The Legendary Marriage Podcast

Summary: Marriage is easier than you think. Every marriage is unique. Every married couple is unique. Sometimes, couples are like a unique romantic, marital snowfake. Sometimes, couples are a uniquely, unromantic hot mess. No matter where couples find themselves, they can still experience more moments of awesome and less moments of awful in their marriage. Not some cookie cutter clone version of someone else’s marriage, but the best version of their US. Through humor, transparency, biblical wisdom, research, and a massive amount of practical practicality, Ted’s book, Your Best Us: Marriage is Easier Than You Think, guides married couples through four, doable, easy to understand habits that help them become their best US. The best part? From newlyweds to seasoned pros, it’s great for every US. About Ted Lowe: From writing to teaching, from speaking to serving as the director of MarriedPeople, Ted Lowe is passionate about helping build marriages that not only last, but leave a lasting impression. He knows that putting the fun back into life helps develop a relationship that shines. MarriedPeople is the marriage division at The reThink Group (also known as Orange), a non-profit organization devoted to influencing those who influence the next generation. Before working at Orange, Ted worked as Director of MarriedLife at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Ga. And before that, as a youth pastor at Saddleback Community Church. Ted lives in Atlanta, GA with his four favorite; his wife of 23 years, Nancie Lowe, and their three children. Where you can find Ted Lowe online: Email Website Twitter – Married People Twitter – Ted Lowe In This Episode:  * Make your marriage serious fun, not so serious all the time * Love God first individually * The importance of the love and respect formula * How to practice your commitment and promise daily Resources: The Best Us http://tedlowe.com/your-best-us/ The Challenge: Each day this week, leave a sticky note of affirmation for your spouse to find. Listen Now:

Summary: Kristina and her husband Jeff live apart for 2 weeks at a time, due to Jeff’s career as a helicopter pilot. In a powerfully vulnerable conversation, Kristina shares the ups and downs of living a life that constantly challenges them to re-learn how to be together, even when they are apart. About Kristina Bailey: Kristina is a Professional Life Coach certified through the renowned Coaches Training Institute with specialized training in Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching.  She coaches individuals and leaders to unleash potential and expand their influence. Kristina thrives on coaching relationships, teams and organizations to greater effectiveness as a system by increasing awareness, navigating conflict, building positivity and facilitating impactful communication. Kristina and her family currently reside in the beautiful mountains of Conifer, Colorado. Where you can find Kristina Bailey online: Website LinkedIn FaceBook Twitter Instagram In This Episode:  * Encouraging your spouse to pursue what makes them come alive * When one spouse is traveling, how life goes on without them * When there’s too much silence, who is the voice you’re hearing? * Scheduling sex is hot * Taking in the world from your spouse’s perspective * The peace of never leaving anything unsaid Resources: The Challenge: Leave nothing unsaid- tell your spouse what you love about them. Listen Now:

Summary: While sharing the no-holds barred story of the day to day agony of losing their son, Noah, they share how they grew closer together, found new perspectives and found a heart to heart connection with God.  They break down their inner questions: Does God give us more than we can handle? Is death really so scary?  Is it okay to rail against God? About Adrienne and Jason Graves: Adrienne is a writer and founder of a non-profit named Bevy, aimed to create spaces where people can share their stories candidly. Jason also does work globally with non-profits. They’ve been married for 24 years and have three kids: two on Earth and one in heaven. They’ve had seasons of totally being in love and others where they truly drove each other crazy.  But through it all, they always join forces to face any struggle together. Where you can find Adrienne and Jason Graves online: Twitter Website Adrienne’s non-profit:  Facebook non-profit: In This Episode:  * Attempting to be on the same page with life and death decisions * What you do when God gives you more than you can handle * Can God handle your f-bombs? * Facing new reality a fresh perspective * Including their deceased child as a part of everyday life * Growing as a result of diving into the pain Resources: Tattooed by Grief (teens and suicide book, mentioned in the show) The Challenge: Visit a friend going through a hard time.  Just be there. Listen Now:

Summary: From fighting colds to “bringing sexy back,” Karla Gleason shares how using essential oils can bring a more natural, effective and frugal solution to so many of the issues plaguing your marriage and family. Wether you are already into oils or not, listen in, and let this expert share some of her best tips and tricks for using essential oils to keep your home and family happy and healthy. About Karla Gleason: Karla Gleason, Essential Oils Expert and owner of Essential Connection, Ltd, combines 25 years of experience as a physical therapist and her expertise in essential oils to all of her classes and webinars. Her passion is to empower others to help their friends and family by incorporating the use of essential oils in to their daily lives. Karla lives in Maumee, Ohio with her husband Judd, their 4 sons and their dog, Max. Through all of life’s ups and downs, the Gleason family is learning “There is an Oil for That!” Where you can find Karla online: Website Facebook Instagram In This Episode:  * Getting rid of all the chemicals in your medicine cabinet * The importance of your big toe * Different ways to get oils into your cells * Amp up your sex drive * Should you make your own deodorant? Resources: FREE:  Comment on the LM Podcast episode entry on FB and comment-  “ I want free oils!”  You’ll be entered in a drawing to receive a Free Balance and Wild Orange Do-terra essential oils.  Combined value is $40.  www.facebook.com/essentialconnectionltd FREE: 10 Essential Oils for your Family on:  www.essentialconnection.org The Challenge: Use one of the oils mentioned on the show today and give it a try for one week. Listen Now:

Summary: When the going gets rough, how do YOU respond? Listen in as Josh and Crystal Traver share some of their story, and how they’ve stood together through every storm. Josh and Crystal are an amazing couple we met almost 9 years ago, and we’ve had the honor of calling them friends. They share about how they have navigated some serious challenges including a life or death surgery, bankruptcy, and a career crisis. Despite every challenge, in the dark times of their life together, they drew even closer to each other and to God. About Crystal and Josh: Legendary couple Crystal and Josh Traver have been married for 11 years and live in the San Fransisco Bay Area. They love Jesus, love people, and hope to introduce the people they love to the Jesus they love. Where you can find Crystal and Josh online: Crystal on Instagram Josh on Instagram In This Episode:  * Facing the possibility of your spouse dying * Seeking God individually and together * Grieving miscarriage: male vs. female * Don’t be afraid to feel all your feelings * The importance of not doing it alone Resources: Are you ready to live and lead like the Genius you really are? Then grab a copy of Alan’s new book “Everybody’s a Genius.” The Challenge: Have a conversation with your spouse, and tell them how you are grateful for all they are. Listen Now:

Summary: In Everyone’s a Genius, author, pastor, and leadership consultant Alan Briggs, shares his belief that bringing out the abilities of often overlooked Christians—those whose unique skill sets are not as easily identifiable—remains a key component that will determine the church’s impact in this and coming generations. About Alan Briggs: Alan Briggs is the Director of Frontline Church Planting, a network and equipping hub in Colorado. He is the Multiplying Pastor at Vanguard Church in Colorado Springs where he makes disciples and trains leaders to multiply. He is also the lead creative at Stay Forth Designs; a leadership development team that equips leaders for health and impact. His speaking and writing focus on equipping and unlocking the saints for effective ministry inside and outside the family of God. He has written two books; Staying is the New Going (2015) and Guardrails (2016), and his next book, Everyone’s a Genius, will release in September. He and his wife, Julie, have four kids, two adopted and two biological, and are enjoying the process of growing roots. Their family focuses on building bridges to the lost, largely in the context of their neighborhood. He is passionate about equipping leaders and churches to multiply through relational, experiential and formal learning. He loves climbing, camping, grilling and connecting with his neighbors. Where you can find Alan Briggs online: Website Facebook In This Episode:  * Who is perceived as a “creative” * Revive your suppressed creativity * Affirming is the key * Do artists need to be paid for their talent? * What “counts” as creativity for the Kingdom? * Families that “do stuff” Resources: Are you ready to live and lead like the Genius you really are? Then grab a copy of Alan’s new book “Everybody’s a Genius.” The Challenge: Have a conversation with your spouse, and tell each other how you see their genius shine through. Listen Now:

Summary: Here at the top 10 reasons why you want to attend the Legendary Marriage Intensive, October 19-22, 2017 in Breckenridge, CO. You can find out more, and register HERE. Listen Now:

Summary: Are you ready to screw the 9-5? Work takes up a TON of our time and energy, and when it’s not fulfilling and rewarding, it can feel like a real drag. Today’s guest, Jill Stanton and her husband Josh have worked together to build a community of aspiring entrepreneurs who are taking control of their careers. Whether you love your 9-5, or you’re longing for an escape plan, this episode is full of ideas and insights that will inspire and encourage you to get on the same page about your perspective on work. About Jill Stanton: Jill Stanton and her husband Josh are the co-founders of Screw the Nine to Five—their slice of the internet where they teach unsatisfied 9-to-5’ers how to escape their 9-to-5’s and start profitable businesses online, without the frustration, overwhelm or temptation to day-drink! Where you can find Jill Stanton online: Website Facebook Page FREE Facebook Group Podcast YouTube   In This Episode:  * Falling in love with a Bejing hipster * Helping people create a life they want to live * Biggest obstacle to success is mindset * Importance of staying in your own lane * How the best breakthroughs come from breakdowns * Establishing community as the heartbeat    Resources: Curious about how to screw your 9-5? Jill has a fantastic resource for you. Get your FREE copy of 16 Ways To Screw Your 9-to-5 and get some inspiration on how to ditch your corporate grind! The Challenge: If we could start our own business together, what would it be? What’s exciting about that vision?. Listen Now:

Summary: What do you do when you feel lost in the day to day, without intention or direction? Erica and Raf give some great strategies, on how to weather life’s challenges and continue to seek God’s direction and dream the next big dream- together. About Raf and Erica Robinson: Raf and Erica are serial entrepreneurs, adventurers and Co-Active coaches. They have 2 small daughters, and they’re currently opening a B&B and retreat space, where men and women can encounter God in nature and find their identity and mission, in this world. Where you can find Raf and Erica online: Queen Bee Suite  Honey Bee House Email Slab BBQ In This Episode:  * Analyzing dreams to make real-life decisions * Tiny-house living * Having a stroke in your 30’s with a wife and 2 little girls * Constantly asking God to craft a new vision for your life * How depression turned life in a beautiful way * Wanting to have a “Kramer” in your house Resources:  The Challenge: Get with your spouse and ask God that question, “What is the next adventure you have for us?” Listen Now:

Summary: Attachment styles impact every relationship in our lives, so if you’ve ever felt like you’re just not connecting with your spouse, there may be a legitimate, scientific reason. Sarah Sherwood will share about how each of us have different attachment styles, set since childhood, and how they affect our relationships today. About Sarah Sherwood: Sarah Sherwood is a certified Life coach, Spiritual Director and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who empowers people to live courageously and develop inner strength, so they can experience a meaningful life. Sarah helps super-busy, hight pressured leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs who feel like burnout is running their life and their relationships.  She teaches them to regulate their nervous system’s stress response and massively reduce overwhelm, giving them more meaningful connection with loved ones, a productive and profitable business and a world changing influence. Where you can find Sarah Sherwood online: Website Facebook Page Instagram   In This Episode:  • The benefits of integrating trauma into your life • How each of us experience the freeze response daily • The impossibility of using half of your brain during an argument • How your Attachment Style effects your marriage • Is a healthy, secure connection really possible for everyone?   Resources: Attachment Assessment Hold Me Tight The Challenge: Take the Attachment Assessment and discuss the results with your spouse. Listen Now:

Summary: Hurricane Harvey has cause unmatched devastation in south Texas, and as of the hour of this recording, it’s not done. We were able to speak with a dear friend in the Houston area about her experience. About Cory Thomsen: Cory Thomsen is a Life coach for Moms, who  lives in Katy, TX with her husband, daughter and son. She shares her story of living through Hurricane Harvey and processing all her emotions. Where you can find Cory Thomsen online: Website Facebook Page In This Episode:  • Tornado drills in the pantry • Harrowing escapes from homes • Mile long lines at the one open store • Uncertain plans to get the kids back to school Resources: In addition to your prayers, we encourage you to donate to the Red Cross The Challenge: Hug your family and friends, and tell them how much you love them. Listen Now:

Summary: Infertility & miscarriage effect 1 in 4 couples. Laura Debellas courageously shares her fertility story, and how she and her husband Jamie grew closer together, despite the terrible losses they experienced. About Heather E. Clark: Laura has two precious girls she loves fiercely, –we’re talking a caged lion kind of fierce! She is currently, a stay at home mom and blogger. She places God, her husband, Jamie, and her children as top priority. Jamie and Laura have been through some tough times in their 14 year marriage but always placing God first,– they’ve been able to work out every challenge that comes their way. She shares her story to tell others– there is light at the end of the tunnel AND they are loved and cared for – even in the darkest of times. Where you can find Laura Debellas online: Website In This Episode:  • How men and women grieve differently • The expectation of certain fertility • Asking fro what your need • The surprising lack of family support when dealing with miscarriage • The importance of self-care The Challenge: None of us are mindreaders, so have a conversation with your spouse and tell them what you’re needing. Listen Now:

Summary: If you and your spouse know that clutter is taking some of the joy, time and energy out of your family, this episode is for you. Heather E. Clark breaks down the “why” and the “how to’s” in making your home a place where you’re available to have fun with your family, without the constant drain that clutter creates. About Heather E. Clark: Heather Clark is a mother and business woman who knows the importance of decluttering and organizing as it helps with your financial, physical, mental and emotional health. You don’t need more stuff rather, use what you already have in more efficient ways. Keeping it simple and back to the basics. She is on a mission to bring importance to relationships, rather than material items. #DeclutterYourLife starting with the home office. Where you can find Heather E. Clark online: Website Facebook Page Pinterest Twitter LinkedIn In This Episode:  • Using decluttering as therapy and a way to recharge • Ease of focus comes with a blank slate • Parent’s role in making de-cluttering a natural rhythm of the family • Gaining more time with family, through decluttering • The importance of story pieces in your home   Resources: Heather has prepared a special resource for Legendary Marriage Podcast listeners! Get your Top 4 Home Office Clutter Culprits and How They’re Costing You Money –> GET IT HERE The Challenge: Make an action plan with your spouse to declutter your home. Listen Now:

Summary: If you’ve ever felt like a failure as a parent, then this episode is for you. Brian King shares from his experience and expertise to inspire you to give yourself grace as a parent, and teach your child to do the same, while sharing vulnerably about his own struggles raising 3 children with special needs. About Brian King: Brian R. King, MSW teaches compassionate parenting to parents raising all kinds of children, including those with ADHD, Asperger’s or chronic illnesses. Brian has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is the father of three sons with Asperger’s & ADHD. Two of his sons also have Ehlers­Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Brian lives his life while navigating the challenges of his own diagnoses of ADHD, Dyslexia, Ehlers­Danlos Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis. As a Coach, Professional Workshop Facilitator and Keynote Presenter who has been wowing audiences since he was 17 years old, Brian has become increasingly known for his story of resilience in the face of Learning and Physical disabilities to become a #1 Best­ Selling Author and successful Entrepreneur. In his popular keynote presentations, Brian reveals key decisions we all must make in order to be consistently successful regardless of our challenges. Where you can find Brian King online: Website Facebook Page   In This Episode:  • How a cancer diagnosis propelled Brian into action. • How having children with ADHD and Aspergers can divide your marriage. • How to embrace imperfection. • Unmet and unexpressed needs can show up in catastrophic ways. • Why kids have bad behavior.   The Challenge: What recurring parenting issues leave you needing to get on the same page? Listen Now:

Summary: If you and your spouse avoid money conversations because you’re not sure where to start, then you’ll want to listen to this episode! Nikki breaks down what’s behind the awkwardness involving money and gives you ways to have the necessary conversations with your spouse and loved ones, so that you can approach the future with confidence. About Nikki Tucker: As a lover of finance and simplicity, Nikki Tucker formed The FIIRM Approach to help female breadwinners reduce stress and increase confidence using a simple approach to get their financial affairs in order. The FIIRM Approach uses action-based education to make sure you & your family are more financially engaged & prepared for planned and unexpected life events. 15 years of experience with a private family office, wealthy business owners and teaching at-risk youth about personal finance has provided Nikki with a unique perspective on the importance of making financial related matters more practical and approachable. Nikki wants to help women who are looking to get their financial act together to save money, time and achieve their financial goals. Where you can find Nikki Tucker online: Website Facebook Community Facebook Page   In This Episode:  • Know your spouse’s money story. • Money is not black and white in a marriage, its more of an art. • Your past does not dictate your future success in money. • Speak to your spouse in their personality style. • Responsibility to be transparent about money.   Resources: Nikki has an exclusive offer for Legendary Marriage listeners. Get your free FIIRM Couples Financial Checklist here: https://thefiirmapproach.com/legendary The Challenge: Use the FIIRM Couples Financial Checklist to get on the same page about the nuts and bolts of you finances. Listen Now: