You may have seen the headline: Divorced and unmarried people have less cognitive decline than those who are married. Surprising? Yes. But is it true?

In this solo monologue, therapist Daniel Dashnaw unpacks a widely circulated study from Florida State University that claims being single may protect your brain. Daniel takes a critical look at the methodology behind the research—highlighting its failure to distinguish marital status from marital quality—and explains why the nuance really matters.

Through clinical insight and common sense, Daniel offers a more grounded perspective on how intimate relationships affect cognitive health, memory, and well-being over time. He explores how loving partnerships can serve as emotional anchors and cognitive mirrors, helping us track changes, reduce stress, and live longer, fuller lives.

This is a must-listen for anyone curious about the real science behind relationships and longevity—without the media spin.

📝 Read more about Daniels views on relationships on his blog at danieldashnawcouplestherapy.com

🎧 Better Relationships Through Research is available wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Better Relationships Through Research, Daniel sits down with internationally recognized psychotherapist Rick Miller, LICSW. Known for his pioneering work with gay men and experiential therapy, Rick brings his decades of clinical experience to an honest and deeply insightful conversation about emotional connection, sexuality, intimacy, and the evolving dynamics of open relationships.

Together, they explore:

• How mindfulness and body awareness can enhance relationship work
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• Why some gay couples succeed in navigating open relationships—and what straight couples can learn from them
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• The emotional labor behind non-monogamy
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• Why therapists need to be trained in sexual health
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• Rick’s new workbook, Opening Up: A Communication Workbook for Male Couples (Available April 17 at https://www.rickmiller.biz/opening-up)
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• The importance of being honest about professional limitations—and why some therapists should refer clients elsewhere when it comes to sexual complexity
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Whether you’re a therapist, a couple navigating modern intimacy, or simply curious about the edges of relational growth, this conversation is full of wisdom, compassion, and refreshing honesty.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Rick Miller and his clinical background

01:22 – Rick’s upcoming workbook: Opening Up for Male Couples

02:07 – Experiential therapy, mindfulness, and emotional attunement

03:27 – QR code meditations & integrating tech in therapy

04:34 – Keynote talk preview: “Learning from Gay Male Couples”

05:21 – Therapist missteps in handling open relationships

06:18 – Building frameworks from clinical intuition vs. research

08:03 – Sliding door analogy for non-monogamy

09:31 – Emotional labor and open relationships

11:03 – Real-world examples of navigating polyamory and openness

14:10 – Historical context of gay male sexuality

16:01 – Esther Perel, Michel Weiner-Davis, and evolving views on infidelity

18:13 – The tension between honesty, mystery, and disclosure

19:28 – Monogamy, culture, and shifting generational values

20:48 – Rick's evolution in couples therapy and LGBTQ+ dynamics

22:15 – Stories of real couples navigating love, loss, and renewal

25:09 – Restoring intimacy and communication in long-term relationships

26:16 – Encounter with Michele Weiner-Davis & challenging therapist stereotypes

27:53 – Surveillance culture and privacy in relationships

28:47 – Sexual disconnection in long-term partnerships

30:11 – Realistic expectations for sexual intimacy over time

31:09 – Rick’s reflections on writing the new workbook

33:00 – Visibility and support for gay male couples in literature

36:14 – Outsourcing open relationship work to specialists

37:06 – Merging sexuality and psychotherapy: a growing movement

39:16 – Resources for therapists seeking training in sexual health

40:23 – The rise of modern, inclusive therapists

41:07 – The need for more authentic dialogue about sex

42:21 – Rick’s nonprofit Gay Sons & Mothers and upcoming film

43:18 – Closing thoughts and gratitude

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If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to visit Daniel’s blog and website for more articles, interviews, and insights exploring the intersections of research, intimacy, and therapeutic growth.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone you know navigating the evolving landscape of modern relationships.

In this episode, host Daniel Dashnaw speaks with psychoanalyst, parent coach, and author Erica Komisar about the critical role of emotional presence in the early years of child development and the rising challenges of adolescent anxiety in today’s world. Erica shares practical, research-backed strategies for parents to foster healthy attachment, recognize anxiety, and build resilience in their children.

Key Takeaways:

Why the first three years of a child’s life are foundational for emotional and psychological well-being.

How societal pressures, technology, and changing cultural norms impact family dynamics.

The role of parental attunement and curiosity in supporting adolescent mental health.

Practical steps to nurture secure connections and navigate modern stressors.

Erica’s compassionate approach offers a roadmap for parents, therapists, and caregivers looking to strengthen family bonds amidst the challenges of our fast-paced, often disconnected culture.

Erica Komisar is the author of Being There and Chicken Little: The Sky Isn’t Falling and a seasoned expert in family mental health, featured in The Wall Street Journal and Thrive Global.

If you enjoyed this conversation, explore Daniel’s extensive library of blogs on relationship research and family therapy at https://danieldashnawcouplestherapy.com/