If you have ever experienced competitiveness in your marriage, this episode of the "Couple's Catalyst" podcast is for you. Ed and Erica tackle the complex issue of competitiveness within a marriage. Whether it's competing over chores, parenting decisions, or personal achievements, the constant need to one-up each other can create tension and misunderstanding within a marriage.

Erica and Ed discuss a letter from an anonymous listener who describes the challenges of dealing with a partner who turns every aspect of their lives into a competition. The writer seeks advice on how to address this competitive dynamic in a way that fosters understanding and growth. Throughout the episode, they delve into strategies for shifting the competitive mindset to collaboration and support.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the episode:

Building awareness and understanding is one of the first steps in overcoming competitiveness in a marriage. Both partners must recognize and acknowledge their competitive behaviors and understand how they impact their relationship. Open and nonjudgmental communication is critical in this process. Partners should express their feelings and concerns while remaining mindful of how their words and actions impact their significant other.

Ed recommends tracking or journaling to monitor competitive behavior and its effects. By keeping track of instances where competitiveness arises, couples can gain valuable insights into their behavior and its impact on their relationship. Furthermore, regular check-ins and discussions about these observations can build awareness and foster understanding.

Shifting Focus from Competition to Collaboration: Setting goals as a couple and working towards them together can help redirect the energy that was previously spent on competing against each other. By framing activities as joint efforts, couples can build a sense of unity and shared accomplishment. Partners should discuss how they feel most validated and loved, prompting a deeper understanding of each other's needs and desires. 

Implementing Strategies for Improvement: Ed and Erica suggest implementing strategies for improvement based on mutual understanding and communication. They recommend turning these strategies into a fun game by writing questions that partners want to ask each other and pulling them out of a hat. This lighthearted approach can facilitate open and honest conversations about validation, support, and collaboration in the relationship.

Partners should also be mindful of how they communicate their victories and achievements. It's essential to avoid negating the other person's accomplishments by immediately interjecting their own. Instead, they should focus on acknowledging and supporting each other's wins, fostering an environment of mutual validation and celebration.

Have a relationship/marriage question or concern you'd like for us to address on a future episode of the "Couple's Catalyst" podcast? Submit your questions and concerns anonymously here.

In this episode, titled "How to Overcome Tension in Your Marriage" Ed and Erica address a letter from an anonymous couple struggling with triggers from past relationships. They discuss the importance of identifying triggers, setting communication ground rules, and building supportive habits. Tune in as they share practical advice and personal anecdotes, offering a candid and unapologetic journey through the ups and downs of marriage.

Here are a few "takeaways" from this episode:

• Understanding Triggers and Their Impact - Past toxic behaviors and communication patterns can leave individuals with insecurities and fears that may trickle into their current relationships. Couples must identify these triggers and understand the emotions underlying them. By examining the root causes and the resulting feelings, individuals can gain clarity on how these triggers are influencing their behavior within the relationship.
• Journaling for Clarity and Insight - Couples can document the specific triggers, the circumstances that cause them, and the emotions they evoke. By examining these elements, individuals can cultivate a deeper understanding of their emotional responses and contributions to the relationship dynamics. 
• Seeking Professional Support - Professional support can provide the tools and insights necessary for individuals to address and heal from their past experiences, fostering healthier interactions within their current relationships.
• Effective Communication Strategies - When it comes to communication within a relationship, open-ended questions can foster constructive dialogue, allowing partners to express their thoughts and perspectives without creating defensiveness or tension. This approach aligns with the principles outlined in the book "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss, emphasizing the power of asking questions to gain a deeper understanding of one another's viewpoints.
• Building Supportive Relationship Habits - A key recommendation shared in the podcast is the importance of building new, supportive habits within the relationship. This includes setting and aligning on common goals, fostering healthy associations, and creating a safe space for open communication. By defining ground rules for communication and engaging in activities that support the relationship's growth, couples can cultivate an environment that nurtures mutual understanding and connection.
• Defining Communication Ground Rules - Establishing communication ground rules is vital for creating a safe and supportive environment for open dialogue. Couples are encouraged to agree on specific principles that promote respectful, effective communication. This might include rules around the use of electronic devices during conversations, employing a 'safe word' to pause discussions during escalating moments, and designating private spaces for discussing relationship struggles. 

Have a relationship/marriage question or concern you'd like for us to address on a future episode of the "Couple's Catalyst" podcast? Submit your questions and concerns anonymously here.

Wondering how to maintain a quality connection with your partner, even though your life demands try to pull you apart? 

Navigating a busy life isn't a cakewalk, especially when it involves balancing the complexities of work, children, and maintaining a nurturing romantic relationship. And, we know all too well the trials couples face in carving out that essential 'us time'.

Can you relate? Then, listen to Episode 5 - Strategies for Quality Connection with Your Partner".

In this episode of the "Couple's Catalyst" podcast, Team E Squared answers a letter from our audience who is currently struggling to connect with their partner, without having a conversation about work or their kids.

Here's why you want to listen:

• The biggest culprit in zapping quality time away from your partner (this one may shock you)
• How color coding your calendar can be a game changer for your sanity and intimacy
• The correlation between relationship satisfaction and business success
• The value of couples participating in activities together, even if it's going to the grocery store together :)
• Where to find ideas and inspiration to strengthen your quality connection with your partner

As you listen in, keep in mind these additional points:

• Scheduling quality connection time with your partner is not about reaching for unattainable perfection. It's about connecting over shared experiences, even amid the mundane, scheduling specific nights for bonding activities, and ensuring these rituals are shielded against the relentlessness of daily responsibilities.
• Relying on spontaneous intimacy and reconnection time is a recipe for disaster. Consider color-coordinating a joint calendar for romance and reconnection activities, urging the necessity of planning date nights, even while on family vacations, to ensure that couple time isn't a casualty of family time.
• You and your partner are the product of the five people you surround yourselves with the most. Spend time with other couples you admire and share "quality connection" ideas.  
• There is so much power in sharing responsibilities, when it comes to maintaining your household and caring for your kids. Having a brief weekly check-in meeting with each other will help you both get on the same page with duties without blame and miscommunication.
• Personal hobbies and decompression, particularly for those working from home, are necessary to maintain a healthy relationship. And, finding joint venture hobbies shifts the focus from the omnipresent discussions of business and childcare to the shared passion, fueling the couple's united front. At the same time, you will be modeling a healthy relationship for your children – one in which time is spent together in affection and joint decision-making.

Have a relationship/marriage question or concern you'd like for us to address on a future episode of the "Couple's Catalyst" podcast? Submit your questions and concerns anonymously here. 

In this episode, hosts Erica and Ed Castner tackle the spicy topic of getting on the same intimacy page with your partner. From setting expectations and finding the best timing for intimacy to preparing for intimate moments, this episode is an unfiltered discussion to help couples get on the same page and elevate their relationships to new heights.

Here's what you will learn:

• The importance of setting expectations in communication, especially related to intimacy in relationships, about what is on limits, off limits, and what each partner is comfortable with in the bedroom.
• How to create a safe and confident environment for intimate conversations and not be judgmental towards the partner's preferences.
• What to consider when preparing for intimate moments.
• The significance of positive feedback and constructive communication to achieve satisfaction for both partners.
• The number one thing that will damage trust in your intimate relationship.

Looking for a fun way to spice up your marriage? Join us for the newest at-home cooking experience, "Date Night Dossier", your secret file to spicing up a date night "in". Learn about our next class here.

In this episode of the Couples Catalyst podcast, hosts Erica and Ed Castner discuss the importance of maintaining a connection in a relationship. They break down Dr. Laura Berman's "2-2-2" theory, which focuses on scheduling regular dates, weekend getaways, and longer vacations to keep the spark alive. The hosts share personal experiences and offer practical tips for how couples can communicate expectations, those related to intimacy, and how to be intentional while allowing for serendipity. Get ready to dive into the deep waters of love and connection with the raw and relatable insights from Erica and Ed.

Here's what you will learn:

• Introducing the "Two Two Two" program, with the concept of having one date every two weeks, an overnight weekend together every two months, and a week-long vacation every two years as the minimum requirements for maintaining a connection in a relationship.

• Suggestions for meaningful date activities, including spending time together without distractions like cell phones, engaging in activities where the couple can check out and spend time together, and avoiding just going out for dinner as the default date activity.

• Discussing the importance of aligning expectations, discussing the activities to be done, and understanding each other's desires and intentions.

• Encouraging couples to be intentional about their time together during vacations, but also allowing for spontaneous experiences.

This episode of The Couples Catalyst podcast is all about reflecting on your relationship journey from a place of gratitude and love. Join Erica and Ed Castner as they share personal anecdotes and insightful strategies to help you strengthen your relationship.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Daily Gratitude Check-In: Start a simple daily exercise to reflect on two things that could have gone better and two things that went awesome, ending with an intention for the next day. Practicing self-gratitude is the first step to expressing gratitude as a couple.

2. Visual Reflection: Consider creating a visual reflection of your relationship journey by compiling photos from memorable moments. This exercise can help you appreciate how far you've come and boost your morale during tough times.

3. Keep It Simple: Remember that gratitude doesn't have to be complex or elaborate. Keep it simple and take time to appreciate even the little things. Your relationship has likely accomplished more than you think.

Get your biggest relationship challenges addressed or questions answered on "The Couples Catalyst" podcast. You can submit these anonymously, too. Start by submitting them here: https://forms.gle/qjWbZPWELkTgynwa8

In this episode of the Couples Catalyst podcast, Ed and Erica Castner dive into the topic of "Setting goals as a couple for the year." If you and your partner are looking to set better goals for yourselves and as a couple in the upcoming year, this episode is a must-listen!

Key takeaways from this episode:

1. The One Thing Theory: Discover how focusing on one major goal can elevate all other areas of your life, leading to overall improvement and success. (Shout out to our first coach, David Essel)

2. Enhancing Communication: Learn how setting and discussing goals as a couple can enhance communication, create a support system, and strengthen your relationship.

3. Fun and Feasible Couple Goals: Explore practical and enjoyable ways to set goals as a couple, such as planning a monthly date night at home or outside, and fostering deeper connections.

Get your biggest relationship challenges addressed or questions answered on "The Couples Catalyst" podcast. You can submit these anonymously, too. Start by submitting them here: https://forms.gle/qjWbZPWELkTgynwa8

Learn more about "The One Thing Theory" and author, David Essel's work at https://davidessel.com 

Welcome to "The Couples Catalyst" podcast, where real conversations about real couples' issues take center stage. Hosted by Erica and Ed Castner, this podcast is all about sharing the wisdom gained from their eleven years of marriage. Join them as they bring a comedic and lighthearted approach to navigating the challenges of relationships. With a promise to add a little catalyst to your relationship, this podcast is your go-to for spicing up your love life. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to join in on some thought-provoking and entertaining discussions about relationships.

Get your biggest relationship challenges addressed or questions answered on "The Couples Catalyst" podcast. You can submit these anonymously, too. Start by submitting them here: https://forms.gle/qjWbZPWELkTgynwa8