In this episode, we dive into pleasure, sexual empowerment, and confidence with the incredible Goody Howard MPH, MSW. Goody is a world-renowned sexologist, educator, and consultant who has dedicated her life to empowering others through sexual exploration, education, and awareness. From hosting sexual skill workshops to creating sex-positive professional development opportunities, Goody layers her focus on pleasure with her engaging and energetic presentation style. Today, we’ll be discussing...

There are moments in our relationships where communication breaks down, and things can start to feel overwhelming. In today's episode, we explore a concept from Dr. John Gottman’s research that can help explain why. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse represent four harmful communication patterns that, when left unchecked, can lead to the downfall of a marriage. Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling—these destructive behaviors don’t just harm the relationship; they destroy...

Today, we’re diving into the critical role of understanding personal values in marriage. Understanding your values isn't just about recognizing what's important to you—it’s fundamentally about how these values shape your beliefs, decisions, and behaviors within your relationship. In this episode, we will explore: What Values Are: Gain a clear understanding of what values are and how they shape your beliefs, decisions, and behaviors within your marriage. The Consequences of Not...

Everything has a good side right, but what’s the good side to anger? Today, we learn how to express anger in healthy ways to become better at using it rather than bottling it up, or hurting those around us. You will learn: The purpose of anger as an emotion and it’s biological & societal roots. Effective strategies for men to manage their anger in the moment and beyond? Guidance on how couples can rebuild trust after conflict. Podcast Mentions Support this Podcast: Click...

In this episode, we’re exploring the vital role of emotional intelligence (EI) in marriage. Emotional intelligence isn't just about managing other people's feelings or being overly aware of their emotions—it's fundamentally about understanding and managing your own emotions effectively. We’ll look into how EI starts with you, its importance in improving communication and conflict resolution, and how to develop and apply it in your relationship. In this episode, you will gain: A Clear...

Today, we are diving into a topic that we have never discussed before on the show: caretaking and its effect on marriage. Caretaking can involve caring for someone who is physically or mentally ill, be it a parent, relative, or spouse. Recently, we've been thrust into the caretaking role with our ailing parents, and we're navigating this new stage of life while sharing our experiences, how we deal with it individually and as a couple, and offering tips that have helped us manage this...

In today's episode, we have a candid conversation about the ups and downs of marriage, focusing on growth, trust, and emotional capacity. We take an unfiltered look into our marriage, discussing our struggles and how we navigate them. Inspired by prominent voices in the black marriage community, we emphasize the importance of sharing both the highs and the lows to provide a realistic view of marital life. Podcast Mentions Support this Podcast: Click Here John Gottman:  The Seven Principles...

In this episode, I address what I. believe is the result of long term porn use in relationships.  While some argue it can enhance sexual experiences, others say it breeds discontent, and an inability to connect intimately with one's partner.  I will be drawing insights from my personal experiences and those of members in my recovery group who claim shattered marriages, career losses and even deeper dives into other forms of addiction. Podcast Mentions Support this Podcast: Click HereSampson...

Did you know that 69% of marital conflicts will not be resolved why because these conflicts stem from fundamental differences between the the two individuals in the relationship. These problem are less about the bills, family, or sex but more about how the individual sees and responds to these issues. Lets talk about it, in this episode we will discuss where natural differences come from,  how to accept your spouse as a whole person good and bad, our experience and how learning this helped...

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BLACKMARRIAGE and get on your way to being your best self. In this episode, we talk about the sometimes controversial topic of gender differences and similarities in the context of marriage. We discuss how men and women, especially in the Black community, are more alike than we often think. We address the stereotypes spread by the media and common social beliefs, highlighting the need for critical...

In this episode, Junior and Dr. Jared Kiddoe teach men how to deal with the pressing issue of healing Black men's traumas in America. Listen to Learn: *Working definition for mental health & trauma *Why is addressing trauma so hard for black men? (including how men typically respond) *How men can process their trauma Lets us acknowledge your experience and empower you with the tools to support your mental health. Podcast Mentions Support this Podcast: ⁠Click Here⁠ Therapy for...

Show  Notes This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BLACKMARRIAGE and get on your way to being your best self. In this episode, we talk about why honesty matters in relationships and what honesty looks like in marriagek. We discuss the journey to being completely honest, even though it's hard. We look at why we sometimes don't tell the truth, whether it's to protect our partner's feelings or because we're scared of how they'll react. We...

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BLACKMARRIAGE and get on your way to being your best self. Today, we're chatting with Sean and Lanette Reed, a couple who've been married for 25 years. They're here to share their experiences and offer advice on navigating tough times in marriage. From dealing with doubts to finding balance and staying resilient, they'll share practical tips and stories to help couples strengthen their relationship. Get...

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BLACKMARRIAGE and get on your way to being your best self. In this episode, we will be discussing the power of community for your marriage. This is often a pillar we don't discuss because we are often taught the “us against the world mentality”. While we agree with guarding your marriage with vigor I believe it is essential that we learn to put our marriage into healthy community environments so that we...

Exploring relationships always intrigues me. I'm constantly fascinated by how each couple's unique story and way of loving shape their present dynamic. In today's episode, we're going to dive into the topic of love using Robert Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love as our guide. This theory breaks down love into three main parts: intimacy, passion, and commitment. By understanding these components, we hope to unravel the complexities of romantic connections and shed light on the different...

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BLACKMARRIAGE and get on your way to being your best self. In this episode, we're diving into the world of attachment styles – the unique ways we connect with others, influenced by our early relationships. We'll explore why knowing about attachment styles matters for building strong relationships and sharing our own stories to help you understand their impact. Whether it's feeling secure in closeness,...

Today, we're breaking the mold by exploring the idea of going into business with your spouse. Meet Troy & Shantel Brooks, childhood friends turned spouses and business partners, sharing their journey from NYC to Atlanta with purpose, impact, and faith. In their book "Spartners," Troy & Shantel provide practical insights on how working with your spouse can enrich your marriage. Join us as we uncover reflective practices to reveal the value in your partner as a business ally and...

Black Marriage Therapy is sponsored by BetterHelp! If you struggle to say sorry and offer your spouse authentic apologies in your relationship you are not alone. It is human nature to want to defend yourself when being critiqued about your behavior but it is essential that as couples we learn the art and the dance of apologizing. In this episode I want to share all that I have learned. In this episode, we will discuss the importance of apologies, the wrong way to apologize, the different...

There are moments in our lives that stick with us for a lifetime. Some of these moments, however, carry wounds so deep that we bury them, pretending they never existed—Until…… someone accidentally touches it. Then what?..... When left unaddressed, these invisible traumas can cast a long shadow over our lives and, more specifically, our marriages. In this episode, we're privileged to have an expert guide us through this sensitive topic. Joining us is Kaara Kiddoe, a Licensed Clinical Social...

Whether you're a man seeking personal growth or a partner invested in the success of your relationship, this episode is a must-listen. Join us in this transformative episode as Rex, a licensed LMFT & Relationship coach, unveils the essential blueprint for men to thrive in their most critical roles within a marriage. We delve into the three fundamental pillars of men's personal development that are paramount to creating lasting, meaningful marriage. Emotional Intelligence: Uncover how...

Most marriages that are successful can attribute that success to the level of intentionality they put into the marriage. In every aspect of marriage, intention is like the wheels that make the car move. As the year came to a close Junior and I felt the strain our new commitments put on our relationship and decided quickly, to make the necessary changes to realign and make our relationship a priority. So for 2024, we are learning from our missteps and failures to create a better future for...

The holidays are a time for cheer and celebration but for couples, it can create tension. According to several polled therapists by the Huffington Post there a 6 main arguments that couples have during the holidays. In this episode, we are going to discuss those arguments and give you tips on how to navigate this holiday season while avoiding potential landmines in your marriage. Podcast Mentions Facebook Group: Join the Family! Huffington Post Article:  The 6 Most Common Arguments Couples...

Sometimes despite best intentions and love for one another, we may find ourselves in a situation where we are continuously hurting one another and drifting farther and farther away.  In this episode, we dive into the topic of emotional disconnection and connection. We also talk about a technique called "repair" in the context of moment-to-moment conflict situations to help us navigate the ups and downs of our relationships. HomeWork- Complete and share this with your partner New beginnings...

Therapy, for a lot of us in the black community, can be taboo. Often times speaking to a stranger about our problems and our relationships can be an intimidating journey filled with uncertainty, vulnerability, and self-discovery. But today, we're here to help peel back some of the layers on the idea of therapy for your relationship and peek into what it's really all about. We also will be getting advice on 5 things that are essential for a healthy marriage from an expert with several years of...