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

When You Struggle to Pray for Your Spouse

You and your spouse want a marriage that honors God. Yet, how can you make time for things like praying together when your schedule is full? John, Greg and Erin provide some ideas for making time for prayer, even when life is busy. Featuring Mr. Ryan and Mrs. Selena Frederick. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Get the "40 Prayers for my Husband; 40 Prayers for my Wife" bundle with your donation of any amount: https://donate. focusonthefamily.com/don-fo...

Nov 17, 202211 min

Compassion and Restoration for a Porn Addict

If you find out your husband is struggling with porn, your initial reaction might be very negative. However, shaming your mate is not the solution, God's grace is. John, Greg and Erin offer a word of hope to wives whose husbands are addicted to pornography. Featuring Mrs. Rosie Makinney. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Fight For Love" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-06-23?re...

Nov 15, 202210 min

Communicating with Your Spouse About Sibling Rivalries

If two of your kids aren't getting along, it can cause a lot of stress in your marriage. John, Erin and Greg discuss times when their kids haven't gotten along, and offer hope to couples who are in blended families. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Mr. Ron Deal. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Building Love Together in Blended Families" for your donation of any amount! https://donate. focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-09-13?r...

Nov 10, 202212 min

Loving Your Blended Family

Millions of people today are in a blended family. While some of those relationships can be very good, many are facing a lot of challenges. Greg, Erin and John give some hope to couples who are struggling with the pain of a previously broken marriage. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Mr. Ron Deal. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Building Love Together in Blended Families" for your donation of any amount! https://donate. focusonthefamil...

Nov 08, 202211 min

What Sex Needs to Be

Sex is part of God's beautiful design for marriage. Yet, many people today are walking into marriage with a sexual secret. John, Erin and Greg provide some insights on how sex can benefit a marriage, and where to find help if you have a secret you feel ashamed of. Featuring Mr. Gary Thomas and Mrs. Debra Fileta. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Married Sex" for your donation of any amount. Get More Episode Resources Listen Anytime I...

Nov 03, 202212 min

Sex & a Heart Connection

Sex is about so much more than just a physical connection. It's also about connecting your heart to your spouse's heart. John, Greg and Erin offer a helpful idea for husbands regarding physical intimacy. Featuring Mr. Gary Thomas and Mrs. Debra Fileta. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Married Sex" for your donation of any amount. Get More Episode Resources Listen Anytime If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your...

Nov 01, 20228 min

Defining God's Love

We all want to feel loved. Yet, real love isn't the same as it's typically portrayed in entertainment. John and Greg discuss the beauty and the difficulties that come with marriage, and why it's a relationship worth pursuing. Featuring Mr. Bob Lepine. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Love Like You Mean It" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-10-25?refcd=1503601 Get more episode r...

Oct 27, 202212 min

Good & Bad Definitions of Love

It's easy to say, "I love you," during the dating phase of a relationship? But, what does that phrase truly mean. John, Greg and Erin offer a perspective on why saying, "I love you," is a significant phrase to use. Featuring Mr. Bob Lepine. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Love Like You Mean It" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-10-25?refcd=1503601 Get more episode resources: h...

Oct 25, 202211 min

When a Wife Struggles with Porn

Troubling statistics indicate that pornography addiction is not just a problem for men, but a lot of women are also struggling with it too. John, Greg and Erin discuss how a husband can respond if a wife confesses she's battling a pornography problem. Featuring Mrs. Rosie Makinney. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Fight For Love" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-06-23?refcd=14...

Oct 20, 202211 min

Confessing the Embarrassing Secret

If you're struggling with pornography, it can be easy to say to yourself, "I'll never tell someone." However, true healing for your marriage happens when you bring a secret into the light. John, Erin and Greg explain why confessing a porn problem is important, and what to do if you admitted you need help, but the confession didn't go well. Featuring Mrs. Rosie Makinney. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Fight For Love" for your donati...

Oct 18, 202211 min

Adjustments for Blended Couples

Every marriage goes through a lot of changes at the beginning. That is especially true for blended family couples. John, Greg, and Erin discuss changes that blended families have to walk through, and provide hope to those who struggle with being too attached to their kids. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Mr. Ron Deal. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Building Love Together in Blended Families" for your donation of any amount! https://...

Oct 13, 202216 min

Loving Your Spouse's Kids

A unique challenge that couples in blended families face is trying to win the approval of your spouse's children. John, Erin and Greg share how blended family couples can be patient, as they're trying to make their marriage work. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Mr. Ron Deal. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Building Love Together in Blended Families" for your donation of any amount! https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast...

Oct 11, 202210 min

When You Don't Have the Talk

Physical intimacy is a very significant part of your marriage. Yet, it's a topic that many couples are uncomfortable discussing. John, Erin and Greg explain how you can show your spouse grace, when a sexual problem is happening in the marriage. Featuring Mr. Gary Thomas and Mrs. Debra Fileta. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Married Sex" for your donation of any amount: https://donate. focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-10-0...

Oct 06, 202213 min

An Eternal Perspective for Your Marriage

One day, the story of your marriage on earth will come to an end. While that may seem sad, recognizing that reality can be a huge motivator for treating your spouse well. John, Erin and Greg discuss how having an eternal perspective has influenced the ways they interact with their spouse. Featuring Mr. Gary Thomas. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "A Lifelong Love" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/d...

Oct 04, 20229 min

Looking Back to Go Forward

Your love story is unique. Reflecting on how you fell in love can bring joy to your relationship now. John, Greg and Erin share about their own love stories and tips for going the distance in your marriage. Featuring Pastor Kevin Thompson. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Friends, Partners and Lover" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-06-30?refcd=1457004 Get more episode resour...

Sep 29, 202211 min

A Few Minute Adjustment

It can be frustrating when it feels like you're the one doing all of the work in your marriage. How do you get unstuck from those scenarios? John, Greg and Erin share how simple adjustments can make the biggest differences in the relationship with your spouse. Featuring Dr. Randy Schroeder. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fo...

Sep 27, 202211 min

Submitting to God When It's Hard

The Bible says that wives should submit to their husbands, but that Scripture should never be used in an abusive way. This is especially true if trust in the relationship has been harmed by a pornography addiction. John, Greg and Erin address when biblical submission is misused and how community can help a marriage that's been shaken by a porn struggle. Featuring Mrs. Rosie Makinney. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Fight For Love" f...

Sep 22, 202212 min

Shame & Pornography Addiction

A pornography struggle leads to a lot of shame. To help offer hope to those caught in a cycle of shame, John, Greg and Erin discuss how God's grace can help lead to freedom. Featuring Mrs. Rosie Makinney. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Fight For Love" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-06-23?refcd=1483601 Get more episode resources: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/fo...

Sep 20, 202212 min

Love Languages & Blended Families

Knowing and learning to speak your spouse's love language can revolutionize your marriage. The same is also true for those in blended families. John, Greg, and Erin share about ways they've seen how applying the love language principles can positively impact marriages. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Mr. Ron Deal. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Building Love Together in Blended Families" for your donation of any amount! https://dona...

Sep 15, 202213 min

Crockpot Expectations

Some things in life take time. For blended families, the challenges may be difficult, but it's possible to make it work with God's help. John, Erin and Greg offer hope to those in blended families who are wondering if their relationship can thrive. Featuring Dr. Gary Chapman and Mr. Ron Deal. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Building Love Together in Blended Families" for your donation of any amount: https://donate. focusonthefamily....

Sep 13, 20229 min

The Small Things That Add Up

Small decisions that add up over time can lead to big results. The same principle applies to the investments you make in your marriage. John, Greg and Erin share how you can get started with making little changes to better your relationship. Featuring Mr. Gary Thomas. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "A Lifelong Love" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-06-14?refcd=1468805 Get mor...

Sep 08, 202212 min

How Can I Bless You?

Seeking to bless your spouse without expecting anything in return takes maturity. Sometimes, being a blessing might also need to be having a tough conversation. John, Erin and Greg share how to confront your mate in a loving way. Featuring Mr. Gary Thomas. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "A Lifelong Love" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-06-14?refcd=1468805 Get more episode re...

Sep 06, 202214 min

Forgiving the Spouse Who Hurt You

When you've been hurt by your spouse, it's easy to either hold a grudge or not deal with it at all. Is there hope to move on after your mate has wounded you? John, Erin and Greg describe the power of choosing forgiveness, and how to do it, even when your spouse isn't changing. Featuring Dr. Randy Schroeder. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthe...

Sep 01, 202211 min

Gentleness for the Conflict

What you say in the middle of a conflict with your spouse can help resolve the tension or make things worse. Greg and Erin talk with John about how they've learned to get better at handling conflict in their relationship. Featuring Dr. Randy Schroeder. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-07-05?recd=1460508 Get ...

Aug 30, 202212 min

100% Commitment

A good marriage is built on a foundation where both spouses are giving their best effort. However, what do you do when it feels like you're the only one doing all the work? John, Greg and Erin discuss how to respond when it seems like your spouse isn't doing his or her job. Featuring Pastor Kevin Thompson. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Friends, Partners and Lover" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.c...

Aug 25, 20229 min

Developing a Strong Partnership

Your marriage needs a strong partnership to function well. Encouraging each other can go a long way to strengthening your relationship. John speaks with Greg and Erin about how they've learned to encourage each other's strengths. Featuring Pastor Kevin Thompson. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Friends, Partners and Lover" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-06-30?refcd=1457004 ...

Aug 23, 202212 min

Porn Doesn't Mean Your Marriage is Over

When it's discovered that a spouse is addicted to pornography, it's heartbreaking because trust has been severed. If this is something that's impacted your marriage or a couple you know, it doesn't have to be the end of the relationship. John, Greg and Erin discuss how having community around you can make a big difference in the fight against pornography. Featuring Mrs. Rosie Makinney. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Fight For Love"...

Aug 18, 202212 min

Grace and Justice for a Porn Addict

A small bit of curiosity regarding pornography can lead to a dangerous cycle of addiction. John, Erin and Greg share ways that a wife can show her husband grace, while also not putting up with the problem. Featuring Mrs. Rosie Makinney. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Fight For Love" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-06-23?refcd=1453806 Get more episode resources: https://www....

Aug 16, 202211 min

Paying Attention to What Your Spouse Doesn't Like

All of us have annoying habits that get on our spouse's nerves. Rather than sweeping them under the rug, it's better to see those habits as opportunities to work through annoyances together. John talks with Greg and Erin about aggravations they've worked through in their relationship. Featuring Mr. Gary Thomas. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "A Lifelong Love" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-f...

Aug 11, 202216 min

A Magnificent Obsession for Your Marriage

Scripture commands to seek God above anything else. But how do you stay focused on the Lord when life gets busy in your marriage? Greg, Erin and John provide some insights on how to stay focused on your purpose as a couple. Featuring Gary Thomas. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "A Lifelong Love" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2022-06-14?refcd=1436104 Get more episode resources: h...

Aug 09, 202212 min