In this deeply practical and insightful episode, James and Lisa unpack a powerful diagnostic tool from GiANT called the Peace Index . This framework helps individuals—and couples—measure five key areas that influence internal wellbeing: purpose, place, provision, personal health, and people. With honest reflection, engaging stories, and easy-to-use language, this episode equips you to recognize what’s really going on beneath the surface and take intentional steps toward renewed peace in your lif...
May 26, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 70
In this heart-opening episode, James and Lisa share exciting updates—including the relaunch of the Live Lead Last podcast—and how launching something new inevitably impacts marriage. They introduce the Change Equation , a powerful visual tool from GiANT that explains why real change happens—or doesn’t—in relationships. Through vulnerable personal stories and practical insights, they walk you through how to overcome resistance together using vision, first steps, and emotional clarity. If your mar...
May 12, 2025•28 min•Season 5Ep. 69
Commitment in marriage is so much deeper than just staying under the same roof. In this episode of The Art of Spousing , James and Lisa Duvall explore what it really means to build a lifelong marriage rooted in intentional, daily choices. They unpack the four layers of commitment—personal, moral, spiritual, and structural—and share how couples can move from surviving to thriving, even when seasons get tough. You'll also hear real stories, biblical encouragement, and practical tools you can start...
Apr 28, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 68
In this heartwarming and practical episode of Art of Spousing , James and Lisa break down one of the most transformative tools for marriage communication: The Communication Code . Ever found yourself trying to be helpful, only to realize your spouse needed something entirely different? This episode will help you stop the cycle of misfires and start connecting more deeply. You’ll learn how to use five powerful communication codes— Celebrate, Care, Clarify, Collaborate, and Critique —to improve em...
Apr 14, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 67
Let’s face it—married life can be a wild ride. Between never-ending to-do lists, navigating seasons of grief, and the everyday chaos of family life, it’s easy to lose sight of the fun . But what if we told you that learning to laugh together might just be one of the most powerful tools you have to build connection, reduce stress, and keep your love vibrant? In this episode, we explore why humor isn’t just a “nice-to-have” in marriage—it’s essential. We’ll unpack the four types of humor, dive int...
Mar 31, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 66
Decision-making is a daily reality in marriage—sometimes small (what’s for dinner?) and sometimes huge (where do we live?). But if we’re not intentional, making decisions together can turn into a battleground or a passive-aggressive standoff. In this episode, we explore how to make decisions as a team, even when you and your spouse see things differently. We’ll walk through practical tools to navigate different decision-making styles, how to build a bridge between future-oriented and present-ori...
Mar 17, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 65
Ever feel like you and your spouse are speaking two different languages? In this episode, we dive into The Five Voices —a powerful tool that helps you understand your unique communication style and how it interacts with your spouse’s. When you recognize your voice and your spouse’s, you can stop having the same frustrating conversations and start truly understanding each other. This episode will help you: ✅ Identify your Foundational Voice (and your spouse’s!) ✅ Understand why some conversations...
Mar 03, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 64
This week, James and Lisa dive into a topic that affects every marriage: communication roadblocks . Whether you're struggling with distractions, misunderstandings, or emotional reactions, today’s episode is packed with practical tools and biblical wisdom to help you break through barriers and build a deeper connection with your spouse. Episode Highlights Why Communication is Foundational Communication is the heartbeat of a healthy marriage, influencing every other area of your relationship. Poor...
Jan 06, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 63
In this episode, James and Lisa reflect on the lessons learned from 2024 and share practical steps for designing a thriving marriage in 2025. From navigating challenges like caregiving and career transitions to building a vision for the future, this conversation will inspire and equip you to create a marriage filled with intention and growth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode : Reflect on the Past Year : Why pausing to look back can uncover valuable lessons for growth. Key questions to reflect o...
Dec 09, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 62
In this episode of Art of Spousing , James and Lisa give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process as they develop a new framework for marriage growth: The Flywheel of Momentum. They share five key priorities that, when practiced intentionally, create synergy and depth in a marriage. From foundational communication to fostering growth, this episode is packed with practical insights, engaging stories, and actionable tools to help your marriage thrive. Resources mentioned in thi...
Nov 25, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 61
In today’s powerful episode, James and Lisa welcome Ray and Linda, a couple who overcame deep challenges in their marriage, including a rare and often misunderstood condition called Intimacy Anorexia (IA) . Ray and Linda share how this condition impacted their marriage for decades, creating emotional distance and loneliness, even while they appeared outwardly successful. Through honest storytelling, they reveal how discovering IA transformed their relationship and brought lasting healing. Ray an...
Nov 11, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 60
In this episode, James and Lisa explore the concept of liminality —the “in-between” seasons of marriage where uncertainty reigns, and you’re not quite where you were, but not yet where you’re going. Whether you're in a major life transition, feeling stuck, or simply unsure of what's next, this episode offers practical advice to navigate these challenging yet transformative moments in your marriage with intention, patience, and grace. James and Lisa also share personal stories from their own limi...
Oct 28, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 59
In this episode, James and Lisa return after a few months break to kick off a new season! They take us on a journey through the whirlwind of life changes they’ve faced, from becoming "empty nesters" to James' major career shift and Lisa’s experience caring for her mother. Together, they unpack how they navigated this season of transitions, challenges, and blessings while fighting to maintain a strong connection in their marriage. Key Takeaways: 1. Major Life Transitions: James shares about stepp...
Oct 14, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 58
Merry Christmas, and welcome to the season four finale of the Art of Spousing Podcast! As we wrap up another incredible season, we're grateful for the journey we've shared and excited for what Season 5 will bring. In this episode, we're diving into the heart of Christmas, exploring traditions and memories that make this season so special. We reminisce about our own Christmas experiences. We invite some of our Season 4 guests back to share their heartwarming Christmas traditions. You'll hear: - O...
Dec 25, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 56
In this heartwarming episode of Art of Spousing, we welcome Terry and Carol Moss, whose story is a testament to the beauty of God's grace and the power of second chances in marriage. With humor, honesty, and a deep faith, the Mosses open up about their journey from individual struggles and growth to finding unexpected love and unity in a blended family. They share the challenges of blending two families into one harmonious unit, the importance of respect and honor in marriage, and how they've na...
Dec 18, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 55
In this episode of "The Art of Spousing" podcast, hosts James and Lisa bring their unique perspectives to the table, discussing the complexities and joys of marriage and family life. We start off with a light-hearted reflection on our own experiences, setting the tone for an episode filled with warmth, humor, and insightful discussions. They revisit a compelling Q&A session from a Re Engag gathering, focusing on pressing questions that resonate with many married couples. A significant part o...
Dec 04, 2023•31 min•Season 4Ep. 54
Do you want to deepen your connection and foster a greater understanding in your relationship? Are you seeking a solution to enhance the love between you and your spouse? Look no further. Dr. Scott Symington joins us to share the key to achieving a heightened bond and a more profound connection with your spouse. Discover how intentional acts of love can transform your relationship and bring about a result of enriched love and strengthened commitment. Dr. Symington, co-founder of Act Agape shares...
Nov 20, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 53
Do you long for a marriage that not only survives adversity but thrives in the face of it? Are you seeking inspiration and guidance to strengthen your relationship? Look no further because today we have a special guest, Jeremy and Kourtney Roseberry, who will be sharing the key to achieving a resilient and flourishing marriage. They have overcome immense challenges and will reveal their solution for building a marriage that withstands any storm. Get ready to unlock the secret to a marriage fille...
Nov 06, 2023•37 min•Season 4Ep. 52
In this episode of the Art of Spousing podcast, hosts James Duvall and Lisa Duvall dive into the importance of grace and humility in marriage. They've learned a thing or two about this topic through their own experiences and want to share their insights with you. They discuss the power of viewing your spouse through a lens of value, celebrating their strengths instead of focusing on weaknesses. They also introduce the concept of pride and how it can hinder intimacy and cause conflict in a relati...
Oct 16, 2023•27 min•Season 4Ep. 51
In this episode, James and Lisa welcome Cole and Karissa Robinson to the podcast. They share their love story, which begins with an "arranged marriage". Cole's shares candidly about his commitment issues. They hilariously recount breaking up after an introduction to Cole's mother at Disney. Despite three breakups, Karissa stuck with Cole, and they reflect on their rollercoaster journey. They discuss the importance of personal growth and self-reflection before entering marriage. Cole and Karissa ...
Oct 02, 2023•38 min•Season 4Ep. 50
In this episode, Lisa and James discuss the importance of trust in marriage and relationships. The hosts emphasize that trust is the glue that holds all relationships together and can be built over time through small moments, but can also be broken in an instant. They discuss the concepts of trust builders and trust busters in relationships, sharing examples and stories of couples who have faced trust issues and worked towards restoration. They also touch on the importance of good communication,...
Sep 18, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 49
In this compelling episode, we explore the powerful impact of the past on our present and future. We dive deep into a conversation about the destructive force of pornography on marriages and relationships, guided by their insightful guests Travis and Adelle Graham of The Noble Marriage. Topics discussed include the journey of healing from infidelity, the importance of personal responsibility, the process of forgiveness, rebuilding trust, establishing boundaries, and the role of God in filling em...
Sep 04, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 48
In this episode of the Art of Spousing Podcast, hosts James and Lisa dive into the topic of misunderstandings in marriage and provide practical tips to strengthen communication and prevent tensions. They highlight that misunderstandings are normal and even healthy in a relationship, and emphasize the importance of addressing and discussing them. The hosts explore different types of misunderstandings, such as when the speaker is not aware or the listener does not understand. They discuss the resp...
Aug 21, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 47
In this episode of the podcast, James and Lisa talk with guests, Greg and Julie Gorman, founders of Married for a Purpose. The Gormans share their recent trip to Africa and the impact they had on couples there. They discuss the challenges and benefits of working together as a couple and the importance of setting boundaries. They also provide recommendations and advice on navigating tough decisions as a couple. The conversation highlights the need for unity, good communication, and finding common...
Aug 14, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 46
Welcome to the preview episode of Season 4 of the "Art of Spousing" podcast. In this 19-minute teaser, your hosts James and Lisa give you a sneak peek into the season ahead. James and Lisa highlight the various topics that will be covered and guests who will appear throughout Season 4, giving listeners a taste of what's to come. This season promises a range of perspectives and fresh insights on marriage, relationships, and the art of successful spousing. Resources: Schedule a Discovery Call abou...
Aug 07, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 45
Welcome to the Art of Spousing Podcast! We're thrilled to have you here as we dive into today's topic: in-laws, or as we like to call them, "in-loves." This is a significant aspect of marriage that requires careful navigation and setting boundaries. In this episode, we'll share practical strategies to strengthen your relationship with your in-laws and create a harmonious family dynamic. We believe that by implementing these strategies, you can foster a loving and supportive environment that allo...
May 15, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 44
As a parent, we strive to raise our children to be independent individuals. That's why we were intrigued when we learned about the Journey to Independence: Four Stages of Parenting. In this episode of the Art of Spousing podcast, we discuss the different stages of parenting and how parents can navigate each stage successfully. The first stage is the caretaker stage, where parents protect and provide for their children. The second stage is the cop stage, where parents must teach and discipline th...
May 08, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 43
In this episode, James and Lisa talk about their experiences with commitment - from when they were in college to now - and share practical tools that listeners can use to transform their relationships from mundane to masterpiece level. They dive into the three types of commitment, first introduced by Penn. State University Sociology Professor Dr. Micheal Johnson; moral, structural, and personal, and explore how they relate to building a vibrant and long-lasting marriage. Through humorous anecdot...
May 01, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 42
In today’s episode of the Artist Spousing podcast, we’re exploring the profound impact that practicing gratitude can have on marriage and, more specifically, on sexual intimacy. Studies have shown that gratitude is essential in any relationship, and toxic relationships are often void of gratitude. Through experiencing moments of thankfulness, couples can create a cycle of giving and receiving which deepens their emotional, spiritual, and physical connection. We’ll also share some practical ways ...
Apr 24, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 41
Are you tired of falling into the same old patterns in your marriage? Do you want to deepen your connection with your spouse? Look no further than this episode of Art of Spousing. Lisa and James speak with Beth and Jeff McCord, founders of Your Enneagram Coach and authors of two books focused on using the Enneagram to create stronger, gospel-centered marriages. In this episode, they delve into the Enneagram types of James and Lisa and discuss the tensions that can arise in relationships. They hi...
Apr 17, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 40
