Road of Life Podcast

76.Choose Your Hard | Road of Life Podcast

Road of Life Podcast Episode 76
"This week, Greg and I had one of those raw, unfiltered conversations that left us both fired up—and we know it’ll do the same for you.
 
💥 Here’s the truth: EVERYTHING worth having in life is hard. Your career, your fitness, your business… and especially your relationship. But here’s the kicker: there are TWO types of ‘hard’.
 
Do you choose the temporary discomfort of vulnerability, tough conversations, and growth?
OR
Do you choose the endless grind of resentment, emotional disconnection, and feeling like roommates?
 
Spoiler: One path is a cheat code for a thriving life. The other? A slow bleed of exhaustion.
 
In this episode, we break down:
🔥 Why avoiding hard conversations now guarantees bigger pain later (think: eggshells, blow-up fights, and silent disconnection).
🔥 The #1 relationship superpower Greg and I swear by (hint: it’s not communication).
🔥 How to reframe ‘hard work’ as an investment—not a sacrifice—and unlock more energy, joy, and freedom.
PSA: If you’ve ever thought, ‘Why can’t this just be easier?’—this episode is your wake-up call. Choose your hard wisely."*
 
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Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fCYXzb2cbvs
Infinite Relationship Mastermind:https://www.thefinalpercent.com/infinite-relationship-mastermind 
Instagram@meredithandcraig: https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig 

75.The 200% Relationship | Road of Life Podcast

Road of Life Podcast Episode 75
Tired of endless blame games? 🛑
In this episode of Road of Life Podcast, we dive into what it looks like to take 100% responsibility — the secret ingredient to transforming conflict into connection.
Learn why blaming your partner backfires, how to swap “You never listen!” for “How can I show up better?”, and why owning your role (even when it’s hard) is the key to a thriving relationship.
 
We break down:
🔸 Why ego blocks growth (and how to kick it to the curb).
🔸 How even the “Russian cab” story can be a lesson in shared responsibility.
🔸 Gottman-backed strategies to turn resentment into teamwork.
 
Action step: Next disagreement, ask: “What’s MY part here?” (Then watch magic happen.)
 
PS: Ready to master this? Join our Infinite Relationship Mastermind—where blame dies and love thrives.
 
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Resources:
Infinite Relationship Mastermind:https://www.thefinalpercent.com/infinite-relationship-mastermind 
Instagram@meredithandcraig: https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig 

74. Emotional Validation: Rocket Fuel for your Relationship | Road of Life Podcast

Road of Life Podcast Episode 74
 
Have you ever felt unheard or dismissed when sharing your feelings? 💔
Emotional validation isn’t about agreeing—it’s about acknowledging someone’s emotions (even when you don’t “get it”). In this episode of Road of Life, Meredith and Craig break down why validation is the secret sauce for trust, intimacy, and conflict resolution.
 
We unpack:
🔸 Why saying “That must be hard” beats “Why do you feel that way?” (spoiler: resentment dies here).
🔸 How to validate emotions without fixing them (put down the superhero cape).
🔸 The Gottmans’ research-backed truth: Validation = relationship rocket fuel.
 
Simple fixes:
✅ Listen first, solve later.
✅ Drop the judgment (you don’t need to “understand” to empathize).
✅ Normalize feelings (no one’s a “weirdo” for feeling what they feel).
 
Truth bomb: Unvalidated emotions become resentment grenades. 💣
 
Action step: Next time someone shares feelings, say “That sounds tough. How can I support you?” (Then shut up and listen.)
 
PS: Sharing = caring—tag someone who needs this “easy button” for love.
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Resources:
Infinite Relationship Mastermind:https://www.thefinalpercent.com/infinite-relationship-mastermind 
Instagram@meredithandcraig: https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig 

73. Stonewalling: The Silent Killer of Relationships | Road of Life Podcast

Road of Life Podcast Episode 73
 
Stonewalling—shutting down, silent treatments, or walking away during conflict—is the fourth toxic "horseman" in relationships, according to John and Julie Gottman’s research. It’s emotional isolation, leaving partners feeling unheard and disconnected.
 
In this episode, we break down:
Why stonewalling happens (hint: emotional overwhelm + fear of conflict).
How it fuels resentment and damages trust (think: relationship solitary confinement).
Simple fixes: Taking breaks (not shutdowns), grounding techniques, and re-engaging calmly.
We share personal stories  and actionable steps to:
✅ Pause, don’t bolt
✅ Return to the conversation
✅ Practice empathy
Key takeaway: Stonewalling isn’t rejection—it’s a cry for space. Learn to navigate it with care.
 
Join our Infinite Relationship Mastermind to tackle all four toxic habits. Tap the link to  join.
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Resources:
Episode 70. Criticism: The First Horseman of Relationship Apocalypse | Road of Life Podcast
https://roadoflifecoaching.com/podcast/b/episode70 
Episode 71. Contempt: The Silent Relationship Killer | Road of Life Podcast
https://roadoflifecoaching.com/podcast/b/episode71 
Episode 72. Defensiveness: The Third Horseman Sabotaging Your Relationship | Road of Life Podcast
https://roadoflifecoaching.com/podcast/b/episode72 
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Infinite Relationship Mastermind:https://www.thefinalpercent.com/infinite-relationship-mastermind 
Instagram@meredithandcraig: https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig 

72. Defensiveness: The Third Horseman Sabotaging Your Relationship | Road of Life Podcast

Road of Life Podcast Episode 72
 
Ever feel attacked and instantly throw up your guard? 🛡️
Defensiveness—blame-shifting, excuse-making, playing the victim—is the third toxic habit in our Four Horsemen series (thanks, Gottmans!). It’s sneaky, it’s destructive, and we’ve both been guilty. 
How to swap excuses for ownership (spoiler: “I’ll set a reminder next time” beats “You didn’t remind me!”).
The 200% Marriage Mindset: Taking 100% responsibility (even when it’s hard).
Simple fixes:
✅ Pause before reacting—stretch that moment between stimulus and response.
✅ Reframe conflicts as team challenges (not personal attacks).
✅ Ask: “What story am I telling myself here?” 
 
Truth bomb: Defensiveness keeps you stuck. Responsibility sets you free.
 
Action step: Next time you feel defensive, try “You’re right. How can I fix this?”
 
PS: Ready to squash all four horsemen? Join our Infinite Relationship Mastermind—where growth meets grace
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Resources:
Viktor Frankl quote regarding stimulus and response : "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
 
Instagram@meredithandcraig: https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig 
Infinite Relationship Mastermind:
https://www.thefinalpercent.com/infinite-relationship-mastermind 

71. Contempt: The Silent Relationship Killer | Road of Life Podcast

Road of Life Podcast Episode 71
 
Contempt isn’t just eye-rolls or sarcasm—it’s relationship napalm. In this Road of Life Podcast episode, we break down the second Horseman of the Apocalypse (thank you, Gottmans!) and why it’s the #1 predictor of divorce.
We’ve both been guilty of it — picture Meredith's Judge-Judy-Level eye-rolls 👀 — but here’s how we swapped sarcasm and eye rolls for respect:
Exactly what contempt is and why we do it
Why CONTEMPT is the #1 predictor of divorce (yes, #1, worse than whatever else you’re thinking of right now)
How contempt erodes trust and self-worth
How to overcome contempt in your relationship and use the antidote to contempt instead.
How to dig up hidden resentment before it explodes into contempt.
Spoiler: Kindness isn’t weakness—it’s your superpower. 💥
 
Action step: Replace one eye-roll today with “Tell me more”—then watch the magic.
 
PS: Ready to slay all Four Horsemen? Join our Infinite Relationship Mastermind: https://www.thefinalpercent.com/infinite-relationship-mastermind 
 
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Resources:
Episode 54. Navigating Difficult Conversations in Relationships | Road of Life Podcast
https://roadoflifecoaching.com/podcast/b/episode54 
Instagram@meredithandcraig: https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig 
Infinite Relationship Mastermind:
https://www.thefinalpercent.com/infinite-relationship-mastermind 

70. Criticism: The First Horseman of Relationship Apocalypse | Road of Life Podcast

Road of Life Podcast Episode 70
 
Ever catch yourself nitpicking your partner’s flaws?
In this episode of the Road of Life Podcast, we’re kicking off a 4-part series on the Gottmans’ Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse—the biggest predictors of relationship breakdowns. First up: Criticism (the sneaky habit we all pretend isn’t that harmful).
 
We’re breaking down:
🔍 Why phrases like “You never listen!” slowly poison your connection.
💔 How criticism chips away at your partner’s confidence 
✨ The simple shift from attacking character (“You’re selfish”) to addressing behavior (“I felt unheard”).
🍯 The antidote: Gratitude, teamwork, and tossing “always” and “never” out the window.
 
We share:
✅ How to release frustration before it explodes 
✅ Why blaming others is just masked self-criticism 
✅ How we turned “You’re so lazy” into “Let’s tackle this together” 
 
Truth bomb: Choosing “happy” over “right” saves relationships. Petty fights aren’t worth the fallout.
 
Our challenge for you: Next time you feel the urge to criticize, ask: “Is this worth hurting our connection?”
 
PS: Share this with someone who needs to ditch the blame game.
PPS: Want to squash all four horsemen? Join our Infinite Relationship Mastermind—it’s like a cozy campfire for couples ready to grow.
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Episode 54. Navigating Difficult Conversations in Relationships | Road of Life Podcast
https://roadoflifecoaching.com/podcast/b/episode54 
Instagram@meredithandcraig: https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig 
Infinite Relationship Mastermind:
https://www.thefinalpercent.com/infinite-relationship-mastermind 

69. Let’s Talk About Sex| Road of Life Podcast

Road of Life Podcast Episode 69
 
In this spicy episode of the Road of Life Podcast,we dive into the #1 topic couples avoid—sex—and why it’s the secret sauce to a thriving relationship.
 
We’ll spill:
🔥 Why sex isn’t just physical
🚫 The “spontaneity myth”
💡 How to warm the oven
 
You’ll learn:
✨ Why men think they want sex, but actually crave connection.
✨ How to turn “I’m too tired” into “Let’s go” (hint: it’s not about the dishes).
✨ Why physical touch ≠ love language (and how to spot the difference).
 
Hot take: If sex feels like a chore, you’re doing it wrong. Time to upgrade your playbook.
 
Action step: Grab your partner, sing Let’s Talk About Sex (badly), and finally have THE TALK without the cringe.
 
PS: Valentine’s Day is coming… 👀 This episode’s your cheat code.
 
Episode 7. The little things are the big things| Road of Life Podcast
https://roadoflifecoaching.com/podcast/b/episode7 
Instagram@meredithandcraig: https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig 
Infinite Relationship Mastermind:
https://www.thefinalpercent.com/infinite-relationship-mastermind 

68. Dont Be Weird About Money| Road of Life Podcast

Road of Life Podcast Episode 68
Ever argued with your partner about money?
Yeah, us too. 😅
 
Here’s the truth: Money doesn’t have to be the third wheel in your relationship. But let’s face it—most of us treat cash like a clingy ex. We avoid talking about it, resent it, or let it sabotage date night.
 
In this episode of the Road of Life Podcast, we’re ripping off the Band-Aid and getting REAL about why money makes us act so weird. Spoiler: It’s not about the dollar bills.
 
We’ll unpack:
💸 Your “money story” (Hint: It’s why you’re a saver, they’re a spender, and nobody’s winning).
🔥 The IKEA furniture of finances (Why tracking money is less painful than assembling a Malm dresser).
🤝 How to turn “You spent HOW MUCH?!” into “Let’s crush our goals together.”
 
Plus:
✅ Why money is just a tool (and how to stop letting it bench-press your self-worth).
✅ The weird dinner party exercise that’ll show you if money’s your BFF or your frenemy.
 
Hot take: If you’re not tracking your cash flow, you’re basically driving blindfolded. 🚗👀
 
Action step: Grab your partner, a glass of wine, and finally have “The Money Talk” without the drama. We’ll show you how.
 
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Episode 42. Everybody Loves Compromise (and Sourdough Bread) | Road of Life Podcast
https://roadoflifecoaching.com/podcast/b/episode42 
Episode 54. Navigating Difficult Conversations in Relationships| Road of Life Podcast
https://roadoflifecoaching.com/podcast/b/episode54 
Instagram@meredithandcraig: https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig 
Infinite Relationship Mastermind:
https://www.thefinalpercent.com/infinite-relationship-mastermind 
 
 

67. Why Failure Isn’t Falling Back—It’s Part of the Climb | Road of Life Podcast

Road of Life Podcast Episode 67
Ever feel like you’re making progress in life, only to panic that you’ll backslide into old habits, old relationships, or your old self?
In this episode of the Road of Life Podcast, we’re diving into a coaching call that totally shifted how we think about growth. Here’s the deal: backsliding is a myth. Yep, you heard me. Once you’ve done the work to grow, you’re already a new version of yourself—and there’s no going back.  
But let’s be real: growth isn’t a straight line. It’s messy, it’s up and down, and sometimes it feels like you’re taking two steps forward and three steps back.  
That’s why we’re breaking it all down using the metaphor of climbing Mount Everest. (Spoiler: even the best climbers don’t go straight to the top — they zigzag, they rest, they regroup. And so can you.)  
Here’s what you’ll take away:  
- Why you’re not the same person you were a year ago (or even a month ago). 
- How to give yourself grace when you “mess up” or feel like you’re sliding backward
- Why failure isn’t falling back—it’s part of the climb. 
- The only way to truly fail? Quitting.
Whether you’re working on your relationship, your mindset, or just trying to be a better version of yourself, this episode is your reminder that the mountain you’re climbing is shaping who you’re becoming. 
So, let’s keep climbing together. 
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Instagram@meredithandcraig: https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig 
Infinite Relationship Mastermind:
https://www.thefinalpercent.com/infinite-relationship-mastermind