Welcome to the first episode of July 2025, where I have a fascinating conversation with Nick Brancato, a relationship systems architect and author of 'Prioritize Us.' Nick shares his unique journey from being a professional poker player to stepping into the world of personal development and relationship coaching. 

We talk about the significance of aligning priorities within relationships, enhancing communication, and strategies to maintain focus under stress. Nick also introduces his 'Prioritize Us' test, a powerful framework designed to help couples (and friends and anyone else you want to build a more connected relationship with) understand each other's core life priorities and values. 

We also explore coping mechanisms during crises, the concept of parallel play, and turn-based communication for resolving conflicts. Join us as we dive into these insights and more, plus we end with a simple mindfulness exercise that can help prioritize our personal resources when we want to accomplish something. Truly useful for all people.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Nick Brancato

02:15 Nick Brancato's Unusual Path to Coaching

03:24 The Impact of Poker on Relationships

05:00 The Concept of Prioritize Us

06:39 Practical Applications and Micro Rituals

12:44 Understanding the Prioritize Us Test

15:15 Real-Life Examples and Success Stories

25:45 Personal Story: Overcoming Crisis

29:58 Creating Shared Moments in Relationships

30:34 Dealing with Cognitive Decline in Loved Ones

32:07 The Importance of Self-Care Rituals

33:15 Breath Work and Content Consumption

36:06 Prioritizing Growth and Understanding in Relationships

46:26 Turn-Based Communication for Difficult Conversations

51:38 Grounding Exercises for Mindfulness

54:47 Conclusion and Resources