Marriage is full of seasons—some where you’re both thriving, some where you’re both struggling, and the hardest ones, where one of you is drowning while the other is doing just fine. In this episode, Tera, Echo, and Phyllis get real about what it looks like to stay connected when your partner is in a tough place, how codependency sneaks in without us realizing it, and why we were never meant to carry everything for each other. They unpack the guilt, the resentment, and the loneliness that can show up in these seasons, and share the tools that helped them stop fixing, start seeing, and actually enjoy their marriage again.

Links and Resources:

• Book a discovery call for Overwhelm Overhaul: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/tera-wages/30min⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/wheel⁠⁠⁠
• To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/marriage-help⁠⁠⁠

(If links are not working, please copy and paste connectioncodes.co to your search bar and look through our site menu!)⁠⁠

_________________________________________________________________

Connect with Echo Hill Vetter:

• Echo Hill Vetter’s Substack | Letters from Nashville: ⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@echohillvetter⁠⁠⁠
• Echo on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/echohillvetter⁠⁠⁠
• Schedule 1:1 Coaching or Group Coaching with Echo: ⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/echohillvetter⁠⁠⁠
• Echo’s LinkTree: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/echohillvetter

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – The Part of Marriage No One Prepares You For
• 00:01:06 – Saying the Wrong Name, Every Time
• 00:02:04 – When Life Drains You and Your Spouse Doesn’t Get It
• 00:03:40 – The Worst Thing You Can Do When Your Partner is Struggling
• 00:07:03 – How We Accidentally Made Marriage Impossible
• 00:11:50 – Your Spouse is Not Your Village
• 00:24:18 – Codependency Feels Like Love—Until It’s Not
• 00:28:27 – The Silent Ways We Sabotage Ourselves
• 00:29:06 – The Cost of Ignoring Your Own Body
• 00:31:29 – The Difference Between Asking and Expecting
• 00:33:50 – Speak Now or Resent Later
• 00:35:42 – The Secret to Processing Without Over-Talking
• 00:38:34 – Breaking the Patterns That Keep You Stuck
• 00:49:15 – You Weren’t Meant to Do This Alone
• 00:52:12 – It’s Time to Stop Pretending Everything’s Fine

In this episode, Tera Wages sits down with Phyllis Hill and Echo Hill Vedder to talk about a game-changing concept: desire vs. capacity—the difference between what we want to do and what we actually have the bandwidth for. They discuss how ignoring our capacity leads to burnout, why so many of us push through exhaustion, and how tuning into our bodies can be the key to reclaiming energy and joy. Echo shares how she learned to listen to her body instead of the judge in her head, and Phyllis gets real about hitting empty after years of over-functioning. They explore many ways to grow capacity, shift limiting beliefs, and make space for what truly matters—without guilt or shame. Plus, they break down how emotional processing through Connection Codes helps expand capacity and disrupts the pain cycle not just for ourselves, but for our entire community. If you’re feeling exhausted, stuck, or constantly running on fumes, this episode is a must-listen!

Links and Resources:

• Book a discovery call for Overwhelm Overhaul: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/tera-wages/30min⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠https://connectioncodes.co/wheel⁠⁠
• To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠⁠⁠
• Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠https://connectioncodes.co/marriage-help⁠⁠

(If links are not working, please copy and paste connectioncodes.co to your search bar and look through our site menu!)⁠⁠

_________________________________________________________________

Connect with Echo Hill Vetter:

• Echo Hill Vetter’s Substack | Letters from Nashville: ⁠⁠https://substack.com/@echohillvetter⁠⁠
• Echo on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/echohillvetter⁠⁠
• Schedule 1:1 Coaching or Group Coaching with Echo: ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/echohillvetter⁠⁠
• Echo’s LinkTree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/echohillvetter⁠

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - The Tug-of-War Between Wanting and Doing
• 00:04:10 - A Room Full of Connection Code Coaches
• 00:05:11 - When Your To-Do List Laughs at You
• 00:08:48 - Burnout Doesn’t Knock—It Kicks the Door Down
• 00:11:58 - Your Body is Keeping Score (And It’s Not Looking Good)
• 00:16:33 - Why Some Days You Can Handle It, and Some Days You Can’t
• 00:22:48 - The Science of Saying No (And Actually Meaning It)
• 00:26:57 - The Invisible Cost of Always Saying Yes
• 00:31:37 - The Brain vs. The Body: Who Wins?
• 00:32:34 - When Life Demands More Than You Can Give
• 00:34:38 - SOS: Finding Help Before You Collapse
• 00:36:36 - Systems That Save You From Yourself
• 00:42:56 - Self-Care Isn’t a Luxury—It’s Survival
• 00:48:07 - Why Emotional Processing is the Secret to More Energy
• 00:54:33 - Final Thoughts From Three People Who’ve Been There

In this episode, Tera sits down with trauma-informed coach Echo Vetter to unpack something most of us were never taught—how to process anger in a healthy way. Echo breaks down the difference between core anger and secondary anger, why we misdefine it, and how it actually exists to protect us. She explains how unprocessed anger lives in the body, often showing up as chronic pain, stress, or emotional shutdown, and shares practical ways to reconnect with ourselves so we stop resisting our own energy. Phyllis opens up about her personal journey of storing anger for decades, the toll it’s taken on her health, and the fear that facing it might damage her closest relationships. Echo offers powerful insight on how we can rewire the way we relate to anger—so instead of being afraid of it, we learn to partner with it and let it fuel the change we need.

Links and Resources:

• Book a discovery call for Overwhelm Overhaul: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/tera-wages/30min⁠⁠⁠⁠
• To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://connectioncodes.co/wheel⁠
• To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠⁠
• Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: https://connectioncodes.co/marriage-help⁠

(If links are not working, please copy and paste connectioncodes.co to your search bar and look through our site menu!)⁠⁠

_________________________________________________________________

Connect with Echo Hill Vetter:

• Echo Hill Vetter’s Substack | Letters from Nashville: ⁠https://substack.com/@echohillvetter⁠
• Echo on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/echohillvetter⁠
• Schedule 1:1 Coaching or Group Coaching with Echo: ⁠https://calendly.com/echohillvetter⁠
• Echo’s LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/echohillvetter

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - The Weight of Unprocessed Anger
• 00:00:37 - Who’s in the Room? Meet the Voices Behind the Mic
• 00:01:48 - A Road Trip, A Wedding, and Deep Talks
• 00:03:27 - Anger Isn’t Just One Thing
• 00:04:26 - Why We Have Anger (And Why We Fear It)
• 00:05:08 - Making Friends with an Uncomfortable Emotion
• 00:09:25 - How to Stop Fighting Your Own Energy
• 00:14:49 - Three Pages a Day: Writing Through Emotion
• 00:23:17 - Why Men and Women Experience Anger Differently
• 00:29:51 - The Moment You Realize You’re Holding More Than You Thought
• 00:30:21 - Is This Anger Mine to Carry?
• 00:32:42 - The Survival Strategies We Never Question
• 00:38:31 - What Happens When You Ignore Your Body’s Signals
• 00:40:26 - How the Judgment Cycle Keeps You Stuck
• 00:42:12 - The Smallest Shift That Changes Everything
• 00:50:38 - The Emotional Tool You Need (That No One Taught You)
• 00:54:04 - Closing Thoughts & What Happens Next

Tera sits down with Meaghan Hill for an update that so many listeners have been asking for. Nearly a year after her diagnosis, Meg shares what this journey has been like—the hard days, the unexpected moments, and the deep gratitude she has for the people who have surrounded her. She talks about what it’s like to sit in the emotions that come with something this heavy, how faith has played a huge role, and why she refused to accept the prognosis she was given. Tera and Meg also talk about connection—what it means to truly show up for each other, how to navigate the ups and downs with the people you love, and the small, everyday moments that mean everything. This conversation is real, emotional, and full of perspective on what really matters in life.

Links and Resources:

• Meg’s Healing Journey: https://www.megshealingjourney.com
• To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel⁠
• To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠⁠
• Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help⁠

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – The Update You’ve All Been Waiting For
• 00:02:14 – “Go Make Memories”—Meg’s World Shifts
• 00:04:06 – Anesthesia Wears Off, Reality Sets In
• 00:05:39 – When Survival Means Ignoring the Odds
• 00:10:03 – The People Who Refused to Let Meg Go Through This Alone
• 00:14:07 – Defying Expectations, One Scan at a Time
• 00:23:24 – The Moments That Matter Most (and We Almost Miss)
• 00:23:42 – What Pain Taught Me About Living
• 00:25:19 – Fear Knocking, Faith Answering
• 00:26:24 – Laughing in the Face of the Unthinkable
• 00:28:22 – Why We Need People More Than We Realize
• 00:32:26 – Sorting Out Emotions When Life Throws Everything at You
• 00:38:32 – If Someone You Love Has Cancer, Listen to This
• 00:42:27 – A Final Word on Hope, Healing, and What Really Matters

Certified coach Bridgett Blood joins Phyllis Hill for a conversation about sexual joy and sexual loneliness—what they actually mean and why we’re so uncomfortable talking about them. Bridgett explains how these feelings show up whether you're single or married, why we’ve been taught to fear our own sexual energy, and how embracing it can lead to deeper connection and self-acceptance. She shares her experiences (including a really funny one about a Twister game), pushes back against old beliefs, and talks about why desire isn’t just about sex—it’s about play, delight, and knowing your own worth. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body or unsure how to talk about what you actually need, this episode is a must-listen!

Links and Resources:

• To download the Core Emotion Wheel:⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel⁠
• To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠⁠
• Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help⁠

Connect with Bridgett:

• Bridgett Blood:https://bridgettblood.com
• Bridgett on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bridgettblood
• Recover Your Life Podcast on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@BridgettBlood
• Recover Your Life Podcast on Spotify:https://tinyurl.com/bdebz6nt
• Book a FREE discovery coaching call with Bridgett:https://tinyurl.com/vhbfb6jx

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – What No One Told You About Sexual Joy and Loneliness
• 00:00:53 – The Connection Codes Podcast Kicks Off
• 00:01:46 – Sexual Joy vs. Sexual Loneliness: What’s Really Happening?
• 00:04:05 – Personal Stories That Will Shift Your Perspective
• 00:09:15 – The Hidden Triggers of Sexual Activation
• 00:12:07 – What Your Body Is Telling You (That You’ve Been Ignoring)
• 00:15:43 – Breaking the Shame Cycle Around Sexual Energy
• 00:18:32 – Why Naming Your Desires Changes Everything
• 00:20:19 – A Framework for Processing Sexual Activation
• 00:29:31 – How the Core Emotion Wheel Rewires Your Understanding
• 00:37:13 – Final Thoughts, Resources, and Next Steps

Tera Wages is joined by Bridgett Blood and Phyllis Hill to explore the concept of Psycholation—a state of psychological isolation where people experience emotions alone, even when surrounded by others. They discuss how past experiences can make us want to keep pain to ourselves and the impact it has on relationships and mental well-being. Bridgett shares how she overcame isolation, while Phyllis and Tera get into the importance of safe connections and finding trusted people to process emotions with. They also provide steps for breaking out of Psycholation, including identifying safe relationships, expressing needs, and seeking supportive communities. Tera, Bridgett, and Phyllis will give you encouragement to recognize emotional patterns, build trust, and reach out for connection instead of carrying burdens alone.

Links and Resources:

• To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel⁠
• To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠⁠
• Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help⁠
• Bridgett Blood: https://bridgettblood.com
• Bridgett on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgettblood
• Recover Your Life Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BridgettBlood
• Recover Your Life Podcast on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bdebz6nt
• Book a FREE discovery coaching call with Bridgett: https://tinyurl.com/vhbfb6jx

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Storing It All Day, Exploding at Night
• 00:01:04 - The Experts Step In: Meet Bridgett & Phyllis
• 00:01:49 - A Live Emotional Check-In: What Will Surface?
• 00:04:30 - Cyclation: The Word You Didn’t Know You Needed
• 00:06:13 - Childhood Blueprints: How We Learn to Isolate
• 00:07:55 - Secrets We Keep: Why Hiding Feels Safer
• 00:10:16 - Finding the Exit: Steps to Escape Isolation
• 00:14:21 - Safe People: Who Are They and Why Do We Need Them?
• 00:17:20 - The Heavy Load: Are We Expecting Too Much from One Person?
• 00:23:37 - Who’s Safe and Who’s Not? A New Way to See It
• 00:28:05 - Sharing Without Oversharing: Navigating Emotional Conversations
• 00:29:30 - The Small but Mighty Power of a Simple Text
• 00:30:19 - Three Feet of Fear: How We Experience and Respond
• 00:33:38 - Looking in the Mirror: Are You a Safe Person Too?
• 00:35:55 - Capacity vs. Desire: The Boundary We All Need
• 00:42:11 - Dream Solutions: What If the Life You Want Is Within Reach?
• 00:50:53 - Time to Act: One Step to Break the Cycle

Elijah Runyan, a Connection Codes-certified coach, wellness mentor, and father of four, joins Tera to dig into the emotional rollercoaster of parenting. In this episode, Elijah opens up about the challenges of raising teenagers and young kids, trying to understand their emotional needs, and confronting his own fears and shame as a parent. He shares how Connection Codes tools have completely changed his approach, moving from reaction to intentional connection, and how he’s helping his kids process trauma and anxiety. This conversation is a look at how real change begins within and offers hope for parents everywhere seeking deeper relationships with their kids.

Links and Resources:

• To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel
• To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠
• Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help

Connect with Elijah:

• Schedule a CC Coaching Session with Elijah: https://runyanstronghealth.as.me/schedule/5204ed3a
• Runyan Strong Health: https://www.runyanstronghealth.com
• Elijah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahrunyan
• Elijah on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@runyanstronghealth

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - A Day with Elijah: Diving Deep
• 00:01:27 - The Buzz Behind Connection Codes Certification
• 00:03:08 - Parenting Without a Script
• 00:06:24 - Fear, Shame, and Teenage Drivers
• 00:10:15 - When School Stops Feeling Safe
• 00:15:10 - The Trauma We Didn’t See Coming
• 00:19:06 - Co-Regulating: The Secret Sauce
• 00:20:13 - A New Approach to Safety for Kids
• 00:21:40 - Breaking Old Parenting Cycles
• 00:26:15 - Repairing Connections: The Art of the Apology
• 00:27:10 - How Hungry is Your Kid’s Heart?
• 00:31:07 - Wheels of Emotion: A Parenting Tool
• 00:32:04 - Raw Reflections from Parenthood
• 00:37:03 - Resources, Encouragement, and Hope for Parents

Phyllis and Dr. Glenn are joined by Elijah Runyan, a seasoned Connection Codes coach and the director of their coaching certification program. Elijah shares how fear of shame, fear of emotions, and avoidance can drive our behaviors in relationships and everyday life. Through real-life client stories and his own experiences, he explains how slicing emotions thinner and processing them authentically can lead to breakthroughs in intimacy, parenting, and self-awareness. The conversation unpacks tools, the role of energy in emotional connection, and why avoiding emotions only strengthens barriers.

Links and Resources:

• To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel
• To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠
• Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help

Connect with Elijah:

• Schedule a CC Coaching Session with Elijah: https://runyanstronghealth.as.me/schedule/5204ed3a
• Runyan Strong Health: https://www.runyanstronghealth.com
• Elijah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahrunyan
• Elijah on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@runyanstronghealth

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Unmasking Emotions: The Start Of It All
• 00:00:22 - Meet The Minds Behind Connection Codes
• 00:01:49 - Elijah’s Aha Moment On Fear Of Shame
• 00:04:00 - When Fear Holds Relationships Hostage
• 00:07:27 - The Hidden Depths Of Anger And Hurt
• 00:16:25 - Stories That Change Perspectives
• 00:24:30 - Processing Emotions: The Turning Point
• 00:27:26 - Fear, Anxiety, And Emotional Breakthroughs
• 00:29:41 - Why Emotional Regulation Is Everything
• 00:33:49 - Secrets To Connection In Every Relationship
• 00:41:11 - A Glimpse Into The Coaching Universe
• 00:44:13 - The Final Thought That Says It All