Episode 225 - Master Emotional Intimacy for Better Relationships

In this relationship-focused episode, Mardi Winder welcomes Dr. Dan Sneider, a licensed couples therapist and creator of the Intimacy Shift blueprint, to discuss the real meaning of intimacy and how it impacts relationships before, during, and after divorce. Dan openly shares his upbringing in a chaotic household and how those early experiences shaped his understanding of emotional safety and connection. He reflects on his journey through his own marriage and subsequent divorce, explaining how these experiences shaped his commitment to helping others form healthy, lasting bonds.

The conversation unpacks the common misconception that intimacy is solely about physical closeness, shedding light instead on the importance of emotional intimacy, particularly the ability to feel seen, heard, and safe in a relationship. Mardi and Dan discuss how common it is for people to struggle with expressing their wants and needs, and how, without that openness, trust can erode over time. They also touch on the familiar pattern of conflicts arising from communication breakdowns, especially around sensitive topics like finances or intimacy.

Throughout the episode, Dan offers actionable suggestions for couples and individuals, such as creating intentional moments for conversation, using grounding techniques to foster calm, and practicing clear, non-blaming communication. He emphasizes that these are not innate gifts but learned skills, accessible to anyone willing to practice and prioritize connection.

He offers a 12-week program focused on skill-building and meaningful progress, reassuring those who may feel stuck that improvement really is possible. The episode closes on a hopeful note, reminding us that we are always one small step away from connection and that making even modest efforts toward understanding and closeness can yield significant positive change.

About the Guest:

Relationships can be hard. When the spark fades and every conversation feels like walking on eggshells, it’s easy to drift apart. That’s where today’s guest, Dr. Dan Sneider, comes in. He’s a licensed couples therapist, educator, and creator of The Intimacy Shift: A Blueprint for Moving From Conflict to Lasting Connection, a 12-week program that transforms couples’ relationships by rebuilding trust, improving communication, and rediscovering real intimacy.

With personal experience and over a decade of professional expertise helping hundreds of couples, Dr. Dan knows what it takes to shift from conflict to connection — and bring the spark back for good.

For Dr. Dan’s gift: https://intimacyshift.com/

To connect with Dan:

Website: https://intimacyshift.com/