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

My Life is Busy! Please Help!

When your schedule is full, it's hard to make time for your spouse. John Fuller talks with Erin Smalley about ways each of them has struggled with overcrowding their schedules in their marriages. Then, Jim Daly and Gary Thomas discuss why busyness isn't good for your relationship. They'll also share about how to hear from God, when making decisions in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Making Your Marriage a Fortress for ...

Sep 28, 202312 min

When Financial Problems Turn to Anger

Financial struggles can lead to bitterness in your marriage, if you aren't careful. Jim Daly and marriage expert Gary Thomas share how your marriage can survive a financial hardship. Also, John Fuller and Erin Smalley discuss how to handle any anger you feel toward your spouse about money. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Making Your Marriage a Fortress for your donation of any amount! For couples in crisis – you can still put the pie...

Sep 26, 202311 min

Leaving a Legacy that Matters

Your marriage is building a legacy that will one day be remembered. To encourage you to leave a godly legacy, Jim Daly chats with Kimberly and Danny Ray Thompson about living for what truly matters. You'll also hear John Fuller and the Smalley's share about a couple they admire. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Disappear for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed...

Sep 21, 202311 min

When God Stepped in Your Marriage

Can you look back to a moment in your marriage and say, "only God could've done that?" Greg, Erin and share with John about a time that happened in their relationship. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson about how God sustained them through a difficult childbirth. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designe...

Sep 19, 20239 min

Sex is Meant to Reflect God’s Love

What if your sex life was meant to be a reflection of God's love for His people? Jim Daly talks with psychologist Dr. Juli Slattery about how to honor God in our sexuality. John Fuller also speaks with Greg and Erin Smalley about why it's a good thing for couples to enjoy sex in marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is desig...

Sep 14, 20239 min

Sex and Covenant Love

What comes to your mind when you heard the word "covenant?" Dr. Juli Slattery and Jim Daly explain how something called "covenant love," can greatly impact your sex life. Plus, John and the Smalley's explain why it's good for married couples to pray about physical intimacy. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate...

Sep 12, 202311 min

You Can’t Read Your Spouse’s Mind!

Time for an honest question, have you tried to read your spouse's mind? Jim Daly and Counselor Randy Schroeder explain why that's not a good thing for your marriage. You'll also hear John Fuller and Erin Smalley talk about ways you and your spouse can share your honest thoughts with each other, instead of relying on assumptions. 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! The...

Sep 07, 202311 min

No Tech Secrets Between Us

Have you ever been enjoying a nice dinner with your spouse, only to look up and see he or she was glued to a phone screen? John and Erin share how they are working on getting better about not overusing technology. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Schroeder address how you can have better tech habits in your marriage. 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! The Focus on the Fa...

Sep 05, 202312 min

Good Kinds of Storms

Having a baby or getting a new job are wonderful blessings. Yet, those same things can add a lot of stress to your marriage. If you're in a stressful season, you'll be encouraged by what John, Greg and Erin have to say. Plus, Gary Thomas and Jim Daly offer a few practical ideas for maintaining your communication when you're overwhelmed by stress. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation of a...

Aug 31, 202315 min

3 Building Blocks for Emotional Connection

How do you maintain a strong connection with your spouse when you are going through a storm? Jim Daly and Gary Thomas will offer you three ways you can do that. You'll also hear John Fuller and the Smalley's share about tough times they faced, and how to keep your communication strong when life gets stressful. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Ma...

Aug 29, 202311 min

Can We Start Over?

When you're in the middle of an argument with your spouse, there's tremendous value in learning to pause and start over. John and the Smalley's discuss how taking a moment to stop can help resolve an argument in your marriage. You'll also hear Jim Daly chat with Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson, as they address ways they've learned to start over in the midst of conflict. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Disa...

Aug 24, 202313 min

Doing Whatever it Takes

At some point in your marriage, you'll make a mistake or handle a situation poorly. Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson share a funny story with Jim Daly about a time something went awry in their marriage. Erin Smalley and John Fuller will also give some tips for how to forgive yourself, even after you make a mistake. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Disappear" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the ...

Aug 22, 202310 min

How God Can Redeem Your Sexual Brokenness

Sex is meant to be a gift from God', but how can you see it as a blessing when you've made many mistakes? Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery share how the gospel can redeem you from sexual brokenness. You'll also hear a powerful story from Dr. Greg Smalley, as he chats with his wife Erin and John Fuller. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessm...

Aug 17, 202313 min

Two Wrong Perspectives About Sex

Many of us enter marriage with a distorted view of God's design for sex. To give you some hope, Jim Daly talks with Dr. Juli Slattery about two wrong perspectives about sex, and how God can redeem them. You'll also hear John Fuller chat with the Smalley's about why there's a spiritual battle regarding our sexuality. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marri...

Aug 15, 202311 min

Sarcasm: Helpful or Harmful to Your Marriage?

Have you ever said something sarcastic to your spouse, only to have him or her be offended? The Smalley's share with John Fuller about how sarcasm has been a struggle in their relationship. Plus, Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Randy Schroder on why sarcasm is bad for your marriage. They'll also address how to leave your family of origin well so you can prioritize your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Simple Habits for Marital Happines...

Aug 10, 202314 min

Making Appreciation a Habit

Telling your mate how much you appreciate him or her is very life-giving to your relationship. John talks with Greg and Erin Smalley about reasons they appreicate each other. Also, Focus President Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Shroeder address why it's healthy to develop a habit of showing gratitude to your spouse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marri...

Aug 08, 202310 min

Don’t Isolate Your Marriage

It's easy for many people to feel isolated in their marriages today. John and the Smalley's discuss factors that can lead to feeling disconnected in your relationship. You'll also hear Jim Daly and Gary Thomas address why isolation is so bad for your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength o...

Aug 03, 202312 min

Overcoming Anger and Financial Hardships as a Couple

Tension in your marriage can be caused by a number of factors. But what if the real reason you're upset is not what you think it is? Gary Thomas speaks with Jim Daly about a couple who's worked through challenges and frustrations in their marriage. Plus, John Fuller and the Smalley's address how finances can be the cause for friction in your relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation ...

Aug 01, 202313 min

God Works in the Messiness of Marriage

It's freeing when you can learn to love your spouse even when things are not perfect. But what do you do in the seasons of life deal you a bad hand? John and the Smalley's will share about a couple who handled a hard season of life well. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson about how God can use messy situations in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Disappear" for your donation of...

Jul 27, 202314 min

Having a "Team Us" Mentality

Having a team mentality is one of the keys to making your marriage work. John talks with Greg and Erin about how they've learned to adopt a team mindset. Plus, Jim Daly speaks with Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson on how they've learned to appreciate their different temperaments. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Disappear" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to...

Jul 25, 202311 min

Reclaiming Sex as a Gift

Most couples find it challenging to talk about sex. If you're facing some discouragement in this area, John, Greg and Erin will discuss things that will help you. You'll also hear Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery share about the gift sex is for married couples. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Finding the Hero In Your Husband" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength o...

Jul 20, 202312 min

Giving Things Over to God

When facing a struggle in your marriage, one of the best things you can do is give it to the Lord. But what exactly does that look like? John, Erin and Greg will encourage on how to give a marriage challenge to God; and Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Juli Slattery on ways she's learned to trust Jesus in her marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Finding the Hero In Your Husband" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marri...

Jul 18, 202313 min

Four Daily Essentials

What is an essential part of your daily routine? Just like in life, your marriage needs good daily habits. John talks with Greg and Erin about habits that have helped them over the years. You'll also hear from Dr. Randy Schroeder and Jim Daly, who share about four daily essential habits you can implement in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on th...

Jul 13, 202311 min

Habits that Lead to Happiness

A good marriage is partly built on the foundation of healthy habits. Dr. Randy Schroeder and Jim Daly discuss the impact of your daily choices. You'll also hear John Fuller talk with the Smalley's about some of the good habits of couples who've made it far in their marriages. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to eva...

Jul 11, 20238 min

Focused Communication & Childhood Wounds

Having a successful marriage requires being focused in your communication and also honest about past wounds. But what about the wounds are as serious as trauma from your childhood? Jim Daly talks with Gary Thomas about a couple who faced that very scenario. Plus, John and the Smalley's offer hope those struggling to heal from past hurts. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation of any amount! For...

Jul 06, 202311 min

Overcoming Fears & Long-Distance Struggles

Two things that can create tension in your marriage are fears and long-distance. If you're trying to work through one of those things, you'll be encouraged by what John and the Smalley's have to say about navigating both of them. You'll also hear Jim Daly, who speaks with Gary Thomas about lessons he's learned from couples who've walked through these very things. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your d...

Jul 04, 202314 min

Step into the Painting

In your marriage, it really is the simple moments that can make the most beautiful memories. John, Greg and Erin offer some tips for how to not miss the beauty of the simple times in your marriage. Plus, Jim Daly talks with Chris and Jenni Graebe about some friends who taught them something called, "Step into the painting." Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "The Rhythm of Us" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage...

Jun 29, 202311 min

Being There for Your Spouse in Hobbies and Moving

Regardless of the season your marriage is in, it's important to communicate to your spouse, "I'm here for you." John talks with Greg about some of the ways Erin has communicated support for him. And, John speaks with Erin about showing your mate grace during life transitions, such as moving. Plus, you'll hear Jim Daly talk with Chris and Jenni Graebe about ways they've learned to be supportive for each other. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive t...

Jun 27, 202311 min

Focus on the Positive

Having a great relationship requires focusing on the best aspects of your spouse. John and the Smalley's discuss what can happen if you focus on the positive or negative things about your mate. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Juli Slattery on why it's effective to be thankful for the good things in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Finding the Hero in Your Husband" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marr...

Jun 22, 202311 min

How Playing Offense Can Lead to Intimacy

Physical intimacy is a great gift for your marriage, and needs to be seen as one. Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Juli Slattery on some of the barriers that keep couples from enjoying sex in marriage. You'll also hear John Fuller and Erin Smalley talk about how physical intimacy isn't perfect for married couples. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the "Finding the Hero in Your Husband" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage A...

Jun 20, 20237 min