Room Escape Artist

“People like to imagine that back in the olden days, everyone was more proper. They weren’t.”

Today’s episode dives into the surprisingly juicy political scandal known as the Petticoat Affair. Also known as the Eaton Affair, it revolved around a young, pretty girl, her handsome second husband, and very proper, but gossipy wives. The Petticoat Affair managed to destabilized an entire presidency.

Marriage Therapy Radio and relationship therapist Zach Brittle joins us to talk about this incident that ended up dismantling Andrew Jackson’s Presidential Cabinet. Zach also shares what he took away from his recent interview with David and Lisa on Marriage Therapy Radio. He also reveals the wildest story he’s ever heard from a real couple on his podcast. Spoiler: it involves an affair. Two affairs, actually. This story had me clutching my proverbial pearls!

Today’s game is Off the Cuff, where the players must figure out the Gen Z slang involving items of clothing. No cap.

Check out Zach Brittle’s Website for more info on his podcast and his work. I recommend starting with David and Lisa’s episode, Ep 409 – No One Wins Alone: Lessons in Partnership from Escape Room Experts David and Lisa Spira.

Time Stamps

• 01:11 Game: Off the Cuff
• 09:44 About: Zach Brittle & Marriage Therapy
• 17:09 The Wildest Story from Marriage Therapy Radio
• 19:08 Topic: The Petticoat Affair
• 32:29 Credits

Guest: Zach Brittle

I’ve been helping couples build connection for over 20 years—as a teacher, coach, and therapist. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State and, as far as I know, the only couples therapist in the world certified in both Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Relational Life Therapy (Terry Real’s model).

I train clinicians in both approaches and often speak and teach on how they intersect—where they align, where they clash, and how together they create something more complete.

I’m also the host of Marriage Therapy Radio and the author of The Relationship Alphabet, a bestselling relationship guide, and The Marriage Therapy Journal, a practical workbook for couples. My work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, Men’s Health, Real Simple, and the Gottman Relationship Blog.

I’ve been happily married to Rebecca for 25 of our 28 years together. We live in Seattle with two adulting daughters who challenge our sanity and enrich our lives in equal measure.

More Podcasts from Peih-Gee & David

If you enjoy PG’s Playhouse, check out Reality Escape Pod (REPOD), where your hosts David Spira & Peih-Gee Law explore immersive gaming from all angles, alongside guests with incredible experience in this realm.

And by supporting Room Escape Artist on Patreon, you’ll get access to the REPOD Bonus After Show ($5 per month and up) and the Spoilers Club ($15 per month and up) where we chat in depth with creators about iconic escape rooms… spoilers and all!

Production Credits

• Hosted by Peih-Gee Law & David Spira
• Puzzles by Peih-Gee Law
• Produced by Theresa Piazza
• Supported by Lisa Spira
• Edited by Peih-Gee Law
• Music by Matt Farthing
• Logo by Theresa Wagner