Episodes
Jan. 8, 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 a good idea. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal discuss how blended families can deal with financial issues. 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 As...
Jan. 4, 2024
Focusing on the Best for a Better Sex Life
You long to feel emotionally safe in marriage. When you feel that safety, it can positively impact your sexual relationship. Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma talk with Jim Daly about the need to focus on good things in your marriage, even outside of the bedroom. Plus, John and the Smalley's talk about how you can help your mate overcome his or her insecurities. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for yo...
Jan. 2, 2024
Are We the Only Ones Struggling with Sex?
The truth is, many couples face challenges regarding physical intimacy. John, Greg, and Erin share why a satisfying sex life takes time and doesn't happen overnight. You'll also hear from Jim Daly, who talks to Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about common misconceptions many couples have about sex. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Liste...
Dec. 28, 2023
Taking the Chance to Flirt
It can be easy to neglect romance when life gets busy. John talks with the Smalley's about how they've learned to be playful and flirtatious. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about a concept they call, "biblical flirtation," that you can apply to your relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book The Flirtation Experiment for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime...
Dec. 26, 2023
Stop Criticizing and Start Planning
Have you ever been critical of your spouse and you didn't realize how your words hurt his or her feelings? Dr. Randy Schroeder talks to Jim Daly about how couples can recognize if they're criticizing their mate too much. Plus, John and the Smalley's address why planning things together, instead of complaining, can go a long way 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 o...
Dec. 21, 2023
Can God Heal the Betrayal?
Adultery does great damage to a marriage, and it's strongly warned about in the Bible. Pastor Rick and Tiffany Bulman discuss what happened after her affair with a friend came to light. Also, John and the Smalley's share about what you can do, if you're wondering if you'll ever trust your mate again. 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 Depart...
Dec. 19, 2023
Your Spouse Had an Affair, Now What?
Sadly, many marriages today are broken when one or both spouses have been unfaithful to the marriage vows. If you know someone in that scenario, there can be restoration. Pastor Rick and Tiffany Bulman tell about the moment where her affair came to light. Plus, John and the Smalley's discuss how they've seen God heal many couples through the Hope Restored program. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Mended for your donation of any amou...
Dec. 13, 2023
Is Sex Really That Important?
Sometimes, one spouse desires sex more than the other. When that happens, how can you and your spouse talk about it? John and the Smalley's address why it's good to put your spouse's needs above your own. Also, Jim Daly talks to Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn about why it matters that you and your spouse have a good sex life. Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Find Questions You Can Ask Your Spouse ...
Dec. 12, 2023
Respecting Your Past and Each Other
How can blended families show each other grace, when they reveal difficult details about their pasts? Jim Daly and Ron Deal share about how couples can have healthy conversations on their past histories. Also, John and the Smalley's offer hope to people who didn't have good marriages modeled to them by their parents. Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Find Questions You Can Ask Your Spouse About Sex Getting...
Dec. 5, 2023
How to Have Good Conversations About Sex
When was the last time you and your spouse talked about sex? The truth is, many couples struggle to discus it at all. Jim Daly speaks to Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about why many couples face challenges regarding physical intimacy. Plus, John and the Smalley's address why you need to talk about physical intimacy. Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Find Questions You Can Ask Your Spouse About Sex...
Nov. 29, 2023
Navigating Toxic Friendships
Your marriage needs friendships. But how can you discern if your friendships are truly helping your relationship? Greg Smalley talks with John and Erin about ways you can tell if a friendship is toxic. Plus, Jim Daly speaks to Dr. Randy Schroeder on how friendships influence a marriage. Receive the book Simple Habits for Marital Happiness for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime How to Help a Friend Who Has Marriage Problems Contact our Counseling Departm...
Nov. 27, 2023
Practicing Dialogue, Not a Monologue
You thought you were making such a good point to your spouse, but instead, your mate got annoyed by how much you talked! Sound familiar? Jim Daly speaks with Counselor, Dr. Randy Schroeder about the need for couples to practice dialogue. Also, John and the Smalley's will encourage you to make dialoguing a habit in your conversations with your spouse. Receive the book Simple Habits for Marital Happiness for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Positive Comm...
Nov. 26, 2023
How Affairs Get Started
Many affairs get started with something that seems innocent - a nice text, a friendly conversation, etc. John, Greg and Erin will encourage you to notice the warning signs, so you can prevent an affair from happening. You'll also hear Jim Daly talk to Rick and Tiffany Bulman, as they address how she developed a seemingly innocent friendship that led her down a dark road. Receive the book Mended for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Counseling How to Recognize Where Y...
Nov. 21, 2023
Warning Signs That Can Lead to an Affair
Small things left unchecked in your marriage might make your relationship more vulnerable to an affair. John, Erin and Greg discuss how you can guard your marriage from an affair. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Pastor Rick Bulman and his wife Tiffany about a season where they didn't heed the warning signs in their marriage. Receive the book Mended for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime The Billy Graham Rule: Should You Have Opposite-Sex Friendships? How to Know When Your Mar...
Nov. 16, 2023
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 be involved in a blended family wedding. Receive the book Preparing to Blend for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime How Remarriage Affects Kids Remarriage Doesn’t Wipe Away Memories and Old Habits If you've listened to any of our po...
Nov. 14, 2023
Blended Couples and Kids
We all need God's grace for our past mistakes. But what does that look like if you've gotten remarried? John, Greg, and Erin provide hope to those in a blended marriage. Then, Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal explain the need for spouses to prioritize their marriage, even when kids are involved. Receive the book Preparing to Blend for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Living in a Stepfamily Contact our Counseling Department If you've listened to any of our p...
Nov. 9, 2023
Designed for Passionate Pleasure
Do you see sex in your marriage as a gift? John and the Smalley's explain some of the benefits of physical intimacy in marriage, and why it's a gift from God. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery discuss why sex is designed by God for passionate celebration. Receive the book God, Sex, and Your Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Contact our Counseling Department How Important is Sex in a Relationship? If you've listened to any of our podcas...
Nov. 6, 2023
Sex and Sacrificial Love
God calls us to minister to our spouse, even when it comes to sex. Dr. Juli Slattery and Jim Daly discuss what it means to practice sacrificial love in your sex life. Plus, John talks with the Smalley's about why couples need to have a selfless approach to 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! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Rekindling Intimacy ...
Nov. 1, 2023
It’s How You Approach Conflict
One of the toughest challenges with conflict in marriage is focusing on what's best for your spouse instead of trying to win an argument. Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Schroeder offer some guidelines for how to make tough discussions with your spouse productive. Plus, John, Greg and Erin share about why it's good to try and solve one problem at a time. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Simple Habits for Marital Happiness for your donation o...
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...