In this episode of Heart and Soulution, Mike and Kristen Jones interview an engaged couple, Joe and Mali, who share their journey from a chance meeting in a college commuter lounge to preparing for their wedding. The couple discusses the evolution of their relationship, highlighting how they built a strong foundation through deep conversations, shared faith, and effective conflict resolution. They also address the realities of wedding planning, noting that navigating guest lists and family boundaries brought unexpected challenges alongside the excitement of their upcoming marriage. Furthermore, Joe and Mali emphasize the importance of intentional boundaries, explaining how mutual respect, open communication, and maintaining purity have strengthened their bond and prepared them for the future.

© 2025-2026 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme (feat. Mike Jones)", "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 referenced in this episode:

• • Title: From The Ground Up;
  • Authors: Dan + Shay
  • Album: Obsessed; 2016
  • ⁠Listen on Spotify

• Previous episode referenced: Don't Get Coldplayed; Season 1, Episode 2; August 13, 2025. Listen on any podcast platform including Apple, Amazon, iHeart and of course, Spotify.

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.

In this episode, Mike and Kristen Jones discuss the importance of intentional dating and spiritual intimacy in marriage using the resource "10 Great Dates: Connecting Faith, Love, and Marriage." They acknowledge that many couples struggle with spiritual differences and the fear of vulnerability, noting that research links strong faith-based connections to higher relationship satisfaction. To overcome these hurdles, the hosts recommend being teachable, practicing compromise, and recognizing that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey rather than a competition. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes that regularly pursuing your spouse and scheduling intentional dates will reignite passion and deepen your bond as a couple.

© 2025-2026 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme (feat. Mike Jones)", "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:

• Book Featured in Episode:

• • Title: 10 Great Dates: Connecting Faith, Love, and Marriage; Authors: Peter Larson, Heather Larson, David Arp, and Claudia Arp
  • You can find it on Amazon.

Articles & Research Mentioned:

• Title: "Do 'Church Ladies' Really Have Better Sex Lives?"

• • • Authors: Matthew Saxey and Hal Boyd[3][4]
    • Publisher: Institute for Family Studies (November 16, 2020)
    • Link: Institute for Family Studies Article

• Title: "New Study Finds Spiritual Intimacy Tied To Greater Satisfaction And Commitment In Dating Couples"
• • Author: Susan Johnson (reporting on research by Daniel D. Flint & Annette Mahoney in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality)
  • Publisher: Cottonwood Psychology (November 27, 2025)
  • Link: Cottonwood Psychology Article

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, hosts Mike and Kristen sit down with Amber Hollingsworth, a veteran addiction counselor with over 20 years of clinical experience and founder of the popular YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down (boasting over 800,000 subscribers). Amber challenges traditional narratives around addiction, rejecting the notion that families must passively wait for a loved one to hit "rock bottom" or rely strictly on harsh "tough love". Drawing from both her professional work and her own upbringing in an addicted family system, Amber outlines practical, empathetic strategies that empower loved ones to break toxic communication loops, rebuild mutual trust, and inspire lasting recovery.

© 2025-2026 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme (feat. Mike Jones)", "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:

• Amber Hollingsworth's YouTube channel, Put The Shovel Down. You're not helpless. You just need a better strategy.

• Amber's website, Family Recovery Academy. For families that have tried everything and are running out of ideas.

• ⁠You can also reach Amber on Instagram @puttheshoveldown

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.