164: Premarriage Prep That Actually Works
Podcast Guest: Les and Leslie Parrott
Janurary 19th, 2026
Listen to the Show:
In this Episode
In this episode, relationship experts Les Parrott and Leslie Parrott share practical, research-based tools to help couples strengthen emotional connection, navigate conflict with empathy, and build healthier marriages. From premarital preparation and the Invisible Rule Book to the powerful Heart Chart assessment, this conversation offers clear strategies for improving communication, awareness, and relationship health at every stage.
“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 Welcome and episode overview
01:19 Why relationships feel complex
02:49 How SYMBIS began
04:18 Creating the SYMBIS assessment
06:20 Questions couples must ask
07:11 Marriage myths and expectations
07:47 The Invisible Rule Book
09:21 Learning to fight well
11:10 Why empathy matters most
12:27 Practicing empathy daily
13:33 Thoughts shape relationships
14:03 Inside Bad Thoughts
17:08 Toxic thought patterns
19:31 Letting go of guilt
20:22 Introducing Heart Chart
22:51 Relationship states vs traits
24:06 Commitment and connection explained
26:29 Key takeaways for couples
27:04 Keys to stronger connection
29:20 Final reflections and close
Insights
Les and Leslie's
Take the Heart Chart assessment, then intentionally practice empathy by putting yourself in your partner’s shoes to strengthen understanding and connection.
Empathy grows through presence—pause to check your attention, reduce distractions, and intentionally show up fully for your partner.
Liz’s
Our presence and actions carry real power in relationships, shaping connection and outcomes for better or worse.
Dave’s
Attunement—being fully aware and attentive to your partner’s world—builds connection; when attention fades, emotional distance slowly grows.
About Les and Leslie
Les Parrott, Ph.D., is a psychologist and #1 New York Times best-selling author. Dr. Parrott’s books have sold over five million copies in more than two dozen languages and include Love Talk, Crazy Good Sex, and the award-winning, Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts. His latest book, coauthored with his wife, Leslie, is Healthy Me Healthy Us. The Parrotts are cofounders of eHarmony, and the game-changing online assessment, Better Love. Dr. Parrott has been featured in USA Today and the New York Times. He’s appeared on CNN, FOX News, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The View, and Oprah.
Les and Leslie'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: