For couples facing remarriage, what's the way to do a wedding right? John and the Smalley's share how they've seen God restore people, even after an unwanted divorce. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal talk about ways kids can be involved in a blended family wedding. 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 Assessment Listen Anytime How Remarriage Affects Kids Remarriage Doesn...
Jan 16, 2024•11 min
How do you and your spouse find agreement on ways to discipline your kids? John, Erin and Greg address how this is a common tension point for couples, and why having kids can help you be a better spouse. Also, Dr. Ron Deal and Jim Daly discuss what healthy discipline can look like for blended families. 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 Assessment Listen Anytime Conta...
Jan 11, 2024•15 min
Money is one of the top areas of conflict for married couples. If you're facing financial problems, John, Erin and Greg will explain why you can still have hope. They'll also address whether or not a prenuptial agreement is a good idea. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal discuss how blended families can deal with financial issues. 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 Asses...
Jan 09, 2024•14 min
You long to feel emotionally safe in marriage. When you feel that safety, it can positively impact your sexual relationship. Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma talk with Jim Daly about the need to focus on good things in your marriage, even outside of the bedroom. Plus, John and the Smalley's talk about how you can help your mate overcome his or her insecurities. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for ...
Jan 04, 2024•12 min
The truth is, many couples face challenges regarding physical intimacy. John, Greg, and Erin share why a satisfying sex life takes time and doesn't happen overnight. You'll also hear from Jim Daly, who talks to Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about common misconceptions many couples have about 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 Assessment Liste...
Jan 02, 2024•13 min
It can be easy to neglect romance when life gets busy. John talks with the Smalley's about how they've learned to be playful and flirtatious. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about a concept they call, "biblical flirtation," that you can apply to your relationship. 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 Fli...
Dec 28, 2023•11 min
Have you ever been critical of your spouse and you didn't realize how your words hurt his or her feelings? Dr. Randy Schroeder talks to Jim Daly about how couples can recognize if they're criticizing their mate too much. Plus, John and the Smalley's address why planning things together, instead of complaining, can go a long way 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 ...
Dec 26, 2023•10 min
Adultery does great damage to a marriage, and it's strongly warned about in the Bible. Pastor Rick and Tiffany Bulman discuss what happened after her affair with a friend came to light. Also, John and the Smalley's share about what you can do, if you're wondering if you'll ever trust your mate again. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Mended for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Contact our Counseling Department ...
Dec 21, 2023•12 min
Sadly, many marriages today are broken when one or both spouses have been unfaithful to the marriage vows. If you know someone in that scenario, there can be restoration. Pastor Rick and Tiffany Bulman tell about the moment where her affair came to light. Plus, John and the Smalley's discuss how they've seen God heal many couples through the Hope Restored program. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Mended for your donation of any amount...
Dec 19, 2023•11 min
Sometimes, one spouse desires sex more than the other. When that happens, how can you and your spouse talk about it? John and the Smalley's address why it's good to put your spouse's needs above your own. Also, Jim Daly talks to Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn about why it matters that you and your spouse have a good sex life. Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Find Questions You Can Ask Your Spouse ...
Dec 13, 2023•10 min
How can blended families show each other grace, when they reveal difficult details about their pasts? Jim Daly and Ron Deal share about how couples can have healthy conversations on their past histories. Also, John and the Smalley's offer hope to people who didn't have good marriages modeled to them by their parents. Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Find Questions You Can Ask Your Spouse About Sex Getting ...
Dec 12, 2023•12 min
When was the last time you and your spouse talked about sex? The truth is, many couples struggle to discus it at all. Jim Daly speaks to Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about why many couples face challenges regarding physical intimacy. Plus, John and the Smalley's address why you need to talk about physical intimacy. Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Find Questions You Can Ask Your Spouse About Sex...
Dec 05, 2023•8 min
Your marriage needs friendships. But how can you discern if your friendships are truly helping your relationship? Greg Smalley talks with John and Erin about ways you can tell if a friendship is toxic. Plus, Jim Daly speaks to Dr. Randy Schroeder on how friendships influence a marriage. Receive the book Simple Habits for Marital Happiness for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime How to Help a Friend Who Has Marriage Problems Contact our Counseling Department I...
Nov 30, 2023•13 min
You thought you were making such a good point to your spouse, but instead, your mate got annoyed by how much you talked! Sound familiar? Jim Daly speaks with Counselor, Dr. Randy Schroeder about the need for couples to practice dialogue. Also, John and the Smalley's will encourage you to make dialoguing a habit in your conversations with your spouse. Receive the book Simple Habits for Marital Happiness for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Positive Communic...
Nov 28, 2023•12 min
Many affairs get started with something that seems innocent - a nice text, a friendly conversation, etc. John, Greg and Erin will encourage you to notice the warning signs, so you can prevent an affair from happening. You'll also hear Jim Daly talk to Rick and Tiffany Bulman, as they address how she developed a seemingly innocent friendship that led her down a dark road. Receive the book Mended for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Counseling How to Recognize Where Your M...
Nov 27, 2023•13 min
Small things left unchecked in your marriage might make your relationship more vulnerable to an affair. John, Erin and Greg discuss how you can guard your marriage from an affair. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Pastor Rick Bulman and his wife Tiffany about a season where they didn't heed the warning signs in their marriage. Receive the book Mended for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime The Billy Graham Rule: Should You Have Opposite-Sex Friendships? How to Know When Your Marriage...
Nov 21, 2023•13 min
For couples facing remarriage, what's the way to do a wedding right? John and the Smalley's share how they've seen God restore people, even after an unwanted divorce. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal talk about ways kids can be involved in a blended family wedding. Receive the book Preparing to Blend for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime How Remarriage Affects Kids Remarriage Doesn’t Wipe Away Memories and Old Habits If you've listened to any of our podcasts...
Nov 16, 2023•11 min
We all need God's grace for our past mistakes. But what does that look like if you've gotten remarried? John, Greg, and Erin provide hope to those in a blended marriage. Then, Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal explain the need for spouses to prioritize their marriage, even when kids are involved. Receive the book Preparing to Blend for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Living in a Stepfamily Contact our Counseling Department If you've listened to any of our podcast...
Nov 14, 2023•14 min
Do you see sex in your marriage as a gift? John and the Smalley's explain some of the benefits of physical intimacy in marriage, and why it's a gift from God. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery discuss why sex is designed by God for passionate celebration. Receive the book God, Sex, and Your Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Contact our Counseling Department How Important is Sex in a Relationship? If you've listened to any of our podcasts, pl...
Nov 09, 2023•10 min
God calls us to minister to our spouse, even when it comes to sex. Dr. Juli Slattery and Jim Daly discuss what it means to practice sacrificial love in your sex life. Plus, John talks with the Smalley's about why couples need to have a selfless approach to 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! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Rekindling Intimacy How Im...
Nov 07, 2023•10 min
One of the toughest challenges with conflict in marriage is focusing on what's best for your spouse instead of trying to win an argument. Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Schroeder offer some guidelines for how to make tough discussions with your spouse productive. Plus, John, Greg and Erin share about why it's good to try and solve one problem at a time. 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 ...
Nov 02, 2023•12 min
Conflict is an inevitable part of a good marriage. The key is in how you work through it. John and the Smalley's give some hope to couples who seem to be fighting a lot. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Schroeder provide a few pointers on how to handle conflict well in your relationship. 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! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Identif...
Oct 31, 2023•10 min
Infidelity does tremendous damage to a marriage, but it doesn't have to be the end of your story. John and the Smalley's address how many couples have faced this crisis. Then, Jim Daly chats with Pastor Rick Bulman and his wife Tiffany about their story before she had an affair. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Mended for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Contact our Counseling Department Recovering from an Aff...
Oct 26, 2023•12 min
Many of us know a couple who's lost a child, and the pain is devastating. John and the Smalley's share how they've seen couples walk through this. Then, Jim Daly and Gary Thomas discuss the need for community that couples have during a trying season. 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! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Contact our Counseling Department Resources: Grieving the Lo...
Oct 24, 2023•13 min
Even if you come from a broken home, there is still hope for you. Jim Daly talks with Ron Deal about his own personal background of coming from a blended family. Then, John Fuller talks with the Smalley's about the need for couples in a blended marriage to be honest with each other about their pasts. 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 Assessment Listen Anytime Contact...
Oct 19, 2023•10 min
The statistics indicate many couples today are part of a blended family. If that's you or someone you know, John and the Smalley's will provide some hope on learning to move forward. You'll also hear Jim Daly and Ron Deal discuss how choosing to remarry impacts more people besides just you and your mate. 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 Assessment Listen Anytime Con...
Oct 17, 2023•9 min
What is the difference between sex and intimacy? Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Juli Slattery, who helps people understand God's design for sex. Plus, John talks with Greg Smalley about questions we can ask our spouse to discern if we're meeting each other's needs. 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! Focus on Marriage Assessment Rethinking Godly Sexuality in Your Marriage (Digital ...
Oct 12, 2023•11 min
The world tells you that good sex is about what feels right to you. However, that's not the biblical approach. John and the Smalley's address misconceptions many couples have about sex. You'll also hear Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery discuss why your character is the most important part of your sex life 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! Focus on Marriage Assess...
Oct 10, 2023•12 min
It hurts when your spouse has said mean things to you. If you're feeling resentment because of rude comments from your mate, Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Schroeder share a 4-step formula to help you move on productively in your marriage. Then, Greg talks with John and Erin about how someone can be patient, even when his or her spouse doesn't see a need to apologize for hurtful comments. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Simple Habits for Mar...
Oct 05, 2023•11 min
Being a good listener doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentionality. Greg Smalley shares with Erin Smalley and John Fuller about how he's learning to get better at listening. Plus, Jim Daly speaks with counselor, Dr. Randy Schroeder, about why it's best to listen well and offer constructive feedback to your spouse. They will also bring up why negative criticism is so dangerous. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Simple Habits for ...
Oct 03, 2023•12 min
