Episodes

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley revisit the topic of second marriages and blended families and delve deeper into the complexities and challenges that second marriages often face, including emotional baggage, communication issues, and the blending of children from previous marriages. Scott and Deana Thayer share their experiences and strategies for successfully blending their families and share the importance of preparation, managing expectations, ...

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss narcissism in marriages with Dr. Dewey Wilson. What does it look like, what is it's impact on relationships, and how can we help both those exhibiting narcissistic behaviors and those living with narcissistic individuals? He provides insights from his research on clinical and subclinical narcissism, particularly among millennials. Greg & Erin also explore common communication misunderstandings between spouse...

Did you know that one in two Americans feel significantly lonely weekly? On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Becky Harling shares how loneliness leads to increased anxiety, depression, and physical health risks. The conversation covers the differences in how introverts and extroverts experience loneliness and the importance of feeling connected in marriage. We'll give you practical advice to rekindle emotional connections, maintain empathy, avoid a critical spirit, and bringin...

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin speak with marriage counselors, Dr. Jorge and Danisa Suarez as they share their marriage journey, including the challenges they faced, such as dealing with expectations from others and maintaining their commitment to God. They emphasize the importance of commitment to one another, communication, and setting boundaries of safety to protect and strengthen marriages. We'll offer insights on dealing with infidelity, highlighting th...

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin Smalley discuss the work required to maintain a healthy and fulfilling marriage. They talk about their personal experiences and delve into the idea of 'happily ever after,' exploring how expectations evolve over time. They are joined by Tanner and Whitney Lowe, who share insights from their eight years of marriage, addressing challenges such as conflict, and communication styles. The conversation also touches on the impact of H...

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin Smalley explore the complexities of remarriage, focusing on issues such as recurring relationship challenges and the importance of internal evaluation before remarrying. Guest counselors Ron and Nancy Keller share their insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of grieving and dealing with emotions post-divorce for a successful remarriage. The episode also covers practical advice for blended families and navigating r...

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin speak with Billy and Dani Coker, an interracial couple who navigated their spiritual differences and various life challenges. The discussion covers how Billy and Dani's backgrounds impacted their marriage, and how they managed family traditions and expectations. Additionally, we answer a listener question on encouraging spiritual leadership in marriage and offer tips on relationship 'spring cleaning' to keep marriages vibrant a...

In this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin discuss how couples can maintain a thriving marriage while caring for a special needs child with Evan and Karen Reedall. Greg and Erin also talk about personal experiences of navigating responsibilities in the kitchen and teamwork. We'll share tips on taking care of your heart during challenging times and answer a listener's question on the same topic. The episode also includes conversation starters for couples, and a special r...

In this episode Greg and Erin discuss the importance of investing in marriage and personal growth with Arlene Pellicane, who talks about her latest book 'Making Marriage Easier' and outlines four key decisions to improve marriage: playing by God's rules, giving thanks, serving one's spouse, and prioritizing fun. The episode covers effective communication strategies, such as discussing sensitive topics with humility and respect, and the importance of self-care. A listener's question regarding a s...

Romance, sacrifice, and what it means to be a Godly man. These are just a few of the things Jim & Shanna Ramos will help couples understand as they challenge listeners with the responsibility of making their marriage extrordinary. Click here to receive the book Dialed-In for a gift of any amount! Go to the Show Notes to link to the full Ted Cunningham presentation. Donate Now! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

In this episode of 'Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage,' Erin and Greg Smalley dive into various aspects of marital life, from the joys of music and family bonding to the dynamics of handling disagreements and difficult seasons. Their guests, Rebecca St. James and her husband Cubbie Fink, provide insights from their book 'Lasting Ever,' reflecting on their personal struggles and the therapeutic journey of writing their life story. They emphasize humility, vulnerability, and the power of conflict...

Healthy habits in marriage develop only when you are intentional about them. Greg and Erin will continue to share their 12 Romance Secrets that you can incorporate into your relationship to keep the love alive in your marriage. Click here to receive Greg & Erin's, Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, for a gift of any amount! Call Focus on the Family at 1(855) 771-4357, or click here, to receive free counseling consultation. Donate Now! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave ...

100th episode! Greg and Erin will cover the importance of Romance Secrets and how to implement them into your marriage. We'll also have a special "Blooper" segment that you won't want to miss! Click here to receive Greg & Erin's book, Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, for a gift of any amount! Donate Now! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Are you curious how prayer can come alive in your marriage? Are you and your spouse seeking ways to grow in spiritual intimacy? Join Greg & Erin this week as they sit down with author Jodie Berndt to talk about the benefits of praying together. Later, we hear the love story of a blended family. Then, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know she can encourage her husband's new faith. Click here to receive Jodie's book, Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage, for a gift of any amo...

Sex is one of the best parts of marriage, but navigating the challenges that accompany it can be difficult. Join Greg & Erin as they sit down with Christian sex experts Dr. Cliff & Joyce Penner to talk about how you and your spouse can approach sex in the way God designed. Later, we talk to counselor Rob Jackson about healing from a sexual past. Then, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how her and her husband can best divide up responsibility for the kids. Click here to rece...

Did you know that their are several simple things you and your spouse can do every day to make your marriage stronger? Join Greg & Erin as they sit down with marriage coaches Trey & Lea Morgan to discuss simple ways you can strengthen your marriage. Later, we hear a fantastic love story. Then, we answer a question from a wife who wants to know how she can protect her heart while she fights for her marriage. Click here to receive Trey & Lea's book, 10 Ways to a Stronger Marriage, for a gift of a...

If you & your spouse lost the ability to be physically intimate, what intimacy would remain? Join Greg & Erin as they sit down with author Sheri Mueller to discuss each aspect of intimacy, and how to rediscover them when they've been lost. Later, we unpack some interesting marriage research. Then, we answer a question from a wife who's husband wants her to contact the woman he had an affair with. Click here to receive Sheri's book, I Want Him to Want Me, for a gift of any amount! Click here to...

What are the consequences of marrying an unbeliever? Join Greg & Erin this week as they sit down with Lee & Leslie Strobel to discuss navigating a spiritually mismatched marriage.Later, we'll ask "What Would You Do?" to some fun marriage hypotheticals. Then, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how she can encourage her husband to grow spiritually. Click here to receive Lee & Leslie's book, Spiritual Mismatch, for a gift of any amount! Call Focus on the Family at 1(800) 232-6...

Marriage after kids can be a challenge! But Dr. Danny Huerta is here to talk to Greg & Erin about being a team in marriage as you navigate raising children. Then, we'll talk through some great conversation starters for the holidays. Later, we'll answer a question from a listener who wants to know how she can convince her husband to go to counseling. Click here to receive Danny's book, 7 Traits of Effective Parenting, for a gift of any amount! Click here to listen to Danny's podcast with Rebecc...

How do you rebuild trust in your marriage after pornography addiction? This week, join Greg & Erin as they sit down with Nick & Michelle Stumbo of Pure Desires Ministries to talk about their journey through Nick's addiction and the healing process that followed. Later, we hear a devotional from Bill Arbuckle. Later, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know if she and her fiance should place boundaries on their wedding night. Click here to receive Nick's book, "Setting Us Free," fo...

The beginnings of an affair are often innocent and hardly noticeable, which is why you should take steps to safeguard your marriage. This week, join Greg & Erin as they sit down with author and counselor Dave Carder to talk about building trust, setting boundaries, and nurturing intimacy to keep your marriage strong and secure. Later, we share our favorite date night ideas. Then, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how she should handle confronting her husbands addiction to po...

What's the secret to a lasting marriage? This week, join Greg & Erin as they sit down with marriage champions Diane & Roger Ingolia, who share wisdom from their 47 years of marriage. Later, we engage in some date night conversation starters. Then, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how her & her husband can make love, instead of just having sex. Click here for a free list of date night conversation starters from Greg & Erin! Interested in one of our marriage seminars? Click...

What does it mean to choose "we over me" in marriage? This week, join Greg & Erin as they sit down with author and counselor Debra Fileta, who shares insights on how you can build a strong, connected marriage by prioritizing union over personal agenda. Later, we debunk some marriage advice from the internet. Then, we hear a question from a listener whose husband is accusing her of being unfaithful. Click here to receive Debra's book, "Choosing Marriage," for a gift of any amount! Donate Now! ...

No two people in marriage are the same, and differences that were initially fun and quirky may cause friction over time! In this weeks episode, listen to a conversation from Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, where Greg & Erin explain how you can learn to cherish the differences in your spouse. Later, we try a new segment called "What Would You Do?" where Greg & Erin talk about what they would do if one of them decided to leave the faith. Then, we answer a question from a listener about her alco...