Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast
Episodes
God Was Working Before You Got Married
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How was God working in your heart before you met your spouse? Jim Daly talks to Rebecca St. James and her husband Cubbie Fink on lessons God taught th...
Live for God, Not the Crowd
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Christians, we're called to please God. So, how do you balance that with trying to make your spouse happy? Dr. Greg Smalley will help you discern i...
When Your Love Changes
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the beauties and challenges of marriage is that your spouse is always changing. Greg and Erin join Jim Daly and his wife Jean to explain how yo...
Say "Good Morning" Before Giving Your To-Do List
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you told your spouse how much you appreciate him or her recently? It can be easy to get caught up in the to-do lists of life, and miss telling th...
Safe Boundaries, Strong Love
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Focus on the Family When you set a boundary, it can lead to deeper intimacy with your spouse. John and Erin will encourage you to be intentional about...
Protecting What Matters Most
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's important to recognize where you're tempted so you can guard your marriage. Jim Daly and Jerry Jenkins address how sex, money and pride are the t...
Finding Your Way Back to Each Other
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you embrace the ways you and your spouse are so different? Greg Smalley gives a helpful perspective for appreciating your mate's uniqueness. Al...
Reigniting Romance in Your Marriage
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Has the romance run dry in your marriage? Most couples go through a season where that happens. Erin Smalley gives a few tips for small things you can ...
Your Stories Before You Were Married
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's wonderful to recount your story before you and your spouse fell in love. Jim Daly talks with Rebecca St. James and her husband Cubbie on what the...
Embracing God’s Redemption
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Focus on the Family In Christ, you can experience redemption, even after you've made poor choices in your marriage. Jim Daly talks with Jim Turner on ...
Be Focused and Have Fun
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you like to bless your mate and ask him or her, "how are you doing?" It's good to make that a regular part of your relationship. The Smalley's ...
Fine China, and Simple Blessings
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does the Bible mean when it calls wives a "weaker vessel?" Jay and Laura Laffoon join Jim Daly to offer a beautiful perspective on what that term...
Be Careful with Physical Touch
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most affairs can be traced back to small compromises. Erin Smalley addresses how she's seen that very truth in her counseling practice, and why there'...
Practical Ways to Guard Against Temptation
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All of us need boundaries to protect ourselves from sexual temptation. Greg and Erin open up about something that helps them fight tempting thoughts. ...
Talking at the Heart Level
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What helps you and your spouse connect emotionally? Jim Daly speaks to Tara Lalonde and Dr. Bob Paul about a concept they refer to as Heart Talk, and ...
She Climbed Out a Window
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's common for you and your spouse to have different styles for trying to resolve conflict. Jim Daly joins Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde, who both op...
“I Messed Up! Can My Story Be Redeemed?”
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to believe the lie that things won't get better. But, we serve a God who's in the business of redemption. Jim Turner sits down with Jim Daly...
Going for a Heart Walk
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you and your spouse went for a walk together? Erin Smalley discusses how the simple activity of going for a walk can help you a...
The Words You Say to Your Mate
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do your words encourage or tear down your spouse? Jim Daly speaks to Jay and Laura Laffoon on how they've learned to be more encouraging to each other...
Getting Rid of Hurry-Syndrome
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Saying "yes," to too many things is really bad for your marriage. Greg opens up about how he's learning to try and pull back from too many commitments...
Run from Pornography!
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jesus tells us in the New Testament that looking lustfully at someone is equivalent to committing adultery in your heart. Greg Smalley explains why wa...
When Temptation is Still Around
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you got married, it was easy to believe sexual temptation might disappear. John and Erin explain why temptation still needs to be dealt with even...
Stay Curious About Your Spouse
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you stay curious about your spouse, even if you've been married for a long time? Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde speak to Jim Daly about why ther...
Why Codependency is so Toxic
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're focused too much on your spouse's issues, that might be a sign of codependency. Jim Daly talks with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde, on how yo...
The Dangers of Not Engaging Emotionally
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To not try to understand your wife's emotions can do great damage in your marriage. John asks Erin Smalley about how it makes a wife feel if her husba...
When Your Husband is Emotionally Distant
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do if your husband is not connecting with you emotionally? Jim Daly interviews Jim Turner about how he struggled with being emotionally di...
Too Busy to Date Your Spouse?
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You want fun dates with your spouse, but what if you simply don't have much time on your plate? Jay and Laura Laffoon speak with Jim Daly about how yo...
Don't Skip Date Night
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Date nights should be a part of every couple's schedule no matter how long you've been married. Jay and Laura Laffoon, who've been together for four d...
Sexual Issues & Erasing Shame
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The statistics on how many Christian men are viewing porn regularly are very sad. Jim Daly talks with Sherri Mueller and Erin Smalley on how sexual si...
Enjoying Physical Intimacy Regularly
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul encourages couples to not go too long without physical intimacy. Jim Daly talks to Erin Smalley and Sherri Muel...
Don’t Play the Blame Game
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you're upset, one of the worst things you can do is fixate too much on blaming your spouse. Dr. Greg Smalley shares a story about a time he snapp...
When a Button is Pushed, and Self Care
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you respond well when one of your buttons gets pushed in marriage? Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde talk with Jim Daly about examining the reasons...
When a Friend Calls You Out
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Having supportive friends is one of the best ways to keep your marriage strong. Jim Turner tells Jim Daly a story about a time a friend called him out...
Emotional Distance in Marriage
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Allowing your spouse to share their feelings is one of the best ways to make your marriage safe. Jim Turner and Jim Daly talk about how men tend to co...
A Few Minutes of Intentionality
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if a small change in your marriage made the biggest difference? Jay and Laura Laffoon talk about how 15 minutes of uninterrupted conversation has...
Simple Celebrations with Big Implications
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you and your spouse laughed together? Erin Smalley explains why laughter is a sign of a healthy relationship. Then, Jim Daly jo...
Good Sex is the Result of Commitment
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The best sex is many times the end result of staying committed to your spouse. Jim Daly talks to Sherri Mueller about why sex can get better with time...
When Sex Isn’t Happening as Often as You Want
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are times where physical intimacy is a regular part of your marriage. But how do you navigate the seasons where it's not? Jim Daly speaks to Eri...
When the Reactive Cycle Goes Negative
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How are you and your spouse responding to conflict? Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde about something called, The Reactive Cycle, and...
Reactions that Make Your Spouse Feel Safe
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every marriage needs to feel safe before both spouses can be open with each other. Erin shares about some ways her husband Greg makes her feel safe. P...
Roadblocks to Effective Communication
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you think you have your spouse all figured out? The truth is, there's always something new to learn. Ryan Frederick and Jim Daly encourage husbands...
The Difference 3 Seconds Can Make
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're ever mad with your spouse, it's good to pause before saying something you regret later. Greg and Erin Smalley talk about the value of pausin...
Lean into Your Spouse’s Strengths
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How have your spouse's strengths been useful to you? John Fuller opens up a way his wife has helped him be a better man. Also, Dr. Kevin Leman talks w...
The Value of Your Spouse’s Birth-Order
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You and your spouse likely have different strengths. God designed it that way. But are you telling your spouse you appreciate their gifts? Dr. Kevin L...
When Sex Isn’t Frequent
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you handle seasons where you're not enjoying physical intimacy as much as you want in marriage? Jim Daly speaks to Erin Smalley and Sherri Muel...
Leaving a Marriage Legacy
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What will your kids say about your marriage in the future? Greg and Erin Smalley share how they stay inspired to remember they're building a legacy no...
What You Control, What You Don’t
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to fixate on what your spouse is doing wrong. But real courage many times is focusing on what you need to work on. Erin Smalley addresses ho...
Can God Work a Miracle in Your Relationship?
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever reached a point in marriage where you didn't think you'd make it? John asks Greg Smalley about how he and Erin persevered through a chal...
When Two Strong Personalities Clash
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you and your spouse are in an argument, it can be pretty intense. Ryan Frederick talks with Jim Daly about how he's learned to be more gentle whe...
Your Temperament as a Husband
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's not just about what you say to your spouse, but it's also about how you say it. Ryan Frederick and Jim Daly address why it's important to watch y...
Birth-Order and Biblical Examples
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every person, based on your birth-order, has strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Kevin Leman and Jim Daly address some of the biblical examples of how birth...
When You and Your Spouse Are the Same Birth-Order
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many couples tend to marry someone outside of their birth-order. But what about the scenario where people of the same birth-order get married? Dr. Kev...
Sticking it Out in Your Marriage
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the moments you feel frustrated, how do you look past the annoyances in your marriage? Sean and Lanette Reed speak to Jim Daly about how they've le...
When You Need Grit in Your Marriage
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every marriage needs a bit of toughness to help weather the difficult times. Jim Daly talks to Sean and Lanette Reed about why your marriage needs gri...
God Can Turn It Around So Quickly
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No matter how hopeless things might feel in your marriage, God can still restore you. Jim Daly speaks to Josh and Katie Walters about how a trip to th...
Regaining Purpose After a Traumatic Event
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does a marriage recover from trauma? If you or a couple you're close to is experiencing a major challenge, you'll be encouraged by John, Greg and ...
The High Calling of a Husband
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Bible tells men to love your wives as Christ loved His church. Greg talks with John about some of the sacrifices he's learned to make as a husband...
The Way You Communicate Matters
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For husbands, the ways you communicate to your wife is very different than how you talk to other men. Jim Daly and Ryan Frederick open up about how th...
Seeing Life Through Your Spouse’s Temperament
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Anyone who's been married for a while will tell you that you and your spouse will have different perspectives sometimes. Dr. Kevin Leman and Jim Daly ...
The Influence of Your Spouse’s Birth Order
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The old adage "opposites attract," is very common for a lot of couples. Jim Daly and Dr. Kevin Leman explain how marrying someone who's of a different...
Even If Your Spouse Doesn’t Deserve Grace
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you show your mate kindness when you don't feel like it? Sean and Lanette Reed speak with Jim Daly about how all of us need grace and a chance ...
Why a 3 – 5 Year Plan Matters
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you and your spouse discussed where you want to be in 3 - 5 years? Erin Smalley addresses how a lot of couples are struggling w...
Recovering Vision After Trauma
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've gone through something traumatic, it can take months or even years to regain your sense of direction. Erin Smalley talks with John and Greg ...
When Another Couple Steps In
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your marriage is in trouble, one of the best solutions is getting help from a couple who will support you. Josh and Katie Walters speak with Jim Da...
Take the Plank Out of Your Eye First
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you look beyond the ways your spouse has hurt you? Ashley Willis and her husband Dave open up to Jim Daly about how they had to work through fe...
When Porn Addiction is Discovered
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What can you do if you discover your spouse has a problem with pornography? Jim Daly talks with Dave and Ashley Willis, who faced that very question i...
The Influence of Your Birth Order
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your birth order might influence your marriage more than you think. John, Greg and Erin share where each of them are in their respective birth orders....
When You Have Nothing Left to Give
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is there hope for your marriage when you feel depleted? Brad and Marilyn Rhoads open up with Jim Daly about how they learned to be hopeful again. Then...
Pushing Through Challenges in The Early Years
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most couples experience turbulence during the first few years of marriage. John, Greg and Erin open up about struggles they faced during the newlywed ...
Trusting God Amidst Chaos
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you handle seasons where it feels like you and your spouse are dealing with multiple crises at a time? Sean and Lanette Reed talk to Jim Daly a...
The Need for a Supportive Couple
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your relationship has been through something traumatic, it's critical to have a couple who will walk with you through your recovery. Jim Daly sits ...
Healing Happens in the Light
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Keeping a secret hidden from your spouse does tremendous damage to your marriage. John and the Smalley's will encourage you to bring a secret sin into...
Avoiding Pitfalls to Go the Distance
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's inspiring when a couple goes the distance. But to have a long-lasting marriage, you need to deal with problems effectively. Jim Daly talks with D...
Until Death Do us Part
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Traditional wedding vows include the promise, "until death do us part." Greg and John explain why young couples need to remember that marriage is a li...
If Your Child Faces a Health Scare
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your child faces a health scare, that can be a real test for a marriage. John asks Erin about how her and Greg have navigated through health challe...
Raising Kids and Surprising Your Spouse
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book The Grace Marriage for your donation of any amo...
When You Start Out Poor
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most couples don't start out with a lot of money. John asks Greg and Erin about their financial status when they first got married. Plus, Jim Daly cha...
When Parents Struggle to Support a Young Couple
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Even if you didn't get the best start in marriage, your relationship can still thrive. Jim Daly talks with Sean and Lanette Reed about some poor choic...
If You Feel Like Quitting on Your Marriage
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Affairs always do serious damage to a marriage. For those who've been hurt by infidelity, it's common to ask, "Is there even hope for me?" Erin Smalle...
God’s Grace is Bigger Than an Affair
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you forgive your spouse if he or she has been unfaithful to you? For Josh and Katie Walters, they share with Jim Daly about an acronym that he...
Forsake All Others – Part 2
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your spouse has been unfaithful to you, we pray this episode gives you some encouragement. Jim Daly talks to Dave and Ashley Willis about why it's ...
Forsake All Others – Part 1
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do if your spouse has been unfaithful? Dave Willis shares with Jim Daly and his wife Ashley about a guy he counseled who'd cheated on his ...
An Intentional Reliance on God
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How are you and your spouse being intentional in your marriage? It's a daily decision, so John, Greg and Erin bring up why intentionality can bless yo...
Focusing on God and Getting Rest
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Real fulfillment isn't found in how much you accomplish, but in learning to enjoy God and your spouse. John and the Smalley's bring up how a lot of co...
When Falling in Love is Messy
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So many of us dreamed of a fairy tale marriage. However, sometimes the process of falling in love with someone can be messy. Sean and Lanette Reed tal...
Your Past Before You Married
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What was life like for you before you got married? Jim Daly talks with Sean and Lanette Reed, and Sean opens up about how he wasn't following the Lord...
After an Affair has Been Confessed
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After an affair has been confessed in a marriage, is it possible for a couple to find hope again? Josh and Katie Walters talk with Jim Daly about how ...
Confessing an Affair
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sadly, many marriages today are hurt by the shocking news of an affair. Greg and John address how sadly this is more common than many of us realize. P...
If Your Spouse Faces Health Challenges
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"In sickness and in health," is in a lot of wedding vows. How do you keep that promise during a difficult season? Dave and Ashley Willis talk with Jim...
Learning to Save Money as a Couple
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's critical for you and your spouse to have good financial habits. Greg and Erin Smalley talk with John about ways they've tried to save money, and ...
Showing Unconditional Grace to Your Spouse
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you be nice to your spouse when they aren't being so kind to you? John asks Greg for a biblical definition of what showing grace to your mate ...
A Grace-Based Marriage
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the best gifts you can give your spouse is grace, even when he or she doesn't deserve it. Brad and Marilyn Rhoads talk to Jim Daly about recogn...
Finding Healing through Humility
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The big lie on recovering from porn addiction is that you can solve it by yourself. Jim Daly talks with Mark and Rosie Makinney about why the first st...
Bringing Porn Addiction into the Light
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A struggle with pornography will only get worse when kept in the dark. Greg and John address the need to find good accountability if porn is a struggl...
Talk About Your Financial Fears
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is your biggest fear regarding money? Taylor and Megan Kovar share with Jim Daly about why it's good and actually healthy for couples to ask each...
Avoiding Financial Infidelity
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Keeping a money secret from your spouse can cause a lot of problems! Jim Daly interviews Taylor and Megan Kovar about a concept they call "financial i...
For Rich or For Poor
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you got married, you promised to stay with your mate, even if you didn't have much money. Jim Daly asks Dave and Ashley Willis about how they wer...
When a Husband or Wife Needs a Break
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are moments between raising kids and other responsibilities where you get overwhelmed. How do you find relief? John and Greg share about situati...
Is Jesus Enough for Your Marriage?
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the Christian community, we tend to say things like, "Jesus is enough." But what does that phrase mean practically, and how it can impact your marr...
The Toxicity of a Performance-Based Marriage
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you've blown it in your marriage, one of the best gifts your spouse can give you is grace. Jim Daly talks with Brad and Marilyn Rhoads about how ...