I Thrive At Life

About I Thrive At Life

A podcast about values driven and evidence based tools and strategies to help you win at relationships, thrive at life, and create the outcomes that you desire.

Publisher

Rick & Teresa Starr

Category

health & fitness · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Feb 2023

Latest episode

8 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Mar 2026

   13 Why Couples Get Triggered (The Brain Science of Relationships)

   Why do small things in relationships trigger such big emotional reactions? In this episode of the I Thrive at Life Podcast, Rick and Teresa Starr explore the SCARF Model, a powerful neuroscience framework developed by David Rock that explains why we feel triggered in relationships—and how to respond in healthier ways. The SCARF model identifies five social triggers that strongly influence our emotions and behaviors: • Status – feeling valued and respected • Certainty – our brain's need for predictability • Autonomy – our sense of control and choice • Relatedness – feeling safe and connected • Fairness – our sense of justice and equality When these needs feel threatened, our brain can react as if we're under physical danger—leading to conflict, defensiveness, and emotional reactivity. In this episode you'll learn: ✔ Why small moments can trigger big emotional reactions ✔ The 5 brain-based triggers that affect relationships ✔ How to recognize when you or your partner are triggered ✔ Practical communication tools to navigate conflict ✔ Simple activities couples can use to strengthen connection By understanding how the brain responds to social threats, couples can build greater emotional resilience, empathy, and stronger relationships. Subscribe for more tools on relationships, emotional resilience, and thriving at life. Connect with us Rick & Teresa Starr ithriveatlife.com

2. 

   12 Nov 2025

   12: Strengthening Your Marriage with the ACT Model: 6 Evidence-Based Tools for Connection and Growth

   Want to strengthen your marriage, deepen connection, and communicate better — even during challenges? In today's I Thrive at Life episode, Rick and Teresa Starr share how the ACT Model (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) can help couples build emotional flexibility, resilience, and real connection that lasts. You'll learn the six key principles of the ACT Hexaflex — a powerful, science-backed framework for relationships: * Values – Reconnecting with what matters most * Present-Moment Awareness – Being mindfully here with your partner * Self-as-Context – Seeing your relationship in the bigger picture * Acceptance – Allowing feelings without judgment * Cognitive Defusion – Unhooking from unhelpful thoughts * Committed Action – Living your love through intentional daily habits Whether you're newly married, decades in, or just want to improve your communication and connection — this episode will help you apply psychology and mindfulness in simple, heart-centered ways. Try This Week Pick one ACT skill to focus on with your spouse (like mindful listening or values-based action). Practice it daily, then reflect together on what you noticed. Small, consistent actions create lasting love. Connect with Rick & Teresa Starr Website: https://www.ithriveatlife.com Instagram: @IThriveAtLife Podcast: I Thrive at Life with Rick & Teresa Starr (available on all major platforms) About Rick & Teresa Starr – Hosts of the I Thrive at Life Podcast Rick and Teresa Starr are Certified Life Coaches, Relationship Coaches, and Positive Psychology Practitioners who blend science, faith, and heart to help people thrive. Teresa holds a Master's degree in Positive Psychology and Coaching and is also a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Rick holds a Certificate in Positive Psychology and brings years of practical wisdom and relationship insight. Together, they share evidence-based tools from ACT, CBT, DBT, and Positive Psychology—made simple, spiritual, and relatable—to help listeners strengthen relationships, build resilience, and live with purpose and joy. Their work also draws on insights from Polyvagal Theory and mind-body research to promote emotional awareness, nervous system balance, and whole-person thriving. Grounded in their faith in Jesus Christ, Rick and Teresa teach practical, research-based principles for emotional resilience, heart-centered living, and fulfilling connection. Their mission, purpose, and joy is to help YOU Thrive at life and Win at relationships! I Thrive at Life with Rick and Teresa Starr is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider regarding any concerns about your health or well-being.

3. 

   29 Oct 2025

   A WINRS Approach to Non-Violent Communication in Relationships

   For more podcast episodes, check out our website at ithriveatlife.com. In this episode of I Thrive at Life, Rick and Teresa Starr introduce a powerful communication framework called A WINRS—a simple, structured way to have meaningful, compassionate conversations that strengthen connection instead of creating conflict. Rooted in the principles of Non-Violent Communication (NVC), this episode guides you through six practical steps to turn potential tension into teamwork and deeper understanding. Whether you're navigating everyday stressors or difficult topics, A WINRS helps you speak with clarity, empathy, and purpose. A WINRS stands for: A – Appreciation W – The What (what are the FACTS - or what you notice or are concerned about) I – Impact (how the situation IMPACTS your FEELINGS) N – Needs (what's truly important to you - What do you need?) R – Request (what change or action you're asking for) S – Shared Benefits (how it helps you both) Through relatable stories, humor, and hands-on activities, Rick and Teresa show how this simple process can turn reactive moments into responsive, heartfelt dialogue. You'll even hear a real-life example of how Teresa used the A WINRS steps in a family situation—showing that peaceful communication really works (in marriage, with your kids, in the workplace, etc.). In this episode, you'll learn: * How appreciation sets the tone for openness and safety * Why facts—not judgments—are key to productive conversations * How to express needs without blame or defensiveness * The importance of making requests (NOT demands) * How to highlight shared benefits that build teamwork and trust Try This: Schedule a weekly "A WINRS Check-In" with your partner—where you each take turns sharing appreciation, facts, feelings, needs, requests, and shared benefits in this structured, supportive way. Watch how your communication and connection grow! Watch now to discover how you can bring more peace, purpose, and partnership into your relationship—one conversation at a time. Subscribe for more episodes on emotional resilience, thriving relationships, and many other tools to help you Thrive at Life! About Rick & Teresa Starr – Hosts of the I Thrive at Life Podcast Rick and Teresa Starr are Certified Life Coaches, Relationship Coaches, and Positive Psychology Practitioners who blend science, faith, and heart to help people thrive. Teresa holds a Master's degree in Positive Psychology and Coaching and is also a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Rick holds a Certificate in Positive Psychology and brings years of practical wisdom and relationship insight. Together, they share evidence-based tools from ACT, CBT, DBT, and Positive Psychology—made simple, spiritual, and relatable—to help listeners strengthen relationships, build resilience, and live with purpose and joy. Their work also draws on insights from Polyvagal Theory and mind-body research to promote emotional awareness, nervous system balance, and whole-person thriving. Grounded in their faith in Jesus Christ, Rick and Teresa teach practical, research-based principles for emotional resilience, heart-centered living, and fulfilling connection. Their mission, purpose, and joy is to help YOU Thrive at life and Win at relationships! I Thrive at Life with Rick and Teresa Starr is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider regarding any concerns about your health or well-being.

4. 

   17 Sept 2025

   10 Loneliness in Your Marriage

   Do you ever feel like roommates instead of romantic partners? 😔 Loneliness in marriage is real—but it doesn’t mean your relationship is broken. In this episode of the I Thrive at Life Podcast, Rick & Teresa Starr share: ✅ Why emotional disconnection happens ✅ Warning signs you might be drifting apart ✅ What science says about why loneliness hurts ✅ Practical tools to reconnect with your spouse and rebuild intimacy Small daily moments of connection can transform your marriage from distant to deeply fulfilling. 💡 👉 Listen now to learn how to stop the drift and make the shift to a warmer, more meaningful relationship. 🎓 Plus, don’t miss our Free Winning at Relationships Mastery Class at IThriveatLife.com

5. 

   23 Jan 2025

   9 How To Turn Your Inner Critic Into A Supportive Coach

   To get your FREE Inner Critic Journal Prompt Template, go to the post for this episode and click the button for this free guide: https://ithriveatlife.com/how-to-turn-your-inner-critic-into-a-supportive-coach/ Welcome to another inspiring episode of I Thrive at Life with Rick and Teresa Starr! Today, we’re diving into a universal struggle—the inner critic. You know, that little voice in your head that’s quick to point out every misstep and flaw. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to let it run the show. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: ✨ Notice when your inner critic appears. ✨ Name it to create distance and lighten its impact. ✨ Tame its harshness with self-compassion. ✨ Navigate and reprogram it into a supportive inner coach. We’ll share relatable stories, practical activities, and research-backed strategies to help you turn your inner critic into an ally. Get ready to laugh, reflect, and transform your mindset with us. 📖 Topics Covered: ✔️ Understanding what the inner critic is and why it exists. ✔️ The power of mindfulness in noticing your inner dialogue. ✔️ How naming your inner critic can create emotional distance. ✔️ Tools to respond with kindness and self-compassion. ✔️ Cognitive restructuring: changing negative thoughts into empowering ones. 🛠️ Activities to Try: ✅ Journaling triggers and patterns of your inner critic. ✅ Naming and reframing negative thoughts. ✅ Practicing self-compassionate statements daily. 💡 Remember: Life’s too short to let a grumpy voice dictate your worth. Let’s transform that critic into a cheerleader for your growth and happiness! 🌟 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel, leave a comment below with your thoughts, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement. 🔗 Follow Us for More Inspiration

6. 

   10 Jan 2025

   8 Simple Evidence-Based Habits to Help YOU Cultivate & Sustain Happiness

   How Much of Your Happiness and Wellbeing is Up to YOU? Have you ever wondered if happiness is something you're born with or if it's something you can learn? The answer is BOTH! In this episode, we uncover the fascinating science behind happiness and wellbeing, revealing why it's often called an "inside job." Research shows that a certain percentage of your happiness is determined by genetics and another percentage is influenced by your circumstances, while still another percentage of your happiness is completely up to YOU—and how you choose your thoughts, habits, and daily choices! Watch this episode to discover how much of your happiness and wellbeing is influenced by YOU, your thoughts, and the actions you choose to take. 🔍 What You'll Discover: ✔️ Why some people seem naturally optimistic while others struggle to see the glass half full. ✔️ Practical strategies for increasing your happiness—no matter your starting point. ✔️ The 8 simple habits scientifically proven to boost wellbeing, including mindfulness, gratitude, acts of kindness, and more! ✔️ How small, intentional changes in your daily life can create an upward spiral of joy and fulfillment. Whether you're already a "glass-half-full" person or looking to cultivate a happier mindset, this episode is packed with tools, insights, and encouragement to help you thrive. Tune in to learn how to take charge of YOUR happiness percentage and make happiness more sustainable in your life, so that you can create the happiness and wellbeing you deserve. Remember: the ball is in your court! You’ve got this! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering content!

7. 

   3 Sept 2024

   7: Thinking Traps part 2 - Mind reading" and Mental Filtering

   Please join us for our I Thrive At Life Podcast. This one is called, "THINKING TRAPS part 2." In this episode, Rick Starr and I discuss the slippery slope of "mind reading" and "mental filtering." These cognitive distortions happen to all of us. Unfortunately they can cause problems in your life and in your relationships. We’ll share what these distorted thoughts look and sound like and what you can do to unhook from them, so that you can focus on improving your relationships and your daily life with more accurate thinking.

8. 

   2 Sept 2024

   6: Don't get caught in a Thinking Trap Part 1 - Catastrophizing and Over-generalizing

   Join host [Name of Host] as they explore how to break free from thinking traps like catastrophizing and over-generalizing, and discover practical strategies to improve relationships and thrive.

9. 

   2 Sept 2024

   5. Using Gratitude to Strengthen Your Relationships

   In this episode we talk about some simple strategies to help build your relationships through gratitude.

10. 

    2 Sept 2024

    4. "Back Off Buddy": How The Amygdala Hijack Can Affect Relationships

    Psychologist Amygdala expert Dr. Daniel Goleman and relationship coach expert discuss how to recognize and manage amygdala hijacks to maintain harmony in personal relationships.

11. 

    24 May 2024

    3: What "I Thrive At Life" Is All About

    Hosts Samantha and her guest, life coach and wellness expert, share the framework of 'I Thrive' and its core principles for embracing life's challenges with purpose and emotional well-being.

12. 

    24 Apr 2024

    2: Longevity Secrets From The Bluezones

    Host Dan Buettner shares secrets from the Blue Zones, where people live to 100+, revealing common lifestyle habits for longevity and healthy aging.

13. 

    16 Feb 2023

    1: Quality relationships are the most important factor in your wellbeing.

    Hosts Kate and Alex share why quality relationships are the most important factor in your health, happiness, and longevity, offering a powerful key to living a fulfilling life.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100

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Quality

42

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

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