The Mental Load: Navigating Marriage After Kids w/ Dr. Morgan Cutlip

Feeling buried under the invisible weight of family life? You're not alone. Dr. Morgan Cutlip joins us for a raw, honest conversation about the unspoken reality of marriage after children.This conversation tackles the infamous "mental load" – that seemingly endless running to-do list. Dr. Cutlip brilliantly breaks it down into three overlapping domains: physical tasks, mental planning, and emotional labor. The "triple threat" tasks requiring all three simultaneously explain why parenthood can feel so depleting. And yes, she confirms, this directly impacts desire and intimacy in ways other mental load discussions rarely address.What sets this discussion apart is the practical hope it offers. Rather than falling into what Dr. Cutlip calls the "hardship Olympics" where partners compete over who has it worse, she offers tools to break cycles of resentment that trap many couples.Dr. Cutlip's upcoming book "A Better Share" promises a refreshing approach that views couples as teammates against the impossible standards of modern parenting rather than opponents. For anyone feeling lost in the fog of early parenthood or wondering if their relationship struggles are normal – this conversation offers validation, practical tools, and most importantly, the assurance that you can find your way back to connection.Pre-order Dr. Morgan Cutlip's book "A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment and Great Sex" available April 8th, 2025, wherever books are sold.Follow Morgan @drmorgancutlip --------This episode is sponsored by Feast and Fettle Use code GATHER25 for $25 your first week of professional chef meals delivered straight to your door! Support the show