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

Reset Your Mindset About Your Mate

Have you ever been listening to a sermon, or a lecture and thought, "my spouse should hear this?" Many of us have. John Fuller and Erin Smalley share why fixating on your spouse's issues can lead to other problems. Then, you'll hear Jim Daly and Ted Lowe share how to reset your mind when you're constantly frustrated at your mate. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Us in Mind for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment...

Aug 13, 202413 min

Doing Marriage God’s Way, Not Yours

Marriage is designed by God to help you become a better person. Matt and Lisa Jacobson share with Jim Daly about how doing marriage God's way requires maturity. You'll also hear John and the Smalley's discuss why it matters for you keep your focus on God as a couple. 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 How to Truly Love Y...

Aug 08, 202411 min

Can People See Your Love for Each Other?

Do you remember what first attracted you to your spouse? John and Greg share what drew them to their wives. Plus, Jim Daly speaks with Matt and Lisa Jacobson about how they've learned to still be romantic to each other in public. Then, Erin Smalley offers hope to couples who've lost the romantic spark. 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 Assessmen...

Aug 06, 202411 min

Failure is Part of the Process

In marriage, we all make many mistakes. A key to success is to keep trying. Ron and Jan Welch talk to Jim Daly about how failure doesn't have to be the end of your marriage. Then, John and the Smalley's address how to tell if a couple is truly learning from failure. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book 10 Choices for a Better Marriage for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Strengthening Your Marriage Through Daily ...

Aug 01, 202410 min

Your Conflict Style in Marriage

How you and your spouse handle conflict is one of the best indicators of whether your relationship will thrive or not. John talks with Greg and Erin about ways they manage conflict in their relationship. Plus, Dr. Ron Welch and his wife Jan speak with Jim Daly about how you can discover your mate's conflict style. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book 10 Choices for a Better Marriage for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen A...

Jul 30, 202411 min

From a Divorce Attorney’s Perspective

The pain of divorce is regarded as one of the hardest things a person can face. Carey and Toni Nieuwhof join Jim Daly to share about ways they've seen divorce negatively impact others. Also, John, Greg and Erin offer hope to couples who've been in a desparate season for a long time. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Before You Split for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Why and How to Pursue a Healing Separatio...

Jul 25, 202413 min

When Childhood Wounds Reappear in Your Marriage

Sometimes, when spouses lash out at each other, it's actually rooted in childhood wounds. Toni Nieuwhof nearly lost her marriage with her husband Carey, and she talks with Jim Daly about how wounds from growing up negatively impacted her marriage. Then, John and the Smalley's discuss first steps spouses can take toward wholeness if they have undealt with childhood trauma. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the Before You Split for your donation...

Jul 23, 202414 min

Holding Your Tongue, and Small Celebrations

It's easy to say something you regret when you're exhausted. Jim Daly and Ted Lowe share how to respond when you feel triggered. Plus, Greg, Erin, and John address how celebrating small wins in your relationship can reframe your perspective. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the Us in Mind for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Cherish Your Spouse, Change Your Marriage Part 1 - Gary Thomas Control Negative...

Jul 18, 202412 min

Healthy Self-Talk and Reassurance

When you face something difficult in your marriage, how can you remind yourself of the truth? Ted Lowe shares a helpful phrase he and his wife use to remind themselves to persevere. Then, Greg and Erin talk with John on what helps them make it through hard times. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the Us in Mind for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Cherish Your Spouse, Change Your Marriage Part 1 - Gary T...

Jul 16, 202411 min

I’m So Offended! Now What?

You didn't mean anything by what you said, but your mate seems offended. Sound familiar? Greg tells John about a time he unintentionally said something offensive to his wife Erin. Then, you'll hear Matt and Lisa Jacobson talk about how they worked through a misunderstanding in their relationship. 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 List...

Jul 11, 202411 min

We All Want to Be Listened To

When your mate shares something vulnerable, many times, he or she just wants a listening ear. Matt and Lisa Jacobson join Jim Daly to share how wives need to listen to their husbands. Plus, John and the Smalley's explain why husbands need to hear what their wives are saying without trying to fix every problem. 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 A...

Jul 09, 202411 min

Even if You Didn’t Start Well

When a couple is dating, it's common for people to say things like, "Don't move too fast?" But what if you and your spouse didn't get off to the best start? Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Ron and Jan Welch about how they dealt with a poor beginning. Plus, John and the Smalley's will provide hope to couples who didn't start well. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book 10 Choices for a Better Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marr...

Jul 04, 202410 min

It’s About Us, Not Me

How do you stay on the same team, even when you are upset at each other? Erin and John discuss some of the underlying reasons why spouses can be competitive against one another. Also, Bill and Pam Farrel speak with Jim Daly about a time they worked through a season where they felt spread thin in their relationship 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...

Jul 02, 202410 min

A Divorce Isn’t What I Want

Have you ever felt like giving up on your marriage? You are not the only one. Carey and Toni Nieuwhof share with Jim Daly about the night they hit rock bottom in their marriage. Also, Erin Smalley talks with John and Greg about why some couples struggle to keep fighting for their marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Before You Split for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Marriage Intensives Audio Download: "Rejecting Di...

Jun 27, 202413 min

When Things are Bad at Home

It may seem to others like you have it all together, but inside, you know your marriage is struggling. Carey and Toni Nieuwhof join Jim Daly to share how they reached a crisis in their marriage, even though they were leading a growing church. Also, John and the Smalley's will provide a word of hope if you feel like you have nowhere to turn. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Before You Split for your donation of any amount! Hope Restor...

Jun 25, 202415 min

Why Negative Thoughts About Yourself Hurt Your Marriage

How you talk to yourself is a good indicator of the ways you'll treat others. John and Erin bring up how negative mindsets toward yourself can hurt your other relationships. Then, Ted Lowe and Jim Daly speak about overcoming self-doubt in your head so you can bless your marriage. \ Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Us in Mind for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Control Negative Mindsets for an I...

Jun 21, 202412 min

Trading in the Negative for the Positive

Are your thoughts about your spouse mostly positive or negative? Jim Daly and Ted Lowe give you a filter from the book of Philippians to help you choose positive thoughts about your spouse. Also, John and the Smalley's share how thinking good thoughts about your mate can bless your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Us in Mind for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Crazy Little Thing Calle...

Jun 18, 20249 min

Working Through Conflict and Misunderstandings

Every marriage faces conflict, but the key is learning to fight well. Erin shares with John and Greg on how to recognize if you're fighting well or poorly in your marriage. Plus, Jim Daly talks with Lisa and Matt Jacobson about a conflict they worked through in their marriage. 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 Spiritual ...

Jun 13, 202414 min

When Your Marriage Faces Spiritual Warfare

We have an enemy, Satan, who hates God's design for marriage. Greg Smalley talks with John and Erin about how to recognize when your marriage may be facing a spiritual attack. Then, Matt and Lisa Jacobson speak with Jim Daly about why we need to take spiritual warfare seriously in our marriages. 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...

Jun 11, 202412 min

Seeking to Serve and Honor

True love seeks to serve rather than to get all the time. To help you do that, Bill and Pam Farrel discuss how they've learned to serve each other by working better together. Also, John and Erin share how a husband can encourage his wife to become who God has called her to be. 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 Assessment Listen Anytime Und...

Jun 06, 202410 min

The Ways You Handle Stress

Every marriage faces stressful moments. The key is how you manage them when they come. Bill and Pam Farrel join Jim Daly to address the different ways men and women handle stress in marriage. Plus, John and the Smalley's offer ideas for how to discern if you're stressed due to being overcommitted. 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 Assessme...

Jun 04, 202417 min

Your Spouse Wants Out. Now What?

What can you do when your spouse says, "I want out of this marriage?" Greg tells John the story of how he and Erin reached a difficult time in their marriage. Also Toni and Carey Nieuwhof talk with Jim Daly about how they went to counseling after Toni confessed she wanted to leave. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Before You Split for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Contact our Counseling Department Is Divorc...

May 30, 202413 min

They Almost Didn’t Make It!

When a couple reaches a desperate place, they start asking questions like, "Can our marriage survive?" Carey and Toni Nieuwhof join Jim Daly to tell their love story, and when they later reached a crisis in their relationship. Then, John and Erin discuss how couples can still be restored, even if it seems hopeless now. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Before You Split for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Listen Anytime Conta...

May 28, 202412 min

Happy Couples Think Differently

Are your thoughts about your spouse positive or negative? Ted Lowe speaks with Jim Daly on why happy couples choose to see the best in their spouses. You'll then hear John and the Smalley's discuss how thinking the best about your mate can help your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Us in Mind for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Control Negative Mindsets for an Improved Marriage What C...

May 23, 202410 min

Resisting the Temptation of Pornography

How does a couple fight for purity when our culture is saturated with pornography? Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn about encouraging people to resist the temptation to look at pornography. Also, John and the Smalley's explain why porn can have a devastating impact on marriages. 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...

May 21, 202411 min

Look to the Lord, Even When You’re Frustrated

How do you respond when your spouse does something that really frustrates you? Matt and Lisa Jacobson tell Jim Daly the story of their first serious argument in marriage, and how turning to the Lord helped cool their emotions. However, if it feels like your marital frustrations have been going on for years or even decades, John and the Smalley's will offer some good perspectives. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the 2-Book Bundle: Loving Your ...

May 16, 202413 min

Having Fellowship, Showing Respect

One of the best ways to improve your marriage is when you simply appreciate being together. Jim Daly asks Matt and Lisa Jacobson why it's good for your relationship to enjoy fellowshipping as a couple. They'll even discuss the need for respect. Also, John Fuller and Erin Smalley address how a husband can show his wife that he respects her. 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 an...

May 14, 202410 min

Because It’s Who We Want to Be

It's important to never take your spouse for granted. A great way to do that is to remember how you and your mate fell in love. John, and the Smalley's share why remembering your love story can help your marriage today. Then, Bill and Pam Farrel join Jim Daly to discuss how it's good to take advantage of simple opportunities for romance. 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 ...

May 09, 202411 min

If Your Spouse Isn’t the Romantic Type

What do you find romantic? Jim Daly joins Bill and Pam Farrel to discuss how men and women desire romance differently. Also, John and the Smalley's encourage you to seek to romance your spouse over getting what you want every time. 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 Assessment Listen Anytime Understanding the Differences Between You and You...

May 07, 202410 min

How a Couple Gave Away $1 Million

Small acts of generosity add up over time. Bob and Linda Lotich talk with Jim Daly about how God put it on their hearts to give away $1 million. Then, you'll hear from John Fuller and Greg Smalley who will encourage you and your mate to be generous with even small amounts that you have. 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 an...

May 02, 202414 min