146: From Conflict to Connection
Podcast Guest: Annmarie Chereso
September 16th, 2025
Listen to the Show:
In this Episode
Conscious relationship coach Annmarie Chereso shares practical, heart-centered tools to turn conflict into connection. You’ll learn a simple one-question check-in (“Where am I?”), how to notice an open vs. closed heart, when to pause, and ways to break generational patterns. We cover mindfulness in marriage, radical responsibility, emotional regulation, vulnerability, and creating safety so repair and intimacy can grow.
“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”
Time Markers
00:00 Welcome & why conflict helps
02:14 Annmarie’s story & purpose
05:41 Mindfulness: being here, nonjudgmental
08:27 Conflict as invitation to grow
11:46 One question: “Where am I?”
14:46 Daily mind–body–heart check-in
16:59 Pauses, timeouts, pre-agreements
17:23 Why couples stay stuck
19:22 Practicing vulnerability in real life
24:07 Steps: conflict → connection
28:59 “Not ready yet” is okay
30:14 Spotting generational patterns
32:56 Morning chaos case study
36:58 For women feeling stuck
39:27 Key to stronger connection
40:12 Book, website, free resources
40:51 Takeaway: “Mind your heart”
43:24 Closing and next steps
Insights
Annmarie's
Mind your heart. Pay attention to how open your heart is in and remember to ask yourself, Is my heart open or closed right now and be honest.
Liz’s
Connection begins with yourself—being fully present in the moment and approaching both yourself and your partner with non-judgmental awareness.
Dave’s
Asking “Where am I?” invites powerful self-awareness. It can mean checking in emotionally, relationally, or with your attention in the present. Annmarie’s idea of radical responsibility underscores owning your reactions instead of defaulting to old, protective patterns that create only a false sense of safety. While it’s natural to go into defense mode when threatened, true growth comes from becoming consciously aware, opening the heart, and choosing healthier responses.
About Annmarie:
Annmarie Chereso is a conscious relationship coach, speaker, and author of the #1 international bestseller The Perfectly Imperfect Family. With over 20 years of experience, she helps couples break free from generational patterns, navigate conflict with clarity, and reconnect with their true selves.
Blending deep spiritual insight with practical tools, Annmarie guides women to let go of conditioned beliefs, embody love, and create empowered, fulfilling relationships. Her playful, heart-centered approach makes her a trusted ally for women seeking greater peace, trust, and freedom in their lives. Annmarie has impacted thousands through courses, coaching, workshops, and retreats. She has trained with master teachers including Jon Kabat-Zinn, Thich Nhat Hanh, Martha Beck, and The Conscious Leadership Group. She lives in Chicago with her husband and their beautifully blended family of nine, living what she teaches: love, presence, and conscious connection.
Annmarie's Resources:
Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:
Facebook: StrongerMarriage.org
Instagram: @strongermarriagelife
TikTok: @strongermarriagelife
Dr. Dave Schramm:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DrDaveUSU
Facebook Marriage Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579
Facebook Parenting Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/542067440314642
Dr. Liz Hale: