Startup Spouses

Episode Description: Body image isn't just a women's issue — and it's not just about how you look. In this episode of Startup Spouses, Marie and Adam get honest about their personal journeys with body image, eating disorders, and the cultural pressures that shape how we see ourselves. Marie shares her experience being put on a diet at 12 years old, navigating body dysmorphia through perimenopause, and how open conversations with Adam became a turning point for her confidence and sexuality. Adam reflects on the silent struggles men face with body image, and together they discuss their family's real-life battle with severe eating disorders — and why this epidemic doesn't get nearly enough attention or resources. This is a candid, compassionate conversation about letting go of impossible ideals, embracing your body as it is, and how confidence in yourself shows up in your relationship, your sex life, and your business. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders, body image, and related mental health topics. Show Notes: In this episode, Marie and Adam discuss: Why body image is a topic that affects men and women equally Marie's story: being put on a diet at age 12 and the long road to body confidence The "calories in, calories out" myth — and why our bodies are smarter than that How diet culture and the obesity industry have overshadowed the eating disorder epidemic Eating disorders as one of the highest-mortality mental illnesses — and why we don't talk about it enough Body dysmorphia: how we see ourselves vs. how our partners see us How open, honest conversations about intimacy and desire helped Marie reclaim her sexiness The power of embodiment — feeling sexy in your whole body, not just your head Their family's experience with a daughter battling severe anorexia and bulimia, and the lack of support for parents Practical tips: better lighting, professional photography, and ditching the mirror How weight training and martial arts shifted their relationship with exercise from punishment to celebration Why making your spouse feel sexy is one of the most important investments in your relationship Resources Mentioned: TADAM Photography (Denver, CO) — also featured in the Netflix show How to Build a Sex Room Connect with Marie & Adam: If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder or body image issues, reach out to Marie directly — she can point you toward resources and support. If you enjoyed this episode

Show Notes:Ever feel like you're speaking a completely different language than your partner? In this episode of Startup Spouses, Marie (relationship & sex coach) and Adam (business coach) dive into three powerful frameworks that have transformed their own relationship — and can do the same for yours.They break down:The 5 Love Languages — why you might be showing love in a way your partner doesn't receive, and how to bridge that gapAttachment Styles — anxious, avoidant, secure, and disorganized, and how they show up in both your relationship and your business partnershipThe Enneagram — a deep-dive personality tool that helps you understand why you and your partner operate the way you do (Marie is a 2, Adam is a 3!)Marie and Adam get real about their own struggles — from feeling unloved despite trying hard, to avoidance patterns that crept into their relationship. This episode is a great starting point for couples who want to have safer, more vulnerable conversations without diving straight into the deep end.🔗 Download the free weekly meeting workbook to start having these conversations in just 20 minutes a week — link in the show notes.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a fellow entrepreneurial couple, and don't forget to like and subscribe!

Episode Description:Legacy. It's one of the most loaded words in entrepreneurship — and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Startup Spouses, Marie and Adam Hill get real about what legacy actually means for entrepreneurial couples, why the traditional model is broken, and how to stop building a legacy about you and start building one for them.Drawing on Adam's firsthand experience as a fourth-generation family business leader — and the trauma, obligation, and identity crisis that came with it — this conversation will challenge everything you think you know about passing something on.Show Notes:Episode: Legacy — From Preservation to PreparationStartup Spouses | Helping entrepreneurial couples take their relationship from mediocre to mind-blowingIn this episode, Marie and Adam cover:Why 60% of family businesses don't survive to the second generation — and 90% don't make it to the thirdThe difference between legacy as preservation vs. legacy as preparationHow Adam's fourth-generation family business shaped (and burdened) his identityWhy estate planning and tax strategy are NOT a legacyThe danger of tying your family's entire identity to a single businessHow "sacred cows" silently destroy multi-generational companiesWhy legacy, at its core, is really about control — and what to do about itHow to have values conversations with your kids starting as young as 8 or 9Using your business as a vehicle for the next generation — not an obligationThe "shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in three generations" phenomenonKey Takeaway:Stop trying to preserve what you've built. Start preparing the next generation to create their own value — on their own terms.

Episode Description:What if the key to a stronger business partnership was in the bedroom? In this episode of Startup Spouses, Marie and Adam tackle "the big P" — Pleasure — and why entrepreneurial couples can't afford to ignore it. They explore how years of conditioning have taught us to earn, limit, and feel shame around pleasure, and why that's quietly undermining both your relationship and your business. Marie breaks down what it actually means to get out of your head and into your body, and why that shift is the foundation for better decisions, lower stress, and a more connected partnership — in and out of the boardroom.Show Notes:In this honest and eye-opening conversation, Marie (relationship and intimacy coach) and Adam (business coach) dig into why pleasure is one of the most underrated tools in an entrepreneurial couple's toolkit.What you'll hear in this episode:Why we're conditioned to treat pleasure as something that must be earned — and how that belief silently damages your relationship and your businessThe shame and guilt cycles many couples carry around pleasure, and how to start loosening their gripWhat embodiment actually means and why it matters more than meditation for high-achieving entrepreneursThe connection between being in your body and making better business decisionsPractical exercises you can start today:Breath work — simple techniques to shift out of "work brain" and into your bodyOne Touch Sessions — a 30-minute practice where one partner gives and one partner receives, removing the pressure to perform or be transactionalOpen communication rhythms — how to talk about what feels good (and what doesn't) without shame or defensivenessWhy pleasure isn't outcome-oriented — and why that's the whole pointThe difference between spontaneous and responsive desire, and how to bridge the gapHow prioritizing pleasure signals safety to your nervous system and lowers anxietyWhy great sex, a great relationship, and a great business are the three legs of the stoolResources mentioned:Somatica Method / somatic body practicesDiscovery call with Marie (free 30-minute session)Key takeaway: Prioritizing pleasure isn't selfish or shameful — it's a signal to your body and mind that you're safe, and that safety is the foundation for everything else: creativity, confidence, connection, and business growth.

Your marriage isn't failing because you love each other less. It's failing because you're running three companies with no operating system.Most entrepreneurial couples treat their business, their marriage, and themselves as one tangled system — and wonder why everything feels like it's burning. In this episode, Adam and Marie break down the Three Circles Model (adapted from a 1978 Harvard framework for family businesses) and show you exactly how to separate your operating systems so each one can actually perform.What you'll learn:Why enmeshment is silently destroying both your relationship AND your business performanceHow to build three distinct operating systems: Business, Marriage, and SelfThe direct link between intimacy and business output (yes, they're connected — and the data proves it)Why your individual identity is the foundation everything else runs onIf you're an entrepreneur who's ever felt like you can't fully show up at work or at home — this episode is your diagnostic.🎙️ Startup Spouses is hosted by Adam and Marie — married 20 years, business partners, and brutally honest about what it actually takes to make both work.📩 Subscribe for weekly conversations at the intersection of entrepreneurship and marriage.

In this episode, Adam and Marie dive deep into the topic of shame — what it is, where it comes from, and how it silently impacts our relationships, our bodies, and our sense of self.What You'll Learn:The difference between guilt and shame — and why it mattersHow shame becomes tied to your identity (not just your actions)The shame spiral behind addiction: alcohol, food, and beyondWhy we assign shame to food and bodiesSexual shame: how religion, culture, and upbringing silence usHow shame is used as a tool for controlWhat happened when Adam and Marie finally started having open conversations about sexPractical steps to start breaking free from shameTimestamps:0:00 — Hook: Shame and disconnection from our bodies0:31 — Welcome & Introductions0:50 — What's the difference between guilt and shame?1:42 — Why shame matters in relationships3:55 — Shame and addiction: the spiral7:04 — Adam's personal story with sexual shame10:25 — How shame shows up in your sex life16:31 — Sexual shame, religion, and purity culture19:45 — When shame is about control24:30 — Breaking free: separating behavior from identity27:08 — How Marie helps clients release shame28:30 — Teaser for Part 2 + free weekly connection workbookResources Mentioned:Sex with Emily podcast (Dr. Emily Morse)Weekly Connection Workbook (link in bio / show notes)Connect With Us:Subscribe & leave a 5-star review!Share with a fellow entrepreneurial couple

Adam and Marie explore the often-unspoken topic of loneliness within long-term relationships, especially for entrepreneurial couples. Drawing from their own 27-year journey together, they discuss why you can feel deeply lonely even when you're partnered, how inauthenticity and unmet expectations feed that isolation, and practical steps to rebuild connection — both with yourself and your community.Key Topics Discussed:Feeling lonely in a relationship — Why it's more common than people think, and the guilt that comes with itAuthenticity and loneliness — Adam shares his experience with undiagnosed ADHD, masking, and how not being his authentic self led to deep lonelinessThe "individual operating system" — How not knowing yourself can be a root cause of loneliness in relationships and businessLoneliness in men — Statistics on male loneliness and suicide, shrinking friend networks, societal conditioning around emotions, and why men struggle to find safe spaces to be vulnerableLoneliness in women — The exhaustion of competing expectations (work, family, appearance), hormonal changes, and the difficulty of making friends as an adultYour partner can't be everything — Why expecting your spouse to be your therapist, best friend, and sole source of fulfillment leads to resentment and burnoutResentment and over-giving — How pushing past your boundaries to "give" in a relationship builds resentment and deeper disconnectionSecure vs. insecure attachment — Why intentional separation strengthens relationships, and how anxious attachment patterns ("you complete me") can be harmfulFinding and building community — Practical advice on exploring interests, joining local groups, being consistent, entering with humility and curiosity, and using social media to find in-person communitiesWhat makes a great community — Three elements: shared interest, mentorship, and a cohort of peers growing alongside youWeekly spouse meetings — 20-minute intentional check-ins to reconnect, communicate, and feel seen and heardResources Mentioned:GoBundance (entrepreneurial community)Alcoholics Anonymous (as an example of welcoming community)Suicide prevention hotlines (if you are feeling overwhelmed by loneliness)Free Workbook: Weekly 20-minute spouse meeting guide — available in the show notes or by messaging Marie on social mediaConnect With Us:Instagram: @MariechillInstagram: @StartupSpousesIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend!

Ever wonder why a simple disagreement turn into a full-blown argument? In this episode, Adam and Marie get real about one of their own past arguments and unpack why couples — especially entrepreneurial ones — fight the way they do.What You'll Learn:Why arguments are rarely about what you think they're aboutHow childhood experiences shape the way you fight as an adultWhat Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is and how it can helpThe concept of a "personal operating system" and why you need one before fixing your business or relationshipHow to hold space for your partner's emotions (even when it's uncomfortable)Practical steps to take the next time you get triggeredKey Moments:The bike argument: how a simple purchase revealed deeper issues around money, scarcity, and childhood woundsMarie shares how her 7-year-old self created a coping strategy she carried into adulthoodAdam talks about learning to sit with uncomfortable emotions instead of suppressing themThe three operating systems: individual, relationship, and business — and why that order mattersThe "five whys" exercise to get to the root of any argumentThis Week's Challenge:Next time you have an argument and feel triggered, write it down. Ask yourself "why?" five times to dig down to the root of what's really going on.Resources Mentioned:No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz (creator of IFS therapy)Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapyConnect With Us:Download our free weekly connection workbook (link in show notes). If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!

Episode Summary:Adam and Marie challenge the conventional narrative around imposter syndrome, reframing it from a problem to overcome into a powerful signal that you're in exactly the right place for growth. Fresh off earning their black belts in karate, they share personal stories about navigating self-doubt in martial arts, business, and marriage—and reveal the four-step framework that turns fear into fuel for achievement.In This Episode:The Big ReframeWhy imposter syndrome is "absolute bullshit" as a bad thingThe difference between danger fear vs. opportunity fearHow self-doubt is actually intellectual honesty, not weaknessThe Dunning-Kruger JourneyThe confidence gap: where imposter syndrome actually livesWhy you feel like an expert before you start, then crash when you realize the challengeThe sweet spot of fear + excitement = opportunityThe Four-Step Framework for Bridging the GapVisionStay connected to where you're going despite feeling like an imposterCommunityFind mentors who've been there and cohorts going through it with youFrameworkEstablish the system and boundaries for your journey (like EOS for business)ExecutionBoring, consistent daily action (throwing a thousand punches)Imposter Syndrome in RelationshipsHow Adam and Marie are preparing for empty nest with intentional reconnectionWhy shedding your marriage's "skin" during transitions is necessaryThe danger of fighting against self-doubt vs. embracing it togetherModeling vulnerability and growth for your childrenPersonal Stories Featured:Standing at the back of the karate dojo as 40+ year old white beltsMarie's journey from "I can never do an Ironman" to black belt confidenceThe two-year gap between having the podcast idea and launching itWhy David Goggins is wrong (and a unicorn)Key Takeaways:Imposter syndrome never goes away—even black belts feel itAnyone who doesn't feel it might have "psychopathic energy"The feeling isn't supposed to feel good; it's a signal you're pushing your comfort zoneAdd play and fun to the journey—don't take yourself too seriouslyFaith and self-doubt can coexistNotable Quotes:"Imposter syndrome is absolute bullshit in terms of it being a bad thing. It's actually a signal towards an opportunity that we can grow.""The combination of fear and excitement—that's my sweet spot.""You never overcome imposter syndrome. I feel it right now at Black Belt.""Embrace it. Enjoy it. Have fun with it."Mentioned Frameworks & Concepts:Dunning-Kruger EffectThe Confidence GapEOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)SPARK Framework (Play component)Connect With Us:If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Subscribe and rate the show to help us build a community of entrepreneurial couples creating 10/10 relationships.

Ever notice how you can remember every small thing your partner did wrong in an argument, but can't remember where you put your phone? In this episode of Startup Spouses, Marie and Adam dive deep into why we fight with the people we love most and what we can do about it.The Real Reason Behind ArgumentsWhy surface-level fights (like taking out the trash) are never actually about the trashHow ego and the need to "win" fuel relationship conflictsThe difference between discussions and argumentsPractical Tools to De-Escalate ConflictThe 0-10 activation scale: Assessing your emotional state before engagingBreathing exercises to activate your parasympathetic nervous systemFinding your neutral space when emotions run highCommunication Strategies That Actually WorkWhy you should never tell your spouse to "calm down"How to express feelings without triggering defensivenessThe power of slowing down your speech during heated momentsUsing "I feel" statements to get to root causesWhen to Step AwayRecognizing when you're too activated to have a productive conversationHow to pause an argument without abandoning your partnerSetting healthy boundaries during conflictThe Role of TherapyWhen breathing exercises aren't enoughDistinguishing between healing (therapy) and strengthening (coaching)Dealing with trauma and major life crises as a coupleIf you're past a 4 on the activation scale, don't have the conversation yetArguments often stem from deeper feelings of not being heard or understoodBoth partners need to commit to putting the issue "in front of you" rather than "between you"Practice regulation techniques daily, not just when you need themIf your partner won't engage, you can still be the regulator in the relationshipStartup Spouses helps entrepreneurial couples take their relationship from mediocre to mind blowing. Marie is a relationship and sex coach, and Adam is a business coach. Together, they share insights from their own marriage journey, including navigating six years of challenges with their daughter's eating disorder.Download our free weekly meeting workbook to practice constructive dialogue with your spouse and strengthen your relationship. Link in description.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction00:23 Why We Remember Everything Wrong in Arguments01:26 The Need to Win and Be Right02:30 When Arguments Escalate05:36 The 0-10 Activation Scale09:25 Breathing Exercises for De-Escalation14:48 Finding Your Neutral Space18:50 When Self-Righteous Anger Feels Good21:03 Giving Your Anger a Place to Go27:00 It's Not About the Trash: Finding Root Causes35:50 The Surprise Attack: When Arguments Come Out of Nowhere38:31 When Trauma and Crisis Fuel Arguments40:44 The Importance of Professional Help44:52 Slowing Down Your Speech to Regulate48:20 Final Thoughts and Breathing ExerciseSubscribe for more relationship advice for entrepreneurial couples.What You'll Learn:Key Takeaways:About Startup Spouses:Free Resource:

Asking your partner "how can I be a better spouse?" only to feel overwhelmed by their answer? In this episode, we challenge the conventional wisdom that you need to put your partner's needs first—and explain why discovering who YOU are is actually the key to showing up better in your relationship.In This Episode:• Why asking "what do you need from me?" puts too much pressure on your spouse• The difference between self-care and self-discovery (and why discovery matters more)• How to identify your core values, passions, and desires• Why pleasure (yes, including sexual pleasure) is essential to know about yourself• The connection between energy management and having "enough time"• How sobriety and recovery taught Adam about prioritizing identity• Practical exercises to start your self-discovery journey todayKey Takeaways:• You can't meet someone else's needs until you understand your own• Self-awareness is a superpower in relationships• Discovering yourself isn't selfish—it's how you become a better partner• Connection rhythms beat constantly asking "am I doing enough?"Action Steps:Monitor your energy: Make a list of activities/people that energize vs. drain youDiscover your core values using values cards or thinking about people you admireCreate space: Find 1 hour daily for quiet reflection and journalingGet curious: What are you daydreaming about? What brings you joy?Download our Weekly Connection workbook (link below)Resources Mentioned:• Personal VTO (Vision Traction Organizer) - Google it or check Adam's YouTube• Values cards (search Amazon or "The One Thing" values cards)• Adam's book "Shifting Gears" on sobriety and identity• Weekly Connection Workbook: [YOUR LINK]Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction: Why we're talking about ourselves1:25 - The problem with "how can I show up better for you?"5:05 - Why Marie's social media post sparked controversy8:28 - Self-discovery vs. expectations in relationships13:35 - The importance of knowing your own pleasure17:20 - Breaking free from imposed identities23:20 - Sex, shame, and discovering what you actually want31:00 - How Adam's relationship with sex changed through discovery38:40 - Family business and religious conditioning49:50 - Time, energy, and efficiency: Why you DO have time58:00 - Monitoring your energy as a discovery tool1:08:30 - The personal operating system: Values and passion1:37:20 - Creating space for self-discovery2:13:00 - When one partner is growing faster than the other2:39:00 - Adam's sobriety story: Putting yourself first2:42:45 - Final action steps and resourcesConnect With Us:@startupspouses  Join the conversation: What's one thing you're discovering about yourself right now? Drop a comment below.If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share with an entrepreneurial couple who needs to hear this message.

Are you and your partner building a business together while trying to keep your relationship alive? Stop chasing "balance" – it's exhausting, anxiety-inducing, and impossible to maintain. In this episode, Marie (relationship & sex coach) and Adam (business coach) reveal why the 8-8-8 formula doesn't work and what entrepreneurial couples should focus on instead.🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:✅ Replace "balance" with connection, presence, and intentionality✅ The Three Circles Model: How to compartmentalize business, relationship, and ownership✅ The secret transition tool that prevents work stress from destroying your relationship✅ Why treating your relationship like a business actually makes it MORE romantic✅ How to regulate your nervous system before difficult conversations📍 TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Hook: "What could possibly go wrong?"00:19 - Welcome to Startup Spouses00:31 - The #1 question: How do you balance relationship and business?01:49 - Why we need to stop using the word "balance"02:49 - The 8-8-8 formula (and why it doesn't work)04:48 - Throw 8-8-8 out the window05:19 - It's about prioritization and intentionality09:33 - Connection is the real goal (not balance)11:22 - The Pogo Ball analogy: Why balance is exhausting12:56 - Connection and fulfillment over balance14:46 - The Three Circles Model for family business17:42 - Compartmentalizing: Business partners vs. spouses19:18 - The secret transition tool25:09 - How to transition: Take a walk, regulate your nervous system26:26 - The 0-10 scale: Don't have difficult conversations at a 1027:54 - Energy attunement during transitions32:46 - Curiosity and asking meaningful questions34:25 - Eye gazing and tantric connection practices36:36 - Why treating relationships like business isn't unromantic44:44 - Connection = knowing your partner like you know your customers48:07 - Final thoughts: Connection creates capacity for spontaneity49:39 - Download our FREE Couple's Connection Workbook (20 min/week)💡 QUOTABLE MOMENTS:"Balance to me, when I'm thinking of balancing on a pogo ball – a lot of energy and a lot of anxiety. When am I gonna fall? When's everything gonna fall apart?" – Adam"What we want is to feel connected and fulfilled. That somebody's prioritizing us." – Marie"The best businesses know their customer's love languages. Why are we treating relationships differently?" – Marie🎁 FREE RESOURCE:Download our Couple's Connection Workbook – just 20 minutes a week to strengthen your relationship while building your business together.[Link in description]👥 ABOUT US:Marie is a relationship and sex coach helping couples move from mediocre to mind-blowing. Adam is a business coach specializing in family businesses and entrepreneurial partnerships. Together, they help startup spouses build thriving businesses WITHOUT sacrificing their relationships.🔗 CONNECT WITH US:Startup Spouses💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:How do you transition between work mode and relationship mode? What's your biggest challenge running a business with your partner? Drop a comment below – we read every single one!#StartupSpouses #EntrepreneurialCouples #WorkLifeBalance #RelationshipAdvice #FamilyBusiness #CouplesInBusiness #MarriageAndBusiness #BusinessPartners #RelationshipGoals #EntrepreneurLife

How can we focus on intimacy and joy when there's so much suffering in the world? In this episode, Adam and Marie tackle one of the hardest questions facing entrepreneurial couples today: how to maintain connection when both macro chaos (global events, polarization, uncertainty) and micro challenges (business struggles, family crises, personal battles) are hitting all at once.In This Episode:✅ Why you can't solve the world's problems by ignoring your own intimacy (and why connection is the answer, not the problem)✅ The real story: How Adam and Marie navigated their daughter's eating disorder, the pandemic, business dysfunction, and sobriety—all at the same timeWhy comment sections are designed to piss you off (and what to do instead)The three operating systems you need: Individual, Relationship, and BusinessHow to connect with a closed heart vs. an open heart (and why digital connection will never replace in-person)Practical tools: Morning routines, weekly couple meetings, eye gazing, and setting boundariesWhy "all politics is local" matters more than ever—and how to create real change in your communityThe proximity principle: Connection starts with yourself, then your spouse, then your business, then your communityKey Takeaways:Put yourself "firster" before you can put your relationship firstYou can't connect when you're polarized all day and expect to be intimate at nightSystems and routines aren't sexy, but they're the foundation that allows you to have the exciting, fun lifeReal change happens locally, not in Instagram comment sectionsConnection is what's missing in this world—start with yourself and your spouseResources Mentioned:Pillow Talks Podcast (Vanessa and Xander Marin)Dr. Kelly FlanaganDr. Stephen Covey - "Seek first to understand before being understood"EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)Free Resource:Download our Couple's Connection Workbook for weekly meeting templates and connection rituals: [LINK]

Think running your relationship like a business sounds cold and calculated? Think again. In this episode, we reveal why the BEST marriages actually operate like the BEST companies—and how adding structure creates MORE spontaneity, romance, and passion (not less).The Controversial Truth:Most people reject the idea of "business meetings" with their spouse because most businesses SUCK. But what if you ran your marriage like a GREAT business instead?What You'll Learn:Why scheduling sex leads to MORE spontaneous intimacy (not less)The weekly meeting rhythm that prevents resentment from festeringHow to create an "organizational chart" for your relationshipVision casting: Planning 3, 10, and 30 years into your future togetherThe difference between healthy love and codependenceWhy structure creates freedom (not restriction)Communication tools that work in both boardrooms and bedroomsKey Timestamps:0:00 - Cold Open: The Sex Scheduling Secret0:36 - Welcome & Introduction1:30 - Why Don't You Build Your Relationship Like a Business?4:06 - The Problem: Most Businesses (and Marriages) Suck6:30 - The 50% Divorce Rate Reality Check10:50 - Communication & Clarity: The Foundation12:18 - Our Weekly Meeting Rhythm16:06 - Vision Without Execution is Hallucination19:10 - Schedule Sex Once a Week (Yes, Really)23:06 - Love in Business and Relationships27:26 - The Courage to Challenge Each Other31:25 - What NOT to Treat Like a Business35:35 - Action Creates FreedomResources Mentioned:EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework"Vivid Vision" by Cameron HeroldOur relationship framework for successBottom Line:Relationships are hard work—just like businesses. The difference between mediocre and mind-blowing? Intentional structure, clear communication, and consistent action. Stop floating along and start building the 10/10 relationship you deserve.Join the Conversation:Do you run weekly meetings with your spouse? What structure has worked (or failed) in your relationship? Drop a comment below!Subscribe for more tools to take your relationship from mediocre to mind-blowing.@startupspousesRelationshipAdvice #MarriageTips #EntrepreneurCouple #HealthyRelationships #CoupleGoals #RelationshipStructure #IntentionalMarriage #StartupSpouses

In this raw and vulnerable episode, Marie turns the tables and interviews her husband Adam about his journey from anxiety and alcoholism to becoming the man he is today. This isn't your typical love story—it's a story about transformation, sobriety, and learning what love really means.In this episode, Adam opens up about:• Growing up in a "Brady Bunch" household and how it shaped his view of love• The spiral of anxiety, shame, and alcoholism that consumed his early adult years• Finding unconditional love for the first time in the rooms of AA• How getting sober changed everything—but didn't fix everything• The moment Marie said "go for it" when he wanted to do an Ironman (and why that mattered)• Being ousted from his family business, then called back to lead it as CEO• Why their relationship has been "four marriages" to the same person• The difference between being "nice" and being "kind" in relationships• How weekly meetings created psychological safety in their marriage• Walking into the "dark forest" where all your dreams (and fears) liveKey Takeaways:✨ You either grow together or grow apart—there's no standing still✨ Love isn't nice. Love is kind. And there's a huge difference.✨ Relationships aren't a zero-sum game—when one person thrives, everyone benefits✨ The dark forest is scary, but it's also where all your answers areThis episode is for anyone who's ever felt broken, anyone navigating recovery, or any couple trying to figure out how to grow together instead of apart.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Hook: "I was still broken, very broken"0:22 - Welcome & Introduction1:28 - How love was shaped in Adam's childhood2:40 - Growing up in a "Brady Bunch" household5:48 - Discovering alcohol in college7:20 - The anxiety and shame spiral9:30 - Fear of romantic relationships as a teenager11:53 - How alcohol changed everything14:53 - Meeting "the one" doesn't fix everything15:42 - "I brought me with me to the relationship"16:17 - Codependency in early marriage23:20 - Working in the family business & feeling trapped28:28 - The people-pleasing trap34:48 - The DUI that changed everything36:11 - Finding unconditional love in AA37:23 - "Your sobriety comes first"38:26 - The power of transcendence40:27 - "I want to do an Ironman" - "Go for it"42:01 - Why relationships aren't a zero-sum game43:41 - Al-Anon and quality time over quantity45:32 - Conforming to society vs. thriving50:24 - GoBundance: Finding real community54:00 - Artificial safety vs. real psychological safety60:48 - Weekly meetings as a game-changer62:00 - "The dark forest is where your dreams come true"63:00 - Navigating their daughter's health challenges64:13 - Unpacking shame around sexuality66:38 - Love is kind, not nice67:40 - Openness and honesty: The doorway to love70:52 - Challenging the traditional path74:24 - Dad jokes as a tool for healing the world75:11 - Wrap-up & Call to actionCONNECT WITH US:@startupspousesMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:• GoBundance• Al-Anon• Ironman World ChampionshipStartupSpouses #MarriageAdvice #RecoveryJourney #Sobriety #RelationshipGoals #EntrepreneurLife

Turning the Tables: Marie's Story of Growth, Recovery & Building a 10/10 RelationshipIn this special episode of Startup Spouses, we flip the script! Adam interviews Marie about her journey from struggling with anorexia as a teenager to building an extraordinary relationship while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, addiction recovery, and raising a family.What We Cover:• Growing up with social anxiety and developing an eating disorder in the 90s• The power of finding the right therapist and embracing sexuality without shame• Navigating college, codependency, and a partner's alcoholism• The discovery of ADHD and breaking free from masking• Supporting a child through a life-threatening eating disorder• How discomfort became the pathway to growth• Building a 10/10 relationship through weekly meetings, psychological safety, and embracing conflict• Why resentment is the silent killer of relationshipsKey Takeaway: Growth happens in discomfort. Whether you're building a business or a relationship, the courage to face challenges together is what transforms good into exceptional.Resources Mentioned:• Al-Anon (for loved ones of alcoholics)• Tony Robbins - Unleash the Power Within• The SPARK Framework for relationshipsIf you're an entrepreneurial couple navigating the chaos of building businesses while maintaining connection, this episode is for you.Connect with us:@startupspouses [email protected]💡 Do one thing that scares you every day - Eleanor RooseveltStartupSpouses #EntrepreneurialCouples #RelationshipGoals #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #EatingDisorderRecovery #MarriageAdvice #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of Startup Spouses, Adam and Marie discuss the myth of perfection in relationships and introduce their SPARK Framework to transform mediocre relationships into mind-blowing ones. They explore the five key components of the framework: Safety, Play, Alignment, Rhythms, and Kaizen (Continuous Improvement). Through personal anecdotes and practical tips, Adam and Marie share how these principles have helped elevate their own relationship to a '10 out of 10.' Tune in to learn how you can apply these ideas to your own relationship and start growing together today!00:00 Introduction: The Myth of Perfection in Relationships00:42 Meet the Hosts: Adam and Marie01:05 The Journey of a Relationship02:33 Defining a 10 out of 10 Marriage03:04 The Reality Behind Perfect Relationships09:36 The Spark Framework: An Overview11:32 Creating Safety in Relationships27:01 The Importance of Play33:29 Creating a Playful and Appreciative Home Environment34:25 The Importance of Non-Sexual Touch36:01 Exploring Play Styles and Communication42:15 Building Alignment in Relationships52:11 Navigating Life's Rhythms Together58:34 Embracing Continuous Improvement01:06:03 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFollow on Instagram: @StartupSpouses

Join Marie and Adam in their inaugural episode of 'Startup Spouses,' where they share their journey from a mediocre to a mind-blowing relationship amidst managing businesses and personal challenges. They discuss the impact of eating disorders, the trials of entrepreneurship, the power of open communication, and how implementing business strategies like EOS transformed their relationship. Tune in to hear their story of love, conflict, growth, and finding connection even in the toughest times. This episode is a heartfelt introduction to their mission of helping entrepreneurial couples achieve extraordinary relationships.00:00 Facing the Brink: Our Struggle with Separation00:37 Welcome to Startup Spouses: Meet Marie and Adam01:03 Our Origin Story: From a 5 to a 1001:53 The Journey of Growth: Overcoming Challenges Together04:08 The Reality of Relationships: Growing Together or Apart06:48 The Importance of Openness and Honesty21:56 The Impact of Alcoholism: A Personal Battle30:26 Career Paths and Panic Attacks33:03 Coping with Panic Attacks34:11 Navigating Career Expectations34:45 Struggles with Fulfillment37:32 Sobriety and Family Dynamics43:10 Challenges of Parenting44:13 Impact of Eating Disorders53:20 Reconnecting Through Meetings55:50 Implementing EOS in Marriage01:09:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Join Marie, a sex and relationship coach, and Adam, a business coach, as they launch 'Startup Spouses', a YouTube channel dedicated to entrepreneurial couples. Learn how they transformed their marriage during intense growth periods and rediscovered their connection. This episode shares their journey of rekindling intimacy and offers practical tools to help you strengthen your relationship while thriving in business together. Subscribe to ignite your connection, elevate your life, and ensure your relationship supports your entrepreneurial dreams.00:00 Welcome to Startup Spouses00:19 Our Journey: From Disconnection to Reconnection00:43 The Transformation: Reigniting the Spark01:21 Our Mission: Helping Entrepreneurial Couples Thrive01:37 Practical Tools for Strengthening Relationships02:23 Join Us on This Journey