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The Evolved Marriage Podcast

The Evolved Marriage Podcast
Author: Kate & Eric MacDougall
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Join Kate and Eric MacDougall as they talk about all things Intimacy. Growth in your marriage doesn’t need to be a drag! We make growth and connection fun, and give you actionable skills to make sure the best years of your marriage are ahead of you!
196 Episodes
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As we close out the Evolved Marriage podcast, we want to thank you for tuning in week after week and trusting us with your journey.
Think back to your first episode—how far have you come? What shifts did you make in your marriage because of these conversations?
I hope you keep leading yourself and your relationships with confident presence.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Keep showing up for yourself and those you love. 
 
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In this episode, Kate and Eric talk all about Unlearning, Healing, and Growing Through Conflict.
Topics:
➡️ What Kate and Eric had to unlearn to grow together
➡️ How they handle resentment and repair after conflict
➡️ Why independence and authenticity are essential in long-term marriage
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/growth-conflict-quickfires
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/start
📱Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@EvolvedMarriage
In this episode, Kate & Eric answer questions about Intimacy and connection, quickfire style!
Topics: 
➡️ How to stay connected when you're tired or stressed
➡️ The small gestures that make you feel loved and seen
➡️ How to initiate sex and create playful energy in your relationship
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/intimacy-and-connection-quickfire
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/start
📱Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@EvolvedMarriage
One question leads to another as Kate and Eric take on a quickfire Q&A about the quirks, habits, and healing conversations that shaped their marriage.
Here’s what they covered:
➡️ What we used to argue about that now seems silly
➡️ Habits we still find annoying in each other
➡️ What a real apology looks like
➡️ How we decide when to speak up or let it go
➡️ The one conversation that changed our marriage
➡️ What we wish we did more of
➡️ What helps us stay strong
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/partnership-quickfires
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/start
📱Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@EvolvedMarriage
Eric is flying solo this week. Join him as he talks about unlocking your true potential by tapping into and sharing your unique gifts.
Topics:
➡️ Discovering your innate skills and how to harness them in everyday life.
➡️ Overcoming the perfection barrier to start helping others with what you already know.
➡️ The impact of integrating and sharing your gifts within the community.
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/healing-your-core-wound-and-sharing-your-gift-with-the-world
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/start
📱Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@EvolvedMarriage
In this solo episode of The Evolved Marriage Podcast, Eric explores the pervasive impact of fear on men's lives and relationships.
Topics:
➡️ Identifying fear as a natural yet often irrational human response
➡️ Recognizing physical signs and behaviors induced by fear
➡️ Strategies to manage fear for personal and relational growth
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/how-your-fears-are-impacting-your-relationships
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/start
📱Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@EvolvedMarriage
In this episode, Kate & Eric delve into managing personal growth differences within a relationship.
Topics: 
➡️ Navigating growth disparities between partners. 
➡️ Inviting your partner into your growth journey without judgment. 
➡️ Empathy's importance in understanding each partner’s struggles. 
➡️ Modeling personal growth to inspire your partner. 
➡️ Embracing acceptance and love while fostering mutual growth.
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-re-growing-and-your-partner-isnt
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/start
📱Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@EvolvedMarriage
In this week's episode, Kate & Eric discuss key strategies to deepen your connection with your spouse and move past the "roommate phase"
Topics: 
➡️ Managing conflicts in marriage through vulnerability and openness
➡️ Techniques for giving and receiving feedback in relationships without conflict.
➡️ Ideas to break daily routines and rekindle romance and emotional intimacy in your marriage. 
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/moving-beyond-roommates-to-deeper-emotional-connection
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/start
📱Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@EvolvedMarriage
In this episode, Kate and Eric tackle a listener's question about managing conflict styles in a marriage.
"I tend to shut down during conflict—I need time to think things through before I can respond. But my wife wants to talk things out right away and gets frustrated when I withdraw. We both end up feeling unheard and frustrated. How do we find a way to resolve conflict that works for both of us?"
Topics: 
➡️ Different communication styles: Internal processors vs. immediate responders. 
➡️ Resolution strategies: Writing thoughts post-conflict and scheduling discussion times. 
➡️ Personal responsibility: Acknowledging one's impact on communication breakdowns. 
➡️ Constructive engagement: Using "I statements," taking breaks, and reaffirming understanding.
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/how-to-handle-conflict-when-you-have-completely-different-communication-styles
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/start
In this week's episode, Kate & Eric explore strategies for engaging with a partner resistant to change.
Topics: 
➡️ Identifying traits of resistance like inflexibility, criticism, lack of empathy, and defensiveness. 
➡️ Reflecting on personal contributions to relationship dynamics and initiating change from within. 
➡️ Effective communication and setting clear boundaries to foster a healthier relationship.
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/what-to-do-when-your-partner-is-unwilling-to-change
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/start
In this episode, Kate & Eric explore how unrealistic expectations and unmet needs impact relationships.
Topics:
➡️ Why unspoken needs often lead to unrealistic expectations
➡️ The difference between wants and true needs in relationships
➡️ How open communication can prevent resentment and disconnection
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/balancing-unmet-needs-unrealistic-expectations
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/start
In this episode, Kate & Eric dive deep into the subtle ways we might take our relationships for granted and how we can actively work against this tendency.
Topics: 
➡️ Identifying and tackling complacency in our connections. ➡️ Reflecting on how our early relationships shape our current attitudes. 
➡️ Practical strategies to inject vitality and appreciation back into our partnerships.
Celebrate love and laughter this Valentine's Day with Kate and Eric at their special Couples' Yoga session—reconnect and rekindle your spark! https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/yoga
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/are-you-taking-your-partner-for-granted
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/start
Join Kate & Eric as they dive deep into Vulnerability and how to navigate and repair relationships post-conflict.
Topics: 
➡️ Exploring the emotional landscape of coming back together after a fight, focusing on vulnerability when feeling defensive.
➡️ The challenge of reconnection post-conflict, examining the roles of the instigator and the receiver in arguments. 
➡️ Attachment styles and their influence on conflict resolution and relationship dynamics.
 
Celebrate love and laughter this Valentine's Day with Kate and Eric at their special Couples' Yoga session—reconnect and rekindle your spark! https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/yoga
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/how-to-reconnect-after-a-fight
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blueprint
In this episode, Kate & Eric explore how understanding, asking for, and receiving help in relationships can lead to deeper connection and growth.
Topics:
➡️ Breaking free from the "fairness" myth in relationships to foster true connection.
➡️ The vulnerability required to ask for, receive, and offer help in a partnership.
➡️ Practical strategies to shift from self-reliance to collaborative support in marriage.
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/the-missing-piece-to-getting-your-needs-met-in-your-marriage
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blueprint
In this episode, Kate & Eric discuss the hidden impacts of staying busy and avoiding emotions.
Topics: 
➡️ The dangers of using busyness as a coping mechanism to avoid feeling emotions. 
➡️ The breakdown and emotional release that occurs when suppressing feelings for too long. 
➡️ Strategies for recognizing emotional signals and the importance of taking time to address them.
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/how-your-actions-are-leading-to-burnout-and-disconnection
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blueprint
In this episode, Kate & Eric discuss ways on how to make 2025 the year of connection with your partner through intentional planning and shared vision.
Topics:
➡️ Dreaming together to create a shared vision for the year.
➡️ Using practical tools like calendars to prioritize connection and goals.
➡️ Strengthening intimacy with consistent small actions like weekly check-ins.
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/making-2025-your-year-of-connection
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blueprint
In this episode, Kate & Eric talk about navigating holiday stressors as a couple to create a meaningful and connected season.
Topics:
➡️ Financial stress during the holidays and how to manage it with budgets and intentional gift-giving.
➡️ Maintaining intimacy and connection amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday planning.
➡️ Coping with grief and loss during the holidays and supporting your partner through tough emotions.
➡️ Managing unrealistic expectations and aligning holiday plans with shared values.
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/4-challenges-couples-face-during-the-holidays-and-how-to-overcome-them
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blueprint
In this episode, Kate & Eric discuss transformative ways to cultivate more joy and connection in your life and relationships.
Topics:
➡️ Reconnecting with your inner child to rediscover wonder and curiosity.
➡️ Prioritizing self-care and well-being to create space for joy.
➡️ Surrounding yourself with positivity to uplift your energy and mindset.
➡️ Embracing spontaneity to break routines and invite more excitement.
➡️ Practicing gratitude and celebrating small wins to nurture appreciation and presence.
 
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/5-ways-to-bring-more-joy-to-your-relationship-and-your-life
 
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blueprint
In this episode, Kate & Eric explore how comfort and avoidance can hinder growth and connection in relationships, sharing their personal experiences of navigating discomfort to create deeper connections.
Topics:
➡️ Aligning personal visions with shared goals in relationships.
➡️ Overcoming fear of judgment and embracing authenticity.
➡️ Using discomfort as a catalyst for growth and connection.
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/why-a-comfortable-life-is-preventing-you-having-the-relationship-you-want
 
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blueprint
In this episode, Kate & Eric explore how taking responsibility for your needs and collaborating with your partner creates a thriving relationship.
Topics:
➡️ Understanding that meeting your relational needs starts with personal responsibility.
➡️ Balancing autonomy and togetherness to foster individuality within the relationship.
➡️ Applying Maslow's hierarchy of needs as a roadmap for relational growth and self-actualization.
SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/the-9-core-relationship-needs-part-2
📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/BTplan
 💑FREE RESOURCE - The Communication Blueprint
https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blueprint
 



