Episodes

Communicating About Adventure

Communicating About Adventure

June 1, 2023

Trying new things can be a wonderful way to add adventure to your marriage. Jim Daly talks with Chris and Jenni Graebe about some adventures they've had. Plus, John Fuller speaks with the Smalley's about which one of them is…

How Can You Serve Your Spouse?

How Can You Serve Your Spouse?

May 30, 2023

Truly loving your spouse will result in showing loving actions. John and Greg discuss how husbands can do things to help their wives, and Jim Daly talks with Chris and Jenni Graebe about how men can give their wives a night …

Recovering from Trauma and Improving Your Relationship

Recovering from Trauma and Improving Your Relationship

May 25, 2023

Sadly, many people walk into marriage with trauma in their past. John and Erin provide some hope to those who've faced trauma, and Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Juli Slattery on how to help your mate emotionally heal from past ab…

When a Wife Isn't Enjoying Sex

When a Wife Isn't Enjoying Sex

May 23, 2023

In many marriages, one or both spouses admit to not feeling fulfilled sexually. John and Erin offer some advice for husbands on how to pursue their wives emotionally, and Jim Daly talks with Dr. Juli Slattery on how wives ca…

Negotiating Money with Your Spouse

Negotiating Money with Your Spouse

May 18, 2023

Money is a common thing married couples fight over. John talks with the Smalley's about financial conflicts they've experienced, and Jim Daly speaks with Bill and Pam Farrel about three different approaches people have with …

Three Components of a Marriage Meet Up

Three Components of a Marriage Meet Up

May 16, 2023

A great habit to establish is consistent communication with your spouse. To help you achieve that, Jim Daly talks with marriage experts Bill and Pam Farrel about three things you can discuss in a weekly meeting with your mat…

A Sure Foundation for Your Marriage

A Sure Foundation for Your Marriage

May 11, 2023

God's love is meant to be the foundation of a successful marriage. Greg talks with John about a couple he admires, and Erin shares how to lean on God's love, even if you're disappointed in your spouse. Also, Jim Daly talks w…

A No Break-Up Policy for Your Marriage

A No Break-Up Policy for Your Marriage

May 9, 2023

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "The Fundamentals of Marriage" for your donation of any amount! Counseling Department Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime…

Not Making Fun of Your Spouse

Not Making Fun of Your Spouse

May 4, 2023

Finding reasons to laugh with your mate is healthy, but making fun of your spouse can be very bad for your relationship. Greg talks with John about a lesson he learned in his own marriage on this topic, plus Erin will provid…

When a Fun Activity Doesn't Work for You

When a Fun Activity Doesn't Work for You

May 2, 2023

Have you ever tried something you expected to be fun as a couple, but it didn't work out? John talks with the Smalley's about how it's happened in their own marriage, and Jim Daly speaks with Chris and Jenni Graebe about thi…

Asking Your Husband to Lead Well

Asking Your Husband to Lead Well

April 27, 2023

How can a husband step up and lead well? Erin Smalley addresses common complaints she hears from wives about their husbands, and John and Greg discuss ways wives can be an encourager. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery sha…

When and When Not to Listen to Your Husband

When and When Not to Listen to Your Husband

April 25, 2023

Have you ever had a moment where you thought your husband was right about something, only to find out he was wrong? Greg shares a story with John and Erin about a time he made a mistake as a husband, and Jim Daly speaks with…

The Power of Consistency

The Power of Consistency

April 20, 2023

Being intentional about consistent communication is vital to the overall health of your marriage. Jim Daly talked with Bill and Pam Farrel about how they a weekly meeting with each other, and John speaks with Greg and Erin a…

Keeping Humor Alive in the Hard Times

Keeping Humor Alive in the Hard Times

April 18, 2023

Having a sense of humor can help your marriage, even if you're facing a difficult season. John speaks with Greg and Erin about keeping laughter alive in your marriage during hard moments. Plus, Jim Daly talked to Jeff and Sa…

Maintaining a Healthy Friendship with Your Mate

Maintaining a Healthy Friendship with Your Mate

April 13, 2023

A healthy marriage is built on a great friendship. John talks with the Smalley's about what has kept their friendship strong, and if you need to have common interests to be friends. Also, Jim Daly spoke with Howard and Danie…

When Your Communication Style is Different

When Your Communication Style is Different

April 11, 2023

It's likely that you and your spouse have differing styles for how you handle conflict. John and the Smalley's explain how they've seen this play out in their own marriages. Plus, Jim Daly talked with Howard and Danielle Tay…

What On Your Table?

What On Your Table?

April 6, 2023

Several people would say their wedding day was very special. But a great marriage is about the journey afterwards. John, Greg and Erin discuss how to have a long-term perspective for your marriage, and Jim Daly talked with C…

Returning to Your First Love

Returning to Your First Love

April 4, 2023

Many married couples, as they gain experience, tend to experience a slow drifting apart. John, Erin and Greg address how drifting can occur, and ways you can rekindle your love. Plus, Jim Daly talked with Jason and Tori Benh…

What is Real Submission in Marriage?

What is Real Submission in Marriage?

March 30, 2023

What does a healthy view of submission in marriage look like? Greg and John discuss that topic, and Erin offers encouragement to wives who have a difficult time seeing submission as good thing. Plus, Jim Daly spoke with Dr. …

Maintaining Emotional Intimacy in the Empty Nest Years

Maintaining Emotional Intimacy in the Empty Nest Years

March 28, 2023

Reaching the empty nest years will create a lot of changes for your marriage, Greg addresses how couples can feel distant in the empty nest years, and John and Erin offer hope to couples who feel far apart. Plus, Jim Daly sp…

Finding Hope When You Feel Resentment

Finding Hope When You Feel Resentment

March 23, 2023

Many spouses today feel as if there's a wall of resentment between each other. If you're in that situation, John, Erin and Greg will share about maintaining a sense of hope. Also, Jim Daly spoke with Sarah and Jeff Walton ab…

When Your Spouse's Mind Won't Change

When Your Spouse's Mind Won't Change

March 21, 2023

What do you do when you're facing a crisis in your marriage and it feels like you're drifting apart? John and the Smalley's offer encouragement to struggling couples, and Jim Daly talks with Jeff and Sarah Walton about how t…

Finding a Common Purpose with Your Mate

Finding a Common Purpose with Your Mate

March 16, 2023

How do you find a common purpose in your marriage, even if you work completely different jobs? John and the Smalley's answer that question, and Jim Daly speaks with Howard and Danielle Taylor on how couples can find a purpos…

Common Problems and Letting Go of Selfishness

Common Problems and Letting Go of Selfishness

March 14, 2023

Unrealistic expectations are common for young couples, but they're also a set up for disappointment. John, Greg and Erin share about common expectations couples have entering marriage, and how to practice selflessness in the…