How to Reconnect with Your Partner When Life Gets Busy with Kevin Davis

Does your partner get your best attention, or whatever is left after a busy day? Reconnecting with your partner starts with making room for each other, even when life feels full. John Merkus, The Positive Change Guy, sits down with coach and author Kevin Davis for an honest, funny conversation about communication in marriage, balancing work and family, and enjoying the life you’re working so hard to build. Kevin shares how putting career advancement first almost cost him his marriage. Married to Michelle for more than 31 years, he explains how they keep learning about each other through difficult conversations, shared activities and time together. His practical challenge is simple: name your three biggest priorities, then look at your calendar for the past two weeks. Do they match? John brings his own experience of marriage and parenting into the discussion, asking how we recognise the habits that quietly affect our relationships. Together, they explore the tension between providing for your family’s future and being present with them today. There’s humour here too, including the story behind Kevin’s book, How I Lost My Left Nut and Other Life Lessons, and a burnt Jeep that became a creative project. John connects that story to choosing your next action when something happens that you cannot control. 💡 What you’ll take away • A question to ask before offering advice: does your partner want you to listen or help solve the problem? • A practical check to see whether your time reflects the people and priorities you value. • Ideas for staying connected through walks, shared activities and dates at home. • Kevin’s approach to addressing difficult conversations before resentment builds. • A reason to stop saving every enjoyable experience for someday. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Who are you beyond your achievements? 05:53 Making your marriage a priority 12:44 Difficult conversations and listening without fixing 18:13 Work, identity and what matters most 19:10 Does your calendar match your priorities? 25:37 Living your bucket list 28:12 The book and finding humour in setbacks 37:23 Greatness through service and everyday kindness 40:38 Music, motivation and consistency 44:25 Making room for fun and connecting with Kevin 📚 Connect with Kevin Davis Kevin is the founder of Maxed Out Man and coaches couples alongside Michelle through Maxed Out Marriage. His book combines personal stories with lessons and practical strategies. Maxed Out Man: https://www.maxedoutman.com Kevin’s book: https://www.maxedoutlifebook.com Kevin’s Instagram, with links to his resources:   / maxed.out.man   🎤 About John Merkus John Merkus, The Positive Change Guy, is a keynote speaker, host of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, and a PROSCI certified change professional with more than 20 years’ experience in organisational change, transformation and agile delivery. He helps people and organisations navigate change, build resilience and take meaningful action. Planning an event or helping your team navigate change? Explore John’s keynotes and see him in action. John’s website: https://www.johnmerkus.com Watch John’s showreel: https://www.johnmerkus.com/#showreel 💬 Join the conversation What’s one thing you’d like to make more time for with your partner this week? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe to Rise and Thrive for more conversations about personal growth and positive change. 🎵 Music and motivation Kevin shares the songs that help him start his morning, while John recalls a lesson from his music teacher about practising a little each day. For more music chosen by podcast guests, explore the Merko Motivation playlist. Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zO... #RiseAndThrive #Relationships #PersonalGrowth