👤 Guest Introduction:
Sharon Pope is a Certified Master Life Coach, renowned relationship expert, and seven-time internationally bestselling author—including the hit book Stay or Go, which sold over 300,000 copies. She helps women and men heal, transform, or release struggling marriages with radical clarity and compassion. In this episode, Sharon and I unpack how to navigate midlife relationships, especially when you feel like the spark is gone and you’re stuck in a roommate marriage.

1. Clarity Begins with Ownership – Empowerment starts when you take responsibility for your role.
   
   

2. Conflict Isn’t the Problem—Avoidance Is – Difficult conversations are the doorway to deeper intimacy.
   
   

3. Connection Requires Intention – Communicate clearly, calmly, and with purpose.
   
   

1. Embracing Conflict to Deepen Connection
🕒 01:37

“If you're never arguing, that means one of you isn’t telling the full truth.”
Disagreement isn’t a sign of failure—it’s an invitation. The absence of conflict often means someone is silencing their needs. When you choose to lean in instead of retreating, you create an opportunity to understand one another more deeply and build trust that’s rooted in truth.

2. Stop the Blame Loop: Take Radical Responsibility
🕒 04:44

“The minute you own your part... possibilities open up that don’t exist when it’s all someone else’s fault.”
Waiting for someone else to change keeps you in victim mode. Real power comes when you take even partial ownership of your experience. That’s where your influence—and transformation—lives. It’s not about blame. It’s about reclaiming your power.

3. Mastering Difficult Conversations with Clarity & Calm
🕒 12:02

“Don’t follow them down the branch. Keep the main thing, the main thing.”
When emotions escalate, it’s easy to veer off course. But maintaining your original intention keeps the conversation anchored. Set your intention, speak from your experience, and invite the other person to talk first. This keeps you grounded, diffuses defensiveness, and opens the door to genuine connection.

“Clear is kind. Direct doesn’t mean bitchy—it just means clear.”
Being direct isn’t rude. It’s revolutionary. Women are taught to be accommodating, but clarity is one of the most loving things you can offer in any relationship. Especially when you're rewriting your marriage, communication is the cornerstone.

Whether you’re navigating empty nesting, midlife reinvention, or just wondering if your marriage is meant to last, this conversation gives you tools to reconnect—starting with yourself.

💌 For more wisdom from Sharon Pope, visit sharonpope.com or check out her free gift at sharonpopefreetraining.com

🛑 And remember: Avoidance isn’t peace—it’s delay. Speak. Heal. Connect. Repeat.

🖤 Until next time, keep life-checking yourself.

Connections:

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• "Sharon's Latest Books - https://sharonpope.com/books

• Website - https://www.sharonpope.com

• Truth & Clarity Session - https://clarityformymarriage.com/truth-clarity?_atid=hNu1mk4d0r3qdkB4FZzahVywTftqZO

👤 Guest Introduction:
Lisa Copeland is a trailblazer in the world of midlife love and reinvention. An internationally recognized dating coach for women over 50, Lisa is the author of The Winning Dating Formula for Women Over 50 and has been featured on Dr. Phil, ABC, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and more. After building a successful business, she found herself quietly tolerating things that no longer fit—until she decided to radically redesign her life.

🎙️ Episode Topic:
In this empowering episode, we dive deep into the transformation that happens when you stop settling for a “good enough” life and start building a soul-aligned one—on your terms. From confronting people-pleasing patterns to redesigning her business and finding joy in solo travel, Lisa's journey shows what’s possible when you dare to start again—at any age.

✨ Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Freedom starts with redefining your schedule.
   
   

2. You don’t need permission to choose again.
   
   

3. Play and creativity are soul medicine.
   
   

🧭 Main Topics & Time Stamps:

1. Breaking Free from People-Pleasing & Redesigning Her Schedule (04:15)
Lisa shares how she realized that her jam-packed, client-first schedule was draining her energy and stifling her creativity.

“We don't realize how much freedom we truly have.”
✅ When decisions are based on obligation, you lose power. Designing your day around your energy is the first act of reclaiming yourself.

2. Dismantling Old Beliefs Through Polarity and Somatic Work (07:48)
Lisa fought through perfectionism and learned that she could hold two truths at once. Through deep polarity work and somatic release, she reprogrammed patterns rooted in childhood.

“I thought it had to be one way. I didn’t know I could choose again.”
✅ When stuck patterns feel logical, they often aren’t. Physical release opens the door to emotional transformation faster than overthinking ever could.

3. Experimenting With Fun, Art & Solo Travel to Reignite Joy (20:32)
Lisa shares how solo travel, watercolor painting, and even doodling helped her reconnect with joy and creativity outside of productivity.

“My soul was screaming for me to do art… not scroll my phone.”
✅ Creativity is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Playful experimentation leads to identity expansion and unexpected breakthroughs.

📝 Notable Quote:

“You think you’re free—but you’re really living inside a box you never questioned.”

🎯 Why This Matters:
This episode is a reminder that midlife is not a deadline—it’s a doorway. If you’re ready to stop bending like a pretzel to please others, reclaim your schedule, reawaken your creative spirit, and finally design the life that fits your soul—you’ll want to hit play now.

🧨 Bonus Insight:
You can’t 10x your life by tolerating what no longer fits. Real freedom begins when you question what you thought was “just the way things are.”

Connections:

• Visit us: MarniBattista.Com

• Ready To Create Your Corporate Escape Plan? Book A Call With Me

• Take the Quiz: Unlock the shocking truth about how your unique personality type is silently shaping your future

• Buy Your Radical Living Challenge: 7 Questions For Living The Meaningful Life

• Lisa’s Website

Guest Introduction

Today, we are honored to welcome Dr. Warren Farrell, a renowned Ph.D., internationally bestselling author, and one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders (as recognized by the Financial Times). His work has shaped both the women's and men’s movements, and his latest book, Role Mate to Soul Mate, dives deep into the science and art of sustaining intimate relationships. Having been married for over 30 years, Dr. Farrell doesn’t just teach relationship transformation—he lives it.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the critical shifts needed to move from just “coexisting” in relationships to truly thriving. If you’ve ever felt unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in recurring patterns with your partner, this conversation will change the way you approach love, communication, and intimacy.

Three Powerful Takeaways

✅ Criticism is a Relationship Killer—But You Can Change Your Response ✅ Boundaries and Emotional Safety Are the Foundations of Lasting Love ✅ Understanding Your Partner’s Emotional Needs Creates a Conflict-Free Zone

Key Discussion Topics

1️The Hidden Traps of Criticism and How to Overcome Them (⏱ 17:4

"If you respond to criticism by being defensive, that means you are human. That was functional for survival, but it’s dysfunctional for love." – Dr. Warren Farrell

Criticism often triggers a fight-or-flight response, making even minor comments feel like personal attacks. Shifting the mindset from defensiveness to curiosity transforms relationships. Instead of reacting, creating a safe space for dialogue allows for deeper trust and connection. Learning to listen without taking things personally fosters emotional intimacy rather than eroding it.

2️The Power of Boundaries in Love and Parenting (⏱ 05:0

"Boys that are dad-deprived often lack postponed gratification, which is the single biggest predictor of success or failure." – Dr. Warren Farrell

Boundaries aren’t about control; they are about creating safety and stability—whether in parenting, personal relationships, or partnerships. Clear and consistent boundaries help people feel respected and seen. Without them, relationships can spiral into resentment or chaos. When structure and accountability are present, it leads to a greater sense of self-worth, stronger partnerships, and deeper emotional security.

3️Creating a Conflict-Free Zone in Relationships (⏱ 31:2

"If your partner criticizes you, you can either argue back—where there’s a 100% chance you won’t be heard—or bring it up during structured time, where there’s a 100% chance you will." – Dr. Warren Farrell

Most couples struggle with navigating conflict effectively, but structured communication—like weekly “caring and sharing” sessions—creates space for listening, appreciation, and deeper understanding. Shifting from reactive to intentional conversations reduces unnecessary tension and builds a foundation of trust, vulnerability, and long-term love.

Final Thought

If you've ever felt frustrated by miscommunication in your relationships or wondered how to create deeper intimacy and understanding, this episode will be a game-changer. Dr. Farrell’s insights provide actionable strategies to transform your love life and build a partnership that feels safe, fulfilling, and truly connected.

Grab his latest book, Role Mate to Soul Mate, and start your journey toward a stronger, more fulfilling relationship today!

Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs it!