Episode 142

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Published on:

8th Jan 2026

What Needs to Die in Your Marriage? Bold Questions for a New Year

In this episode of "Master Your Marriage," hosts Robert and Sharla Snow challenge the trending notion that January is solely for hibernation and survival mode. While acknowledging the appeal of rest and cozy winter vibes, they argue that growth in your relationship isn't confined to a calendar date—it's a daily choice.

Robert and Sharla introduce a fresh framework for setting intentions in your marriage: subtraction, growth, and protection. They adapt three powerful questions to help couples build stronger partnerships:

  1. What Has to Die in Your Marriage? Explore limiting beliefs, behaviors, and patterns that are holding you back, like avoiding tough conversations, constant phone distractions, holding grudges, micromanaging, or assuming your partner's needs without asking. The hosts share personal examples and encourage listeners to identify and release these weights.
  2. What Has to Grow in Your Marriage? Identify neglected areas (like intimacy or shared adventures) and double down on what's working well (such as weekly check-ins). Robert and Sharla discuss nurturing ambition and direct communication for deeper connection.
  3. What Has to Be Protected in Your Marriage? Guard the rhythms, habits, and elements that already strengthen your bond, like trust, quality time, and healthy boundaries.

Whether it's January or July, this episode offers actionable insights for intentional relationship growth. Grab your journal, reflect with your partner, and prioritize 1-2 items per question. Share your takeaways with us on social media or in an email!

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. Trending winter "hibernation" mindset vs. embracing growth anytime
  2. The pitfalls of endless addition in goal-setting
  3. Personal reflections on limiting beliefs and habits
  4. Practical examples of toxic behaviors to eliminate
  5. Strategies for amplifying strengths and protecting what's good
  6. Journaling exercise for couples

Connect with Us:

  1. Follow @MasterYourMarriage on Instagram, and Facebook
  2. Email your stories: masteryourmarriage@gmail.com
  3. Subscribe and leave a review to support the show!

This episode is perfect for couples ready to subtract the negative, grow together, and protect their love in 2026 and beyond.

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About the Podcast

Master Your Marriage
Experiencing deeper love, passion and connection in your relationship
The average couple waits 6 years to get help in their marriage. That's 6 years of pain, hurt, frustration and lost opportunity.

This podcast is designed to help you NOT become a part of that statistic.

Hosted by Dr. Robert and Sharla Snow — themselves married for 31 years — The Master Your Marriage show is here with straight-talking guidance on how to fill your marriage with fun, friendship and love, without it ever feeling like "hard work."

No matter how long you've been struggling with your marriage, or how long it's been since you've felt that "spark," we promise you, there is hope!

Your MASTERFUL marriage starts here.

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Master Your Marriage The Snows