181: How A Stronger Relationship Can Outlive Death
Podcast Guest: C. Ryan Dunn
May 18th, 2026
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In this Episode
In this meaningful episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, Dr. Dave Schramm sits down with Weber State University professor Dr. C. Ryan Dunn to explore grief, loss, resilience, and the lasting power of close relationships. Drawing from his research with young widows, Ryan shares how strong emotional bonds can continue to shape and strengthen us even after death. Together, they discuss grief, intimacy, emotional connection, and how intentional relationship habits today can leave a lasting impact for years to come.
“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”
Chapters
00:00 – Ryan’s Career Journey
02:56 – From Finance To Family Research
07:27 – Measuring Grief And Loss
10:29 – Loss-Oriented Vs Restoration Coping
13:27 – Relationships Reduce Grief Impact
17:42 – Love Beyond The Grave
18:54 – Continuing Bonds After Loss
21:21 – Grieving Deep Emotional Connections
24:32 – No Hierarchy Of Grief
28:45 – Erikson’s Intimacy Theory Explained
34:42 – Emotional Estate Planning
38:44 – Building Emotional Relationship Deposits
43:13 – Time, Talk, Togetherness
47:08 – Treating Relationships More Intentionally
50:24 – Grief Beyond Death And Widowhood
57:24 – Emotional Pain And The Brain
59:48 – Widow Story Of Lasting Love
Insights
- Dave: the importance of intentionally investing in relationships now through connection, attention, and emotional presence, because those bonds can leave a lasting impact that outlives us.
- Ryan: A strong, meaningful relationships continue to shape and strengthen us long after loss and grief occur.
About Ryan Dunn
After earning a BS in Exercise Science and Psychology from Utah State University (USU), Dr. Dunn began a career in financial consulting. However, his passion for understanding families soon outshone his interest in financial markets, leading him back to USU for a PhD in Family Relations and Human Development. There, he focused on parenting, healthy relationships, family finance, human development, and grief and loss.
Today, Ryan serves as the Department Chair of Child and Family Studies at Weber State University (WSU), where he teaches courses on lifespan development, stress management, research methods, and diverse families.
Ryan married a babe/cheerleader from a rival school—and together, they have six pretty awesome creatures… children whose ages span from second grade to the university.
Ryan's Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrydunn/
Google Scholars: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=2QXgS6wAAAAJ&hl=en
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