#007: Unmasking High Functioning Codependency with Terri Cole
In this episode, Mark sits down with psychotherapist and author Terri Cole to dissect the misunderstood concept of codependency—specifically the overlooked phenomenon of high-functioning codependency. With raw honesty and clinical insight, Terri challenges listeners to reconsider their own behaviors, revealing how being overly invested in others’ emotions, choices, and outcomes can mask a covert quest for control rooted in childhood survival strategies. Whether you’re constantly offering unsolicited advice or excusing toxic behavior, this conversation unpacks how self-abandonment and adaptive dysfunctions silently erode our capacity for intimacy. Prepare to be called in—and called out.Terri's Links:Terri’s Book: https://hfcbook.com/ Terri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricole/ Terri’s Website: https://www.terricole.com/ Terri & Mark’s Crushing Codependency Course: https://crushcodependency.com/mark CTL Links:Website: www.createthelove.comCTL Community: www.createthelove.com/communityMark's Book: www.markgroves.com/bookGet our Relationship Toolkit: How to Thrive in Your Relationships: https://markgroves.com/relationshipmastery
--------
6:53
#006 From Fairy Tales to Reality: Navigating Relationship Truths with Sheleana Aiyana
In this episode of Create the Love, Mark Groves sits down with Sheleana Aiyana to dig into why we repeat relationship patterns—and how to finally break them. They unpack childhood wounds, attachment styles, and the difference between falling into love and consciously choosing it. If you've ever said, "Why do I keep dating the same person?"—this one's for you.Sheleana Aiyana is the founder of Rising Woman, a growing community of more than 3 million readers. Her training and immersion in couples facilitation, inherited family trauma, family systems, conscious relationship, somatic healing, and plant medicines inform her holistic approach to seeing relationships as a spiritual path. More than 30,000 women in 146 countries have taken her flagship program Becoming the One.Sheleana Aiyana | Instagram Rising Woman | InstagramRising Woman | WebsiteBecoming the One: Heal Your Past, Transform Your Relationship Patterns, and Come Home to YourselfCTL Links:Website: www.createthelove.comCTL Community: www.createthelove.com/communityMark's Book: www.markgroves.com/bookGet our Relationship Toolkit: How to Thrive in Your Relationships: https://markgroves.com/relationshipmastery
--------
11:47
#005: Why We Run From Love—and How to Stop with John Kim and Vanessa Bennett
In this solo episode, I sit down with real-life couple and therapists Jon Kim and Vanessa Bennett to unpack the messy, beautiful reality of modern relationships. From rocky beginnings and one-foot-out-the-door moments to learning how to see beauty in our differences, we explore what it takes to truly do life with someone—not at or around them. We talk about avoidant tendencies, attachment triggers, and how old wounds show up in conflict, all while keeping it raw, real, and deeply human. Whether you’re single, dating, or deep in partnership, this episode will have you reflecting hard and laughing a little too.Links:John's Instagram: www.instagram.com/theangrytherapistVanessa's Instagram: www.instagram.com/vanessasbennettCTL Links:Website: www.createthelove.comCTL Community: www.createthelove.com/communityMark's Book: www.markgroves.com/bookGet our Relationship Toolkit: How to Thrive in Your Relationships: https://markgroves.com/relationshipmastery—How are your Nervous System + Attachment Style connected? https://markgroves.com/connectthedots
--------
8:20
#004: Redefining Masculinity: Why Men Must Look Deeper With Bryan Reeves
In this heart-opening episode of the Create the Love podcast, Mark Groves sits down with Bryan Reeves for a raw, no-holds-barred conversation about modern masculinity, emotional depth, and what it really takes to thrive in a relationship. They unpack the social conditioning that teaches men to suppress the very skills needed for deep connection, and explore the radical idea of choosing your partner—and yourself—every single day. From advocating for conscious endings to reframing relationships as invitations, not obligations, this episode is a soulful call to own your choices, stand in your truth, and create love with intention.Bryan Reeves is a former U.S. Air Force Captain turned renowned relationship coach, author, and speaker who helps men and couples navigate the complexities of modern love with clarity and heart. With a masterful blend of lived experience, emotional wisdom, and grounded insight, Bryan empowers individuals to break free from outdated paradigms of masculinity and create deeply connected, conscious relationships. He’s the author of Choose Her Every Day (Or Leave Her) and the voice behind the Men, This Way podcast, guiding thousands toward more authentic, soulful partnerships.Bryan's Links:Website: https://bryanreeves.com/Book: https://bryanreeves.com/book/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryanreevesinsight/CTL Links:Website: www.createthelove.comCTL Community: www.createthelove.com/communityMark's Book: www.markgroves.com/bookGet our Relationship Toolkit: How to Thrive in Your Relationships: https://markgroves.com/relationshipmasteryLearn How to Stop Chasing Unavailable People: https://markgroves.com/stopchasing
--------
10:24
#003: Shifting Blame to Bravery: Dr. Alexandra Solomon on Relational Self-Awareness
Mark is joined by Dr. Alexandra Solomon to unpack the power of relational self-awareness and how it transforms romantic connections. They tackle the challenges of receiving feedback—especially for men—and how societal conditioning can block growth and intimacy. Instead of placing blame, they explore how understanding relational dynamics leads to deeper, more authentic bonds. The conversation closes with a powerful reminder: who we are in relationships isn’t fixed, but ever-evolving through connection.For nearly three decades, Dr. Alexandra H. Solomon has become one of today’s most trusted voices in the world of relationships, and her work on Relational Self-Awareness has reached millions of people around the world. Dr. Alexandra is a licensed clinical psychologist who trained, taught, supervised, and worked at The Family Institute at Northwestern University for nearly 30 years. She is the founder of the Institute for Relational Self-Awareness (IRSA) where she maintains a clinical practice with individuals, couples, and adult family systems.Dr. Alexandra's Links:Website: https://dralexandrasolomon.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alexandra.solomon/Loving Bravely Book: https://a.co/d/19AEUXRCreate The Love Links: Website: www.createthelove.comCTL Community: www.createthelove.com/communityMark's Book: www.markgroves.com/bookGet our Relationship Toolkit: How to Thrive in Your Relationships: https://markgroves.com/relationshipmastery
Tune in for quick, powerful insights from the world’s top relationship experts and master the art of connection in just minutes a week. In bite-sized episodes, you’ll learn practical strategies for improving your relationships with partners, family, friends, colleagues, and yourself. We believe relational skills aren't a luxury—they're essential—and we're here to make transformative relationship wisdom accessible to everyone.
Canada - english