Summary: In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn unpack the growing “dating recession” impacting today’s young adults. Why are so many singles ages 22 to 35 dating less or not at all? They explore the emotional, social, and cultural factors behind the trend, from fear and discouragement to a lack of confidence and connection. With practical insights and real hope, Shaunti and Jeff discuss the relationship skills that matter most, why community support is essential, and how singles can navigat...
Apr 14, 2026•40 min•Season 3Ep. 39
Summary: In this episode, Shaunti Feldhahn sits down with author Laurie Davies to unpack the powerful concept behind the book Emotional Hoarding: Letting Go of the Stuff That Keeps You Stuck . Together, they explore how holding onto hard emotions costs us. Emotional 'hoarding’ limits how we love, it keeps us stuck in regret, grudges, and shame—and, most importantly, it creates a disconnect between us and the freedom God wants us to walk in. Together, Shaunti and Laurie distinguish between emotio...
Mar 31, 2026•50 min•Season 3Ep. 38
Summary: Parents naturally want to protect their kids from disappointment and failure—but sometimes our help can actually get in the way of their growth. In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff talk about the growing trend of “snowplow parenting,” where parents try to clear every obstacle out of their child’s path. Through stories, research insights, and practical wisdom, they explore how well-meaning parents can unintentionally prevent their kids from learning resilience and responsibility. You’ll he...
Mar 17, 2026•37 min•Season 3Ep. 37
Summary : In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn unpack one of the most overlooked sources of conflict in marriage: the very different ways men and women process thoughts and emotions. Drawing on two decades of research, they explore why many women experience ongoing “open windows,” lingering worries or mental tabs that are hard to close and why many men may not even realize those windows are still open. With practical insight and empathy for both sides, Shaunti and Jeff explain the brain-ba...
Mar 03, 2026•34 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Summary: What are young couples really wondering about as they step into engagement and marriage? In this special and deeply personal episode, Shaunti and Jeff sit down with their daughter Morgen and her fiancé Ben—just weeks before their wedding—to talk candidly about readiness, trust, faith, conflict, finances, sex, and what it really means to commit for life. Drawing from both lived experience and decades of research, this conversation blends heart, humor, and practical wisdom for engaged cou...
Feb 17, 2026•44 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Summary In this second part of our powerful two-part series, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn continue their heartfelt conversation with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith, diving even deeper into the healing journey after sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. Building on the foundation of honesty and vulnerability discussed in Part 1, this episode unpacks what it takes to truly rebuild trust and intimacy in a relationship that’s been deeply wounded. The Raabsmiths offer practical, grace-filled guidance for ...
Feb 04, 2026•46 min•Season 3Ep. 34
Summary This episode is part one of a two-part conversation that we simply couldn’t keep to one week. !t’s that powerful! Dr. Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith to tackle one of the most painful but crucial topics in relationships: sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. With deep empathy and rich insight, the Raabsmiths, a couple who are both trained professionals and seasoned by personal experience, share the emotional and relational toll of betrayal and the cou...
Jan 27, 2026•31 min•Season 3Ep. 33
Summary: In this insightful episode Jeff and Shaunti, along with Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, delve into the deeper layers of love languages, unpacking not only the five primary categories but also the nuanced dialects within each one. With warmth and expertise, they explore how the concept of the “love tank”—our emotional reservoir—impacts relationships and why empathy is the key to truly speaking each other's language. The conversation highlights practical tools like the Five Love Languages As...
Jan 13, 2026•42 min•Season 3Ep. 32
Summary : In this insightful episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with Dr. Gary Chapman, renowned author of The Five Love Languages and The Five Languages of Apology . Together, they explore how understanding both love and apology languages can radically improve relationships. Dr. Chapman unpacks the five core ways people express and receive love—and explains how offering sincere, well-matched apologies can be just as vital to healing and connection. The conversation highlights the power ...
Jan 06, 2026•46 min•Season 3Ep. 31
Summary: In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn share their personal journey with MediShare, a healthcare sharing ministry, as they navigate rising medical costs and their own health challenges. They welcome Dr. Ian Day, Chief Medical Officer at MediShare, to unpack how the program works, its biblical roots, and the powerful sense of community that distinguishes it from traditional insurance. Together, they explore how MediShare integrates emotional and spiritual support into healthcare, emp...
Dec 16, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Summary : In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn explore the power of intentionality in building strong relationships, especially in marriage and parenting. Instead of aiming for perfection, they encourage listeners to simply focus on doing “the next right thing.” Drawing on research insights, they unpack how small, everyday wins create real momentum, fueling both hope and motivation. The conversation also touches on the crucial role of community, encouragement, and practical steps that fost...
Dec 09, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Summary: In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo, hosts of the One Extraordinary Marriage podcast, for a candid conversation about reigniting intimacy and connection in marriage. The DiLorenzos open up about their personal journey through seasons of challenge and renewal, including how the bold decision to start a 60-Day Sex Challenge reshaped their relationship. Together, they unpack the vital role of intentionality, transpar...
Dec 02, 2025•49 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Summary: In this conversation, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn explore the complexities of anger, challenging the conventional wisdom that venting is a healthy way to manage it. They discuss research findings that suggest venting can actually exacerbate anger and aggression. Instead, they advocate for techniques that help regulate emotions and promote calmness, emphasizing the importance of understanding anger as a signal of emotional pain. The discussion includes practical strategies for managing ang...
Nov 18, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Summary: In this engaging podcast episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn welcome Jonathan and Wendy Hoover to discuss essential insights into marriage. They explore the Hoovers' personal journey through conflict and resolution, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying motivations in disagreements. The conversation also highlights three critical factors to consider before marriage, focusing on faith, character, and the commitment required for a successful partnership. Links and Reso...
Nov 11, 2025•53 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Summary : In this podcast episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn explore the complexities of communication and conflict in relationships, particularly focusing on the differences between men and women. They discuss a viral clip from a previous podcast that sparked significant conversation about how men process emotions and the importance of reassurance in relationships. The episode emphasizes the need for understanding and grace between partners, as well as the role of introspection and emotional pr...
Nov 04, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Summary: In this conversation, Jeff and Shaunti with guest Nate Graybill discuss the pressing mental health crisis and the vital role the church can play in recovery. They explore Nate's personal journey with addiction, the importance of authentic community, and how churches can build effective recovery programs that go beyond traditional counseling. They discuss the transformative power of recovery groups within the church, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, community, and the biblical...
Oct 28, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Summary: In this conversation, Shaunti, Jeff, and Chris Legg explore the common reasons couples find themselves at odds, focusing on the differences in communication styles and emotional thresholds. They discuss the importance of understanding translation versus interpretation in relationships, how emotional reactions can vary between partners, and the significance of believing the best in each other's intentions. Resources and Links Mentioned: www.chrismlegg.com www.alethiacounseling.com Secret...
Oct 21, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Summary: In this conversation, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, with guests Pastor Des Wadsworth, and Lenny Nasca, LCSW discuss the pressing mental health crisis facing churches today. They explore the challenges pastors face in providing support to those in need, the importance of lay counseling programs, and how to effectively recruit and retain volunteers for these initiatives. The discussion emphasizes the need for compassionate care and the structured approach necessary to navigate the complexiti...
Oct 14, 2025•56 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Summary: In this conversation, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn discuss the concept of the mental load in relationships with Dr. Morgan Cutlip. They explore how feelings of unfairness and resentment can arise when one partner feels overwhelmed by invisible tasks and emotional labor. The discussion emphasizes the importance of communication, appreciation, and understanding the dynamics of emotional labor in marriage. Dr. Cutlip provides practical strategies for couples to navigate these challenges, incl...
Oct 07, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this conversation, Shaunti and Jim discuss the pressing mental health crisis and the role of the church in addressing it. They explore the importance of traditional counseling and the need for a new system of care that includes community support. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building capacity within churches to provide emotional support and the legal considerations involved. They also address the fears and misconceptions that may prevent churches from engaging in this vital wor...
Sep 25, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with singer-songwriter Dave Barnes to unpack the emotional world of men and the dynamics that shape relationships. Together, they explore the often-overlooked depth of men’s feelings, how love is expressed differently than women might expect, and the surprising role of music and creativity in emotional connection. They also dive into some of the biggest misconceptions women have about men’s romantic intentions, and why...
Sep 09, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Episode 18: Happy Couples Hang Out Description: Join Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn as they delve into the habits of the happiest couples. Discover the deceptively simple secret that we learned in the research for The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages about the power of simply spending time together and how that plays a role in maintaining a strong relationship. Learn from real-life examples and research-backed insights to transform your marriage. Resources & Links Mentioned: The Surpr...
Aug 26, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this candid and insightful episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn welcome author and intimacy expert J. Parker from Hot, Holy & Humorous. Research shows that in roughly 75% of marriages, the husband has a higher sex drive or initiates more often. But what about the other 25%—when the wife is the one with more desire, or when the couple’s patterns don’t match the stereotype at all? J. Parker, whose ministry focuses heavily on this topic, shares practical, grace-fi...
Aug 12, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Michael Sytsma, a seasoned therapist specializing in marriage and intimacy, shares his extensive experience and insights into the complexities of sexual relationships. The discussion covers common questions couples have about their sexual health, the importance of understanding desire discrepancies, and the normalization of various sexual experiences. Dr. Sytsma emphasizes the significance of communication and understanding in fostering healthy relationships, w...
Aug 12, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this conversation, Jeff and Shaunti Feldhahn explore the fundamental differences in how men and women process thoughts and decisions. They discuss the implications of these differences on relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding and communication. The episode highlights the brain wiring differences, the significance of verbal versus internal processing, and practical strategies for couples to navigate these challenges effectively. Through real-life examples and insights from...
Jul 29, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this conversation, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn interview Michelle Lentz, an Instagram influencer and author, who shares her journey through marriage, parenting, and overcoming significant life challenges, including a devastating earthquake. Michelle discusses the importance of community support, the power of prayer, and treating your spouse like a friend to build a strong marriage. Her insights are particularly valuable for young couples navigating the early stages of marriage. Visit Michelle's...
Jul 15, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Bonus Episode 13: Looking Back, Moving Forward Description: In this heartfelt Season 1 finale bonus episode, Shaunti and Jeff take listeners on a reflective journey through the most powerful insights shared over the season. This bonus installment isn’t just a recap—it’s a spiritual reset button that captures the highs, lessons, and most touching moments that moved both guests and listeners alike. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lif...
Jul 01, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Episode 12 Release Date: June 17, 2025 Duration: Episode 11: 44 minutes Summary: Shaunti, Jeff, and Jenilee Samuel (host of the Java with Jen podcast) explore the complexities of being a woman leader in ministry, the challenges of marriage, and the importance of understanding the male psyche. Jenilee shares her journey from being a missionary kid to a co-pastor and her experiences with raising boys. The discussion emphasizes the need for empathy, learning, and the balance between strength and se...
Jun 17, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Summary: In this engaging conversation, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn are joined by Arlene Pellicane, author of Making Marriage Easier . Arelene shares insights on how to prioritize marriage, avoid the roommate syndrome, and implement small, practical actions to strengthen relationships. The podcast also explores the profound effects of social media on relationships, emphasizing the need for intentionality in how we engage with technology. Link Mentioned: Book : Making Marriage Easier https://arlene...
Jun 03, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Summary: In this conversation, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, along with clinical psychologist Dr. James Sells, explore the phenomenon of young adults going “no contact” with their parents. They discuss the emotional turmoil this causes for both parents and children, the factors contributing to this phenomenon, and the importance of family therapy in addressing these issues. The conversation highlights the need for understanding, communication, and the potential for healing within family dynamics. L...
May 20, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 10