PODCAST · society
The Learning Love Podcast
by Dr. Mark A. Hicks
Peace of mind, health, and happiness all come from healthy relationships. Connections with family, friends, co-workers, and spouse or partner lead to personal and professional success. Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love. Brought to you by The Learning Love Foundation: https://www.learninglovefoundation.com/ Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark
Episodes
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The Right Person or the Right Effort? Why Lasting Love Requires Both.
What matters more in a lasting relationship: finding the right person—or putting in the right effort? Some people believe that when you meet your soulmate, everything simply clicks. The relationship feels natural, the connection is strong, and you should not need a strategy to make it work.…
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Grief Begins When We Let Go of “Why?”
Why do terrible things happen? Why did this relationship end? Why did I lose the job I worked so hard for? Why did someone I love have to die? This week, my 28-year-old nephew, Joshua, died. In this extraordinarily personal episode of The Learning Love Podcast, I talk honestly about the question...
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The Message Behind the Words "You Should Just Know"
You should have known.” It is one of the most painful things we say in a relationship—and usually it does not mean, “You failed a test.” It means, “I wanted to feel noticed. I wanted to matter enough for you to see what I was carrying without me having to ask.” In this episode of The Learning…
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How To Bring Up Difficult Topics Without Causing a Fight
How do you bring up something that is bothering you without turning it into a fight? In this episode of The Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks talks about how to have hard conversations in relationships without shutting down, blowing up, becoming sarcastic, or pretending everything is fine...
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Why We Repeat The Same Bad Patterns
Why do we keep repeating the same relationship patterns, even when they leave us hurt, exhausted, or wondering why love keeps ending the same way? In this episode of The Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks explores why people are often drawn to familiar relationship dynamics—even when those...
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How Heartbreak Becomes a Teacher
In this heartfelt episode of the Learning Love Podcast, we explore what love teaches us after disappointment, heartbreak, rejection, and unmet expectations. When love does not go the way we hoped, it can leave us questioning our worth, our choices, and whether it is safe to open our hearts again....
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Why Good Relationships Still Leave Some People Empty
What happens when you have a good marriage, supportive friends, a loving family… and still feel lonely, empty, restless, or emotionally unfulfilled? In this deeply honest episode of The Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks explores one of the most misunderstood struggles in modern life: the...
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“It’s Been Years” — The Excuse That Destroys Relationships
What happens when conflict is never actually addressed — only ignored until enough time passes that someone hopes it will simply disappear? In this powerful episode of The Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks explores one of the most common patterns in emotionally unhealthy and dysfunctional...
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Love Means Making the Effort to Understand
Why do so many relationships slowly drift into frustration, criticism, defensiveness, and emotional distance? Often, it’s not because people stop loving each other. It’s because they stop trying to understand each other. In this deeply personal episode of The Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark A....
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You Can't Build Great Relationships on Poor Self Esteem
What role does self-esteem really play in love, connection, and emotional health? More than most people realize. In this episode of The Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks explores why healthy relationships are deeply connected to the way we see ourselves. Low self-esteem doesn’t just affect...
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Why Mocking Your Spouse Is More Dangerous Than You Think
In this episode of The Learning Love Podcast, we explore one of the most common relationship habits that quietly destroys trust: putting down your spouse in front of friends, coworkers, or family members. It may seem harmless. A joke. A complaint. A way to vent or get a laugh. But over time,...
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Are You Still Living by Rules You Didn’t Choose?
In this episode of The Learning Love Podcast, we explore a truth that quietly shapes every relationship you have: your family of origin taught you patterns—some helpful, some limiting—and all of them feel normal… until they don’t. Even if you grew up in a healthy home, those habits don’t...
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5 Things That Quietly Build Trust Every Day
Most people think trust is built in big moments—big promises, big tests, big turning points. But in real relationships, trust is built much more quietly than that. It’s built in the small, everyday interactions that often go unnoticed… until they’re missing. In this episode of The Learning Love...
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Three Factors for Building a Happy Life and Relationships
Sometimes we look for our relationships to make us happy, but love and relationships work better when we work on ourselves first. In this episode, Dr. Mark A. Hicks explores the three factor that can help you be happier in life and happy people tend to have happier relationships. If you want more...
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The Grief of Growth: Letting Go to Build Healthy Relationships
Takeaways Personal growth often feels painful because healing requires letting go of old identities, familiar patterns, and unhealthy relationship dynamics. Setting boundaries and growing in confidence may change relationships, especially with people who benefited from your self-doubt or...
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When to Let It Go and When to Speak Up in Relationships
Takeaways Healthy relationships require both grace and truth, not constant confrontation or total silence. One-time mistakes and harmless personality differences are often better handled with patience and compassion. Repeated disrespect, broken trust, emotional withdrawal, and values violations...
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Calm Is Contagious: How to Lead Through Panic in Family, Work, and Life
Takeaways Calm and panic both spread quickly through families, workplaces, and relationships. The calmest person in the room often becomes the emotional anchor and helps others regulate. Healthy relationships are strengthened when problems are approached with calm, clarity, and solutions. In this...
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How to Avoid Getting Addicted to Drama
Takeaways Drama can become addictive when chaos, conflict, and outrage start to feel normal. Social media often fuels drama addiction by rewarding outrage, doom scrolling, and emotional reactivity. Peace begins with intentional habits like quiet, deep breathing, healthy boundaries, and refusing…
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How to Make People Feel Loved by Truly Listening
Takeaways Being heard can feel just like being loved, especially in a world marked by loneliness and disconnection. Listening with compassion can reduce conflict, build trust, and strengthen relationships at home and at work. You do not have to agree with someone to hear them well; understanding…
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Boundaries, Therapy, and Community: Building Relationships That Heal
In this episode of The Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks explores how trauma affects the brain—and why love is a powerful part of healing. He explains that trauma doesn’t need to be compared or ranked to be valid: if it deeply affected you, it matters. Trauma can leave lasting emotional...
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8 Steps for Building Trust in Relationships
In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the concept of love as the fundamental answer to relationship challenges, emphasizing the importance of applying love in practical ways. He delves into the critical aspect of building trust in relationships, discussing how trust can be established and...
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Living an Audacious Life with the REBUILD Strategy feat. Audley Stephenson
Takeaways Rebuilding starts with self-awareness: reflection and evaluation help you understand what brought you here and what needs to change. Belief fuels movement: confidence isn’t optional when you’re starting over—it’s the engine that helps you keep going. Audacity is already in you: you…
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What to Do When You’re Not Being Heard in Your Relationship (Without Yelling)
Takeaways If you feel unheard, move from casual comments to clear, calm, eye-to-eye communication. Use a simple tool to confirm understanding: ask your partner to repeat back what they heard. Avoid the escalation trap—yelling or manipulation may ‘work,’ but it costs connection. Discern the issue:...
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From Combat Medic to Healer: Bee Doyle’s Journey of Trauma & Transformation
Takeaways Trauma is not only psychological—it’s stored in the body. Traditional therapy doesn’t always reach the root of trauma. Healing begins by finding safety in your body and nervous system. In this eye-opening episode of The Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark Hicks speaks with Bee Doyle, a…
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Love Is Not Mind Reading: Communicating Your Needs in Marriage
In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the essential role of love in building meaningful relationships. He discusses common myths surrounding romantic partnerships, particularly the unrealistic expectation that partners should be mind readers. Hicks emphasizes the importance of communication,...
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The Platinum Rule in Grief: Lessons on Love from Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen
Pre-order Liz's book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 In this deeply moving episode of The Learning Love Podcast, host Dr. Mark A. Hicks sits down with Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen—nurse practitioner, flower farmer, podcast...
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Why Love Can't Thrive Without Relaxation: Practical Tools for Peaceful Relationships
In this episode, Mark Hicks delves into the profound concept that 'love is the answer' and emphasizes the importance of creating a peaceful environment for love to flourish. He discusses how stress and tension can hinder emotional connections in relationships, whether with partners, family, or...
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The Hidden Power of Sadness in Building Stronger Relationships
In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the multifaceted nature of love, emphasizing the importance of emotions, particularly sadness, in fostering healthy relationships. He argues that society has largely replaced sadness with anger, leading to a culture that values toughness over...
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The Power of Love in Starting Over and Moving Forward
In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the concept of starting over in life, emphasizing that love is the answer to many of life's challenges. He discusses the importance of recognizing when it's time to make a change, the fantasy of erasing the past, and the necessity of going through a grief...
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2025 "Best of" The Learning Love Podcast
In this episode of the Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks, the host, discusses his new book 'Learning Love,' set to be released on June 10, 2025, by Morgan James Publishing. Dr. Hicks shares his journey of writing and the life lessons about relationships he learned through the experience.…
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Relationship Rules That Actually Matter with Dr. Mark A. Hicks [REPLAY of 'The Love Story Podcast']
In this replay episode of The Learning Love Podcast, Dr. Mark Hicks revisits a powerful conversation from his guest appearance on The Love Story Podcast, hosted by Ashley Green. Together, they explore the realities of relationships, particularly during young adulthood, and unpack the pressures...
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The Power of Silence: How Quiet Time Can Transform Your Relationships
In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the profound impact of love and the necessity of silence in our lives. He emphasizes that while love is the answer to many of life's questions, applying it can be challenging. Hicks introduces the concept of embracing silence as a difficult yet...
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Why Choosing Love Over Fear Could Be Humanity’s Greatest Turning Point
In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the profound impact of love, wisdom, and cooperation in various aspects of life, including families, organizations, and society. He emphasizes that the greatest moment in human history is when we collectively decide that these values are more important…
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How Your Brain Lies to You and What Love Can Do About It
In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the concept that love is the ultimate answer to life's problems, emphasizing the importance of applying love in our relationships. He discusses how our brains often deceive us, leading to misunderstandings and unhealthy dynamics in relationships. By...
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Why Your Worth Isn't Measured by What You Achieve
In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the profound concept that love is the answer to many of life's questions. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our inherent worth, independent of our accomplishments. Hicks discusses the societal pressures that tie self-worth to achievements and…
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How to Be Happy for No Reason: The Neuroscience of Mood
In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the transformative power of love and the importance of choosing to be in a good mood for no reason. He emphasizes that happiness can be a default setting through practice and neuroplasticity, encouraging listeners to develop this skill for a more…
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Why Love Is the Ultimate Solution to Political Divide
In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the idea that love is the answer to life's challenges, particularly in the context of American politics. He discusses how love can be applied to navigate through difficult problems, emphasizing the importance of compassion and helping others amidst...
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The Number One Thing That Determines Happiness in Relationships
In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the profound nature of love and relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication in sustaining long-term connections. He discusses how genuine conversations can foster deeper understanding and connection, and shares practical tips for…
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Authenticity vs. Fitting In: What Love Really Requires
In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the profound nature of love and connection, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in building meaningful relationships. He discusses the common struggle of individuals to present a polished version of themselves, often leading to a lack of genuine...
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Practicing Love Amid Chaos
In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the complexities of love, emphasizing that while love is a powerful force, it does not eliminate fear, anger, or darkness from our lives. Instead, love should be viewed as a balancing act that coexists with life's challenges. Hicks encourages listeners...
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What Divides Us Can Unite Us: Lessons in Cultural Healing
In this conversation, Mark Hicks discusses the importance of love in relationships and how it can be applied to various aspects of life, including family, community, and workplace cultures. He emphasizes the need for dignity, truthfulness, compassion, accountability, autonomy, and interdependence...
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Understanding Anxiety Through the Lens of Love
In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the profound impact of love on our lives and relationships, emphasizing the importance of applying love to the struggles we face, particularly anxiety. He discusses how anxiety can affect relationships, the distinction between general anxiety and anxiety...
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How to Navigate Intense Disagreements with Love and Compassion
In this episode of the Learning Love Podcast, Mark Hicks explores the principles of love and relationships, particularly in the context of intense disagreements. He emphasizes the importance of moving beyond a zero-sum mentality, actively listening to others, finding common ground, and practicing...
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Why Your Long-Term Relationship Might Feel Empty (And What to Do About It)
In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the complexities of love and relationships, particularly focusing on the challenges faced in long-term partnerships. He introduces the concept of the 'young adult checklist' that many individuals follow, which can lead to a sense of emptiness once all...
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The Hidden Link Between Fear and Failed Relationships
In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the complexities of love and emotions, emphasizing the importance of understanding happiness, sadness, and fear in building healthy relationships. He discusses how emotions are interconnected and how they influence our connections with others. The...
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You Can’t Love Others Without This One Thing: Self-Love Explained
In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the concept of love, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's own image of love and the responsibility of self-love. He discusses how our expectations of love from others can lead to disappointment and resentment, and how loving ourselves...
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The Secret Window That Saves Relationships After Conflict
In this episode of the Learning Love podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks explores the concept of 'oops moments' in communication and relationships. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the ability to recognize when we have made a mistake in our interactions with others. Dr. Hicks introduces...
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Why Replacing “But” with “And” Can Transform Your Relationships
In this episode of the Learning Love podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks explores the transformative power of love and effective communication. He emphasizes the importance of language in conversations, particularly the impact of substituting 'but' with 'and' to foster collaboration and understanding. Dr....
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The Practical Path to Happier Relationships Through Love
In this episode of the Learning Love podcast, Dr. Mark A. Hicks explores the concept of love as a practical skill set that can be learned and applied to improve relationships, communities, and personal well-being. He emphasizes that love is not just an idealistic notion but a tangible approach to...
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"Who Made That Rule?": Challenging Social Norms and Personal Beliefs
In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the concept of love as a transformative force in our lives. He emphasizes the importance of questioning societal norms and personal beliefs, particularly through the lens of the question, 'Who made that rule?' Hicks explores various aspects of life,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Peace of mind, health, and happiness all come from healthy relationships. Connections with family, friends, co-workers, and spouse or partner lead to personal and professional success. Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.
Brought to you by The Learning Love Foundation: https://www.learninglovefoundation.com/
Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark
HOSTED BY
Dr. Mark A. Hicks
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Learning Love Podcast have?
The Learning Love Podcast currently has 92 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Learning Love Podcast about?
Peace of mind, health, and happiness all come from healthy relationships. Connections with family, friends, co-workers, and spouse or partner lead to personal and professional success. Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build...
How often does The Learning Love Podcast release new episodes?
The Learning Love Podcast has 92 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Learning Love Podcast?
You can listen to The Learning Love Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Learning Love Podcast?
The Learning Love Podcast is created and hosted by Dr. Mark A. Hicks.
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