Advertise on podcast: The Marriage Life Coach Podcast

I recently sat down with Emily Reuschel on her Wild and Waking podcast to talk about something I call the growth gap. What happens when one partner outpaces the other in personal development work? It was such a great conversation that I wanted to share it here with you too, because this is such a common pattern I see with my clients. Here's the thing: you've been reading all the books, listening to podcasts just like this one, doing all the inner work - because of course you have, and maybe your partner chooses to evolve differently than you. And that gap, that difference in growth pace and in growth focus, can feel incredibly isolating and frustrating. But what if I told you that the growth gap isn't the actual problem? What if the real issue is what you're doing with that gap? Emily and I dive deep into why personal growth can actually create more tension in your relationship at first, and then what to do about it. The counterintuitive truth about why your partner's lack of interest in therapy or coaching or a workshop might not be the deal breaker that you think it is. How to stop turning your relationship into a project you're trying to fix. The power of leading from your side of the street without carrying the whole emotional load. This is one of those episodes where you really want to grab your journal and maybe listen to it once and then go back and take notes because we're going to be practical, we're going to be strategic, and of course we're going to be soulful and have fun all at the same time.   ✨ Episode at a Glance  What the growth gap is and why it happens when one partner evolves and the other resists change The "Power of One" framework and how one person's transformation can shift the entire relationship Why the mindset of "I go first" changes everything The difference between your partner being scared vs. thinking growth is dumb (and why it matters) How to communicate your insights without triggering defensiveness Why asking for consent before sharing what you learned is essential The concept of do-overs and how one client's family transformed it into "rewinds"  How men and women process differently (and why understanding this helps) When to adjust your expectations vs. when it's time to call it Why quality matters more than length in relationships RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Free Workshop: The Growth Gap Marriage Mindset Makeover Emily Reuschel's website Listen to Ep 172 on Wild & Waking with Emily Reuschel and Maggie Follow Emily in Instagram @emilyreuschel

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Jurgens to talk about something I have very strong feelings about: polarity. If you've been out in the internet wilderness hearing about masculine-feminine energy and how you need to lean into it to create spark in your marriage, and you're getting a weird vibe about it—you're not alone. A couple years ago, my husband and I took a virtual retreat on this exact topic with a well-renowned teacher. And I had the most visceral experience of probably disgust I've ever had in a teaching setting. The class promoted things like agency and consent in the description, but the structure was the opposite—repressive, oppressive, and the exact opposite of choice. Ever since then, I've been a hard no on teaching polarity in my programs. But then I found Laura's podcast episode on this topic and it was like finding a Coca-Cola in the desert. She brings the nuance, the research, and the practical wisdom about when polarity can work without causing harm—and when it's just patriarchy disguised as spirituality. We talk about the mix of deep and fun that I love, and we're going to tell you exactly when this approach can be helpful and when it becomes harmful. Episode at a Glance What polarity actually is (and why it's everywhere right now) Why the masculine-feminine framework often reinforces harmful gender stereotypes  How polarity can damage women's agency and men's emotional vulnerability The five criteria for when polarity can work without causing harm Why high-achieving women often fantasize about being dominated (and what that actually means) The difference between healthy dom/sub dynamics and repackaged patriarchy Resources Mentioned In This Episode: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Growth Gap Workshop (FREE) The Desire Gap Podcast with Laura Juergens Visit Laura's website: https://laurajurgens.com/  Laura's Instagram: @laura.juergens.coach Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski  

In this greatest hits episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast, I'm resharing one of my most important episodes for the long-term health of your marriage: teams versus alliances. This framework explains why some marriages thrive for decades while others dissolve—and gives you specific tools to strengthen yours starting today. Here's what made this especially timely: Oprah recently did a whole podcast episode on gray divorce (which has tripled for people 65+ since 1990). I've been talking about this phenomenon since 2016, and honestly? It made me do a little happy dance to see this conversation going mainstream. Because the more you understand what's driving gray divorce, the more you can prevent it in your own future. In this episode, I share updated research on gray divorce, then dive into the original framework about what separates marriages that stay strong from those that quietly drift apart. You'll discover: The exact difference between a team and an alliance (you'll immediately know which one you are) Why teams create happiness and resilience while alliances eventually run out of reasons to stay together Three mindset shifts to build more team spirit in your marriage Ready to make your marriage not just functional, but five-star? Let's dive in.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Growth Gap Workshop (FREE) Marriage Mindset Makeover Episode #1: How to Have a Better Marriage Bowling Green State University research on gray divorce Institute for Family Studies research  

In this episode, I sit down with Ali Ryan, a trauma-informed embodiment coach and clinical nurse hypnotist, to talk about something we don't discuss enough: friend breakups.    I just went through one myself, and even as a relationship coach, I needed support and guidance, so I was up at 1 am googling, what are the steps in Conscious Uncoupling? And they were SO HELPFUL!    I share some of my process in my conversation with Ali and was so delighted to hear her insights!    On this episode, we explore conscious uncoupling (not just for romantic relationships!), how to have what I call a "loving ending" that honors the past while acknowledging when something needs to end, and why we don't have to make someone right or wrong when a relationship evolves.  This conversation is for anyone navigating the end of a friendship and wanting to do it with grace, integrity, and love. ✨ Episode at a Glance What conscious uncoupling really means beyond the buzzword Why we need to normalize talking about friend breakups The five steps of conscious uncoupling and how they apply to friendships How to stay out of survival brain when a relationship needs to end Why our society conditions us to be unconscious in both coupling and uncoupling The power of allowing relationships to evolve without making anyone wrong RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie The Growth Gap - Free Workshop Ali's Instagram: @ali_ryan__ Ali's Website: www.aliryancoaching.com  Katherine Woodward Thomas (creator of Conscious Uncoupling framework)  

In this milestone 200th episode, I sit down with licensed therapist and sex educator Tia Conway to talk about why pleasure actually matters, especially for those of us who've spent our whole lives prioritizing productivity over feeling good.  Tia shares her definition of pleasure, why it's not selfish or indulgent, and how giving yourself permission to enjoy your life transforms everything. We talk about the difference between aesthetic pleasure and embodied pleasure, why we resist good feelings, and how to create more joy without waiting for the perfect moment. ✨ Episode at a Glance Why pleasure isn't hedonism or laziness—it's essential for operating effectively The difference between aesthetic pleasure (looking good) and embodied pleasure (feeling good) How to bring pleasure to mundane tasks (yes, even grocery shopping) Why high-achievers resist pleasure and how to reclaim permission The connection between pleasure and reducing relational conflict Practical ways to increase pleasure capacity in your marriage   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Tia's Podcast: Pleasure and Peace Practice Connect with Tia on Instagram @pleasureandpeacewithtia Anonymous Question Box for Tia The Questions for Couples Journal Growth Gap Workshop (Free) Marriage Mindset Makeover Private Coaching with Maggie  

This week's episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast is something special. I'm joined by my emotional support Canadian (yes, really!) and fellow coach Crystal Thompson, and we're diving into a book that touched both our hearts: Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground by Mirabai Starr. If you've ever wanted to feel more connected—spiritually, emotionally, relationally—but didn't quite know how, this conversation is for you. We talk about finding sacredness in everyday life, receiving love when it feels hard, and why awe and gratitude can change everything, especially in long-term relationships. There's laughter. There's depth. There's even a moment that made me cry on the mic. ✨ Episode at a Glance Why the word mysticism can feel scary—and how to reclaim it What sacred ground actually looks like in everyday life How awe + gratitude fuel connection (and soften resentment) The neuroscience of wonder, and why it matters in marriage What Mirabai Starr, Richard Rohr, and Mary of Guadalupe have in common The real-life moment I almost deflected a miracle   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ordinary Mysticism by Mirabai Starr Connect with Crystal on Instagram @crystalruthcoaching The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie  

If you feel like you're exhausted and angry all the time, you're probably treating every frustration like a crisis. In this greatest hits episode, I'm teaching you The Anger Scale - a simple but powerful tool that helps you stop reacting to dirty socks the same way you'd react to unpaid bills. I'll share: Why we treat anger like an on/off switch (and why that's exhausting) The story of when I completely lost it at my bank (Cuban-ity unleashed!) How to rate your anger on a 1-10 scale and why this changes everything How to decide ahead of time what's worth your energy The 15-minute rule that prevents explosions How to stop being angry all the time and actually enjoy your marriage   Resources Mentioned in This Episode 📖 Questions for Couples Journal My bestselling journal with conversation starters to deepen connection in your marriage 🎓 The Growth Gap Workshop (FREE) Free on-demand training for high-achieving women who are growing while their partner stands still 💎 Private Coaching with Maggie: Work with me 1:1 to create more clarity, power, and love in your marriage ✨ The Marriage Mindset Makeover: Self-study program with all my best tools and frameworks for transforming your marriage

In this greatest hits episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast, I'm joined by my friend and colleague Karen C.L. Anderson for a powerful conversation about the role of healthy anger—and how to relate to it in a way that creates healing instead of harm. Karen is a master-certified life coach and author who helps smart, creative women transform their relationships with their mothers—into catalysts for growth. She's the author of Difficult Mothers, Adult Daughters, one of my favorite books to recommend to clients when mom stuff comes up, and You Are Not Your Mother: Releasing Generational Trauma and Shame (Living Free from Narcissistic Mothers and Fathers) which I also highly recommend.  Her work has also been featured in the New York Times as an expert on boundaries, and I'm so excited to share her wisdom with you. Together, we talk about the difference between immature and mature anger, how to use anger as a guide instead of something to fear, and why giving yourself permission to feel it can lead to deeper self-trust and healthier boundaries.  If anger has ever felt confusing, overwhelming, or like something you had to avoid in order to be "good," this episode is for you. ✨ Episode at a Glance The difference between immature and mature anger What anger is often signaling—and why it matters The Anger Scale and how to use it for self-awareness The concept of the Microscopic Truth and how it helps in conflict How to process and move through anger without fear or shame The link between anger and healthy boundary-setting A powerful coaching moment from Karen that shows anger in action  

Holding space is one of the most transformative relationship skills—and yet most of us were never taught how to do it. In this greatest hits episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast, I'm joined by Adam Brady, teacher at the Chopra Center, for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about The Art of Holding Space. Together, we explore what it means to be fully present with your partner without rushing to fix, defend, or solve. Whether you're navigating conflict, emotional moments, or just trying to be more supportive in your everyday life, this episode offers a gentle but powerful roadmap. Holding space doesn't mean staying silent or stuffing your own feelings. It means creating a compassionate container where both people feel seen, safe, and supported. And in this conversation, Adam shares how to cultivate that kind of presence—starting with how you relate to yourself. If you've ever wondered how to stay grounded while your partner is in pain, or how to listen without taking it all on, this episode will help you deepen your connection without burning out. ✨ Episode at a Glance What "holding space" really means (and what it doesn't) Why presence is often more powerful than problem-solving The role of non-judgment in creating emotional safety How to stay centered when your partner is triggered or upset The connection between mindfulness and communication How to offer compassion without self-abandonment  

If you've ever caught yourself shrinking, shutting down, or bending over backwards to keep the peace in your relationship—even when it costs you your own peace—this episode is for you. I'm joined by feminist healer, trauma-informed coach, and author Béatriz Victoria Albina, whose groundbreaking new book Ending Emotional Outsourcing names what so many of us experience… but don't know how to describe. Together, we unpack what happens when your body goes into a functional freeze—where you look fine on the outside, but feel disconnected on the inside. We talk about why so many high-achieving women end up over-functioning in their relationships, and how feminist healing helps you reclaim your voice, your agency, and your inner safety. Whether you've been stuck in a loop of doing all the work, feeling like it's never enough, or just craving a new way to relate to your emotions and your marriage—this conversation is the place to start. ✨ Episode at a Glance What functional freeze really looks like in high-achieving women Why emotional outsourcing is so common—and so costly How self-referencing can change the way you relate to everything Why boundaries often feel unsafe (and what to do instead) The difference between protecting peace and performing it The role of feminist healing in relational repair How Béa's new book helps you name, understand, and shift these patterns RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Connect with Béa on Instagram GET THE BOOK HERE - https://beatrizalbina.com/book/

If you've ever wondered what marriage coaching really looks like behind the scenes—this conversation is for you. In this episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast, I'm joined by my former client Amanda Gold, who vulnerably shares how her relationship transformed through coaching. Amanda opens up about the frustration and disconnection she once felt in her marriage, and the moment she realized something had to shift—not just in her relationship, but in how she was showing up for herself. Together, we unpack what it looks like to move from resentment to relief, how coaching helped Amanda reclaim her voice, and why creating emotional safety within is often the first step to creating it with your partner. ✨ If you've been stuck in a cycle of frustration or burnout in your relationship, let this episode remind you: it's possible to feel better—starting now. ✨ Episode at a Glance Amanda shares the "aha" moment that brought her to coaching Why self-silencing became a default—and what broke that pattern The Power of One and how Amanda took action without resentment What coaching actually looked like (and why it wasn't about fixing him) Building trust in herself, her partner, and the process What life and marriage feel like now: grounded, connected, and honest  

In this greatest hits episode, we're revisiting one of the most powerful communication tools I teach—one that's both simple and transformative. If you've ever walked away from a conversation feeling misunderstood, reactive, or like your needs weren't truly seen, this episode is for you. It's not just about what you say. It's about the lens you're using to listen. I'm breaking down why the perspective you bring into a conversation—the emotional framing you carry—can change everything. You'll learn how noticing your "lens" helps you shift your energy, change the direction of the dialogue, and respond in ways that bring more clarity, calm, and connection. From the sneaky effects of internalized patriarchy to how we're conditioned to live "leftovers lives," this episode is packed with both mindset shifts and practical tools you can apply right away. Grab a journal, take a walk, or just listen with curiosity—and let's explore how small shifts in perspective create big changes in communication. ✨ Episode at a Glance Why communication feels so hard (even though we do it every day) What it means to "notice your lens"—and why it matters The connection between your emotions and how you hear your partner A coaching challenge to shift your perspective and improve conversations How internalized patriarchy shapes how we listen, respond, and prioritize our needs An invitation to live a 5-star life instead of a "leftovers life"  

What if self-sabotage isn't sabotage at all—but self-protection in disguise? In this powerful and playful conversation between two life coaches (and dear friends), Dr. Melissa Parsons and I unpack the messy middle of procrastination, rest, and the inner parts that slow us down. We talk about why so many high-achieving women resist rest, how to reframe "boredom" as a sign of emotional safety, and what happens when we stop making ourselves the villain in our own story.   ✨ Episode at a Glance Why "self-sabotage" might actually be a protective part of you The difference between physiological vs. psychological procrastination How to practice satisfaction in a "what's next?" society Rewriting your internal script around rest, repair, and thriving The gift of a "boring" marriage—and why that might be exactly what you want This episode is part life coaching, part loving smackdown, and all about giving yourself radical permission to be human.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Visit Melissa's website https://www.melissaparsonscoaching.com/ Connect with Melissa on IG @coachmelissaparsonsmd

When you think about making changes in your marriage, it can feel overwhelming—especially when you've tried things before and nothing seemed to stick. But if there's one thing I've seen over and over again, it's that beliefs shape everything. In this greatest hits episode, I'm walking you through three powerful beliefs that will help you create real, lasting shifts in your relationship—starting today. These aren't vague affirmations. They're the foundation of the work I do with my private coaching clients and the work I've done in my own marriage. If you've been wondering whether change is possible—or whether you're the one who can spark it—this episode is your reminder (and your roadmap) that you absolutely can. ✨ Episode at a Glance The first belief: You are worthy of something better. Why taking action on your own behalf matters more than waiting for your partner The second belief: Things can actually change. What to do if you've tried before and it didn't work The third belief: You need to trust your guide. Why support matters—and how to find the right fit for you RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Move My Marriage Forward Worksheet Susan Hyatt's Bare Book - In this book, Susan Hyatt shares her personal story of weight gain, weight loss, diet hell, body drama, and her journey to health, happiness, and liberation—and how she decided to try the most radical thing of all: treating her body like a friend. EPISODE # 13 – Sex in Stressful Times with Danielle Savory EPISODE #15 – How to Argue Better with Simone Seol Rich Coach Club Podcast Interview - Maintaining A Thriving Business And A Successful Relationship With Maggie Reyes  

In this first episode of my new four-part series on Love & Patriarchy, I'm breaking down why resentment isn't a flaw—it's a map. I'll share the real reason it shows up, how it connects to internalized patriarchy, and why your guilt might actually be your inner wisdom trying to guide you home. This is consciousness work—and it starts right here. ✨ Episode at a Glance What patriarchy really means (it's probably not what you think) Why guilt, frustration, and resentment are invitations—not flaws The difference between linear vs. holistic thinking in relationships Five Relationship Powers you can activate—no matter what your partner does The "Power of One" and how your inner shifts change the whole system Everyday examples of internalized patriarchy—and what to do about them   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Questions for Couples Journal Private Coaching with Maggie Episode 173: Responsive Desire Episode 189: Why Your Marriage Should Feel Like A Sanctuary  Episode 58: The Power of One