Today’s podcast is a conversation with, Drs. Charles and Elizabeth Schmitz about their research on what makes a successful marriage and their new book entitled, “Golden Anniversaries: The Seven Secrets of Successful Marriage”. You can read more about the Drs. Schmitz on their own website - http://www.GoldenAnniversaries.com.
For the past 25 years, Drs. Charles and Elizabeth Schmitz have been referred to as “the marriage doctors” — a term given them by one of their early workshop participants. With more than 25 years of research experience on successfully married couples and their own 41 years of successful marriage, Drs. Charles and Elizabeth Schmitz know what makes marriage work. From their research they have discovered seven pervasive characteristics present in all successful marriages. Their book, “Golden Anniversaries: The Seven Secrets of Successful Marriage,” exposes their secrets for success through poignant, real-life stories, garnered from hundreds of interviews with happily married couples as well as from their own marriage.
Dr. Charles D. Schmitz has been a highly successful faculty member and administrator in higher education for 38 years. His teaching has focused in the areas of counseling psychology and leadership development. During his distinguished career, he has received some 40 local, state and national awards and honors; published more than 200 articles, manuscripts, books and scholarly papers; delivered more than 600 public speeches, professional presentations and workshops; and traveled throughout the world. He has appeared on radio and television, and has been frequently quoted in the print media. He received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He currently is Dean of the College of Education and Professor of Counseling and Family Therapy at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Dr. Elizabeth A. Schmitz was an award-winning administrator and educator for 36 years and has lectured in numerous college courses in counseling and leadership since receiving her doctoral degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. As the former chief operating officer for a large organization of more than 22,000 people (students and employees), she understands complex enterprises and human relations issues. During her career, Elizabeth received more than 25 local, state and national awards and honors; published more than 85 articles, manuscripts and books; and delivered more than 400 speeches, workshops and presentations. She has made numerous radio appearances, been featured on television and quoted extensively in the print media on a variety of topics. She currently is president of Successful Marriage Reflections, LLC.
Charley and Liz reside in St. Louis, Missouri, the heart of America, with their Wonder Dog, Jake. When they are tired of writing for the day or just want to enjoy the sights and sounds of their wonderful hometown, you can see “the marriage doctors” tooling around the region in their torch red Mustang convertible with the top down. Their personalized St. Louis Cardinals license plate says simply, “2CARDS.” They are, without a doubt, a couple of cards — two fun loving fools.