In our season finale, we get real about the messy, beautiful, and complicated sides of relationships, marriage, intimacy, trust, and communication. From long-distance marriages and friendships with exes to the realities of porn, honesty, and boundaries, we’re unpacking the conversations every couple should be having.
Some hot takes we cover:
💬 Long-distance marriages can work if you’ve got strong communication.
💬 Porn isn’t all bad, but it can create unrealistic expectations.
💬 Sharing passwords = safety, not snooping.
💬 Friendships with exes? Sometimes okay, but boundaries matter.
💬 Proposals should be mutual, not just tradition.
💬 Hall pass culture might be more harmful than fun.
💬 Vacations apart don’t mean disconnection.
💬 “Happy wife, happy life” isn’t healthy for either partner.
💬 Marriage is still relevant, but not required for everyone.
We also dig into how emotional health, honesty, and communication can help couples navigate differences in politics, religion, and even sleeping arrangements.
This one’s honest, unfiltered, and full of takeaways you can apply to your own love story. If you’re looking for a real talk on what makes relationships thrive (or struggle), you don’t want to miss this.
Luis and Amber take a thoughtful look at the themes of submission and power dynamics in relationships, sparked by the documentary Shiny Happy People and the belief system of the Duggars. They explore how gender norms, biblical submission, and cultural influences can shape (and sometimes distort) our understanding of healthy love.
The conversation moves into the importance of accountability in relationships, why mutual submission often works better than hierarchy, and how biblical submission can be misinterpreted in modern times. They also share insights on a viral TikTok story involving Kendra and her psychiatrist, unpacking the roles of transference, delusional thinking, and ethics in therapy.
By the end, you’ll see why open, honest conversations about submission can help couples create more balanced, connected partnerships.
Episode Takeaways:
Shiny Happy People reveals the Duggar family’s beliefs.
Submission means different things in different relationships.
Cultural background influences gender role expectations.
Misinterpretations of biblical submission can be harmful.
Mutual submission encourages equality and respect.
Accountability matters in every dynamic.
Transference complicates therapy boundaries.
Delusional thinking affects perception and decision-making.
Ethics in therapy are essential.
Talking about submission leads to healthier relationships.
Are common marriage myths hurting your relationship? In this episode, Luis and Amber Semidey break down the most popular misconceptions about love and marriage like Happy wife, happy life and Love is enough. They share real relationship advice for thriving partnerships.
They explore how communication, independence, intimacy, and conflict resolution can strengthen your marriage while balancing the challenges of parenting. If you want a healthier, happier relationship, this episode is for you.
Is marriage supposed to last forever, or have we been sold an outdated idea?
In this powerful episode, Luis and Amber get real about the complexities of marriage, divorce, and what it means to be in a truly healthy relationship. They explore how family, children, and mental health are impacted by staying in an unhealthy marriage, and why it’s so important to question whether your relationship is genuinely serving you or simply serving tradition.
They also talk about the influence of cultural and religious beliefs on staying married, how modern dating has changed drastically (hello, Sneaky Links), and why we need to remove the shame around divorce, especially in cases of abuse or emotional harm.
Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:
Marriage isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Divorce can be healthier than staying in a toxic relationship.
Kids learn love through their parents.
Culture and religion can add guilt and confusion to divorce decisions.
Mental health should always come before tradition.
Normalize choosing yourself and your well-being.
Healthy communication is everything.
Sneaky Links = the chaos of modern love.
Therapy helps when you're feeling stuck.
If you’ve ever questioned your relationship, felt pressure to stay when you weren’t happy, or wondered if commitment can look different in today’s world, this episode is for you.
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In this raw and honest episode, Luis and Amber Semidey explore their personal experiences with fertility, pregnancy, and the emotional ups and downs of trying to conceive (TTC). From childhood perceptions and cultural messages to the very real challenges of infertility and family planning, they unpack what it’s really like to navigate the world of reproductive health as a couple
They also discuss how fertility education is often incomplete or fear-based, especially around teen pregnancy and STDs, leaving many adults unprepared for the realities of conception and fertility struggles later in life.
Key Takeaways:
Fertility wasn’t something we talked about growing up.
Cultural and familial influences deeply shape how we understand reproduction.
The education system lacks real fertility education.
Women are born with a finite number of eggs. This matters more than we were taught.
TTC is an emotional rollercoaster, and the waiting game is brutal.
Open, honest communication between partners is essential.
Sharing your story can reduce isolation and offer support.
Protecting your mental health during the process is vital.
The episode also features a thought-provoking Reddit relationship dilemma, diving into how relationship dynamics shift when one partner wants kids and the other doesn’t.
Whether you’re on your own fertility journey, supporting a loved one, or just curious about the emotional side of trying to conceive, this episode offers both vulnerability and valuable insight.
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#fertility #pregnancy #infertility #tryingtoconceive #familyplanning #fertilityjourney #emotionaljourney #reproductivehealth #fertilityeducation #relationshipdynamics #themarriedtherapists #mentalhealth #TTC
In this episode, Luis and Amber Semidey dive deep into the honeymoon phase of relationships, breaking down what it really means, how long it lasts, and why it's often misunderstood. They explore how authenticity, communication, and intentionality are essential to sustaining healthy love well beyond the initial butterflies. Through a mix of personal insights and a thought-provoking Reddit story, they highlight real-life dating dynamics, the pressures of societal expectations, and how social media often skews our views of what love "should" look like. They emphasize the importance of intimacy, conflict resolution, and not being afraid to seek help when relationship challenges arise.
Takeaways
The honeymoon phase is a real experience for couples.
Projection of personal issues can distort perceptions of others' relationships.
Authenticity is crucial in presenting oneself in a relationship.
Societal norms can pressure individuals to present a false image.
Maintaining connection requires intentional effort and creativity.
Healthy love can exist beyond the honeymoon phase.
Conflict resolution is essential for relationship longevity.
Intimacy should be prioritized in relationships.
Social media can create unrealistic expectations of relationships.
Seeking help is important when facing relationship challenges.
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In this episode of The Married Therapists: A Relationship Podcast, we dive deep into the complex intersection of mental health and relationships. From anxiety and depression to communication and therapy, we share our own personal experiences and break down the stigma that often surrounds mental health in romantic partnerships.
We explore the ways mental illness can affect connection, intimacy, and trust, and why hiding severe mental health challenges can be deeply damaging to both partners. Using a wild Reddit story, we highlight the emotional toll of untreated mental health struggles and the importance of clear communication, mutual support, and healthy boundaries.
Whether you're in a relationship, navigating your own mental health, or supporting a partner, this episode is packed with relatable insights and real talk.
Key Takeaways:
Topics covered:mental health, relationships, anxiety, depression, therapy, communication, support, stigma, personal experiences, Reddit story, boundaries, emotional wellness, couples counseling, mental health awareness
“Anxiety, Depression, and Other Things We Don’t Want to Talk About” by Ryan Casey Waller
https://a.co/d/6jMLP02
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In this conversation, Luis and Amber dive into how much finances impact relationships, often more than people realize. They open up about their own experiences with money growing up and how those early lessons (or lack of them) shaped their beliefs around budgeting, debt, and financial responsibility as adults. One big point they touch on is how financial literacy isn’t really taught much in school, which leaves a lot of people figuring it out the hard way.
They also talk about how tricky things can get when partners come from different financial backgrounds. Conflicts can pop up quickly if there's no open and honest communication. Luis and Amber stress how important it is to talk about money openly in a relationship, preferably early on. This isn't just how much you're spending, but your overall financial planning, goals, and even mistakes.
They end the episode with their opinion about a Reddit story about someone dealing with a financially irresponsible partner that highlights how messy things can get without trust and transparency. One important takeaway? In a healthy relationship, it's not about splitting everything 50/50. It’s about equity, shared effort, and understanding each other's strengths.
They wrap up by saying that having a solid financial plan can actually take a lot of stress off a relationship. Knowing how to manage personal finance, handle debt, and communicate honestly about money makes a huge difference, especially in marriage. Bottom line: trust, honesty, and financial teamwork are key to keeping both your relationship and your wallet in good shape.
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In this episode, Luis opens up about his personal experience living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), offering a candid look at how the condition shaped his life from childhood through adulthood. He describes the early signs of inattentive ADHD, a type that is often misunderstood, and the significant challenges it brought, including procrastination, burnout, and struggles with motivation—often tied to dopamine regulation.
Luis discusses the emotional toll of living undiagnosed, and how receiving the diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, and depression became a validating and transformative moment in his mental health journey. He explains how medication has helped manage his symptoms, alongside a variety of coping strategies, such as structure, routine, and body doubling, which have been essential in improving productivity and daily functioning.
Luis and Amber also speak on how ADHD has impacted their relationship, emphasizing the importance of open communication and mutual understanding when ADHD is involved. Luis highlights how self-acceptance and a deeper understanding of your unique brain wiring are crucial for navigating life with ADHD. This episode offers valuable insight for anyone affected by ADHD, directly or indirectly, and underscores the importance of awareness, support, and tailored strategies for managing the condition effectively.
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In this episode, Luis and Amber dive deep into their relationship by answering thought-provoking prompts from the Skin Deep card deck. Through a series of intimate questions, they explore how their individual experiences, including trauma, skin issues, and ADHD, influence the way they connect and support each other. Their candid conversation highlights the role of open communication, emotional support, and self-awareness in navigating challenges and strengthening their bond. They reflect on the healing they've experienced together, the power of affirmations, and how love and intentionality sustain their intimacy. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of mutual understanding and the ongoing journey of personal growth in building a fulfilling partnership.
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In this episode, Luis and Amber offer insightful relationship advice as they explore two relationship dilemmas submitted on Reddit. The first involves a woman grappling with emotional cheating after discovering her husband's close connection with a coworker (AKA his "work wife") which sparking a discussion about trust issues and personal boundaries. The second centers on a woman whose fiancé admits to lingering feelings for his ex, right in the middle of their engagement party! This highlights the emotional complexity of engagement dilemmas. Throughout the episode, Luis and Amber stress the importance of communication in relationships, emphasizing open dialogue, empathy, and thoughtful reflection when facing difficult decisions in love.
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In this conversation, the Amber Semidey, LCSW and Luis Semidey, LPC discuss their thoughts on gender roles in a marriage. They explore their childhood experiences and cultural perspectives, examining how these early influences shape expectations in marriage and household responsibilities like cooking and cleaning. They emphasize the importance of clear communication and adaptability in navigating relationship dynamics, highlighting how personal backgrounds can lead to differing views on domestic roles. Drawing from their own experiences, they reflect on how their understanding of gender roles has evolved, ultimately encouraging open dialogue to build mutual understanding and balance in partnerships.
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In this episode, therapists Luis Semidey, LPC, and Amber Semidey, LCSW, offer valuable relationship advice as they explore the intricacies of conflict resolution and conflict management. Drawing from both their personal experiences and therapist insights, they examine how early life experiences influence our approach to relationship dynamics and conflict. The discussion highlights the impact of attachment styles, the power of healthy communication, and the importance of implementing effective communication strategies. Emphasizing emotional safety and mutual understanding, the Semideys stress the need to create a secure environment where open dialogue can thrive, thus paving the way for healthier, more resilient relationships.Follow us on Instagram! @TheMarriedTherapists
In this conversation, Luis and Amber explore their experiences with dating and relationships, both before and after marriage. They speak through how expectations, communication, and compatibility shape meaningful connections, while also emphasizing the role of personal growth and emotional health in building lasting partnerships. The discussion covers the challenges posed by dating apps, the lingering effects of past relationships, and ends with a new segment called "Let's Unpack This". In this segment, they discuss a recent show they watched and their thoughts about it. In this episode, they discuss Temptation Island and how they feel reality TV influences modern views on love and commitment. Through personal anecdotes, they offer thoughtful insights into the evolving landscape of dating today.
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In this conversation, Amber Semidey, LCSW and Luis Semidey, LPC dive into the complexities of cheating in relationships, challenging the notion that "once a cheater, always a cheater." They explore how infidelity can stem from deeper issues and emphasize the potential for reformed cheaters to grow through emotional growth, self-disclosure, and accountability. The discussion highlights the role of communication and therapy in healing and rebuilding trust. They also examine the consequences of cheating, the dynamics of monogamy versus polyamory, and the importance of understanding individual needs and values within relationships.Follow us on Instagram: @themarriedtherapists
In this episode, Amber Semidey, LCSW and Luis Semidey, LPC delve into the dynamics of friendship between men and women, unpacking the layers of emotional intimacy, vulnerability, and the fine line where communication and boundaries play a crucial role in maintaining trust and avoiding cheating. They also debut a new segment called Mood of the Moment, where they open up about their current emotional states and reflect on their personal growth journeys. Throughout the discussion, they highlight how health—both emotional and relational—is foundational to building strong, supportive relationships.
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In this conversation, Luis and Amber delve into their personal backgrounds and reflect on how their childhood influences shaped their marriage expectations. They explore how their relationship dynamics have shifted over time, revealing their evolving perspectives on both marriage and dating. Through candid discussion, they emphasize the role of communication in marriage and how open dialogue supports both emotional connection and mental health. Their exchange underscores the complexity of personal growth and the value of adulthood insights and self-reflection in building strong, healthy relationships.
In this conversation, Luis opens up about his experience in an abusive marriage, sharing the emotional journey from the early excitement of love to the painful realization of red flags and harmful relationship dynamics. He reflects on the complexities of emotional abuse, the toll it took on his mental health, and the internal battles he faced throughout the engagement and marriage. Luis candidly discusses the moment he reached his breaking point and made the difficult decision to pursue divorce. Through his story, he highlights the importance of recognizing signs of domestic violence, reclaiming self-worth, and the ongoing process of healing and personal growth. The conversation serves as both a personal testimony and a call for greater awareness around the realities of toxic relationships.
Domestic Violence Resources
If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available. For immediate help with domestic violence, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVIES to 22522. They're available 24/7
You can also contact the StrongHearts Native Helpline at 844-762-8483. For additional support you can explore a comprehensive support, you can explore a comprehensive database of programs and shelters in the U.S. and Canada at DomesticShelters.org.
Remember, you are not alone, and help is within reach.
In this episode, Amber shares her deeply personal journey through an abusive relationship, shedding light on the emotional abuse she endured and the red flags she overlooked. She opens up about the emotional turmoil, the control and isolation she experienced, and the eventual realization that change was necessary. The conversation explores the complexities of family dynamics, the long-lasting effects of domestic violence, and the vital role of therapy in healing. Amber’s story is one of personal growth, resilience, and empowerment, illustrating the importance of recognizing abuse and seeking help. Her path to healing serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming adversity and advocating for others facing similar struggles.
Domestic Violence Resources
If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available.
For immediate help with domestic violence, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-8233 or text LOVEIS to 22522. They're available 24/7
You can also contact StrongHearts Native Helpline at 844-762-8483. For additional support, you can explore a comprehensive database of programs and shelters in the U.S. and Canada at DomesticShelters.org.
Remember, you are not alone, and help is within reach.
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YouTube: @MarriedTherapists
In this inaugural episode of The Married Therapist: A Relationship Podcast, hosts Luis Semidey, LPC and Amber Semidey, LCSW dive into their personal love story and their journey of trauma recovery from past abusive relationships. As therapists, they share insights on how their dating experiences shaped their approach to building healthy relationships. They open up about meeting on dating apps, their first dates, and the deep conversations that led to their love confessions. Through their therapist insights, they explore the role of communication skills, emotional healing, and personal growth in fostering a strong partnership. Listeners can expect future episodes of this relationship podcast to feature relationship advice, real-life experiences, and discussions on the challenges and joys of love.
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