Brenda Kennison is back for part two, diving deeper into her remarkable journey of transformation. After hitting rock bottom in the public eye, Brenda rewired her mindset and found true freedom from alcoholism, another failed marriage, and depression. Brenda shares how neuroplasticity and faith worked together to reshape her emotional and spiritual health, shifting her from toxic cycles to a place of healing and healthy relationships.

Discover how changing your thoughts really can change your life, especially within your relationships and marriage. You’ll hear practical steps for rewiring the brain, building healthy habits, and breaking free from damaging labels and generational patterns. Plus, Brenda gets real about her own journey through multiple marriages, finding lasting love, and becoming a champion for emotional and spiritual transformation.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward real change, this episode will give you the inspiration and tools you need. Dive in for a raw and encouraging conversation about what’s possible when you allow God and practical mindset work to reshape your story!

What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

• Is Alcoholism a Disease?
  Brenda Kennison shares why she no longer views alcoholism as a disease, and how shifting this perspective empowered her to break free from addiction.

• The Power of Neuroplasticity and Scripture:
  Brenda explains how neuroscience and spiritual truth come together to help rewire the brain. Discover practical ways to “take every thought captive.”

• Marriage, Divorce, and Personal Growth:
  Learn how Brenda’s struggle with perfectionism, shame, and unhealed wounds deeply impacted her first three marriages.

• How Unhealed Thoughts Impact Relationships:
  Brenda offers a practical exercise to help listeners identify how they are currently “showing up” in life: through emotions, behaviors, bodily sensations, and perspectives.

• Building a Better Marriage Through Communication:
  Hear how Brenda and her husband learned to communicate across their differences and love each other according to their unique love languages.

• Practical Steps to Rewire Your Brain:
  Get Brenda’s three-step process of awareness, action, and accountability to transform negative thinking and habits.

Resources Mentioned:

• Day One of Sobriety Podcast & Ministry – dayoneofsobriety.org

• How Connected Are You? Partner Quiz by Dana Che

• Dr. Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages

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Brenda Kennison is a certified neuro cycle facilitator and founder of Day One of Sobriety Ministries. She shared her raw, powerful journey from rock bottom—battling addiction, depression, a foiled suicide attempt, and the pain of divorce—to discovering hope, healing, and transformation through science and faith. Brenda Kennison’s story is a reminder that our lowest moments can become the launching pad for lasting change. If you’re ready to renew your mind and rebuild your life, you don’t want to miss this episode!

Key Highlights

• Resilience After Rock Bottom
  Brenda shares how being publicly exposed and humiliated drove her to seek the help she desperately needed and began her healing journey.

• Cultural Stigmas & Seeking Help
  Brenda’s story reveals the deep stigmas around addiction, especially for educators, and the importance of honest conversations and community support.

• Faith Meets Brain Science
  The intersection of biblical truth and neuroscience became Brenda’s pathway to true and lasting transformation, challenging the lie that mental health struggles are an unchangeable destiny.

• The Power of Community
  Brenda credits a loving church community and a pivotal friend (Becky) whose prayers literally helped save her life, emphasizing that transformation requires surrounding yourself with people who see and support you.

• Redefining Sobriety
  Brenda expands the definition of sobriety, describing it as a “calm, sound, and disciplined mind rooted in Christ,” inviting listeners to pursue wholeness even if addiction isn’t their specific battle.

• Generational Healing & Legacy
  The conversation touches on breaking generational cycles, finding worth beyond achievement, and providing emotional stability for the next generation.

Resources Mentioned

Brenda’s Website & Podcast: dayoneofsobriety.org
Take the "How Connected Are You as a Partner" Quiz

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Bestselling author and comedian KevonStage and his wife, Melissa, hosted a podcast called Marriage Be Hard. But what if we could make marriage easier? Marriage can be hard—but it doesn’t have to feel impossible. In today’s episode, I sat down with Arlene Pellicane, bestselling author of “Marriage Made Easier.” We dove into the real reasons why marriages struggle and discussed how putting in the right kind of effort can transform your relationship from mundane to meaningful. If you want practical, down-to-earth habits for building a joyful, lasting connection, this episode is a must-listen. Check out the full conversation for actionable ways to rebuild and strengthen your marriage, starting today!

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Finding the Joy of Marriage:
  Arlene shares her own positive marriage experience and the importance of fighting for happiness, not just happiness for yourself, but as a shared mission.

• Making Marriage Fun Again:
  Both Arlene and I discuss how couples can rekindle fun and playfulness in their relationships, from date nights to shared hobbies—emphasizing that planned fun is spiritual and necessary.

• Effort Over Easy:
  Marriage isn’t just hard—it’s effort. Just like running a business, great marriages require a plan, intentionality, and regular investment.

• Deciding Values in Advance:
  Arlene advocates for establishing core habits early—like shared meals, device-free table time, and daily rituals—that create connection and security in both marriage and family life.

• Serving When It’s One-Sided:
  For those feeling alone in their effort, Arlene offers encouragement rooted in faith, reminding listeners that their unseen acts are meaningful and seen by God, even when a spouse doesn’t notice.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Connect with Arlene’s podcast, "Happy Home Podcast," and purchase her book at Marriage Made Easier

• "How Connected Are You?" Take my free and fun quiz to determine your relationship's true connection at danache.com/partnerquiz

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Forgiveness isn't just a gift you give someone else—it's the pathway to your own freedom and growth. In today's episode, I shared how deciding to forgive, even before an apology, can change everything. Forgiveness is not about forgetting the lessons; it's about moving forward—but without the sting, so that you can help others and build stronger connections.

Whether in your personal or business relationships, holding onto hurt weighs you down and keeps you stuck. But there's a better (though not always easier) way. When you choose to forgive and remember, you set a powerful example to to others of how to release the person and the hurt. Remembering your story can inspire and heal more people than you realize.

If you want some "how-to's" on forgiveness, be sure to check out these episodes:

Ep. 280 - Finding Forgiveness and the Road Back to You

Ep. 163 - Beyond Mistakes - Modeling Responsibility and the Steps of Forgiveness

Ep. 13 - The Power of Forgiveness in Relationships: Release Them, Restore You

More Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Get my 'Ultimate Couple's Checklist' to improve your marriage

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I'm in a new season of life and want to give you a life update—one that will hopefully encourage you where you are in your life. This one is a true testament to the power of dreams, faith, and perseverance. No frilly clichés here, but I'm walking you through what part of my journey has been, where I'm at now, and where I'm headed.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Don’t Lose Heart: Dreams may take years—or even decades—to come true. The seeds you’re planting today could be part of a much bigger story that unfolds over time. Stay hopeful and keep nurturing those desires.

• Embrace the Process: There’s always a journey behind every achievement. Whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth, be willing to go through the necessary steps to get to the provision, rather than just wishing for results.

• Celebrate Your Wins—Guilt-Free: It’s easy to share when things are tough, but don’t feel guilty about your blessings. When something wonderful happens, embrace it, share it, and inspire others with your story.

If you’re waiting for your breakthrough—whether it’s a new role, an opportunity, or restoration in a relationship—this episode is a timely reminder to remain patient, faithful, and proactive.

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When should you start working on your marriage? Is it when things start to feel off, or when problems become too big to ignore? Whether you’re single, engaged, newlywed, or several decades in, today's episode will leave you encouraged and equipped to invest in your most important relationship.

Key Takeaways

• Why Couples Wait Too Long: The story of “Evelyn and David”—a couple married almost 30 years before seeking help—exposing the dangers of delaying support because of perfectionism and pride.

• Signs Your Marriage Needs Work: Issues like lack of respect, trust, unresolved trauma, financial problems, and putting on appearances can hide beneath the surface for years.

• What "Doing the Work" Means: Breaking down the practical steps: daily intentionality, confronting your own baggage, setting boundaries, learning to listen, and embracing forgiveness as a way of life.

• The Power of Premarital Counseling: Why investing in healthy conversations before the ring (or at least before the wedding) can save years of pain down the road.

• Immediate Next Steps: Encouragement for every listener—single, engaged, or married—to take action today to improve your relationship.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Get my free Ultimate Couple's Checklist and start seeing changes in your relationship TODAY.

Get my weekly newsletter. Sign up at danache.com/email.

See Dana Che on the Hampton Roads Show!

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If you’ve ever found yourself in a marriage rut—where date nights feel forced and conversations revolve around paying bills—it’s time to look at a form of intimacy you might not be prioritizing: recreational intimacy. On the latest (and final!) episode of this intimacy series, my husband Shaun and I pull back the curtain on how couples can rekindle connection by nurturing their friendship and making space for play, laughter, and adventure together.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is Recreational Intimacy? Shaun kicks off the conversation by defining recreational intimacy as finding fun activities that couples can enjoy together.
• The Power (and Struggle) of Friendship in Marriage: We discuss our opposite personalities and preferences, emphasizing that couples don’t need to like all the same things to build a strong friendship.
• Creative (and Affordable) Date Ideas: From scavenger hunts to upcoming tips from a future guest about "date nights for cheapskates," this episode is packed with outside-the-box ways to keep dating on a budget.
• Practical Advice for Struggling Couples: For couples who feel distant or have lost their friendship, we suggest starting with the basics and pairing conversation with activities like walks or games to reduce pressure and foster connection.
• The Healing Power of Laughter: We credit humor as a “saving grace” in our 26-year marriage. Don't take things too seriously, and find ways to bring laughter and lightheartedness back into daily life.
• Tips for Parents & Busy Couples: Whether it’s finding brief moments alone while kids are at preschool or doing creative home "dates" after bedtime, the message is clear: prioritize your friendship and fun, no matter your season of life.

Quote Highlights:

“You don’t have to like the same things because you’re in a relationship. You are naturally going to have to learn to like some of the things that your spouse likes.”

“If you can laugh, you can have a friendship. Laughter can get you through the hard times.”

“Don’t allow your friendship to go because at the end of the day, your kids are going to grow up and leave, and you’re going to be left with this person.”

Resources & Links:

Download your free Intimacy Series Guide: danache.com/intimacyseries

Get your free Ultimate Couples Checklist here.

Apply for my Covenant Connections group coaching

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We're talking all about intellectual intimacy—what I like to call “brain bonding" in this episode. We spend so much time talking about emotional connection and physical intimacy in marriage, but let me tell you a secret: connecting through ideas, learning, curiosity, and thought-provoking conversations can completely change the game in your relationship.

I open up about a time I was really vulnerable in my own marriage and how an intellectual connection outside of my relationship showed me just how powerful “brain bonding” can be—both for good and for potential danger if it isn’t happening at home. I want to help you experience this kind of closeness with your spouse and see them in a whole new light.

In This Episode

• What Is Intellectual Intimacy?
  I explain how intellectual intimacy is about the closeness that comes from sharing thoughts, dreams, and conversations.
• Brain Bonding Quiz (Interactive Exercise):
  I walk you through a quiz to help you and your spouse see where you stand in this area right now. It’s a simple scoring system that gives you a snapshot of your current “brain bond.”
• Why Intellectual Intimacy Matters:
  If you’ve ever felt bored or stuck in your marriage, you’re not alone! I share why keeping curiosity and deep conversations alive is crucial for staying connected and avoiding dangerous disconnects.
• Barriers to Intellectual Intimacy:
  We talk about the common things that get in the way—like not even knowing this kind of connection mattered, feeling intimidated, etc.
• How to Build Intellectual Intimacy:
• • Ask better questions. Move past “how was your day?” and get curious about your spouse’s thoughts and experiences.
  • Learn something together. Whether it’s reading, listening to a podcast, or learning about a new topic, do it as a team.
  • Debate respectfully. It’s okay to see things differently—what matters is how you talk about it.
  • And more
• Your Homework:
  At the end of the episode, I challenge you to:
• • Pick a Rebuilding Us podcast episode (or a YouTube video I’ve done!) and listen separately, then come together and talk about it.
  • Ask your spouse one thoughtful, below-the-surface question this week.

Resources & Links

• Join My Group Coaching Community: danache.com/covenantconnections
• Podcast Show Notes and More: danashay.com/podcast
• Also listen to Ep. 364 - Chemistry or Intimacy?
• Get your FREE Intimacy Guide: for interactive tools to assess your intimacy

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.