In this episode of Weaponized Marriage, hosts Dr. Ryan and Kendra Hewitt dive into the often-avoided topic of money in their relationship, unpacking the emotional and practical challenges of managing finances as a couple. With raw honesty, they share their journey of navigating financial disconnects, from running a business together to struggling with collaborative money conversations. Drawing from a recent therapy session, the Hewitts reveal how past avoidance, guilt, and defensiveness have created barriers to a shared financial vision, and they commit to breaking this cycle with weekly meetings. Their candid discussion offers listeners a relatable lens into the complexities of marital intimacy, not just in finances but in fostering deeper connection through vulnerability and accountability.

The episode explores the universal struggle of tackling "crucial conversations" that couples often sidestep, whether about money, intimacy, or other sensitive topics. Dr. Ryan and Kendra emphasize the importance of approaching these discussions with love, ownership, and a willingness to change old patterns. By reflecting on their own experiences with therapy and personality dynamics, they provide practical insights for couples seeking to move past disconnection and build a stronger partnership. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to transform avoidance into meaningful dialogue, offering hope and actionable steps for creating a shared vision in marriage.

Key Takeaways:

• Open, collaborative conversations about money are essential for marital connection and avoiding long-term disconnection.

• Avoiding crucial conversations can lead to underlying issues that impact intimacy, communication, and trust.

• Approaching sensitive topics with love and ownership, rather than blame, fosters productive dialogue.

• Committing to regular meetings, even when uncomfortable, helps couples build a shared vision for their future.

• Changing the approach to difficult conversations, such as choosing a neutral setting, can reduce defensiveness and improve outcomes.

"When you release energy about one [issue like money], the other one [like intimacy] gets better also." – Dr. Ryan Hewitt

Learn more about Kendra Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Instagram

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:
Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website

In this episode hosts Kendra and Dr. Ryan Hewitt celebrate their 20th episode of the Weaponized Marriage Podcast by diving into one of the most important and under-discussed truths of marriage: the profound connection between sex and money.

After nearly a year of weekly therapy, a shift in their sessions unearthed something that might be the next frontier of vulnerability for many couples. Their therapist Steven revealed that most relational challenges stem from two core symbols in marriage, sex and money, and while they’d spent a year working on sexual intimacy, they were only now stepping into the equally intimate, and often unconscious, world of financial vulnerability.

Kendra opens up about the origin of her money blueprint, how the trauma of losing her dad young shaped her deep need for control over finances, and how that need unconsciously distanced her from Dr. Ryan. Dr. Ryan shares how not being included in financial decisions impacted his identity as a provider and leader. Together, they reflect on how avoiding financial transparency can become just as damaging to emotional and sexual connection as any bedroom issue.

Their conversation is equal parts humorous, honest, and hard-hitting as they explore:

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• There are two powerful, symbolic forces in marriage: sex and money. Most conflicts, direct or indirect, stem from them.
  

• Every person brings a unique money blueprint into marriage, often shaped by trauma, modeling, or scarcity mindsets.
  

• Avoidance of financial conversations is often rooted in shame, fear, or control, and it silently erodes connection.
  

• Financial responsibility doesn’t equal financial intimacy. Shared vision requires shared decisions.
  

• Sex and money are deeply intertwined, especially when roles blur, unspoken expectations build, and resentment festers.
  

• Masculine identity is often tied to provision and productivity, while feminine security is connected to shared vision and trust.
  

• Creating micro-habits around financial connection (like shared spending journals or scheduled money dates) helps build trust and unity over time.
  

• The couple’s sex life improved as they got emotionally honest, first with sex, now with money.
  

• Surrender, safety, and leadership are key dynamics, for him to lead well, and for her to trust and receive.
  

What is one small conversation you’re avoiding in your marriage, either around sex or money? Write it down, name the fear behind it, and take one step toward scheduling that conversation.

👉 If this episode challenged you, moved you, or gave you language for what you’ve been feeling, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s deep dive.

“If you’re relying solely on the 4% withdrawal rule, you’re taking a massive risk, especially with early retirement.”

Learn more about Kendra Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendra.hewitt/

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website: https://www.drryanhewitt.com/

In this heartfelt and energetic episode of the Weaponized Marriage Podcast, Dr. Ryan and Kendra Hewitt reflect on their recent kid-free trip to Spain and why building fun into your marriage is essential at every stage. Sharing stories from their Mediterranean wedding adventure, cultural insights, and a few laugh-out-loud moments, the Hewitts dive deep into how travel, spontaneity, and breaking routine can breathe life back into a relationship.

From dancing until 4 a.m. at a multilingual wedding to rediscovering how rest doesn't always mean relaxation, Dr. Ryan and Kendra explore how stepping outside your daily patterns helps you see each other, and yourself, more clearly. Kendra shares raw reflections on how her younger self used to define success and how travel gave her fresh perspective. Dr. Ryan unpacks what happens when you take a break from your normal rhythm and discover what’s actually serving your marriage… and what’s not.

They also touch on:

• How fitness and health enable meaningful shared experiences as you age
  

• The difference between a trip and a vacation (and why both matter)
  

• Why waiting for the “right time” might mean never making memories at all
  

• How even small getaways can spark deeper conversations, creativity, and connection

Learn more about Kendra Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendra.hewitt/

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website: https://www.drryanhewitt.com/