In this episode ofMarriage IQ, we dive deep into the fascinating world of female sexual capacity—how it works, what drives it, and how it differs from male sexuality. Drawing from groundbreaking research, including Dr. Emily Nagoski’sCome As You Are, we shatter common myths and reveal the key ingredients of female desire: emotional connection, safety, and true intimacy.

We’ll also tackle misconceptions about libido, the influence of societal conditioning on women’s sexual health, and practical strategies for couples to enhance intimacy and pleasure.

Whether you're looking to better understand your partner or deepen your own self-awareness, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights.

Listen now and discover how to create a more fulfilling, connected, and passionate relationship!

Romance is an essential ingredient for a thriving relationship... for Valentine's and all year-round. In this enlightening episode of Marriage IQ, we explore the art of intentional romance with expert Josie McEwen, founder of Romance Enhanced Consulting.

From creative date ideas to practical tips for rekindling the spark, Josie shares her wealth of experience in helping couples infuse more romance into their daily lives. Whether you consider yourself a hopeless romantic or struggle to express affection, this episode offers valuable insights for everyone.

We also share some amusing anecdotes about romantic plans gone awry, from a challenging trip to Italy to an unexpectedly motion-sickness-inducing treehouse getaway. These stories highlight the importance of flexibility and humor in navigating the ups and downs of romantic endeavors.

This episode serves as a reminder that romance is just not about grand gestures or perfect execution, but rather about the intentional effort to connect with and appreciate your partner. By implementing these strategies, you can create a more fulfilling and passionate relationship, regardless of your natural inclination towards romance.

This episode, get expert advice to learn how to improve your communication. We offer a unique blend of scientific insight and practical relationship advice, empowering you to navigate the complexities of marriage with greater understanding and emotional intelligence.

By learning to balance the instinctual reactions of your limbic system with the rational capabilities of your prefrontal cortex, you'll be better equipped to build a stronger, more resilient partnership.

Discover the roles of two essential brain components, the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex. The limbic system, responsible for instinctual responses and emotions, Triggers the "fight, flight, or freeze" response and can lead to emotional "storms" when overstimulated. The prefrontal cortex, which controls rational thinking and planning, helps regulate emotional responses, which allows for critical analysis and perspective-taking.

We share a personal anecdote from our own marriage, illustrating how misunderstandings and emotional reactions can stem from the complex interplay between different parts of our brains, and offer antidotes, such as using I-statements, to navigate this biological mystery.

In this thought-provoking episode of Marriage IQ, we tackle a sensitive yet crucial topic that impacts countless relationships: body image. As your hosts, we delve into the complex interplay between self-perception, societal pressures, and marital satisfaction, offering evidence-based insights and practical strategies to foster a healthier body image within your partnership.

We share startling statistics that reveal the pervasive nature of body dissatisfaction, particularly among women. From the influence of plastic surgery trends to the alarming prevalence of body concerns in young girls, we paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges many face in accepting their physical selves.

This episode provides a roadmap for couples to navigate the complex terrain of body image together, fostering greater understanding, empathy, and intimacy. By addressing this often-overlooked aspect of relationships, you'll gain valuable tools to strengthen your bond and cultivate a more positive self-image for both partners.

Expectations play a crucial role in marital satisfaction, yet many couples struggle to align their expectations with reality. In this episode, we explore the intricate relationship between expectations and marital happiness, drawing insights from recent research and our personal experiences.

We discuss how childhood experiences shape our expectations, the impact of unrealistic expectations on marital satisfaction, the importance of balancing high expectations with realistic investment in the relationship.

We vulnerably share a personal anecdote about our recent "Christmas leaf blower incident," illustrating how misaligned expectations can lead to misunderstandings and disappointment. This story serves as a springboard for discussing the need for regular check-ins and adjustments in marital expectations.

In this enlightening episode of Marriage iQ, we explore the intricate world of anxious attachment and its profound impact on relationships. Our special guest, Trevor Hansen from the Art of Healing, brings his expertise to shed light on this often misunderstood aspect of human connection.

Trevor, with his master's degree in marriage and family therapy and extensive experience helping thousands of clients worldwide, offers invaluable insights into the roots and manifestations of anxious attachment. As we delve into his personal journey from struggle to healing, we uncover the transformative power of understanding and addressing our attachment styles.

Join us on this episode as we explore the concept of anxious attachment, explaining the underlying fears and beliefs that drive anxious behaviors, how childhood experiences shape our attachment styles, and the impact of anxious attachment on marital relationships.

Discover the telltale signs of anxious attachment, such as an intense fear of abandonment, constant need for reassurance, frequent conflict, and the tendency to often prioritize others' needs over one's own.

Whether you're struggling with anxious attachment or simply want to deepen your understanding of relationship dynamics, Trevor's insights in this episode of Marriage IQ provide a roadmap for creating more secure, fulfilling connections.

Navigating the uncharted waters of marriage can be both exhilarating and challenging for newlyweds. In this enlightening episode of Marriage IQ, we bridge the generational gap by bringing together us as seasoned marriage experts, with our daughter Emilee and son-in-law Hunter Ray, who are approaching their first wedding anniversary.

This unique intergenerational dialogue offers a blend of time-tested wisdom and fresh perspectives on the complexities of modern relationships. As we engage in a candid question-and-answer session, we explore a range of topics crucial for building a strong foundation in marriage.

Key insights for newlyweds include navigating in-law relationships, finding financial harmony, balancing busy schedules, and prioritizing intimacy. From our Gen Z couple, we learn about managing social media, overcoming comparisons, navigating hormonal changes, and building lasting memories.

Are you ready to put your marriage intelligence to the test? In this engaging episode of Marriage IQ, we present an extensive 50-question quiz designed to evaluate your understanding and application of key marital concepts that are necessary to creating a scintillating marriage.

• 1. Identity

• 2. Intentionality

• 3. Insight

• 4. Intimacy

This episode serves as both an assessment and an invitation to continue your journey towards a more fulfilling partnership. Whether you're a "beginner" or a "genius" on the Marriage iQ scale, there's always room for growth and improvement.

Take the quiz, invite your spouse to take it, reflect on your results, and use the insights gained to strengthen your relationship.

Remember, "The intelligent spouse knows that to change from a stinky to a scintillating marriage first requires a change in themselves."