Episodes

Dec. 9, 2024

Reviewing Your Financial History as a Couple

As time goes on, it's good to look back and see how you've matured. Hopefully, that maturity translates into the ways you manage money. John asks the Smalley's about how they've learned to get better at handling finances in their marriage. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Taylor and Megan Kovar about how they dealt with financial struggles in the early years of their relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the The Five Money Personalities ...
Dec. 4, 2024

Preparing Well for a Great Marriage

Success is a by-product of good preparation. That principle also applies for good counseling before marriage. Dave and Ashley Willis talk with Jim Daly about how they learned a lot about themselves through pre-marital counseling. Plus, Erin Smalley chats with John and Greg about how a couple, who's going through pre-marital counseling, can be confident that they're ready for marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the 7 Days to a Naked M...
Dec. 2, 2024

Infatuation Doesn’t Last, But Love Does

How often did you think about your spouse when you were falling in love? Jim Daly talks with popular podcasters, Dave and Ashley Willis, about the infatuation stage of a relationship. Then, John speaks to the Smalley's about leaving infatuation and getting to a place of healthy vulnerability in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the 7 Days to a Naked Marriage Bundle for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment...
Nov. 27, 2024

Attraction That Lasts

When someone is wanting to get married, what character attributes should you look for in a potential spouse? Tovares and Safa Grey talk with Jim Daly about why it's critical to find someone who helps you grow spiritually. Plus, Erin Smalley shares about how to handle a situation where your parents don't approve of a dating relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the Godly Dating 101 for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage...
Nov. 25, 2024

If You’re Anxious About Getting Married

Marriage is a wonderful gift to pursue, yet many singles today are asking, "Will marriage actually work for me?" John and Erin share about common fears young people have about getting married today. Then, Jim Daly talks with social media influencers, Tovares and Safa Grey, about important character qualities to look for in a potential spouse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the Godly Dating 101 for your donation of any amount! Focus on Ma...
Nov. 20, 2024

Truly Being Free from Porn

An addiction to porn creates a cycle of shame. Mark Makinney shares with Jim Daly about how he struggled with porn for decades. His wife Rosie then brings up an ultimatum she gave Mark that inspired him to quit pornography. Also, John and the Smalley's will share why wives don't need to blame themselves if their husband is struggling with lust Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the Fight for Love for your donation of any amount! Hope Restore...
Nov. 18, 2024

Why Pornography Destroys Trust

Porn addiction is hurting millions of people across the globe. If you're struggling with it today, we want to help you get on the road to recovery. Jim Daly chats with Mark and Rosie Makinney about how porn negatively impacted their marriage. Then, John and the Smalley's provide some first steps couples can take to eliminate pornography from their home. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the Fight for Love for your donation of any amount! Ho...
Nov. 13, 2024

Stop and Savor the Moment

When was the last time you paused, and thanked God for the spouse you have? Jim Daly and Pastor Ted Cunningham encourage couples to stop and savor the moments with your family, even if they're stressful. Also, John and the Smalley's discuss why slowing down can help you enjoy your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the Greater Joy TWOgether for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Laughing, Lov...
Nov. 11, 2024

Stress Might Not Be What You Think

Have you ever been so stressed out, that you said something to your spouse you regretted? Greg tells Erin and John about a time he got overly stressed, and what he learned from it. Plus, Jim Daly and Pastor Ted Cunningham address how stress is actually rooted in our disappointed expectations. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the Greater Joy TWOgether for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Counseling ...
Nov. 6, 2024

Don’t Take Your Love Story for Granted

Did you and your spouse experience love at first sight, or were you friends for years before falling in love? Your story matters to God and to each other. Ashley and Dave Willis tell Jim Daly about how they met in college. Also, John and Erin will encourage couples to remember their love story. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the 7 Days to a Naked Marriage Bundle for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytim...
Nov. 4, 2024

Physical Intimacy and the Need for Grace

When it comes to sex in marriage, it's important to show your spouse grace. Jim Daly talks to David Gudgel about he and his wife worked through a misunderstanding regarding physical intimacy. Also, John and the Smalley's address that many couples struggle with sex, and why prioritizing friendship helps with physical intimacy. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Enjoy Your Marriage More for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marria...
Oct. 30, 2024

‘How Far is Too Far’ Is the Wrong Question

When a couple is dating, it's important to protect your relationship from sexual temptation. Jim Daly talks with Safa and Tovares Grey about why, "how far is too far?" is the wrong question. Plus, John and the Smalley's share about the need to have sexual integrity in a dating relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Godly Dating 101 for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Busting 10 Ch...
Oct. 28, 2024

"Should I Give This Person My Heart?"

In the dating phase, what are good qualities to look for in a spouse? John asks the Smalley's about ways they encouraged their kids to search for a godly spouse. Also, Jim Daly asks social media influencers, Tovares and Safa Grey, on why dating is a great time to examine someone's character. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Godly Dating 101 for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime A Fresh Look...
Oct. 23, 2024

Don’t Let Porn Destroy Your Marriage

With the internet, smartphones and constant media, our culture is saturated with pornography. Erin Smalley explains how she's seen an increase in porn struggles in her counseling clients. Also, Mark and Rosie Makinney share with Jim Daly how pervasive the problem is. Then, Greg and John talk about the need to confess if you're struggling with it. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Fight for Love for your donation of any amount! Hope...
Oct. 21, 2024

Porn: It’s More Dangerous Than You Think

Many people, even within the church, are struggling with pornography. How do you get free from it? Jim Daly speaks with Mark Makinney, who struggled with pornography for years, on why it's so dangerous and addictive. Also, John and the Smalley's will explain why not dealing with a porn problem can be catastrophic to your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Fight for Love for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Liste...
Oct. 16, 2024

Seeing Your Kids Get Married

Seeing your kids get married is one of the most emotional journeys. John talks with Greg and Erin about what those experiences have been like for them, and things they learned in the process. Plus, Ted Cunningham describes things he learned on the journey of giving his daughter away to his now son-in-law. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Greater Joy TWOgether for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen An...
Oct. 14, 2024

Tips for Avoiding a Marital Drift

How do you avoid growing apart when life is so busy? Erin and John bring up how praying together can help a couple's relationship. Then, Jim Daly and Pastor Ted Cunningham share about the significance of prayer and how husbands can keep the communication strong with their wives. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Greater Joy TWOgether for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Bringing Laughter to...
Oct. 9, 2024

Phileo and Eros Types of Love

Friendship and physical intimacy both play a role in creating a rich marriage. Jim Daly and Dr. David Gudgel share how you can cultivate both things in your marriage. Then, you'll hear John and the Smalley's offer encouragement to couples who feel ashamed about past sexual sin. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Enjoy Your Marriage More for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Romance and Intima...
Oct. 7, 2024

Learn to Understand Your Wife

For husbands, learning to understand your wife doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentionality. Erin talks about something Greg does that helps her feel understood. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. David Gudgel give the men some guidance on how to emotionally connect with your wife. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Enjoy Your Marriage More for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Crazy Little Thing ...
Oct. 2, 2024

Ways to Evaluate a Potential Spouse

When someone wants to get married, what are some qualities to look for in a potential mate? Greg and John address why having a perfectionist mindset isn't helpful in trying to find a spouse. Then, Jim Daly meets with social media influencers, Tovares and Safa Grey, to discuss what a truly godly person looks like. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Godly Dating 101 for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen...
Sept. 30, 2024

Maturing Together as a Team

Teamwork is essential for the success of your marriage. Tovares and Safa Grey speak with Jim Daly about healthy mindsets to help you and your spouse be a strong team. Also, Greg and Erin talk to John about why there is joy in learning to make healthy compromises for the sake of your marriage Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Godly Dating 101 for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Soul Mates o...
Sept. 25, 2024

A Balance of Light-Hearted and Serious

Healthy marriages need serious conversations, but also laughter and fun too. Greg shares with John about how he and Erin have learned to have fun together, even with a very demanding schedule. Plus, Ron and Jan Welch talk with Jim Daly about three marriage moments every couple needs to help bring a balance of fun and serious in your relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book 10 Choices for a Better Marriage for your donation of...
Sept. 24, 2024

Make Time for One Another

When life is crowded with kids, activities, and errands to run, it's easy to make your marriage less of a priority. Jim Daly joins Dr. Ron Welch and his wife Jan to encourage you to keep your marriage a priority, even when life is busy. Also, you'll hear from John and Greg about how even small investments can help your marriage in the long run. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book 10 Choices for a Better Marriage for your donation of a...
Sept. 18, 2024

Make Laughter a Goal for Your Marriage

Laughing together is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enjoy your marriage. John asks the Smalley's how laughter has played a part in making their relationship better. You'll then hear from Jim Daly and Ted Cunningham about how you can make laughter a goal for your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Greater Joy TWOgether for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Crazy Littl...