D.E.M.O. with MO

Dating, engaged and married objectives from a young Christian perspective! I'm Monique Simmons the host of DEMO with Mo. I started this podcast to give a space for people who have a desire to do relationships well and to hear authentic conversations about the struggles we all face.

Should You Say “I Do” Early?

Send us a text What if the timing of your “yes” shapes not just your wedding day, but the way you grow up? We get honest about the question so many couples wrestle with: should you get married young? We unpack the real pros: growing together from a blank slate, sharing first jobs, graduations, and babies, and building habits early that can compound into financial stability and stronger partnership. We also name the hard parts without flinching: emotional maturity gaps, higher divorce risk, m...

10-16
37:44

Why Community Beats Isolation During Hard Seasons

Send us a text Starting over sounds bold until the storm hits at night and the room feels too quiet. We dig into a simple truth that keeps showing up in real life: resilience grows in community. From the physical toll of loneliness to the emotional relief of being fully seen, we map the concrete ways connection protects your health, clarifies your thinking, and keeps your heart steady when circumstances don’t. We also name the moments when solitude is not only okay but wise—time set apart to ...

10-02
39:02

Tearing Everything Down and Starting From Scratch

Send us a text Rebuilding your life from the ground up isn't just possible—it's sometimes necessary for genuine transformation. In this deeply personal season opener, I share the unexpected resolution to my paternity journey and how discovering my biological father led to healing generational wounds. When family secrets threatened to keep me trapped in uncertainty, I made the courageous choice to tear everything down and rebuild on truth. The painful distance that grew between me and the fat...

09-18
41:23

Dollars and Sense: The Art of Budgeting

Send us a text Money talks – but are you listening to what yours is saying? That's the essential question addressed in this thought-provoking conversation between Monique Simmons and Tax Associate Breonna Dear. Breonna, with her extensive background at financial giants like JPMorgan Chase and Deloitte, breaks down the intimidating world of personal finance into digestible, actionable wisdom. Her journey from a young saver to a tax professional offers a relatable backdrop to the practical adv...

05-01
42:17

Finding Middle Ground: How Compromise Strengthens Romantic Relationships

Send us a text Have you ever had your perfectly planned day completely derailed by someone else's schedule change? That's exactly what happened to me this week, and it sparked a powerful revelation about the role of compromise in romantic relationships. When my husband called to say he needed to work late on my sacred self-care Monday, I had a choice: react with frustration or embrace the opportunity to demonstrate true partnership. This unexpected schedule shift became the perfect real-worl...

04-03
22:22

What You Don't Know You Need Will Transform Your Relationships

Send us a text Sometimes the most profound transformations come from receiving exactly what we didn't know we needed. Through the lens of a church revival experience, this episode explores how we often mistakenly believe we're spiritually sufficient while unknowingly craving deeper renewal—a parallel that perfectly illustrates our relationship dynamics. When we build intimacy daily with both God and our partners—checking in, expressing love, investing consistently—we create foundations that ...

03-27
22:22

Burnout in Relationships

Send us a text Feeling drained in your relationship? You're not alone. This episode explores the often-overlooked phenomenon of relationship burnout among Christian couples and offers practical wisdom for reconnection. After sharing a vulnerable update about her own journey of self-discovery, Monique dives into what relationship burnout actually looks like. Beyond just feeling tired, burnout manifests as emotional exhaustion and negativity that can slowly erode even the strongest partnership...

03-13
28:35

The Importance of Liking Your Partner: Building Strong Relationships Beyond Love

Send us a text Could loving your partner be different from genuinely liking them? In this episode of Demo with Mo, I, Monique Simmons, take you on a journey through the nuances of relationships, where fondness and friendship form the bedrock of lasting connections. You’ll discover the telltale signs that signify truly liking your partner—think shared laughs over inside jokes and the warmth of mutual admiration. As we traverse the moments of tender affection and the comfort of shared silences,...

02-20
28:12

Enhancing Support in Relationships

Send us a text How often do we truly reflect on the support we provide to our partners, and would they see it the same way? Join me, Monique Simmons, as we explore these compelling questions and more in our latest episode, where we dive into the heart of what it means to be a supportive partner. We share insights on how to evaluate our roles in our relationships honestly and the transformative power of encouragement, practical help, and emotional presence. Together, we'll unravel the complexi...

02-06
27:26

Mastering Difficult Conversations: Strengthening Relationships Through Effective Communication

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to mastering difficult conversations in your romantic relationships with insights from psychologist Helene Brenner. Learn how to tackle sensitive subjects like finances and infidelity, navigate clashes in core values, and overcome poor communication hurdles. Together, we unpack the common fears that lead to avoidance and defensiveness, and why facing these issues head-on can prevent them from spiraling out of control. Our discussion aims to empower you to add...

01-30
23:32

The Power of Chosen Family: Building Meaningful Connections Beyond Blood Ties

Send us a text What if the family you pick becomes more significant than the one you’re born into? Join me on a heartfelt journey as I explore the idea of chosen family, sparked by my recent trip to Orlando for the PodFest podcast conference. Battling a cold, I found solace in the vibrant energy of fellow podcasters and reconnected with a dear friend, reigniting the bonds we've nurtured over a decade. This experience was a poignant reminder of the incredible support system that has been my li...

01-23
33:54

Discovering the Power of Intentions and Trust

Send us a text 2025 is here, and I'm back after a rejuvenating break, ready to walk with you through the intricate paths of dating, engagement, and marriage from a young Christian perspective. Have you ever wondered how a simple exercise like a prayer vision board could transform your spiritual journey? This episode is packed with examples of showing how faith and intentionality can lead to profound changes. My word for this year is "abundance," and I invite you to explore with me what it mea...

01-03
11:52

Unpacking "It Ends With Us": Breaking Generational Cycles

Send us a text What if the love stories we cherish on screen actually hold deeper lessons about the cycles we see in real life? Join me, Monique Simmons, as I unpack the intricate layers of "It Ends With Us" and confront the harsh realities of domestic violence through the story of Lily. Her journey from a traumatic childhood to a tumultuous relationship with Ryle reveals the subtle signs of abuse and the crucial importance of self-awareness and courage. Together, we'll explore how these narr...

12-12
35:41

Embracing Individuality: Strengthening Your Marriage Through Mutual Support and Purpose

Send us a text Can embracing your individuality actually strengthen your marriage? Discover how mutual support and personal purpose intersect to bring harmony and fulfillment to your relationship in this thought-provoking episode of Demo with Mo. Join me, Monique Simmons, as we delve into the biblical foundation of marriage through the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis. We'll explore how maintaining your unique identity can enhance your partnership, leading to a deeper connection and understan...

11-21
17:48

Embracing Self-Care: A Journey of Transformation and Divine Connections

Send us a text Embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation as we explore the art of intentional self-care. What does it take to truly prioritize your well-being in a world that demands so much of you? In this episode of Demo with Mo, I share my personal self-care journey that began in 2020 as a birthday tradition and has since become a way of life. This practice has not only rejuvenated my spirit but has also set a new standard for how I nurture both myself and my relationships. ...

11-14
44:19

The Art of Confiding without Oversharing

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to building meaningful relationships while maintaining privacy as Alexis Thomas and I navigate the delicate balance between confiding and oversharing. Discover why it's crucial to choose the right confidants and how even the most well-intentioned loved ones can sometimes complicate your relationship dynamics. Together, we explore practical strategies to manage emotions, avoid unintended revelations, and seek unbiased advice to ensure the well-being of your re...

11-07
45:03

Sometimes You Need to be Reminded

Send us a text Can the hustle and bustle of everyday life blur the lines of love and faith in your relationships? Join me, Monique Simmons, as I unravel this crucial question. Life's chaos can easily make us forget the love and accomplishments we've nurtured. By revisiting shared memories and cherishing the vows we've made, we can anchor ourselves in the present and strengthen our relationships. In this episode, we explore how vital it is to pause and appreciate these moments, allowing them t...

10-31
19:53

Uncovering Truths: A Journey of Paternity and Healing

Send us a text What if you discovered that one of the most important people in your life wasn’t who you thought they were? Join us for a truly unique episode as Monique Simmons passes the microphone to her close friend and therapist, Ashley Jenkins, for a candid and emotional conversation. Monique shares the raw and personal journey of discovering that her father is not her biological father, a revelation that began to come to light during her parents' separation when she was just 19. Togethe...

08-08
56:23

Building Intimacy Through Communication

Send us a text What if your partner doesn't feel safe enough to share their deepest thoughts with you? In today's episode of Demo with Mo we explore the essential role that communication plays in building intimacy within relationships. We reflect on our behaviors and consider if we truly provide a safe space for our partners to express their issues and concerns without fear of being dismissed or criticized. This episode is a thought-provoking journey into the dynamics of creating environments...

08-01
27:57

Forgiving What You Can't Forget

Send us a text “How can you forgive when you can't forget?" Join me, Monique Simmons, as I discuss the intricate journey of forgiveness. We explore the complexities of forgiveness, how traumatic events can linger in our bodies, and the impact of recurring memories and triggers. With insights from "The Body Keeps the Score," we discuss the importance of seeking professional help, like therapy, to manage these challenges. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes and practical advice, aimi...

07-25
27:07

LFurdge

enjoyed this episode. lots of wisdom! thanks to Averi for sharing! ❤

11-16 Reply

LFurdge

congrats again!

08-16 Reply

LFurdge

first-- thanks for shouting out my business!! ❤ this was a great episode! you definitely covered all the bases. What it all boils down to is people need to mind 👏🏽their👏🏽 own👏🏽 business👏🏽. 🤣😂

02-17 Reply

LFurdge

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 good friends are a blessing!

09-24 Reply

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