Seek First to Understand

What does it really take to build a relationship that lasts? LoveWork: Skills for a Relational Life doesn’t offer quick fixes or fairy tales. Instead, therapists Jerry Sander and Kristy Gaisford bring a grounded, practical perspective to the complexities of intimacy, drawn from their own lived experiences. Both have navigated marriage, divorce, and then found fulfilling second marriages, and they openly discuss the realities of blending families-Kristy, for instance, helps parent four step-children alongside her own four. This isn't abstract theory; it's wisdom forged in the trenches of real life. In each episode, they explore the nuanced skills required for connection, from communication and conflict to vulnerability and joy. You’ll hear candid conversations that honor both the struggles and the profound rewards of committed partnership. Their professional expertise as licensed clinical social workers merges with personal honesty, creating a space that feels both informative and deeply relatable. This podcast is for anyone who believes relationships require effort but doesn’t want to lose the heart in the hard work. Tune in for honest dialogue that might just change how you show up for the people you love.