The Psychology of Relationships

Sex is one of the most important parts of a relationship—and one of the hardest topics for couples to talk about openly. Vanessa Marin, licensed psychotherapist and author of Sex Talks, joins Julie & Yue alongside her husband and collaborator Xander Marin to unpack why conversations around intimacy often feel so uncomfortable, and how avoidance can quietly create distance in relationships. Together, they explore how communication, emotional safety, and vulnerability shape intimacy far beyond the physical side of sex.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why so many couples struggle to talk about sex openly
How avoidance impacts intimacy and emotional connection
Ways to communicate needs without shame or pressure
Why emotional safety is essential for a healthy sex life
How better conversations can strengthen intimacy overall

To learn more about Vanessa and Xander Marin, follow them @vanessaandxander and visit vmtherapy.com.

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After enough painful relationships, many people start asking the same question: why do I keep ending up here? Pharaoh Kyle, spiritual coach and entrepreneur, joins Julie & Yue to explore how toxic relationship patterns form, why people ignore red flags, and what it takes to break unhealthy cycles. He shares how emotional wounds and lost self-trust can keep people stuck in dynamics that no longer serve them—and how healing those patterns can lead to healthier, more aligned relationships moving forward.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The common signs of toxic relationship patterns
Why people ignore red flags and stay stuck
How to rebuild trust in yourself after unhealthy relationships
What keeps old relational cycles repeating
Tools for healing and choosing healthier connections moving forward

To learn more about Pharaoh Kyle, follow him @pharaohkyle and visit pharaohkyle.com

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Omaha Steaks: Try the Burger Perfection Flight at OmahaSteaks.com today. That’s 20 premium steak burgers for just $79.99. Plus, get $35 off with promo code BEEF.
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com/por
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por
* The Dare: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
* The Throne of Broken Gods: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com

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Most people believe they’re self-aware—but research shows we’re often far less aware of our patterns, behaviors, and impact on others than we think. Dr. Tasha Eurich, organizational psychologist, researcher, and bestselling author of Insight, joins Julie & Yue to explore how self-awareness shapes relationships, communication, and long-term compatibility. She explains why the gap between how we see ourselves and how others experience us can quietly influence attraction, conflict, and connection—and how increasing awareness can change the way we show up in relationships.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The difference between internal and external self-awareness
Why most people overestimate how self-aware they are
How self-awareness impacts attraction and communication
Why asking “what” instead of “why” creates more change
Ways to become more conscious of your relationship patterns

To learn more about Dr. Tasha Eurich, follow her @tashaeurich and visit tashaeurich.com

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Omaha Steaks: Try the Burger Perfection Flight at OmahaSteaks.com today. That’s 20 premium steak burgers for just $79.99. Plus, get $35 off with promo code BEEF.
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com/por
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por
* The Dare: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
* The Throne of Broken Gods: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com

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Relationships rarely end because of one major event. More often, they slowly break down through small moments where one partner feels dismissed, unseen, or emotionally unsupported. Matthew Fray, relationship coach and author of This Is How Your Marriage Ends, joins Julie & Yue to unpack the lessons behind his viral article An Open Letter to Shtty Husbands*. He shares how emotional neglect quietly erodes connection, why these patterns often go unnoticed until it’s too late, and what it actually takes to become a more present, emotionally aware partner.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How emotional neglect quietly damages relationships
Why small dismissive moments matter more than people realize
The hidden warning signs relationships are struggling
How these patterns can begin long before marriage
Ways to become a more emotionally present partner

To learn more about Matthew Fray, follow him @frayrelationships and visit matthewfray.com

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Omaha Steaks: Try the Burger Perfection Flight at OmahaSteaks.com today. That’s 20 premium steak burgers for just $79.99. Plus, get $35 off with promo code BEEF.
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com/por
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por
* The Dare: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
* The Throne of Broken Gods: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com

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Chemistry isn’t always something you either have or don’t – it’s often shaped by behavior, body language, and the subtle signals people send without realizing it. Vanessa Van Edwards, behavioral researcher, bestselling author of Cues and Captivate, and founder of Science of People, joins Julie & Yue to break down how to read attraction signals and build deeper connections. She explains how first impressions, micro-signals, and social cues influence attraction and trust within seconds, and why understanding these behaviors can completely change the way we connect with others.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How first impressions shape attraction and connection
The subtle cues people send without realizing it
Why some interactions feel natural while others feel forced
How body language impacts chemistry and trust
Ways to create stronger connection without trying so hard

To learn more about Vanessa Van Edwards, follow her @vvanedwards and visit scienceofpeople.com

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Omaha Steaks: Try the Burger Perfection Flight at OmahaSteaks.com today. That’s 20 premium steak burgers for just $79.99. Plus, get $35 off with promo code BEEF.
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com/por
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por
* The Dare: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com
* The Throne of Broken Gods: Go get the book wherever books are sold or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com

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