Episodes

Aug. 8, 2023

Making Appreciation a Habit

Telling your mate how much you appreciate him or her is very life-giving to your relationship. John talks with Greg and Erin Smalley about reasons they appreicate each other. Also, Focus President Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Shroeder address why it's healthy to develop a habit of showing gratitude to your spouse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Ma...
Aug. 3, 2023

Don’t Isolate Your Marriage

It's easy for many people to feel isolated in their marriages today. John and the Smalley's discuss factors that can lead to feeling disconnected in your relationship. You'll also hear Jim Daly and Gary Thomas address why isolation is so bad for your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strengt...
Aug. 1, 2023

Overcoming Anger and Financial Hardships as a Couple

Tension in your marriage can be caused by a number of factors. But what if the real reason you're upset is not what you think it is? Gary Thomas speaks with Jim Daly about a couple who's worked through challenges and frustrations in their marriage. Plus, John Fuller and the Smalley's address how finances can be the cause for friction in your relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donatio...
July 27, 2023

God Works in the Messiness of Marriage

It's freeing when you can learn to love your spouse even when things are not perfect. But what do you do in the seasons of life deal you a bad hand? John and the Smalley's will share about a couple who handled a hard season of life well. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson about how God can use messy situations in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Disappear" for your donation ...
July 25, 2023

Having a "Team Us" Mentality

Having a team mentality is one of the keys to making your marriage work. John talks with Greg and Erin about how they've learned to adopt a team mindset. Plus, Jim Daly speaks with Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson on how they've learned to appreciate their different temperaments. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Disappear" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed...
July 20, 2023

Reclaiming Sex as a Gift

Most couples find it challenging to talk about sex. If you're facing some discouragement in this area, John, Greg and Erin will discuss things that will help you. You'll also hear Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery share about the gift sex is for married couples. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Finding the Hero In Your Husband" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strengt...
July 18, 2023

Giving Things Over to God

When facing a struggle in your marriage, one of the best things you can do is give it to the Lord. But what exactly does that look like? John, Erin and Greg will encourage on how to give a marriage challenge to God; and Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Juli Slattery on ways she's learned to trust Jesus in her marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Finding the Hero In Your Husband" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Ma...
July 13, 2023

Four Daily Essentials

What is an essential part of your daily routine? Just like in life, your marriage needs good daily habits. John talks with Greg and Erin about habits that have helped them over the years. You'll also hear from Dr. Randy Schroeder and Jim Daly, who share about four daily essential habits you can implement in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on...
July 11, 2023

Habits that Lead to Happiness

A good marriage is partly built on the foundation of healthy habits. Dr. Randy Schroeder and Jim Daly discuss the impact of your daily choices. You'll also hear John Fuller talk with the Smalley's about some of the good habits of couples who've made it far in their marriages. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to ...
July 6, 2023

Focused Communication & Childhood Wounds

Having a successful marriage requires being focused in your communication and also honest about past wounds. But what about the wounds are as serious as trauma from your childhood? Jim Daly talks with Gary Thomas about a couple who faced that very scenario. Plus, John and the Smalley's offer hope those struggling to heal from past hurts. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation of any amount! ...
July 4, 2023

Overcoming Fears & Long-Distance Struggles

Two things that can create tension in your marriage are fears and long-distance. If you're trying to work through one of those things, you'll be encouraged by what John and the Smalley's have to say about navigating both of them. You'll also hear Jim Daly, who speaks with Gary Thomas about lessons he's learned from couples who've walked through these very things. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your...
June 29, 2023

Step into the Painting

In your marriage, it really is the simple moments that can make the most beautiful memories. John, Greg and Erin offer some tips for how to not miss the beauty of the simple times in your marriage. Plus, Jim Daly talks with Chris and Jenni Graebe about some friends who taught them something called, "Step into the painting." Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "The Rhythm of Us" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marri...
June 27, 2023

Being There for Your Spouse in Hobbies and Moving

Regardless of the season your marriage is in, it's important to communicate to your spouse, "I'm here for you." John talks with Greg about some of the ways Erin has communicated support for him. And, John speaks with Erin about showing your mate grace during life transitions, such as moving. Plus, you'll hear Jim Daly talk with Chris and Jenni Graebe about ways they've learned to be supportive for each other. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive...
June 22, 2023

Focus on the Positive

Having a great relationship requires focusing on the best aspects of your spouse. John and the Smalley's discuss what can happen if you focus on the positive or negative things about your mate. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Juli Slattery on why it's effective to be thankful for the good things in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Finding the Hero in Your Husband" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family M...
June 20, 2023

How Playing Offense Can Lead to Intimacy

Physical intimacy is a great gift for your marriage, and needs to be seen as one. Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Juli Slattery on some of the barriers that keep couples from enjoying sex in marriage. You'll also hear John Fuller and Erin Smalley talk about how physical intimacy isn't perfect for married couples. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Finding the Hero in Your Husband" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriag...
June 15, 2023

Making Big Decisions in Faith Together

When facing a big decision, it's critical for you and your spouse to work out an agreement. But how do you get there? Greg and Erin Smalley chat with John Fuller about a time they've had to make a big transition in their relationship. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Bill and Pam Farrel on when they had to trust God with one of Pam's career dreams. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the Marriage Meet Up Bundle" for your donation of any amount! The Foc...
June 13, 2023

I Have You on My Heart

Having a great marriage is about more than doing what's right. It also involves communicating to your mate, "I'm thinking about you!" John Fuller chats with Erin Smalley on the topic of not making your communication all about business items. You'll also hear Jim Daly talk with Bill and Pam Farrel, who address some things that've made their communication effective. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the Marriage Meet Up Bundle" for your donatio...
June 8, 2023

Giving 100% of What You Have Left

Even if a couple faces a trying season, it's amazing to see spouses who are committed to each other. John Fuller talks with Greg and Erin Smalley about the power of commitment during hard seasons, and Jim Daly speaks with Gary Thomas about a couple he's seen walk through serious health struggles. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessmen...
June 6, 2023

Two Lessons from Hard Times

When your marriage faces a storm, it can either make your relationship stronger or hurt it. Jim Daly talks with author and pastor Gary Thomas about lessons couples can learn from storms, plus John Fuller and Greg Smalley address how a storm doesn't have to completely ruin your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is desig...
May 31, 2023

Communicating About Adventure

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 more adventures, and communicating with your spouse about trying something new. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "The Rhythm of Us" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is des...
May 30, 2023

How Can You Serve Your Spouse?

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 off from watching the kids. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "The Rhythm of Us" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits...
May 25, 2023

Recovering from Trauma and Improving Your Relationship

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 abuse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Finding the Hero in Your Husband" for your donation of any amount! Listening is the First Step to Conflict Resolution in L.U.V.E. Counseling Services Listen Anytime If you've...
May 23, 2023

When a Wife Isn't Enjoying Sex

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 can enjoy physical intimacy. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Finding the Hero in Your Husband" for your donation of any amount! Conversation Starters for Date Nights Counseling Services Listen Anytime If you've li...
May 18, 2023

Negotiating Money with Your Spouse

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 money. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Marriage Meet up Bundle" for your donation of any amount! Making a Financial Plan Matters to Your Marriage Money and Marriage - How to Thrive in Love and Money Listen Anytim...