What if every argument in your marriage stemmed from the same hidden source?
In Episode #71 of the Marriage of Greatness podcast, Evan and Susan Money make a bold claim: All marriage conflict originates from fear. But it doesn’t stop there—they break down how fear can quietly distort reality, sabotage your relationships, and keep you trapped in unhelpful patterns.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- The surprising reason why both haunted house mazes and marital arguments can provoke an out-of-proportion emotional response—and how fear is the real “monster under the bed.”
- The difference between reacting and responding in fearful situations (hint: fear makes us react, not respond).
- Vulnerable stories from Evan and Susan about their personal root fears—fear of rejection and fear of not being “enough”—and how those early emotional wounds can echo through your marriage.
- How a rescued puppy named Lady and the ‘floor is lava’ game provide powerful lessons on how irrational fear can shut anyone down.
- The sneaky trap of cynicism (“backdating fear”) and why pretending not to care only creates more pain.
- Why intentionally choosing your influences—what you watch, read, and who you spend time with—can either feed your fears or help you break free from them.
Listener/Viewer Follow-Up:
- Dig Deep: Take a moment to reflect—where does your own fear come from? Evan and Susan encourage you to do the inner “work” of tracing conflicts or negative reactions in your marriage back to specific fears or old stories.
- Put it Into Action: Choose ONE insight from this episode and write down how you will apply it. Use the notes app on your phone (or even email yourself a reminder) to keep yourself accountable.
- Be Intentional: Review what inputs you’re allowing into your life. Are they helping you choose growth over fear? Make one intentional change—turn off that negative show, reach out to a positive friend, or say “yes” to something outside your comfort zone.
- Share the Journey: Talk with your spouse about your root fears and how you see them influencing your relationship. You’ll be amazed at how this simple act of vulnerability can unlock new levels of connection.
Ready to stop letting fear run the show in your marriage? Jump into this episode and start taking those small steps towards freedom, joy, and lasting harmony.
Subscribe, share with a friend, and don’t forget to check out Evan and Susan’s ongoing journey to 100 weddings at marriageofgreatness.com!
Timestamped Overview
00:00 "Haunted Maze's Surprising Scare Tactic"
05:44 "Swearing Off Horror Movies"
09:45 Root of Fear in Relationships
10:38 "Fear of Rejection and Avoidance"
13:41 Confronting Fear and Self-Worth
19:15 Cynicism's Paradox: Painful Shield
22:33 "Capture Ideas: Phone Notes Hack"
