143: Dating with Purpose: The Path From Single to Successful Marriage
Podcast Guest: Stacy Hubbard
August 25th, 2025
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In this Episode
In this episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale welcome therapist and Gottman master trainer Stacy Hubbard. With over 25 years of experience, Stacy shares science-backed dating strategies for singles and couples alike. She explains how friendship forms the foundation for lasting love, the three phases of relationships (honeymoon, trust-building, and commitment), and why slowing down during the “oxytocin haze” is so important. Stacy also shares her origin story of creating the Lessons in Love for Singles workshop, practical tips for spotting trustworthiness, and the role of fondness, admiration, and repair in healthy relationships. This episode gives hope to singles navigating modern dating and tools for building stronger, more intentional connections.
“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”
Time Markers
00:04 – Introduction to Stacy Hubbard
01:08 – Focus on singles and dating
02:15 – Friendship as foundation in dating
03:30 – Origin of the Lessons in Love workshop
05:23 – Goals of healthy dating practices
07:36 – Common dating mistakes to avoid
08:31 – Five signs of trust explained
09:54 – Oxytocin “haze” and dating timelines
11:00 – Seeing partners in different contexts
12:06 – Three phases of relationships overview
12:26 – Phase one: limerence (honeymoon)
13:01 – Phase two: trust-building and challenges
14:57 – Repairing skipped steps in dating
16:59 – History of workshops and growth
18:45 – Tips for singles navigating modern dating
19:21 – Mate value vs. unique value
21:43 – Stacy’s personal love story
22:43 – Surprises and realities of marriage
24:52 – Partner’s approach to Gottman methods
26:33 – Key Gottman tools for relationships
26:55 – True commitment and cherishing thoughts
27:59 – Positive habit of mind explained
30:38 – Gentle startup and repair techniques
31:07 – Key to stronger marriage connection
32:28 – Six hours a week for relationships
33:09 – Where to find lessons in love resources
34:44 – Trainer and leader courses explained
36:19 – Unique focus of singles course
37:22 – Takeaway: fondness and admiration daily
38:20 – Positive habit of mind as longevity tool
39:29 – Liz’s takeaway: expressing gratitude daily
40:17 – Dave’s takeaway: friendship before commitment
41:18 – Personal story of chemistry and friendship
42:11 – Closing remarks and gratitude
Insights
Stacy's
Fondness and admiration thrive through a positive habit of mind—noticing and expressing gratitude daily. Simple, consistent appreciation strengthens all relationships.
Liz’s
Positive habit of mind.
Dave’s
Our brains lean negative by default, but choosing a positive habit of mind helps us see, value, and strengthen relationships.
About Stacy:
I am a Licensed marriage and family therapist. My education is from Portland State University. I obtained my Master’s in Counseling, in the Marriage and Family program, graduating in 2005. I have worked in the field of counseling for the past 25 years, in the capacity of a case worker, recreation therapist, rock climbing & adventure guide. I started to use the Gottman method in Graduate school so I have been using it for 20 years now! I have been certified in the Gottman Method for 13 years, and I became a Master Trainer with the Gottman Institute in 2016. I now lead Gottman trainings for other therapists, provide therapy for couples, and teach a singles course that I created, which is based on the Gottman method. I have a home on 10 acres near Ashland, Oregon where I live with my wonderful husband and our 4 dogs. We love hiking, kayaking, sports, and traveling.
Stacy's Resources:
https://www.gottman.com/presenter/stacy-hubbard/
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