D.E.M.O. with MO

Just like seasons change, sex can change in marriage. If you don’t work through the valleys and transitions of sex, you will ultimately get to winter, a season where you’re bitter, nasty, and resentful because the sex and sex conversations have been neglected, and you are not getting what you need. Practicing open-sex communication with compassion in each season is critical, and it’s the only way to prevent winter, no matter where you are on your journey. Sex is important, it’s a healthy part of marriage, and you should prioritize and schedule it as much as you can, but it’s not the only clutch to intimacy. When it is not possible because of factors such as chronic illness, looking for other intimacy avenues is key. There are so many types of intimacy that you can explore that can help you stay connected and are just as rewarding as sex.

Join the conversation with Christ-Lynn and Junior Smith (Husband and Wife) as they share how to prioritize sex in different seasons with compassion and how to find other ways to be intimate. Christ-Lynn and Junior have been married for 10 years, are parents to two girls, and Christ-Lynn is the podcast host of Black Marriage Therapy. Sex in marriage is important and should always be a priority, but it will look different in different seasons. Learn how to cultivate open conversations around your sex life and embrace the changes that come with it to thrive.

Tune in!

During this episode, you will learn about;

[00:00] Episode intro and a bit about our guests today, Christ-Lynn and Junior Smith

[03:18] The Smith's love story and how they met

[06:43] What seasons of sex in marriage mean to Christ-Lynn and Junior

[16:19] The spring stage; why it’s exciting and full of energy

[18:35] The summer stage and how couples should unwrap this stage not to miss it

[21:53] Autumn/fall season: Sex unpredictability, how we get here, and how to come out

[25:52] Winter season: Why couples in this stage feel like their marriage is over

[37:28] How to keep spontaneity in your sex life without feeling like it’s an obligation

[44:10] Embracing change: How to reintroduce who you are now in your marriage

[44:26] How to adjust your sex life when life becomes overwhelming

[52:18] Should sex in marriage always be a priority? Find out!

[01:08:48] Wrap up and end of the show

Resources Mentioned

The Four Seasons of Marriage Gary Chapman: https://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Marriage-Secrets-Lasting/dp/1414376340

Let’s Connect

Christ Lynn And Junior Smith

Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/blackmarriagetherapy

Instagram

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3 Listeners

Revitalizing Relationships: A Journey of Reconnection and Intentional Appreciation

D.E.M.O. with MO

06/29/23 • 23 min

After a heartfelt trip to Atlanta with my husband to celebrate our wedding anniversary and his birthday, I've discovered the real essence of prioritizing relationships amidst the whirlwind of life's routines. With our 13th wedding anniversary as the backdrop, we opened up to each other, sharing feelings, addressing issues, exposing vulnerabilities, and reconnecting on a profound level. This personal journey inspired me to share some insights on nurturing and reviving relationships with you, my dear listeners.
Let's explore together how intentional appreciation and daily check-ins can revitalize your relationship. Listen in as I delve deeper into understanding your partner's needs and how showing a willingness to lighten their load can mean a world. And it doesn't stop here - I invite all of you to engage and share your favorite methods of reconnecting with your significant other. Screenshot and tag me on Instagram and Facebook, let's continue this conversation about love, connection, and rekindling relationships. Let's embark on this journey together, because love is always worth the effort.

Connect with Mo
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3 Listeners

Let's Talk Boundaries

D.E.M.O. with MO

04/06/23 • 56 min

It is impossible to have a healthy relationship without setting boundaries. Boundaries are an important part of any relationship, whether it is between two people or within a marriage. Boundaries help us to understand each other’s needs and respect each other’s space, allowing us to build trust and maintain healthy relationships. This can help both parties thrive and avoid unnecessary conflict. However, without clearly communicated boundaries, it can be hard for someone to know how they should interact with you, leaving them feeling confused and frustrated, so it’s important to speak up about what your limits are.

Join the conversation and learn the importance of setting boundaries in your relationships, the best ways to do it, and what makes others respect and value the boundaries you set. Sasha Harris-Greenidge, a Certified IGNITE Mindset Coach, joins us to help us unravel this concept. She holds a BA in Psychology. She is also a wife and mother of 2 beautiful children.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Show

[00:00] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Sasha Greenidge

[04:05] What are boundaries in a relationship context?

[06:20] The difference between a wall and a boundary

[08:30] Are boundaries important in relationships?

[11:07] What happens when we have unspoken boundaries in relationships

[17:53] The danger of people who use boundaries to control or manipulate someone

[24:19] How to approach a situation where one partner does not approve of a boundary

[31:42] Do couples need to re-check and adjust boundaries as needed?

[39:05] How do you define boundaries in your relationships?

[44:53] Advice on what to do with a partner who doesn’t give the response you desire

[52:03] How people will respect your boundaries

[54:37] Wrap up and end of the show

Notable Quotes

Boundaries are not expectations of how one should live.
People are not in a relationship with you to make you happy. They are there to be their best self to contribute value to your life.
It’s healthy to set boundaries, but at the end of the day, it comes to what we can or cannot tell somebody to do or say.
'Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.'—Brené Brown.
When you set your boundaries, you know they are working when other people don’t like them.

Let’s Connect

Sasha Greenidge

Website: https://sashagreenidge.com/

Email: [email protected]

About The Show

*****Thank you so much for listening to the DEMO with Mo PODCAST! Please c

Connect with Mo
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3 Listeners

Navigating the Emotional Challenges of Father's Day: Healing, Coping, and Finding Comfort

D.E.M.O. with MO

06/22/23 • 44 min

When Father's Day rolls around, do you find yourself feeling more sadness than joy? If so, you're not alone. In this heartfelt episode, I open up about my own experiences with the emotional challenges of Father's Day, and provide practical ways to heal and find comfort during this sensitive time.
Our discussion begins by honoring the amazing fathers out there, like my husband, who show up and provide for their families despite the challenges they face. But we also acknowledge that Father's Day can be a painful reminder of grief, loss, or complicated relationships. From processing the emotions that come with a changed relationship to our fathers, to setting healthy boundaries with those who may trigger difficult feelings, we explore a range of coping strategies to help you find solace on this complicated day.
Lastly, we share a powerful reminder for those struggling with their own fatherhood journey, or those who have never met their fathers: you are not broken, you are worthy of love, and there is nothing wrong with you. Join us as we navigate the complexities of Father's Day, offering support, compassion, and hope for those who may be struggling.

Connect with Mo
Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demowithmo/
Facebook Relationship Community:
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2 Listeners

The Kids Are Asleep, Now What!

D.E.M.O. with MO

06/23/22 • 28 min

The Kids are Asleep, Now What!

Once you get into a romantic relationship or marriage and have kids, your relationship dynamics can drastically change. It is very easy to lose a once romantic marriage if you don't take the necessary measures to protect it. You have to be very proactive about spending time together and making time for one another.

How do you get on a schedule at the end of your long working day when your kids are asleep? What boundaries have you put in place with your partner? How do you connect with one another? What if you were both exhausted from the day and still had to make time for your partner? Join this conversation as I share practical tips and tricks you can implement to nurture your relationship.

Tune in!

During this episode, you will learn about;

[00:24] Episode intro and today's focus

[02:22] The rationale of this episode's topic

[04:38] Setting reasonable boundaries

[05:30] Understanding your uniqueness as partners

[06:17] Train your babies to have their own sleep schedule

[07:07] Preparations begin during pregnancy

[10:00] Getting proactive and creative on how to create your schedules

[11:36] Handling issues of being on a phone while having private time with your partner

[12:20] Things you can do during that alone time with your partner

[13:51] Your relationship/marriage should always be a priority

[16:02] Stick to your agreements without compromise

Notable Quotes

We can get caught up in the routines of the day and forget to connect with our partners.
A child can change the dynamics of your relationship and make you forget the needs of each other.
Your marriage is always a priority, don't lose it trying to solve every need of your kid.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Sleep Training FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/respectfulsleeplearning/

Let’s Connect

Monique Simmons

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmo/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/

About The Show

*****Thank you so much for listening to the DEMO with Mo PODCAST! This podcast’s mission is to help equip you with the tools and practical applications to do relationships well. Get inspired, motivated, and tuned up with honest conversations every week. Follow us on Facebook and Ins

Connect with Mo
Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe
Merchandise: https://demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmopodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demowithmo/
Facebook Relationship Community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/548524369897098/?ref=share

2 Listeners

What Are You Afraid Of?

D.E.M.O. with MO

08/30/22 • 10 min

Season 3 Finale; What Are You Afraid Of?

What do you do when you have fears in your relationships and marriage? Or when you get triggered by your childhood and past experiences? Fear has a way of showing up in our relationship and/or marriage. Sometimes we fear that our marriage may not last, we won't be good parents, we won't manage money well making us doubt ourselves and question our very being. We can't always keep our fears at bay, but we don't have to be trapped by them.

If what people say or do sometimes trigger fear in your relationship and marriage, you need to be honest with yourself and dig deeper. Don’t just look at how you think, what you see, what is going on, and how it is making you feel. Look at why it’s making you feel that way and find the real underlining issue.

Tune in!

During this episode, you will learn about;

[00:00] Episode intro

[02:14] Today’s focus: What Are You Afraid of

[03:41] Digging out the root and finding the real underlying issue

[04:08] How childhood experiences can trigger fear in your marriage

[06:30] Find out what it’s that you are afraid of

[07:11] Fear does not come from God; 2 Timothy 1:17

[07:41] God cares about you and the things that you fear; 1 Peter 1:5-7

[08:14] Being honest with yourself and your partner and doing the work

[09:08] How to move past your fears

[09:17] Ending the show and call to action

Notable Quotes

Fear always has a way of showing up
Cast all your fears on God, for he cares for you
You don’t have to say it out loud to the world; say it to yourself.
It’s not going to be easy or comfortable, but it’s worth it
You have to be honest with yourself, your partner, and your children to move past fear

Let’s Connect

Monique Simmons

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmo/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/

About The Show

Please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and family!

Connect with Mo
Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe
Merchandise: https://demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmopodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demowithmo/
Facebook Relationship Community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/548524369897098/?ref=share

2 Listeners

5 Things I Learned In Therapy

D.E.M.O. with MO

04/27/23 • 41 min

5 Things I Learned In Therapy

Therapy is a safe space where you can talk to someone who is trained to help you with your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It's a place where you can learn how to deal with life's challenges, feel better about yourself, and improve your relationships with others. Therapy can help you feel more in control of your life and improve your overall well-being.

Join Monique, your host, in this week’s episode as she shares five valuable lessons she learned from her therapist that will transform the way you approach relationships. These lessons touch on some of the most important aspects of building healthy relationships, including setting boundaries, being vulnerable, practicing self-awareness, and understanding the impact of our childhood experiences. Learn these powerful lessons that can help you improve your relationships and lead a happier life.

Tune in!

Key Highlights From the Show;

[00:24] Episode intro and what’s in for you

[01:22] Are you still seeing your therapist?

[03:05] What we are preparing you for in May

[04:59] Different kinds of relationships people have with their moms

[10:09] Why keeping your boundaries is golden

[14:12] Benefits of being vulnerable and letting people in to help

[17:46] Untold secrets of practicing self-awareness

[24:43] Why how things impact you from your childhood things are inseparable from you

[37:15] You are not responsible for what others do or do not do

[42:09] Ending the show and call to action

Notable Quotes

Boundaries are okay and healthy, and you should have them in any type of relationship.
It's better to have healthy relationships in your life, with healthy boundaries, than have unhealthy relationships with no boundaries.
Self-awareness means a conscious knowledge of one’s character, feelings, motives, and desires.
You cannot run from how your childhood impacted you. It will follow you into your adulthood.
It is not your fault for the choices that others make. You are not responsible for what others do or do not do.

About The Show

*****Thank you so much for listening to the DEMO with Mo PODCAST! This podcast’s mission is to give a space for people who have a desire to do relationships well and to hear authentic conversations about the struggles we all face. The things I wish I would have known. I don't proclaim to be an expert. I'm still learning and growing everyday. We're doing this thing called life together. Get inspired, motivated, and tuned up with honest conversations every week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok.

Please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and family!

Connect with Mo
Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe
Merchandise: https://demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmopodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demowithmo/
Facebook Relationship Community:
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2 Listeners

That One Time I Went To Jail

D.E.M.O. with MO

07/12/22 • 34 min

That One Time I Went to Jail!
Trusting God in difficult times can be hard. Whether born again or not, painful seasons in life will be inevitable. Job 14 says, "Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble..." He will use us in any circumstances, even in the darkest times, so His message of Love can be put right. Every trial God sends, even our daily frustrations, are meant to test us and grow us stronger in faith.
Join this conversation as I share how I landed in jail and served God’s will as He desired. I own the truth that when you are in a dark time, trust God, who gives you light to see the good in all situations. This is an honest message that is always true.
Tune in!
During this episode, you will learn about;
[00:06] Episode intro and today's focus
[01:15] Actions that landed me in jail in 2015
[07:38] Taking it positively inside the jail cell
[09:12] The peace of God that engulfed me despite the circumstance
[12:30] God’s plan isn’t always our plan
[15:33] Stories of other women that moved my heart
[17:21] Sunday morning- women thirsting for God
[22:06] Leading the women to give their lives to Christ
[24:40] Seven years later- Served the purpose of God
[27:07] Allow God to use you for His glory no matter the situation
[30:09] Do not be afraid to share what God has done for you
[32:46] Wrap-up and call to action
Notable Quotes
Your circumstances and situations will change, but God will never.
Anything that has happened to other people could just have happened to you as well. It’s only by the grace of God.
Allow God to use you and speak to you during tempting times.
When God does something in your life, don’t keep it to yourself.
Let’s Connect
Monique Simmons
Website: https://www.demowithmo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmo/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@demowithmo/
About The Show
*****Thank you so much for listening to the DEMO with Mo PODCAST! This podcast’s mission is to help equip you with the tools and practical applications to do relationships well. Get inspired, motivated, and tuned up with honest conversations every week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and be part of this blessed family.
Please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and family!

Connect with Mo
Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe
Merchandise: https://demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmopodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demowithmo/
Facebook Relationship Community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/548524369897098/?ref=share

2 Listeners

Let's Talk Couple Friends

D.E.M.O. with MO

03/30/23 • 94 min

Making friends as a couple can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking to build relationships with other couples or just find someone to hang out with, having couple friends can add an extra layer of joy and connection to your life and marriage. Building relationships with other couples is a great way to add more meaningful relationships to your life. Not only can these friendships offer you something new and exciting, but they can also help you stay accountable, provide fresh perspectives and save you a lot of heartache when going through difficult times. With the right effort and communication, it’s possible to build strong relationships with other couples and keep them going for the long haul.

Join the conversation and learn how to make friends, build valuable relationships with other couples, and keep them going. The let’s talk couple friends’ panelists include Lakenya VanNorman, Delvin VanNorman, and Averi Harris Leggett. We talk about our real-life experiences as couples and practical ways on how you can meet and build relationships with other couple friends, the benefits and drawbacks of having these types of friends, and how to overcome challenges that come along the journey.

Tune in!

During this episode, you will learn about;

[00:00] Episode intro and the pre-show talk

[08:47] Why it’s hard for most couples to find other couple friends

[16:34] The importance of having ‘couple friends’ to your marriage relationship

[29:07] How to help a partner to be open to building relationships with other couples

[38:37] Different ways to meet other couple friends and build relationships

[45:31] Being mindful of the type of couples you hang around with

[51:39] How to find other couple friends if you don’t have friends in relationships

[01:07:12] The benefits of having ‘couple friends.’

[01:13:57] Challenges you can face making friends as a couple and how to overcome them

[01:18:10] How to level up your consistency in building relationships with other couples

[01:28:08] Lessons the guests have learned and their questions

[01:33:43] Wrap up and end of the show

Notable Quotes

Everybody is different, so it’s important to understand yourself and the type of people you want in your circles.
Having couple friends can keep you accountable, give you a new perspective and save you a lot of heartache.
Surround yourself with people who are not afraid of telling you you’re wrong.
You will get good and bad advice; take what will benefit you and be a stepping stone for your relationship.
Be mindful of the type of couples you hang around with; just because they're married doesn't mean they're the type of people you want to hang out with.
Vulnerability is a big

Connect with Mo
Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmopodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demowithmo/
Facebook Relationship Community:
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2 Listeners

Learning How to Create Healthy Boundaries with In-laws & Extended Family

D.E.M.O. with MO

08/25/22 • 77 min

Learning How to Create Healthy Boundaries with In-laws and Extended Family with Christ-Lynn Smith

How do we create healthy boundaries with our in-laws and extended family members? How can we have conversations with our partners about protecting our relationships and marriage without it turning into a power struggle, or worse yet, the very thing that is being avoided by creating these boundaries?

In-laws are a constant struggle for some. They don't always get along with our partners, or we don't agree on managing relationships with them. This can lead to conflict and tension in relationships and marriage. In order to maintain healthy boundaries, we need to have conversations with our partners about how in-laws should be handled not to cause a rift in the marriage.

In today’s episode, I invited the podcast host of “Black Marriage Therapy,” Christ-Lynn Smith, and we discussed how to create healthy boundaries with in-laws and extended family, having conversations with our partners to get on one accord about how to protect our relationship/ marriage.

Tune in!

During this episode, you will learn about;

[00:28] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Christ-Lynn Smith

[02:03] The one thing about Lynn that people don't know

[04:59] The journey behind Lynn's motivation to start a podcast

[07:56] How she and her husband created healthy boundaries with in-laws

[11:32] What are relationship boundaries?

[14:30] Effects of lacking a model of a healthy boundary as they got into marriage

[18:53] The good and bad about getting married young

[21:52] What hinders us from making and setting boundaries

[28:41] Years of learning and growth before she got on the same page with her husband

[42:12] Understand empathy, judgment, and family dynamics in relationships

[44:48] When should couples have conversations about boundaries they want to put in place

[48:41] The need to re-adjust your boundaries in periods of transition as a couple

Notable Quotes

When you see someone go through an experience like yours, you empathize because you know how exactly it feels.
In-law relationships are unique and complex in different relationships and people.
Relationships change for the better when you are on the same page with your spouse or partner.
If you set the boundary and are consistent with it, your in-laws will fall in line because they love you and want to be part of your life.
You set boundaries around things that you believe are valuable. Things that you want to protect and keep safe.
We are afraid to set boundaries because of conflict, so we don't. However, we cause more conflict when we don't.
An In-law relationship can define your marriage.
Understand your par

Connect with Mo
Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe
Merchandise: https://demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmopodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demowithmo/
Facebook Relationship Community:
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