Why do so many men struggle to express emotion—and what happens to marriages when they do?

In this compelling episode of Marriage IQ, Drs. Heidi and Scott Hastings sit down with psychologist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, whose groundbreaking work on the emotional development of men and boys reveals surprising truths.

From toddler tears to marital tension, Dr. Vanderhorst explains how boys are taught early on to suppress tenderness, sadness, and fear—and how that emotional restriction shows up later in intimacy, conflict, and connection.

Together, they explore:💬Why boys are born more emotionally expressive than girls
💬 How culture trains men to mute their feelings
💬 What women can do to invite emotional depth without fear or shame
💬 Simple tools (like “feeling words” lists) to help families nurture emotional fluencyIt’s an eye-opening conversation about healing generations of emotional silence—and building marriages where men and women can truly feel, connect, and grow together.We love hearing from you!

Have a question, topic idea, or feedback? Email us at ⁠⁠hello@marriageiq.com⁠⁠

You can find Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst and learn more about his work at : ⁠www.drvanderhorst.com

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What happens when your childhood story starts running your marriage? Therapist and podcast host Malisa Hepner knows that answer firsthand. With a 10/10 ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score and a lifetime of chaos, Malisa learned how unresolved trauma quietly scripts adult relationships—until we rewrite the story.

In this powerful episode, Malisa joins Dr. Heidi and Dr. Scott Hastings to unpack how early wounds shape identity, love, and self-worth—and how healing begins when we stop performing for approval and start cultivating self-compassion. You’ll discover:
💡 Why “quiet” marriages can feel unsafe for trauma survivors
💡 How to recognize when you’re projecting pain instead of perceiving reality
💡 Why real accountability isn’t shame—it’s self-love in action
💡 And the simple mindset shift that transforms reactivity into peace

This episode will speak to anyone who’s ever felt “too much,” “not enough,” or stuck in survival mode inside their relationship.

🎧 Tune in for a masterclass in healing, insight, and radical self-responsibility—because you can’t have peace in your marriage if you don’t have it in your spirit.

We love hearing from you!

Have a question, topic idea, or feedback?

Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@marriageiq.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In Part 2 of our Myth Busting series, Heidi and Scott take a research-driven (and very real) look at the narratives that quietly sabotage marriages—especially in faith-based homes.

We unpack why “righteous = immune to hardship,” “waiting for marriage = great sex,” “sacrifice is always good,” “money will fix us (or we must wait till we’re ‘stable’),” “church attendance = trust,” and “betrayal means the marriage is over” don’t always hold up.

You’ll hear what the science says, what Heidi’s dissertation revealed, and practical ways to build honesty, sexual agency, and resilient intimacy.We love hearing from you!

Have a question, topic idea, or feedback? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠hello@marriageiq.com⁠⁠⁠

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