In this episode of Heart and Soulution, hosts Mike and Kristen Jones interview their long-time friends, Brandon and Megan Collins, to explore the evolution of their twenty-year relationship. The couple discusses their origins in a conservative "purity culture" environment, explaining how they prioritized a friendship-first foundation before marrying young. They detail their unique approach to intentional communication, which includes daily check-ins and avoiding "fighting" in favor of constructive processing. The conversation highlights how they navigate parenting teenagers while keeping their marriage the primary focus through consistent date nights. Finally, Brandon and Megan share how vulnerability and community support helped them endure a multi-year period of personal struggle and mental health challenges.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• Song mentioned: "Come Away With Me" by Nora Jones (2002).

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

• ​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, hosts Mike and Kristen Jones explore strategies for revitalizing romantic intimacy and physical connection within a marriage. Drawing from the song "You've Lost That Loving Feeling," the couple discusses the importance of vulnerability and open communication to overcome feelings of rejection or insecurity. They highlight practical suggestions from various relationship experts, such as intentional physical closeness, sharing household activities like bathing, and maintaining a playful, flirtatious atmosphere. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on improving self-image and establishing a "sacred" space for the couple, free from the distractions of children or pets. Ultimately, the hosts encourage listeners to become "marriage explorers" by consistently prioritizing their partner’s needs and emotional satisfaction.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme" and all background music; written by Mike Jones, produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠Married Sex⁠⁠⁠⁠, by Gary Thomas and Debra K. Fileta, published in 2021 by Zondervan publishing, available on Amazon in multiple formats.

• ⁠The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work⁠. Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2002),Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2002), Harmony Books.

• The Emotionally Healthy Leader, Pete Scazzero (2015), focuses on the core premise that spiritual maturity and emotional maturity are inseparable.

• Episode title and content references: You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' , by The Righteous Brothers.

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Connect with Heart and Solution:

• ​Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, hosts Mike and Kristen Jones interview Jim and Joan Pagones, a couple married for over 44 years. The conversation highlights the couple’s fortuitous meeting in local politics and the humorous proposal that nearly went awry due to Jim’s reputation as a prankster. A central theme is their shared faith, as they recount their simultaneous, independent decisions to follow Christ years into their marriage. They also discuss overcoming significant health challenges, including cancer and diabetes, which they credit with strengthening their bond. Jim and Joan emphasize the importance of spiritual unity, financial transparency, and never going to bed angry. The episode concludes with a lighthearted "this or that" game, showcasing how their distinct personalities have complemented one another throughout their lifelong partnership.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Resource we mentioned: SYMBIS Assessment information ⁠https://www.symbis.com/⁠

• Song mentioned: "⁠Just the Way You Are⁠" by Billy Joel (1977)

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

• ​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ​Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.