Rich and Krista join Neal and Naomi to talk about life as new empty nesters, their involvement in church ministries, and why their congregation’s “God‑led, not process‑led” approach feels different from traditional Christianity. A warm, funny, and thoughtful look at faith, service, and community.

In this intimate episode of Unequally Yoked Us Now, Naomi and Jen open up about their personal journeys with alcohol—from early childhood conditioning to trauma‑driven drinking to long‑term sobriety. With Neal joining the conversation, they explore how addiction forms, why some people become dependent while others don’t, and how neuroscience explains the compulsions many experience.

Drawing from Nicole Labor’s Addiction 101, they discuss dopamine, the midbrain, trauma responses, relapse triggers, and the difference between white‑knuckling sobriety and true recovery. They also share their most meaningful sober moments and their hopes for the future.

This episode is raw, compassionate, and deeply human—perfect for anyone seeking understanding, validation, or insight into addiction and healing.

Neal and Naomi open up about the gender roles they inherited, how those expectations shaped their marriage, and the work they’re doing to unlearn old patterns. From Naomi’s experiences with being labeled “emotional” or “rude” for speaking directly, to Neal’s reflections on patriarchal teachings and emotional shutdown, this episode explores communication, boundaries, and healing inside a long‑term relationship. A candid, vulnerable conversation about rewriting the stories we were raised with and learning to show up differently for each other.

In this intimate episode, Neal and Naomi sit down with their daughter Rosalyn for a raw conversation about growing up LDS, navigating childhood depression, losing her sister, surviving her mother’s alcoholism during COVID, and living with chronic illness. Together, they explore grief, forgiveness, boundaries, and the long road toward healing as a family.

In this candid and unexpectedly hilarious episode of Unequally Yoked Us Now, Neal and Naomi dive into the real story of Neal’s Mormon mission to Ireland (1994–96) — the rules, the culture, the sister‑missionary drama, the loneliness, and the surprising ways young elders sought connection. Naomi brings her Irish heritage and spiritual perspective, challenging and teasing Neal as they unpack gender roles, priesthood power, mission expectations, and the emotional realities of missionary life. From St. Patrick’s Day debates to holding hands with a male companion during a prayer, this episode blends humor, vulnerability, and cultural insight in a way only these two can. Perfect for listeners curious about LDS missions, religious deconstruction, mixed‑faith marriage, or the human side of belief.

How do gender roles, faith, and hidden bias still shape women’s lives today? In this conversation, Neal, Naomi, and Jen dive into the realities of women’s health, the invisible mental load at home, and the cultural messages that keep equality feeling out of reach.

From being dismissed by doctors to carrying emotional labor without recognition, they share honest, funny, and eye‑opening stories about marriage, parenting, and rediscovering balance. From Helpmeet to Equal Partner explores what real partnership looks like — in love, in faith, and in everyday life.

Neal and Naomi welcome their friend Jen for an open-hearted conversation about how early family experiences shape who we become. From childhood fear and people-pleasing to therapy breakthroughs and attachment styles, the three explore what it takes to unlearn old reactions and build emotional safety in relationships.

It’s honest, vulnerable, and sometimes funny — a look at how past pain can lead to deeper connection.

Part one of a two-part conversation about healing, relationships, and finding your voice.

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the complex evolution of gender roles within our relationship, highlighting the profound changes that have transpired over the years. We candidly discuss the expectations that stem from our upbringing, particularly the traditional notions of masculinity and femininity that have shaped our identities. As we navigate the intricacies of parenting and partnership, we reflect on the challenges and triumphs that accompany these shifting dynamics. Furthermore, we explore the significance of open communication in dismantling outdated paradigms and fostering mutual understanding. Ultimately, our discourse aims to illuminate the shared journey of growth and adaptation, encouraging listeners to contemplate their own experiences and the roles they inhabit.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we explore the evolution of our relationship over the years, highlighting the various challenges we have navigated together.
• We delve into the significant changes in roles that both men and women experience in contemporary society and how they impact our daily lives.
• The discussion includes our reflections on parenting and the expectations that society imposes on us as caregivers and providers.
• We share personal stories that illustrate the complexities of communication within our marriage and the importance of expressing our needs and boundaries.
• This episode serves as an introduction to a series on relationship dynamics, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing dialogue about our evolving roles.
• We underscore the value of curiosity and openness in understanding each other’s perspectives, particularly regarding gender roles and expectations.