Relational Lives Podcast

What happens when your partner’s brain is wired differently than yours? In this episode, hosts Ali and Ros explore the unique dynamics of neuro-mixed (or neuro-distinct) couples, where one partner is on the autism spectrum and the other is neurotypical.

We move past the stereotypes to look at the daily reality of loving across neurological lines, offering a roadmap for couples looking to bridge the gap between two different ways of experiencing the world.

 

00:00 Understanding Neurodiversity in Relationships

03:16 Navigating Change and Anxiety

05:13 Sensory Differences and Intimacy

07:54 Communication Challenges and Alexithymia

10:52 Processing Speed and Relationship Dynamics

13:57 Fairness, Justice, and Conflict

16:50 Social Engagement and Exhaustion

18:31 Takeaway Tips for Couples

📍 Resources mentioned:

Embrace Autism | The ultimate autism resource

 

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  
What should we do more of (or less)?  
Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?
Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]
Or fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  
Music by: Stile Tree Studio

In this episode, relationship therapist Catherine Topham Sly shares insights on rekindling intimacy after having children, addressing the emotional and physical challenges couples face, and practical tips for reconnecting.

00:00 Introduction to Catherine Topham Sly

01:32 Catherine's Journey into Relationship Therapy

05:29 The Impact of Parenthood on Relationships

11:34 Navigating Sexuality and Intimacy Post-Childbirth

17:16 Communication Challenges in Relationships

19:00 Seeking Help: When to Reach Out for Support

20:00 Navigating Relationship Transitions

23:08 The Impact of Parenthood on Intimacy

27:13 Understanding Emotional Connections in Relationships

32:47 Opening the Conversation About Sex

35:14 Utilizing the Workbook for Relationship Growth

41:17 Awareness and Compatibility in Relationships

42:20 The Risks of Self-Discovery

43:30 Navigating Relationship Patterns

44:31 Key Takeaway Tips for Couples

📍 Resources:

Ways to contact or follow Catherine:

Website: https://insightconnection.uk/

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

Back In The Sack: https://insightconnection.uk/sex-after-kids/

 

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  
What should we do more of (or less)?  
Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?
Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]
Or fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  
Music by: Stile Tree Studio

In this episode, we explore what it really means to feel “triggered” and why some reactions in the present are powered by unhealed moments from the past. We look at how triggers show up in the body and nervous system, how they’re shaped by earlier relationships, and why they can feel so fast and overwhelming. You’ll hear practical ways to spot your own triggers, pause before reacting, and respond with more self-compassion. We also explore how triggers play out in close relationships, and how understanding them can move couples from blame and shutdown towards more safety and connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Triggers

01:19 Understanding Triggers and Reactions

04:01 Recognizing Personal Triggers

07:03 Defensive Reactions and Their Roots

10:01 The Impact of Triggers on Relationships

13:01 Exploring Emotional Responses

16:01 Triggers in Digital Communication

17:55 The Impact of Exclusion on Self-Perception

20:15 Understanding Triggers from Past Experiences

26:36 The Role of Core Beliefs in Emotional Reactions

31:29 Strategies for Managing Triggers and Reactions

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  
What should we do more of (or less)?  
Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?
Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]
Or fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  
Music by: Stile Tree Studio

In this episode, we’re joined by Monica Tanner, host of Secrets of Happily Ever After, to explore the myths that quietly shape our expectations of marriage. We dive into what actually helps couples communicate more openly, rebuild intimacy, and create relationships grounded in mutual respect. If you’ve ever questioned the “rules” you’ve been taught about love, this conversation offers a refreshing and practical new perspective.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marriage Myths

01:51 Monica's Journey and Background

07:00 Communication: The Key to Relationships

10:09 Identifying Common Marriage Myths

18:50 The Importance of Collaboration in Marriage

22:31 Navigating Communication in Relationships

27:16 Challenging Myths Around Sexuality

30:56 Cultivating Compassionate Curiosity

37:10 Key Takeaways for Relationship Growth

📍 Resources mentioned:

Book: https://a.co/d/025VpZLO

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KnkyQGEr20TnQsfmx7kX0?si=01e6f9237346405f

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  
What should we do more of (or less)?  
Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?
Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]
Or fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  
Music by: Stile Tree Studio

In this episode of Relational Lives, the hosts explore what it really means to listen, and to feel heard, in our relationships. They unpack the idea of ‘holding space’ for one another, the subtle barriers that get in the way of meaningful communication, and the difference between simply hearing and truly being present. Blending personal stories with professional insight, they reflect on how different communication styles shape connection and disconnection alike. The conversation offers practical ways to build deeper understanding, patience, and curiosity, reminding us that genuine listening is less a skill we have, and more one we keep learning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Listening and Being Heard

02:54 Understanding Holding Space

05:51 Barriers to Effective Listening

08:40 The Impact of Emotions on Listening

11:44 Examples of Effective Listening

14:37 The Role of Curiosity in Communication

17:47 Influences on Our Ability to Listen

18:34 The Importance of Being Heard

21:29 Overcoming Communication Barriers

23:52 Navigating Relationship Dynamics

27:15 Finding Courage to Communicate

30:01 Techniques for Effective Listening

32:57 Creating Space for Both Voices

36:38 The Journey Towards Better Communication

 

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  
What should we do more of (or less)?  
Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?
Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]
Or fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  
Music by: Stile Tree Studio