Respected & Connected: Create a More Intimate, Collaborative Relationship

In this podcast episode, Sharon interviews Lark Galley, a wife and mother who has experienced the profound grief of losing a son to suicide. Lark shares the challenges this tragedy posed to her marriage and how it has affected both her and her husband's perception of success, personal achievements, and their relationship with each other. We explore the complexity of grief, the importance of allowing vulnerability in the healing process, and how Lark and her husband have worked through their grief individually and as a couple. Additionally, Lark highlights the impactful moments of realization and acceptance that have helped them both to find new ways to connect and support each other amidst their profound loss. Get the full show notes and links to the resources mentioned at https://respectedandconnected.com/podcast/b/ep-124 === Sign up for the next Thriving Together Couples Call: https://www.respectedandconnected.com/together Get the Free Guide: Five Reasons Couples Get Stuck in Unproductive Conflict at https://www.respectedandconnected.com/unstuck Buy the glimmer journal on amazon (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3VLWX23 Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a free call: https://respectedandconnected.com/contact Send me a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/respectedandconnected Connect With Lark Galley Lark's Book - Learning To Breathe Again: https://amzn.to/4bARSOP Lark's website: https://larkdeangalley.com/

In this final episode before the break, Sharon Costanzo reflects on her year, the thought-provoking books and stories that are on her mind, and how it paints her unique perspective as a woman navigating a world dominated by patriarchal structures. Sharon reflects on recent events, including Blake Lively and Jason Baldoni, the overturning of Donald Trump’s sexual assault case, and the broader challenges women face when speaking out. With eyes toward the future, Sharon explores how patriarchy limits men, their happiness, their ability to connect deeply, and offers resources and insights for men and women to create equitable relationships and shared visions for a better future.   Connect with Sharon: Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

The holidays can be a challenging time for many women, who often find themselves feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed. In this episode of Respected and Connected, Sharon Costanzo explores why this is such a common experience and how to navigate it with grace and confidence.  Sharon dives into how phrases like "should" can reinforce harmful societal constructs—and why saying “It means a lot to me” can open the door to meaningful communication. Develop winning strategies for feeling more respected and appreciated, and what to do when you don’t feel listened to—before you get mad. Whether you’re navigating difficult family dynamics or just trying to enjoy the holidays without resentment, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel more connected and valued.   Connect with Sharon: Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

In this reflective episode of Respected & Connected, Sharon Costanzo announces that the podcast will be going on hold and shares powerful lessons she’s learned along the way. Drawing from her own experiences in business and life, Sharon offers actionable insights on maintaining relational integrity and making aligned decisions. Sharon explores the importance of defining what you want, recognizing what’s not working, and breaking free from unhelpful patterns to create meaningful connections. Tune in for inspiration on stepping back, reevaluating priorities, and taking ownership of your happiness and success.   Connect with Sharon: Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock     Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

In this episode, Sharon discusses three levels of expressing your needs to your partner—invitation, request, and demand — and how each approach is based on how important the issue is to you. Consider these three tools to frame requests in a way that fosters collaboration and mutual respect, helping your partner feel engaged and successful in meeting your needs. Connect with Sharon: Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock     Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

Schedule a Gridlock Breakthrough Session and get the clarity and confidence you need to address a relationship challenge: https://www.respectedandconnected.com/gridlock --- Would you be surprised to know that aspects of engineering can be applied to strengthen relationships? Our Guest today, Gabriela Embon, shares with us how the mindset of an engineer can help you set goals, troubleshoot issues, and show up with dedication and commitment when working with your partner. Join us today as Gabriela and Sharon dive into the insights gained from their engineering backgrounds, and how they apply it when working with their clients. Don’t miss out on a chance to pick up Gabriela’s new book “Becoming a Power Couple”.  Gabriela’s Links: https://www.becomingapowercouple.net https://www.facebook.com/coachingacademynet/ https://www.instagram.com/gabrielaembon/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coachingacademynet/?originalSubdomain=ca Connect with Sharon: Linktree: https://www.respectedandconnected.com/links  Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

Have you ever heard of Relational Life Therapy? It’s an incredible tool in couple’s therapy! In this episode Sharon takes a moment to describe what Relational Life Therapy is, how it confronts gender norms and empowers couple’s to approach each other on an equal field. Learn how RLT can help you show up with love and authenticity to deepen your connection with your partner, and yourself. Website and Linktree:  Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock   Relational Life Therapy:  Website: https://terryreal.com/   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

Have you ever wondered how your past relationships have shaped your emotional responses to your partner?  This episode explores the four different relationship attachment styles. Our Guest today is Bev Mitelman M.A., the founder of Securely Loved. Bev and Sharon dive into attachment styles, and how those subconscious patterns affect how we perceive conflict with our loved ones. Learn about the four key relationship attachment styles; Secure, Anxious Preoccupied, Fearful Avoidant, and Dismissive Avoidant; hear Bev explain how these attachment style form, what patterns they cause us to fall into, and how being aware of your style can allow you to connect more effectively with loved ones.  Bev’s Links:  https://www.SecurelyLoved.com   Website and Linktree:  Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

Tired of feeling let down or resentful in your relationships?  This episode explores the hidden power of disappointment. Sharon dives deep into common mistakes we make when dealing with unmet expectations.  Learn practical skills like the "Feedback Wheel" and "Soft Startup" to transform conflict into connection. Discover how to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms and communicate your needs effectively, even after betrayals or during life transitions.   Website and Linktree:  Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com http://www.lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

Is unconditional love a worthwhile aspiration or an unrealistic expectation? In this episode, Zach Beach shares his insights on the concept of unconditional love and how it can be navigated alongside the necessary boundaries in various relationships. He emphasizes the importance of setting intentions and aspirations, the significance of integrating both the relative and absolute aspects of our human experience, and the necessity of maintaining boundaries as a form of self-love. Zach also explores the roles of the heart and mind in understanding life's challenges, accountability, and the evolutionary aspect of social connections.   Website and Linktree:  Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a free call: https://respectedandconnected.com/contact   Connect with Zach Beach Zach’s Website: https://www.zachbeach.com/ Zach on Instagram: Learn to Love Podcast: https://www.zachbeach.com/podcasts/ Living front the Heart Podcast: https://www.zachbeach.com/series/living-from-the-heart/   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

Do you ever hold back in asking for what you want in your relationship because you’re not sure if your expectations are reasonable? I hear this all the time. And while I sometimes think that people do have unrealistic expectations of their intimate relationships, I also think that we’re asking the wrong question. In this episode, we discuss:  A few guiding principles for understanding and communicating your expectations How to be more thoughtful about how you communicate and negotiate getting your needs met The two types of partnership issues and how to address them Differentiating between needs and strategies for a more satisfying relationship   Website and Linktree:  Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a free call: https://respectedandconnected.com/contact   Sharon’s Travel Agent - Jessica Facer https://www.wanderpodtravel.com/   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

Men…do you know what your partner needs to feel safe & provided for in today’s relationships? Because it has changed. Kristal DeSantis is a marriage and family therapist who specializes in men’s issues. She’s the author of the book Strong: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man. And she’s on the podcast today to talk about some of the ideas and concepts she’s learned from working with men and helping them navigate intimate relationships. Topics discussed:  How expectations for intimate relationship have changed What do women mean when they say they want a partner instead of a provider? Why traditional therapy has not adequately addressed men’s issues Specific skills for creating safety in today’s relationships   Website and Linktree:  Free Guide: How to Talk to Your Partner About Getting Help With your Relationship Respectedandconnected.com/coupleswork   Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a free call: https://respectedandconnected.com/contact   Connect with Kristal: Website: https://www.strong.love/ Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Relationship-Field-Guide-Modern/dp/1959099027   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

What do you do when you’re doing your best to use good relationship skills and your partner isn’t responding well? If you’ve ever felt like things go wrong no matter how hard you try, this episode is for you. Topics discussed:  Understanding relationship phases - love without knowledge, knowledge without love, and knowing love Identifying common reactions to unmet expectations Choosing healthier strategies for effective communication The importance of patience and persistence in the process of change Website and Linktree:  Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a free call: https://respectedandconnected.com/contact   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

Have you ever used a personality test to help you understand your partner or your relationship better? Today’s guest Laurel Roberts-Meese is a therapist who uses the enneagram with individuals and couples to help them understand their fears, motivations, and behaviors better. Topics discussed:  The nine enneagram types, their fears, and motivations The enneagram as a trauma informed personality typing system Understanding conflicts in a couple through the lens of the enneagram How understanding each person’s fears and motivations can help couples navigate conflict more effectively Website and Linktree:  Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a free call: https://respectedandconnected.com/contact Connect with Laurel Laurel Therapy Collective Website: https://www.laureltherapy.net/   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

One question that I get often as a relationship coach is - when should someone see a professional for help with their relationship? A lot of us have an idea of the BIG things that end most relationships like abuse and infidelity, but what about everything else? What about couples that just feel stuck, aren’t feeling close, fight too much…but don’t know if things are bad enough to warrant investing in getting help? As a relationship coach, I’m a huge advocate for getting help before you’re in crisis. And today I want to talk a little bit more about how to know if you need support, especially if you’re feeling stuck and there are no huge glaring issues in your relationship. Topics discussed:  When to seek professional help for your relationship Understanding common relationship issues The increasing occurrence of “grey divorce” Recognizing unhealthy conflict patterns The importance of early intervention for addressing relationship challenges The role of a couples coach or therapist   Website and Linktree:  Free Guide: How to Talk to Your Partner About Getting Help With your Relationship Respectedandconnected.com/coupleswork   Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a free call: https://respectedandconnected.com/contact   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

Hear Sharon on the other end of the mic in this conversation with hosts of the Couples Therapy in Seven Words podcast.  Topics discussed:  Sharon’s personal journey navigating cultural expectations, pursuing a career in engineering, and advocating for a more equitable relationship Navigating gender role conflicts Advocating for yourself by “calling in” instead of “calling out” Website and Linktree:  Free Guide: Five Skills for an Intimate, Collaborative Relationship: Respectedandconnected.com/skills Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a free call: https://respectedandconnected.com/contact   Guest Links: Couples Therapy in Seven Words Podcast: https://couplestherapyinsevenwords.com/   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

Have you ever wondered why you and your partner can view the same situation so differently? You can’t even agree about what happened and how you should handle it. Trying to make up that difference and get on the same page can be absolutely mind boggling. Today’s guest, Thais Gibson, is here to help. We’re talking about attachment styles and understanding your relationship through an attachment lens can help you understand each other better and handle your differences more productively. Topics discussed:  Moving beyond traditional EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) to address subconscious attachment wounds and programming Understanding your core wounds and communicating your needs Taking responsibility for your part of a relationship while also fostering connection and interdependence Website and Linktree:  Get the full show notes and links to the resources mentioned at https://respectedandconnected.com/podcast/b/ep-142 Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a free call: https://respectedandconnected.com/contact   Guest Links: Personal Development School Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHQ4lSaKRap5HyrpitrTOhQ   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

Do you hate feeling resentful toward your partner and not knowing what to do about it? Resentment is a tricky emotion. It tells you that something is wrong, but it’s not very good at helping you move forward.  It’s not fair to you or your partner to stay stuck in resentment. So today I’m sharing five ways to overcome resentment in your marriage, so that you can start enjoying and appreciating your partner again. Topics discussed:  Balancing acceptance and advocating for change Understanding the underlying cause of your resentment Taking a holistic approach to moving past resentment Website and Linktree:  Get the full show notes and links to the resources mentioned at https://respectedandconnected.com/podcast/b/ep-141 Schedule a free call with Sharon to explore how we can work together to overcome resentment in your relationship, respectedandconnected.com/contact. Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

We hear all the time that co-parenting with your ex is hard. And it seems almost inevitable that you’re going to be arguing and maybe even taking each other to court often between the time that you split until the kids have all grown. Our guest today - Julia Hoffman - says it doesn’t have to be that way. You can choose to have a different kind of coparenting relationship, starting with taking full responsibility for creating the kind of experience you want to have. Topics discussed: Challenging the shame and stigma around divorce Advice for navigating the co-parenting relationship How to support exes and new partners in coparenting Owning your part in the marriage Prioritizing the kids’ well being Benefits of coparenting Website and Linktree:  Get the full show notes and links to the resources mentioned at https://respectedandconnected.com/podcast/b/ep-140 Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Schedule a free call: https://respectedandconnected.com/contact   Guest Links: https://juliahoffmancoaching.com/book-a-call   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative  

We hear all the time that marriage is work. But nobody is talking about what that work is, how to work with a less enthusiastic partner, when what you’ve got is as good as it gets, or when to shift gears and try something else. In this episode, Sharon breaks down her four part framework for realistic, lasting relationship growth.   Topics Discussed: How to figure out what relationship advice to follow and what to ignore Why trauma work and regulating your nervous system isn’t enough to have the kind of relationship you really want What you need to do to be able to execute good relationship skills How to create an environment that empowers your partner to show up for you Website and Linktree:  Get the full show notes and links to the resources mentioned at https://respectedandconnected.com/podcast/b/ep-139 Connect with Sharon Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected Explore Private Coaching: https://www.respectedandconnected.com/blueprint   Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits: L. Connor Voice - LConnorvoice@gmail.com Lconnorvoice.com   Music Credits:  Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative