Feels

August 15, 2023 07:00 - 47 minutes

Laura is flooded with emotion and wants to figure out how not to bottle her feelings. Zach is also feeling some big feelings.  This leads them into a conversation about the importance of connecting with your feeling and increasing your understanding of how to deal with them.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 280 Becoming a Couples Therapist

August 08, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes

Laura has a twitchy eye. Zach remembers his favorite movie, but more important, just finished a year-long certification.  They discuss a listener's question about how Zach and Laura got into couples counseling as a profession. It leads to some fun personal stories about their journeys and hopefully provides some insight into the process for anyone looking to pursue this career path. Sponsor: Visit https://factormeals.com/mtr50 with code MTR50 for 50% off delicious ready-to-eat meals. Learn mo...

Ep 279 Make Up Stories

August 01, 2023 18:06 - 53 minutes

Laura thinks she may have broken her ankle, but is maybe more bothered by her unshaven legs. Zach is courting some guests for the podcast in very creative ways.  They discuss how so much of life is a made-up story and the power you have to transform your relationship by deciding to make up some new stories.  Sponsor: Visit https://factormeals.com/mtr50 with code MTR50 for 50% off delicious ready-to-eat meals.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 278 After the Argument with the Freemans

July 25, 2023 07:08 - 46 minutes

Zach and Laura discuss what to do after the argument with Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman. You can read more about the Freeman's work and their resources at https://www.meetthefreemans.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 277 The New Work

July 18, 2023 07:00 - 34 minutes

Laura is still moving out of her house and cutting back on the scope of the remodel.  Zach asks how couples can appreciate the relational dynamics that got them to where they are today while releasing those habits to form new practices to serve their current relationship goals better.  Register for an upcoming workshop at https://marriagetherapyradio.com/seven-principles-workshop/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 276 Testosterone with Dr, Kyle N. LaPoint

July 11, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes

Laura brings in Dr. Kyle N. LaPoint to discuss the role of testosterone in maintaining overall health in both men and women. Dr. LaPoint is a Naturopathic Physician with a practice in Bend Oregon. You can learn more about him and his practice at https://www.lapointwellness.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 275 House Rules

July 04, 2023 17:40 - 43 minutes

Laura is all done up for the podcast, which doesn't translate great in an audio format. She is also purging her house and running 30 miles. Zach, meanwhile, pulled a muscle walking a couple of miles.  They go on to discuss the importance of having a shared understanding of house rules for your relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 274 What about Me?

June 27, 2023 07:00 - 35 minutes

Zach shares some of what he learned about himself on his recent international trip. Laura continues to process her son's diagnosis and recounts her own travel stories.  Zach asks Laura for advice on handling clients who keep looking to fulfill their own needs without considering the other.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 273 In Each Other's Care with Stan Tatkin

June 20, 2023 07:00 - 46 minutes

Zach and Laura sit down with Stan Tatkin to discuss his work with couples and his new book In Each Other's Care. Dr. Tatkin shares some constructive frameworks for how to think about your relationship.  Sponsor: Visit https://cozyearth.com/ and use code MTR for 35% off site wide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 272 Intimacy Report Card

June 13, 2023 07:00 - 45 minutes

Laura starts us off with a song that gets Zach talking about his new musical obsession. Laura shares some significant personal news and asks for your help.  They transition to a discussion on creating a report card for the aspects of your relationship that you want to improve. This episode is chock full of tips and tricks for improving intimacy.   And, Happy 50th Birthday, Zach! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 271 Good Enough from Germany

June 06, 2023 07:00 - 39 minutes

Zach and Laura are in Germany training military chaplains and misinterpret German words. Laura gives an update on her Iron Man. Zach learns a new German phrase that prompts a conversation about what it is to have a good enough marriage. Sponsor: Visit https://cozyearth.com/ and use code MTR for 35% off site wide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 270 Endurance with Steph Catudal

May 30, 2023 07:29 - 42 minutes

Zach and Laura chat with Steph Catudal about enduring death and suffering while finding life and joy on the path. Get Steph's book Everything All at Once wherever books are sold.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 269 Coping Skills

May 23, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes

Zach is STILL sick. Laura is anticipating a very hectic summer and is looking to prepare with some coping skills.   Sponsor: Visit https://cozyearth.com/ and use code MTR for 35% off site wide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 268 Core Negative Image

May 16, 2023 16:20 - 35 minutes

Zach is feeling really sick and his wife is not being as helpful as he would hope. Laura confesses that she has no patience for her family when they are sick. Zach had one of the best nights of his life.  They discuss how to break out of your well establish Core Negative Image of your partner to get through conflict and build greater intimacy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 267 Radical Integrity with River Faire

May 09, 2023 07:00 - 47 minutes

Zach and Laura interview holistic personal transformation guide, River Faire, about alternative ways to find healing and wholeness both personally and in your relationships. Be sure to check out River's resources, including his new FREE Masterclass, at https://www.riverfaire.com/ Sponsors: Visit https://cozyearth.com/ and use code MTR for 35% off site-wide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 265 Space Force, Mothers-In-Law, and Music

April 25, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes

Zach and Laura record on the road after a long day of training at Space Force. They discuss validating your partner, stealing friends' cars, and personalized music. They go on to discuss a question from a listener about navigating the relationship with a mother-in-law. Sponsor: Get $20 off a custom song for someone in your life by going to https://www.songfinch.com/ and using code MTR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 264 Grief with Dr. Shannon Curry

April 18, 2023 07:00 - 55 minutes

Zach and Laura are joined by clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Shannon Curry to discuss grief. You can find Dr. Curry at https://currypsychology.com/ Join Zach and Laura for their workshop by visiting https://marriagetherapyradio.com/seven-principles-workshop/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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