Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I provide as an Accredited Financial Counselor and Fair Play Facilitator. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com.

For today’s episode, we welcome Jennifer Sabatini Fraone, MSW, MBA, former Executive Director for the Boston College Center for Work & Family. Jennifer received her BS in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University and her Master of Social Work and Master of Business Administration from Boston College.

For today’s episode we discuss how organizations, couples, and families can find work life harmony. Enjoy the show.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Over your years leading the Boston College Center for Work & Family, what major shifts have you seen in how couples balance work and family life?

04:21 What do you think has been the most impactful research the Center has published in its 35 year tenure? (Fatherhood/parental leave/flex)

11:27 What are the biggest stressors you’ve found that high-achieving dual-career couples face today—and how can they navigate them without burning out?

18:40 Your research has explored changing gender norms. How are men’s roles in caregiving and domestic life evolving, and what still needs to change?

22:16 Remote and hybrid work promises flexibility, but often leads to blurred boundaries. What have you learned about how couples can protect personal time while working flexibly?

25:48 If you could redesign the “ideal” workplace for modern families, what would it look like—and how would it reshape the home lives of dual-career couples?

31:08 The Center closed at the end of 2025. How did you prepare for this upcoming transition after this work being an integral part of your life for 20 years?

33:59 What is one piece of simple and actionable advice you would like to share with our listeners?

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For today’s episode we welcome Alex Trippier, a dad of three who has been married for 18 years and is the host of the popular podcast, “Be a Happier Parent.” His mission is to help parents connect and grow.

Alex shares insights on parenting, the mental load carried by women, and the dynamics of relationships. He humorously discusses the concept of a 'brain rental fee' charged by his wife for asking where things are, highlighting the often unrecognized mental labor women perform in households. The discussion delves into the importance of humor in communication, the challenges men face with shame and vulnerability, and the insights gained from motherhood literature. The conversation concludes with actionable advice on appreciation and conflict resolution in relationships, emphasizing the need for curiosity and recognition of each other's efforts. Enjoy the show.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction
01:38 Let’s start with you sharing a bit about yourself and your family?
04:35 Your wife charges you a “brain rental fee?” You’ve gotta tell us about that!
22:01 Why did you start reading motherhood books?
35:25 What are three things you’ve learned from doing the podcast that you wish you’d known earlier in marriage?
42:25 What’s the biggest problem you see caused by inequity in the home?
46:02 What’s the biggest win in your relationship compared to today?
48:03 Where can listeners learn more about you and your podcast?
48:53 What is one piece of simple and actionable advice you can leave with our listeners?

• Click here to listen to Alex’s podcast: “Be a Happier Parent”
• Click here to follow Alex on Instagram
• Below you can click and order the books mentioned on the podcast
  • Motherhood Complex
  • What’s On Her Mind
  • Having It All
  • Equal Partners
  • Fair Play

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Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I provide as an Accredited Financial Counselor and Fair Play Facilitator. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com.

Today we welcome Dr. Shandra Parks. Dr Parks serves as Board President with the Maryland Council on Problem Grambling and is a Family Involvement Facilitator, Resource Home Worker and is a Field Instructor for MSW students with the University of Maryland, School of Social Work. Dr. Parks provides wellness counseling, financial education as well financial counseling to individuals and families impacted by Disordered gambling.

In this conversation, Dr. Shandra Parks discusses the complexities of gambling addiction, its evolution in the digital age, and the psychological factors that contribute to it. She describes early warning signs, understanding the emotional impact of gambling, and finding a balance between entertainment and addiction.

Enjoy the show.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction
02:03 You work with people and families affected by problem gambling every day. When you hear the phrase “gambling addiction,” what do most people get wrong?
03:08 Many people picture casinos or slot machines. How has gambling changed in the last decade, especially with apps, sports betting, and online platforms?
06:01 What are loot boxes?
12:07 Does gambling feel different from other money struggles like overspending or credit card debt? If so, why?
13:19 What are some early warning signs that gambling is becoming unhealthy, even if bills are still getting paid?
20:59 Many people tell themselves “I’m just doing small bets” or “this is entertainment.” Where is the line between entertainment and risk?
25:37 If someone is listening right now and feeling uneasy about their behavior, what is the first step that doesn’t feel overwhelming or shame-filled?
31:03 How should a spouse bring up concerns without triggering defensiveness or shutdown?
34:07 How do you balance compassion for the person struggling with gambling while still protecting yourself financially and emotionally?
37:00 How long does recovery typically take, and what does progress realistically look like?
39:01 What is one piece of simple and actionable advice you want to share with our listeners?

Learn more: https://www.marylandproblemgambling.org/dr-shandra-parks

#gambling

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Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I provide as an Accredited Financial Counselor and Fair Play Facilitator. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com.

Today’s episode is the second of a three part series: Empowering Men to Partner or Lead at Home: The Mental Load

Today’s guests are Dr. Julie Wayne and Paige Connell.

Dr. Julie Wayne is professor at Wake Forest University. She is a leading scholar on work-family integration and gender equity. Her research uncovers the structural and psychological barriers to balanced partnerships—and how men can take intentional steps to reduce the mental load on their partners.

Paige Connell is a mental load strategist who equips families with clear tools to divide responsibilities fairly and prevent burnout. Her work, which she shares with hundreds of thousands of her followers on social media, translates the “invisible” into systems couples can use to feel more connected, supported, and balanced.

The mental load isn’t just about who does the chores—it’s about who thinks about them. Today we will talk about making invisible labor visible.

Enjoy the show.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction
01:31 Can you briefly define mental load, cognitive labor, and the consequences of imbalance?
04:42 Your research has uncovered key psychological barriers to sharing the mental load, can you walk us through them?
10:53 Can you share an example where a couple went from burnout to balance?
24:15: How can men step in and shoulder more at home?
32:04 What do your findings suggest are effective ways to invite men into this space meaningfully?
39:23 What tools or frameworks have been most effective for dividing the “invisible work”?
45:50 What are a few simple tricks couples can use to better work together?
49:24 Can you explain the difference between emotional labor and mental labor, and share which is more taxing and why?

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Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I now provide. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com.

Today’s podcast is the first of a three part series: Empowering Men to Partner or Lead at Home: When She Earns More.

Today’s guests are Dr. Gary Barker, Ed Coambs, and Melissa Hogenboom.

Dr. Barker is the President and CEO of Equimundo. He is an internationally recognized expert on engaging men and boys in gender equality work.

Ed Coambs is a licensed marriage and family therapist, financial planner, and founder of Healthy Love and Money. He helps couples uncover the emotional roots of money stress, especially in relationships where earning dynamics are unequal.

Melissa Hogenboom is a BBC journalist and author of the book Breadwinners: The Next Chapter of the Fight for Equality, which examines the social and relational impact of female breadwinning.

Our conversation will focus on overcoming the unique challenges and dynamics in female breadwinning relationships.

Enjoy the show.

Questions

00:00 Introduction
01:25 You've worked with families across 40+ countries. What are some universal patterns you see when women become the primary earners?
06:09 In researching your book Breadwinners, what surprised you most about how female earners experience their relationships?
09:00 What are the emotional undercurrents behind money tension when she earns more?
16:22 What advice would you give couples trying to “rewrite the script” when roles flip?
21:15 How can couples begin uncovering and addressing money shame or resentment?
29:26 What cultural shifts do you think are needed—and possible?
32:01 Are the algorithms of social media adding to the belief that it’s “men vs. women” facing today’s challenges?
36:33 What types of men generally embrace relationships that include a female breadwinner, and what can we learn from them?
39:27 What does financial intimacy really look like in these relationships?
41:58 How can female breadwinners make their partners feel valued and loved for who they are?

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A conversation with Emily Bouchard, coauthor of Estate Planning for the Blended Family

Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I now provide. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com or you can email me at brian@modernhusbands.com.

For today’s podcast we welcome Emily Bouchard. Emily is a Leadership and Legacy Consultant at a US Bank own firm who specializes in supporting blended families. She also co-authored Estate Planning for the Blended Family and Beginners Guide to Purposeful Prenups.

Today’s discussion centers around estate planning and considerations in blended families. Enjoy the show.

00:00 Introduction
01:05 Can you explain what a blended family is and the different forms of blended families?
02:33 Where does your passion to support blended families come from?
06:00 Why is estate planning particularly important for blended families?
8:46 What are some of the most common financial challenges that blended families face when it comes to estate planning?
13:38 Can you discuss any specific tax considerations that blended families should be aware of when setting up their estate plans?
16:45 How should blended families approach the issue of guardianship to ensure that there are no conflicts among family members?
19:13 Could you explain the benefits of using trusts in estate planning for blended families?
22:53 Could you share any real-life examples that highlight unique solutions or common pitfalls in estate planning for blended families?
24:20: About Emily’s book
26:32 What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to couples in a blended family to ensure their estate planning is successful?

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Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I provide as an Accredited Financial Counselor and Fair Play Facilitator. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com.

For today’s episode we welcome Laura Danger, a licensed educator, facilitator, and domestic-equity advocate who has collaborated with the Fair Play team and is known on social media as @ThatDarnChat. Her book, No More Mediocre: A Call to Reimagine Our Relationships and Demand More, combines candid interviews, personal stories, and research to expose how unpaid domestic labor — and dynamics like “weaponized incompetence” — shape inequity in relationships.

In today’s conversation we explore the complexities of emotional labor in relationships, the importance of communication, and strategies for creating equitable home systems. Laura also shares insights from her book, emphasizing the need for curiosity and intentionality in relationships, and offers actionable advice for couples seeking to enhance their connection and reduce resentment.

Enjoy the show.

Show Questions

00:00 Introduction

01:53 Let’s start with sharing with the audience a little bit about you and your family.

03:36 In the book, you describe the moment you and Jack realized you were stuck in a loop: you carried the mental load, and he felt unsure how to jump in. What helped you both break that pattern?

06:31 You write about the “Nag Paradox” and how women become narrators of their partner’s tasks. What is the first step for couples stuck in that dynamic?

09:50 Can you define emotional labor and explain why it is so difficult to shoulder?

12:30 You say conflict isn’t something to avoid, but an opportunity for connection and clarity. How can couples begin treating conflict as collaboration?

15:28 You talk about good faith a lot. How can couples distinguish “won’t do” from “doesn’t know how yet?”

20:04 What is weaponized incompetence and can you provide gender stereotypical examples of men and women doing it?

29:55 You and Jack implemented meetings, shared task reviews, and even safe words for stressful conversations. What changes were most transformative?

33:17 Many couples think they need “more help,” when what they actually need is systems.
What does a functional, equitable home system look like in practice?

37:12 Where do you see the most immediate wins for couples who want to reduce resentment and increase connection?

41:08 What would you say to a man who genuinely wants to “do more” but feels overwhelmed or afraid of getting it wrong?

44:08 If every listener could adopt one habit this week to make their relationship less mediocre and more connected, what would it be?

45:00 Where can listeners purchase your book and learn more about you?

Purchase the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737921/no-more-mediocre-by-laura-dang

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Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I now provide. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com.

For today’s podcast we welcome Dr. Kentaro Fujita, a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Decision Sciences Collaborative at The Ohio State University. He received his Bachelors in Psychology at Harvard College, and his Masters and PhD in Psychology at New York University. He is an expert in motivation, goals, behavior change, and decision-making. Much of his award-winning research explores self-control: that is, who, when, and why do some succeed and others fail at resisting immediate temptations that undermine more distant goals?

We’ll explore how self-control shapes the way couples handle money, divide household responsibilities, and support each other through everyday challenges. Dr. Fujita will share research-backed strategies to strengthen willpower, reduce temptations, and stay focused on the big picture—both individually and as a team. Enjoy the show.

Show Notes

Introduction
00:00 Introduction
03:06 You’ve studied self-control extensively. How do you define it, and why is it such an important factor in our daily lives, particularly for couples managing money and household responsibilities?
6:40 The Marshmallow Study
13:05 Many of us think of willpower as simply “trying harder.” From a scientific perspective, what actually fuels or drains our self-control?
17:06 Can we discuss self control hacks with important context?
27:31 The concept of ego depletion suggests self-control is a limited resource. How does this play out in dual-career couples who feel constantly stretched thin by work and home obligations?
31:48 What does your environment look like when you talk about money with your spouse?
35:02 Where can our listeners learn more about you?
35:44: If you could give dual-career couples one or two evidence-based practices to consistently improve their self-control—both individually and as a team—what would they be?

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