Connection Codes

What if the thing standing between you and better intimacy was something as simple as the mess of a massage oil?In this episode, Dr Glenn and Phyllis sit down with Justin and Natalie — the couple behind Evree, a 100% natural intimate massage cream that functions as both a massage product and a lubricant without leaving the sticky, oily residue that stops most couples from even trying.Justin and Natalie share the story behind six years of development, what it cost them emotionally and financially to keep going when experts told them it wasn't possible, and why they believe physical touch and intentional intimacy can quite literally transform a marriage.They also walk through the Core Emotion Wheel — sharing raw, real moments from their own relationship and inner life. This is a conversation about more than a product. It's about removing the barriers that keep couples from choosing each other.In This Episode:The date night that started it all — and why Natalie just wanted to go to sleepWhy massage oils and lubricants have always been two separate products (and the problems each one causes)The 6-year journey to create a product everyone told them was impossibleWhy Justin almost gave up — and what happened when they took one more run at itHow Evree functions as a massage cream, lubricant, moisturizer, and body butter in one100% natural ingredients, edible, vaginally safe, and non-sticky — the full wish list they achievedWhat 15,000 couples are saying about how it's changed their marriageNew products coming: Kiss Balm and a pH-balanced intimate washJustin and Natalie each go through the Core Emotion Wheel — and it's unexpectedly personalResources Mentioned:Evree Intimate Massage Cream — ⁠evreesensation.com⁠Evree Discount Code — Use code: connectioncodes for 10% off your Evree orderEvree on Instagram — ⁠@evreesensation⁠Get the Core Emotion Wheel — ⁠connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠Book a Connection Codes Coach — ⁠connectioncodes.co/coachesSEO Keywords:marriage intimacy, couples connection, how to improve intimacy in marriage, natural lubricant for couples, massage oil for couples, emotional health in marriage, relationship health, how to reignite marriage, intimacy after kids, intentional marriage, couples date night ideas, touch and connection, marriage communication, emotional intelligence relationships, intimacy products for couples

What if everything you've been labeling as a problem — the addiction, the affair, the marriage that feels like a hostage situation, the career that's slowly killing you — is actually a prophet trying to get your attention?Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill sit down with Jay Stringer, psychotherapist, ordained minister, and author of Desire, for one of the most searingly honest conversations about human longing, emotional health, and the hidden roadmap inside every one of us.Jay spent years studying why people engage in unwanted behaviors — and what he found wasn't weakness or moral failure. He found desire. Vandalized, suppressed, and rerouted desire. And he found that healing the root — not just managing the symptom — changes everything.In This EpisodeWhy "just stop doing the thing" almost never works — and what to do insteadThe 5 core desires every human has (and why over-indexing on one destroys the others)The concept of the "provisional self" and why so many people wake up at 60 not knowing who they areWhat bells and albatrosses can teach you about the direction your life is asking you to goThe DMZs in your marriage — and why avoiding them is quietly killing your connectionHow symptoms are actually prophets (and what they're trying to say)Jay walks through the Core Emotion Wheel live — with stunning vulnerability about loneliness, sadness, and a midlife chrysalisAbout Jay StringerJay Stringer is a licensed psychotherapist, ordained minister, and author based in New York City. His first book, Unwanted, explored the hidden drivers of unwanted sexual behavior. His new book, Desire, offers a research-backed roadmap for developing a healthy relationship to desire across all five domains of human flourishing — wholeness, growth, intimacy, pleasure, and meaning. He holds a master's in counseling psychology and an MDiv from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.SEO Keywordsdesire and healing, emotional health podcast, marriage communication, understanding your desires, unwanted sexual behavior, porn addiction recovery, identity and self-worth, self-sabotage meaning, mental health and marriage, relationship emotional intelligence, faith and therapy, midlife identity crisis, Core Emotion Wheel, connection codes podcast, Jay Stringer Desire bookResources & LinksGet the Core Emotion Wheel — Free ResourceBook a Connection Codes CoachJay Stringer's book: DesireJay's first book: UnwantedJay Stringer’s Website: jay-stringer.comFollow Jay on Instagram: @jay_stringer_Take Jay’s Desire Profile Quiz (from the book)Jay’s Contact Page (Linktree)

What does it look like when someone who only knew two emotions — anger and joy — finally faces the full spectrum of what they feel?That's the story Han and Alicia Lau bring to the table this week. Married 31 years, parents to six kids, grandparents to six more — and coaches who almost skipped the Core Emotion Wheel entirely.Alicia grew up in a world that told her to stifle her emotions, be a "good Christian girl," and never be "too much." The result? A life where anger and joy were the only acceptable exits — until a poolside audiobook moment changed everything.In this episode, Glenn, Phyllis, Han, and Alicia unpack what it actually takes to go from emotional resistance to emotional fluency — including the 45-minute wheel session that helped Alicia finally process her father's suicide, more than a decade after his death.In This Episode:Why Alicia threw the Core Emotion Wheel across the room (metaphorically) — and why she came back to itHow blended family dynamics (and two very different cultures) shaped emotional patterns for both Han and AliciaThe moment on their 30th anniversary that changed their marriage — doing the entire Foundations course in one weekendHan's breakthrough: how advising a client led him to take his own advice about shame and guiltAlicia's 45-minute grief wheel — and why she no longer feels her dad's death the same way in her bodyWhat it means to practice the wheel "like bad first sex" and why that's the most honest description of growth we've heardGlenn and Phyllis share their own middle-of-the-night wheel moments — and what lonely really feels like when you go deepResources Mentioned:Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastWork with a Connection Codes Coach: connectioncodes.co/coachesFoundations Masterclass: connectioncodes.co/foundationsSEO Keywords:emotional intelligence in marriage, blended family communication, how to process grief, Core Emotion Wheel, emotional avoidance, marriage coaching, emotional health tools, processing shame and guilt, trauma healing tools, long-term marriage, mental health and relationships, connection codes, emotional fluency, suicide loss grief

What does it actually look like when one spouse starts doing the emotional work before the other is ready? Ben and Hannah have been married 19 years, raised four kids (including three teenagers), and spent nearly a decade unknowingly drifting apart — until one ordinary walk changed everything.In this episode, Glenn and Phyllis sit down with Ben and Hannah for an honest, unscripted conversation about what it really takes to turn a marriage around. Ben resisted Connection Codes for over a year — and then one moment of Hannah staying present when she could have pulled away shifted everything for him. They talk about the emotional dam, why anger is usually lonely in disguise, how they're raising a 10-year-old with OCD using the Core Emotion Wheel, and what happens when coding becomes the language of your whole household.This one is for the spouse who started the work alone. For the partner who's been resistant. For the parent trying to get emotional tools into a home with teenagers. You're going to want to hear this.In This Episode:Why the first 10 years of marriage can mask deep emotional disconnectionWhat it looks like when one spouse starts coding before the other is readyThe walk that changed Ben's mind — and why Hannah's staying present made all the differenceHow anger almost always has lonely underneath itThe emotional dam: why it forms in hours, not yearsUsing the Core Emotion Wheel with a child who has OCD and self-harm patternsWhy teenagers resist coding — and the long game that actually worksWhat men lose when culture tells them vulnerability is weaknessGlenn's challenge: say the emotion out loud in the moment, even when no one's there to hear itGet the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesKeywords: emotional intelligence in marriage | marriage communication tools | how to reconnect with your spouse | men emotional vulnerability | emotional health relationships | OCD and emotional tools for kids | marriage disconnection | Core Emotion Wheel | how to stop emotional shutdown | marriage transformation stories | emotional dam | ooh technique | Connection Codes podcast

What do you do when the person you built your life around is suddenly gone?In this deeply moving episode, Glenn and Phyllis sit down with Eric — husband, father of 10, and Connection Codes community member — to talk about what happens when grief, identity loss, and emotional isolation collide. Eric's wife Nicole passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack just after the New Year, leaving him a single father navigating the unimaginable.But this isn't just a story about loss. It's a story about what tools, community, and the courage to be emotionally vulnerable can do — even in the darkest seasons.In this episode, you'll hear:Why grief cannot heal in isolation — and what it actually needs to move throughHow Eric tracked his emotional connection with his wife through selfies (the data will surprise you)What losing a spouse does to your sense of identity — and why that part often goes unspokenThe difference between grief that gets witnessed and grief that stays buriedHow men are conditioned to suppress emotion — and what it costs them and their kidsWhat Eric's kids said to him that changed how he showed up as a dadWhy Eric drove to Tennessee to be with a community of people he'd never met in personResources mentioned:Get your free Core Emotion Wheel → www.connectioncodes.co/podcastWork with a Connection Codes certified coach → connectioncodes.co/coachesLearn more about the School of Connection → connectioncodes.coKeywords: grief and emotional health, healing from loss, marriage and identity, emotional intelligence tools, how to grieve in community, men and vulnerability, mental health after loss, relationship emotional wellness, grief and parenting, connection and healing, emotional resilience, marriage and loss

What if the biggest relationship challenge in your home isn't a communication problem — it's an ADHD brain that nobody ever explained to you?In this eye-opening episode, Tera sits down with ADHD expert, educator, and coach Martha Hoffman (host of ADHD in the Real World podcast) to unpack what ADHD actually looks like in real families, real marriages, and real emotional lives — and why compassion might be the most powerful tool you have.Whether you're a parent who suspects your child might have ADHD, a partner frustrated by what feels like chaos, or someone who scrolled through a "signs of ADHD" reel and thought "wait... that's me" — this conversation will change how you see the people you love most.In This Episode You'll Learn:The 3 types of ADHD and why it looks completely different in women vs. menWhy emotional dysregulation is now considered CORE to ADHD — not just a side effectThe dopamine deficit connection — and why your ADHD brain might be wired for addictionHow to build a "Dopamine Menu" to replace cheap hits with lasting satisfactionWhat Fair Play facilitation does for ADHD couples — and why the trash is never just "taking out the trash"How Tera uses the Core Emotion Wheel with her ADHD kids — and what shifted for her familyMartha's own Core Emotion Wheel — vulnerability in real timeHow to respond when a partner or parent refuses to believe the ADHD diagnosis is realResources Mentioned:• Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcast• Book a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches• Martha Hoffman Coaching on Instagram: @MarthaHoffmanCoaching• Martha's website: MarthaHoffmanCoaching.com• Martha's podcast: ADHD in the Real WorldKeywords/Tags:ADHD and marriage, emotional dysregulation ADHD, neurodivergent relationships, ADHD parenting, ADHD in women, ADHD emotional health, dopamine deficit, ADHD diagnosis adults, mental health and marriage, Core Emotion Wheel, connection codes podcast, ADHD coaching, ADHD fair play, neurodivergent family, ADHD relationships, emotional regulation

What if the reason you can't sleep, can't focus, and come home completely depleted has nothing to do with your schedule — and everything to do with what you're doing to your emotions?In this episode, Dr. Glenn Hill, Phyllis Hill, and Tera Wages go deep on one of the most important — and most overlooked — tools in the Connection Codes toolkit: oohing yourself. Not your partner. Not your kids. Yourself.We've all been taught some version of "don't be emotional," "choose joy," "power through." But what that messaging actually does is train us to reject ourselves at the deepest level. And the cost? It shows up in your body, your sleep, your productivity, your relationships, and your health.In this episode, you'll discover:Why suppressing emotions doesn't make them disappear — it sends them straight into your cells (and the science behind what that does to your body)The 3 powerful questions that help you tune into yourself in under 60 secondsHow a woman's 12-year battle with insomnia ended after one night of doing the Core Emotion WheelWhy "positive thinking" culture may actually be working against your emotional healthThe real reason you have nothing left for your spouse and kids at the end of the dayHow to process fear, shame, and hurt in 10–15 seconds (without a therapy session)What Tera discovered about herself, her kids, and the mistakes she made before she had these toolsThis episode is for you if:You've tried the productivity hacks, the sleep supplements, the mindset work — but something still feels stuck. Or if you teach communication tools to others and still forget to use them on yourself (yes, Tera goes there).Resources mentioned:🌀 Download the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcast🤝 Book a certified Connection Codes Coach: connectioncodes.co/coaches📚 Start with Foundations: connectioncodes.co/foundationsKeywords: emotional health, marriage advice, mental health awareness, emotional intelligence, relationship communication, burnout recovery, emotional regulation, self-awareness, anxiety relief, insomnia and emotions, leadership emotional health, marriage therapy tools, how to process emotions, core emotion wheel

The Power of Active Listening: How Oooo Transforms Conflict Into Connection.What if the secret to emotional regulation in your marriage wasn't another therapy session, but a simple audible response that releases oxytocin in your brain?In Part 2 of our active listening series, Dr. Glenn Hill and Phyllis Hill dive deep into what stops us from connecting during conflict – and the surprising brain science behind why "oohing" your partner actually works.The oxytocin effect: How active listening naturally releases connection chemicals in the brain (no pills required)When you feel attacked: How to use curiosity instead of defensiveness when your partner comes at you with accusationsThe "never/always" trap: Why correcting your partner's exaggerations kills connection (and what to do instead)Processing emotion first: Why you must acknowledge feelings before discussing logisticsThe right of refusal: How to know the difference between everyday conflict and abuseIssue-specific wheels: When to pull out the Core Emotion Wheel during heated momentsSaying "ow" in the moment: Why you need to acknowledge your own hurt while still being present for your partnerGlenn and Phyllis share vulnerable stories about their own disconnection – from the dishwasher incident to cruise conflicts – demonstrating how Connection Codes tools work in real marriage dynamics.This episode is essential for anyone who:Gets defensive when their partner expresses hurtFeels like they're being attacked even in simple conversationsWants to understand the neuroscience of emotional connectionStruggles to stay curious when emotions run highNeeds practical tools for de-escalating conflict quicklyGet the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesJoin the School of Connection waitlist: Limited cohorts opening May 2026Shop Connection Codes Merch: Magnets, stickers, and wheels for every roomKeywords: emotional regulation, marriage communication, active listening, relationship conflict resolution, oxytocin and connection, defensiveness in marriage, emotional health tools, curiosity in relationships, connection codes, core emotion wheel, marriage therapy alternatives, healthy communication skills, conflict de-escalation, mental health in relationships, relationship coaching

Description:What if the biggest barrier to emotional connection in your marriage isn't what you're saying—but the silence in between?In this episode, Dr. Glenn Hill reveals the neuroscience behind "audible listening" and why silence literally disconnects us at a physiological level. Drawing from groundbreaking research like Dr. Tronick's Still Face Experiment, Glenn explains how our brains are wired to need audible responses—and what happens when we don't get them.You'll discover:Why traditional "silent listening" taught in marriage therapy actually creates disconnectionThe science behind the "ooh" and how it releases oxytocin in both the speaker and listenerHow babies and adults respond identically to silence (it's 100% universal)Why you feel drawn to certain people in a crowded room (hint: they're audibly listening)How to overcome the awkwardness of starting to "ooh" with your spouseReal stories of how audible listening transformed an 11-day cruise through a literal cycloneWhy this one simple tool is more powerful than learning every personality profileThe ooh isn't just a sound—it's a biological need. When someone "oohs" you, your nervous system calms, your fear decreases, and oxytocin floods your body. This is the connection we're all desperately craving.Glenn and Phyllis share vulnerable moments from their own marriage, including why this last cruise was their most connected yet—and how they stayed present through rough seas (literally and metaphorically).If you've ever felt unheard, unseen, or disconnected in your closest relationships, this episode will give you a tool you can implement today. No advanced degree required. No complex personality assessments. Just presence, sound, and connection.Keywords: audible listening, emotional connection, marriage communication, relationship tools, oxytocin, nervous system regulation, emotional intelligence, still face experiment, active listening, marriage therapy, emotional wellness, connection codes, Dr. Glenn Hill, vulnerability in marriage, mental health tools, anxiety relief, stress management, emotional validationResources mentioned:Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesJoin the Connection Codes Cruise (July 2025): Reach out for detailsRead more about the Still Face Experiment (Dr. Edward Tronick)Subscribe to never miss an episode where we make emotional connection simple, practical, and life-changing.Share this episode with five friends who need to know they're not crazy for feeling disconnected when met with silence.

What if your anxiety, anger, or depression isn't a mental health issue—but a gut health issue?In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis sit down with Allison Jordan, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and founder of Better Bellies Therapies, who reveals how hidden infections, digestive dysfunction, and mineral imbalances can hijack your emotions and leave you feeling broken.Allison shares her groundbreaking "Five Toxin Trap" framework that has helped hundreds of clients come off anxiety medications, eliminate chronic pain, and finally understand why traditional medicine keeps missing the root causes of their symptoms.You'll discover:Why C. diff infections can cause chronic anxiety by blocking dopamine conversionHow H. pylori in your stomach prevents you from absorbing the nutrients needed for neurotransmittersThe shocking connection between copper toxicity and 50% of divorcesWhy your "stress" diagnosis might actually be parasites, food sensitivities, or poor detoxificationHow one client's sugar cravings disappeared in 3 days after removing hidden food sensitivitiesThe at-home baking soda test to check your stomach acid levelsWhy hormone imbalances aren't the root cause—and what isThis episode is for you if:You've been told "it's just stress" or "it's all in your head"You're struggling with anxiety, depression, or anger that won't budge despite therapy or medicationYou have chronic health issues like IBS, acid reflux, insomnia, or unexplained painYou've tried "everything" but still don't feel like yourselfYou're tired of being told you lack willpower when it comes to food cravings or emotional regulationAllison's approach is different from conventional medicine—she uses specialized testing that hospitals don't run to find infections like chronic low-grade C. diff, H. pylori, parasites, mineral imbalances, food sensitivities, and liver congestion that are driving your symptoms.The best part? Many of these issues are completely reversible when you address the actual root cause instead of just managing symptoms.Keywords: anxiety root causes, gut health and mental health, emotional health solutions, functional medicine for anxiety, gut-brain connection, hidden infections causing anxiety, food sensitivities and mood, copper toxicity symptoms, H. pylori emotional symptoms, natural anxiety treatment, digestive health and emotions, chronic fatigue root causes, IBS solutions, emotional regulation strategies, holistic mental healthRESOURCES MENTIONED:Allison Jordan's Resources:Better Bellies Therapies Website: betterbellytherapies.com/constipation (Free baking soda test recipe)Free Training on the 5 Toxin Trap: betterbellytherapies.com/trainingThe Better Belly Podcast: Episode 159 (Copper Toxicity) & Episode 267 (Best Food Sensitivity Test)Connection Codes Resources:Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesExplore Connection Codes Programs: www.connectioncodes.coABOUT ALLISON JORDAN:Allison Jordan is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner who has been helping clients heal chronic gut and health issues since 2018. After experiencing her own health crisis—including losing her period for two years, chronic pain, insomnia, IBS, and anxiety—she discovered the root causes conventional medicine missed and now teaches others how to do the same. Allison hosts the Better Belly Podcast and has helped hundreds of clients reverse conditions like chronic constipation, anxiety, autoimmune diseases, and unexplained symptoms through her signature "Five Toxin Trap" framework.CONNECT WITH ALLISON:Website: betterbellytherapies.comPodcast: The Better Belly PodcastInstagram: @betterbellytherapiesCONNECT WITH CONNECTION CODES:Website: www.connectioncodes.coInstagram: @connectioncodesSchool of Connection: www.connectioncodes.co/school

What happens when you lose your identity in a new country, face 65 consecutive rejections, and your creative voice gets buried under the weight of just surviving? Lara Pilcher, actress, author, and ICF-certified coach, shares her raw journey from Melbourne to America—and how creativity became her lifeline when everything else fell apart.In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Lara reveals:Why creativity isn't just for artists—it's a life force everyone needs to surviveHow she rewrote her entire book after getting dropped by her literary agentThe difference between grief and depression (and why most creatives are actually grieving)Why we shut down creativity during pain—and how to awaken it againThe "mansion with many rooms" approach to finding your creative voiceHow rejection taught her resilience and audacity in a saturated worldThis episode is for you if:You've lost touch with your creative self and don't know how to find it againYou're processing grief, loss, or major life transitionsYou feel stuck in the "acquisitions track" and disconnected from who you really areYou need permission to be a beginner again—to skip, dance, paint, or create badlyYou're afraid of judgment and need to "embrace the cringe"Glenn and Phyllis explore how creativity connects directly to identity, emotional health, and relationship wellness. This isn't about becoming an artist—it's about reconnecting with the part of you that says "there I am."About Lara Pilcher: Lara Pilcher is an actress, author, and ICF PCC-certified coach who has performed on London's West End and now helps creative souls reclaim their voice. Her debut book Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World releases through a London publisher after a journey of resilience that included 65+ rejections and completely rewriting her manuscript.Mentioned in this episode:Brené Brown's research on creativity as life forceDr. Echo Hill on grief vs. depressionWill Palomo on creativity as "connecting the seemingly unconnected"Diane Collards' I Choose to ForgiveResources:Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesFind Lara's book Audacious Artistry at Barnes & Noble, Waterstones (UK), Blackstone's (Australia), and all major booksellersLearn more: www.larabiancapilcher.comKeywords: mental health, emotional wellness, creativity and identity, overcoming rejection, marriage communication, grief vs depression, emotional regulation, relationship coaching, creative identity crisis, finding yourself again, emotional health tools, leadership development, creative resilience

What if the harshest critic in your life isn't someone else—it's you?We judge ourselves constantly. Our fears, our bodies, our parenting, the way we show up in relationships. And while we think judgment is motivating us to change, it's actually keeping us trapped in cycles of shame, anger, and disconnection.In this episode, Dr. Glenn Hill, Phyllis Hill, and Tera Wages unpack the destructive patterns of self-judgment and reveal the powerful alternative that transforms everything: curiosity.You'll discover:Why toddlers don't judge themselves and what we can learn from their natural self-acceptanceThe shame-anger cocktail that fuels judgment and keeps you stuckHow 10 seconds of curiosity can completely change any interaction or internal struggleWhy keeping your struggles secret feeds shame and makes judgment growThe question that stops judgment cold and opens the door to compassionHow to recognize your personal trigger topics so you can respond differently next timeWhy social media has created a judgment epidemic and how to protect yourselfReal-life examples of shifting from judgment to curiosity in marriage, parenting, and everyday momentsWhat to do when someone shuts down (the "still face" phenomenon) and you feel flooded with shameWhether you're battling negative self-talk, living in fear of others' opinions, or finding yourself quick to criticize people around you, this conversation will give you practical tools to break the judgment cycle and step into genuine emotional freedom.What you'll walk away with:The understanding that judgment isn't helping you grow—it's keeping you isolated. But when you get curious about yourself and others, everything shifts. Compassion replaces criticism. Connection replaces division. And you finally get the space to be your authentic, vulnerable self.Keywords: self-judgment, mental health, emotional regulation, marriage counseling, shame and anger, curiosity vs judgment, self-compassion, relationship communication, emotional intelligence, breaking negative patterns, therapy tools, mental wellness, emotional freedom, self-criticism, Nashville therapist

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to stay in painful patterns—even when you know they're hurting you? In this powerful episode, we explore why pain becomes a "home base" for so many people, how depression and emotional suffering can feel safer than joy, and what it actually takes to break free.In this episode, you'll discover:Why homeostasis keeps us returning to painful patterns (even when we desperately want change)The psychological phenomenon of anhedonia—the inability to experience joy—and how to recognize it in your own lifeHow pain can become a badge of honor and part of your identityThe three essential ingredients for lasting transformation: pattern disruption, new environment, and timeWhy all eight core emotions (including pain AND joy) are designed to protect and guide youReal stories of radical pattern breaking—from career changes to selling everything and starting overHow to recognize when you're living in emotional survival mode versus thrivingKey insights from this episode:Glenn shares his experience of living with depression as his baseline for decades, where his daily goal was to "claw my way up to zero." Phyllis reveals the moment she knew their marriage pattern had to break—when she told Glenn to quit his construction job and go back to school, even though she'd never supported the family before.Tera opens up about her own relationship with pain, realizing she wore it as a badge of honor—even laughing through physical pain because she wanted to be seen as strong, not weak.The message of pain is simple: there's a problem. But too many of us have become numb to it, accepting suffering as "just the way it is." This episode will help you identify where pain has become your comfort zone and give you the courage to disrupt the pattern.Keywords: emotional health, mental health, depression recovery, marriage transformation, breaking patterns, emotional regulation, identity crisis, joy and pain balance, relationship coaching, emotional processing, therapy tools, mental wellness, overcoming depression, emotional awareness, self-discoveryResources mentioned:Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesSchool of Connection (starts Jan 20): www.connectioncodes.co/school

What if the "temper tantrums" in your life—whether from your kids, your partner, or even yourself—aren't misbehavior at all, but a desperate cry to be heard?In this episode, Dr. Glenn Hill and Tera Wages unpack a powerful truth: our emotions are pitching a temper tantrum when they're not being acknowledged. From the three-year-old crying over a scraped knee to the adult who shuts down completely, we explore what happens when our emotional energy is resisted instead of received.In This Episode:Why saying "you're okay" to a crying child creates two problems instead of solving oneHow emotional resistance shows up differently in adults (yelling, shutting down, or exploding)The powerful three-phrase framework that stops tantrums in their tracksReal stories of transformation when couples learn to follow each other's energyWhy our culture teaches us that suppressing emotions is mature (and why it's actually destroying us)Whether you're parenting young children, navigating marriage conflict, or trying to understand your own emotional patterns, this episode will help you recognize when energy is being resisted—and how to create connection instead.Key Concepts:Emotional regulation and emotional healthThe "ooh" response and following energyTemper tantrums in children and adultsMarriage communication and conflict resolutionParenting with emotional intelligenceMental health and self-awarenessLeadership through emotional presenceResources Mentioned:Connection Codes Three-Phrase Magnet (available on our website)The Core Emotion WheelFoundations CourseReady to stop resisting and start connecting? This episode will change how you see every "temper tantrum" in your life.Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches

What if the secret to actually starting fresh in 2026 isn't about making better resolutions—but about stopping to process what 2025 is trying to tell you?In this transformative year-end episode, marriage and family therapist Dr. Glenn Hill shares why he loves Mondays, New Year's, and fresh starts—and the framework that makes them actually work. Glenn and his wife Phyllis get vulnerable about their year of burnout, chronic pain, and the pivotal moments that changed everything. Tera Wages guides them through a reflection process that goes beyond surface-level goal-setting to create real, lasting transformation.You'll discover:The "Monday Mindset" approach to fresh starts that actually creates changeWhy your high pain tolerance is keeping you stuck (and how to recognize it)The year-end reflection framework: what went well, what didn't, and what to do about itHow to stop the cycle of ignoring pain and hoping things will "just get better"The difference between processing pain and managing pain (one leads to breakthrough, one leads to burnout)Why "letting bygones be bygones" guarantees you'll repeat the same patterns in 2026How to identify what to replicate vs. what to eliminate as you enter the new yearKey Topics: New Year goals, fresh starts, emotional health, mental health, marriage counseling, burnout recovery, chronic pain management, year-end reflection, goal setting, emotional intelligence, relationship coaching, leadership development, self-care, mental wellness, therapy tools, emotional processing, work-life balance, New Year's resolutions alternativePowerful Moments:Glenn opens up about barely celebrating the holidays a year ago due to burnout—and where he is todayPhyllis shares her journey from standing at the Grand Canyon unable to walk to reclaiming her body and futureThe "hot stove competition" analogy that will change how you view pain tolerance foreverWhy Echo's confrontation became the catalyst for Phyllis's transformationThe truth about psycholation (psychological isolation) and why "don't air your dirty laundry" is destroying usHow Connection Codes is expanding in 2026 with the School of Connection and more in-person eventsThe Framework:Look backward - What went well? (Find your bullseye to replicate)Process the pain - What didn't go well? (Identify what needs to shift)Take action - What specific steps will eliminate the pain and pour gas on what's working?Resources Mentioned:Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesSchool of Connection (Enrollment Open - Starts Jan 20): https://www.connectioncodes.co/school-of-connectionClarity Reset (Perfect for fresh starts): https://www.connectioncodes.co/clarity-resetFoundations Masterclass: https://www.connectioncodes.co/foundationsIf you're tired of the same cycle of New Year's resolutions that fade by February, this episode will give you the Monday Mindset framework to make 2026 actually different. Because fresh starts only work when you stop ignoring what your emotions are telling you.Connect with us:Instagram: @connectioncodesWebsite: www.connectioncodes.co

What do a silver Christmas tree, a shrimp ring, and a pen from a Pringles can all have in common? They're all part of the wild, wonderful, and sometimes ridiculous Christmas journey of Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill!In this fun and festive episode, Glenn, Phyllis, and Tera open up about their favorite Christmas traditions—from Phyllis's magical German childhood with St. Nicholas bringing candlelit trees on Christmas Eve, to Glenn's silver tree with a spinning color wheel, to their hilariously humble first married Christmas together. They share how they've created over-the-top holiday magic for their kids and now 12 grandkids, including elaborate scavenger hunts, cousin extravaganzas, and Glenn's famous Christmas plays.In this episode, you'll hear:Phyllis's German Christmas traditions (so different from American ones!)Glenn's confession about thinking Velveeta was "real cheese"Their first married Christmas story (you won't believe what they gave each other)The legendary "shrimp ring years" their kids still talk aboutHow they create magical experiences for 12 grandkidsThe evolution of their family Christmas celebrationsWhat happens when your adult kids start their own traditionsEveryone's favorite Christmas songs, foods, and moviesPerfect for: Anyone who loves Christmas, families creating traditions, parents and grandparents who go all-out for the holidays, anyone curious about international Christmas celebrations, couples building their own family cultureGet the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesKeywords: Christmas traditions, holiday memories, family celebrations, German Christmas, creating family traditions, grandparenting, Christmas magic, holiday joy, marriage and family, festive season, cultural differences, Christmas stories

Why do the same moments bring one person joy and another person pain? And how can we stop letting those differences destroy our relationships?In this powerful episode, Glenn, Phyllis, and Tera unpack a transformative truth: we all enter the same situations with completely different backstories, and those differences create conflict faster than anything else—especially during the holidays.Tera shares a vulnerable story about feeling hurt by Glenn's teasing, only to discover they have polar opposite beliefs about what jokes mean. Glenn grew up believing you only joke about things that aren't true, while Tera learned that every joke contains truth. Same behavior. Completely different experiences.Glenn and Phyllis walk through real-life examples—from music preferences to days off—showing how our childhood experiences shape what brings us joy or pain today. They share practical tools for conveying your experience without attacking your partner, and how to create curiosity instead of conflict.In this episode, you'll discover:Why the holidays amplify relational disconnection (and how to navigate family gatherings without losing yourself)The simple phrase that stops emotional flooding before it creates an "emotional dam"How one couple discovered why the husband's day off was his most dysregulated day of the weekWhy saying "I felt hurt" is completely different than "that hurt me"The secret to making space for both people's experiences without anyone being "wrong"How to recognize when you're losing your identity and what to do about itFeatured Story: A client discovers his day off triggers fear because he doesn't know his worth outside of work—and the powerful moment when he finds himself through the Core Emotion Wheel.This episode will transform how you approach conflict, whether it's with your spouse, your kids, your coworkers, or your extended family. Because the goal isn't to change what you like or agree on everything—it's to see each other.Resources mentioned:Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesPrograms referenced:Clarity Reset (for identity work and emotion processing): https://www.connectioncodes.co/clarity-resetFoundations Masterclass: https://www.connectioncodes.co/foundationsLate Night Program: https://www.connectioncodes.co/late-night

What if the real problem isn't being alone, but feeling alone when someone's standing right in front of you?In this powerful conversation, we're diving deep into one of the most misunderstood emotions: loneliness. Dr. Glenn and Phyllis just returned from an incredible journey through Europe, and they're sharing fresh insights about what loneliness actually is, why it's so damaging to our health, and most importantly—what actually helps.Here's what might surprise you: the solution to loneliness isn't being around more people. In fact, you can feel most lonely in a crowded room, at a family dinner, or even lying next to your spouse. This episode will help you understand why relational absence is far more painful than geographical absence, and how the "still face" we give each other—even unintentionally—creates chronic pain that affects our marriages, parenting, and overall wellbeing.You'll hear a jaw-dropping story about a dad who went home from a Connection Codes event and used one simple tool (the "ooh") to transform his child's middle-of-the-night meltdowns from 45 minutes of chaos to 2 minutes of connection. This is the power of being emotionally present instead of just physically present.Key Topics:- Why loneliness is more damaging to your health than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day- The difference between geographical absence and relational absence- How the "still face experiment" reveals what we're all experiencing in our relationships- Why going to a hotel alone can feel better than being home with your family- The chronic loneliness of modern parenting and partnership- How to identify loneliness when it's hiding beneath anger and frustration- What your brain actually needs when loneliness fires (hint: it's not a crowd)- Practical tools to move from isolation to genuine connectionThis episode is for you if:- You feel exhausted doing everything by yourself even though people are around- You'd rather be alone than feel alone with your family- You're experiencing chronic irritation and don't know why- You want to stop the cycle of loneliness in your home- You're ready to understand what your emotions are actually telling youThe Connection Codes aren't just theory—they're tools that work immediately when you implement them. Whether you're a parent trying to connect with your kids, a spouse feeling disconnected, or someone navigating the holiday season with a deep sense of isolation, this episode will give you clarity and actionable steps forward.Resources Mentioned:- The Still Face Experiment- Connection Codes events in Europe- Cincinnati event testimonials- Upcoming 2026 eventsReady to go deeper?Get the Core Emotion Wheel - The foundational tool for processing emotions and creating connection www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Certified Coach - Work one-on-one with someone trained in these tools https://connectioncodes.co/coachesWant to bring Connection Codes to your church, business, or organization? Email us! We're booking events for 2026 and would love to come to your community.Keywords: loneliness, emotional health, mental health, marriage communication, parenting tools, emotional regulation, connection, isolation, relationship advice, family therapy, chronic loneliness, emotional intelligence, still face experiment, authentic vulnerability, emotional presence, marriage help, parenting struggles, mental wellness, emotional awareness, relational connection

Episode Description:What if one vulnerable conversation could completely transform your marriage? Dan Purcell, marriage intimacy coach and creator of the Intimately Us app, shares the pivotal moment when a friend's honesty about his sex life turned Dan's world upside down—and ultimately changed the trajectory of his marriage and career.In this raw and honest conversation, Dan opens up about growing up in a conservative environment where sex was taboo, the anxiety that carried into his marriage, and the courage it took to have a five-hour vulnerable conversation with his wife at 9 PM that didn't end until 2 AM. What emerged wasn't just better sex—it was better communication, better parenting, and a completely different level of connection.Glenn and Phyllis explore with Dan the common barriers that keep couples from experiencing rich intimacy, the danger of viewing yourself as superior to your spouse, and why solving sexual problems requires "second-order change"—not just redecorating the kitchen, but remodeling it entirely.Key Topics:- Mental health and emotional vulnerability in marriage- Breaking through sexual shame and conservative upbringings- The courage required for authentic conversations about intimacy- Desire discrepancy and what really causes it- How superiority thinking destroys sexual connection- Moving from transactional to transformational intimacy- The power of one vulnerable conversation to change everything- Creating play and creativity in your sex life- Leadership development through emotional honestyWhat You'll Learn:- Why most couples miss on authentic connection (even when they think they're doing fine)- How to have the scary conversation that could transform your marriage- The real reason behind sexual desire discrepancy (hint: it's not about being too busy)- Why solution-oriented approaches often backfire in intimacy- How to move from wearing masks to true vulnerability with your spouse- Practical tools and games to bring playfulness back to foreplayAbout Our Guest: Dan Purcell is a marriage intimacy coach who helps couples create deeper sexual and emotional connection. After a career-changing conversation eight years ago, he developed the Intimately Us app and now coaches couples full-time, helping them experience breakthrough moments in their marriages.Get your free resources: getyourmarriageon.com/connection-codes - 100 Creative Ways to Initiate Sex guide - 101 Ways to Have Sex guide - Jump Start Guide (books, articles, podcasts, frameworks)Get Your Free Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastReady to Transform Your Marriage? Book a Connection Codes certified coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches

Episode Description: What happens when both you and your partner are flooded with emotion at the same time? In this behind-the-scenes conversation, Tera Wages and Elijah Runyan (Director of Coaching at Connection Codes) get honest about the messy middle of learning emotional connection tools—and why it's worth pushing through. Elijah shares his journey from nervous breakdown to breakthrough, including the moment his wife stopped mid-conversation and said, "I don't know what's happening right now. What is going on?" He also reveals the phrase that transformed their dynamic: "It's okay for it to hurt for you and it's also okay for it to hurt for me."Whether you're navigating holiday gatherings with triggering family members or trying to figure out why your spouse keeps trying to fix instead of listen, this episode gives you practical language and permission to exist alongside your partner's emotions.In This Episode:00:00 – Why team conversations become podcasts01:28 – Elijah's story: finding Connection Codes during a rough season04:13 – The first time Elijah "ooh'd" his wife (and her shocked response)06:24 – "It was better before"—was it really?08:17 – Opening Pandora's box: why it gets messier first11:06 – Communicating through your pain vs. communicating your pain14:44 – Why your partner tries to fix you (the logistics revelation)17:10 – When both partners have emotions at the same time20:10 – "I don't want to cause you pain"—the hidden block to vulnerability23:34 – "I have a right to exist"—and so does your partner26:53 – When there's no "fix"—just holding space for mutual hurt30:48 – Applying this to family, kids, and holiday gatherings32:39 – What to say when someone's communicating through emotion34:15 – Elijah's Core Emotion Wheel check-inKeywords: emotional health, marriage advice, relationship tools, mental health awareness, communication skills, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, couples therapy alternative, leadership development, holiday stress, family relationshipsResources Mentioned:Get the Core Emotion Wheel (free): www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesLearn about School of Connection: connectioncodes.coGet Connected:Website: www.connectioncodes.coInstagram: @connectioncodesElijah Runyan's Website: runyanstronghealth.comElijah on Instagram: @elijahjrunyan