Why Your Relationship Feels Flat and Disconnected

In this episode of Grounded Union Podcast, we dive deep into why your relationship might feel emotionally dry, disconnected, or just… flat. Brandon and Caitlyn Doerksen unpack the hidden layers behind emotional distance in marriage, including avoidance, passivity, self-protection, and performance. They get vulnerable about the moments their own relationship hit rock bottom—and what it took to rebuild true connection. From understanding the impact of unresolved stress to small, intentional steps like eye contact and getting out into nature, they offer practical shifts that can reignite emotional presence and intimacy. With powerful personal insights and grounded, relatable guidance, this episode helps couples stop drifting and start engaging again. Whether you're just starting your healing journey or feeling stuck in a cycle, this one is packed with real tools to help you reconnect with your partner and yourself. Our 2025 Grounded Union 2-Day Workshops:📍 Mesa, Arizona – April 12th & 13th (Registration Closed)📍 Portland, Oregon – June 7th & 8th📍 San Diego, California – August 22nd & 23rd📍 Maui, Hawaii – October 10th-13th (3-Day Marriage Intensive—limited to 20 couples, lodging included!)Workshops for Couples: Tap here to attend one of our 2025 in-person workshopsLooking for immediate support in your marriage?Community for Men: Tap here to start your 14-day FREE trialWorkshops for Couples: Tap here to attend one of our 2025 in-person workshopsGrounded Intimacy Program: Tap here for more info on our online couples program Follow us on social at @brandontalksmarriage & @caitlyn_doerksenCheck out our IG account to stay updated @groundedunionpodcastYouTube Show available hereTimestamps & Key Moments:00:00:28 – Intro & Workshop Announcements: Brandon introduces the topic of emotional disconnection and shares updates about upcoming workshops in Portland, San Diego, and Maui.00:03:00 – Recognizing the signs of disconnection: The warning signs that show your relationship may be disconnected, based on their own experience at rock bottom.00:06:25 – How Screens Secretly Disconnect You: The unseen ways constant media exposure creates emotional distance.00:12:01 – Choosing Connection Over Convenience: The rewards of choosing real-life connection over digital distractions.00:18:02 – The Impact of Reducing Media Consumption: How eliminating media consumption from their lives created a more positive, present family environment and reduced unnecessary stress.00:25:40 – Daily habits to stay connected: Simple, achievable practices that maintain emotional intimacy daily.00:32:36 – The Power of Deep Conversations: How removing distractions allows for deeper conversations about childhood, belief systems, and personal secrets that can lead to a deeper connection.00:34:16 – Choosing Connection Over Entertainment: The importance of choosing genuine connection over entertainment, offering a challenge to couples to have real conversations beyond TV and movies.00:35:08 – The Impact of Light on Your Well-Being: How artificial blue light disrupts your circadian rhythm and how to regulate your environment with natural light to improve overall health and connection.00:42:30 – Why you don't need big gestures: How consistent small actions outweigh occasional grand gestures.

Om Podcasten

Welcome to the Grounded Union Podcast, hosted by Brandon and Caitlyn Doerksen. In 2019, our marriage hit rock bottom—so close to divorce that we thought there was no way back. But through deep healing, transformation, and a relentless pursuit of something better, we didn’t just save our marriage—we created something more beautiful than we ever imagined. On our journey, we realized that the conventional advice from counselors, pastors, and mentors wasn’t enough. So, we set out on an uncharted path, searching for real, lasting change. Now, standing on the other side, we’ve mapped out the exact process that restored our love, trust, and connection—a process we weren’t given but one we discovered through lived experience. This podcast is our invitation to you: to walk this path with us, to challenge the norms, and to build a marriage that is passionate, open, honest, deeply connected, and full of life. No one told us it was possible—but we’re here to tell you: it absolutely is. Join us on this journey. It’s not just about saving your marriage—it’s about creating one that’s stronger, richer, and more alive than ever.