Marriage on a Tightrope
About this Podcast:
In this episode, Natsha, Allan and Kattie dive deep into the complexities of mixed faith marriages. From their personal journey to actionable strategies, they offer support and insight for couples navigating differing beliefs within their relationships including:
1. Mixed Faith Marriage Challenges
Faith Transition: Allan shares his transition from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while Kattie remained a believing member. They open up about how this shift led to imbalances and tension in their relationship.
Lack of Resources: With limited support available early in their journey, they created Marriage on a Tightrope to fill the gap for other couples.
Sunday Struggles: They candidly discuss how Sundays became a flashpoint for conflict around church attendance and family activities.
Loss of Spiritual Intimacy: The absence of shared spiritual practices created distance, forcing them to find new ways to connect.
2. Strategies & Resources for Mixed Faith Marriages
Marriage on a Tightrope Workshop
A 7-week course (6 required sessions + 1 optional Q&A) designed for couples navigating mixed faith dynamics.
Topics include communication strategies, building trust, parenting approaches, and managing spiritual differences.
Next Workshop Starts: Sunday, April 6th | 7–9 PM MST
Format: Live Zoom sessions + recordings available for flexibility.
Register: tightropemarriage.org (Click "Join our workshop")
Communication Techniques
Soft Start: Initiate conversations gently to avoid defensiveness.
Own Your Role: Recognize and take responsibility in moments of conflict.
Express Emotions: Open up to foster empathy and deeper understanding.
Emotional Regulation: Tools to stay grounded and manage physiological reactions during tough discussions.
Parenting in a Mixed Faith Marriage
Encourage your children’s autonomy in their spiritual journey.
Balance your expectations with respect for your child's beliefs.
Explore diverse rituals that honor both parents' perspectives.
Resource Highlight: Uplift Kids for value-based, non-religious lessons.
3. Personal Stories & Experiences
Allan & Kattie reflect on their own mixed faith journey, particularly around parenting and Sundays.
Natasha Helfer shares a heartfelt story about her teenage son’s choice to attend church as a way to connect with his late father, underscoring the importance of safe, open family environments.
About the Guests:
Allan and Kattie are behind the "Marriage on a Tightrope" podcast and have an upcoming workshop with Natasha. To join the workshop, go to: tightropemarriage.com Then select "Join our Workshop" in the top right. The 6-week workshop starts April 6th via Zoom and will run every Sunday from 7pm-9pm (except Mother's Day and Easter), with a 7th optional week on sexuality. The sessions will be recorded and you can watch after.
For questions, feel free to email: marriageonatightrope@gmail.com
Podcast Notes/Resources:
To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha’s channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.
The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy.
This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions.
Intro ("Fisher's Hornpipe") and outro music by Otter Creek.
Podcast edited by: Ashley Pacini
