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

Two Needs Wives Have

One of the best gifts a husband can give his wife is to understand what she needs. John talks with Erin about how much it means when a wife feels valued and protected by her husband. Featuring Dr. Juli Slattery. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Juli Slattery's book "Finding the Hero in Your Husband" for your donation of any amount: https://donate. focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2023-02-28?refcd=1617704 Get more episode resources: http:// w...

Mar 02, 202311 min

The Respectful Helper Wife

An encouraging wife is something every husband longs for. Yet, what do you do when your husband is getting on your nerves a lot? John, Greg and Erin share about the power of encouragement and how to correct your husband without being disrespectful. Featuring Dr. Juli Slattery. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Juli Slattery's book "Finding the Hero in Your Husband" for your donation of any amount: https://donate. focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podc...

Feb 28, 202314 min

How Pain Can Purify Your Marriage

The New Testament reminds us to count it all joy when we face difficulties. Greg and Erin share with John about difficult times they've walked through in marriage, and provide some ideas for how to be patient with your mate during a tough season. Featuring Mr. Jeff and Mrs. Sarah Walton. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive Jeff and Sarah's book "Together Through the Storms" for your donation of any amount: https://donate. focusonthefamily.com/don...

Feb 23, 202313 min

Responding Well to a Crisis

When you and your spouse are facing a crisis, it can either make your marriage stronger or create further challenges in your relationship. John talks with Greg and Erin about showing grace to your mate during a tough time, and how to respond if your spouse hasn't handled a crisis well. Featuring Mr. Jeff and Mrs. Sarah Walton. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive Jeff and Sarah's book "Together Through the Storms" for your donation of any amount: ...

Feb 21, 202310 min

Enjoying Sex in Your Marriage

Sex is an exclusive gift meant for you and your spouse. But what do you do when physical intimacy becomes more of a challenge than a pleasure? John, Erin and Greg discuss common sexual struggles and how couples can be honest when one spouse wants physical intimacy more than the other. 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. focuso...

Feb 16, 202311 min

Prioritizing Physical Intimacy in Busy Seasons

After you and your spouse have kids, it's easy to let things like physical intimacy become less of a priority. John, Erin and Greg address how many couples struggle with making time for romance and intimacy, and why sex is a gift from God for you and your spouse. 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-boun...

Feb 14, 202310 min

Subtle Spiritual Attacks

Little irritations can creep in your marriage if you're not careful. Those small annoyances might also be something the enemy wants to use to divide you and your spouse. John, Greg and Erin discuss how they've learned to see the best in their spouse, even when little annoyances occur. Featuring Mr. Jason and Mrs. Tori Benham. 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 a...

Feb 09, 202314 min

Staying Consistent with Prayer in Marriage

Praying for your mate is one of the best practices you can develop with your spouse. But what do you do when prayer feels awkward? John and the Smalley's share things husbands and wives can specifically pray for, and overcoming awkwardness in praying together. 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...

Feb 07, 20239 min

What Showing Respect Means

Every husband longs to feel respected. Yet, how can wives practically show respect? John, Greg and Erin discuss insecurities men feel and how giving respect to your husband can improve your marriage. Featuring Dr. Juli Slattery. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Juli Slattery's book "Finding the Hero in Your Husband" for your donation of any amount: https://donate. focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2023-01-31?refcd=1604205 Get more episode res...

Feb 02, 202313 min

When a Husband Disappoints You

Unmet expectations in marriage are where disappointments can start to creep in. John, Erin and Greg bring up common expectations couples have going into marriage, and how working through disappointment can lead to a stronger relationship with your mate. Featuring Dr. Juli Slattery. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Juli Slattery's book "Finding the Hero in Your Husband" for your donation of any amount: https://donate. focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm...

Jan 31, 202314 min

Understanding Different Sexual Needs

When it comes to how people define "intimacy," it's fairly common for husbands and wives to have different definitions. John and Erin discuss how men and women define "intimacy," and Greg provides some encouragement to couples where one spouse has a stronger desire for sex than the other. 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.foc...

Jan 24, 202315 min

Staying Together in the Tough Times

When your marriage goes through a trying season, it can either make your relationship better or harder. How you respond to difficulties is what matters. John, Greg and Erin offer hope to couples who are in the middle of a tough season. Featuring Mr. Jeff and Mrs. Sarah Walton. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive Jeff and Sarah's book "Together Through the Storms" for your donation of any amount: https://donate. focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podca...

Jan 19, 202314 min

When Your Relationship Faces Heartbreak

Every marriage faces heartbreak at some point. If you or a couple you're friends with is in a challenging season, John, Greg and Erin will share how your marriage can get stronger, even through the tough times. Featuring Mr. Jeff and Mrs. Sarah Walton. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive Jeff and Sarah's book "Together Through the Storms" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2023-01-17?refcd=159980...

Jan 17, 202314 min

When You Feel Uncomfortable with Prayer

When your schedule is packed, it's easy to put prayer on the backburner. To help you in your marriage, John, Greg and Erin share what reminds them to pray for their mate, and offer hope to those who are struggling to make prayer a regular habit. 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. focusonthefam...

Jan 12, 20238 min

Praying the Lord’s Prayer

One of the most famous prayers Jesus prayed is called The Lord's Prayer. John, Erin and Greg discuss how praying with your mate can improve your marriage, and they also share some of their favorite parts of The Lord's Prayer. 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-fofm-podc...

Jan 10, 202310 min

Prioritizing Your Marriage in a Blended Family

Making a blended family marriage work takes relying on God's love and grace. But what do you do when you're struggling to get on the same page spiritually? John and Greg provide hope to couples in blended families where one spouse is trying to serve God, but the other spouse doesn't want to. 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 a...

Jan 05, 202313 min

When Children Oppose a Remarriage

It can be a very tricky situation if a parent wants to get remarried, but a child is opposed to it. John talks with Erin about how a son or daughter can respectfully speak to a parent about possibly getting remarried. 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?...

Jan 03, 202310 min

Sex from Your Spouse's Perspective

When it comes to sex, it's good to consider what your spouse wants as more important than what you want. John talks to the Smalley's about why it's not good for the marriage if you respond poorly after your spouse turns down a request for sex. 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-2022-10-06...

Dec 29, 202211 min

Common Misconceptions About Sex

Many couples struggle to talk about sex because they fear being vulnerable. John speaks with Greg and Erin about common struggles and misconceptions couples have about sex. 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-2022-10-06?refcd=1589804 Get more episode resources: https://www.focusonthefamily....

Dec 27, 20229 min

When Your Parent's Marriage Wasn't Good

How can you be a good spouse if your parents didn't model a healthy marriage for you? John, Greg and Erin offer hope to those who didn't come from a good family. 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=1587502 Get more episode resources: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/focus-on-mar...

Dec 22, 20228 min

Love Like a Bulldog

The wedding vows are a significant part of the ceremony, and a sign of true commitment. John talks with Greg and Erin about the importance of wedding vows, and how to stay filled with God's love in your marriage. 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=1587502 Get more episode resources: htt...

Dec 20, 202213 min

Praying Through Marital Struggles

Prayer is a powerful tool to help you and your spouse get closer. John speaks with Greg and Erin about the ways they've seen prayer make a difference in a marriage, and how to be honest in your prayers. 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-fofm-podcast-2022-11-17?refcd=1...

Dec 15, 202210 min

"Lord, Please Fix My Spouse."

When you're annoyed at your spouse, it's easy to pray, "God, please change my mate!" Yet, a more mature approach is learning to recognize your own flaws first. John chats with Greg and Erin about more effective ways to pray for your spouse. 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.co...

Dec 13, 202211 min

5 Tips for Blended Families

In a blended family, the dynamics of learning to get along can be very tricky. However, with God's help, a relationship can work out in the long run. John, Greg and Erin share how a blended family can survive some of the storms they go through. 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/...

Dec 08, 20229 min

When a Kid is Rejecting Your Spouse

If a child is struggling to get along with your spouse, it can put quite a strain on your marriage. John, Greg and Erin offer some hope for people who are in between a conflict with their mate and a child. 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?refcd=158150...

Dec 06, 202212 min

Sex and Healthy Expectations

Almost every disappointment in marriage can be traced to an unmet expectation. The same is true about sex. John, Greg and Erin offer some hope to wives who are struggling to enjoy sex. Featuring Mrs. Debra Fileta, and Mr. Gary Thomas. 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-2022-10-06?refcd=1521502 Get more episode resources: http://www.focu...

Dec 01, 20228 min

Designed for Mutual Pleasure

Almost every disappointment in marriage can be traced to an unmet expectation. The same is true about sex. John, Greg and Erin offer some hope to wives who are struggling to enjoy sex. Featuring Mrs. Debra Fileta, and Mr. Gary Thomas. 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-2022-10-06?refcd=1521502 Get more episode resources: http://www.focus...

Nov 29, 202211 min

Expressing True Humility to Your Spouse

Have you ever done something nice for your spouse, but deep inside, you were hoping for a compliment? We've all been guilty of that in some way. John, Greg and Erin share about the importance of humility in marriage, and how your relationship can benefit from memorizing Scripture together. 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. focusonthefamil...

Nov 24, 202213 min

Being Kind When You Feel Like Being Mean

There are times when it's easy to be kind to everyone else, but rude your spouse. What do you do in those moments? John, Greg and Erin discuss things they've learned from a famous passage on love, 1 Corinthians chapter 13. 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=1518301 Get more episode reso...

Nov 22, 202212 min