Hosts Tonya and Stevi Maveros wrap up their season on The 7 Principles of Making Marriage Work, discussing the book’s afterword and the power of small, consistent changes to improve relationships.

They break down Gottman’s “magic six hours” — simple daily and weekly rituals and explain how to adapt these practices for busy couples and parents.

The episode highlights the science behind the methods, offers practical tips for handling conflict and emotional physiology, and encourages intentionality and high standards in relationships. Plus a preview of upcoming mini-episodes and a new season about money!

Episode highlights include designing rituals, including a new sex initiation phrase, supporting each other’s roles, and revisiting life goals as Tonya and Stevi Maveros break down Principle 7 from Gottman’s The 7 Principles of Making Marriage Work: Creating Shared Meaning.

They walk through the workbook’s four pillars—rituals of connection, roles, goals, and values—use true/false prompts, and share personal examples and practical exercises couples can try at home. and where to find workshops and coaching at milovespark.com.

In this episode of the Love Spark Podcast, Tonya and Stevi explain how surface topics mask deeper "dreams" and values, share clues to spot gridlock, and walk through Gottman’s steps: explore dreams, soothe, reach a temporary compromise (two-circle method), and express gratitude.

The hosts use sample scenarios and their own business-related gridlock to demonstrate practical tools for turning perpetual problems into manageable, growth-oriented conversations.