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How do you measure the success of a journey? For me, it’s seeing the growth and hearing the heartfelt stories that come from listeners like you. After 90 consecutive weeks, we reach the poignant finale of the Fighting for Connection podcast. As I sign off from this incredible journey, I reflect on the power of simple gestures, like a young boy's genuine thank you, which mirrors the gratitude I feel for every listener who has supported this endeavor. Each episode has been a labor of love, aime...

Ever wondered why your partner's opinions can make or break your day? On this episode of the Fighting for Connection podcast, we unravel the profound influence of emotions on relationships. I openly share my own vulnerabilities so that we can dissect how our partner's viewpoints can dramatically affect our emotional well-being and how miscommunications often ignite conflict cycles. You'll discover the onion-like layers of "cover emotions" like anger and frustration, and how unmasking these ca...

Have you ever felt the sting of betrayal from a close friend and wondered how to move past it? Join me as I recount an incident from my middle school days involving stolen bubble gum and a painful breach of trust by a friend. Through this story, we delve into what it means to truly forgive and the difference between forgiveness and forgetfulness. Discover why true forgiveness means releasing the need for restitution and how it empowers you to let go of grudges while still learning valuable le...

Ever find yourself as the proverbial nail, always getting hammered with criticism in your relationships? Tune in for a heart-to-heart with me, Brett Nikula, where I dives into the deep end of feeling underappreciated and perpetually in trouble with your significant other. I don't just sympathize; I rolls up my sleeves, sharing candid stories and drawing from his rich tapestry of life as a husband, father, and all-around fun-loving guy to offer practical tools for steering your relationship to...

When was the last time you stopped to consider the role compassion has played in your own journey through life? Join me, Brett Nikula, as I share how embracing compassion has been my cornerstone to Fatherhood. In "The Power of Compassion," I reveal the personal growth spurring from my professional endeavors, opening up about the compassion in my childhood from those close to my heart. From the Connected Couples Campus to the Save the Date program, I ponder their future while reaffirming my co...

Have you ever found yourself searching for a place to belong, a tribe to call your own? Today's story takes you on a heartfelt journey of a young boy, illustrating a life lesson about the transformative power of being someone else's cheerleader. As I recount his quest for connection, I share how his pursuit of personal fanfare shifted to a discovery that true belonging comes from supporting those around us. This narrative opens our eyes to the impact of investing in relationships and the warm...

Have you ever caught yourself in the middle of an outburst, only to realize that you are, in fact, the master of your reactions? I, Brett Nikula, stumbled into such a revelation while grappling with a stubborn kitchen light – a humbling reminder that within the chaos of a frustrating moment, we choose how we respond. This episode is a heartfelt nod to you, the listener, celebrating the personal growth we've achieved and the deeper understanding we've cultivated about the choices that shape ou...

Ever felt like you're walking a tightrope in your marriage? Let's tackle that head-on. I'm Brett Nikula, and in our latest episode, we delve into the sensitive topic of setting boundaries with our better halves. Lets move beyond the pressure that often come with 'house rules'—I'm here to guide you through understanding the 'why' behind your expectations and how they impact your union. You'll discover a practical tool I've used to enhance self-awareness and improve communication. This isn't ab...

This week, I, Brett Nikula, open up about the challenges that come with juggling the professional aspects and my personal life. It's a familiar struggle many of us face, and in this episode, I take it a step further by sharing not just stories but also practical tools for maintaining emotional steadiness and cultivating stronger connections with those we hold dear.As we navigate the complexities of responding to an upset spouse, I walk you through a transformative four-step exercise that's mo...

Have you ever found yourself swallowed by the highs and lows of marriage, feeling like if it's not perfect, you're failing? Let's reshape that narrative together. As your host Brett Nikula, I delve into the concept of moderation within relationships, a theme that may just be the lifeline your partnership needs. This episode isn't just another discussion; it's a revelation that will shift your perspective on what it means to navigate the ebb and flow of marital life.Join me as I share personal...

When Kelsey and I tied the knot, little did we know that the real work was just beginning. This week on Fighting for Connection, I get help you see how even seemingly stable relationships have their share of turbulence. This episode takes you through the heart of what many assume to be 'just another normal marriage'. I peel back the layers to reveal how familiar struggles with insecurities and doubts can quietly erode the ties that bind. It's a journey into attachment theory and emotiona...

Nestled among Seattle's verdant landscapes, we shared heartfelt stories at a recent couples camp, unraveling the intricate tapestries of marriage and mental health. Our candid conversations revealed how one partner's psychological struggles can ripple through the relationship, highlighting the often-overlooked 'contagious' nature of mental health issues within a union. We navigated the complex dynamics of supporting a spouse while nurturing personal wellness through a mosaic of strategies inc...

Embarking on an exploration of our emotional worlds, I, Brett Nikula, invite you to peer into the depths of the inner child and its profound influence on our relationships. In this episode I dissect the powerful yearnings for acceptance and security that weave through our connections with others. This episode is a candid revelation of how, when these fundamental desires go unfulfilled, our partnerships often bear the brunt, leading to conflicts that are, in essence, desperate pleas from our i...

When Kelsey's away, the heart doesn't just grow fonder—it learns. My reflection on the weekends without my wife turned a spotlight on the intricate dance of repair and connection essential for keeping our relationship vibrant. We've all been there, sailing smoothly in love's waters, only to hit the occasional storm of conflict. In our latest chat on the Fighting for Connection podcast, I, Brett Nikula, speak candidly about the importance of recognizing and breaking free from the conflict cycl...

Have you ever found yourself hesitating to reach out to someone because a voice inside your head whispered, "You're not good enough"? Our latest episode of Fighting for Connection is a journey through these common shadows of doubt and how they can cast a chill on our relationships. As I recount my own struggle with imposter syndrome and the longing to communicate more effectively, I reveal the universality of these insecurities and how they often serve as hidden barriers to intimacy.It's a ra...

Struggling to keep up with life demands can feel like an uphill battle, especially when juggling the chaos of a travel-laden career and a growing family. My personal journey has taught me invaluable lessons about the significance of consistency and persistence, not just in the realm of relationships, but through all of life's experience as well. In this heartfelt conversation, I, Brett Nikula, peel back the layers of these twin traits that are so crucial to our lives, sharing how they've shap...

I so enjoyed this visit. We cried, and laughed, and chatted. And we also recorded. Listen in as Leanne and Derek share an incredible story of Love. We also talk about addiction and how it creates so much pain and havoc. But I couldn't help but walk away with a renewed desire to love more. You can learn more about Leanne and her story at https://www.evolvefamilyrecovery.org/about or on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/evolve.addictionfamilyrecoveryYou can find Derek and his business...

Have you ever felt adrift in the vast ocean of life's relationships, yearning for a lifeline? Join me, Brett Nicola, as I delve into the profound effects of disconnection on our most cherished bonds in the latest episode of the Fighting for Connection podcast. I share my personal experiences and those of my clients to shine a light on the human need for connection and how it shapes our interactions. Through the metaphor of being lost at sea, I uncover the emotions of panic and isolation that ...

Embark on an intimate exploration with me, Brett Nicola, as I share the balancing act of nurturing a thriving career alongside a vibrant family life. Picture the heartwarming morning routine of dropping off the little ones at school and the cherished midday breaks spent with my beloved wife. These personal vignettes from my life as a devoted family man and a seasoned relationship coach frame today's episode, where I delve into the art of crafting robust communication structures for couples. O...