In this episode, Jennifer Wiesner, a licensed clinical social worker and certified sex therapist, sits down with Sam to discuss how parenthood reshapes marriage, intimacy, and identity. They explore honesty and trust after past relationship trauma, practical everyday strategies to stay connected (love lists, non-demand touch, flirting without pressure), and when couples should seek therapy.

They also cover normalizing the destabilizing transitions of parenting and accessible resources and books for couples wanting to strengthen their relationship and sexual connection. This is one of Sam's favorite episodes and gave her tools to put into practice with her husband! If you found any of these tips useful, please share with a friend :).

00:02:43 - who is Jennifer?

00:03:47 - the importance of true honesty in relationships

00:08:38 - managing trauma and trust in relationships

00:12:14 - best friend marriages and the difficulty of that dynamic

00:21:24 - practical relationship tips: love lists & connection

00:23:08 - the reality of the destabilization of having young children and its impact on marriage

00:27:15 - raising children on parallel paths and remaining connected

00:36:26 - when to seek couples therapy?

00:46:34 - the shift in your sex life post-children

00:59:42 - initiating difficult conversations

01:01:46 - resources and where to find Jennifer

Resources:

Working with Jennifer Wiessner

Follow Jennifer on Instagram

Us by Terry Real

The New Monogamy by Tammy Nelson

Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski

Terry Real Resources

Mating in Captivity by Ester Perel

For more Getting Grounded and your host Sam Blatz, follow along at:

@soullovewithsam on Instagram

@GettingGroundedPodcast on YouTube

Produced by Getting Grounded LLC

Welcome to the first episode of Getting Grounded, an open & honest podcast about the transition to parenthood and all its stages. To introduce the show, Sam interviews friends and future guests 4 questions to uncover what unites us all as parents, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Let us know what you relate the most to!

00:00:34 - what is the best part about being a parent?

00:09:06 - what is the most challenging part about being a parent?

00:24:19 - what is the biggest change in you since having children?

00:38:29 - if there was one piece of advice you could give yourself or another parent what would it be?

01:00:02 - welcome to getting grounded!

For more Getting Grounded and your host Sam Blatz, follow along at:

@soullovewithsam on Instagram

@GettingGroundedPodcast on YouTube

Produced by Getting Grounded LLC

Welcome to Getting Grounded, the open and honest conversation about the transition of parenthood and everything that comes along with it.

From navigating change, postpartum support, relationship and friendship shifts, to supporting your marriage, figuring out your new identity, balancing your career, and learning how to REST, Getting Grounded will discuss it all. This is intended to be an inclusive space for all types of parents. We hope it offers you support on how to get (and stay) grounded throughout the wildest, most rewarding ride of your life.

For more Getting Grounded and your host, Sam Blatz, follow along at:

@soullovewithsam on Instagram

@GettingGroundedPodcast on YouTube

Produced by Getting Grounded LLC