Love Thy Neighbor Show

• Introduction of Love Thy Neighbor as a relationship-focused show with hosts Colette Fehr, Daniel Dennis, Tom Vann • Early success: ranked #141 worldwide in relationship podcasts, airing on Real Radio 104.1 with affiliate expansion plans • Key truth: no perfect relationships; flaws, wounds, unrealistic ideals exist • Every relationship can improve, though not all marriages; toxic or abusive ones should end • Examples of divorced couples maintaining healthy or even friendly ties, often for children’s sake • Self-reflection and personal responsibility as crucial for improvement • Awkwardness of exes with new partners, but maturity can turn it positive • Emotional extremes in love and hate, managing reactions with tools like the 90-second rule • Celebrity focus: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban divorce after 19 years • Backlash unfairly blaming Nicole’s career; double standards in divorce narratives • Challenges of Hollywood marriages: distance, infidelity risk, media pressure • Justin and Hailey Bieber facing false divorce rumors shows impact of speculation • Concept of "divorce contagion" where breakups unsettle others’ relationships • Public scrutiny of celebrity infidelity vs ordinary people’s limited chances • Infidelity trends shifting, more women involved; workplace common site for affairs • Listener voicemail: wife worries about retiring early, depending on husband’s income • Concerns about medical costs, loss of independence, fear of resentment • Hosts stress clarifying husband’s real feelings, suggest passion projects or part-time work • Therapy may help adjust mindset; alimony offers safety if divorce occurs • Discussion of mental load in relationships beyond chores • Homework: six-second kiss felt awkward but builds intimacy and bonding • Therapy insights: most problems unsolvable, focus on how couples handle them • Self-work over blaming partner; shaming is counterproductive • Promotion of Colette’s book The Cost of Quiet, releasing on her 52nd birthday, pre-order online • Colette’s podcast Insights from the Couch covers midlife issues with guests like Dr. Nadine Macaluso • Encouragement for listeners to leave reviews and ratings • Invitation for audience questions via email or T&D app voicemail • Reminder: more content available on A Mediocre Time with Tom and Dan ### **Social Media:**   [Website](https://tomanddan.com/) | [Twitter](https://twitter.com/tomanddanlive) | [Facebook](https://facebook.com/amediocretime) | [Instagram](https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive) **Where to Find the Show:**   [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682) | [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2FtZWRpb2NyZXRpbWUvcG9kY2FzdC54bWw) | [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/podcasts/Comedy/A-Mediocre-Time-p364156/) **The Tom & Dan Radio Show on Real Radio 104.1:**   [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-corporate-time/id975258990) | [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2Fjb3Jwb3JhdGV0aW1lL3BvZGNhc3QueG1s) | [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/podcasts/Comedy/A-Corporate-Time-p1038501/) **Exclusive Content:** [Join BDM](https://tomanddan.com/registration) **Merch:** [Shop Tom & Dan](https://tomanddan.myshopify.com/)

• Launch of “Love Thy Neighbor” with therapist Colette Fehr • Colette’s TEDx talk on relationships (April 3) and 13 years of experience • Her first marriage as “surface perfection” (family, labs, SUVs, picket fence) but emotionally empty • Husband’s disengagement, loneliness, and realization of controllable vs. uncontrollable factors • Conflict avoidance as central issue; fear of arguments; lack of modeled healthy resolution at home • Growing up in “suffer in silence” or emotionally closed households • Comfort discussing with colleagues vs. difficulty with spouses due to higher stakes • Acting despite fear as her first principle; few families openly model conflict • Breaking intergenerational anger patterns and temper issues • Avoidance behaviors and male fear of losing intimacy after anger • Band-Aid analogy: ignoring wounds vs. addressing issues • Male tendency to equate sex with connection; women needing connection before sex • Misinterpretations fueling breakdowns; frustration over vague requests • Desire for clear, task-oriented path to intimacy; comparison to instructional videos • Wizard of Oz ruby slippers metaphor: solutions are within • Conflict as surprising but powerful way to connect • Sharing fears builds closeness; vulnerability as risky but vital • Reframing conflict talk as “magic trick” for connection • Emotions as signals: sadness = loss, anger = need for change • Facing conflict repeatedly reduces fear; positive reinforcement when met with care • Disconnection signs: neglecting kisses goodnight, passing interactions, deprioritizing spouse • Long-married regret at silence; lighthouse metaphor for ignored warnings • Connection misunderstood until laughter or joy appears, but disconnection returns easily • Emotional vs. logical partner dynamics; “double Tom” (logic) vs. “double Dan” (emotion) struggles • Pursuer–withdrawer pattern: one chases, one retreats; substances as withdrawal metaphor • Therapy works within temperament, not personality change • Joking, dismissing, or passive-aggression block openness • Three key skills: act despite fear, be vulnerable, be assertive • Assertiveness ≠ aggression; contrast with passive and passive-aggressive styles • Humor as defense derailing intimacy; discomfort as barrier to openness • Feeling “seen and heard” as core unit of connection • Vulnerable moments often cut short when intensity feels overwhelming • Date nights valuable only if genuine, not superficial • Show up like first date: engaged, curious, listening, no phones • Curiosity fades over time; partners must ask deeper, specific, open-ended questions • Parenting tips (like “new dad” texts) adapted for spouse conversations • Starter prompts when partner seems uninteresting (“what’s on your mind?”) • Pretend partner is fascinating to rekindle interest • Overcoming sense new habits are fake; effort itself is authenticity • “I love you but not in love” cliché explained by loss of limerence vs. deeper fear • Limerence as neurochemical high (6–36 months); sustaining love requires practice • Social media myths fuel distorted comparisons • Homework: two 6-second kisses and one 20-second hug daily to boost bonding chemistry • Add 10–20 minutes of cuddling; touch prevents “roommate mode” • Non-sexual affection as glue; even robotic rituals build bonding chemistry • Skin-to-skin like newborn bonding; daily 20 minutes of touch and conversation • Sit together without phones; acknowledge awkwardness; talk authentically • Reminder: people often ask strangers more questions than spouses • Phones as top relationship killer • Promotion of Colette Fehr’s upcoming book The Cost of Quiet (Feb 3 release) expanding on TEDx talk Secrets of a Couple’s Therapist • Plan to revisit homework and connection progress in next episode • Wrap-up of first “Love Thy Neighbor” and preview of future topics ### **Social Media:**   [Website](https://tomanddan.com/) | [Twitter](https://twitter.com/tomanddanlive) | [Facebook](https://facebook.com/amediocretime) | [Instagram](https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive) **Where to Find the Show:**   [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682) | [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2FtZWRpb2NyZXRpbWUvcG9kY2FzdC54bWw) | [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/podcasts/Comedy/A-Mediocre-Time-p364156/) **The Tom & Dan Radio Show on Real Radio 104.1:**   [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-corporate-time/id975258990) | [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2Fjb3Jwb3JhdGV0aW1lL3BvZGNhc3QueG1s) | [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/podcasts/Comedy/A-Corporate-Time-p1038501/) **Exclusive Content:** [Join BDM](https://tomanddan.com/registration) **Merch:** [Shop Tom & Dan](https://tomanddan.myshopify.com/)

Love Thy Neighbor is a straight-talk relationship show from Tom Vann, Dan Dennis, and licensed therapist Colette J. Fehr - born the day Colette knocked on their door and they realized they were literal next-door neighbors. Together they bring 50 years of broadcasting (Dan 30, Tom 20) and 15 years of clinical counseling (Colette), plus real-life reps: Tom’s 20-year marriage, Dan’s 15-year marriage, and Colette’s second, thriving chapter. Expect humor, empathy, and practical advice from both sides of the wall. New episodes every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.