Have you ever wondered if it's okay to raise your voice or show big emotion when you're deeply upset—without damaging your relationships? In this powerful conversation, Tera, Dr. Glenn, and Phyllis dive deep into what it really means to express emotions like anger, fear, or sadness in a way that fosters connection instead of creating conflict. From breaking down the difference between acting through emotions and naming them out loud, to confronting the fear of “not being sweet enough,” the hosts unpack the beauty of emotional clarity and the science-backed power of saying emotion words out loud. This episode offers both raw vulnerability and practical tools to help you show up as your full, intense self—without shutting down or blowing up.

Links and Resources:

• Download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/get-the-cew⁠⁠⁠

• Find out how to become a Certified Coach: ⁠⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coaching⁠⁠⁠

• Find a coach: ⁠⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/all-coaches⁠⁠⁠

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Kicking It Off: Big Emotions and How to Handle Them

• 00:01:01 - What It Really Means to Express Emotion

• 00:02:38 - Spoiler: We’re Not Here to Be “Sweet”

• 00:04:13 - Why Saying “I Feel Angry” Can Change Everything

• 00:06:12 - Letting Yourself Be Loud—Without Hurting Others

• 00:08:45 - Anger Isn’t the Villain: It’s a Message

• 00:10:47 - Teaching Respect Through Raw Honesty

• 00:14:00 - When We Name It, We Process It—Together

• 00:18:03 - From Suppressing to Sharing: A Personal Emotional Shift

• 00:20:01 - Breaking the Fear Around Feeling Angry

• 00:23:37 - Emotion Words = Human Connection Magic

• 00:28:37 - Why the Core Emotion Wheel Is a Game-Changer

• 00:34:23 - Final Words: You’re Allowed to Feel Fully and Freely

Tera sits down with Vanessa Marin, licensed sex therapist and CEO of Vanessa Marin Sex Therapy, to explore how our early messages around sex shape our adult relationships—and how we can reclaim joy, freedom, and connection in the bedroom. Vanessa shares her personal journey of unlearning shame, learning how to speak up for her needs, and rewriting her sexual story. From navigating body confidence to overcoming a sex-negative upbringing, this conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—and your pleasure matters. Whether you're struggling with desire, communication, or emotional intimacy, Vanessa’s insights will leave you encouraged, empowered, and equipped.

Links and Resources:

• Download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/get-the-cew⁠⁠
• Find out how to become a Certified Coach: ⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coaching⁠⁠
• Find a coach: ⁠⁠https://connectioncodes.co/all-coaches⁠⁠
• Vanessa Marin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessaandxander/?hl=en
• Website: https://vmtherapy.com/

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – A Warm Welcome + A Quick Note on Therapy
• 00:00:50 – Meet Vanessa Marin: Sex Therapist, Real Talker, Freedom Fighter
• 00:01:39 – Growing Up Silent: How Shame Shaped Our Sexual Narratives
• 00:04:32 – From Shame to Liberation: Vanessa’s Personal Turning Point
• 00:06:11 – The Call to Sex Therapy: Where Curiosity Meets Calling
• 00:11:01 – Kids, Chaos & Connection: Keeping Intimacy Alive in Parenthood
• 00:17:21 – Desire Decoded: What Your Libido Might Be Telling You
• 00:23:02 – Let’s Talk Initiation: Who Starts, Why It Matters
• 00:29:42 – Spicing It Up: Creating a More Playful Sexual Menu
• 00:30:09 – What Actually Works for You? Redefining Sexual Connection
• 00:31:13 – Vanessa’s Go-To Tools & Practices for Better Sex
• 00:32:58 – Sex Positions: Myths, Pressure & What to Let Go Of
• 00:33:26 – Fresh Energy: How to Stay Curious in Long-Term Love
• 00:36:16 – Permission to Laugh: Why Playfulness Belongs in the Bedroom
• 00:42:38 – Too Busy for Sex? Why Prioritizing It Changes Everything
• 00:46:55 – It’s More Than Just the Act: The Deeper Value of Sex
• 00:47:52 – Orgasm Isn’t the Goal: Navigating Challenges Without Shame
• 00:50:38 – Where Emotional Safety Meets Sexual Connection

Tera and Wes Wages get vulnerable about what truly makes — and breaks — connection over time. In this heartfelt and revealing conversation, they explore the hidden challenges of long-term love, from battling insecurity and body image fears to maintaining consistency through the daily chaos of life. They also candidly share insights on emotional validation, how minor daily efforts like scheduled texts can transform a relationship, and why talking openly about sex — even without pressure — can reignite intimacy. With real-life stories, expert emotional tools, and a viral 8-million-view surprise moment, this episode is an honest look into the beautiful, messy, and rewarding journey of authentic connection.

Links and Resources:

• Download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠https://connectioncodes.co/get-the-cew⁠
• Find out how to become a Certified Coach: ⁠https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coaching⁠
• Find a coach: ⁠https://connectioncodes.co/all-coaches⁠

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - 17 Years In: What Marriage Really Looks Like Behind the Scenes
• 00:01:01 - How Wes Became Instagram’s Favorite Husband (And the Viral Moment)
• 00:03:03 - Why Feeling Truly Seen Changes Everything in Relationships
• 00:03:59 - The Small Acts of Validation That Keep Love Alive
• 00:10:04 - Facing Insecurities Head-On: Real Talk About Marriage Fears
• 00:11:50 - Building Unshakable Trust by Processing Core Emotions
• 00:20:38 - Why Consistency, Not Grand Gestures, Sustains Long-Term Love
• 00:21:20 - Juggling Dreams, Kids, and Marriage: Finding the Balance
• 00:24:07 - The Daily Connection Habit That Makes or Breaks Relationships
• 00:27:45 - How Scheduling Texts Can Actually Save Your Relationship
• 00:28:54 - Power Tools for Deeper, Faster Emotional Connection
• 00:30:03 - How Connection Codes Revolutionized Our Marriage
• 00:35:05 - Getting Real About Sex, Pressure, and Intimacy After 17 Years
• 00:40:45 - Final Takeaways: Hope, Growth, and Staying Connected Through It All