Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
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Optimal Relationships Daily, steered by the insightful Greg Audino, a seasoned life coach, is a podcast dedicated to enhancing your personal connections. Greg explores the intricate dynamics of relationships, from dating to marriage and parenting. He handpicks and narrates insightful content from a variety of respected bloggers and experts, offering listeners a rich tapestry of perspectives on relationship building, communication, conflict resolution, and self-love.
Greg's approach is both compassionate and pragmatic, blending his life coaching expertise with relatable experiences and actionable advice. His warm, engaging narration makes even the most complex relationship topics accessible and understandable. By focusing on dating, marriage, and parenting, each episode provides you with the tools needed to improve your personal connections. Whether you're looking to deepen your existing relationships, navigate challenges, or understand the subtleties of human connections, Greg's guidance offers a daily dose of wisdom and inspiration to help you foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships in all areas of your life.
This podcast is designed for those passionate about dating, marriage, and parenting. It’s your go-to source for practical advice on managing your dating life, strengthening your marriage, and effective parenting. Each episode offers actionable steps to foster healthier relationships, emphasizing the importance of dating, marriage, and parenting in achieving a balanced life.
Listen now, and become an OLD friend--your optimal life awaits...
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Episode 2765:
Amanda van Mulligen explores how gentle discipline fosters emotional safety and growth in highly sensitive children, emphasizing that calm guidance teaches better than punishment. By recognizing their deep processing, strong sense of justice, and emotional intensity, parents can nurture resilience and mutual trust instead of fear and shame. Her insights remind caregivers to balance empathy with structure and to trust their intimate understanding of their child’s temperament.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/highly-sensitive-child-gentle-discipline/
Quotes to ponder:
"Trust that you know your sensitive child best."
"Raised, stern voices cause stress and anxiety in highly sensitive children and in many highly sensitive adults, too, for that matter."
"Words cut deep, and a severe tone hits especially hard."
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Episode 2764:
Alysha Jeney explores how “preventative counseling” empowers couples to strengthen their connection before problems escalate. By embracing vulnerability and authenticity, partners can deepen their emotional intimacy and avoid the isolating patterns that often lead to separation. Her approach reframes counseling as a proactive act of love and growth rather than a last resort.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.modernlovecounseling.com/preventative-counseling-what-is-it/
Quotes to ponder:
"Couples aren’t wanting to come to counseling to serve as an outlet to get out of their relationship, in fact, they are coming to me to get better at being in it."
"We live in a society that fears vulnerability and we struggle (especially as a generation) with letting our guards down and really be seen by other people."
"STOP BEING AFRAID OF BEING YOU."
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Episode 2763:
Dr. Diana Kirschner offers a compassionate, science-backed guide to healing after heartbreak, blending practical steps with real-life transformation. Through Darlene’s inspiring story of self-renewal, readers learn how to release pain, rebuild confidence, and open their hearts to new love by focusing on self-care, forgiveness, and emotional growth.
Read along with the original article(s) here: http://lovein90days.com/five-tips-for-coping-with-a-breakup/ AND http://lovein90days.com/how-darlene-got-over-her-ex/
Quotes to ponder:
“Every ending holds the seed of a new beginning if you allow yourself to heal.”
“Instead of replaying what went wrong, start nurturing what’s right about you.”
“True recovery begins when you stop chasing closure and start creating happiness.”
Episode references:
Attached: https://www.amazon.com/Attached-Science-Adult-Attachment-YouFind/dp/1585429139
Getting Past Your Breakup: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Past-Your-Breakup-Devastating/dp/0738213284
The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808
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Episode 2762:
Dr. Timothy Loving explores the early roots of social preference, revealing that even infants favor individuals who treat similar others kindly, and show surprising support for those who harm dissimilar others. This research challenges us to consider how our social alliances form and offers a lens into understanding our evolving identity through the people we instinctively support or oppose.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.luvze.com/i-dislike-the-dog-that-likes-the-rabbit-that-i-dislike-why-d/
Quotes to ponder:
“Infants prefer individuals who share their own preferences for food, clothing, or toys over those who have expressed contrasting preferences.”
“The preference for similarity is so common that it is considered a general characteristic of the human condition.”
“Similar people make us feel better about ourselves, and who doesn’t like somebody that makes us feel better about ourselves?”
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Episode 2761:
Kara Shade challenges us to distinguish between needs and preferences in dating, revealing how clarity on this distinction can prevent heartbreak and guide us toward stronger, more intentional relationships. Backed by Gottman research and insights from relationship scientists, her piece encourages reflection, flexibility, and honesty, principles that remain just as relevant in long-term partnerships as they are in early dating.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/bending-without-breaking-identify-needs-preferences-dating/
Quotes to ponder:
"When people show you who they are, believe them."
"Being clear and honest about your needs and asking the tough questions are critical functions of that process."
"It’s less about what you’re doing and more about how you’re doing it together."
Episode references:
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0609805797
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Episode 2760:
Jackie Beck highlights the financial reality of pet ownership, reminding us that emergencies are inevitable and costly. She explains why planning ahead with pet insurance, a dedicated savings fund, or delaying ownership until debt is paid off can prevent heartbreaking choices and unnecessary stress. Her advice balances love for animals with financial responsibility, offering practical steps for anyone who wants to care for pets without jeopardizing their budget.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jackiebeck.com/pets-and-debt-dont-mix/
Quotes to ponder:
“If you have pets, you WILL have pet emergencies.”
“Hope is not a plan. An emergency fund and a realistic look at the possible expenses plus finding a way to cover them with cash is.”
“Pets and debt don’t mix.”
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Episode 2759:
Dr. Lisa Firestone explores why love can feel both deeply desired and intensely frightening, showing how early attachment patterns shape the way we give and receive closeness. By understanding whether we lean more toward avoidance or anxiousness in relationships, we can uncover healthier ways to connect, balance independence with vulnerability, and create more secure bonds.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.psychalive.org/why-relationships-scare-us/
Quotes to ponder:
“Most people have a fear of intimacy and at the same time are terrified of being alone.”
“Love is universal in that it’s something most of us strive for; it’s part of what gives our lives meaning.”
“A lot of people want someone up until the moment that someone wants them back, or they only start wanting a person when that person stops wanting them.”
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Episode 2758:
Jen shares five practical habits that help parents reduce stress and rediscover joy in raising kids. From carving out daily self-care to building meaningful family connections, creating morning routines, practicing gratitude, and unplugging from social media, she shows how small changes can create big emotional resilience and peace at home.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thistimeofmine.com/stop-being-a-stressed-parent/
Quotes to ponder:
“You can’t manage stress if your cup isn’t full. Period.”
“The first hour or two sets the tone for the whole day. So make it count!”
“When you’re able to develop an attitude of gratitude you will be able to strengthen your emotional resilience and increase your capacity to handle stress.”
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Episode 2757:
Kristena Eden offers compassionate guidance for parents navigating divorce, focusing on how to protect children from unnecessary pain during this difficult transition. She emphasizes the importance of reassurance, healthy routines, and respectful co-parenting, while also urging parents to model forgiveness, resilience, and emotional stability for their children’s well-being. Her insights highlight both practical steps and deeper emotional principles that help families heal and move forward.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://corelivingessentials.com/divorce-and-our-kids/
Quotes to ponder:
"Your patience, reassurance, and listening ear can minimize tension as your children learn to cope with these new circumstances."
"Let them know it is not their fault that you are getting a divorce. This decision is entirely between the two of you."
"The biggest way to find peace and share with your kids is to forgive. Forgiveness is for you not the person who hurt you."
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![2756: [Part 2] The Art of Companionship by Cylon George on Building Meaningful and Lasting Connections](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/86790a80-9f75-11f0-840f-2beab5d3c598/image/2252ccb10df875bff8f30f931a6b5039.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress "2756: [Part 2] The Art of Companionship by Cylon George on Building Meaningful and Lasting Connections")
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.
Episode 2756:
Cylon George explores how true companionship thrives through mutual strength, shared silence, forgiveness, and space for individuality. He reminds us that real love goes beyond sentiment, inviting us to see and accept our partners as they are while encouraging growth, humility, and deep connection.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.spirituallivingforbusypeople.com/the-art-of-companionship
Quotes to ponder:
“Lean on your companion when you need encouragement and support. Allow them to lean on you when they’re stuck.”
“You were made for more than yourself. You were made for relationship.”
“Real relationships challenge us and help us grow.”
Episode references:
The Way to Love by Anthony De Mello: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Love-Anthony-Mello/dp/038524939X
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Young-Poet-Rainer-Rilke/dp/0486422453
The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Joy-Lasting-Happiness-Changing/dp/0399185046
The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Loving-Erich-Fromm/dp/0061129739
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![2755: [Part 1] The Art of Companionship by Cylon George on Building Meaningful and Lasting Connections](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/53cab65c-9f74-11f0-b1a0-0fc177c3e9bb/image/842575707b90180b2080c0f18db206b6.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress "2755: [Part 1] The Art of Companionship by Cylon George on Building Meaningful and Lasting Connections")
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.
Episode 2755:
Cylon George reflects on the quiet epidemic of loneliness in a world full of artificial substitutes for connection. Through his own marriage and personal struggles, he explores the vulnerability, laughter, and openness that form the foundation of true companionship, reminding us that deep human connection is not optional but essential.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.spirituallivingforbusypeople.com/the-art-of-companionship
Quotes to ponder:
"Open up to each other with compassion, patience, and non-judgement."
"Our desire for connection is not optional, it’s a real need."
"Companions learn to do this together. They laugh freely and often. They bring out laughter in each other."
Episode references:
The Book of Joy: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Joy-Lasting-Happiness-Changing/dp/0399185046
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Episode 2754:
Evan Marc Katz explores the confusing dynamic of a man who acts like a devoted partner yet resists the label of “boyfriend.” He highlights both the red flags of someone unwilling to meet a partner’s needs and the positive signs of genuine care, ultimately encouraging honest communication to uncover whether the relationship has a strong future or an inevitable ceiling.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.evanmarckatz.com/blog/dating-tips-advice/he-acts-like-a-boyfriend-but-he-doesnt-like-the-title
Quotes to ponder:
“If he’s acting like a boyfriend, what’s the harm of calling you his girlfriend?”
“One of my dating credos is ‘believe the negative, ignore the positive.’”
“You might be waiting your whole life to hear some words that shouldn’t cost all that much to say.”
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Episode 2753:
Sara Stanizai shares practical and compassionate ways to set healthy boundaries without guilt or unnecessary conflict. By identifying your true feelings, offering clear options, reinforcing positive behavior, and withholding energy from negative interactions, she shows how you can protect your well-being while maintaining respectful and supportive relationships.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.prospecttherapy.com/blog/2018/7/14/the-nice-persons-guide-to-setting-boundaries
Quotes to ponder:
"Person interrupting you? Ignore. Then keep talking."
"When they don't get what they're looking for, the hope is that they'll eventually stop."
"If you notice that someone did respect your limits on time, energy, emotional labor, or money, especially without asking, point it out!"
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Episode 2752:
Mark Fisher breaks down how to reshape your fitness journey by aligning workouts with your actual lifestyle, personality, and goals. This practical, mindset-first approach helps you build habits you’ll actually stick with, without guilt, pressure, or one-size-fits-all thinking.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markfisherfitness.com/make-working-out-work-for-you/
Quotes to ponder:
"Working out should work for you, not the other way around."
"Consistency beats intensity when it comes to making progress."
"There’s no moral value in doing a certain kind of workout, or not doing it."
Episode references:
Bright Line Eating: https://brightlineeating.com/
Atomic Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299
Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies Quiz: https://gretchenrubin.com/four-tendencies/
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Episode 2751:
Many people are quietly struggling with social anxiety, and it may be showing up in our everyday manners. Dr. Margaret Rutherford explores how our increasing reliance on screens and hesitation to commit to social events can leave us isolated, and offers a simple exercise to challenge avoidance and build confidence. Her reflections invite us to face discomfort with honesty and take small steps toward connection.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/are-we-losing-our-manners-how-to-confront-social-anxiety/
Quotes to ponder:
"Not responding, not committing is a choice."
"If you stay uncommitted, silent, you’re actually committed to hiding."
"Everyone else has their own insecurity. Everyone."
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Episode 2750:
Children often reach out about bullying only after trying, and failing, to handle it themselves. Amy Burzinski reminds us that the most powerful support parents can give is calm listening, thoughtful communication with schools, and modeling resilience. Her insights highlight how to help kids feel heard, safe, and empowered, even when we can’t control others’ behavior.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://parentingsimply.com/you-can-prevent-bullying-what-parents-need-to-know/
Quotes to ponder:
“Chances are, your child is coming to you because they’ve exhausted their own options and need your help.”
“The best help is simply having an adult to listen to them, and following up to see if the behavior stopped or was continuing, and giving further advice.”
“Friendship is about quality, not quantity, and if you look at it that way, every child can be popular.”
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Episode 2749:
Rose Lounsbury shares practical strategies for helping children release their attachment to material possessions with less struggle. By blending empathy, playful techniques, and gentle guidance, she shows parents how to teach kids that letting go can feel positive and empowering.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://roselounsbury.com/teaching-kids-to-let-it-go/
Quotes to ponder:
“Kids often have a hard time letting go of things because they see their stuff as an extension of themselves.”
“When kids see that their things can go on to make someone else happy, it’s a lot easier for them to let go.”
“Always let your kids know that the final decision is theirs.”
Episode references:
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering-Organizing/dp/1607747308
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Episode 2748:
Steve Pavlina explores practical ways to handle challenging relationships with relatives, emphasizing boundaries, self-respect, and conscious choice. He shows how shifting perspective can reduce stress and create more harmonious interactions, whether that means improving the relationship or letting go of unhealthy ties.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/08/dealing-with-difficult-relatives/
Quotes to ponder:
"Every interaction you have with a relative is an opportunity to grow."
"The key is to remember that you always have a choice in how you respond."
"You cannot control how others behave, but you can control your own behavior and your own state of being."
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Episode 2747:
Eddie Corbano highlights the most damaging mistakes people often make after a breakup, showing how these behaviors can keep you stuck in pain and dependency. By avoiding these pitfalls, you open the door to healing, reclaiming your self-worth, and moving toward real emotional freedom.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://lovesagame.com/have-you-made-these-mistakes-after-your-relationship-break-up/
Quotes to ponder:
"Most people think they’re moving on when in reality they’re just staying stuck."
"You cannot heal in the same environment where you got sick."
"Every time you put your ex on a pedestal, you put yourself in the gutter."
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Episode 2746:
Dr. Jenny Brockis explores why so many of us struggle to remember names and offers practical, science-backed strategies to get better at it. From attention and anxiety to visualization and repetition, these techniques help foster stronger social and professional connections.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drjennybrockis.com/2010/3/29/sorry-what-did-you-say-your-name-was-how-to-remember-peoples-names-more-easily/
Quotes to ponder:
"Remembering another person’s name is important in both social and business situations."
"Sometimes we get so hooked up on having to say our own name we forget to listen or take in the other person’s name."
"If all else fails, then you can simply ask the person their name."
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this was all I had to hear ❤️🫂
this is a quick and easy listen I like to keep a copy of it downloaded to my phone so I can listen to it while I'm in the car during times where I'm feeling anxious or stressed about a certain social situation or things get tense at home.poignant!
wow that was perfect , l think u change alot lives with youre episodes . thank you✨
Hello I am an English teacher and a YouTuber, i just wanted to use some of your podcast on my channel for practicing engish and I can invite them to subscribe to your channel. that would be great if I had your permission. thank you
completely disappointed in this pod cast, twisted views of what a man really is.
Oh please. Another entitled Mom telling us how perfect she is.
Thank you for this!! I needed this!!!
this is so shallow how do you consider this real advice...
All great information! Thank you for the reminders. 😘
Oh, I can relate to this! Though it is not like having 2 houses near one another, there are some similarities. My current relationship is we have a house together in India, but I come back to my home country ( for 4-6months) to visit with my family and work a little. He remains in India taking care of the orchard and running the house. We have been in this type of telationship for 6 years and it is the best relationship I've ever had in my entire life. With todays technology...video chatting...were always connected. When I return its like seeing each other for the first time...simply awesome! Works for us!
re: Episode 157: This is awful advice from an obviously selfish man who believes it is okay for men to have a narcissistic harem.