Connection Codes – Details, episodes & analysis

What if the thing standing between you and better intimacy was something as simple as the mess of a massage oil?

In this episode, Dr Glenn and Phyllis sit down with Justin and Natalie — the couple behind Evree, a 100% natural intimate massage cream that functions as both a massage product and a lubricant without leaving the sticky, oily residue that stops most couples from even trying.

Justin and Natalie share the story behind six years of development, what it cost them emotionally and financially to keep going when experts told them it wasn't possible, and why they believe physical touch and intentional intimacy can quite literally transform a marriage.

They also walk through the Core Emotion Wheel — sharing raw, real moments from their own relationship and inner life. This is a conversation about more than a product. It's about removing the barriers that keep couples from choosing each other.

In This Episode:

• The date night that started it all — and why Natalie just wanted to go to sleep
• Why massage oils and lubricants have always been two separate products (and the problems each one causes)
• The 6-year journey to create a product everyone told them was impossible
• Why Justin almost gave up — and what happened when they took one more run at it
• How Evree functions as a massage cream, lubricant, moisturizer, and body butter in one
• 100% natural ingredients, edible, vaginally safe, and non-sticky — the full wish list they achieved
• What 15,000 couples are saying about how it's changed their marriage
• New products coming: Kiss Balm and a pH-balanced intimate wash
• Justin and Natalie each go through the Core Emotion Wheel — and it's unexpectedly personal

Resources Mentioned:

Evree Intimate Massage Cream — ⁠evreesensation.com⁠

Evree Discount Code — Use code: connectioncodes for 10% off your Evree order

Evree on Instagram — ⁠@evreesensation⁠

Get the Core Emotion Wheel — ⁠connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠

Book a Connection Codes Coach — ⁠connectioncodes.co/coaches

SEO Keywords:

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What if everything you've been labeling as a problem — the addiction, the affair, the marriage that feels like a hostage situation, the career that's slowly killing you — is actually a prophet trying to get your attention?

Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill sit down with Jay Stringer, psychotherapist, ordained minister, and author of Desire, for one of the most searingly honest conversations about human longing, emotional health, and the hidden roadmap inside every one of us.

Jay spent years studying why people engage in unwanted behaviors — and what he found wasn't weakness or moral failure. He found desire. Vandalized, suppressed, and rerouted desire. And he found that healing the root — not just managing the symptom — changes everything.

In This Episode

• Why "just stop doing the thing" almost never works — and what to do instead
• The 5 core desires every human has (and why over-indexing on one destroys the others)
• The concept of the "provisional self" and why so many people wake up at 60 not knowing who they are
• What bells and albatrosses can teach you about the direction your life is asking you to go
• The DMZs in your marriage — and why avoiding them is quietly killing your connection
• How symptoms are actually prophets (and what they're trying to say)
• Jay walks through the Core Emotion Wheel live — with stunning vulnerability about loneliness, sadness, and a midlife chrysalis

About Jay Stringer

Jay Stringer is a licensed psychotherapist, ordained minister, and author based in New York City. His first book, Unwanted, explored the hidden drivers of unwanted sexual behavior. His new book, Desire, offers a research-backed roadmap for developing a healthy relationship to desire across all five domains of human flourishing — wholeness, growth, intimacy, pleasure, and meaning. He holds a master's in counseling psychology and an MDiv from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.

SEO Keywords

desire and healing, emotional health podcast, marriage communication, understanding your desires, unwanted sexual behavior, porn addiction recovery, identity and self-worth, self-sabotage meaning, mental health and marriage, relationship emotional intelligence, faith and therapy, midlife identity crisis, Core Emotion Wheel, connection codes podcast, Jay Stringer Desire book

Resources & Links

Get the Core Emotion Wheel — Free Resource

Book a Connection Codes Coach

Jay Stringer's book: Desire

Jay's first book: Unwanted

Jay Stringer’s Website: jay-stringer.com

Follow Jay on Instagram: @jay_stringer_

Take Jay’s Desire Profile Quiz (from the book)

Jay’s Contact Page (Linktree)

What happens when you lose your identity in a new country, face 65 consecutive rejections, and your creative voice gets buried under the weight of just surviving? Lara Pilcher, actress, author, and ICF-certified coach, shares her raw journey from Melbourne to America—and how creativity became her lifeline when everything else fell apart.

In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Lara reveals:

• Why creativity isn't just for artists—it's a life force everyone needs to survive
• How she rewrote her entire book after getting dropped by her literary agent
• The difference between grief and depression (and why most creatives are actually grieving)
• Why we shut down creativity during pain—and how to awaken it again
• The "mansion with many rooms" approach to finding your creative voice
• How rejection taught her resilience and audacity in a saturated world

This episode is for you if:

• You've lost touch with your creative self and don't know how to find it again
• You're processing grief, loss, or major life transitions
• You feel stuck in the "acquisitions track" and disconnected from who you really are
• You need permission to be a beginner again—to skip, dance, paint, or create badly
• You're afraid of judgment and need to "embrace the cringe"

Glenn and Phyllis explore how creativity connects directly to identity, emotional health, and relationship wellness. This isn't about becoming an artist—it's about reconnecting with the part of you that says "there I am."

About Lara Pilcher: Lara Pilcher is an actress, author, and ICF PCC-certified coach who has performed on London's West End and now helps creative souls reclaim their voice. Her debut book Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World releases through a London publisher after a journey of resilience that included 65+ rejections and completely rewriting her manuscript.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Brené Brown's research on creativity as life force
• Dr. Echo Hill on grief vs. depression
• Will Palomo on creativity as "connecting the seemingly unconnected"
• Diane Collards' I Choose to Forgive

Resources:

• Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcast
• Book a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches
• Find Lara's book Audacious Artistry at Barnes & Noble, Waterstones (UK), Blackstone's (Australia), and all major booksellers
• Learn more: www.larabiancapilcher.com

Keywords: mental health, emotional wellness, creativity and identity, overcoming rejection, marriage communication, grief vs depression, emotional regulation, relationship coaching, creative identity crisis, finding yourself again, emotional health tools, leadership development, creative resilience

Tera, Echo, and Bridget discuss the transformative power of respectful communication between adults and children. They explore the significant impact of emotional intelligence on parenting, bringing to the forefront the importance of creating safe, empathetic environments where children are encouraged to express themselves and engage with the world around them confidently. With heartfelt stories and expert insights, this conversation challenges conventional disciplinary tactics, advocating for a connection-first approach that respects children's voices and emotions. If you’re looking to foster deeper connections and understand the profound influence of nurturing communication in shaping the future generation, tune in to this episode!

Links and Resources:

To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠

To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠

Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Revolutionizing Parenting with Emotional Codes
• 00:02:24 - Official Start: Unveiling the Connection Codes
• 00:03:44 - Expanding Kids' Support Networks Beyond Parents
• 00:06:46 - Discussing Kids’ Rights to Emotions and Choices
• 00:11:41 - Deepening Understanding of Kids' Emotional Expressions
• 00:18:57 - Exploring Emotional Regulation Within Families
• 00:25:17 - Parental Reflections: Aspiring for Change and Healing
• 00:27:24 - Crafting a Supportive Web for Parents and Kids
• 00:30:28 - The Intricacies of Emotional Bonds in Families
• 00:31:49 - Educating Kids on Emotional Intelligence and Safety
• 00:35:53 - Strengthening Parenting Through Community Support
• 00:41:04 - Embracing a Spectrum of Emotions in Child Rearing
• 00:47:48 - Wrapping Up: Embracing Emotional Awareness in Parenting

Dr. Glenn Hill and his wife Phyllis along with Tera Wages unabashedly dive into nuanced territories of sex, intimacy, and emotional transparency within relationships. Dr. Glenn and Phyllis are experts in marital therapy and clinical sexology. Today’s discussion centers around whether sex is a desire or a need, and how this distinction impacts relationship dynamics. Through personal and professional stories, they explore how sexual intimacy intertwines with personal identity and emotional well-being, offering listeners a profound understanding of how to foster deeper connections with their partners. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their relational depth, navigate complex emotions, and transform their approach to intimacy and connection.

Links and Resources:

To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠

To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠

Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Kicking Off: The Intricacies of Sex and Candid Conversations

• 00:00:42 - Welcome to the Connection Codes Podcast: Introduction
• 00:01:36 - Community Vibes: The Strength of Connection
• 00:03:11 - Emotional Insights: Utilizing the Core Emotion Wheel
• 00:06:05 - Navigating Emotions: Anger, Fear, and Identity in Personal Connections
• 00:07:30: - Exploring Anger's Role in Relationship Dynamics
• 00:09:00: - Fear in Partnerships: Unpacking Vulnerabilities
• 00:10:45: - Identity Crisis in Relationships: A Closer Look
• 00:12:15:- How Emotions Shape Connection Dynamics
• 00:15:20 - Critical Question: Is Sex a Need or Merely a Desire?
• 00:21:21 - Why Sexual Connection Matters in Deep Relationships
• 00:25:13 - Debunking Myths: Sex, Identity, and Cultural Misconceptions
• 00:27:49 - Sexual Identity Explored: Connection and Understanding
• 00:31:51 - Honoring Each Other: Respecting Individual Sexual Needs
• 00:33:30: - Challenges in Sexual Relationships: Expert Insights
• 00:35:10: Individual Needs vs. Relationship Expectations
• 00:36:45: Techniques for Enhancing Sexual Intimacy
• 00:38:20: Overcoming Stigmas in Sexual Health
• 00:41:10 - Seeking Help: The Importance of External Guidance in Sexual Matters

Tera and Wes Wages engage in a candid exploration of intimacy and vulnerability within their marriage. They discuss the often unspoken complicatedness of sexual desires and emotional needs, using their own experiences to illuminate the universal challenges faced by many couples. The couple explains how addressing past traumas and embracing open, honest dialogue can foster a stronger, more connected relationship. This episode not only provides you with practical insights for enhancing intimacy but also offers a raw look at the courage it takes to confront and navigate the intricate aspects of love and partnership. Whether you're seeking to deepen your relationship or understand the delicate balance of support and desire, Tera and Wes’s journey through love’s emotional landscape will resonate and inspire.

Links and Resources:

To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠

To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠

Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 Welcome to a Raw and Honest Look Inside Marriage: The Connection Codes Episode
• 00:00:22 Unpacking the Seldom Talked About: Conversations About Sex
• 00:03:15 Emotional Connection and Intimacy Challenges
• 00:06:10 Journey Through Emotional and Sexual Intimacy: A Marriage's Story
• 00:09:48 How Past Traumas Can Influence Our Current Relationships
• 00:10:46 Delving Into the Complex Interplay Between Sexual Desires and Emotional Needs
• 00:11:35 The Crucial Role of Open Communication in Strengthening Marriage
• 00:13:28 Striking a Balance: Healing and Understanding in Partnership
• 00:17:45 Healing Together: The Journey of Emotional Recovery in Marriage
• 00:20:17 Why Recognizing Each Partner's Experience Matters
• 00:22:19 Adapting to the Different Seasons of Marital Life and Mental Wellness
• 00:24:05 Postpartum Challenges and Navigating Societal Expectations in Relationships
• 00:26:00 Managing the Demands of Modern Life While Sustaining a Healthy Relationship
• 00:30:30 Vulnerability and Openness: The Building Blocks to Deeper Connection
• 00:35:07 Utilizing the Core Emotion Wheel: Tools for Deeper Emotional Insight
• 00:40:13 Celebrating Growth: Reflecting on the Evolution of a Relationship and Mutual Support

Join your host Tera Wages, along with Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill, as they explore the intricate dance between joy and pain through personal stories and the revolutionary use of the core emotion wheel. Discover how facing deep emotional challenges within a family can open up pathways to healing and deeper connections, highlighting the surprising truth that profound joy often coexists with intense sorrow. You are invited to reflect on your own experiences with emotional complexity and the power of vulnerability in fostering true connection. Tune in to learn how embracing all facets of your emotions can lead to a more fulfilled and emotionally rich life.

Links and Resources:

To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

To enroll in Connection Codes for Parenting use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/connected-parenting-masterclass

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Intro to Connection Codes: Bridging Emotions
• 00:01:34 - Unveiling the Core Emotion Wheel
• 00:03:08 - Personal Stories of Emotional Courage
• 00:06:22 - Harnessing Emotion to Enhance Connection: Personal Stories
• 00:10:15 - Coping with Deep Family Challenges
• 00:12:32 - The Role of the Emotion Wheel in Family Healing
• 00:14:00 - Personal Reflections on Sorrow and Support Mechanisms
• 00:18:22 - Vulnerability in Times of Crisis: A Family’s Testament
• 00:20:54 - The Strength Found in Open Vulnerability
• 00:23:09 - Journey Through Emotional Release to Joy
• 00:25:45 - Comparing Physical and Emotional Pains
• 00:27:23 - Finding Joy Amidst Deep Sorrow: A True Story
• 00:29:38 - Why Processing Emotions Matters for Health
• 00:33:54 - Vulnerability as a Pathway to Emotional Healing
• 00:36:30 - Techniques for Effective Emotional Processing
• 00:38:15 - Using Emotional Tools to Foster Resilience and Connection
• 00:40:45 - Conclusion: Taking the Steps Towards Emotional Maturity

In this episode we are journeying alongside the Koops, a Canadian family who ventured into the unfamiliar, embedding themselves with the Hills for an experience that transcends mere internship. Through laughter, tears, and moments of profound vulnerability, we explore the life-changing power of connection, the beauty of unexpected lessons, and the courage it takes to embrace authenticity in every facet of life. From the initial leap of faith encapsulated in a cold email to the intricate dance of living and learning together, this episode shows the richness that comes from opening hearts and homes, challenging us to consider the depth of our connections and the spaces we create for growth and genuine interaction. Join us as we navigate the complexities of human relationships, discovering along the way that home isn't just a place, but a feeling cultivated through true connection and understanding.

Links and Resources:

To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

To enroll in Connection Codes for Parenting use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/connected-parenting-masterclass

Connect with Certified Coaches Jordan & Erika Koop:

www.questforthecore.com

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Embarking on an Unfamiliar Path: Introducing the Koops and their leap of faith.
• 00:01:04 - From Cold Email to Shared Roof: The story behind the Koops' bold decision.
• 00:05:56 - More Than Just Interns: Unpacking the reality behind living with the Hills.
• 00:08:25 - Laughter and Lessons: Discovering life's unexpected teachings.
• 00:11:02 - Finding Comfort in the Uncomfortable: The magic of opening up.
• 00:14:17 - Vulnerability's Victory: Embracing the emotional ebbs and flows together.
• 00:17:09 - The Essence of Connection: Unveiling the strength found in genuine bonds.
• 00:18:46 - The Fabric of Family: Weaving together bonds that last.
• 00:20:57 - The Beauty of Being Seen: Learning the art of visibility and presence.
• 00:24:01 - Everyday Empathy: Turning understanding into action.
• 00:26:14 - Heart Over Hesitation: Prioritizing deep connections and daring to be vulnerable.
• 00:31:22 - Growth Amidst Discomfort: Confronting and growing through personal challenges.
• 00:34:53 - The Authenticity Effect: How true selves enhance relationships.
• 00:39:47 - Challenges as Catalysts: Facing fears head-on for personal evolution.
• 00:42:18 - The Sanctuary of Safety: Building spaces where vulnerability thrives.
• 00:45:33 - Riding the Emotional Waves: Staying true through life's ups and downs.
• 00:47:50 - Joy in the Journey: Celebrating the highs amidst the lows.
• 00:49:34 - The Echoes of Emotion: Learning to listen to what feelings offer.

Today we’re discussing emotional regulation, personal transformation, and the intricate relationship between the mind, body, and spirit with our esteemed guest, Dr. Margaret Nagib. As a Christian clinical psychologist, Margaret shares her profound insights on how integrating spiritual practices with psychological principles can lead to unparalleled growth and healing. Through her personal experiences that she shares and professional insights, we explore the transformative power of connecting with the Holy Spirit, the importance of nurturing our inner lives, and the impact of emotional intelligence on our relationships and sense of self. This episode is a beacon for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of themselves and their spiritual journey, offering practical advice and encouraging stories of change and healing.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 Welcome to Connection Codes
• 00:02:14 Meet Dr. Margaret Nagib: Unveiling Paths to Healing and Wholeness
• 00:06:48 Harnessing Emotional Regulation Through Nervous System Awareness
• 00:08:30 Exploring the Mind-Body Connection: Insights into Emotional Wellness
• 00:11:05 The Role of Faith in Emotional Health
• 00:13:47 Techniques for Emotional Regulation
• 00:16:34 Stories of Transformation: How Integrating Faith Enhances Therapy
• 00:19:12 The Significance of Self-Awareness in Spiritual and Psychological Growth
• 00:21:00 Discovering Wholeness: Somatic Practices and Spiritual Insight
• 00:26:24 Unraveling the Layers: The Quest for an Authentic Self
• 00:28:00 Awakening to Spiritual Depth
• 00:30:00 Weathering the Storm: Family, Health, and Hope
• 00:33:35 Journeying Through Emotions to Find Collective Healing
• 00:37:52 Integrating Divine Wisdom for Profound Therapeutic Breakthroughs
• 00:41:08 - Margaret's Methods: Blending Spiritual Practice with Clinical Insights
• 00:45:12 Vulnerability as a Gateway to Strength and Courage
• 00:49:44 - Personal Anecdotes of Faith-Fueled Resilience
• 00:53:17 - Final Reflections: The Journey of Healing and Connection and Heartfelt Thanks

Links and Resources:

• Dr. Margaret Nagib on LinkedIn
• DUNAMIS PROJECT
• Souls Like Stars by Dr. Margaret Nagib
• Sozo for Professional Counselors by Dr. Margaret Nagib

To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

To enroll in Connection Codes for Parenting use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/connected-parenting-masterclass

In this episode we’re exploring the multifaceted nature of joy, an emotion traditionally viewed through a purely positive lens. Listen in on a thought-provoking journey to uncover the complexities and potential pitfalls of unprocessed joy. From personal experiences to professional insights, we’re shedding light on how unchecked joy can lead to unexpected consequences in both personal health and interpersonal relationships. By exploring the balance between embracing joy and acknowledging its hidden impacts, this episode will offer you a nuanced perspective on managing emotions for deeper connection and understanding.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Meet Your Guides: The Voices Behind the Connection Codes
• 00:01:12 - The Complexity of Joy: Its Impact Beyond the Surface
• 00:02:29 - Joy's Unexpected Consequences: A Story from the Dinner Table
• 00:05:49 - The Risks of Letting Joy Run Wild
• 00:08:25 - The Double-Edged Sword of Joy: When Happiness Overshadows
• 00:10:32 - Joy in the Details: The Impact of Small Moments on Our Well-being
• 00:15:04 - Joy: Stories That Connect and Enlighten
• 00:22:57 - The Art of Recognizing and Embracing Joy
• 00:26:15 - The Intricacies of Joy in Daily Life: Insights and Reflections
• 00:30:03 - The Ripple Effect of Unprocessed Joy
• 00:33:03 - A Look at Joy's Influence in Unexpected Places
• 00:34:08 - The Thin Line Between Aspiration and Acceptance
• 00:37:41 - Together in Emotion: The Strength of Shared Experiences
• 00:39:17 - Nurturing Connections Through Emotional Openness
• 00:45:28 - Facing Life's Challenges: A Family's Journey Through Illness
• 00:51:52 - A Family's Battle: Fear, Hope, and the Spectrum of Emotions
• 00:56:51 - Wrapping Up: Embracing the Full Spectrum of Our Emotions

Links and Resources:

To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/podcast⁠⁠⁠

To enroll in Connection Codes for Parenting use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/connected-parenting-masterclass