In this replay episode of The Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark Hicks revisits a powerful conversation from his guest appearance on The Love Story Podcast, hosted by Ashley Green. Together, they explore the realities of relationships, particularly during young adulthood, and unpack the pressures created by societal expectations around love, career, and life milestones.

Dr. Hicks challenges the idea that following a prescribed checklist leads to fulfillment, emphasizing instead the importance of emotional vulnerability, honest communication, and sustained curiosity within relationships. The conversation highlights how grief, growth, and self-awareness are not signs of failure, but essential parts of building meaningful connections.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Hicks introduces and reinforces the five core components of love, offering listeners a thoughtful framework for understanding how healthy relationships are formed, nurtured, and sustained over time. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships and consider how learning love is an ongoing, intentional practice.

Key Takeaways

• The twenties are often a turbulent season for relationships
• Societal checklists do not guarantee happiness or fulfillment
• Emotional vulnerability is essential for healthy connections
• Grief is a natural and necessary part of relationships
• Curiosity about one another strengthens intimacy
• Clear communication helps partners understand each other’s needs
• Self-love is foundational to loving others well
• Relationships evolve as people grow and change
• Love requires intention, reflection, and adaptability
• The five components of love provide a framework for thriving relationships

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the profound impact of love and the necessity of silence in our lives. He emphasizes that while love is the answer to many of life's questions, applying it can be challenging. Hicks introduces the concept of embracing silence as a difficult yet transformative practice that can enhance mental clarity, emotional processing, and relationships. He discusses the overwhelming noise of modern life and how regular moments of silence can help regulate our nervous systems, improve our listening skills, and foster deeper connections with others.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to life's problems.
• Applying love requires effort and practice.
• Embracing silence is a difficult but essential practice.
• Silence helps regulate our nervous system.
• Modern life is filled with distractions and noise.
• Regular quiet time can improve mental clarity.
• Practicing silence enhances our listening abilities.
• Silence fosters better relationships and communication.
• Emotional exhaustion can stem from constant noise.
• Learning to be quiet can lead to personal growth.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the profound impact of love, wisdom, and cooperation in various aspects of life, including families, organizations, and society. He emphasizes that the greatest moment in human history is when we collectively decide that these values are more important than dominance, fear, and division. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Hicks discusses the evolution of societies towards connection and the potential for positive change, especially in the wake of crises. He advocates for applying these principles in our daily lives to build healthier relationships and communities.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to life's problems.
• We must learn to apply the principles of love.
• The greatest moment in history is when we choose love over fear.
• Many families operate on principles of dominance and fear.
• Healthy workplaces thrive on cooperation and wisdom.
• Connection tends to win over strength in society.
• We are on a slow march towards a more compassionate culture.
• Crises can lead to greater awakenings and positive change.
• Love and wisdom can guide us towards a better society.
• Building healthy relationships is essential for thriving communities.

Chapters

00:00 Building Healthy Relationships Through Awareness

02:24 The Greatest Moment in Human History

04:04 Transforming Families and Organizations

04:58 The Power of Love, Wisdom, and Cooperation

07:32 Connection Over Strength: A Societal Shift

09:50 Historical Progress Towards Compassion

12:10 Awakening Through Crisis

14:37 Guiding Principles for a Better Society

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the concept that love is the ultimate answer to life's problems, emphasizing the importance of applying love in our relationships. He discusses how our brains often deceive us, leading to misunderstandings and unhealthy dynamics in relationships. By recognizing these mental biases and choosing to respond with compassion and awareness, we can build healthier, more fulfilling connections with others.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to life's problems.
• We are often misled by our own brains.
• Our brains prioritize protection over happiness.
• Negative bias affects our perception of reality.
• Mind reading leads to misunderstandings in relationships.
• Confirmation bias reinforces our existing beliefs.
• Emotional reasoning can distort our reality.
• Anxiety can stem from past experiences.
• Compassionate communication can break the cycle of fear.
• Healthy relationships require awareness and love.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the profound concept that love is the answer to many of life's questions. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our inherent worth, independent of our accomplishments. Hicks discusses the societal pressures that tie self-worth to achievements and how this mindset can lead to stress and exhaustion. He advocates for a shift in perspective, encouraging individuals to give and contribute out of love rather than obligation, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and less stressful life.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to many questions in life.
• You do not have to accomplish anything to have worth.
• Your inherent value cannot be added to or taken away from.
• Accomplishments do not define your self-worth.
• Society often ties value to achievements, creating pressure.
• Understanding your worth allows you to share your value.
• Giving out of love is more fulfilling than giving out of obligation.
• Recognizing your skills can lead to personal growth.
• You already belong in this world and have inherent value.
• Contributing to others can bring joy and fulfillment.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the transformative power of love and the importance of choosing to be in a good mood for no reason. He emphasizes that happiness can be a default setting through practice and neuroplasticity, encouraging listeners to develop this skill for a more fulfilling life and healthier relationships.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to many questions in life.
• Choosing to be in a good mood can transform your life.
• It's normal to experience a range of emotions, including sadness and anger.
• Being in a good mood for no reason is a valuable skill.
• We often accept being in a bad mood without reason, which should change.
• Our default setting should be happiness unless there's a reason not to be.
• Neuroplasticity allows us to form new habits and pathways in our brains.
• Practicing happiness can lead to a more positive atmosphere at home and work.
• Setting a good mood example can create a ripple effect in our surroundings.
• Learning to be happy for no reason can improve our overall well-being.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the idea that love is the answer to life's challenges, particularly in the context of American politics. He discusses how love can be applied to navigate through difficult problems, emphasizing the importance of compassion and helping others amidst political divisions. Hicks identifies four groups in the political landscape and highlights the role of 'helpers' who focus on alleviating suffering rather than assigning blame. He advocates for a movement of helpers to diminish political leverage and create a more compassionate society.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to life's challenges.
• Applying love can help navigate difficult problems.
• Political divisions can be addressed through compassion.
• There are four groups in the political landscape: Democrats, Republicans, disengaged, and helpers.
• Helpers focus on alleviating suffering rather than assigning blame.
• Love can diminish political leverage and create change.
• Compassionate action can make a significant difference.
• We can be politically active while also being helpers.
• Helping others is a powerful way to demonstrate love.
• A movement of helpers can transform society.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the profound nature of love and relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication in sustaining long-term connections. He discusses how genuine conversations can foster deeper understanding and connection, and shares practical tips for improving communication skills. The conversation highlights the significance of curiosity, empathy, and emotional intelligence in nurturing relationships that can withstand the test of time.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to many questions in life.
• Sustaining long-term relationships requires effort and understanding.
• Good conversations are key to happiness in relationships.
• Relationships can change, but communication can keep them strong.
• Enjoying conversations with loved ones is essential for lasting connections.
• Listening actively is crucial for meaningful conversations.
• Using 'I' statements fosters authenticity in communication.
• Scheduling time for conversations is important for connection.
• Understanding emotional triggers can improve communication.
• Curiosity about others' lives enhances relationships.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Authenticity

00:44 Sustaining Long-Term Relationships

16:11 The Art of Meaningful Conversations

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/