Beyond the Soulmate Myth: Building Marriages That Last with Dr. Brad Wilcox
Is marriage still relevant in today's culture? In this illuminating conversation, Rebekah and Gabe Lyons welcome sociologist Dr. Brad Wilcox, author of "Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization." Dr. Wilcox presents compelling research that challenges the prevailing cultural narrative that marriage hinders personal fulfillment and success.Drawing from his research as director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, Dr. Wilcox shares how marriage significantly impacts not just individual happiness but society as a whole. He explains how the shift toward "expressive individualism" since the 1970s has undermined marriage, and dispels common myths about marriage including the "flying solo myth," the "family diversity myth," and the "soulmate myth." The data is clear: contrary to popular belief, married people report greater happiness, experience better financial outcomes, and contribute to stronger communities.Rebekah and Dr. Wilcox also discuss the challenges women face in "having it all" and the importance of recognizing different seasons of life. For young adults contemplating marriage, Dr. Wilcox offers practical advice about finding someone with shared values, faith, and dreams—emphasizing that couples who build a foundation of friendship before marriage tend to experience more stable and fulfilling relationships. Whether you're married, single, or parenting young adults, this episode offers valuable insights about why the institution of marriage remains crucial for personal happiness and societal flourishing.Order The Fight for Us:https://a.co/d/aJehu4fJoin the Marriage May Challenge:https://www.rebekahlyons.com/marriagemayRegister for the Marriage & Parenting Retreat:November 20-21, 2025 at: https://www.rebekahlyons.com/retreatParticipate in the THINQ resource, Let's Talk Relationships: https://events.thinqmedia.com/relationships
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49:29
Building a Marriage That Lasts: Practical Rhythms for Lifelong Connection
Are you intentionally building your marriage, or just letting it happen? In this insightful episode, Rebekah and Gabe Lyons share the practical rhythms and intentional habits that have helped them cultivate a thriving 28-year marriage. As they near the conclusion of their seven-week series on "The Fight for Us," they reflect on the importance of proactively creating structure rather than simply letting marriage unfold on its own.Drawing from their own experience of marriage transformation after an intensive retreat in year 19, Rebekah and Gabe emphasize how establishing regular rhythms—daily, weekly, and annual—creates the foundation for a lasting relationship. From sharing calendars and locations to scheduling 15-minute daily connection times and regular date nights, these practical disciplines help couples stay intentionally connected through every season of life. The Lyons also announce their upcoming marriage journal project, "The Journal for Us: 10 Conversations Every Couple Needs to Have," designed to guide couples through essential discussions about money, sex, career, calling, and more.Throughout the episode, Rebekah and Gabe offer encouragement to listeners at every stage of marriage—whether newly wed or decades in—reminding them that the fight for a thriving marriage is worth it not only for themselves but for their children, grandchildren, and legacy. With vulnerability and wisdom, they emphasize that these practices didn't come naturally in their early years of marriage but have become the essential scaffolding that allows their relationship to continue growing and flourishing.Order The Fight for Us:https://a.co/d/aJehu4fJoin the Marriage May Challenge:https://www.rebekahlyons.com/marriagemayRegister for the Marriage & Parenting Retreat:November 20-21, 2025 at https://www.rebekahlyons.com/retreatParticipate in the THINQ resource, Let's Talk Relationships: https://events.thinqmedia.com/relationships
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21:38
Why Your Marriage Needs Community with Jeff and Alyssa Bethke
Is your marriage missing the crucial element of community? In this heartfelt conversation, Rebekah and Gabe Lyons welcome Jeff and Alyssa Bethke to discuss how inviting others into your relationship can transform your marriage from isolated to thriving. The Bethkes, who recently moved from Hawaii to Franklin, Tennessee, share their journey of building community in each new season of life and the vulnerability required to make those connections meaningful.Jeff reveals three research-backed elements that create strong relational bonds: proximity, unplanned interactions, and vulnerability. Throughout the conversation, both couples share powerful personal stories of how having trusted friends to process challenges with has been pivotal in their marriages. They discuss the courage it takes to initiate relationships, the healing that happens when others help you gain perspective on your conflicts, and practical ways to build community even when you feel isolated.Whether you're in a thriving marriage looking to pour into others, feeling stuck in marital drift, or desperately needing support through a difficult season, this episode offers hope and practical guidance for fighting for your marriage by building relationships that can help carry you through the challenges all couples face.Order The Fight for Us:https://a.co/d/aJehu4fListen to Pierce’s Song “It is Well (In the Wilderness)”: https://open.spotify.com/track/4KbSkLkzQ8lbhgu1jn6ptL?si=KBschBMrQ4amNMYmkPgmpwFollow Pierce on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ibYqSMIViWj9BJUHznMMR?si=HfJ7C4pZQdqe3GpSDnTStwJoin the Marriage May Challenge:https://www.rebekahlyons.com/marriagemayRegister for the Marriage & Parenting Retreat: November 20-21, 2025 athttps://www.rebekahlyons.com/retreatParticipate in the THINQ resource, Let's Talk Relationships: https://events.thinqmedia.com/relationships
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43:05
The Power of Community – Why You Can’t Do Marriage Alone
Are you trying to navigate marriage challenges without support? In this insightful episode, Rebekah and Gabe Lyons delve into why community is crucial for a thriving marriage. Celebrating both Rebekah's birthday and their son's college graduation, the couple reflects on the importance of having other trusted couples around you who can speak truth, offer perspective, and create a safe space for vulnerability.Rebekah and Gabe share from their own experiences how moving to Nashville, after living in Manhattan, was partially motivated by their desire for a deeper community. They describe how the couples they've surrounded themselves with over the past decade have been crucial during challenging seasons, offering guidance when they couldn't see clearly. The conversation offers practical advice on building community, including establishing regular check-ins with other couples, leading with vulnerability, and being intentional about who you spend time with.The episode also touches on Mental Health Awareness Month, with Rebekah reflecting on her pioneering work in bringing mental health conversations into Christian spaces. They address how mental health challenges in marriage should be approached with the same commitment as physical illness—"in sickness and in health"—and why turning toward rather than away from one another during difficult seasons is essential for healing. Whether you're feeling isolated in your marriage struggles or looking to strengthen your community connections, this episode offers hope and practical guidance for fighting for your marriage with the support of others.Order The Fight for Us:https://a.co/d/aJehu4fJoin the Marriage May Challenge:https://www.rebekahlyons.com/marriagemayRegister for the Marriage & Parenting Retreat: November 20-21, 2025 at https://www.rebekahlyons.com/retreatParticipate in the THINQ resource, Let's Talk Relationships: https://events.thinqmedia.com/relationships
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22:02
Reduce Your Mental Load and Enjoy Great Sex | Dr. Morgan Cutlip
Do you ever feel the weight of an invisible to-do list burdening your relationship? In this illuminating episode, Rebekah and Gabe Lyons welcome Dr. Morgan Cutlip, psychologist and author of "A Better How: Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex." Dr. Cutlip breaks down how the mental load—that seemingly endless list of tasks, responsibilities, and emotional calculations we carry—affects intimacy and connection in marriage.Dr. Cutlip explains the three domains of tasks that make up the mental load (physical, mental, and emotional labor) and why women typically carry a disproportionate share in home and family life. She offers practical insights on how couples can better understand each other's needs when it comes to sex and connection, including the differences between spontaneous and responsive desire. The conversation reveals how scheduling intimacy, creating margin for emotional connection, and practicing appreciation can transform a relationship from resentment to joy.Whether you're struggling with a relational rut or simply want to deepen your connection, this episode provides actionable steps for fighting for your marriage by tackling the mental load together. As Rebekah and Gabe honestly share from their own journey, you'll be encouraged that healing and growth are possible when we understand each other more deeply.Order The Fight for Us:https://a.co/d/aJehu4fJoin the Marriage May Challenge:https://www.rebekahlyons.com/marriagemayRegister for the Marriage & Parenting Retreat:November 20-21, 2025 at https://www.rebekahlyons.com/retreatParticipate in the THINQ resource, Let's Talk Relationships: https://events.thinqmedia.com/relationships
Are you managing stress or is your stress managing you? What practical steps can you take each day for sustained emotional, spiritual and relational health? In the Rhythms for Life podcast, authors, speakers, and founders of THINQ Media, Gabe Lyons and Rebekah Lyons, invite listeners to journey with them and expert guests into transparent conversations brimming with practical advice. From artists, nutritionists and psychologists to thought leaders, advocates and entrepreneurs, listeners will meet expert guides that will help them keep stress and anxiety at bay and pursue everyday moments of abundance by establishing four life-giving rhythms: rest, restore, connect, and create.
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Canada - english