Hosted by Daniel Dashnaw who is a published researcher, a serial entrepreneur, a father, and a grandfather.
Mr. Dashnaw has a Master's (MA) in Marriage and Family Therapy from Antioch of New England, and a Master’s (MS) in Labor Studies from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Psychotherapist Daniel Dashnaw interviews Dr. Chris Donahue about how culture, capitalism, and shame shape desire, offering insights into conscious relationships and personal growth.
28 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT
Is Your “Type” Just Clay? The Science of Attraction & Shifting Ideals
Marriage and family therapist Daniel Dashnaw interviews listeners about how attraction is malleable, shaped by experiences and chosen values, offering insights into shifting romantic preferences.
25 Oct 2025
Growing Into Love, The Science of Positive Illusions & The Michelangelo Effect
Marriage and family therapist Daniel Dashnaw explores how couples grow into love through positive illusions and the Michelangelo Effect, revealing commitment's quiet mechanism.
19 Aug 2025TRANSCRIPT
7 Hidden Signs of a Healthy Love Nobody Talks About
Host Daniel Dashnaw reveals seven subtle phrases emotionally secure people use, offering listeners insights into building deeper trust and connection in relationships.
9 Aug 2025TRANSCRIPT
7 Phrases That Signal Real Relationship Health
Daniel Dashnaw, a relationship therapist, reveals seven phrases that signal true relationship health and foster lasting connection.
25 Jul 2025TRANSCRIPT
Why “Tough Love” Fails and What Actually Works
Host Daniel G. Amen, MD, interviews educator and author Dr. Linda Metcalf, PhD, about why "tough love" fails and how Solution-Focused Narrative Therapy fosters connection and rehumanizes classrooms.
15 Jul 2025TRANSCRIPT
The Mental Load: How to Ask for Shared Responsibility Without Starting a War
Marriage and family therapist Daniel Dashnaw guides listeners on how to discuss the invisible mental load and achieve shared responsibility in relationships.
20 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Is Marriage Bad for Your Brain? Debunking the Research on Cognitive Decline
Therapist Daniel Dashnaw analyzes a Florida State University study, revealing how marital quality impacts cognitive health, memory, and overall well-being, offering a grounded perspective in this solo monologue.
15 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
Rick Miller on Love & Communication
Host Daniel Dashnaw interviews psychotherapist Rick Miller, LICSW, exploring emotional connection, sexuality, and open relationships through his clinical experience.
21 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
Parenting, Resilience, and Emotional Connection: A Conversation with Erica Komisar
Host Daniel Dashnaw interviews psychoanalyst Erica Komisar about fostering resilience and emotional connection in children through research-backed parenting strategies.
12 Aug 2024TRANSCRIPT
Exploring Infidelity in American Culture
In this insightful episode of the Better Relationships Through Research podcast, host Daniel Dashnaw delves into the complex and often controversial topic of infidelity in American culture. Drawing from various examples in popular media, Daniel explores how cultural tropes around infidelity have evolved and their impact on societal attitudes and personal relationships.
Key topics discussed include:
- The portrayal of infidelity in movies and TV shows like Fatal Attraction and Mad Men.
- The dichotomy between infidelity as a moral failure and as a quest for personal fulfillment.
- Gender dynamics and how they shape narratives around cheating in relationships.
- The historical and social contexts that have influenced American views on fidelity and marriage.
Daniel challenges listeners to critically examine these cultural narratives and consider how they influence our personal values and relationship choices.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how infidelity is depicted and its broader implications on relationships in society.
🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes focusing on relationship research and counseling practices!
#BIPOC #Infidelity #CouplesTherapy #GottmanMethod #Therapy #CulturalSensitivity #RelationshipAdvice
24 Jul 2024TRANSCRIPT
Addressing BIPOC Infidelity with Dr. Vagdevi V. Meunier, PsyD
In this episode, we delve deep into the complexities of infidelity within BIPOC relationships and how cultural dynamics shape therapeutic practices. Join host Daniel Dashnaw and special guest Dr. Vagdevi Meunier as they explore the Ecological Couples System Diagram (ECSD), a groundbreaking framework that integrates cultural sensitivity with the Gottman Method to better understand and treat infidelity in BIPOC couples.
Key topics covered:
- The role of cultural myths and stereotypes in infidelity
- How therapists can avoid clinical missteps when working with BIPOC couples
- The importance of customized training and models in couples therapy
- Real-life examples of cultural misunderstandings in therapeutic settings
- Don't miss this insightful conversation aimed at bridging the cultural gaps in therapy and fostering better therapeutic outcomes for BIPOC relationships
🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more episodes focusing on relationship research and counseling practices!
#BIPOC #Infidelity #CouplesTherapy #GottmanMethod #Therapy #CulturalSensitivity #RelationshipAdvice
13 Apr 2024TRANSCRIPT
Mona Kay of Neurodiverse Love
Join Daniel Dashnaw and Mona Kay on a journey through the intricate landscapes of monotropism, a cognitive process of neurodiverse humans which sometimes challenges a neurotypical partner.
In this episode, we delve into the challenges and nuances faced by those whose minds tend to focus intensely on a single interest or task for long periods, often making transitions daunting.
From the struggles of shifting attention to the difficulties of adapting to new environments, Daniel and Mona explore how monotropism shapes everyday experiences.
Through self-awareness and using a sensory profile, couples can more deeply understand why each of their brains and nervous systems is sensitive. to particular stimuli. Mona will also explain how critical a Sensory Profile can be to helping neurodivergent clients to better describe their emotions.
Our discussion will also uncover the multifaceted nature of monotropic thinking and its impact on individuals across various neurodivergent profiles.
But our exploration continues beyond there. We also tackle the vexing issue of transitions—those pivotal moments when monotropic minds can be particularly challenged.
Mona describes how Neurodiverse communication often goes awry. She advises that the advantages of being brief and "bullet-pointy" as opposed to "paragraphy," will come when we lose the habit of being "hyper-verbal."
Whether it's transitioning between tasks, environments, or social contexts, we unravel the complexities and offer practical strategies for navigating these transitions with greater ease and confidence. Mona discusses the importance of working with the right therapist. You'll also learn about specific tools, such as Mona's neurodiverse workbook and card deck for couples.
So, whether you're a neurodivergent partner seeking validation and understanding, a caregiver striving to support your loved one, or simply curious about the fascinating intricacies of the human mind, tune in to gain valuable insights into the problems of monotropism, and the new skill sets to aid transition into a loving neurodiverse relationship.
Inside a recent episode
Is Your “Type” Just Clay? The Science of Attraction & Shifting Ideals
Published 28 Oct 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Why do we care so much about types? In relationship psychology, ideal partner preferences are a big deal. We say we want kindness, intelligence, ambition, or physical attractiveness. Decades of research shows these ideals are tied to relational satisfaction, commitment, and even whether couples go the distance. But here's the snack. Just because someone says they value kindness or ambition doesn't mean they'll actually pick it up in the wild. Real life attraction is famously messy. Your list says tall, dark, and handsome, but your heart falls for a funny, freckle guy who keeps a compost pile. That mismatch has fueled years of debate. […]
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