Épisodes

  • Should You Say “I Do” Early?
    Oct 16 2025

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    What if the timing of your “yes” shapes not just your wedding day, but the way you grow up? We get honest about the question so many couples wrestle with: should you get married young?

    We unpack the real pros: growing together from a blank slate, sharing first jobs, graduations, and babies, and building habits early that can compound into financial stability and stronger partnership. We also name the hard parts without flinching: emotional maturity gaps, higher divorce risk, money strain from unstable careers and student loans, and what happens when one person heals or advances faster than the other. Through a faith-first lens, we talk about how prayer, community, and doing things God’s way can change outcomes—not by removing storms, but by giving you anchors when they hit.

    You’ll hear practical, hard-won tools: how to set simple money meetings, create guardrails for conflict, pursue counseling before crisis, and keep intimacy alive when stress steals your margin. We explore education tradeoffs, blended family realities, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all advice—only wiser preparation and honest self-assessment. Whether you’re dating, engaged, or already married young, you’ll find encouragement to keep going, stay humble, and build a team mindset that lasts.

    If this conversation helped you or someone you love, share it with a couple who’s weighing the leap. Subscribe for new episodes twice a month, leave a review to help others find the show, and tell us: which pro or con matters most in your season?

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    38 min
  • Why Community Beats Isolation During Hard Seasons
    Oct 2 2025

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    Starting over sounds bold until the storm hits at night and the room feels too quiet. We dig into a simple truth that keeps showing up in real life: resilience grows in community. From the physical toll of loneliness to the emotional relief of being fully seen, we map the concrete ways connection protects your health, clarifies your thinking, and keeps your heart steady when circumstances don’t. We also name the moments when solitude is not only okay but wise—time set apart to reflect, to pray, and to focus without the noise.

    Across the conversation, we trace a pattern we’ve watched in our own lives and in people we admire: strong relationships become a safety net and a launchpad. You’ll hear how empathy calms shame, how accountability gently nudges you back toward your values, and how borrowing someone else’s perspective can open a path you couldn’t see alone. We talk about rebuilding the kind of church-centered community that lingers after the benediction, that checks in midweek, and that shows up with both prayer and practical help. And yes, we get specific: how to take inventory of your needs, how to deepen bonds you already have, and what to do if the circle you need doesn’t exist yet.

    If isolation has been whispering that you’re the only one, let this be a counter-story. There’s a way to balance purposeful solitude with faithful connection so you can heal, decide wisely, and keep moving. Press play, take one step toward someone you trust, and if this helped, share it with a friend who needs a handhold today. Subscribe for new episodes every other Thursday, and leave a review to help more people find a community that holds.

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    Facebook Relationship Community:
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    39 min
  • Tearing Everything Down and Starting From Scratch
    Sep 18 2025

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    Rebuilding your life from the ground up isn't just possible—it's sometimes necessary for genuine transformation. In this deeply personal season opener, I share the unexpected resolution to my paternity journey and how discovering my biological father led to healing generational wounds.

    When family secrets threatened to keep me trapped in uncertainty, I made the courageous choice to tear everything down and rebuild on truth. The painful distance that grew between me and the father who raised me initially felt like rejection, but through therapy, prayer, and persistence, I discovered something beautiful on the other side of loss—acceptance from my biological father, plus the opportunity to break cycles of secrecy for my children.

    Whether you're facing a major crisis, stuck in an unfulfilling situation, trying to escape something toxic, or simply ready for personal transformation, I offer seven practical steps to guide your rebuilding process. From acknowledging emotions honestly to embracing gratitude for what remains, each step creates a foundation for moving forward with purpose and clarity.

    This episode goes beyond my story to offer you tools for your own journey. You'll learn how to take inventory of your situation, establish realistic goals through small consistent steps, and shift your perspective to see opportunity where others might only see devastation. God doesn't waste our pain—sometimes what feels like destruction is actually preparation for something better.

    Ready to stop carrying the weight of the past into your future? Listen now to discover how tearing everything down might be your first step toward the life you were meant to live. Then connect with me on Facebook or email your questions to DemoWithMo@gmail.com to continue the conversation.

    Support the show

    Connect with Mo

    Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe

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    Website: https://www.demowithmo.com/

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    Facebook Relationship Community:
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    41 min
  • Dollars and Sense: The Art of Budgeting
    May 1 2025

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    Money talks – but are you listening to what yours is saying? That's the essential question addressed in this thought-provoking conversation between Monique Simmons and Tax Associate Breonna Dear.

    Breonna, with her extensive background at financial giants like JPMorgan Chase and Deloitte, breaks down the intimidating world of personal finance into digestible, actionable wisdom. Her journey from a young saver to a tax professional offers a relatable backdrop to the practical advice she shares throughout the episode.

    "A budget is basically just where you're telling your money where to go," Breonna explains with refreshing clarity. This simple yet profound perspective frames the entire discussion as she walks listeners through creating a "financial snapshot" – the crucial first step toward monetary control. From establishing emergency funds to developing consistent saving habits, her guidance feels less like rigid financial advice and more like a supportive friend helping you navigate a challenging but necessary path.

    The conversation takes a particularly compelling turn when addressing how couples with different money mindsets can find harmony. "Both parties need to be on common ground," Breonna advises, suggesting that while approaches may differ, shared financial goals can bridge those gaps. Her recommendation for "financial date nights" offers a practical solution to what often becomes a relationship stressor.

    Parents will appreciate the segment on teaching children about finances – starting around ages 9-10 with basic allowance management and guided spending decisions. As Breonna points out, schools rarely provide adequate financial education, making this parental guidance essential for raising financially literate adults.

    Whether you're struggling with debt, trying to build wealth, or simply hoping to gain control over your financial future, this episode delivers practical strategies without judgment or complexity. Subscribe now and join the conversation that could transform your relationship with money forever.

    Support the show

    Connect with Mo

    Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe

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    Website: https://www.demowithmo.com/

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    Facebook Relationship Community:
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    42 min
  • Finding Middle Ground: How Compromise Strengthens Romantic Relationships
    Apr 3 2025

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    Have you ever had your perfectly planned day completely derailed by someone else's schedule change? That's exactly what happened to me this week, and it sparked a powerful revelation about the role of compromise in romantic relationships.

    When my husband called to say he needed to work late on my sacred self-care Monday, I had a choice: react with frustration or embrace the opportunity to demonstrate true partnership. This unexpected schedule shift became the perfect real-world example of how healthy compromise strengthens relationships rather than diminishes them.

    Throughout this episode, I explore what compromise really means in relationships—finding solutions that honor both partners' needs rather than one person always getting their way. I share practical strategies for effective compromising: communicating openly, listening actively, practicing flexibility, finding common ground, and exercising patience. These skills don't develop overnight, but with practice, they become the foundation of a thriving partnership.

    While championing the benefits of compromise, I also address when you shouldn't compromise. Your core values, especially your faith, should remain non-negotiable. Additionally, if your partner uses "compromise" as a manipulation tactic or refuses to meet you halfway, these are serious relationship warning signs that deserve attention.

    Whether you're dating, engaged, or married, this episode offers practical wisdom for navigating the daily give-and-take that healthy relationships require. The question isn't if you'll need to compromise, but how you'll handle those moments when they inevitably arise. Will you think only of yourself, or will you consider your partner's needs as well? Your approach to compromise might just determine the strength and longevity of your relationship.

    Share this episode with someone who might benefit from these insights, and follow me on social media @DemoWithMo to continue the conversation about building Christ-centered relationships.

    Support the show

    Connect with Mo

    Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe

    Merchandise: https://demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com/

    Website: https://www.demowithmo.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmopodcast/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demowithmo/

    Facebook Relationship Community:
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    22 min
  • What You Don't Know You Need Will Transform Your Relationships
    Mar 27 2025

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    Sometimes the most profound transformations come from receiving exactly what we didn't know we needed. Through the lens of a church revival experience, this episode explores how we often mistakenly believe we're spiritually sufficient while unknowingly craving deeper renewal—a parallel that perfectly illustrates our relationship dynamics.

    When we build intimacy daily with both God and our partners—checking in, expressing love, investing consistently—we create foundations that withstand challenges. But even in healthy relationships, needs can go unrecognized until they're unexpectedly fulfilled. The key is learning to identify and articulate these needs clearly.

    Rather than making vague requests like "more time together," specific desires such as "Friday date nights" give partners actionable ways to meet your needs. This specificity comes from self-reflection and understanding what concepts like "effort" and "intimacy" truly mean to you personally. Through journaling and honest assessment, you can uncover hidden desires that, once expressed, transform your connection.

    The most powerful insight might be this: knowing yourself is the foundation of all healthy relationships. We cannot expect others to understand needs we haven't yet recognized ourselves. As you practice self-care and build self-awareness, you develop the ability to communicate effectively, set appropriate boundaries, and actively seek the connection you desire. Your relationships begin to reflect this inner clarity, creating space for both you and your partner to receive exactly what you didn't know you needed.

    Follow Demo with Mo on Facebook and share this episode with someone who might benefit from these insights!

    Support the show

    Connect with Mo

    Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe

    Merchandise: https://demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com/

    Website: https://www.demowithmo.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmopodcast/

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    Facebook Relationship Community:
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    22 min
  • Burnout in Relationships
    Mar 13 2025

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    Feeling drained in your relationship? You're not alone. This episode explores the often-overlooked phenomenon of relationship burnout among Christian couples and offers practical wisdom for reconnection.

    After sharing a vulnerable update about her own journey of self-discovery, Monique dives into what relationship burnout actually looks like. Beyond just feeling tired, burnout manifests as emotional exhaustion and negativity that can slowly erode even the strongest partnerships. Through clear explanations of symptoms like frequent arguments, lack of motivation for couple activities, and growing emotional distance, listeners gain tools to recognize warning signs in their own relationships.

    The episode unpacks five core causes of relationship burnout: unresolved conflict, poor communication, mismatched expectations, external stressors, and perhaps most critically, lack of self-care. With characteristic authenticity, Monique emphasizes that maintaining personal boundaries and prioritizing self-care isn't selfish—it's essential for showing up as your best self in relationships. "Nobody benefits from you being the worst version of yourself," she reminds listeners, challenging the common narrative that caring for oneself comes at the expense of caring for others.

    What sets this conversation apart is the balance of compassionate understanding with actionable strategies. From establishing healthy communication patterns to seeking couples therapy and intentionally rekindling intimacy through quality time, each recommendation feels accessible. Monique's personal testimony about the benefits of therapy in her own marriage adds credibility to her guidance.

    Ready to revitalize your relationship? Join our community on social media and share which self-care practice you and your partner commit to implementing this month!

    Support the show

    Connect with Mo

    Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe

    Merchandise: https://demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com/

    Website: https://www.demowithmo.com/

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    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/demowithmo/

    Facebook Relationship Community:
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/548524369897098/?ref=share

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    29 min
  • The Importance of Liking Your Partner: Building Strong Relationships Beyond Love
    Feb 20 2025

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    Could loving your partner be different from genuinely liking them? In this episode of Demo with Mo, I, Monique Simmons, take you on a journey through the nuances of relationships, where fondness and friendship form the bedrock of lasting connections. You’ll discover the telltale signs that signify truly liking your partner—think shared laughs over inside jokes and the warmth of mutual admiration. As we traverse the moments of tender affection and the comfort of shared silences, I promise you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of what makes relationships tick.

    Relationships ebb and flow between harmony and tension, and it’s in these fluctuations that the importance of liking your partner, beyond merely loving them, becomes essential. We’ll explore how to gracefully handle relationship hurdles like trust issues, health woes, and financial stress, all while maintaining a strong foundation of friendship and genuine connection.

    We round off our conversation by reinforcing the values of encouragement and positivity. Learn how mutual respect and the joy of shared interests infuse relationships with a sense of safety and well-being. By celebrating the qualities you admire in your partner and embracing open communication, you pave the way for a relationship where both partners can thrive without fear of judgment. Connect with me on social media and through email, and let’s continue this inspiring dialogue about cultivating love and connection in our lives.

    Support the show

    Connect with Mo

    Become a Subscriber for subscriber only content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1834533/subscribe

    Merchandise: https://demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com/

    Website: https://www.demowithmo.com/

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    Facebook Relationship Community:
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    28 min