Love & Life Elevated

As the light shifts and the days grow shorter, many of us feel an unspoken pull to slow down — yet life rarely allows it. In this episode, we explore how the fall season affects our energy, mood, and physiology, and how we can honor our internal rhythm instead of fighting against it. We discuss practical ways to reset your circadian rhythm (even if you’re a shift worker or early riser), align your daily rituals with the changing light, and reframe fatigue as wisdom — not weakness. With reflections on the September new moon and its invitation to plant new intentions, we explore how fall becomes a sacred space for letting go, simplifying, and reconnecting with purpose. This episode blends science, soul, and seasonal rhythm — so you can enter this next chapter clear, grounded, and energetically aligned.

In this episode of Love & Life Elevated, we continue our exploration of the microbiome—moving beyond the basics into practical ways to repair, soothe, and support gut health. We take the conversation deeper: how the gut is truly the seat of intuition, how gut signals travel to the brain through the vagus nerve, and how tending to our digestion can awaken inner clarity. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical care. Please consult your primary healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement or health routine.

Your gut is home to trillions of microbes that influence digestion, stress, and overall health. In this episode of Love & Life Elevated, we unpack what the microbiome is, what happens when it’s out of balance, how stress hormones affect the gut, and why most serotonin is actually made in your digestive system. Simple, practical, and science-backed - this is gut health made easy.

To MP3 Converter 2 (amvidia.com)We’re celebrating our 32nd wedding anniversary — and sharing some of the most powerful lessons we’ve learned about staying together, keeping love alive, and growing as partners. We also talk about the psychology of “Meno-Divorce” vs. the male midlife crisis, and why midlife is less about crisis and more about a call to consciousness. For us, love has been about stretching — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — and continuing to choose each other every day. Whether you’re in a relationship or not/year one or year fifty-one, we hope this episode inspires you to see love not as a destination, but as a living, evolving path.

There’s something powerful that happens when we choose to do the hard things—not because we have to, but because we know that’s where growth lives. In this episode, we talk about the science and soul of resilience: how doing what’s uncomfortable actually rewires our brains, strengthens our relationships, and expands what’s possible in our lives. We’re not talking about hustle or burnout—we’re talking about conscious courage. The kind that builds self-trust, deepens love, and reminds us that we can do hard things—and come out stronger, more alive, and more connected. Let’s go there. Together.

What if the most powerful medicine for your heart, hormones, and longevity was already inside you? Oxytocin—often called the “love hormone”—isn’t just about romance or bonding. It’s a powerful neurochemical that supports emotional resilience, lowers stress, improves heart health, and may even extend your life. In this conversation, we explore how oxytocin connects the science of healing with the soul of connection. You’ll learn how to naturally elevate your oxytocin through simple daily practices—touch, trust, purpose, and presence—and why love truly is medicine. Whether you're focused on healing, healthy aging, or deepening your relationships, this episode offers tools to elevate your life from the inside out. #Oxytocin #HeartHealth #Longevity #LoveHormone #EmotionalWellness #NaturalHealing #HealthyAging #MindBodyMedicine #FunctionalMedicine #HormoneHealth #Resilience #RelationshipHealth #Neuropeptide #StressRelief

Self-care isn’t soft—it’s cellular. In this episode, we break down the real science behind why self-care is not optional. Backed by Harvard studies and lifestyle medicine, this conversation explores how habits like meditation, movement, nutrition, rest, and purpose-driven living can reverse disease, slow aging, and add more than a decade to your life. We’ll explore: How meditation impacts your DNA Why sleep is your brain’s detox system What Blue Zones teach us about longevity The self-care habits that add 10-12 years to your lifespan This isn’t about fluff—this is about foundation. If you’re ready to elevate your love, your energy, and your legacy, this episode is for you.

We’ve all heard the idea that doing housework is the ultimate foreplay in long-term relationships. But is “choreplay” the secret sauce—or just a well-marketed myth? In this week’s Love & Life Elevated podcast, we dive into the real research behind attraction and libido in long-term love. From the psychology of desire to the neurochemistry of lust, we unpack what keeps intimacy alive beyond the honeymoon phase. You’ll learn: Why “doing more chores” doesn’t always mean “getting more sex” The deeper drivers of sexual connection (novelty, growth, space, and purpose) What top experts like Esther Perel and Emily Nagoski want every couple to know The real numbers on how often happily married couples have sex This is about more than sex. It’s about presence, evolution, and honoring what it means to love someone deeply—while still wanting them wildly. Listen in. Share it with your partner. Let’s elevate love—together.

You didn’t give up. You pivoted. You trusted. You kept going. In this new episode of Love & Life, we're talking about those moments when life says no—but your heart still says yes. - 60 phone calls. One yes. - Human Grace almost didn’t happen… but it did. And it changed everything. - Rejection isn’t failure—it’s redirection. We’re diving deep into grit, grace, and the power of the pivot—for your mental health, your purpose, and your peace. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts. #PivotWithPurpose #Resilience #LoveAndLifePodcast #DivineTiming

You’re crushing goals, checking boxes, and showing up for everyone—except yourself. Why do we feel so empty even when we’re performing at a high level? In this episode of Love & Life Elevated, we dive deep into the science of motivation (Self-Determination Theory), the soul practice of presence, and how to stop solving everything except what’s happening inside of you. This is your permission to come back home to yourself.

In this special episode of Love & Life Elevated, we’re joined by someone very close to our hearts — our daughter, Dakota Sunshine Skye Freddie Rouse. Dakota is currently earning dual master's degrees in Sports Performance Psychology and Clinical Psychology at Adler University, and she’s bringing fresh, powerful insights into how we think about mental health, athletic performance, trauma recovery, and trust. Together, we dive into what it means to perform with purpose, heal from within, and live with resilience. Whether you're an athlete, a high performer, or simply someone who wants to grow stronger mentally and emotionally, we think you'll find a lot of inspiration here. We’re so excited to share this beautiful, real conversation with you. #growthmindset #performance #mentalhealth #highperformance #sportsperformance #PerformancePsychology #trauma #healing #purpose #loveandlife To learn more about Dakota Rouse: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dakota-rouse-7b2032176/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dakkattackk

What if feeling more alive, calm, and connected wasn’t about doing more—but syncing back into your natural rhythm? In this episode, we explore how tuning into your body’s circadian and ultradian rhythms can help you work smarter, rest deeper, and show up more fully—in life and in love. We also dive into a powerful practice called the sacred pause—a simple, soul-centered way to respond with grace (instead of react with heat) in your most important relationships. Expect honest stories, science-backed wisdom, and easy-to-try tools that bring more peace, presence, and connection into your every day.

This episode explores the foundational mistakes and milestones from my first book, how they echo in DIEM, and why forgiveness, presence, and purpose are still my guiding lights. From the raw vulnerability of first-time authorship to the spiritual threads of DIEM, we explore how forgiveness, presence, and gratitude have shaped this ongoing journey of transformation. You’ll hear reflections on how a single great day can change everything—and how returning to morning rituals keeps us grounded, grateful, and growing. Whether you're on the brink of something new or revisiting your roots, this episode is a gentle nudge to embrace your own evolution—with compassion and courage.

https://www.drjamesrouse.com/diem What If Your Greatest Transformation Begins the Moment You Wake Up? That’s a question I live into every single day. Because I believe it does. Every morning, before my feet hit the floor, I remind myself: This is Day One. A fresh opportunity to meet life with presence, purpose, and love. And in this latest episode of the Love & Life Elevated podcast, I had the beautiful honor of exploring exactly what that means—with my favorite person on the planet, Dr. Debra. This wasn’t just a conversation—it was a soul-aligned moment. A chance to reflect on the practices, the struggles, and the awakenings that inspired my new book, DIEM: The Art of Every Day. Together, Debra and I dive into how daily rituals can become spiritual revolutions, how rhythm isn’t just biological—it’s sacred, and how radical self-love is the foundation for everything good in life. Here’s a taste of what we unpack together: We talk about… The morning rituals that have carried me through dark seasons and into the light Why aligning with your natural rhythm is a spiritual practice (yes, there’s science too) Cold plunges and other sacred discomforts that teach us courage and compassion The real story behind my “Day One” mantra—and how it saved my life How we can love ourselves forward, even when it’s messy, even when it’s hard Whether you’re feeling stuck, inspired, exhausted, or ready for a breakthrough—this conversation is for you. Because I truly believe the art of your every day holds the key to your extraordinary life. So, if you’re ready to elevate—let’s go. Let’s grow. Together.

There’s a quiet powerhouse living in your belly—and it’s shaping your mood, your clarity, and your capacity to live fully. I’m talking about your gut, often called your “second brain.” Why? Because nearly 95% of your serotonin, your “feel-good” neurotransmitter, is produced there—not in your head. Serotonin influences your mood, your sleep, your appetite, even how you feel about your life. And the gut? It’s the soil where that neurochemical magic begins. Let’s break it down: When you nourish your gut with whole, clean, fiber-rich foods… When you move your body and hydrate with intention… When you create space for calm, connection, and conscious breathing… You’re not just supporting digestion—you’re building the biochemical foundation for joy, confidence, and clarity. We are not separate systems—we are one beautifully integrated ecosystem of mind, body, and spirit. When we love and care for the gut, we ignite our innate capacity for elevated living. This is the art of every day. Love your gut. Elevate your serotonin. Rise in your light. #GutHealth #SerotoninSupport #LoveAndLifeElevated #TheArtOfEveryDay #sunlight #serotonin #melatonin