The Art of Relationships Podcast

In this episode, Alisa Grace sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Willa Williams to unpack the often-confused concepts of boundaries and ultimatums. They explore the difference between making a request, setting a boundary, and issuing an ultimatum—highlighting how tone, intention, and personal responsibility can either build connection or create division in your relationships.Together, they provide practical tools and real-life examples to help you communicate needs in a healthy way, create emotional safety, and respond maturely when on the receiving end of a boundary. Whether you're navigating conflict with a spouse, roommate, friend, or coworker, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement to help you grow in both courage and compassion.Resources Mentioned:Speaker-Listener Technique (PDF) – A simple yet powerful communication tool that fosters active listening and mutual understanding in any relationship.Blue Trust (Colby Gilmore) – Biblically-centered financial planning and investment management for couples and individuals.The Couples Institute – Dr. Ellyn Bader – Professional therapy resources and relationship education.Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: 

In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with Tim Carney, author of Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be. They dive into the challenges of modern parenting, discussing how cultural shifts, over-scheduling, and fear-based parenting have made raising kids more stressful than ever. Tim shares insights on how we can reclaim community-driven parenting, encourage independence in our children, and create a more family-friendly culture.Whether you're a parent navigating the pressures of modern parenting, a young adult thinking about starting a family, or someone interested in how culture shapes childhood, this episode offers practical insights and hopeful solutions for building stronger families and communities.Resources Mentioned

In this episode, Chris Grace and guest co-host Tatum Munivez explore key questions to ask before getting engaged. They discuss essential relationship considerations, including compatibility, handling conflict, emotional safety, and recognizing red and green flags. Through personal insights and real-life examples, they provide practical wisdom to help you navigate the engagement decision with confidence.Whether you're dating seriously or thinking about the next step, this episode offers valuable advice to build a strong foundation for marriage.Resources Mentioned:8 Questions to Ask Before Getting Engaged – A guide from the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships.Premarital Counseling – Learn how premarital counseling can strengthen your relationship and how to sign up. Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on your favorite platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Click here.About the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace lead the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, combining biblical wisdom with relationship research to help individuals build healthy relationships. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the concept of love languages and how understanding them can transform your relationships. They discuss the five love languages—quality time, words of affirmation, gift-giving, acts of service, and physical touch—popularized by Dr. Gary Chapman. They provide practical insights on how to identify and speak your own love language and those of your loved ones to foster deeper connections.Whether you're navigating relationships with your spouse, dating partner, family members, friends, or even coworkers, this episode offers valuable advice on how to communicate love effectively and build stronger bonds.Resources Mentioned:The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman – A foundational book on how to express and receive love in a way that is meaningful to your relationships.Five Love Languages Online Quiz – Discover your love language and learn how to better connect with those around you.Previous Podcast Episode with Dr. Gary Chapman – Listen to Chris and Alisa's conversation with the author of The 5 Love Languages for more insights.Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast so you never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from learning about love languages.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Join our email listAbout the Hosts:Dr. Chris Grace and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris Grace explores the complexities of navigating identity and calling, especially in the context of work and relationships with guests Arianna Molloy and Tim Muehlhoff. They discuss how a calling is not just about individual fulfillment but deeply tied to our relationship with God and community. Their conversation touches on understanding work as a calling, avoiding burnout, setting boundaries, and finding rest in God. They provide practical insights and tips for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's demands. Whether you're managing relationships with coworkers, family, or friends, this episode offers valuable advice to help you cultivate a sustainable work-life balance.Resources Mentioned:Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work by Dr. Arianna Molloy – A guide to understanding calling, preventing burnout, and finding meaning in work. Visit Arianna Molloy's website for more resources. Click here to buy her book on Amazon. Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas – Explores how individuals connect with God uniquely, offering insights for incorporating rest and worship into daily life. Click here to purchase on Amazon. Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: Sign UpAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of expectations in marital intimacy. They welcome special guests Shaunti Feldhahn, an award-winning author and social researcher, and Brian Goins, Senior Director of Strategic Projects at FamilyLife. Together, they delve into the dynamics of initiating and receptive desire, the impact of communication, and practical ways couples can foster understanding and intimacy.Key Discussion Points:The common question of "how often?" and why there's no universal answer.The importance of understanding different desire types: initiating, receptive, and resistant.How unspoken expectations and lack of communication can lead to frustration and disappointment.Practical advice for navigating differences in desire and building stronger connections through communication and empathy.Insights from Shaunti and Brian's work, including data-driven strategies for healthy conversations about intimacy.Resources Mentioned:"Secrets of Sex & Marriage" by Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma – A book offering eight surprising insights to improve marital intimacy. Learn more and purchase.Married with Benefits Podcast – Discussions on intimacy, communication, and expectations in marriage. Listen here.FamilyLife's Instagram – instagram.com/familylifeinsta.Shaunti Feldhahn's Instagram – instagram.com/shauntifeldhahn.Axis.org – Tools and resources for parents to have conversations about technology, relationships, and more. Visit Axis.Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Subscribe here.About the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the challenges and impacts of pornography in relationships and personal lives with special guest Nick Stumbo, Executive Director of Pure Desire. They discuss the pervasive issue of pornography in Christian communities, its mental, relational, and spiritual implications, and the path to freedom through grace-filled healing. Offering insights into breaking cycles of shame and addiction, this episode provides practical tips to help listeners pursue healthy, Christ-centered relationships.Whether you're a college student, a married couple, or a leader in the church, this episode offers valuable advice to navigate this challenging topic and find hope, healing, and restoration.Resources Mentioned:Free E-Books from Pure Desire5 Steps to Freedom from Pornography - A guide to overcoming struggles with pornography. Download here7 Keys to Understanding Betrayal Trauma - Help for navigating the pain of betrayal. Download hereBooks by Nick StumboSafe - A guide to fostering grace-filled environments that promote healing from sexual struggles and create safe spaces for restoration. Learn moreSetting Us Free - Nick Stumbo shares his journey to freedom from sexual addiction, offering practical tools and spiritual insights for lasting transformation. Learn moreFrom the Center for Marriage and Relationships (CMR)Sex, Pornography, and Relationship Help - Quick tips on addressing pornography's impact on relationships. Download PDFConnect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Sign up hereAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore managing holiday stress, balancing busyness, expectations, and finding joy. They discuss practical tips for setting realistic expectations, planning ahead, navigating family dynamics, and staying emotionally connected during this busy season. With insights on how to prioritize relationships, manage stress, and align your heart with God's perspective, this episode provides helpful strategies for a more peaceful and meaningful holiday experience. Whether you're navigating relationships with family, friends, or significant others, you'll find valuable advice to improve your connections this holiday season.Resources Mentioned:Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel by Jonathon Gibson - A liturgy for worship through Advent and Epiphany. Amazon LinkOh Come, Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp - A devotional to prepare your heart for Christmas. Amazon LinkThe Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Mathis - Reflections on the surprising story of Christmas. Amazon Link10 Bible Verses for Anxiety (Download) - Scriptures to meditate on for peace during stressful times.Marriage Conference Information - Learn about upcoming conferences to strengthen your relationships.Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the topic of navigating grief and loss during the holidays. They are joined by Dr. Kevin Van Lant, a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in pastoral care and counseling, who provides invaluable insights into the challenges of processing grief during a season traditionally associated with joy and togetherness. They discuss the importance of recognizing and sitting with the pain, offering practical ways to support both yourself and others during difficult times, and how faith plays a transformative role in the grieving process.Whether you're dealing with the loss of a loved one or supporting someone in their grief, this episode offers compassionate advice to help you find hope and meaning, even in the midst of sorrow.Resources Mentioned:Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop – A guide to practicing lament as a path toward healing and hope. Necessary Losses by Judith Viorst – An exploration of how loss is an inevitable and essential part of personal growth. Blue Trust - Biblically centered financial planning and investment management services. Contact Colby Gilmore (colby.gilmore@ronblue.com) for personalized financial advice for all income levels.Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Sign up hereAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the importance of family traditions, especially during the holiday season. They discuss how traditions create bonding, foster a sense of belonging, and adapt over time as families grow and change. Joined by CMR staff members Jane Locke and Tatum Munivez, they share personal stories and offer practical insights into navigating traditions in the face of life changes like marriage, moving, or loss. Whether you're celebrating with your parents, kids, in-laws, or friends, this episode offers meaningful ways to build relationships and honor the deeper reasons for the season.Resources Mentioned:"23 of the Best Christmas Traditions Ever" Blog - A list of diverse holiday traditions for every life stage, from singles to families with grown children. Holiday Resources from the CMR - Insights, Tips, and Tools to Enjoy a Meaningful Holiday Season.Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with special guests Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff, co-authors of End the Stalemate, to tackle the challenge of navigating difficult conversations in a polarized world. Together, they share practical strategies like building relational capital, showing compassion, and knowing when and how to share truth. With personal stories and real-world examples, Chris, Sean, and Tim equip listeners to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue even on divisive topics. Whether you're working through tough discussions with family, friends, or colleagues, this episode offers tools to strengthen relationships while staying true to your convictions.Resources Mentioned:End the Stalemate - A guide to fostering respectful and productive conversations despite deep differences.Sean McDowell's YouTube Channel - Demonstrating effective dialogue with people of differing beliefs.Blue Trust - Biblically centered financial planning and investment management services. Contact Colby Gilmore (colby.gilmore@ronblue.com) for personalized financial advice for all income levels.John Gottman Resources - Expert insights on improving communication and relationships. Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Sign up hereAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with special guests Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff, co-authors of End the Stalemate, to explore the art of having difficult conversations in today's polarized world. They discuss how to navigate disagreements, the role of contempt in damaging relationships, and the importance of empathy and perspective-taking. Providing practical tips, they help listeners communicate more effectively and maintain healthy relationships, even when faced with differing opinions.Whether you're navigating tense discussions with family, friends, or colleagues, this episode offers valuable insights to improve your communication and foster understanding.Resources Mentioned:End the Stalemate - A guide to fostering respectful and productive conversations despite deep differences.Sean McDowell's YouTube Channel - Demonstrating effective dialogue with people of differing beliefs.Blue Trust - Biblically centered financial planning and investment management services. Contact Colby Gilmore (colby.gilmore@ronblue.com) for personalized financial advice for all income levels.Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Sign up hereAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Alisa Grace and special guest Willa Williams, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discuss the “Top 6 Relationship Killers” that often hinder our closest connections. They explore common destructive habits, such as taking things personally, assuming the worst, and failing to show empathy, offering practical insights to help listeners build stronger, healthier relationships. Whether you're navigating friendships, family dynamics, or romantic partnerships, this episode provides valuable advice to transform your interactions.Resources Mentioned:The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller – Explores the principles of speaking truth in love, helping couples build deeper, more authentic relationships.Gottman's Four Horsemen – An overview of harmful behaviors in relationships, with tools for recognizing and replacing these behaviors. Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrTwitter: twitter.com/biolacmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are dedicated to helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore rituals for connection—consistent, intentional actions that can help strengthen relationships over time. They discuss how recognizing and responding to bids for attention can prevent couples from drifting apart and highlight simple rituals such as saying goodbye, greeting each other, and spending intentional time together. The Grace's provide practical insights and tips to help you reconnect with your loved ones, making your relationships more fulfilling and connected. Whether you're dealing with significant others, friends, children, or roommates, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships.Resources Mentioned:32 Questions to Spiritual Intimacy – A guide to fostering deeper spiritual connections with your partner through meaningful conversations.Date Night Activity: 32 Questions to Intimacy – An engaging activity for couples to build emotional and spiritual intimacy during date nights.31 Questions to Intimacy for Families – A resource to help families connect on a deeper level.30 Questions to Intimacy with Friends – A guide to deepening your friendships through intentional, meaningful conversations.Ronald Blue Trust – A biblically-centered wealth planning service that supports couples in financial unity. Visit ronblue.com for more or contact Colby Gilmore at colby.gilmore@ronblue.com.Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrTwitter: twitter.com/biolacmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore bids for attention—small interactions that can significantly impact the strength of a relationship. They discuss how recognizing and responding to these bids can prevent couples from drifting apart, drawing on research from Drs. John and Julie Gottman. The Grace's provide practical insights and tips to help you stay connected with your partner, emphasizing the power of intentional time together. Whether you're navigating life with a significant other, friends, or even colleagues, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships.Resources Mentioned:The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman – A guide to strengthening relationships through understanding key emotional and relational principles.Gottman Institute – Learn more about the research behind bids for attention and other relationship dynamics.Ronald Blue Trust – A biblically-centered wealth planning service that supports couples in financial unity. Visit ronblue.com for more or contact Colby Gilmore at colby.gilmore@ronblue.com. Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrTwitter: twitter.com/biolacmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this week's episode, CMR Co-Directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss how personality impacts our relationships, and offer practical ways we can use personality tools to better understand ourselves and others. 

In this week's episode CMR Co-Directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss the role of intent in communication and offer practical ways to assess and adapt not only what we say but why we say it and the impact it has on our relationships. 

In today's Valentine's special, Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by ministry leaders and best-selling authors Bill and Pam Farrel to discuss their book, Red Hot Monogamy: Making Your Marriage Sizzle, and uncover the T.I.M.E. needed to invest in marital intimacy. Listen along to hear what long-lasting intimacy looks like and how their acronym can best help you cultivate red hot monogamy. 

The answer may surprise you! In this week's episode, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by marriage ministry leaders and best-selling authors Bill and Pam Farrel to discuss the importance of mentorship and the practical ways everyone can make a difference. Resources from this week's podcast: CMR ResourcesMore from Bill and Pam 

In this week's podcast, CMR Co-Directors Chris and Alisa Grace teach listeners how to recognize and respond to others' bids for connection and the relational damage it causes when we ignore them.

In this week's podcast, CMR Co-Directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace address the not-so-glamorous realities that can come with the holiday season and offer practical tips for how to center your family on each other and Christ this Christmas. 

In this week's episode Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by Biola colleagues and long-time friends Ken and Trudi Berding as they share their journey from being missionaries in the Middle East to housing and discipling multiple college students each year.

In part two of this two-part series, New Testament expert Dr. Jon Lunde joins Chris and Alisa Grace as they discuss why culture has drifted away from Scriptural values, and offer a Biblical alternative to the three most common (but not the best) options for sex in relationships today.

In part one of this week's two-part podcast, New Testament expert Dr. Jon Lunde joins Chris and Alisa Grace as they discuss why culture has drifted away from Scriptural values, and the three most common (but not the best) options for sex in relationships today. 

In part two of this two-part  series,  Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with Dr. Veola Vazquez to talk about her new book, Healing Conversations on Race: Four Key Practices from Scripture and Psychology. Listen as they discuss what it looks like to navigate race relations as a believer. 

In part one of a two-part  series,  Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with Dr. Veola Vazquez to talk about her new book, Healing Conversations on Race: Four Key Practices from Scripture and Psychology. Listen as they discuss what it looks like to navigate race relations as a believer. 

In today's podcast, CMR Co-Directors Chris and Alisa Grace sit down and go through questions our listeners send in. From date nights and red flags, to establishing trust, this episode is packed with practical advice! 

In part two of a two part podcast series, CMR Co-Directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss the key role intimacy plays in friendship and offer the remaining signs to look for to grow your friendships into rock solid relationships

In part one of a two part podcast series, CMR Co-Directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss the key role intimacy plays in friendship and offer five signs to look for to grow your friendships into rock solid relationships. 

In today's podcast, co-directors  Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with Ashlee Kyser, the newest member of the CMR team, to discuss what it is like transitioning from a student to staff at Biola, and share resources available for students and new graduates. 

In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with award winning author and speaker, Gary Thomas, to answer your questions on the role of grief in relationships. 

In today's podcast Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by award winning author and speaker, Gary Thomas, to discuss spiritual temperaments for connecting with God. Listen to learn how understanding your temperament and the temperament of those you love can increase intimacy in all your relationships. 

In late 2019, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace faced a major crisis. In this podcast, they share their story and the fears and suffering that became their reality.Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace emphasize the three things that brought them through their most difficult trials.

In today's podcast, award winning author and speaker, Gary Thomas, joins Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace to discuss his new book, Making Your Marriage a Fortress: Strengthening Your Marriage to Withstand Life's Storms. 

 In today's podcast, Jennifer Jones, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, discusses how to set and keep boundaries and offers helpful instruction for how to respond to boundaries in respect and love.

"When you are in a dark place, it can be a holy place if you are trying to follow God in that dark place."  In today's podcast, guest Dr. Clarence Shuler shares his battle with depression, reminding his audience to seek counsel, community, identity rooted in God, and support from their spouses.

The most wonderful time of the year is approaching! As the Christmas season arrives, so can stress about budgets and spending. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace host Biola's senior director of Foundations and Capital Projects, Dr. Rick Bee, to discuss tips for planning and communicating about your Christmas budget. From making sure your spouse is on the same page, to navigating spending as a recent grad, today's podcast offers advice for budgeting in all seasons of life. 

Is your loved one crying out for help? What signs would you look for? In part two of this two-part series, we (hosts Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace) are joined again by our 19-year-old daughter, Caroline, to share our personal experience as a family navigating Caroline's battle with clinical anxiety. In today's episode, The Grace family offers positive steps for how to support one another and answer the cry for help.

Is your loved one crying out for help? What signs would you look for? In part one of this two-part series, we (hosts Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace) are joined by our 19-year-old daughter, Caroline, to share our personal experience as a family navigating Caroline's battle with clinical anxiety. 

Mental health has become a growing topic of concern in our culture- but how do we talk about it? Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss signs of mental health and look to both scripture and science for advice on how to talk about it, and what resources are available to those in need. 

Remember when you had your first date? Scripture is full of commands to remember, because God knows our hearts and wants to build intimacy with us through remembrance. The same is true of our earthly relationships. Reminiscing over memories with fondness can actually strengthen our relationships! In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace share the benefits of travelling down memory lane and growing closer with your partner through remembrance.  

How do we define respect? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss how scripture and research inform the different ways men and women interpret respect and share tips on how to make your significant other feel loved and respected. 

How should I respond if I find out my partner is viewing pornography? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace share ideas on how to bring up the conversation of porn in a dating relationship and if they struggle, how to move forward with that information in your relationship.

How do you deal with jealousy when your partner has best friends of the opposite sex? How do you know when you’re ready to move from dating to engagement? If you're getting too intimate in your relationship, how do you stop? These questions and more are addressed in today's podcast when Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace dive deep into topics of jealousy and insecurity, maturity for advancing relationships, and crossing boundaries in relationships. Their supportive insight guides couples to push aside their physical intmacy and keep God at the center of their relationship.

Trouble navigating boundaries once you're in a relationship? In this week's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace answer your questions about relationships! From confronting self-esteem and setting boundaries, to defining the relationship after you already started dating, this week's podcast is full of wisdom for relationships in all stages!

Does God still work miracles? Where can you see them in your own life? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace, Alisa Grace, and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explore miracles, both big and small and how we can see them better.

  In part one of a podcast series, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by former Art of Relationships podcast host and current co-director of The Winsome Conviction Project, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff to talk about his latest book, Eyes to See: Recognizing God's Common Grace in an Unsettled World.

Conflict is inevitable in every relationship, but what types of conflict should you overlook or try to overcome? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace share strategies on when to be accommodating, work through disagreements, or when to seek professional help if emotions get out of hand.  

Is your anger abusive towards other people? At what point does it become a problem? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace teach us how to identify triggers and effectively manage anger in our relationships to avoid hurting others.