Episodes

March 28, 2024

Pornography Hurts True Intimacy

Sadly, many marriages today have at least one spouse who's struggling with pornography. Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn about the great damage porn can do to a marriage. Then, John and Greg discu…
March 26, 2024

When Spouses Have Differing Sexual Desires

Sex is a wonderful gift for marriage, and yet, it can also be complicated. John and Greg address how physical intimacy is a top issue many couples fight over. You'll also hear Jim Daly talk with Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Mich…
March 21, 2024

Remembering the Story of How You Met

It's wonderful to reflect on how you and your spouse fell in love. John asks the Smalley's to share their fun love story. Then, you'll hear Jim Daly talk to Matt and Lisa Jacobson about how their first meeting didn't go so w…
March 19, 2024

Marriage and Children with Special Needs

For couples that have a child with special needs, the challenges are very real. John, Erin and Greg address what it's been like for each of their marriages to raise a child who has special needs. Plus, Jim Daly talks with Li…
March 14, 2024

Repeat Back Your Spouse’s Interests

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Learn…
March 12, 2024

Communication Mistakes Spouses Make

How do you and your spouse work through your different communication styles? Jim Daly is joined by marriage experts, Bill and Pam Farrel, and they'll share common mistakes men and women make in communicating. Plus, John and …
March 7, 2024

Getting on the Same Page Financially

The discussions you have about money early in your marriage help set the tone for your financial habits as a couple. Jim Daly speaks with Linda and Bob Lotich about some of the conversations they had about money when they we…
March 5, 2024

Being Honest About Your Financial History

What were some of your financial habits going into marriage? Jim Daly talks to Bob and Linda Lotich, who get very honest about how they handled money before walking the aisle. Also, John, Greg and Erin bring up why it's impo…
Feb. 29, 2024

How Often Should We be Intimate?

It's common for married couples to ask, "how often should we be physically intimate?" While there's no rule, Jim Daly speaks to Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn on why many couples struggle to agree on frequency. You'…
Feb. 27, 2024

Three Types of Sexual Desire

How do you deal with a situation where you and your spouse have differing desires regarding sex? Jim Daly talks with Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn about three kinds of sexual desire that most couples deal with. Als…
Feb. 22, 2024

When Your Childhood Impacts Your Marriage

Undealt with pain from your childhood can sometimes come up unexpectedly in the ways you treat your spouse. John, Erin and Greg will encourage you to deal with wounds from your childhood. You'll also hear Jim Daly talk with …
Feb. 20, 2024

Connecting Well in the Evening

When you've had a long day, it's easy to pull out your phone and not talk with your spouse. John and Greg emphasize why it's important to be disciplined with your screen-time in marriage. Plus, Jim Daly speaks with Lisa Jaco…
Feb. 15, 2024

Respecting Your Spouse’s Brain Wiring

One of the biggest factors in how husbands and wives communicate is the unique ways each of your brains are wired. Bill and Pam Farrel join Jim Daly to address the different ways God designed men and women's brains. Plus, Jo…
Feb. 13, 2024

The Ways Men and Women Process Information

Do you ever get frustrated by the different ways and your spouse communicate? Jim Daly talks with marriage experts, Bill and Pam Farrel about the differences in how men and women talk. You'll also hear John and the Smalley's…
Feb. 8, 2024

Don’t Hide from the Pain

How do you handle painful memories? While it's not fun to think about them, we encourage you to not hide from them either. Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal encourage blended families to work through painful situations from the past…
Feb. 6, 2024

The Ripples of Grief for Blended Families

Sadness and pain happen in every family. How do you pick up the pieces, even when you can't shake painful memories? Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal address some of the ways sadness and grief impact blended families. Also, John and…
Feb. 1, 2024

If Your Spouse Doesn’t Receive Positive Affirmations

Have you tried to be encouraging to your spouse, but he or she wasn't receptive to it? Jim Daly talks to Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about some healthy perspectives on if your spouse isn't receiving your kind wor…
Jan. 30, 2024

Owning Your Responsibility to Feel Good

Being affirmed by your spouse is great, but do you need it to survive? John, Erin and Greg explain why affirming your spouse is healthy, and discuss the difference between a need and a strong desire. You'll also hear from Ji…
Jan. 25, 2024

Maintaining Joy When Your Plate is Full

What your marriage is in a busy season, how can you make time for fun and laughter? Jim Daly speaks to Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about how they've learned to be joyful during busy seasons. John also talks with G…
Jan. 23, 2024

When Your Husband Doesn’t Initiate Romance

What can you do if you desire romance, but your spouse isn't the romantic type? Jim Daly talks with Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about a concept they call, "biblical flirtation." Plus, John and the Smalley's share …
Jan. 18, 2024

Openness That Leads to Healing

Pretending like you've got it all together is not good for your your marriage. John and Greg address why it's not okay to act like your relationship is perfect, especially when there are issues going on. Also, Jim Daly talks…
Jan. 16, 2024

A Wedding for Blended Couples

For couples facing remarriage, what's the way to do a wedding right? John and the Smalley's share how they've seen God restore people, even after an unwanted divorce. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal talk about ways kids can …
Jan. 11, 2024

When You and Your Spouse Don’t Agree on Discipline

How do you and your spouse find agreement on ways to discipline your kids? John, Erin and Greg address how this is a common tension point for couples, and why having kids can help you be a better spouse. Also, Dr. Ron Deal a…
Jan. 9, 2024

Blended Couples and Their Finances

Money is one of the top areas of conflict for married couples. If you're facing financial problems, John, Erin and Greg will explain why you can still have hope. They'll also address whether or not a prenuptial agreement is …