Tera and Wes Wages get vulnerable about what truly makes — and breaks — connection over time. In this heartfelt and revealing conversation, they explore the hidden challenges of long-term love, from battling insecurity and body image fears to maintaining consistency through the daily chaos of life. They also candidly share insights on emotional validation, how minor daily efforts like scheduled texts can transform a relationship, and why talking openly about sex — even without pressure — can reignite intimacy. With real-life stories, expert emotional tools, and a viral 8-million-view surprise moment, this episode is an honest look into the beautiful, messy, and rewarding journey of authentic connection.

Links and Resources:

• Download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠https://connectioncodes.co/get-the-cew⁠
• Find out how to become a Certified Coach: ⁠https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coaching⁠
• Find a coach: ⁠https://connectioncodes.co/all-coaches⁠

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - 17 Years In: What Marriage Really Looks Like Behind the Scenes
• 00:01:01 - How Wes Became Instagram’s Favorite Husband (And the Viral Moment)
• 00:03:03 - Why Feeling Truly Seen Changes Everything in Relationships
• 00:03:59 - The Small Acts of Validation That Keep Love Alive
• 00:10:04 - Facing Insecurities Head-On: Real Talk About Marriage Fears
• 00:11:50 - Building Unshakable Trust by Processing Core Emotions
• 00:20:38 - Why Consistency, Not Grand Gestures, Sustains Long-Term Love
• 00:21:20 - Juggling Dreams, Kids, and Marriage: Finding the Balance
• 00:24:07 - The Daily Connection Habit That Makes or Breaks Relationships
• 00:27:45 - How Scheduling Texts Can Actually Save Your Relationship
• 00:28:54 - Power Tools for Deeper, Faster Emotional Connection
• 00:30:03 - How Connection Codes Revolutionized Our Marriage
• 00:35:05 - Getting Real About Sex, Pressure, and Intimacy After 17 Years
• 00:40:45 - Final Takeaways: Hope, Growth, and Staying Connected Through It All

Do you ever lay in bed exhausted, but your mind won’t turn off? This episode breaks down why it’s not your to-do list that’s draining you—it’s unprocessed emotion. Hosts Tera, Phyllis, and Dr. Glenn explore the physiological and psychological toll of unacknowledged fear, anxiety, and emotional overload in today’s high-stress world. From Sunday scaries and doom-scrolling to navigating news-induced stress and personal loss, they reveal how naming your feelings and using the Core Emotion Wheel can bring your nervous system back into balance. With neuroscience, vulnerability, and practical insight, this conversation offers a roadmap to emotional regulation, deeper connection, and truly restorative rest.

Links and Resources:

• Download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠https://connectioncodes.co/get-the-cew⁠
• Find out how to become a Certified Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coaching⁠
• Find a coach: ⁠https://connectioncodes.co/all-coaches

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – A Sleepless Mind & The Chaos Within
• 00:01:04 – Welcome to the Place Where Emotions Finally Make Sense
• 00:01:44 – Fear Isn’t the Problem—It’s the Key
• 00:03:02 – What Science Says About What You're Feeling
• 00:04:28 – Can Fear Really Wreck Your Sleep? Yes—Here’s How
• 00:07:21 – Cortisol: The Tiny Hormone Running Your Life
• 00:12:26 – Are You Being Emotionally Hijacked by Your Phone?
• 00:16:38 – What Happens When You Choose Peace Over Noise
• 00:21:31 – Human Connection: Your Brain’s Favorite Medicine
• 00:31:51 – When Caring Becomes Crushing: Walking the Advocacy Tightrope
• 00:38:55 – Speak the Fear, Set Yourself Free
• 00:39:25 – Safe People: Your Emotional Safety Net
• 00:39:56 – Is That Fear Even Real? Let’s Talk About It
• 00:40:57 – This Simple Tool Could Change the Way You Communicate Forever
• 00:42:50 – Real Fear, Real Stories, Real Healing
• 00:44:19 – The 8 Words That Can Set You Emotionally Free
• 00:50:38 – Don’t Dismiss Their Feelings—Here’s Why It Matters
• 00:52:56 – The Wheel Isn’t Just a Tool—It’s a Game-Changer
• 01:00:37 – You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck

In this week’s episode, Tera, Dr. Glenn, and Phyllis dive deep into the power of hurt—specifically, how we respond when our partner is hurt by something we’ve done. If you’ve ever deflected, avoided a tough conversation, or struggled with shame and guilt in your relationship, this episode is for you. Learn practical tools to process hurt, communicate with compassion, and move forward with authentic connection.

Download the Core Emotion Wheel:

https://connectioncodes.co/get-the-cew

Find out how to become a Certified Coach:

https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coaching

Find a coach:

https://connectioncodes.co/all-coaches