Focus on Marriage Podcast - podcast cover

Focus on Marriage Podcast

Focus on the Familywww.focusonthefamily.com
If you’re married — or soon to be — you’ve got questions. What makes this relationship work? How do I fix it when it breaks? Where do I go when I need help? Host John Fuller and marriage experts Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley help answer those questions with practical, down-to-earth insights based on God’s design for marriage. Find answers and inspiration in every short episode of this Christian marriage podcast.

Episodes

Should You Tithe as a Couple?

Practicing generosity to your local church is a wonderful thing to do as a couple. John and Greg address how they've learned give regularly to their respective church congregations. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Bob and Linda Lotich on why God wants us to be cheerful givers. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom & Design A Life of Eternal Impact for your donation of any amount! Focus...

Apr 30, 202412 min

If Your Spouse Has Experienced Sexual Abuse

Past sexual abuse can be one of the most difficult things to discuss with your spouse. John, Erin and Greg provide hope to people who've been sexually abused. Plus, Jim Daly speaks to Dr. Michael Sytsma about how you can be a source of healing, if your spouse has experienced past sexual trauma. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Sexual Trauma and...

Apr 25, 202410 min

Getting Rid of Unrealistic Sexual Expectations

Unrealistic expectations going into marriage will lead to disappointment. That principle also applies to sex. John, Erin and Greg discuss how unhealthy expectations is something many couples struggle with. You'll also hear Jim Daly talk with Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about loving your spouse, even when sex isn't going perfectly. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amoun...

Apr 23, 202412 min

Choosing to Be Thankful for Your Mate

How do you remain thankful for your mate, even when you notice their flaws? John and the Smalley's share some ideas for seeing the best aspects of your spouse. Plus, Matt and Lisa Jacobson talk with Jim Daly about how God's love for us compels us to better love our mate. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the 2-Book Bundle: Loving Your Husband/Wife Well for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Four Ways Couple...

Apr 18, 20249 min

Owning Your Faith, Even When Your Spouse Doesn’t Own Theirs

What can you do when your spouse isn't showing the spiritual maturity you'd hoped for? Jim Daly talks with Matt and Lisa Jacobson about why it's best to focus on your own walk with God. Also, John asks Greg and Erin about how you can practically stay focused on the Lord. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the 2-Book Bundle: Loving Your Husband/Wife Well for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Improve Your ...

Apr 16, 20248 min

The Different Ways Men and Women Are Romantic

What do you find romantic? John, Erin, and Greg share examples of what's romantic to them. Plus, Bill and Pam Farrel talk with Jim Daly about simple, yet effective ways you can romance your spouse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Romance: It's Not Just for Valentine's Day Understanding the Differences Between...

Apr 11, 202411 min

Passwords to Resolve Conflict

How do you and your spouse try to resolve conflict? John asks Greg and Erin about ways they've learned to get better at managing conflict in their relationship. You'll also hear a lighthearted discussion Jim Daly had with Bill and Pam Ferrel on how they've worked through misunderstandings. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Li...

Apr 09, 202414 min

Couples and Credit Cards

How you talk about and make decisions on money as a couple is extremely important for the unity of your marriage. John and the Smalley's address common mistakes couples make regarding their finances. Then, Jim Daly speaks with Bob and Linda Lotich about some of the rules they have for handling money. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Simple Money, Rich Life for your donation of any amount! Learn About the Focus on Marriage Assessmen...

Apr 04, 202411 min

Submitting Your Money to God

What does it practically look like to trust God with your money? Bob and Linda Lotich join Jim Daly to discuss a phrase that helps them manage their money - Assets Under Management. Also, John and Greg address the need to practice financial stewardship in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Simple Money, Rich Life for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Coping With Financial Crisis a...

Apr 02, 202412 min

Pornography Hurts True Intimacy

Sadly, many marriages today have at least one spouse who's struggling with pornography. Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn about the great damage porn can do to a marriage. Then, John and Greg discuss some practical steps a person can take towards wholeness if he or she is struggling with pornography. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book the Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on ...

Mar 28, 202413 min

When Spouses Have Differing Sexual Desires

Sex is a wonderful gift for marriage, and yet, it can also be complicated. John and Greg address how physical intimacy is a top issue many couples fight over. You'll also hear Jim Daly talk with Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about how couples can work through scenarios where one spouse wants sex more than the other. Finally, Erin Smalley will offer a helpful perspective on how to ask your spouse for sex. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Rece...

Mar 26, 202411 min

Remembering the Story of How You Met

It's wonderful to reflect on how you and your spouse fell in love. John asks the Smalley's to share their fun love story. Then, you'll hear Jim Daly talk to Matt and Lisa Jacobson about how their first meeting didn't go so well, and why God still used it anyway. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the two book bundle Loving Your Husband/Wife Well for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Improve Your Marriage Th...

Mar 21, 202410 min

Marriage and Children with Special Needs

For couples that have a child with special needs, the challenges are very real. John, Erin and Greg address what it's been like for each of their marriages to raise a child who has special needs. Plus, Jim Daly talks with Lisa Jacobson about how she and her husband Matt kept their marriage strong, even during some challenges with their daughter. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book The Flirtation Experiment for your donation of any amount...

Mar 19, 20249 min

Repeat Back Your Spouse’s Interests

When your spouse shows genuine interest in something you enjoy, it's like good medicine for the heart. Bill and Pam Farrel talk with Jim Daly about how they've encouraged couples to express curiosity in something your mate likes doing. Also, John and the Smalley's cover a common communication struggle many husbands deal with in marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti for your donation ...

Mar 14, 202412 min

Communication Mistakes Spouses Make

How do you and your spouse work through your different communication styles? Jim Daly is joined by marriage experts, Bill and Pam Farrel, and they'll share common mistakes men and women make in communicating. Plus, John and the Smalley's give some tips to help you avoid miscommunications in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage ...

Mar 12, 202413 min

Getting on the Same Page Financially

The discussions you have about money early in your marriage help set the tone for your financial habits as a couple. Jim Daly speaks with Linda and Bob Lotich about some of the conversations they had about money when they were a young couple. Plus, John talks with the Smalley's about some money rules they've implemented in their marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Simple Money, Rich Life for your donation of any amount! Focus o...

Mar 07, 202412 min

Being Honest About Your Financial History

What were some of your financial habits going into marriage? Jim Daly talks to Bob and Linda Lotich, who get very honest about how they handled money before walking the aisle. Also, John, Greg and Erin bring up why it's important for you and your future spouse to talk about your money habits before getting married. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Simple Money, Rich Life for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Li...

Mar 05, 202412 min

How Often Should We be Intimate?

It's common for married couples to ask, "how often should we be physically intimate?" While there's no rule, Jim Daly speaks to Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn on why many couples struggle to agree on frequency. You'll also hear John and the Smalley's offer encouragement to couples who are struggling to enjoy sex. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage ...

Feb 29, 202412 min

Three Types of Sexual Desire

How do you deal with a situation where you and your spouse have differing desires regarding sex? Jim Daly talks with Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn about three kinds of sexual desire that most couples deal with. Also, John and the Smalley's discuss what couples can do if one or both spouses are resistant to sexual intimacy. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus o...

Feb 27, 202410 min

When Your Childhood Impacts Your Marriage

Undealt with pain from your childhood can sometimes come up unexpectedly in the ways you treat your spouse. John, Erin and Greg will encourage you to deal with wounds from your childhood. You'll also hear Jim Daly talk with Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about the need for getting difficult things out in the open. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book The Flirtation Experiment for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Asse...

Feb 22, 202412 min

Connecting Well in the Evening

When you've had a long day, it's easy to pull out your phone and not talk with your spouse. John and Greg emphasize why it's important to be disciplined with your screen-time in marriage. Plus, Jim Daly speaks with Lisa Jacobson about how she learned to stop watching shows with her husband every evening. Also, Phylicia Masonheimer shares about a time that praying with her husband before bed helped her marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive...

Feb 20, 202411 min

Respecting Your Spouse’s Brain Wiring

One of the biggest factors in how husbands and wives communicate is the unique ways each of your brains are wired. Bill and Pam Farrel join Jim Daly to address the different ways God designed men and women's brains. Plus, John, Greg and Erin share why your understanding what your mate needs can help you be a better communicator. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti for your donation of any am...

Feb 15, 202410 min

The Ways Men and Women Process Information

Do you ever get frustrated by the different ways and your spouse communicate? Jim Daly talks with marriage experts, Bill and Pam Farrel about the differences in how men and women talk. You'll also hear John and the Smalley's share why it's best to show appreciation to your mate, even in spite of your differences. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti for your donation of any amount! Focus on M...

Feb 13, 202413 min

Don’t Hide from the Pain

How do you handle painful memories? While it's not fun to think about them, we encourage you to not hide from them either. Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal encourage blended families to work through painful situations from the past. Plus, John and the Smalley's encourage you to give yourself grace, even when you get something wrong today. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Preparing to Blend for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage A...

Feb 08, 202413 min

The Ripples of Grief for Blended Families

Sadness and pain happen in every family. How do you pick up the pieces, even when you can't shake painful memories? Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal address some of the ways sadness and grief impact blended families. Also, John and the Smalley's explain how practicing vulnerability can help heal past wounds. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Preparing to Blend for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Contact our Counselin...

Feb 06, 202410 min

If Your Spouse Doesn’t Receive Positive Affirmations

Have you tried to be encouraging to your spouse, but he or she wasn't receptive to it? Jim Daly talks to Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about some healthy perspectives on if your spouse isn't receiving your kind words. Plus, John and the Smalley's discuss how positive affirmations can help a couple build trust and have more enjoyable intimacy. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of...

Feb 01, 20248 min

Owning Your Responsibility to Feel Good

Being affirmed by your spouse is great, but do you need it to survive? John, Erin and Greg explain why affirming your spouse is healthy, and discuss the difference between a need and a strong desire. You'll also hear from Jim Daly and Dr. Michael Sytsma on why feeling good about yourself is your decision, and should not be dependent on what your spouse says. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donat...

Jan 30, 202411 min

Maintaining Joy When Your Plate is Full

What your marriage is in a busy season, how can you make time for fun and laughter? Jim Daly speaks to Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about how they've learned to be joyful during busy seasons. John also talks with Greg and Erin about how they maintain joy, even with a taxing schedule. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book The Flirtation Experiment for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime A Laugh...

Jan 25, 202410 min

When Your Husband Doesn’t Initiate Romance

What can you do if you desire romance, but your spouse isn't the romantic type? Jim Daly talks with Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about a concept they call, "biblical flirtation." Plus, John and the Smalley's share about why it's good for men to be romantic toward their wives. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book The Flirtation Experiment for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Contact our Cou...

Jan 23, 202412 min

Openness That Leads to Healing

Pretending like you've got it all together is not good for your your marriage. John and Greg address why it's not okay to act like your relationship is perfect, especially when there are issues going on. Also, Jim Daly talks with Pastor Rick Bulman about how he and his wife Tiffany don't hide from their broken past, and ways they've seen God heal their marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Mended for your donation of any amount! ...

Jan 18, 202410 min