WifeSavers Podcast

Is “there’s no place like home” getting tested in your home like never before? During current shelter-in orders—and with the days and weeks ahead still a big question mark—how will your family manage the strain on your relationships over the long haul? Bringing everything down to just four simple but powerful practices will make all the difference. In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, When There’s No Place Other THAN Home, You Need More of THIS, multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, discuss how you and your family can feel happy with each other day after day, for as long as it takes, inside your own four walls. THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “I’m the kind of person that will obey all the rules and not mind not going out. I’ve REALLY enjoyed being home for the past few weeks. But the truth is all the worry over the virus and groceries and toilet paper is starting to wear on me, and the kids are getting cabin fever and my husband is getting edgy. What can I do?” Key points in this podcast: What is required to “flatten” the “negativity curve” What “shedding” is and how it calms and strengthens a family The 4 vital dynamics you all need MORE of during this stressful time How to combat “sameness” Critical approaches to “too much” togetherness The science of touch including the dangers of “skin hunger” Strategies for increasing the primary hormones that alleviate stress What children know and do that will help everyone in the family “... a wonderful blend of insights and wisdom...perfect blend of fun and information. ✮✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcasts listener Related episodes: How to Help Your Husband With Emotions During the Crisis Don’t Let a Crisis Sink Your Marriage

Couples everywhere are having to deal with financial strains, upended routines, extra parenting responsibilities, new expectations of one another, and worrisome health scares. Whether a husband is sheltering-in, or on the front lines, employed, or suddenly unemployed, there’s a good chance that his wife’s most tangible and immediate source of stress is her concern about how the global crisis is impacting her man directly. In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, How to Help Your Husband With His Emotions During the Crisis, multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, delve into brain science and biology to understand how today’s atmosphere of intense anxiety may be affecting men, what a concerned partner can do alleviate her man’s tension, and the ways intelligent, proactive engagement between husband and wife mitigates negative repercussions on the family. THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “How do I help my husband right now? He seems full of anxiety with the COVID crisis. I worry about what he is feeling inside as he tries to be strong for others, and I worry that the balance of positive to negative in our interactions is tipping in the wrong direction.” Key points in this podcast: What a wife may be feeling as a result of a husband’s behaviors under stress Why the fallout from the global pandemic is hitting him so hard How to interpret the “male mask” Specific ways in which men deal with emotion differently than women Why his emotional and problem-solving style can be as valid and as valued as hers Seven approaches to gently drawing out her man’s inner thoughts and feelings How to optimally treat his feelings once revealed so as to encourage future sharing Why a woman’s self-care is key to her partner’s mental health and stability Related episodes: Don’t Let a Crisis Sink Your Marriage Dealing With Your Spouse’s Depression Positively When He’s Overwhelmed With Family Life Seeing Eye to Eye: What To Do When You Don’t

Times of crisis are inevitable. Unexpected circumstances can feel like a sudden attack on your family’s status quo, interrupting plans and draining everyone’s energy. Whether your relationships with each other end up battered and crippled by the storm or deeper and stronger for the voyage  depends in large part on how you organize your response. In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, Don’t Let a Crisis Sink Your Marriage, multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, discuss how a couple can avoid breaking on the shoals of a crisis by proactively navigating their family through fear and uncertainty. THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “What are some helps for smoothing our relationship in times of crisis? Do you have a trauma kit/advice?!” Key points in the podcast: How a husband may initially react differently to a crisis than his wife The 4 things every member of the family needs or craves during a crisis An 8 step plan of action for the entire family during a crisis The 5 “musts” to keep your marriage on an even keel How to “reframe” intense or negative emotion How a crisis can be the catalyst for strengthening family bonds and individual growth “Ramona and Dale share such a unique, wonderful, refreshing, and definitely relevant blend of insights and wisdom gained from their experiences together. It’s a perfect blend of fun and information.” ✮✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcast listener Related episodes: Episode 37: Dealing With Your Spouse’s Depression Positively Episode 11: Turning Negative Communication With Your Husband to the Positive Episode 10: How Do I Find Balance? A Woman’s Greatest Challenge Episode 7: Feeling Burned Out After Too Much Stress

When your partner is at their best, they are a positive energy source for you and the whole family: dreaming big, working hard, playing hard. But what happens if they lose that zest for life? What are you supposed to do with their ongoing detachment, despondency, anxiety, anger, or pessimism? Depression is an isolating illness that can negatively impact relationships and leave loved ones feeling helpless and afraid. In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, How to Deal With Your Spouse’s Depression Positively, multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 42+ years, Dale, discuss how spouses can come together when that “intangible-something” called depression or anxiety interferes with their ability to work, play, and even love. THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “My spouse suffers from negativity/depression. I love him, but how do I enjoy time with him & feel connected? How do I even bring up to him that I think he’s depressed? Help!” Key points in the podcast: The difference between depression, grief, and sadness The physical manifestations of depression inside the brain What depression and anxiety feel like to the person experiencing them What it feels like to be their spouse and what is in the spouse’s control The possible answers to “why won’t he talk to me?” The 4-step approach to a conversation on the subject How to explore and execute solutions together Real-wife examples of effective coping strategies “I love, love, LOVE listening to this podcast! This is truly a gift to better understand myself and help him better understand me! If you are looking for a podcast that is uplifting and that will help you better understand--then this podcast is for you! It’s time happily and very well spent! ✮✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcast listener Related episodes: Episode 28: When He’s Overwhelmed by Family Life Episode 11: Turning Negative Communication With Your Husband to the Positive Episode 7: Feeling Burned Out After Too Much Stress Episode 10: How Do I Find Balance? A Woman’s Greatest Challenge

Feeling lonely or resentful or misunderstood when one or the other of you is reading messages into your physical relationship that are not intended? Have you tried to communicate with each other about sex, but your conversations turn out less than productive or helpful? Maybe you feel reticent to initiate or lead a discussion with your spouse because you don’t know how to begin or how to navigate issues involving sex. Or it may be that you’ve got a pretty good sex life, but you’ve always wondered if things could get even better! A powerful physical relationship starts with open, honest communication with your spouse but the subject can be tricky to tackle for a myriad of reasons. In this special episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, Conversations on Physical Intimacy, multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, introduce their revolutionary yet natural, conversational approach to improving physical intimacy in marriage. Student reviews and experiences are interwoven throughout. THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “My husband and I can’t seem to get on the same page in our sexual life. I want him to understand me, but he thinks I should be able to “just do it”. Any ideas on how to handle this better?” Key points in the podcast: Why understanding your partner in regards to your sexual relationship can be a challenge How you can navigate sensitive or complex areas of discussion regarding sex Why she can confuse and frustrate him when he’s trying to get close to her and to please her How a man’s sexuality is actually more complex than the cliche’s lead on How to talk together to keep the sexual relationship strong despite a demanding family life The importance of emotional intimacy in physical intimacy and how communication affects both “I love the tone. I love the honesty. I appreciate the lightness in spite of the depth of the topics! ✮✭✭✭✭” Podcast listener Related episodes: Ep 31: Romance and Desire That Last Ep 25: He Doesn't Really Listen: How to Communicate So He'll Care Ep 16: Seeing Eye to Eye: What To Do When You Don't

Are there a rock bed principles that can make or break a marriage? There are. Internalizing a few key practices and attitudes can practically guarantee that you and your spouse will not just stay together, but stay in love. No matter your stage of life or state of marriage, you and your spouse can create a fully-vested romantic partnership by applying a seven-part formula to your relationship. In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, “The Seven Secrets to an Amazing Marriage”, multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, share the seven foundational principles that they, and countless others, have depended on to build a thriving marriage. THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “Life has been very beautiful for me. From almost being separated and now a wedding in the next three weeks...I want to know if you and your hubby will just share with me and my hubby good advice in marriage...We are not young but we still don’t know everything.” WifeSaver from Kenya Key Points in this podcast: The first principle that will make your marriage different and more powerful than any other kind of partnership The second principle, which counters the fear of losing one another, of betrayal, abandonment, apathy, or neglect The third principle, which counters feeling unsafe emotionally A fourth principle, which overcomes loneliness, unfair judgment, and unnecessary conflict The fifth principle that helps spouses avoid feeling overwhelmed, overused, or underappreciated And the sixth powerful principle that can strengthen your relationship like nothing else “The advice is top-notch but the best part is the discussion and humor! ✭✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcast listener Related episode: To Transform Your Marriage in 2019, Focus on This Romance and Desire That Last Do You Believe in Him? How To Show Him and Why You Want To Creating Connection, Connection, and Compatibility Despite Your Differences

Do you ever struggle in your relationships with his family, or his with yours? Extended family dynamics can be tricky, especially during the intense togetherness and expectations that are often part of the holidays. In this episode, a multi-award-winning author and global marriage mentor and educator, Ramona Zabriskie and her husband, Dale, speak from their 40+ years of experience in answering a wife who is worried about navigating upcoming decisions about (and encounters with) extended family. This Week’s Question: “What if my husband and I have different ideas about what makes the perfect Christmas? My husband wants to stay home with just us and the children, and I want to be with all my extended family, and we go through this every year.” Listen and learn how to plot a course and steer your husband and children through any extended family gathering so they feel content and secure throughout, and happy with the experience at the end. Key Topics: Compromise vs. Accommodating any time of year Understanding his POV about your family and holiday wishes What you should do first before discussing plans with your husband The three things to prioritize when spending time with extended family during the holidays Seven strategies for managing and making the best of time with extended family as a couple "Real life, real trials, real success, real love. This is the real deal. ✭✭✭✭✭" WifeSavers Podcast iTunes/Apple Listener RELATED EPISODES OF THE WIFESAVERS PODCAST: When He's Overwhelmed With Family Life Seeing Eye to Eye: What To Do When You Don't How To Find Balance: A Woman's Greatest Challenge

What’s your excuse? Time? Money? Babysitters? Nothing interesting to do? There’s always a reason for married couples and parents to neglect or postpone the weekly concentrated couple time called “date night”. Even if it seems next to impossible to pull off, you’re probably still craving your spouse’s exclusive attention and would love a refreshing change of pace. In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, “Date Night or Bust! Why and How To Make It The Best Time All Week”, multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, answer a wife who is trying to figure out how to manage a regular date night with her husband. THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “Date night really isn't possible, as we have no one to watch our kids that we trust. We do escape to our room and lock the doors, and the kids are still home. Does that count?” Listen and learn why it’s absolutely critical to prioritize the time, support, and resources you need to make married-dating a habit, and how to get low-to-no-cost, creative date-night suggestions! Key Points in this podcast: Why a change of environment and conversation has such an impact on a couple What researchers have found out about our dependency on each other What is actually created when a couple is free from the pull of all other relationships Five super fun, super creative no-cost date-night ideas you can enjoy at home! How to get a whole year’s worth of low-to-no-cost date ideas for FREE! “Ramona and Dale are the best! I have learned so much from them! Their playful, loving example is incredible. ✭✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcast listener Related episodes: Ep 32: Not  Enough Time for Quality Time for Quality Couple Time Ep 31: The Best of WifeSavers Podcast: Romance and Desire That Last Ep 6: We Have Little in Common: Creating Companionship and Connection Despite Differences

Time is everything when it comes to relationships: shared experience, shared-story, shared presence. Are you and your husband struggling to fit so much into your schedules that there’s little time left over for just the two of you? What happens to a husband and wife who lose the opportunity to connect in a deep way on a regular—even frequent—basis? In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, “Not Enough Time for Quality Couple Time”, multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, answer a wife who is worried that both she and her husband are suffering from the lack of exclusive and meaningful time together. THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “We have 2 little boys, ages 4 and 2, and I am expecting twins in just a few weeks. My husband’s schedule is crazy as is, and we don’t get to spend much quality time together. I don’t blame him for being in this position, but I do want to do whatever I can to make sure we stay connected even at this crazy time! My love language is quality time, and that’s the hardest one to accomplish right now!” Listen and learn how to squeeze in moments that count and create the breathing space your relationship needs to survive and thrive. Key Points in this podcast: Why the quantity and quality of couple interactions change after marriage Gender-specific insecurities that are stirred up by the lack of regular connection How his employment relates to his willingness to focus on their relationship Three important reasons to prioritize quality time as a couple How much quality time is required to succeed in marriage Three ways a husband’s and wife’s definitions of “quality time” may differ Several specific strategies for squeezing in satisfying time for one-on-one “How I love this podcast!! The principles, examples, and how-to information that Ramona and Dale share help me every day as a wife and in all my relationships. I rely heavily on everything they share and am so grateful for their deep wisdom and experience!  ✭✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcast listener Related episodes: Ep 6: We Have Little in Common: Creating Companionship and Connection Despite Differences Ep 7: Feeling Burned Out After Too Much Stress Ep 10: How Do I Find Balance? A Woman’s Greatest Challenge

Feeling desired, even “wooed”, is the romantic high that that poetry, film, literature, and music have prepped us for all our lives, right? But how realistic is it to expect all the passion, mystery, and excitement to continue throughout a long lifetime together? Is it possible to create romance-on-demand at any age or any stage? In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, "The Best Of the WifeSavers Podcast: Romance and Desire That Last", multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, answer a wife who is longing for days past when she felt that her husband was attentive and amorous, drawn and devoted to her. Throw Me a WifeSaver: “My husband was INCREDIBLE with me for so long...he was doting on me, loving on me, encouraging me. Now I don't feel that way, and I don't know how to fix it. What can I do? How do I bring romance back into my marriage?” Listen and learn loving strategies that are more doable than cynics might think and more down-to-earth than romantics might expect! Why “romance” is important to women Our two great needs at odds in the quest for romance How today’s expectations of marriage differ from the past The definition of love vs. desire and why we want both 3 dynamics that make us desire, or feel drawn toward, our spouse 6 challenges that will bust complacency and cultivate excitement "I love listening to the dynamic between Ramona and Dale and hope that my husband and I will be like them in 30 years!" ✭✭✭✭✭ ITunes/Apple listener (We’d so appreciate your review on Apple/iTunes or your favorite podcast platform!)

When work or fun pulls you away from home, do you worry about what you will happen with the house and family in your absence? Especially when your guy is left in charge? Do you get the feeling that your expectations are higher than his when it comes to childcare, housework, and generally filling your shoes? You’re probably hoping the kids get some quality time with Dad, but you also want everything to operate as usual and on schedule. How can you balance your concerns with respecting his prerogative to do things differently? In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, “Leaving Your Husband in Charge of the House and Kids”, multi-award-winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, answer a wife who is worried about how things at home are going to run (and turn out!) while she’s away. THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “I have to go far away from home for a conference this weekend, which means my husband and kids will have to fend for themselves. Should I be worried?” Listen and learn fun, helpful strategies that will set your husband and kids up for success so everyone (including you!) can enjoy your time away. Key Points in this podcast: Why you’re concerned and the impact of your fears How to respectfully recruit his full engagement Two questions to ask yourself that will set up the optimal outcome The three pillars that will help you prepare, organize, and prioritize How you will know the experience was a success for everyone so you feel free to do it again! “This podcast is a secret treasure in the podcast world! So full of valuable information and real-life application. ✭✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcast listener Related episodes: Ep 27: Getting Him on Board With Best Parenting Practices Ep 1: Helping Your Husband Bond With the Kids Ep 19: Wars Over Chores: Recruiting His Help with the Housework

Are your carefully laid vacation plans falling short of expectations? After hours of research, deal shopping, and blog hopping are your getaway dreams turning into a family-fueled nightmare? How can you facilitate magical memories while keeping spirits high, bellies full, and sanity spared? What should you do when kids are bickering, Honey is snippy, and you are losing patience for your vacation before you even leave the house? Learning to shift your goals and gain a new perspective on the purpose of family getaways can turn inevitable travel trials into treasured memories.   In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, “Creating (or Saving!) Your Family Vacation”, multi-award winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, share tried and true approaches for keeping your cool on a family getaway.  THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “We took a trip this weekend as a family. Despite all my daily efforts leading up to the trip, there were moments when the kids were fighting, husband was frustrated and harsh and I was anxious as all get out!! How does this happen? Who flipped the switch?!! Is vacation really that disruptive to family life or is it just me? Please help me understand how to keep my WifeSavers foundation when we go on a family vacation!!” Listen and learn why your focus for family travel may need to shift, how to get and keep everyone on the same team, and how to accomplish your goal of treasured family time with a family that loves one another better by the time you’re home again.  Key Points in this podcast: How to shift your focus from pure logistics What to use as a guide and measuring stick for success The way to manage disruption, stress, or chaos in the moment Easy strategy for keeping yourself proactive and positive How to keep relationships on the front burner Specific approach to reflecting and re-setting each day “What a husband and wife conversation should sound like. ✭✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcast listener Related episodes: Ep 27: Getting Him on Board With Best Parenting Practices Ep 14: Dealing with Extended Family Ep 10: How Do I Find Balance? A Woman’s Greatest Challenge Ep 7: Feeling Burnt Out After Too Much Stress Ep 1: Helping Your Husband Bond With the Kids

What do you do when your husband is too often grouchy or down at home? Is family life falling short of his expectations, or is he falling short of your expectations? Either way, it's challenging to your marriage, and to his relationship with the children. You want to share the joys of marriage with him but how can you be positive enough for both of you? How can you see things from his perspective when his struggle stokes your own worries? In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, “When Family Life Overwhelms Him”, multi-award winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, answer a wife who is tired of trying to cope with her husband’s negativity within the family.   THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “My husband has been struggling off & on with depression and anxiety. He is angry much of the time and struggles to cope with our kids as they overwhelm him. I find it exhausting to be constantly challenging the story he tells himself. This just makes parenting more difficult and it makes marriage hard for me. I would love any advice you might have!” Listen and learn why your husband may be feeling anxious and depressed, why this naturally affects family life, and how to help him regain a sense of control, balance, and energy. Key Points in this podcast: Your dissimilar approaches to managing pain/emotion How parenthood may be affecting him  Possible causes for your anxiety over his anxiety 5 ubiquitous male drives that underpin male fears 4 “male masks” used to hide or postpone experiencing emotion 5 common “male” fears that are stirred up by family life Strategy for helping him regain a sense of balance, control, and energy “I love listening to both Ramona and Dale interact and laugh with each other - it just makes me happy! Their podcasts model respectful and joyful interactions in marriage and reminds me to laugh more often, especially with my husband. ✭✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcast listener Related episodes: Ep 27: Getting Him on Board With Best Parenting Practices Ep 22: Finding and Pursuing His Quest Ep 16: His Criticism Hurts: What to do When Your Husband is Unkind or Unfair Ep 1: Helping Your Husband Bond With the Kids

What do you do when your husband is counteracting your parenting style or you’re counteracting his? Especially in the heat of the moment? And how do you get him interested and enthused about your latest and greatest approaches to teaching or disciplining the kids? You want to be able to trust him as a father, but how can you when the two of you are not on the same page? Working as a parenting-team is critical to not only the kids’ upbringing but to the success of your marriage.   In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, “Getting Him On Board With Best Parenting Practices”, multi-award winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie, and her husband of 40+ years, Dale, answer a wife who is struggling to convince her husband that there’s a better way to parent their child.   THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “I've started employing a new parenting method which is in contrast to my husband's and I see my child responding beautifully to it. However, it'll take time for her meltdowns to reduce significantly. What should I do to get my husband to employ these positive parenting principles?”  Listen and learn how to help your husband (and yourself!) feel more open-minded about different parenting styles and how to help him actually engage with you in an approach to parenting you can both feel good about.  Key Points in this podcast:  - Why raising the kids in a unified style is important to her  - Possible causes for his apathy or antipathy to her approach or suggestions  - The problems that are caused when you disagree about parenting  - Seven common differences between mother/father approaches   - Four critical things to avoid when you’re recruiting his interest and involvement   - Four key things to do that will help inspire his enthusiasm and willingness  “Ramona and Dale’s adorable witty banter back and forth puts a smile on my face! I love their positivity and vulnerability. They give amazing tips from both sides of a relationship and I’m loving applying their tips to my marriage! ✭✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcast listener  Related episodes:  Ep 25: He Doesn’t Really Listen: How to Communicate So He’ll Care  Ep 16: Seeing Eye to Eye: What To Do When You Don’t  Ep 1: Helping Your Husband Bond With the Kids

Are you dreading or resenting your spouse’s next business trip because it’ll be up to you to hold down the fort? Without a partner’s on-the-ground practical and emotional support, personal and family life can become overwhelming. Logistical complications as well as emotional and physical stresses take a toll on both husband and wife. You’d really just like to be together and get (or give!) help, reassurance, and hugs when they are needed most.  In this episode of the WifeSavers Podcast, “When He’s Traveling For Business”, multi-award winning marriage author and educator, Ramona Zabriskie and her traveling husband, Dale, answer a wife who is seriously worried about her spouse’s obligation to be away from home for work.  THROW ME A WIFESAVER: “My husband is preparing to be several states away from home for two-week intervals (home for two, away for two) for the next 36 weeks. I’m not at all looking forward to this. When he talks about it I feel ‘walls’ blocking my thoughts, and all I know is how I feel about it.” Listen and learn how to manage your road warrior’s absence in a way that will tone down the stress, spare your heart, and bring out the best in your relationship. Key Points in this podcast: - Appreciating your unique stresses while he’s away  - Recognizing the pressures on him - How to set up “safety nets” to protect you both - Ways to involve him in family life despite his absence - Strategies for keeping your relationship vibrant and relevant - Strengthening your healthy independence - How to make the most of your reunions - The costs, benefits, and strategies of traveling together when possible "I have really loved this podcast. The advice is top-notch but the best part is the humor and discussion back and forth between Ramona and Dale. I feel like they are the encouraging- parents and good example we all wish we had! ✭✭✭✭✭” Apple Podcasts listener Related episodes: - Episode 21: Romance and Desire That Last - Episode 18: To Transform Your Marriage in 2019, Focus on This - Episode 10: How Do I Find Balance? A Woman’s Greatest Challenge - Episode 8: Do You Believe in Him? How To Show Him and Why You Want To