Starting From Experience: Still Standing With Michelle And Duane Smith

Duane and Michelle reflect back to a time when they were expecting their first baby and exploring sex and intimacy during that pregnancy and in postpartum. What is revealed during this episode is on the spot and in real time as they have never discussed this prior and it is very revealing what they realize. Give them your feedback here https://anchor.fm/michelleduane-smith/message and follow them @start_ingfromexperience .

2022 has almost come to a close and Michelle and Duane share their top 3 resolutions for their marriage. What are you resolutions in your relationship for 2023? Let us know here: https://anchor.fm/michelleduane-smith/message

Duane and Michelle deepen their Intimacy and connection by using a set of Intimacy Cards they bought online. They encourage couples to play similar games to get to know each other deeper and more authentically. Give them your feedback here https://anchor.fm/michelleduane-smith/message and follow them @start_ingfromexperience .

Michelle and Duane celebrate her 45th birthday with a nude Photoshoot and share how they are finding new ways to engage sexually to keep things interesting after 25 years of being in a relationship. Tell them how you are keeping things spicy in your partnership. https://anchor.fm/michelleduane-smith/message

Duane plays a game called “Do You Remember When…? In response Michelle and Duane take a walk down memory lane through the Fall of 1996. Recalling the moments that led to their magical first kiss and the unexpected circumstances surrounding it. Follow them on @start_ingfromexperience leave a comment https://anchor.fm/michelleduane-smith/message

The act of forgiveness is not easy but is essential and takes a daily commitment in order to stay together. Michelle and Duane lean into their process and their pain on their ongoing forgiveness journey. Share your thoughts https://anchor.fm/michelleduane-smith/message and follow us @start_ingfromexperience

Codependent or Interdependent, which one are you? In this episode Michelle and Duane delve into their therapeutic homework to explore the characteristics of both types and which one they identify with. As always they keep it honest and transparent and encourage listeners to reflect on their own relationship and determine for themselves. Share your thoughts directly in a voice note here: https://anchor.fm/michelleduane-smith/message. Article: https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-build-a-relationship-based-on-interdependence-4161249. Psychotherapist/Couples Counsellor: https://www.healingcollective.ca/collective-members/kwaku-agyeman/

After 20 years and so many ups and down why are Michelle and Duane still married to each other? They both have given each other plenty of reasons to leave and in this episode without preparing they reflect on 20 reasons why they are still fighting to stay together after 20 years of matrimony. Have Feedback? Or Want To Ask A Question? Leave us a message and we will respond😍 https://anchor.fm/michelleduane-smith/message

To schedule or not to schedule, that is the question that Michelle and Duane explore in this episode. To schedule what exactly, you ask? Do you schedule dedicated alone time with your Partner/Spouse? During this episode they answer this question for themselves and how they got to today. Who would have ever thought they would get to a point of scheduling time for sex and intimacy. Looking at the pros and cons of doing this they want to hear from you!!!! How do you stay connected?Share your thoughts directly here: https://anchor.fm/michelleduane-smith/message

Couples Counselling has become a regular and necessary part of our marriage self-care plan. After 20+ years together there are still some unresolved issues, unhealed traumas and even fears. Marriage is not easy and despite being smart self aware people we still can’t always see what is missing for one another. It has taken the support of a well suited Counsellor who really sees us, understands our goals & potential and is committed to guiding us on our journey. This episode was recorded immediately after completing a session. It is real, raw and in the moment. You will hear us decompress, debrief and complete in unison after a tough session where during most of it we were in opposite corners. At the end of the day we are in this for the long haul and are committed to the process. Big shout out and gratitude to you Kwaku Agyeman our Psychotherapist who is holding space for us as we continue to heal and grow. Couples Counselling is it time you tired it??? https://www.healingcollective.ca/collective-members/kwaku-agyeman/. Leave Us A Voice Comment Here: https://anchor.fm/michelleduane-smith/message

Inspired by the Tyler Perry movie “Why Did I Get Married” Duane sets the stage by asking a tough question and the responses take listeners into their early development and family dynamics. During their reflections they talk about being young and maturing at different rates. (Check out this article on the subject https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/kids-health/boys-girls-maturity-gap/ ). With help along the way from marriage Counsellors Kwaku Agyeman (https://www.healingcollective.ca/collective-members/kwaku-agyeman/ ) and Randi-Mae Stanford Leibold (https://www.randimae.com/about ) they continue to work on and through the obstacles of marriage. One huge turning point came in 2016 after they both participated in a program called Landmark (https://www.landmarkworldwide.com/ ) which transformed their communication and commitments to each other. Together they keep their eye on the prize which is partnership and teamwork. Leave Us A Voice Comment Here: https://anchor.fm/michelleduane-smith/message

We got married in our 20’s and have been married for 20 years STRONG! Every week we will be taking you through areas of our marriage, sharing strategies to navigate your long term relationships, overcome obstacles and rekindle that spark to stay TOGETHER! Launching September 30, 2022! Subscribe Now! You Don’t Want To Miss Us!!!