Episodes

Oct. 31, 2023

When Conflict is Actually a Good Thing

Conflict is an inevitable part of a good marriage. The key is in how you work through it. John and the Smalley's give some hope to couples who seem to be fighting a lot. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Schroeder provide a few pointers on how to handle conflict well in your relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Simple Habits for Marital Happiness for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Id...
Oct. 25, 2023

Before an Affair Takes Place

Infidelity does tremendous damage to a marriage, but it doesn't have to be the end of your story. John and the Smalley's address how many couples have faced this crisis. Then, Jim Daly chats with Pastor Rick Bulman and his wife Tiffany about their story before she had an affair. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Mended for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Contact our Counseling Department Recovering from ...
Oct. 24, 2023

For the Couple Who’s Lost a Child

Many of us know a couple who's lost a child, and the pain is devastating. John and the Smalley's share how they've seen couples walk through this. Then, Jim Daly and Gary Thomas discuss the need for community that couples have during a trying season. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Making Your Marriage a Fortress for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Contact our Counseling Department Resources: Grieving ...
Oct. 18, 2023

If You’ve Come from a Blended Family

Even if you come from a broken home, there is still hope for you. Jim Daly talks with Ron Deal about his own personal background of coming from a blended family. Then, John Fuller talks with the Smalley's about the need for couples in a blended marriage to be honest with each other about their pasts. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Preparing to Blend for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Co...
Oct. 17, 2023

What Blended Families Face

The statistics indicate many couples today are part of a blended family. If that's you or someone you know, John and the Smalley's will provide some hope on learning to move forward. You'll also hear Jim Daly and Ron Deal discuss how choosing to remarry impacts more people besides just you and your mate. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Preparing to Blend for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime...
Oct. 11, 2023

Sex and Intimacy Aren’t the Same Thing

What is the difference between sex and intimacy? Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Juli Slattery, who helps people understand God's design for sex. Plus, John talks with Greg Smalley about questions we can ask our spouse to discern if we're meeting each other's needs. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Rethinking Godly Sexuality in Your Marriage (Digita...
Oct. 9, 2023

Godly Character and Your Sex Life

The world tells you that good sex is about what feels right to you. However, that's not the biblical approach. John and the Smalley's address misconceptions many couples have about sex. You'll also hear Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery discuss why your character is the most important part of your sex life in marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Asse...
Oct. 4, 2023

Responding to Hurtful Comments from Your Spouse

It hurts when your spouse has said mean things to you. If you're feeling resentment because of rude comments from your mate, Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Schroeder share a 4-step formula to help you move on productively in your marriage. Then, Greg talks with John and Erin about how someone can be patient, even when his or her spouse doesn't see a need to apologize for hurtful comments. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Simple Habits for M...
Oct. 3, 2023

Listening Before Criticizing

Being a good listener doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentionality. Greg Smalley shares with Erin Smalley and John Fuller about how he's learning to get better at listening. Plus, Jim Daly speaks with counselor, Dr. Randy Schroeder, about why it's best to listen well and offer constructive feedback to your spouse. They will also bring up why negative criticism is so dangerous. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Simple Habits fo...
Sept. 28, 2023

My Life is Busy! Please Help!

When your schedule is full, it's hard to make time for your spouse. John Fuller talks with Erin Smalley about ways each of them has struggled with overcrowding their schedules in their marriages. Then, Jim Daly and Gary Thomas discuss why busyness isn't good for your relationship. They'll also share about how to hear from God, when making decisions in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Making Your Marriage a Fortress fo...
Sept. 26, 2023

When Financial Problems Turn to Anger

Financial struggles can lead to bitterness in your marriage, if you aren't careful. Jim Daly and marriage expert Gary Thomas share how your marriage can survive a financial hardship. Also, John Fuller and Erin Smalley discuss how to handle any anger you feel toward your spouse about money. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Making Your Marriage a Fortress for your donation of any amount! For couples in crisis – you can still put the ...
Sept. 21, 2023

Leaving a Legacy that Matters

Your marriage is building a legacy that will one day be remembered. To encourage you to leave a godly legacy, Jim Daly chats with Kimberly and Danny Ray Thompson about living for what truly matters. You'll also hear John Fuller and the Smalley's share about a couple they admire. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Disappear for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is desig...
Sept. 19, 2023

When God Stepped in Your Marriage

Can you look back to a moment in your marriage and say, "only God could've done that?" Greg, Erin and share with John about a time that happened in their relationship. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson about how God sustained them through a difficult childbirth. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is desi...
Sept. 13, 2023

Sex is Meant to Reflect God’s Love

What if your sex life was meant to be a reflection of God's love for His people? Jim Daly talks with psychologist Dr. Juli Slattery about how to honor God in our sexuality. John Fuller also speaks with Greg and Erin Smalley about why it's a good thing for couples to enjoy sex in marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is de...
Sept. 11, 2023

Sex and Covenant Love

What comes to your mind when you heard the word "covenant?" Dr. Juli Slattery and Jim Daly explain how something called "covenant love," can greatly impact your sex life. Plus, John and the Smalley's explain why it's good for married couples to pray about physical intimacy. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evalu...
Sept. 6, 2023

You Can’t Read Your Spouse’s Mind!

Time for an honest question, have you tried to read your spouse's mind? Jim Daly and Counselor Randy Schroeder explain why that's not a good thing for your marriage. You'll also hear John Fuller and Erin Smalley talk about ways you and your spouse can share your honest thoughts with each other, instead of relying on assumptions. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount! ...
Sept. 4, 2023

No Tech Secrets Between Us

Have you ever been enjoying a nice dinner with your spouse, only to look up and see he or she was glued to a phone screen? John and Erin share how they are working on getting better about not overusing technology. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Schroeder address how you can have better tech habits in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the...
Aug. 30, 2023

Good Kinds of Storms

Having a baby or getting a new job are wonderful blessings. Yet, those same things can add a lot of stress to your marriage. If you're in a stressful season, you'll be encouraged by what John, Greg and Erin have to say. Plus, Gary Thomas and Jim Daly offer a few practical ideas for maintaining your communication when you're overwhelmed by stress. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation of...
Aug. 29, 2023

3 Building Blocks for Emotional Connection

How do you maintain a strong connection with your spouse when you are going through a storm? Jim Daly and Gary Thomas will offer you three ways you can do that. You'll also hear John Fuller and the Smalley's share about tough times they faced, and how to keep your communication strong when life gets stressful. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family...
Aug. 23, 2023

Can We Start Over?

When you're in the middle of an argument with your spouse, there's tremendous value in learning to pause and start over. John and the Smalley's discuss how taking a moment to stop can help resolve an argument in your marriage. You'll also hear Jim Daly chat with Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson, as they address ways they've learned to start over in the midst of conflict. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Di...
Aug. 22, 2023

Doing Whatever it Takes

At some point in your marriage, you'll make a mistake or handle a situation poorly. Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson share a funny story with Jim Daly about a time something went awry in their marriage. Erin Smalley and John Fuller will also give some tips for how to forgive yourself, even after you make a mistake. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Disappear" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on t...
Aug. 16, 2023

How God Can Redeem Your Sexual Brokenness

Sex is meant to be a gift from God', but how can you see it as a blessing when you've made many mistakes? Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery share how the gospel can redeem you from sexual brokenness. You'll also hear a powerful story from Dr. Greg Smalley, as he chats with his wife Erin and John Fuller. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Asse...
Aug. 15, 2023

Two Wrong Perspectives About Sex

Many of us enter marriage with a distorted view of God's design for sex. To give you some hope, Jim Daly talks with Dr. Juli Slattery about two wrong perspectives about sex, and how God can redeem them. You'll also hear John Fuller chat with the Smalley's about why there's a spiritual battle regarding our sexuality. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Ma...
Aug. 10, 2023

Sarcasm: Helpful or Harmful to Your Marriage?

Have you ever said something sarcastic to your spouse, only to have him or her be offended? The Smalley's share with John Fuller about how sarcasm has been a struggle in their relationship. Plus, Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Randy Schroder on why sarcasm is bad for your marriage. They'll also address how to leave your family of origin well so you can prioritize your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Simple Habits for Marital Happin...