In this milestone 200th episode, I sit down with licensed therapist and sex educator Tia Conway to talk about why pleasure actually matters, especially for those of us who've spent our whole lives prioritizing productivity over feeling good.
Tia shares her definition of pleasure, why it's not selfish or indulgent, and how giving yourself permission to enjoy your life transforms everything. We talk about the difference between aesthetic pleasure and embodied pleasure, why we resist good feelings, and how to create more joy without waiting for the perfect moment.
✨ Episode at a Glance
Why pleasure isn't hedonism or laziness—it's essential for operating effectively
The difference between aesthetic pleasure (looking good) and embodied pleasure (feeling good)
How to bring pleasure to mundane tasks (yes, even grocery shopping)
Why high-achievers resist pleasure and how to reclaim permission
The connection between pleasure and reducing relational conflict
Practical ways to increase pleasure capacity in your marriage
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Connect with Tia on Instagram @pleasureandpeacewithtia
This week's episode of The Marriage Life Coach Podcast is something special. I'm joined by my emotional support Canadian (yes, really!) and fellow coach Crystal Thompson, and we're diving into a book that touched both our hearts: Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground by Mirabai Starr.
If you've ever wanted to feel more connected—spiritually, emotionally, relationally—but didn't quite know how, this conversation is for you. We talk about finding sacredness in everyday life, receiving love when it feels hard, and why awe and gratitude can change everything, especially in long-term relationships.
There's laughter. There's depth. There's even a moment that made me cry on the mic.
✨ Episode at a Glance
Why the word mysticism can feel scary—and how to reclaim it
What sacred ground actually looks like in everyday life
How awe + gratitude fuel connection (and soften resentment)
The neuroscience of wonder, and why it matters in marriage
What Mirabai Starr, Richard Rohr, and Mary of Guadalupe have in common
The real-life moment I almost deflected a miracle
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Connect with Crystal on Instagram @crystalruthcoaching
If you feel like you're exhausted and angry all the time, you're probably treating every frustration like a crisis. In this greatest hits episode, I'm teaching you The Anger Scale - a simple but powerful tool that helps you stop reacting to dirty socks the same way you'd react to unpaid bills.
I'll share:
Why we treat anger like an on/off switch (and why that's exhausting)
The story of when I completely lost it at my bank (Cuban-ity unleashed!)
How to rate your anger on a 1-10 scale and why this changes everything
How to decide ahead of time what's worth your energy
The 15-minute rule that prevents explosions
How to stop being angry all the time and actually enjoy your marriage
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
📖 Questions for Couples Journal My bestselling journal with conversation starters to deepen connection in your marriage
🎓 The Growth Gap Workshop (FREE) Free on-demand training for high-achieving women who are growing while their partner stands still
💎 Private Coaching with Maggie: Work with me 1:1 to create more clarity, power, and love in your marriage
✨ The Marriage Mindset Makeover: Self-study program with all my best tools and frameworks for transforming your marriage