
The Neuroscience of Connection: How Active Listening Releases Oxytocin in Your Marriage
From Connection Codes by Connection Codes
February 17, 2026 · 59 min
About this episode
This episode explores how active listening can transform conflict into connection in marriages by releasing oxytocin in the brain.
The Power of Active Listening: How Oooo Transforms Conflict Into Connection. What if the secret to emotional regulation in your marriage wasn't another therapy session, but a simple audible response that releases oxytocin in your brain? In Part 2 of our active listening series, Dr. Glenn Hill and Phyllis Hill dive deep into what stops us from connecting during conflict – and the surprising brain science behind why "oohing" your partner actually works. The oxytocin effect : How active listening naturally releases connection chemicals in the brain (no pills required) When you feel attacked : How to use curiosity instead of defensiveness when your partner comes at you with accusations The "never/always" trap : Why correcting your partner's exaggerations kills connection (and what to do instead) Processing emotion first : Why you must acknowledge feelings before discussing logistics The right of refusal : How to know the difference between everyday conflict and abuse Issue-specific wheels : When to pull out the Core Emotion Wheel during heated moments Saying "ow" in the moment : Why you need to acknowledge your own hurt while still being present for your…
People in this episode
Guests: Dr. Glenn Hill, Phyllis Hill
Topics covered
- active listening
- oxytocin
- emotional regulation
- conflict resolution
- marriage dynamics
- connection
Keywords
- active listening
- oxytocin
- marriage
- conflict
- emotional regulation
- curiosity
- connection codes
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