When couples say, “We just need to communicate better,” they’re often talking about nonviolent communication—whether they realize it or not.

In this episode of Build to Love, Alexa Gelles sits down with David Ring, long-time student and practitioner of nonviolent communication, founder of the Empathease app, and author of Unclog Your Happiness. David shares what nonviolent communication really is, how it can shift the way we show up in our relationships, and why the key to connection often starts with dropping blame and tuning into your own needs.

Together, Alexa and David explore:

• What nonviolent communication looks like in practice
• How to speak in a way that reduces defensiveness and builds trust
• Why letting go of “right” and “wrong” can open the door to real connection
• Practical steps to start applying NVC in your relationship today

Whether you’re navigating recurring conflicts or simply want to feel closer to your partner, this conversation offers tangible tools and a fresh perspective on what it means to truly listen—and be heard.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empatheaseapp/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empy871
• Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00YTUBDJE/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@empatheasetalks?si=p5xXqfXcXmGufiVs

Wedding season is all about the dress, the venue, and the perfect playlist—but what about life after the big day? In this episode, I’m joined by Colleen Marcoux, a wedding officiant and relationship therapist (and the newest member of Alexa Gelles Counselling) who has seen couples at their highest and lowest moments.

We talk about:

• The surprising overlap between officiating weddings and counselling couples
• How to prepare for marriage beyond the guest list and flower arrangements
• Why elopements are becoming more popular—and more meaningful
• The conversations every couple should have before saying “I do”

Whether you’re planning your wedding, recently married, or simply want to strengthen your relationship, this conversation offers insight, practical tools, and inspiration for building lasting love long after the honeymoon ends.

Colleen’s Instagram @marriedbymarcoux

Websites: https://alexagelles.com/meet-the-team https://www.marcouxandco.com/

You can have all the communication tools in the world—but if your mindset isn’t right, they won’t stick.

In this episode, Alexa shares the 7 most powerful mindset shifts she teaches couples to get unstuck and build a lasting future together.

You’ll learn how to:

• Break free from blame and start focusing on what you can control
• Reframe arguments and setbacks as opportunities for growth
• See your partner as a your teammate
• Bring intentional effort and intimacy back into long-term love
• Embrace the stretch of discomfort that leads to real connection

These aren’t quick fixes—they are game-changers. Whether you’re stuck in the same old patterns or want to feel more connected and supported, this episode will help you shift how you think about your relationship—and how you show up in it.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and pick one shift to focus on this week. You’ll be amazed at what changes when you lead with the right mindset!

Mentioned in this episode:

→ Ready for support before things feel hard? ⁠Reach out for 1:1 coaching⁠

→ Want to stay in the loop? ⁠Join my email list⁠ and be the first to know when my program Built to Last opens

→ DM me on Instagram ⁠@alexagelles⁠ and tell me: What’s the worst relationship advice you’ve ever heard?

Enjoyed this episode?

Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this community—and your relationship—grow.

Let’s keep building love, one conversation at a time.

You’ve probably heard things like “never go to bed angry” or “fighting is bad” and assumed they were gold-standard advice for a healthy relationship. But here’s the truth—some of the most popular relationship tips are actually doing more harm than good.

In this episode of Build to Love, I’m unpacking four of the most common myths that keep couples stuck, confused, and questioning their connection. These outdated beliefs can create unrealistic expectations and make you feel like you’re doing something wrong—when in reality, you’re just navigating what it really means to grow in partnership.

I’m sharing what’s actually true about conflict, communication, support, and long-term love—and giving you the tools to create a relationship that’s more grounded, connected, and resilient.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why going to bed angry might be the healthier choice
• How fighting (when done well) is a sign of a strong relationship
• Why waiting for a crisis to seek support can slow your growth
• The real reason relationships aren’t supposed to feel “easy” all the time
• How to shift your mindset to build love that truly lasts

Mentioned in this episode:

→ Ready for support before things feel hard? Reach out for 1:1 coaching

→ Want to stay in the loop? Join my email list and be the first to know when my program Built to Last opens

→ DM me on Instagram @alexagelles and tell me: What’s the worst relationship advice you’ve ever heard?

Enjoyed this episode?

Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this community—and your relationship—grow.

Let’s keep building love, one conversation at a time.

Keep having the same fight on repeat? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In this episode, I’m walking you through the 3 pillars of my Built to Last method to help you stop the cycle of conflict, communicate more clearly, and feel deeply connected again. These are the exact tools that changed my own relationship and now help my clients create love that actually lasts.

What you’ll walk away with:

• Why small fights can feel so big

• How to stop arguments before they spiral

• How to reconnect emotionally and physically

Did something in this episode hit home? DM me on Instagram @alexagelles and let me know what resonated—or which pillar you want help with.

Want more support? Join the waitlist for Built to Last or reach out to work with me 1-on-1.

If this episode helped, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more couples find the tools to create lasting love.

Arguments are a part of every relationship—but they don’t have to pull you apart. In this episode, I’ll talk about why conflict is normal, how to handle it better, and how to use it to grow closer with your partner. I’ll share simple ways to shift how you respond during fights, improve your communication, and turn arguments into moments for growth.

What you’ll walk away with:

• How to stop fights from spiraling and stay connected
• Why arguments can actually help you grow together
• Easy steps to improve understanding and communication during tough talks

Ready to break the cycle of conflict and build a relationship that lasts?

Check out my 1:1 Premarital Coaching sessions ⁠here⁠.

I’d love to hear from you—let me know what resonated, what surprised you, or any topics you'd love me to cover in future episodes. Reach out to me on Instagram@alexagelles!

Looking for the "perfect" partner? Spoiler alert: they don't exist. In this episode, I’m diving into the power of imperfection in relationships. I’ll share why letting go of unrealistic expectations and accepting both your and your partner’s flaws can lead to a deeper, stronger connection. Relationships aren’t about perfection; they’re about growth, understanding, and making it work together despite the bumps along the way.

What you’ll walk away with:

• Why imperfections are opportunities for growth, not obstacles
• How understanding each other's flaws can strengthen the bond
• The importance of shared values over aiming for flawlessness

Did any of these insights surprise you or shift your perspective? DM me on Instagram @alexagelles and share your thoughts!

Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!

Welcome to the first episode of Built to Love!

Relationships can be tough, but they don’t have to be a constant struggle. In this episode, I’m sharing why relationships often feel harder than they should and what we can do about it. I’ll walk you through the key things I’ve learned on my own journey of building a healthy, lasting relationship—and give you a sneak peek into the powerful tools you’ll learn in this podcast. If you're ready to stop the cycle of endless conflict and start building a love that lasts, this episode is for you.

What you’ll walk away with:

• The main reason relationships feel harder than they should
• How making small, intentional changes leads to stronger communication
• Why building a strong foundation is key to long-term success

Want to create a relationship that's built to last? Check out my 1:1 Premarital Coaching sessions here. If this episode hit home, don’t forget to leave a review and share it with your besties!