In this episode of the Heart and Soulution podcast, Mike and Kristen Jones explore the complex nature of grief, using the recent passing of Kristen’s father to illustrate how to process loss more effectively. They move beyond the traditional "pull up your socks" mentality of previous generations to examine grief as a multi-layered experience that involves more than just death; it encompasses disappointment, missed expectations, and significant life transitions. They talk of what they have learned and share it with humility and rawness.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including Heart and Soulution theme, Card of the day jingle and all background music; generated with Suno.ai.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• Weller, Frances; The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief; 2015; North Atlantic Books.

• The Place We Find Ourselves podcast with Adam Young; Five part series on grief (episode 132).

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠⁠

• Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.

In this special episode, Mike and Kristen Jones celebrate the life and legacy of Kristen’s late father, a retired Navy officer who recently passed away. They describe him as an extraordinarily generous man who frequently sacrificed his own career dreams to support his family’s stability and goals. The couple shares lighthearted anecdotes about his unique dietary habits, his humorous "billisms," and the way he warmly welcomed Mike into the family despite his unconventional appearance. They also highlight his character and humility, specifically noting his willingness to apologize and his joy in helping others. Ultimately, the hosts use his life as a reminder to live intentionally and consider the lasting impact one’s actions have on loved ones.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including Heart and Soulution theme, Card of the day jingle and all background music; generated with Suno.ai.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• Emotionally Healthy Relationships by Pete and Gerri Scazzero. ⁠⁠Workbook and video training course.⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Genogram exercise and Unbiblical Family Commandments⁠⁠.

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠⁠

• Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Mike and Kristen Jones discuss the importance of learning from the past to avoid repeating mistakes in romantic and family relationships. Drawing on the book Emotionally Healthy Relationships, they explore how family of origin shapes a person’s views on conflict, success, and emotions through inherited "commandments." They emphasize that while individuals often adopt unhealthy generational patterns, it is never too late to rewrite these rules and pursue healing. By using tools like the genogram, couples can visually map out their family history to identify where dysfunction began and where positive shifts occurred. Ultimately, the discussion encourages listeners to examine their upbringing to build more intentional, authentic, and emotionally healthy foundations for their current lives.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including Heart and Soulution theme, Card of the day jingle and all background music; generated with Suno.ai.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• Emotionally Healthy Relationships by Pete and Gerri Scazzero. Workbook and video training course.

• Genogram exercise and Unbiblical Family Commandments.

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠

• Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Heart and Soulution podcast, hosts Mike and Kristen Jones explore the critical roles of vision and mission statements within personal and family relationships. While common in corporate settings, the hosts argue that many couples lack a clear direction for their lives together, leading to potential conflict and unmet expectations.They discuss the differences between Vision and Mission and give ideas on how to define, and refine these statements. Mike and Kristen discuss the benefits for having a shared vision and mission. For those who are dating, discussing life visions can help determine if two people are heading in the same direction or if their paths are fundamentally incompatible. Kristen and Mike share How to Create Your Vision and Mission and outline a practical process for couples to develop these statements.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including Heart and Soulution theme, Card of the day jingle and all background music; generated with Suno.ai.

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• ​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ​Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Heart and Soulution podcast, Mike and Kristen Jones continue their deep dive into the unrealistic and false sexual expectations that can impact intimacy within a marriage. Borrowing concepts from the book Married Sex, they discuss how getting clear on your own expectations and understanding your spouse's is the first step toward building a healthier connection.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including Heart and Soulution theme, Card of the day jingle and all background music; generated with Suno.ai.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• ​⁠⁠Married Sex⁠⁠, by Gary Thomas and Debra K. Fileta, published in 2021 by Zondervan publishing, available on Amazon in multiple formats.

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• ​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠⁠

• ​Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, Mike and Kristen Jones discuss sexual expectations in marriage, citing the book Married Sex. They argue that personal beliefs shaped by culture and upbringing influence intimacy. Couples must communicate realistic, agreed-upon expectations and debunk myths to foster deep intimacy.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including Heart and Soulution theme, Card of the day jingle and all background music; generated with Suno.ai.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• ⁠Married Sex⁠, by Gary Thomas and Debra K. Fileta, published in 2021 by Zondervan publishing, available on Amazon in multiple formats.

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠

• Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

In this episode, Mike and Kristen Jones launch the second season of Heart and Soulution by discussing physical intimacy within marriage. They highlight the importance of intentionality and character, arguing that a healthy sex life requires effort and kindness outside of the bedroom. The hosts reference the book Married Sex to address common challenges, noting that a high percentage of couples face frustrations in this area. They encourage listeners to investigate health, relational, and spiritual factors that may hinder intimacy rather than accepting a decline as a natural part of aging. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that sexual closeness is a divine design intended to distinguish the marital bond from all other relationships.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including Heart and Soulution theme, Card of the day jingle and all background music; generated with Suno.ai.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• Check out material from the Parrott's by visiting their ⁠website⁠ or by following them on instagram ⁠@lesandleslie.⁠

• Married Sex, by Gary Thomas and Debra K. Fileta, published in 2021 by Zondervan publishing, available on Amazon in multiple formats.

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠

• Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and participate in their weekly poll on ⁠Instagram⁠.

In this episode of the "Heart and Soulution" podcast, Mike and Kristen Jones focus on navigating the holiday season with family, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with family traditions, the challenges of blending families, and managing holidays with adult children and in-laws. They discuss the importance of setting healthy boundaries, the difficulty of managing unrealistic expectations during family gatherings, and the need for empathetic listening when dealing with challenging relatives like an "Uncle Mortimer." The discussion wraps up with practical advice for couples to form a united front, strategies for gracefully ending contentious discussions, and suggestions for creating a positive, engaging environment to minimize conflict.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including Heart and Soulution theme, Card of the day jingle and all background music; generated with Suno.ai.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Table Topics Tabletop Sets: Questions to start great conversations.⁠⁠⁠⁠

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• ⁠⁠The YouVersion Bible App.⁠⁠

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠⁠

• Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and participate in their weekly poll on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.