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