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FamilyLife Today®

FamilyLife Networkwww.familylife.com
FamilyLife Today® is a weekday podcast featuring fun, engaging conversations that help families grow together with Jesus while pursuing the relationships that matter most.
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Episodes

Do Christians REALLY Need To Change The World? | Kevin DeYoung

Ever feel unable to meet Christian life demands? Author Kevin DeYoung explains that running the Christian race is filled with adventure—chasing holiness, battling for purity, and finding the good news in the ordinary. Show Notes and Resources Follow Kevin on Instagram Learn more about Kevin's ministry online Find Kevin's book " Impossible Christianity " on his website. Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com . See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources ...

Aug 05, 202530 min

Four Selfless Decisions for a Better Marriage | Arlene Pellicane

Strengthen your marriage with practical, faith-based strategies! Join Dave and Ann Wilson as they chat with author Arlene Pellicane about her book, “Making Marriage Easier.” Learn how four key decisions—play by the rules, give thanks every day, serve your spouse, and take fun seriously—can transform your relationship. Arlene shares hilarious and relatable anecdotes, from her husband’s quirky wedding registry suggestions to her own memorable, mud-filled camping adventures. Discover the power of h...

Jul 31, 20251 hr 15 min

Prayer Didn’t Fix My Depression—At Least Not at First | Mark Vroegop & Christine Chappell

Are you wrestling with grief, depression, or anxiety? In this powerful FamilyLife Today episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with pastor and author Mark Vroegop (”Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy”) and biblical counselor Christine Chappell (“Midnight Mercies: Walking with God Through Depression in Motherhood”) to explore the biblical practice of lament. Discover how lament is more than just complaint – it’s a prayer language that moves you towards deeper trust in God, even in the midst of profound...

Jul 29, 202531 min

How to Walk With God When You Don’t Want to Live | Christine M. Chappell

Finding hope in the midst of depression can feel impossible, especially as a mom. In this powerful FamilyLife Today episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with biblical counselor and author Christine Chappell to dive deep into her personal battle with depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation that led to a psychiatric hospital stay. Christine openly shares the raw details of her journey, from feeling utterly forsaken to finding profound hope in God’s steadfast love through Psalm 59. Disc...

Jul 24, 20251 hr 3 min

The Birds and The Bees | Mary Flo Ridley & Megan Michelson

Are you a parent who feels overwhelmed or ill-equipped to talk about sex with your kids? You’re not alone! In this episode, Mary Flo and Megan from Birds & Bees unpack how to have ongoing, age-appropriate conversations about sexuality, fostering trust and openness from an early age. We tackle common parental fears and discomforts, especially for Christian families, providing practical steps to build confidence. Learn the “”drip, drip, drip”” method for normalizing discussions about body part...

Jul 22, 202554 min

How to Parent Without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World | Rachel Gilson

Parenting in an LGBT-affirming world can be daunting, but Rachel Gilson, author of “Parenting Without Panic,” is here to equip you! In this FamilyLife Today episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson talk with Rachel about how to guide your children through complex topics like same-sex attraction and transgender identities with biblical truth and grace. Rachel shares her own experiences, from initial fears about her daughter’s teacher to candid conversations with her kids about God’s design. Learn why s...

Jul 17, 202542 min

I Thought I Married the Wrong Person… | Gary Chapman

Are you longing for a deeper, more fulfilling Christian marriage? Join us on FamilyLife Today as hosts Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with Dr. Gary Chapman, bestselling author of “”The Five Love Languages,”” to unlock practical insights for a thriving relationship! In this powerful episode, Dr. Chapman, co-author of the new book . A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage,”” shares his own raw marital struggles and the pivotal moment that transformed his relationship with his wife, Carolyn – inspired b...

Jul 15, 202551 min

Forks, Feelings, and IDENTITY | Jonathan Holmes

Are your kids struggling with who they are in a world telling them to follow their feelings? In this powerful episode, Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with Jonathan Holmes, author of Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ, to tackle the pressing issue of identity formation in children and teens. Jonathan, executive director of Fieldstone Counseling, brilliantly uses the “dinglehopper” analogy from The Little Mermaid to expose how society misuses identity, leading to instabil...

Jul 10, 202558 min

The Marriage Fight No One Talks About | Bruce & Maria Goff

Ever feel like you’re running on fumes as a parent? You’re not alone! In this candid episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson chat with Bruce and Maria Golf, parents of four young daughters, about the raw reality of sleep deprivation and how it impacts their marriage and faith. From hilarious (and relatable) meltdowns to practical tips for soothing night terrors (hello, cat videos!), Bruce and Maria share their honest struggles with sleepless nights due to a newborn, child anxiety, and more. Discover ...

Jul 08, 202536 min

We Survived 7 Brutal Years—and Found Friendship | Matt & Lauren Chandler

Matt & Lauren Chandler get brutally honest about their 25-year marriage, parenting struggles, and ministry life in this raw conversation on FamilyLife Today. Discover how they moved past 7 ”brutal” early years, found healing through vulnerability and Celebrate Recovery, and built a friendship that sustains them through every season. From navigating differing interests to regretting missed opportunities with their kids, Matt and Lauren don’t hold back. They emphasize the power of authenticity...

Jul 03, 202552 min

Are We Raising Our Kids Wrong? | Kathy Koch

Are you raising resilient kids in a fear-driven world? In this powerful FamilyLife Today episode, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson join Dr. Kathy Cook, founder of Celebrate Kids, to equip Christian parents with the tools to foster true resilience in their children—and themselves—through a biblical lens. Why do kids struggle with perseverance and risk-taking? Discover how well-intentioned overprotective parenting, from “”helicopter”” to “”lawnmower”” styles, can actually hinder growth. Kathy shares eye-...

Jul 01, 20251 hr 1 min

How to Break Free From Sexual Shame | Dr. Juli Slattery

Are you carrying the heavy burden of sexual shame? Do you long for freedom and healing in your sexuality? In this crucial episode of FamilyLife Today, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson welcome Dr. Julie Slattery, clinical psychologist and author of Surrendered Sexuality, to address the pain of sexual brokenness and offer a path to liberation. Dr. Slattery compassionately unpacks why so many Christians struggle with shame surrounding their sexuality. She reveals how our sexual issues often stem from deep...

Jun 26, 20251 hr 24 min

Why Waiting is ESSENTIAL for Your Faith and Marriage | Mark Vroegop

Are you tired of waiting? Feeling impatient with life's delays? You're not alone. In this insightful episode of FamilyLife Today, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson sit down with Pastor and author Mark Vroegop to explore the profound truth that "Waiting Isn't a Waste." Mark, author of the powerful book Waiting Isn't a Waste, shares deeply personal stories and biblical wisdom to reframe our perspective on those frustrating "gap moments" between our current reality and our desired outcomes. Discover why wa...

Jun 24, 20251 hr 5 min

Why Do We NEED Friends?| Rechab & Brittany Gray, Ike & Arianysis Todd, Demetrius Hicks

Making friends as an adult and building authentic Christian community thrives on humility, honesty, and honor, fostering deep bonds through vulnerability and faith, as shared by New Creation Fellowship leaders. Join Dave and Ann Wilson from FamilyLife Today as they sit down with the leadership team of New Creation Fellowship in Orlando, Florida. Pastors Ike and Arian Todd, Recap and Brittany Gray, and Demetrius share their incredible journey of friendship, faith, and church planting. This episod...

Jun 19, 20251 hr 24 min

Navigating the Realities of Marriage in 2025 - Ron and Nan Deal, Jared and Becky Wilson, Trent and Andrea Griffith

Ever wonder how to navigate tricky in-law dynamics, prepare for the quiet of an empty nest, or truly "leave and cleave" in your marriage? Join a candid and insightful conversation from the 2025 Love Like You Mean It Marriage Cruise panel featuring Ron and Nan Deal, Jared and Becky Wilson, and Trent and Andrea Griffith, with wisdom woven in by Dave and Ann Wilson. This episode tackles real-life relationship hurdles, offering practical advice on everything from setting healthy boundaries with fami...

Jun 18, 202528 min

The Art of Forgiveness - Jared Wilson

Have you ever struggled to forgive someone who has deeply hurt you? This powerful episode with Jared Wilson, recorded during our 2025 Love Like You Mean It Cruise, delves into the profound connection between forgiveness, love, and God's grace. We explore how forgiveness isn't just a feeling, but a conscious act of love – a "relational grace" that mirrors the undeserved blessings God pours out on us. By embracing the radical gift of forgiveness as a powerful way to reflect God's love and grace in...

Jun 17, 202529 min

Making God Real to Your Kids - Jonathan & Carrie Cronkite

This FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, features Jonathan and Carrie Cronkite, who share their passion for making God real to their children through intentional family practices. The episode begins with a discussion about their recent experience on the FamilyLife Love Like You Mean It cruise, highlighting its uplifting atmosphere and authentic speakers. The Cronkites emphasize the importance of parents modeling faith at home, drawing from Jonathan’s 15 years as a student pa...

Jun 16, 202528 min

The Toxic War on Masculinity Part 3 with Nancy Pearcey

Toxic masculinity is as destructive as we think it is. But professor Nancy Pearcey’s data shows more of the whole story--of the power of a good man. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Nancy Pearcey at her website. Get more resources about masculinity on our website Find Nancy's book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com . See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the Family...

Jun 13, 202526 min

The Toxic War on Masculinity Part 2 with Nancy Pearcey

Author and professor Nancy Pearcey explores sociological data to uncover why it’s open season on masculinity—and the surprising role of Christian men. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Nancy Pearcey at her website. Get more resources about masculinity on our website Find Nancy's book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com . See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the Fami...

Jun 12, 202528 min

The Toxic War on Masculinity Part 1 with Nancy Pearcey

Author and professor Nancy Pearcey uncovers why the script for masculinity turned toxic—and how Christianity reconciles the war between the sexes. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Nancy Pearcey at her website. Get more resources about masculinity on our website Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com . See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app ! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify . C...

Jun 11, 202524 min

Richer by the Dozen: Bill and Pam Mutz

On today's FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we continue the conversation with Bill and Pam Mutz, parents of 12 and grandparents to 37, focusing on their experiences with loss and God’s redemptive power. The episode delves into the tragic drowning of their 7-month-old son, Jonathan, and the loss of their granddaughter, Gracie, due to their daughter Carrie’s preeclampsia. Pam recounts the guilt and blame she faced after Jonathan’s accident, emphasizing Bill’s immediate forg...

Jun 10, 202523 min

Raising Respect and Faith in a Large Family - Bill and Pam Mutz

On this FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we feature Bill and Pam Mutz, a couple with 12 children and 37 grandchildren, known for their work with FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember conferences and the Art of Marriage series. The episode introduces their story, starting with their meeting in Indiana and Pam’s initial reluctance to marry or have children. Despite her plans to serve Jesus overseas, Pam agreed to marry Bill after guidance from mentors, and their perspective on c...

Jun 09, 202527 min

Raising Emotionally Strong Boys - David Thomas

This FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, features counselor David Thomas, who discusses signs of an emotionally unhealthy home, drawing from his book "Raising Emotionally Strong Boys." The conversation explores three key practices—recognize, regulate, and repair—that are often absent in unhealthy homes. David explains how ignoring emotional signals, failing to manage stress, and refusing to apologize contribute to dysfunction. The hosts share personal stories, including Dave...

Jun 06, 202527 min

Unleashing Boys' Energy and Understanding Their Emotions - David Thomas

On this episode of FamilyLife Today, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we feature counselor David Thomas, author of "Raising Emotionally Strong Boys." The discussion focuses on understanding and managing the physicality and emotional intensity of boys, particularly through the lens of Ann’s story about neighborhood boys breaking wood on their foreheads. David shares insights from his 25 years at Daystar Counseling, emphasizing the need to create outlets for boys’ energy, such as a designated “space...

Jun 05, 202528 min

Understanding the Roots of Your Child's Addictive Behaviors - Dr. Adrian Hickmon

On this FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we feature a segment from the FamilyLife Blended podcast with Ron Deal and guest Dr. Adrian Hickmon, founder of Capstone Treatment Center in Arkansas. The discussion focuses on parenting children with addictive behaviors, such as drugs, alcohol, or pornography. Dr. Hickmon explains the underlying causes of these behaviors, including trauma, isolation, and disconnection, likening them to a "magma pool" beneath a volcano. He advises ...

Jun 04, 202526 min

The Road to Kaeluma - Landon Hawley & Perry Wilson

This FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, continues the discussion of "The Road to Kay Luma," a five-part audio drama produced by FamilyLife, Cru, and Jesus Film Project. Co-creators Perry Wilson and Landon Holly share insights into the drama’s development, inspired by the Prodigal Son parable, reimagined in a fantasy world from the perspective of the prodigal’s grandson, Orric. The episode explores family dynamics, parental expectations, and the pressure children feel to per...

Jun 03, 202525 min

Your Next Family Devotional - Landon Hawley & Perry Wilson

On this FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we introduce you to "The Road to Kaeluma," a five-part audio drama by FamilyLife, Cru, and Jesus Film Project. Co-creators Perry Wilson and Landon Hawley discuss its inspiration from the Prodigal Son parable, reimagined in a fantasy world from the prodigal’s grandson’s perspective. The episode features clips showcasing high-quality production, epic music, and compelling characters. Themes include grace, family dynamics, and spiritu...

Jun 02, 202525 min

How to Be Engaged - Sean Perron & Spencer Harmon

Wondering how to be engaged and do it right? Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon offer biblical, practical wisdom on for a beautiful now and a forever future. Show Notes and Resources Take a deeper dive and grab a copy of Sean Perron and Spencer Hamron's series "Letters to a Romantic." Check it out here! Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website . Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com . See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content an...

May 30, 202528 min

Dating or Engaged - Sean Perron & Spencer

Want to do relationships differently? Authors Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon point you in the right direction for dating, engagement, or marriage with purpose and depth. Show Notes and Resources Take a deeper dive and grab a copy of Sean Perron and Spencer Hamron's series "Letters to a Romantic." Check it out here! Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website . Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com . See resources from our past podcasts. Find...

May 29, 202525 min

Dating Done Right - Sean Perron & Spencer Harmon

You’re dating—but man, do things get sticky. Authors Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon help you approach marriage on purpose, and done right. Show Notes and Resources Take a deeper dive and grab a copy of Sean Perron and Spencer Hamron's series "Letters to a Romantic." Check it out here! Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website . Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com . See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on ...

May 28, 202527 min
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