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.

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, Mike and Kristen Jones critique the claims of a Maryland pastor who says that the Bible does not explicitly forbid sex outside of marriage. The hosts argue that such teachings are false doctrines that contradict clear scriptural mandates regarding holiness and the exclusivity of the marital bond. They emphasize that God designed sexual intimacy as a sacred gift to be enjoyed specifically within marriage, serving as a physical representation of Christ’s relationship with the church. By citing various biblical passages, they highlight that sex is intended for mutual pleasure and bonding, rather than just procreation. The discussion also addresses the "purity culture" of the past, suggesting the church should focus more on the positive beauty of intimacy within God's boundaries. Finally, the couple shares personal anecdotes about their own meeting and early relationship to illustrate the lasting value of a God-centered marriage.

(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.

• Article -

• https://churchleaders.com/news/511217-no-limits-baptist-preacher-says-theres-no-biblical-basis-for-abstaining-from-premarital-sex.html

• All scriptures referenced can be accessed through the free Bible app, YouVersion.

• Episode title reference: Beautiful Things, by Benson Boone.

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Connect with Heart and Solution:

• ​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.

In this episode from Heart and Soulution, Mike and Kristen Jones interview a young married couple, Ally and Zach, to provide a real-world look at modern relationships. The guests recount their eight-year journey, which began at a Buffalo Wild Wings, survived three years of long-distance dating, and culminated in a 2024 wedding. They share lighthearted stories about a nervous proposal involving a ring hidden in a sock and more serious reflections on their faith-centered ceremony. The discussion also highlights the importance of premarital counseling and the value of having a supportive community to navigate the early years of marriage. Finally, the couple offers advice on intentional communication and shares humorous anecdotes about buying a house and surviving travel mishaps.

(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; generated with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

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

• Song mentioned: "Love Someone" by Lukas Graham (2018)

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• ​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.

In this episode, Mike and Kristen Jones discuss the physical and psychological advantages of sexual intimacy within a marriage. Drawing from medical journals and personal anecdotes, the couple highlights how regular intimacy can improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels. They candidly address the social taboos surrounding the topic, encouraging couples to view sex as a God-designed tool for both health maintenance and emotional bonding. The conversation emphasizes that consistent frequency fosters a deeper sense of security and mental closeness between partners. To conclude the episode, the hosts share a lighthearted story about their own engagement at a themed restaurant, adding a personal touch to their professional advice.

Disclaimer: The hosts are not medical doctors or scientists. They encourage anyone dealing with trauma, abuse, or serious medical/mental health issues to seek professional help.

(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; generated 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.
• "Sexual Healing"
• • Artist: Marvin Gaye
  • Writers: Marvin Gaye, Odell Brown, David Ritz
  • Label: Columbia/CBS Records
  • Publisher: EMI Blackwood Music Inc. and EMI April Music Inc.
  • Copyright Info: ℗ 1982 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• ​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.

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, hosts Mike and Kristen Jones discuss the relationship benefits of traveling as a couple after returning from a Caribbean cruise. They recount personal anecdotes, such as a tense walk through Grand Turk and a close encounter with a barracuda while snorkeling, to illustrate how shared adventures build a "memory bank." They emphasize that pushing past one's comfort zone and navigating unexpected travel challenges fosters better communication and teamwork. By intentionally unplugging from work and daily stressors, Mike and Kristen argue that couples can deepen their connection and create lasting stories. Ultimately, they encourage partners to prioritize dedicated time together through new experiences, regardless of the destination.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including Heart and Soulution theme, Island Theme Variation, Card of the day jingle and all background music; generated with Suno.com.

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• 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.

In this episode of the Heart and Soulution podcast, Mike and Kristen Jones explore the complex nature of grief, using the recent passing of Kristen’s father to illustrate how to process loss more effectively. They move beyond the traditional "pull up your socks" mentality of previous generations to examine grief as a multi-layered experience that involves more than just death; it encompasses disappointment, missed expectations, and significant life transitions. They talk of what they have learned and share it with humility and rawness.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including Heart and Soulution theme, Card of the day jingle and all background music; generated with Suno.ai.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• Weller, Frances; The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief; 2015; North Atlantic Books.

• The Place We Find Ourselves podcast with Adam Young; Five part series on grief (episode 132).

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• 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.