Podcasts about your marriage

One of the greatest privileges we have as spouses is coming before the Father and lifting up our marriage—leaning on Him for protection, provision, and strength. Today, special guests Brad and Heidi Mitchell join Dr. Kim to talk about how foundational prayer is for intimacy and the overall climate of your marriage. Many couples struggle to develop this rhythm—not because they don't want to, but because they simply don't know where to start. Be encouraged today as Brad and Heidi share from their newest book, Build Your Marriage With Prayer, and talk about how guided prayers, daily readings, and reflection questions can help couples grow a consistent and meaningful prayer life together.   Episode Highlights: Husbands don't have to know it all to lead- they can be simply willing to initiate. Wives can come alongside and encourage their husbands to step into the role God created them for.  Don't weaponize prayer against your spouse. Quotes from this Episode: Kim Kimberling Quotes: "The first time Nancy and I really started praying for something together and saw God show up, it was like, 'This is awesome.'" "Prayer bonds us together in a way nothing else really can." "Most guys feel inadequate spiritually, but prayer was never about performing." "You don't have to know more than your spouse to lead spiritually—you just have to initiate." "When couples begin praying together, they stop fighting against each other and start fighting for each other." "Inviting God into conflict changes conflict from something destructive into something that can grow your marriage." "The more we pray, the more prayer becomes part of the fabric of who we are." "God wants to be involved in the middle of our everyday lives—not just the big emergencies." "When you pray over your spouse, it creates empathy, connection, and unity." "Prayer gives God a chance to show up in your marriage over and over again." Brad Mitchell Quotes: "A lot of men don't pray with their wives because they're afraid of looking inadequate." "Men don't need to be spiritual experts—they just need to become spiritual initiators." "The things you most want to lean away from are often the very places God wants you to lean in." "When you pray about the issue instead of against each other, nobody wins or loses—God wins." "The enemy whispers, 'You're not good at this,' because he knows how powerful prayer is in marriage." "Every wife would love for her husband to stop and pray over her before the day begins." "Surrendering your schedule to God changes interruptions from frustrations into opportunities." "Prayer protects your marriage because it keeps both of you surrendered to God instead of fighting each other." Heidi Mitchell Quotes: "Make prayer a positive experience for your spouse, not a performance." "There's really no wrong way to come before God together." "Encouragement from a wife can completely change a husband's confidence in leading spiritually." "If prayer becomes weaponized, couples will stop wanting to pray together." "Not every thought deserves a place to stay in your mind." "Ask yourself: Does this thought line up with who God says my spouse is?" "Praying together helped us move from surface-level faith into authentic dependence on God." "When my husband prays for me, I feel protected, cared for, and truly seen." "The spiritual connection we share through prayer has become one of the greatest strengths in our marriage." Time to Talk About it: What would it look like for us to make prayer feel more natural and encouraging in our relationship instead of pressured or performative? Is there an area of our marriage right now where we've been "fighting each other" instead of "fighting for each other," and how could prayer help shift that? Mentioned in this Episode: Build Your Marriage is on Instagram! Purchase your own copy of Build Your Marriage With Prayer! Check out Awesome Marriage's 9 Days to Build the Practice of Prayer in Marriage Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. You'll love our 30 Scripture Based Prayers for Your Marriage. Check out it out with your spouse! If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Be the first to hear about all things Awesome Marriage, receive monthly bonus content straight from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy, and take advantage of big discounts by becoming a Marriage Changer!   

One of the greatest privileges we have as spouses is coming before the Father and lifting up our marriage—leaning on Him for protection, provision, and strength. Today, special guests Brad and Heidi Mitchell join Dr. Kim to talk about how foundational prayer is for intimacy and the overall climate of your marriage. Many couples struggle to develop this rhythm—not because they don't want to, but because they simply don't know where to start. Be encouraged today as Brad and Heidi share from their newest book, Build Your Marriage With Prayer, and talk about how guided prayers, daily readings, and reflection questions can help couples grow a consistent and meaningful prayer life together.   Episode Highlights: Husbands don't have to know it all to lead- they can be simply willing to initiate. Wives can come alongside and encourage their husbands to step into the role God created them for.  Don't weaponize prayer against your spouse. Quotes from this Episode: Kim Kimberling Quotes: "The first time Nancy and I really started praying for something together and saw God show up, it was like, 'This is awesome.'" "Prayer bonds us together in a way nothing else really can." "Most guys feel inadequate spiritually, but prayer was never about performing." "You don't have to know more than your spouse to lead spiritually—you just have to initiate." "When couples begin praying together, they stop fighting against each other and start fighting for each other." "Inviting God into conflict changes conflict from something destructive into something that can grow your marriage." "The more we pray, the more prayer becomes part of the fabric of who we are." "God wants to be involved in the middle of our everyday lives—not just the big emergencies." "When you pray over your spouse, it creates empathy, connection, and unity." "Prayer gives God a chance to show up in your marriage over and over again." Brad Mitchell Quotes: "A lot of men don't pray with their wives because they're afraid of looking inadequate." "Men don't need to be spiritual experts—they just need to become spiritual initiators." "The things you most want to lean away from are often the very places God wants you to lean in." "When you pray about the issue instead of against each other, nobody wins or loses—God wins." "The enemy whispers, 'You're not good at this,' because he knows how powerful prayer is in marriage." "Every wife would love for her husband to stop and pray over her before the day begins." "Surrendering your schedule to God changes interruptions from frustrations into opportunities." "Prayer protects your marriage because it keeps both of you surrendered to God instead of fighting each other." Heidi Mitchell Quotes: "Make prayer a positive experience for your spouse, not a performance." "There's really no wrong way to come before God together." "Encouragement from a wife can completely change a husband's confidence in leading spiritually." "If prayer becomes weaponized, couples will stop wanting to pray together." "Not every thought deserves a place to stay in your mind." "Ask yourself: Does this thought line up with who God says my spouse is?" "Praying together helped us move from surface-level faith into authentic dependence on God." "When my husband prays for me, I feel protected, cared for, and truly seen." "The spiritual connection we share through prayer has become one of the greatest strengths in our marriage." Time to Talk About it: What would it look like for us to make prayer feel more natural and encouraging in our relationship instead of pressured or performative? Is there an area of our marriage right now where we've been "fighting each other" instead of "fighting for each other," and how could prayer help shift that? Mentioned in this Episode: Build Your Marriage is on Instagram! Purchase your own copy of Build Your Marriage With Prayer! Check out Awesome Marriage's 9 Days to Build the Practice of Prayer in Marriage Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. You'll love our 30 Scripture Based Prayers for Your Marriage. Check out it out with your spouse! If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Be the first to hear about all things Awesome Marriage, receive monthly bonus content straight from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy, and take advantage of big discounts by becoming a Marriage Changer!   

How untreated strep throat sent Ron into a coma the first time — in 2015What vasopressors are, why they saved his life, and why they cost What do you do when the love of your life is fighting for his life — and four kids are at home counting on you to hold everything together?Victoria Rosas is a former Dallas attorney, mom of four in a beautifully blended family, and one of the most quietly extraordinary women we've ever sat across from at the Moms Club.In 2022, her husband Ron — a former professional tennis player who competed for Notre Dame, played the pro tour, and coached their kids on the court — woke up feeling off. Within 24 hours, he was intubated. Within days, the medication saving his life was slowly taking something else: blood flow to all four of his limbs.Victoria was told multiple times he wasn't going to survive.He did. But what came next — nine surgeries, 70 hours in the operating room, nine weeks in Ohio, and coming home to a kindergartner and three kids on the verge of launching — is a story about what strength actually looks like when it has no other choice.

Marriage was never promised to be easy, light, or always enjoyable—but when both spouses are committed wholeheartedly, it can endure even the hardest seasons. In this episode, Dr. Kim unpacks the foundational truths that help build a healthy, lasting marriage: honest communication, emotional safety, gratitude, faith, and learning how to work through conflict instead of avoiding it. He also shares what it looks like to start fresh without carrying the weight of past mistakes and why the struggles couples face—especially in the early years—don't mean something is wrong. Whether you're newly married or decades in, this episode offers practical encouragement to help you strengthen your relationship and build a marriage grounded in a foundation that lasts. Episode Highlights: "Becoming" is a process and it doesn't happen at the altar.  The decisions that shape a marriage most aren't the big dramatic ones.  Keep having fun together, year after year. If this is your second marriage- things don't have to be the same! Quotes from this episode: When faith is at the center of your marriage it changes the source of your security. You're no longer looking to your spouse to provide what only God can provide. The first year is not the best year- and that's ok. The friction you feel is not a sign that something is wrong. It's a sign that you are doing the real work of two becoming one. Avoiding the conversation doesn't make the problem disappear. The conversations you tend to avoid are the ones that can make or break a marriage.  Your spouse is not a mind reader and neither are you.  Communication is not a failure of love. It's an expression of it.  The cultural model asks "what am I getting out of this?" The biblical model asks "what am I bringing to this?" Avoidance builds walls. Couples who pray together, seek wisdom together, and bring God into the center or their disagreements have a resource that other couples just don't have.  Your spouse should feel like they can be honest with you without being punished for it. If they feel like they have to manage your reactions before they can be truthful, you've built a marriage where honesty is not safe.  Life administration isn't connection.  Gratitude is a muscle and in marriage it needs regular exercise.  Time to talk about it?  What do we expect from each other sexually? Are we spiritually moving in the same direction?  How was conflict handled in your home growing up?  Have we let anything go unaddressed? Are we protecting our time together? Mentioned in this Episode: Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Make space to talk about the marriage itself with our FREE Weekly Marriage Check in Guide! Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Dr. Kim takes everyday 'traffic signs' that we all encounter and applies them to growing your marriage relationship in this plan: Traffic Signs and Your Marriage - Part 1 If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  It's the perfect time to become a Marriage Changer! When you become a Marriage Changer you'll receive exclusive content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy as well as our resource of the month! Become a Marriage Changer today!  

Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast — Episode 376 Release Date: May 26, 2026 Filmed at: Main Street Summit Who's on the Throne of Your Marriage? Running a Business and a Family With God at the Center Recorded live at Main Street Summit, host Justin Forman sits down with John and Ashley Marsh of The Marsh Collective for a raw, practical, and deeply encouraging conversation about what it really looks like to build a marriage, a family, and a business together—with Jesus as the foundation. John and Ashley are no strangers to hard seasons. After years of division, chaos, and nearly losing everything, they discovered what it means to place God on the throne of their marriage—not just in word, but in practice. That journey has since led them to walk alongside hundreds of families, seeing over 210 marriages reconciled and restored. From the 'vision vs. division' dynamic in marriage to the practical tools they use—like a Sunday afternoon spreadsheet review, calendar coding by values, and a structured weekly meeting they call 'engineered heated fellowship'—John and Ash bring equal parts humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom. Whether you're a solo founder, a co-founder couple, or simply trying to honor God in every hat you wear, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Key Topics: Vision vs. division: Why couples think they're unified when they're not—and how to find out The many hats of a married entrepreneur: How uncommunicated roles create chaos at home and work 'Engineered heated fellowship': The Sunday afternoon weekly meeting that transformed their marriage and team When John publicly dishonored Ash in front of the whole team—and what happened next The $7 million decision made without alignment—and the lesson it left behind The Five F's framework: Faith, Family, Fun, Fitness, and Finances—with numbers on every one What it means to 'let peace be your umpire' in every major decision Notable Quotes: "We think we have a vision and we really have division. Division's two visions." — John Marsh "Faith plus nothing gets us there, and repentance plus nothing gets us back." — John Marsh "A lot of husbands and wives don't have brave conversations with one another. Because they're more concerned about the response of their mate than the response of God in that obedience." — Ash Marsh About John & Ashley Marsh: John and Ashley Marsh are the co-founders of The Marsh Collective, a faith-driven organization dedicated to helping couples build marriages and businesses that honor God. Having navigated their own story of brokenness, reconciliation, and restoration, they now serve as mentors, coaches, and speakers to families and entrepreneurial couples across the country. They operate from the conviction that a marriage placed under God's authority is the most powerful unit of Kingdom impact—and that the tools and language of business, stewarded rightly, can serve that mission beautifully. As of this recording, The Marsh Collective has seen over 210 marriages restored.

Marriage was never promised to be easy, light, or always enjoyable—but when both spouses are committed wholeheartedly, it can endure even the hardest seasons. In this episode, Dr. Kim unpacks the foundational truths that help build a healthy, lasting marriage: honest communication, emotional safety, gratitude, faith, and learning how to work through conflict instead of avoiding it. He also shares what it looks like to start fresh without carrying the weight of past mistakes and why the struggles couples face—especially in the early years—don't mean something is wrong. Whether you're newly married or decades in, this episode offers practical encouragement to help you strengthen your relationship and build a marriage grounded in a foundation that lasts. Episode Highlights: "Becoming" is a process and it doesn't happen at the altar.  The decisions that shape a marriage most aren't the big dramatic ones.  Keep having fun together, year after year. If this is your second marriage- things don't have to be the same! Quotes from this episode: When faith is at the center of your marriage it changes the source of your security. You're no longer looking to your spouse to provide what only God can provide. The first year is not the best year- and that's ok. The friction you feel is not a sign that something is wrong. It's a sign that you are doing the real work of two becoming one. Avoiding the conversation doesn't make the problem disappear. The conversations you tend to avoid are the ones that can make or break a marriage.  Your spouse is not a mind reader and neither are you.  Communication is not a failure of love. It's an expression of it.  The cultural model asks "what am I getting out of this?" The biblical model asks "what am I bringing to this?" Avoidance builds walls. Couples who pray together, seek wisdom together, and bring God into the center or their disagreements have a resource that other couples just don't have.  Your spouse should feel like they can be honest with you without being punished for it. If they feel like they have to manage your reactions before they can be truthful, you've built a marriage where honesty is not safe.  Life administration isn't connection.  Gratitude is a muscle and in marriage it needs regular exercise.  Time to talk about it?  What do we expect from each other sexually? Are we spiritually moving in the same direction?  How was conflict handled in your home growing up?  Have we let anything go unaddressed? Are we protecting our time together? Mentioned in this Episode: Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Make space to talk about the marriage itself with our FREE Weekly Marriage Check in Guide! Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Dr. Kim takes everyday 'traffic signs' that we all encounter and applies them to growing your marriage relationship in this plan: Traffic Signs and Your Marriage - Part 1 If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  It's the perfect time to become a Marriage Changer! When you become a Marriage Changer you'll receive exclusive content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy as well as our resource of the month! Become a Marriage Changer today!  

After both experiencing divorce, Debbie and Randy Stroman made a decision to do things differently. They share a simple but powerful process for resolving conflict, uncovering root issues, and building a marriage grounded in truth, transparency, and God's promises.Listener question: It's been 3 years since I found out about my husband's emotional affair and he has never admitted to the full extent. He also refuses counseling and to discuss my questions anymore. He says he wants to move forward but not in the way that I would like. I need full transparency and truth and loyalty. I can't live a fake life. I have been very close in my relationship with Christ where he has not and I am trying to follow God's word in my marriage. I am asking for guidance.Learn more about Marriage Intensives: https://xomarriage.comGod's Promises for Your Marriage by Randy & Debbie StromanFrom Pain to Paradise by Karen Evans__________ Submit your questions to Dave & Ashley: http://nakedmarriagepodcast.com Download our FREE 31 Day Marriage Devotional: https://bit.ly/3ZxsLZd We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry. Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry. The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas. Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Juli and Hannah tackle the question, Am I entitled to sex—even good or regular sex—in my marriage?  Drawing on stories, biblical truth, and personal reflection, Juli challenges common assumptions about sex, covenant, and what it really means to love like Jesus did. This episode offers hope for couples navigating pain, unmet expectations, or seasons of healing—and it just might challenge everything you've been taught about sex and marriage.  Co-host: Hannah Nitz What are your thoughts on this conversation? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a rating and review.    Follow-up Resources: Check out our new Hot Topic Kit: Building a Great Sex Life God, Sex, & Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery How To Go From Demand and "Duty Sex" to True Sexual Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) Is Sex Sabotaging Love in Your Marriage? by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog) Are You Entitled to (Good) Sex in Marriage? by Dr. Juli Slattery (blog)   Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz  Follow Authentic Intimacy at  @authenticintimacy    

In this episode, Clint Davis interviews Brad and Heidi Mitchell about their journey through marriage, forgiveness, and the transformative power of prayer. They share practical insights on praying together, building purpose in marriage, and overcoming challenges with faith and grace. Brad and Heidi Mitchell are the co-founders of Build Your Marriage, a ministry dedicated to helping couples create Christ-centered marriages. Out of a season of deep brokenness and God's powerful restoration, their marriage was rebuilt—and that testimony became the heart behind the Build Your Marriage ministry. Married 42 years, they draw from nearly four decades of experience in pastoral ministry. Brad and Heidi bring honest, biblical wisdom to the journey of developing a lasting marriage. Brad and Heidi have shared the stage with Lee Strobel as speakers, and their personal story is featured in his best-selling book, The Case for Grace. The Mitchells lead Build Your Marriage conferences and speak at other marriage events around the world. Their published works include Build Your Marriage with Couples of the Bible, a Bible study for couples; Ruined to Recovery: Help When the Affair Is Discovered; and their latest book, Build Your Marriage with Prayer.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Sponsorships 00:49 The Mitchells' Journey: From Childhood Sweethearts to Pastors 03:36 Overcoming Adultery: A Story of Forgiveness and Restoration 05:16 Encouragement for Wounded Spouses 08:13 The Importance of Forgiveness in Marriage 08:48 Cautions for Christian Leaders in Ministry 10:16 Building Your Marriage with Prayer 13:04 The Power of Prayer in Marriage 15:31 Creating Intimacy Through Prayer 18:54 The Impact of Prayer on Conflict Resolution 21:40 The Role of Hospitality in a Praying Life 25:35 The Power of Prayer in Everyday Life 27:05 Praying as a Couple: Building Connection 28:42 The Importance of Vulnerability in Prayer 30:17 Using Scripture to Strengthen Marital Bonds 31:26 Navigating Intimacy and Connection 35:28 Understanding Purity and Healing in Relationships 37:26 The Role of Therapy and Counseling in Marriage 38:15 Establishing a Purpose for Your Marriage

In this special episode, we look back at Jim's top moments from over 1,000 episodes. From the early  audio-only days to the more recent video shows, we revisit the amazing journey it's been.  God's been faithful every step of the way, keeping  Men in the Arena  standing strong at 1,000 episodes. Check out the full interviews here! James Ramos, Darby Ramos, Colton Ramos Wild Awakening: How a Raging Grizzly Healed My Wounded Heart w/ Greg Matthews EP 305 How to Connect with Your Daughter: 15 Tools for Girl Dads - Part 1 w/ Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield EP 633 Great Husbands Do Radical Things w/ Regi Campbell EP 362 Forgiving the Unforgivable: 7 Steps to Overcome Your Bitterness and Find Freedom w/ Bruce Hebel EP 586 Living the Best Version of Your Marriage w/ Don Minter EP 178 Taming Your Thoughts w/ Max Lucado: 3 Practical Tools to Combat Negative Thinking from a Giant of the Faith EP 890 Is Your Wife Crazy? Love and Respect w/ Emerson Eggerichs EP 203 1 Hour to Fix Your Marriage w/ Drs. Paul and Virginia Friesen EP  736 Overcoming the Invisible Marriage-Killer: How to Fix the Elephant in Your Marriage w/ Jason Karampatsos EP 626   11. BONUS: Quit or Finish Strong? The ONE Deciding Factor EP 612 Want to protect your marriage? Get our free ebook: 7 Guardrails to Protect Your Marriage Before It's Too Late. (https://tinyurl.com/7Guardrails) You can start a ministry to father the fatherless in your church! Learn how with our sponsor, Kids Outdoor Zone at https://kidsoutdoorzone.com/arena.  

In a culture that blurs truth and deception, marriages can easily absorb beliefs that slowly damage connection and trust. In this episode, Dr. Greg Smalley joins us to uncover the lies that are hitting marriages the hardest—and the truths that can set couples free. We talk about why marriages are so vulnerable to these lies, how stress and unmet expectations make them worse, and how emotional distance and internal narratives shape the way we see our spouse. Dr. Smalley also shares practical ways to recognize and replace these lies with truth, plus insight from his own marriage. If you've ever felt stuck in negative patterns or discouraged in your relationship, this episode will help you reset your perspective and refocus on what's true. Episode Highlights: Why marriages are especially vulnerable to believing harmful lies—and when that risk is highest How stress, unmet expectations, and emotional distance distort the way we see our spouse Practical ways to recognize lies, replace them with truth, and rebuild connection Quotes from this Episode: Quotes from Dr. Kim "Marriage is an adventure full of highs and lows, good and bad." "We live in a culture that tells us we should be happy above all." "The greatest marriage advice is to ask how can I be a better husband." "I think if you do the things that we, if couples do the things we're talking about today, you are laying the foundation for those empty nest years to be something very, very special."   Quotes from Greg Smalley: "Differences are never the problem. The truth is differences are beautiful." "What creates true connection, what creates intimacy, is safety." "I want to be the one to love her in that way by affirming her." "The key is for you to become that perfect person to marry." "I want my wife's heart rendered open to me." "It changes our marriages when we start caring about how our spouse felt."  "I want to create a campfire with my wife that we just want to linger around and just enjoy each other." "Instead of thinking about resolving conflict, think about how do we repair conflict." Time to Talk About it:  What's a negative thought or assumption I've been believing about you or our marriage lately—and is it actually true? When we're stressed or things aren't going how we expected, what stories do we tend to tell ourselves about each other? What's one simple thing we could do this week to feel more safe, connected, and quick to repair things when they go sideways?   Mentioned in This Episode: Check out Greg Smalley and Focus with the Family Get a copy of 9 Lies that will Destroy Your Marriage Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Make sure you're checking in with your spouse every week with our FREE Weekly Marriage Check in Guide! Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Dr. Kim takes everyday 'traffic signs' that we all encounter and applies them to growing your marriage relationship in this plan: Traffic Signs and Your Marriage - Part 1 If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  It's the perfect time to become a Marriage Changer! When you become a Marriage Changer you'll receive exclusive content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy as well as our resource of the month! Become a Marriage Changer today!

In a culture that blurs truth and deception, marriages can easily absorb beliefs that slowly damage connection and trust. In this episode, Dr. Greg Smalley joins us to uncover the lies that are hitting marriages the hardest—and the truths that can set couples free. We talk about why marriages are so vulnerable to these lies, how stress and unmet expectations make them worse, and how emotional distance and internal narratives shape the way we see our spouse. Dr. Smalley also shares practical ways to recognize and replace these lies with truth, plus insight from his own marriage. If you've ever felt stuck in negative patterns or discouraged in your relationship, this episode will help you reset your perspective and refocus on what's true. Episode Highlights: Why marriages are especially vulnerable to believing harmful lies—and when that risk is highest How stress, unmet expectations, and emotional distance distort the way we see our spouse Practical ways to recognize lies, replace them with truth, and rebuild connection Quotes from this Episode: Quotes from Dr. Kim "Marriage is an adventure full of highs and lows, good and bad." "We live in a culture that tells us we should be happy above all." "The greatest marriage advice is to ask how can I be a better husband." "I think if you do the things that we, if couples do the things we're talking about today, you are laying the foundation for those empty nest years to be something very, very special."   Quotes from Greg Smalley: "Differences are never the problem. The truth is differences are beautiful." "What creates true connection, what creates intimacy, is safety." "I want to be the one to love her in that way by affirming her." "The key is for you to become that perfect person to marry." "I want my wife's heart rendered open to me." "It changes our marriages when we start caring about how our spouse felt."  "I want to create a campfire with my wife that we just want to linger around and just enjoy each other." "Instead of thinking about resolving conflict, think about how do we repair conflict." Time to Talk About it:  What's a negative thought or assumption I've been believing about you or our marriage lately—and is it actually true? When we're stressed or things aren't going how we expected, what stories do we tend to tell ourselves about each other? What's one simple thing we could do this week to feel more safe, connected, and quick to repair things when they go sideways?   Mentioned in This Episode: Check out Greg Smalley and Focus with the Family Get a copy of 9 Lies that will Destroy Your Marriage Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Make sure you're checking in with your spouse every week with our FREE Weekly Marriage Check in Guide! Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Dr. Kim takes everyday 'traffic signs' that we all encounter and applies them to growing your marriage relationship in this plan: Traffic Signs and Your Marriage - Part 1 If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  It's the perfect time to become a Marriage Changer! When you become a Marriage Changer you'll receive exclusive content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy as well as our resource of the month! Become a Marriage Changer today!

We're kicking off our brand-new series Stone with a powerful message from CJ Ward called First Commandment. What does it really mean to have no other gods before God? This message reveals that God isn't asking to be first among many priorities—He's calling for complete loyalty and wholehearted worship. If something has taken God's place in your life, this message will challenge and encourage you to return to Him. Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this message today. Chapters (00:00:02) - Coming soon: The Ten Commandments(00:02:45) - Celebrating The Star Wars Theme Song(00:04:09) - 7 Star Wars Theme Songs(00:08:09) - The Marriage theme of the Bible(00:14:32) - The Marriage analogy of Genesis(00:15:21) - When You Should Be the First Person in Your Marriage(00:18:33) - God's Space in Our Life(00:23:41) - What is occupying God's Space in Your Life?(00:29:55) - Build your Marriage on Your Faithfulness to the Other Person(00:33:24) - God's Love For Us

What if a small choice could have a tremendous impact on your marriage? Jim Daly has a conversation with Arlene Pellicane on 4 choices you can make to have a better relationship. At the end, Greg and Erin will give some thoughts on how to have fun together. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Making Marriage Easier for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Four Key Decisions for Loving Your Spouse for Life Three Ways to Invest in Your Marriage (and Have Fun Along the Way) Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

What if a small choice could have a tremendous impact on your marriage? Jim Daly has a conversation with Arlene Pellicane on 4 choices you can make to have a better relationship. At the end, Greg and Erin will give some thoughts on how to have fun together. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Making Marriage Easier for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Four Key Decisions for Loving Your Spouse for Life Three Ways to Invest in Your Marriage (and Have Fun Along the Way) Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1196/29?v=20251111

In this conversation, I sit down with Jennifer Pepito, author of Habits for a Sacred Home and host of the Restoration Home podcast, to talk about how easy it is to become consumed by the constant stream of news, opinions, and outrage, and how that weight doesn't just stay on our phones, it follows us into our tone, our conversations, and the atmosphere of our homes. Jennifer shares insight from history, reflecting on how many revolutions were fueled by anger, only to leave people in an even more broken place. It's not about ignoring what's happening in the world, but learning how to navigate it with wisdom, focusing on what we can actually steward well. This episode is a reminder that the peace of God is not passive, it's protective. And that when we fix our minds on what is good, excellent, and lovely, it doesn't just change us, it shapes what our children experience and carry with them. If you've been feeling distracted, overwhelmed, or even frustrated by the state of the world, this conversation will gently call you back to what is yours to tend, your heart, your home, and the people right in front of you. You can learn more from Jennifer Pepito and explore her books here: https://thepeacefulpress.com Get Habits for a Sacred Home And listen to her podcast, Restoration Home, wherever you listen to podcasts. If this conversation resonates with you, my book Don't Burn Your Own House Down: Prioritizing Your Spouse, Your Marriage, and Yourself for a Deeper Connection is all about protecting what matters most and rebuilding connection in your home You can connect with me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/livingeasywithlindsey

4 Patterns to Establish in Your Marriage

Does the Bible say anything more about sex than "thou shalt not"? From married couples using natural family planning or struggling with infertility to single women noticing elevated estrogen and sexual desire around ovulation, it's worth it to explore what role sex could play in our lives not only physically but spiritually. Today, Dr. Juli Slattery from Authentic Intimacy joins Caitlin to talk about these things and describe the beautiful narrative around sex laid out for us in Scripture. This episode is not just for married couples or those who are sexually active, but all believers who want to dive deeper into understanding how our sexuality reflects our faith. NOTE: This episode may not be appropriate for all audiences due to the topic, which openly discusses sex and sexuality. GUEST BIO: Dr. Juli Slattery is the president and co-founder of Authentic Intimacy, a ministry helping women and people overall make sense of God and sexuality. She's the host of a weekly podcast, Java with Juli, and has authored or co-authored 14 books, including God, Sex, and Your Marriage and Rethinking Sexuality.SHOW NOTES:Authentic Intimacy websiteJava with Juli podcastEp. 29: Should we think theologically about fertility? with Dr. Cameron JorgensonEp. 18: Nurturing Intimacy while practicing NFP and beyondEp. 80: Intimacy with NFP (Natural Family Planning)Send a textSupport the showOther great ways to connect with Woven Natural Fertility Care: Learn the Creighton Model System with us! Register here! Get our monthly newsletter: Get the updates! Chat about issues of fertility + faith: Substack Follow us on Instagram: @wovenfertility Watch our episodes on YouTube: @wovenfertility Love the content? The biggest gift you could give is to click a 5 star review and write why it was so meaningful! This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Neither Woven nor its staff, nor any contributor to this podcast, makes any represe...

Young Married Retreat 2026Elijah and Stacey TafaoSession 1: "Purpose of Your Marriage"

Don't save your marriage for.... later! In this episode of the Crazy Cool Family Podcast, we sit down with McKenzie (our 4th daughter) to introduce the marriage Deep Dive “Fostering Love in Your Marriage.” She has been married for 4 1/2 years and has two tiny, beautiful daughters. Together they unpack why the word fostering matters — nurturing, cultivating, and fighting toward something good — and why so many couples drift into fighting against each other instead of fighting for their relationship. Suz and Kenz talk about how marriage can become a “back burner” once kids arrive, but why it's worth prioritizing again because children can feel unity and disunity in the home. The conversation centers on returning to what God says about love and marriage, using Scripture as the anchor rather than relying only on the world's tools. They also share practical rhythms couples can start using right away, including making time, practicing honesty, doing regular check-ins, and choosing to love with intentionality. If you are looking for a way to invest in your marriage this month, this is the podcast for you. Listen and share with a friend, today! Podcast Resources: Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family! Give us a review!

What's okay in the bedroom—and how are married couples supposed to know?  In this episode, Juli doesn't hand you a checklist. Instead, she walks you through three questions every couple can ask when navigating gray areas in the bedroom. From pornography and fantasy to sex toys and more, this conversation helps you discern where you may need to draw a line and where you may need to step out of your comfort zone. Joined by Hannah Nitz and Joe Caruso, this episode marks the kick off of a new series inspired by Juli's newly revised, upcoming book, 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy. Co-Hosts: Hannah Nitz, Joe Caruso What did you think of this episode? Leave us a rating and review in your podcast app.   Follow up resources: Check out our brand-new Hot Topic Kit: Pornography in Marriage. Blog: What's OK in the Bedroom? (Includes a list of what God has said "no" to) Book: God, Sex, and Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery Book: Passion Pursuit: What Kind of Love Are You Making? by Dr. Juli Slattery and Linda Dillow Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz Follow Joe Caruso at @joecaruso06 Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy    

Sex and sexuality within your marriage can be hard to address, even with your spouse. On this edition of Equipped with Chris Brooks, psychologist and author Dr. Juli Slattery will guide us toward a richer more biblical view of sexual intimacy as she helps us view this vital aspect of marriage as an avenue to understand and reflect God’s covenant love. Featured resource:God, Sex, and Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery February thank you gift:D.L. Moody: God's Bold Messenger by Faith Coxe Bailey Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000, click here.

Why do so many marriages feel anxious, tense, or disconnected — even when there's no major conflict?In Episode 106 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis explain how misaligned expectations and misunderstood differences quietly create anxiety in marriage — and how embracing God's design brings peace and connection.They cover:How expectations + unmet reality create anxietyWhy personality differences aren't flawsHow trying to “fix” your spouse damages connectionWhy celebrating quirks builds trustHow adjusting expectations brings peaceWhy God designed your spouse exactly as they areThis episode is a powerful reminder that connection grows when understanding replaces comparison.(00:00) Why Expectations Create Anxiety in Marriage(02:22) Learning and Celebrating Personality Differences(04:12) How Unrealistic Expectations Damage Connection(06:31) Stop Trying to Fix Your Spouse(08:17) Appreciating Strengths Instead of Weaknesses(10:06) Trusting Your Spouse's Strengths(13:38) Adjusting Expectations to Match Reality(16:15) Embracing God's Design for Your Marriage(17:55) Final Encouragement & Closing

Do you know that marriage can make you happier? This week on the podcast the guys interview Arlene Pellicane, Author, Speaker and contributor of National Marriage Week going on Feb 7-14th 2026. She shares insight from her book Making Marriage Easier and helpful tips for Husbands and Wives.  If you are skeptical about marriage, or feel like your marriage has lost it's spark, this ones for you! Don't miss out on this powerful episode or all that National Marriage Week has to offer. Check out National Marriage Week here: https://www.marriageweek.org/ If you would like to learn more about Arlene and the resources she provides, check out here website here: https://arlenepellicane.com Wake Up, Gear Up, and Come Alive! Known Legacy Mens Retreat Arrowhead camp Cleburne TX April 10-12th 2026 Take a break from the noise and step into a weekend designed just for you—a time to rest, recharge, and rediscover who God created you to be. Whether you're running on empty or just need to hit pause, this retreat is your invitation to refocus on your purpose and build deeper connections with other men on the journey.  What's Included: * Intentional time to slow down and breathe * Dynamic worship & powerful teaching sessions * Epic cornhole tournament * Basketball, disc golf, gaga ball, 9 square, horseshoes & lawn games * Archery & archery tag * Indoor activity center: foosball, ping-pong, carpet ball, board games & movie nights * Meaningful conversations & memories that last  Cost: * $300     per person (double room occupancy)  * $400     per person (single room occupancy) ⚠️ Spots are limited — don't wait to sign up! Scholarships available!  Email: bill@knownlegacy.org for more info. https://knownlegacy.org/mens-retreat Chapters (00:00:01) - Known Legacy Podcast: Secret Story Time(00:01:53) - Winter Olympic Sports(00:03:38) - If You Could Play Curling(00:05:23) - Arlene Pelane On The Happy Home Podcast(00:06:43) - Share Your Heart for Marriage Week(00:09:54) - Why More People Are Opting Out of Marriage(00:13:50) - Married Couples Need to Serve(00:16:21) - How to Rekindle a Love Connection in Your Marriage(00:19:45) - How to Approach Your Wife(00:22:22) - Servants: How to Love Your Wife(00:26:18) - Marriage Week(00:30:43) - Married Out of My League(00:31:31) - Wedding Recap(00:32:17) - Favorite causes and why you should support them(00:33:04) - What is Legacy of the Church?(00:33:52) - If You Had to Change Your Career, What Would You Do?(00:34:47) - Five Memorable Fruit Recipes(00:35:48) - NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK

ResourcesEpisode 230.  Everyday Decisions, Big Tension: The Hurtful Patterns That Create Blended Family DivisionEpisode 203.  How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United TeamEpisode 49. Should Your Highest Priority be Your Marriage…or Your Kids?Episode 103.  4 Revealing Myths About 1 on 1 Time Between Parent and Their Bio-Kids (Part 1 of 2) Episode 147. Do Sensitive Conversations End up Creating Conflict in Your Relationship?Suggest a Topic or Ask a Question  Would you like us to discuss something specific or answer your question on the show?  Let us know!We've made it easy.  Just click here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/shareReady for some extra support?We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://www.blendedfamilybreakthrough.com/free-callSubscribe or Follow the Show Are you subscribed or following the podcast yet?  If not, we want to encourage you to do that today so you don't miss a single episode.  Click here to subscribe in Apple PodcastsClick here to follow on SpotifyLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

This week we're in Chapter 5 of The Spirit-Filled Home: "Jump-START-ing Your Marriage." Yes, you spotted it! We're working through an acrostic featuring five essential strategies to jumpstart your marriage and all-around strengthen your home: S.T.A.R.T. 

Ever tried to make a seemingly straightforward family decision (something that should be easy) only to feel the tension rise, opinions harden, and lines get drawn? You're not imagining it. In blended families, decisions can feel like loyalty tests.In this episode, we walk through a realistic scenario with a blended couple facing a decision dilemma: Do we prioritize a new experience that one side of the family is excited about… or protect a familiar tradition the other side values deeply? And that's where things get complicated. Because it's often not really about the decision itself. It's about what the decision represents: loyalty and priority.That's when a hurtful pattern shows up that we call a Tenuous Triad:One parent becomes the Trapped Teammate (torn between spouse and kids),Their spouse becomes the Stranded Stranger (feeling unheard, powerless, devalued, overlooked),And the children become Confounded Kiddos (confused, unsettled, and often emotionally loud as they express what they want).And once that triad forms, couples can get stuck in predictable traps:Impatience (“Why can't we just move forward?”)Fear and guilt (“My kids are hurting and I'm to blame if they're disappointed.”)Lack of empathy (“You don't get what this means to them.”)Lack of unity (“We aren't leading together.”)Parent-child allegiance (“I have to side with my kids.”)Our goal is to help you name what's happening so you can stop reacting to surface-level conflict and start leading from a place of clarity and unity.You'll DiscoverWhat a Tenuous Triad is and why it often forms around everyday decisionsHow the Trapped Teammate / Stranded Stranger / Confounded Kiddos dynamic can quickly create biological “sides” in the home and ongoing disconnection, resentment, and hurtHow to shift from reaction and contention to calm, united leadership as a coupleResources from this Episode:Simple Step Episode: Managing Loyalties & Priorities in Your HomeEpisode 59. Why Are You Stuck in a Parent-Child Allegiance? (Part 1 of 2)Episode 179. Conquer Fear and Embrace Your Blend with Confidence and ClarityEpisode 180. Break Free from Guilt and Blend with Authenticity and SecurityEpisode 119.  6 Tips to Grow Empathy and Create More Connection in Your MarriageEpisode 72.  The Best Way to Create Healthy, Bonded RelationshipsEpisode 50.  How to Openly Communicate What You Really WantEpisode 203.  How to Make Better Decisions and Solve Problems as a United TeamEpisode 49. Should Your Highest Priority be Your Marriage…or Your Kids?Episode 103.  4 Revealing Myths About 1 on 1 Time Between Parent and Their Bio-Kids (Part 1 of 2) Ready for some extra support?Connect with us to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession

Send us a textWhy do the same conflicts keep showing up in marriage — even when both partners care?In this episode of Awaken You in Your Marriage, Christine explores how personality styles show up during conflict and why understanding these differences can dramatically shift communication and connection.You'll learn how different personality styles respond under stress, what each type needs most in conflict, and why couples often clash not because of the issue itself, but because of how they protect themselves emotionally.This episode offers a compassionate, practical lens for understanding yourself and your spouse — without labeling or blame — and includes tools to help couples stay emotionally connected even during difficult conversations.Christine also shares how listeners can explore their personality style further using the Live the Life app, of which I am NOT a paid sponsor, and invites couples to continue the work together.

Juli unpacks four of the most common (and subtle) lies we believe about sex, desire, and compatibility. From "sex is about expressing myself" to "the best sex is compatible sex," they explore how these ideas shape our relationships—and how God invites you into something deeper. If you've ever felt stuck, confused, or distant from God because of sexuality, pull up a chair—this conversation is for you. Co-hosts: Hannah Nitz and Joe Caruso Leave us a rating & review in your favorite podcast app.   Follow-up Resources: Surrendered Sexuality by Dr. Juli Slattery God, Sex, and Your Marriage by Dr. Juli Slattery   Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy Follow Hannah Nitz @hannahnitz Follow Joe at @joecaruso06  

Whether you're single, married, or simply navigating the cultural noise around sex and identity, this episode will challenge and encourage you to see sexuality through the lens of God's redemptive love. This week, Barb is joined by Dr. Juli Slattery, author of Surrendered Sexuality, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about faith, intimacy, shame, and identity. Juli shares how our sexuality isn't about self-discovery—it's about understanding God's love—and how true transformation begins when we stop trying to fix ourselves and start surrendering our hearts to Him.   RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE Connect with Dr. Juli on Instagram Connect with Dr. Juli on Facebook Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes...Everything Visit Dr. Juli's Website   ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST Dr. Juli Slattery is the president and cofounder of Authentic Intimacy, a ministry helping people make sense of God and sexuality. She is the host of the weekly podcast Java with Juli. She has authored or coauthored fourteen books, including God, Sex, and Your Marriage, Rethinking Sexuality, and 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask about Love, Sex, and Intimacy. Juli is a member of the board of trustees of Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Mike, have three grown sons and live in Akron, Ohio.

Send us a textIn this episode of Awaken You in Your Marriage, Christine explores how understanding personality can bring clarity and compassion to communication struggles in marriage.Rather than focusing only on what couples fight about, this conversation looks at how personality and stress responses shape conflict. Christine introduces a simple, accessible personality framework and explains how different wiring can lead to misunderstanding — even when both partners have good intentions.You'll learn:Why communication breaks down even when couples care deeplyHow personality influences conflict and stress responsesWhy self-compassion is the starting point for healthier connectionHow shared language can reduce blame and increase understandingChristine also invites listeners to explore the free personality assessment inside the Live the Life app, which includes tools, conversation starters, and date ideas for couples.

This week on the Known Legacy Podcast, the guys welcome back fan-favorite Cade Thompson! Fresh into this exciting new season of life—marriage!—Cade opens up about his real journey through the waiting: the doubts, the growth, the moments of trusting God's perfect timing when the 'when' felt far off. Now, as he steps into covenant love with his wife, he shares honest encouragement on why marriage is such a beautiful, lifelong gift—worth every season of preparation. Whether you're single and wondering if the wait will ever end, newly engaged, or already married and reflecting on how God shaped you along the way, this conversation will stir your heart and remind you: God's delays are not denials—they're divine setups for something greater. Hear Cade's powerful insights, plus soak in his uplifting music at cadethompsonmusic.com—hits like 'Good God' and 'Arms of Jesus' have touched millions, and his story will encourage you even more. New episode dropping now—tune in and let it renew your hope in God's timing and the incredible value of marriage!" Wake Up, Gear Up, and Come Alive! Take a break from the noise and step into a weekend designed just for you—a time to rest, recharge, and rediscover who God created you to be. Whether you're running on empty or just need to hit pause, this retreat is your invitation to refocus on your purpose and build deeper connections with other men on the journey.  What's Included: Intentional time to slow down and breathe Dynamic worship & powerful teaching sessions Epic cornhole tournament Basketball, disc golf, gaga ball, 9 square, horseshoes & lawn games Archery & archery tag Indoor activity center: foosball, ping-pong, carpet ball, board games & movie nights Meaningful conversations & memories that last  Cost: $300     per person (double room occupancy)  $400     per person (single room occupancy) ⚠️ Spots are limited — don't wait to sign up! Scholarships available!  Email: bill@knownlegacy.org for more info. https://knownlegacy.org/mens-retreat Chapters (00:00:01) - Known Legacy(00:02:04) - What Do You Want To Leave Behind In 2025 and Pick Up in(00:05:30) - What Do You Want To Leave Behind In 25?(00:06:57) - Reveal: My Wedding Story(00:13:04) - Marriage in the Next Generation(00:16:24) - What Kind of Encouragement Would You Give to a Newly Married(00:16:50) - How to Deal With Conflict in Your Marriage(00:21:17) - "Seek First the Kingdom of God..."(00:23:42) - Share some of the Stuff Going On in Your Life(00:25:02) - Bill Maher on His Wedding Prayer Request(00:28:27) - Mulil(00:28:46) - Fast Five: Legacy(00:29:55) - Tick Tock(00:30:24) - George Michael on His Christmas Tradition(00:31:24) - Christmas Song for Kids(00:32:00) - What Is Your Favorite Fruit?(00:32:47) - K. Thompson on His(00:34:08) - Pray for Kaden and His Wife

Welcome to A Year and a Day. I'm Jaime Davis, board-certified family law attorney at Gailor Hunt. In this re-run episode, I'm talking with Kate Anthony, a certified high-conflict divorce coach and author of The D Word: Making the Ultimate Decision about Your Marriage.Kate shares her insights from over a decade of coaching thousands of women through the agonizing choice of whether to stay in a marriage or pursue a divorce. We explore why women often stay in unhappy relationships for an average of four years before making a move, frequently choosing their children's or spouse's needs above their own. Kate challenges the cultural myth that "staying for the kids" is always the best path, noting that high-conflict or deeply unhappy households can create a toxic blueprint for a child's future relationships.Together, we discuss how to identify different forms of abuse—including emotional, financial, and spiritual—and the "frog in boiling water" syndrome that leaves many women desensitized to their own unhappiness. Kate provides a roadmap for self-actualization, explaining how to differentiate your inner guide from your inner critic and why personal development is the ultimate tool for a brighter future, whether that involves saving the marriage through qualified therapy or "saving the divorce" through healthy communication.Need help from Kate? Explore her resources and order her book by visiting kateanthony.com.If you are in need of legal assistance in North Carolina, contact us at Gailor Hunt by visiting www.divorceistough.com.Like this show? Rate it here!While the information presented is intended to provide you with general information to navigate divorce without destruction, this podcast is not legal advice. This information is specific to the law in North Carolina. If you have any questions before taking action, consult an attorney who is licensed in your state.

In this episode of "Master Your Marriage," hosts Robert and Sharla Snow challenge the trending notion that January is solely for hibernation and survival mode. While acknowledging the appeal of rest and cozy winter vibes, they argue that growth in your relationship isn't confined to a calendar date—it's a daily choice.Robert and Sharla introduce a fresh framework for setting intentions in your marriage: subtraction, growth, and protection. They adapt three powerful questions to help couples build stronger partnerships:What Has to Die in Your Marriage? Explore limiting beliefs, behaviors, and patterns that are holding you back, like avoiding tough conversations, constant phone distractions, holding grudges, micromanaging, or assuming your partner's needs without asking. The hosts share personal examples and encourage listeners to identify and release these weights.What Has to Grow in Your Marriage? Identify neglected areas (like intimacy or shared adventures) and double down on what's working well (such as weekly check-ins). Robert and Sharla discuss nurturing ambition and direct communication for deeper connection.What Has to Be Protected in Your Marriage? Guard the rhythms, habits, and elements that already strengthen your bond, like trust, quality time, and healthy boundaries.Whether it's January or July, this episode offers actionable insights for intentional relationship growth. Grab your journal, reflect with your partner, and prioritize 1-2 items per question. Share your takeaways with us on social media or in an email!Key Topics Discussed:Trending winter "hibernation" mindset vs. embracing growth anytimeThe pitfalls of endless addition in goal-settingPersonal reflections on limiting beliefs and habitsPractical examples of toxic behaviors to eliminateStrategies for amplifying strengths and protecting what's goodJournaling exercise for couplesConnect with Us:Follow @MasterYourMarriage on Instagram, and FacebookEmail your stories: masteryourmarriage@gmail.com Subscribe and leave a review to support the show!This episode is perfect for couples ready to subtract the negative, grow together, and protect their love in 2026 and beyond.

Are you ready to be intimate? Not ready? Intimacy can be a hard thing for some women after having babies. This episode has some tips and encouragement to help you in this season.  Email me on if you want me to continue doing postpartum or get back to pregnancy podcasts!: positivityinpregnancy@gmail.com Spark Love in Your Marriage and Motherhood Let's Get Awkward: Intimacy and Pleasure in Your Marriage Mama Natural Resource for week 8 postpartum Other Episodes on Nursing Your baby from ME: Nursing Crash Course for First Time Moms Dealing with Emotional Ups and Down of Nursing a baby 5 tips for Success in Nursing Your Baby Breast Feeding to Lose Weight Eat, Wake, Sleep Cycle I use with my babies Works with Nursing or Breastfed babies **Morning Sickness Mini Course for Mental Health (Formerly the Positive Pregnancy Program)**: This self-led video program, made to help foster positivity durning pregnancy. It is for women who have or do struggle with pregnancy and who want to have strong mental health during and specifically the first trimester of pregnancy during the nausea! This Mini Course will help you mentally navigate the hardships of the physical changes of pregnancy, especially that morning sickness phase. Direct link to Morning Sickness Mini Course for Mental Health Positivity in Pregnancy and Motherhood website: www.positivityinpregnancy.com Other Episodes you might like: Anxiety? Stressed in pregnancy? Podcast episode Strategies to Calm Fears and Worries in Pregnancy Episodes on Dealing with Nausea in the first trimester: Puking and Feeling Like I Can't Coping with Nausea in Pregnancy YouTube for Positivity in Pregnancy: https://www.youtube.com/@PregnancyisHardwithJosly-nd8wd Here is the Facebook Page for Pregnancy is hard: I have documented my journey of my fourth baby on this page and have other juicy and good tips for enjoying pregnancy better. https://www.facebook.com/pregnancyishard Here is the Pregnancy is Hard Support Group on Facebook: Let's offer support, help and fun for those in the trenches of pregnancy! https://www.facebook.com/groups/165102315544693 Instagram: @positivityinpregnancy  

As we prepare to step into the New Year, Ann and Cassandra take a look back on our theme for 2025, “Your Marriage has a Mission,” and dig into our new theme for 2026, “Take It to Heart.”We'll talk about:– the witness of our marriages on the path of infertility– how we can embrace big missions, but also those smaller, everyday, but still beautiful missions in this season– how we're inviting this community to take God's infinite love to heart in the New YearThank you so much for listening and for your continuing support. It is an honor to walk with you!LinksSupport Springs and this podcast!

Send us a textAs the new year approaches, many couples hope their marriage will feel different—but without intention, January often looks a lot like December.In this episode of AwakenYou in Your Marriage, Christine invites you to slow down and reflect on who you are becoming and how that inner evolution shapes the way your marriage feels over time. Through a guided visualization, simple habit-setting, and practical tools, you'll learn how to approach the new year with clarity, compassion, and direction.This episode is designed to be one you return to—especially as you begin forming new habits in January and beyond.In this episode, you'll explore:A guided visualization to connect with your future selfHow small daily habits create meaningful change in marriageUsing visual reminders to stay focused on your intentionsThe role of accountability in ongoing growth

Why does attraction fade- and what can we do about it?  In this episode, we get real about attraction in long-term relationships. The spark doesn't always burn forever, and losing sexual interest doesn't mean the relationship is doomed. We talk about why attraction naturally shifts over time and how couples can ignite intimacy. We explore: Why attraction fades in relationships The 4 types of intimacy (and why they matter) Sexless marriages and normalizing libido changes What erodes desire over time How to bring spark, novelty, and connection back Join us for a real conversation on attraction, intimacy, and what keeps the spark alive over time. Today's Hosts: Matt Landsiedel Michael DiIorio Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report. Chapters (00:00:00) - When Attraction Fades in Gay Relationships(00:04:24) - 4 Types of Intimate Relationship(00:10:11) - How To Keep The Fire In Your Relationships(00:15:06) - What Causes Attraction To Fizzle For You(00:18:01) - How to Keep the Sex Fire Alive in Your Marriage(00:21:21) - 3 Tips For Keeping Intimate Relationships Alive(00:23:47) - Gay Men's Brotherhood: Sparking Your Love Life

Send us a textCan a marriage really change after years of struggle and effort?In this episode of AwakenYou in Your Marriage, Christine reflects on more than a decade of inner and relational work and shares what truly shifts when couples stay committed to the long work of healing. This is an honest, hope-filled conversation for anyone who's been doing the work and wondering if it's worth it.Christine explores the seasons most couples move through—from early attempts to fix things, to the lonely middle where growth can feel one-sided, to the quiet transformation that happens over time when inner work reshapes the relationship from the inside out.If you're feeling discouraged, tired, or uncertain about your marriage, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and a gentle invitation to keep going.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Can your marriage really change?00:35 – Reflecting on over a decade of marriage work07:05 – The early years: when therapy helped us talk, but not heal11:12 – The turning point: when inner work became non-negotiable13:57 – The lonely middle: doing the work before your spouse is ready15:59 – The long view: why inner work still matters17:53 – When both partners begin the work21:59 – A gentle invitation to stay with the work

In this episode of the Fight for Your Marriage podcast, Lori interviews Mike and Leigh Ann, who share how God has restored their marriage and is now using them to minister to others.   Mike and Leigh Ann thought they had they had a strong marriage. Leigh Ann was unaware of a secret that Mike had carried with him for decades. One secret led to another, and on the eve of their 28th anniversary, Leigh Ann's world came crumbling down as the truth was exposed.   In this episode, we talk about:  How accountability played a role in recovery The importance of being honest with others about our secret sins How to support loved ones who are struggling with addiction How to forgive someone who has hurt you  Whether you are battling addiction or trying to support someone who is, this conversation will give you hope and practical wisdom as you seek God's power to heal and restore.   We appreciate your feedback. If this episode touches you, please leave us a five-star rating and review, helping us reach new listeners with hope for their marriage. You can also subscribe to our show on YouTube, Spotify, or iTunes.   Click here to give a year-end gift   Forgiveness Bundle   Pure Desire Ministries   Download the episode transcription here     Follow on Instagram - @rejoicemarriageministries   Follow on Facebook - @rejoicemarriageministries   Every day, you can receive encouragement straight to your inbox through our Fight for Your Marriage Devotional and find free resources and prayers to pray over your marriage. To take advantage of these resources and others, visit https://rejoiceministries.org   We appreciate your feedback. If this episode touches you, please leave us a five-star rating and review, helping us reach new listeners with hope for their marriage. You can also subscribe to our show on YouTube, Spotify or iTunes.

Scott is changing jobs! This week, the team honors Scott as he transitions off Harris Creek's staff and shares the story behind his big vocational change—how he processed the decision, invited community, and listened to the Lord's leading. The conversation offers couples a model for making major decisions with humility, unity, and intentionality. The MTR team also discusses the exciting future to come with the podcast!Discussion Questions for Couples1- When you face a big decision, do you tend to move fast or slow? How does that impact your spouse?2- What role does community currently play in your decision-making? What role should it play?3- How do you personally respond to vulnerability—your spouse's and your own?4- Are there areas where you might be making decisions independently rather than mutually?Resources:Episode 43- The not so secret Guide to In Laws (ft. Dave Willis)Episode 49- We are Made for People (ft. Justin Whitmel Earley)Episode 63 - Celebrating One Year of MTREpisode 102 - A Story of Redemption and Forgiveness (ft. Kevin Kelli Mainz)Episode 103 - Protecting Your Marriage from InfidelityEpisode 121- Christ is the Melody of Your Marriage (ft. John Elmore)

Send us a textAs the year comes to a close, this episode invites you to pause and reflect on how your marriage has actually felt—not to judge it, but to learn from it. Christine shares a personal story, practical reflection tools, and simple next steps to help you move into the new year with clarity, intention, and hope for deeper connection.Timestamps:00:00 Reflecting on Your Marriage as the Year Ends01:06 Welcome to AwakenYou in Your Marriage03:01 A Long-Awaited Vacation and Choosing Connection06:55 A Simple Year-End Marriage Reflection Exercise09:37 Understanding Patterns in Your Marriage10:45 Recognizing Seasons of Marriage12:20 Self-Examination and Personal Growth13:11 Practical Steps to Improve Your Marriage14:36 Guided Reflection and Planning for the Year Ahead18:37 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the often overlooked issue of stagnant marriages, exploring the subtle signs of disconnection and the importance of intentionality and spiritual friendship in marriage. They emphasize the need for curiosity and community support, as well as the difference between a covenant and a contract in marriage. They highlight practical steps couples can take to revitalize their relationships, including small gestures of love. Mentioned in this episode: If you've been encouraged by our podcast this year, would you consider giving a gift to CCEF today? Your support would go to immediate use today to help equip the global church for thoughtful, biblical conversations about matters of the heart. How can I avoid growing apart from my spouse in a season of suffering and grief? | Video by Aaron Sironi What Has Been Most Helpful in Your Marriage? | Blog post by Ed Welch Sexual Intimacy in Marriage: A Joint Trust | Blog post by Aaron Sironi

Send us a textIf it feels like you're the only one doing the emotional work in your marriage—planning the date nights, initiating the hard conversations, circling back after conflict—you are not alone.In this episode of AwakenYou in Your Marriage, I'm unpacking the quiet weight that builds when one partner carries all the relational responsibility. I share a real-life coaching story, offer a playful mindset shift to break the stalemate, and walk you through tools that invite both spouses into the work of connection.Timestamps:00:00 – Are You Carrying the Emotional Weight?00:56 – Welcome to AwakenYou Podcast02:02 – The Burden of Emotional Labor in Marriage03:44 – A Real-Life Example: The Silent Stalemate05:24 – Creating New Habits Together07:10 – The Importance of Shared Responsibility07:44 – Overcoming the Silent Stalemate13:32 – Practical Tools for Shared Investment15:19 – Encouragement and Final Thoughts18:27 – Invitation to Connect and Closing RemarksReady to stop carrying the weight alone?Let's talk. Book a Courageous Love Conversation and let's explore what shared connection could look like in your marriage.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

What's secretly hurting your marriage?

Dr. John Townsend, bestselling author and psychologist, offers tips for married couples to set healthy boundaries. Hear his insight into the steps to experience freedom in your marriage and develop a mutually fulfilling relationship. Receive a copy of Boundaries in Marriage– or a bundle of two -- and an audio download of "How to Set Healthy Boundaries in Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Dr. John Townsend, bestselling author and psychologist, offers tips for married couples to set healthy boundaries. Hear his insight into the steps to experience freedom in your marriage and develop a mutually fulfilling relationship. Receive a copy of Boundaries in Marriage– or a bundle of two -- and an audio download of "How to Set Healthy Boundaries in Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

If you've ever laid awake wondering whether to fight for your marriage or finally let go, this episode will feel like a lifeline. Relationship expert and master life coach Sharon Pope joins Wendy to unpack the midlife “stay or go” dilemma: why so many women feel emotionally alone in marriage, how disconnection happens (and how to repair it), and what it really takes to find peace with your decision.   You'll hear compassionate, practical guidance on renegotiating your relationship as you evolve, using separation strategically (not as limbo), clearing mental clutter to access your inner wisdom, and why “fine” isn't the life you're here to live. We also explore the fear of the unknown, the impact on kids at every age, and Sharon's path from confusion to clarity—plus next steps if you're ready for Marriage 2.0 or to “Divorce Differently.”   What You'll Learn Why midlife marriages often drift into disconnection—and how to rebuild connection How to tell if it's you, your partner, or the circumstances causing the distance The power of renegotiating your marriage as you evolve How to clear mental clutter and access clarity about staying or going Why separation can be a healthy reset, not a failure How to find peace—whether you choose Marriage 2.0 or Divorce Differently  

Marriage is a unique gift of God, but sometimes it can be hard to navigate. That’s why George and Tondra Gregory are dedicated to helping couples build a successful game plan within their marriage. When you work with your spouse and adopt a winning mindset, you can create a strong and healthy marriage. Receive a copy of The Marriage Game Plan by George and Tondra Gregory and an audio download of "Build a Winning Game Plan for Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Marriage is a unique gift of God, but sometimes it can be hard to navigate. That’s why George and Tondra Gregory are dedicated to helping couples build a successful game plan within their marriage. When you work with your spouse and adopt a winning mindset, you can create a strong and healthy marriage. Receive a copy of The Marriage Game Plan by George and Tondra Gregory and an audio download of "Build a Winning Game Plan for Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.