In this episode of Heart and Soulution, Mike and Kristen explore how understanding individual strengths and differences can lead to stronger, more harmonious partnerships.The couple discusses how personality assessments, particularly the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, can be powerful tools for self-awareness and relationship growth. Mike, a certified Myers-Briggs practitioner, emphasizes the importance of understanding one's core wiring, distinguishing between nature and nurture. Mike and Kristen share personal anecdotes, including the infamous "Flooring Incident of 2020," (actually 2021) to illustrate how their different approaches to tasks, stemming from their distinct Myers-Briggs types, can create both challenges and opportunities for collaboration. Ultimately, the couple highlight that these assessments are not meant to box individuals in or provide excuses, but rather to foster awareness, curiosity, and leverage differences for mutual benefit within a relationship.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, generated with Suno.ai.

Links:

• More about the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) https://www.themyersbriggs.com/en-US/Products-and-Services/Myers-Briggs

Join Mike and Kristen Jones on the Heart and Soulution podcast as they delve into the enduring wisdom of Dr. Gary Smalley's, "Keys to Lasting and Loving Relationships" video series. Despite Dr. Smalley's passing, this powerful resource, containing 19 videos and over 20 hours of content, remains available at smalleyinstitute.com. Mike and Kristen share how this series, which they discovered decades ago, continues to impact their marriage and offers timeless lessons that are still applicable today. They discuss key concepts such as treating your spouse like a celebrity, finding value in "camping experiences" (difficult times), communicating through "emotional word pictures," understanding the fundamental differences between men and women, and the four essential elements for a thriving relationship (security, communication, bonding experiences, and meaningful touch). They also touch upon personality types, like the "Golden Retriever," and strongly recommend this series as a valuable tool for couples or small groups.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, generated with Suno.ai.

Links:

• Dr. Gary Smalley's "Keys to Lasting and Loving Relationships" Resource: https://www.smalleyinstitute.com/offers/57F5JbDR/checkout

The Heart and Soulution podcast with Mike and Kristen Jones offers an overview of their experiences with premarital counseling and the early challenges in their marriage. They discuss using the SYMBIS assessment ("Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts") and the importance of community and shared resources for navigating difficulties. Mike and Kristen emphasize that conflict can be a tool for growth and advocate for intentionality in relationships and sharing learned insights with others. They also credit Dr. Gary Smalley's video series as a significant positive influence on their marriage.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, generated with Suno.ai.

Resources we mentioned:

SYMBIS Assessment information

https://www.symbis.com/

Dr. Gary Smalley video series

https://www.smalleyinstitute.com/offers/57F5JbDR/checkout