Helping Couples Heal Podcast

On this special episode of the Helping Couples Heal Podcast, Marnie and Maddie are joined by Ally, Amy, and Shauna, who attended our first Empowered at Sea retreat. Together, they share honest reflections about what it was like to step away from daily responsibilities, prioritize their own healing, and spend a week surrounded by women who understand the pain of betrayal trauma.The conversation explores the unique experience of healing in community, the power of being seen and understood, and the relief of no longer carrying the weight of betrayal alone. They discuss the connections they formed, the courage it took to show up vulnerably, and how the retreat created space for both grief and joy to coexist.From trauma release exercises and group discussions to laughter, dancing, and unexpected moments of delight, this episode highlights an important truth: healing is not only about processing pain. It is also about reconnecting with yourself, reclaiming your voice, and remembering that joy is still possible.Whether you're feeling isolated in your healing, wondering if you'll ever feel like yourself again, or curious about the healing power of community, this conversation offers hope, validation, and a reminder that you do not have to walk this journey alone.The second annual Empowered at Sea retreat will take place August 1-7, 2026. To learn more about the retreat and register, click here.Want to connect with us? Click here to schedule your free 15-minute call.

In what was originally intended to be a structured discussion on “The Ten Steps to Constructing the Secret Sexual Basement,” this episode took an unexpected and deeply personal turn. Instead, I’m joined by Dr. Omar Minwalla for a raw, unfiltered conversation that traces the arc of our individual and shared professional journeys.What unfolds is a rare, intimate glimpse into the foundation of a long-standing friendship - one built on mutual respect, hard truths, and a shared commitment to integrity, even when it’s uncomfortable or controversial. We talk openly about what it means to stay committed to telling the truth, to each other and to the work, despite pushback or disagreement.This was never meant to be a public conversation - but by the end, we both felt that what emerged was too meaningful not to share. I believe listeners will find resonance, insight, and maybe even a sense of companionship and loyalty in the honesty of this exchange.Dr. Minwalla will be back soon and hopefully next time we’ll get to the secret basement. Until then, this is something different… and maybe more important.Want to connect with us? Schedule your free 15-minute call here.

In this continuation of our conversation with Chandler Rogers, we dive deeper into his journey of recovery from pornography addiction and the ongoing challenges of healing within his marriage. Chandler shares honestly about what it means to keep showing up in the work of recovery—not just for himself, but for his relationship—and how hope can grow even in the midst of setbacks. We also explore Chandler’s powerful decision to create Relay, an app designed to fill in the gaps he saw in traditional recovery support. Relay was born out of his own experience and the recognition that people struggling with addiction need consistent accountability, connection, and encouragement outside of therapy or group sessions.Chandler's story is an important reminder that Recovery is ongoing. Healing from porn and sex addiction isn’t a one-time choice—it’s a daily practice of showing up for yourself and your relationship. This episode offers inspiration, practical insight, and a reminder that healing—both personally and in a marriage—is possible when we’re willing to reach for support and keep leaning into growth.Want to Learn more about Relay? Click hereConnect with us by booking a free 15-minute call!

In this episode of the Helping Couples Heal podcast, Marnie sits down with Chandler Rogers, a recovering porn addict and the founder of Relay, a group-based recovery app designed to support those on their healing journey. Chandler shares his personal story of seeking help for his addiction long before it was discovered—a rare and powerful experience that sheds light on the strength it takes to face the truth head-on.He opens up about the vulnerability it required to be honest with his now-wife early in their relationship, the ups and downs of recovery, and the reality that honesty doesn’t erase the ongoing struggles. Chandler reflects on moments of setback, the weight of shame, and the vital role that connection, accountability, and personal ownership have played not only in his healing but also in inspiring him to create a community where others can find hope and support. Also, be sure to catch Marnie's conversation with Scott and Susan Rankin just before the podcast starts about the HCH Online Couples Community, a supportive space designed for deep connection and healing, opening its doors to a small group of couples this September.Click here to schedule your free 15-minute call

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Marnie sits down with renowned author and therapist John Lee, whose classic book Growing Yourself Back Up has helped thousands understand the profound impact of emotional regression on adult relationships. Together, we explore what emotional regression is and how it silently shapes our reactions, the difference between responding as an empowered adult vs. a wounded child, and how identifying your own triggers and patterns of regression can create healthier relationships.We introduce practical tools for recognizing when you’ve been “emotionally hijacked” and how to avoid relational ruptures in those moments. Perhaps most important, we discuss the importance of developing the necessary awareness and compassion that can break cycles of blame, withdrawal, fighting, and relational despair. If you’ve ever wondered why certain moments with your partner (or any loved ones) trigger outsize reactions or why the wounds of betrayal take over in the heat of conflict - this conversation is for you.Learning how to spot and shift emotional regression is one of the most empowering skills we can develop—for ourselves and our relationships.Buy John's book Growing Yourself Back Up Here!Purchase The Anger Solution Master Class Here!

In this deeply honest and compassionate episode, Betrayal Trauma Coach, Therapist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) Adam Nisenson shares his personal journey through the heartbreak of being betrayed by his wife—and how that experience transformed both his life and his work. Now the founder of betrayalshrink.com, Adam offers vital support and resources for men navigating the aftermath of infidelity. We explore the raw realities of male betrayal trauma, the often-overlooked emotional toll it takes, and how men can begin to reclaim their sense of self and safety. Adam also discusses his powerful book, A Man’s Guide to Partner Betrayal: Overcoming the Pain & Repercussions of a Cheating Partner, offering practical guidance and insight for those ready to begin healing. This conversation is a lifeline for anyone walking the lonely road of betrayal—and a testament to the resilience of the human heart. Check out Adam’s book- https://a.co/d/fdk7BMI Take the MBT (Masculine Betrayal Trauma) Recovery Assessment https://www.betrayalshrink.com/mbt-assesment

In this honest and deeply personal conversation, actor, writer, director, songwriter, and musician Josh Radnor opens up about his journey away from pornography and alcohol, and the deeper realizations that led him there. Together, we explore the often-overlooked harms of porn — how it distorts intimacy, disconnects men from their emotional selves, and shapes the way boys grow into men. Josh reflects on the cultural messages that normalize these habits, the pain they often mask, and the liberation he found in stepping away. This episode is a call to curiosity, compassion, and courageous self-inquiry — for anyone questioning what true connection really looks like.Subscribe to Museletters by Josh Radnor- https://joshradnor.substack.com/See Josh Radnor on Tour: https://www.joshradnor.com/tour

We’re re-releasing a very meaningful podcast episodes for all the women who missed it the first time—or haven’t yet heard about the EmpowerHer Program. The transformations we’re witnessing inside this group coaching program are breathtaking. It’s the kind of healing and reclamation we wish for every woman—but especially for those who’ve walked the painful, disorienting road of betrayal.In this episode, Marnie and Ilyse share the story behind the creation of EmpowerHer—a program born from the need to support women in the aftermath of betrayal, whether they’re staying, leaving, or still unsure.Betrayal often throws women into a world they never asked to enter—one filled with trauma, addiction, infidelity, and confusion.It’s easy to get stuck in survival mode, feeling shattered, lost, and disconnected from who you truly are.EmpowerHer shifts the focus inward. It offers a new kind of conversation—one centered around self-reconnection, emotional safety, and personal power. This is about rebuilding from the inside out: reclaiming confidence, restoring intuition, strengthening your voice, and creating a vision for the life you want.You’ll learn more about the EmpowerHer program and how to join—either as a self-paced course or through our 12-week guided group experience, with the next cohort beginning April 14, 2025.If you’ve felt the nudge toward healing, clarity, and wholeness, this is your sign.We invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation call here: https://keap.app/booking/helpingcouplesheal2/free-15-minute-zoom-call or send us an email at support@helpingcouplesheal.com