180: How To Rebuild Intimacy In Your Marriage
Podcast Guest: Nick and Amy McKinlay
May 11th, 2026
Listen to the Show:
In this Episode
In this episode, Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale sit down with Nick and Amy McKinlay to talk about what it really takes to rebuild intimacy in marriage. After facing serious struggles—including financial stress, disconnection, and nearly ending their relationship—the McKinlays share how intentional communication, emotional safety, and small daily efforts helped them reconnect. Their story offers hope and practical tools for couples who want to move from feeling distant to feeling deeply connected again.
“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and guest background
01:16 Marriage struggles and breaking point
02:06 Financial stress and disconnection
05:13 Choosing marriage and intentional change
06:10 Communication transforms relationship
07:40 Creating the intimacy app
08:10 Importance of intentional effort
09:24 Defining emotional safety
10:15 Listening and showing care
12:02 Foundations of sexual intimacy
13:25 Power of consistent date nights
14:43 Sharing responsibilities as a team
16:40 Building tools for couples
19:37 Common struggles couples face
20:01 The intimacy gap explained
22:12 Why couples avoid communication
23:34 Starting hard conversations safely
25:17 Practical ways to reconnect
26:34 Setting boundaries and priorities
27:02 Working as a team
29:03 Messages for men and women
31:00 Small actions create big change
34:00 Don’t settle for mediocre marriage
35:19 Surprising struggles couples face
38:22 Resources and where to find help
40:40 Keys to stronger marriage connection
41:51 Takeaway of the day
Insights
- Dave: Don’t just listen—take action. Prioritize your marriage, start meaningful conversations, and intentionally invest in your relationship.
- Liz: Don’t settle for a mediocre marriage. Stay curious about your partner and aim higher together as a team.
- Nick: If something matters to your spouse, it should matter to you. Mutual care and effort are key to lasting connection.
- Amy: The best gift you can give your family is a strong, loving marriage. Prioritize your relationship and choose each other daily.
About Nick & Amy
Amy and Nick are the owners of the Ultimate Intimacy App, Ultimate Intimacy Podcast, and online store helping couples to find "Ultimate Intimacy" in their relationship. They have been married almost 24 years and have 4 kids.
#MarriageTips #BuildIntimacy #RelationshipGoals
Nick and Amy's Resources:
Website: https://ultimateintimacy.com/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rY2WOy0xBKh6iXr9FNFTT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultimateintimacyapp/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ultimateintimacyapp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UltimateIntimacyApp/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ultimateintimacyapp/
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: