Marriage to the Max Podcast

We're nearly through with our series about relationship principles from John Gottman's research.  Today we're looking at how to get unstuck when we're stuck in conflict.  In the last episode we discussed how to solve our solvable problems.  But what do we do when we feel gridlocked with our partner?  In today’s episode, Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement chat about creative ways to ease out of a conflict traffic jam with your spouse. Episode 94 - Overcoming Gridlock by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

Every couple has problems.  Some are more simple than others to solve.  If you need some help determining whether or not a problem is solvable, listen to today's conversation with Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement.  They are continuing a series based on Dr. John Gottman's research, and it's getting goooooooood. Episode 93 - Solve Your Solvable Problems by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

We're continuing with our series based on Dr. John Gottman's research on marriage.  Principle #4 is about allowing ourselves to be influenced by our spouse.  How good are you at opening yourself up to your partner's opinions and decisions?  If you typically resist this idea, you might be encouraged by today's conversation.  Join Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement as they discuss how to strengthen your marriage relationship. Episode 92 - Let Your Partner Influence You by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

We're continuing with our series based on the research of Dr. John Gottman.  Today's episode is all about learning how to turn toward each other.  Sounds simple, right?  Not necessarily.  In today's busy world, we're often pressed for time, energy, and attention.  Sometimes our spouses get the short end of the stick.  Listen in on today's conversation with Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement as they talk about ways to turn toward each other. Episode 91 - Turn Toward Each Other by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

Fondness and admiration are two traits in marriage that need to be nurtured continually.  As Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement continue with their series focusing on Dr. John Gottman's 7 Principles, listen in to discover ways to keep fondness and admiration alive in your relationship. Episode 90 - Fondness and Admiration by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

We're kicking off a new series based on Dr. John Gottman's expansive research on healthy marriage relationships.  Join Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement today for the first in the series.  We're talking about Love Maps, and how learning about your mate actually makes for a better relationship! Episode 89 - Love Maps by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

A simple definition for the word "attunement" is "to make harmonious".  What married person wouldn't want to have more harmony with his/her spouse?  Join in on today's conversation with Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement as they chat about what ingredients make for more harmony in the home. Episode 88 - Attunement by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

Catch up with Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement as they toss in a few marriage tidbits in this "catch-all" episode! Episode 87 - Odds and Ends by Kellie and Brett Hurst:  

In Episode #85 we introduced the concept of emotional triggers.  Now that we know what they are, and that they can cause emotional strife, what do we do with them?  Listen to today's conversation as Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement talk about how to learn to manage triggers ... not just our spouse's, but maybe more importantly, our own. Episode 86 - Triggers: What Do We Do with Them? by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

“Triggers” is a recent buzz word, but a very old idea. We all have them, but what are they, and how were those hot buttons originally installed? Listen to Part 1 of a two-part episode on triggers, as Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement discuss what they look like in marriage. Episode 85 - Triggers: What Are They? by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

We all behave in passive-aggressive ways sometimes. But does it really work for us? Usually, we end up having to deal with the stuff we were trying to avoid in the first place. Could there be a healthier way to manage our mate’s passive-aggressive behavior? In today’s episode, Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement chat about possible ways to assertively deal with our spouse when they’re wanting to hide behind passive-aggressive behavior. Episode 84 - My Passive Aggressive Spouse by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

Every married person wants to be happy. But are you looking to your marriage to make you happy? Without realizing it, we can be guilty of expecting our marriage relationship to be the end-all to our needs and desires. In today’s episode, Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement chat about how to keep your marriage from becoming an idol … while also making it the healthiest it can be. Episode 83 - Is Your Marriage an Idol? by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

We all know how good it feels to be encouraged and valued by someone’s words. It’s all the more important in marriage … not just because it feels good, but because it’s an important investment in the relationship. In today’s episode, Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement talk about everyday ways you can fill your mate’s love tank with loving words … and who can’t use a little more of that? Episode 82 - The Magic of Affirmation by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

Are regrets healthy? Some people don’t think so. Others think they’re necessary for change. When it comes to marriage, how good are you at admitting you have regrets? Listen in to today’s show with Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement as they talk about regrets, and whether or not to have them. Episode 81 - #NoRegrets by Kellie and Brett Hurst:

No one really likes to have them. Hard conversations, that is. It’s much easier to avoid them altogether. But if you’re in a close relationship with someone, they come around once in a while. Believe it or not, there is a way to make them a little less painful … maybe even productive. Listen to today’s conversation with Kellie and Brett Hurst of Home Encouragement as they discuss some ways that can make hard conversations not so … hard. Episode 80 - Hard Conversations by Kellie and Brett Hurst: