117. Marriage, Money & Business: The Real Talk After 11 Years Together with My Husband, Mike Watts

117. Marriage, Money & Business: The Real Talk After 11 Years Together with My Husband, Mike Watts

Plenty with Kate Northrup · 2025-07-15

What does it really take to stay connected in love, life, and business—especially when you’re doing all three with the same person?

In this deeply personal and heart-opening episode of the Plenty Podcast, I’m joined by my favorite guest (and life partner), Mike Watts, as we celebrate 11 years of marriage and 14 years of building a life and business together.

We get into the real talk—what we’ve learned (and unlearned) about marriage, money, parenting, business, and our own healing journeys. From making the big decision to move to Nashville, to shifting from survival mode into what I’m calling the era of easy blessings, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re evolving as individuals, as partners, and as co-founders.
Here’s what we dive into:

Why filling your own cup is essential before pouring into your partnershipThe systems we’ve put in place to support—not strain—our relationship while running a business togetherMike’s health and healing journey, including his decision to have surgery to remove a titanium plate and what that taught us about listening to your bodyWhat it really takes to co-parent while building a company (hint: it’s not about doing it all)Insights Mike gained from leading men’s circles in our Relaxed Money community—and why men need spaces to be seen and supported tooHow we’re redefining our relationship with success, rest, and what's enough

We also talk about the importance of clear communication (especially around finances), how modern fatherhood is evolving, and why it’s critical to create a nurturing environment for both our children and ourselves.

This episode is packed with honesty, laughter, practical wisdom, and love. Whether you’re navigating a new season in your partnership, craving more ease in your business, or simply seeking a deeper connection to your own truth—this conversation is for you.

🎧 Tune in for a refreshing dose of realness and a reminder that abundance isn’t just about what you have—it’s about how you live and love.

“I have to get my own cup filled outside of you, and I need to learn to bring a full cup to you.” - Mike Watts

🎤 Let’s Dive into the Good Stuff on Plenty 🎤
00:26 Introduction to Support and Marriage

02:43 Family Dynamics and Celebrating Anniversaries

04:42 Health Challenges and Personal Growth

06:43 Midlife Reflections and Future Planning

09:42 Managing Pressure and Seeking Support

13:46 Coping with Change and New Beginnings

16:59 Reflections on the Past Year

19:25 Family Values and Living Arrangements

22:30 Business Challenges and Growth

25:04 Marriage Reflections and Growth

28:44 Self-Advocacy in Health

33:10 Finding Balance in Life

37:28 Reflections on Resentment

39:45 Men's Perspectives on Money

43:00 Hiding and Blame in Relationships

47:40 Comparisons and Self-Worth

51:59 Openness and Communication

55:49 Navigating Business Relationships

1:00:17 Future Desires and Aspirations

Links and Resources:
Sacred Sons
Rosebud
Function

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Plenty with Kate Northrup

What if you could get more of what you want in life? But not through pushing, forcing, or pressure.

You can.

When it comes to money, time, and energy, no one’s gonna turn away more.

And Kate Northrup, Bestselling Author of Money: A Love Story and Do Less and host of Plenty, is here to help you expand your capacity to receive all of the best.

As a Money Empowerment OG who’s been at it for nearly 2 decades, Kate’s the abundance-oriented best friend you may not even know you’ve always needed.

Pull up a chair every week with top thought leaders, luminaries, and adventurers to learn how to have more abundance with ease.

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