Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast

Porn Must Be Destroyed in Community

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One of the best ways to defeat porn addiction is to get help from a supportive community. Greg Smalley shares with John and Erin how he found healing ...

After a Relapse into Pornography

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If it's discovered your spouse is looking at pornography, it can do serious damage to your marriage. Mark and Rosie Makinney talk with Jim Daly about ...

Money Personalities and Contentment

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you prefer to spend or save, it's important for you and your spouse to work together in how you manage finances. John asks Greg and Erin if th...

Different Money Personalities in Your Marriage

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you prefer to spend money or save it? In many marriages, it's usually the case where one spouse is the saver while the other likes to spend. Jim Da...

Bridging the Gap of Distance

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many marriages go through a season where you feel distant. Jim Daly asks Dave and Ashley Willis how couples can start to feel more connected again in ...

Dealing with Emotional Sunburns

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you and your mate misunderstand each other, it's easy to feel hurt. Dave and Ashley Willis join Jim Daly to discuss something they call, "emotion...

When God Changes Your Spouse’s Heart

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When your marriage isn't what you'd hoped for, it's easy to say, "Will my spouse ever change?" Erin Smalley offers hope to those who feel like things ...

Grace Over Your Mistakes

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you're a newlywed, it's common to make mistakes, as you're learning how to be married. Brad and Marilyn Rhoads share with Jim Daly about bad deci...

Getting Real About Porn Addiction

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Porn by nature is a very isolating addiction. If you or someone you're close to is struggling with it, we want to encourage you to bring it into the l...

After Confronting His Porn Problem

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A porn addiction can do serious damage to a marriage. Once it's uncovered, how does a couple find healing? Jim Daly interviews Mark and Rosie Makinney...

Money Doesn’t Solve Everything

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Finances tend to be one of the biggest areas of conflict for marriages. The Smalley's and John Fuller open up about how they've overcome arguments aro...

Reviewing Your Financial History as a Couple

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As time goes on, it's good to look back and see how you've matured. Hopefully, that maturity translates into the ways you manage money. John asks the ...

Preparing Well for a Great Marriage

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Success is a by-product of good preparation. That principle also applies for good counseling before marriage. Dave and Ashley Willis talk with Jim Dal...

Infatuation Doesn’t Last, But Love Does

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How often did you think about your spouse when you were falling in love? Jim Daly talks with popular podcasters, Dave and Ashley Willis, about the inf...

Attraction That Lasts

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When someone is wanting to get married, what character attributes should you look for in a potential spouse? Tovares and Safa Grey talk with Jim Daly ...

If You’re Anxious About Getting Married

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Marriage is a wonderful gift to pursue, yet many singles today are asking, "Will marriage actually work for me?" John and Erin share about common fear...

Truly Being Free from Porn

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An addiction to porn creates a cycle of shame. Mark Makinney shares with Jim Daly about how he struggled with porn for decades. His wife Rosie then br...

Why Pornography Destroys Trust

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Porn addiction is hurting millions of people across the globe. If you're struggling with it today, we want to help you get on the road to recovery. Ji...

Stop and Savor the Moment

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time you paused, and thanked God for the spouse you have? Jim Daly and Pastor Ted Cunningham encourage couples to stop and savor the...

Stress Might Not Be What You Think

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been so stressed out, that you said something to your spouse you regretted? Greg tells Erin and John about a time he got overly stressed...

Don’t Take Your Love Story for Granted

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Did you and your spouse experience love at first sight, or were you friends for years before falling in love? Your story matters to God and to each ot...

Physical Intimacy and the Need for Grace

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to sex in marriage, it's important to show your spouse grace. Jim Daly talks to David Gudgel about he and his wife worked through a misu...

‘How Far is Too Far’ Is the Wrong Question

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When a couple is dating, it's important to protect your relationship from sexual temptation. Jim Daly talks with Safa and Tovares Grey about why, "how...

"Should I Give This Person My Heart?"

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the dating phase, what are good qualities to look for in a spouse? John asks the Smalley's about ways they encouraged their kids to search for a go...

Don’t Let Porn Destroy Your Marriage

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the internet, smartphones and constant media, our culture is saturated with pornography. Erin Smalley explains how she's seen an increase in porn...

Porn: It’s More Dangerous Than You Think

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many people, even within the church, are struggling with pornography. How do you get free from it? Jim Daly speaks with Mark Makinney, who struggled w...

Seeing Your Kids Get Married

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Seeing your kids get married is one of the most emotional journeys. John talks with Greg and Erin about what those experiences have been like for them...

Tips for Avoiding a Marital Drift

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you avoid growing apart when life is so busy? Erin and John bring up how praying together can help a couple's relationship. Then, Jim Daly and ...

Phileo and Eros Types of Love

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Friendship and physical intimacy both play a role in creating a rich marriage. Jim Daly and Dr. David Gudgel share how you can cultivate both things i...

Learn to Understand Your Wife

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For husbands, learning to understand your wife doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentionality. Erin talks about something Greg does that helps he...

Ways to Evaluate a Potential Spouse

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When someone wants to get married, what are some qualities to look for in a potential mate? Greg and John address why having a perfectionist mindset i...

Maturing Together as a Team

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Teamwork is essential for the success of your marriage. Tovares and Safa Grey speak with Jim Daly about healthy mindsets to help you and your spouse b...

A Balance of Light-Hearted and Serious

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Healthy marriages need serious conversations, but also laughter and fun too. Greg shares with John about how he and Erin have learned to have fun toge...

Make Time for One Another

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When life is crowded with kids, activities, and errands to run, it's easy to make your marriage less of a priority. Jim Daly joins Dr. Ron Welch and h...

Make Laughter a Goal for Your Marriage

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Laughing together is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enjoy your marriage. John asks the Smalley's how laughter has played a part in mak...

“My Spouse Isn’t Changing! What Should I Do?”

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fixating solely on things you want your spouse to change isn't good for your marriage. Jim Daly speaks with Toni Nieuwhof about the dangers of focusin...

Sacrificial Love and Emotional Connection

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The word tells you to focus on loving yourself, but God calls us to sacrifice for one another. Dr. David Gudgel and Jim Daly talk about two types of l...

Biblical vs. Worldly Definitions of Love

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How would you define the word "love?" The Bible has a lot to say about it, and how to sacrifice for your spouse. Jim Daly and Dr. David Gudgel explain...

We All Bring Some Baggage

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every person who's been married for a while will tell you there are moments your spouse does something you didn't expect. Tovares and Safa Grey share ...

What Defines Your Relationship?

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dating methods have changed, but the principles that make for a great marriage still stand. Erin Smalley discusses how dating is different since she a...

What is Real Repentance in Marriage?

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Repentance is sometimes the key you need to take your marriage to the next level. Greg Smalley defines what true repentance is. Then, Jim Daly talks w...

Commitment and Becoming Better

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There will come a moment where the commitment you've made to each other will be tested. Dr. Ron Welch and his wife Jan discuss how they've gotten stro...

Forgiveness and Justice for a Struggling Marriage

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you forgive your mate, when it seems like your marriage is filled with hurt? Jim Daly speaks with Toni and Carey Nieuwhof, who faced many diffi...

Persevering Through the Almost Giving Up Season

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many struggling couples are asking, "Can our relationship survive?" Carey Nieuwhof joins Jim Daly to share about how he's seen divorce negatively impa...

Follow the Truth, Not Your Feelings

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"Follow your heart," is promoted advice throughout our culture. Yet, John and Greg explain why it's a bad marriage strategy. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. Da...

Reset Your Mindset About Your Mate

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Doing Marriage God’s Way, Not Yours

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Can People See Your Love for Each Other?

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 J...

Failure is Part of the Process

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Your Conflict Style in Marriage

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

From a Divorce Attorney’s Perspective

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

When Childhood Wounds Reappear in Your Marriage

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes, when spouses lash out at each other, it's actually rooted in childhood wounds. Toni Nieuwhof nearly lost her marriage with her husband Care...

Holding Your Tongue, and Small Celebrations

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Healthy Self-Talk and Reassurance

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

I’m So Offended! Now What?

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 somethin...

We All Want to Be Listened To

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Even if You Didn’t Start Well

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

It’s About Us, Not Me

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 compe...

A Divorce Isn’t What I Want

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 roc...

When Things are Bad at Home

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Why Negative Thoughts About Yourself Hurt Your Marriage

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 yo...

Trading in the Negative for the Positive

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 choo...

Working Through Conflict and Misunderstandings

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 po...

When Your Marriage Faces Spiritual Warfare

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

Seeking to Serve and Honor

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The Ways You Handle Stress

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Your Spouse Wants Out. Now What?

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

They Almost Didn’t Make It!

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Happy Couples Think Differently

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

Resisting the Temptation of Pornography

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Look to the Lord, Even When You’re Frustrated

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

Having Fellowship, Showing Respect

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 you...

Because It’s Who We Want to Be

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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'...

If Your Spouse Isn’t the Romantic Type

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 en...

How a Couple Gave Away $1 Million

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

Should You Tithe as a Couple?

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Practicing generosity to your local church is a wonderful thing to do as a couple. John and Greg address how they've learned give regularly to their r...

If Your Spouse Has Experienced Sexual Abuse

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Past sexual abuse can be one of the most difficult things to discuss with your spouse. John, Erin and Greg provide hope to people who've been sexually...

Getting Rid of Unrealistic Sexual Expectations

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unrealistic expectations going into marriage will lead to disappointment. That principle also applies to sex. John, Erin and Greg discuss how unhealth...

Choosing to Be Thankful for Your Mate

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you remain thankful for your mate, even when you notice their flaws? John and the Smalley's share some ideas for seeing the best aspects of you...

Owning Your Faith, Even When Your Spouse Doesn’t Own Theirs

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What can you do when your spouse isn't showing the spiritual maturity you'd hoped for? Jim Daly talks with Matt and Lisa Jacobson about why it's best ...

The Different Ways Men and Women Are Romantic

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What do you find romantic? John, Erin, and Greg share examples of what's romantic to them. Plus, Bill and Pam Farrel talk with Jim Daly about simple, ...

Passwords to Resolve Conflict

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you and your spouse try to resolve conflict? John asks Greg and Erin about ways they've learned to get better at managing conflict in their rel...

Couples and Credit Cards

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How you talk about and make decisions on money as a couple is extremely important for the unity of your marriage. John and the Smalley's address commo...

Submitting Your Money to God

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What does it practically look like to trust God with your money? Bob and Linda Lotich join Jim Daly to discuss a phrase that helps them manage their m...

Pornography Hurts True Intimacy

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sadly, many marriages today have at least one spouse who's struggling with pornography. Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn a...

When Spouses Have Differing Sexual Desires

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sex is a wonderful gift for marriage, and yet, it can also be complicated. John and Greg address how physical intimacy is a top issue many couples fig...

Remembering the Story of How You Met

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's wonderful to reflect on how you and your spouse fell in love. John asks the Smalley's to share their fun love story. Then, you'll hear Jim Daly t...

Marriage and Children with Special Needs

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For couples that have a child with special needs, the challenges are very real. John, Erin and Greg address what it's been like for each of their marr...

Repeat Back Your Spouse’s Interests

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When your spouse shows genuine interest in something you enjoy, it's like good medicine for the heart. Bill and Pam Farrel talk with Jim Daly about ho...

Communication Mistakes Spouses Make

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you and your spouse work through your different communication styles? Jim Daly is joined by marriage experts, Bill and Pam Farrel, and they'll ...

Getting on the Same Page Financially

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The discussions you have about money early in your marriage help set the tone for your financial habits as a couple. Jim Daly speaks with Linda and Bo...

Being Honest About Your Financial History

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What were some of your financial habits going into marriage? Jim Daly talks to Bob and Linda Lotich, who get very honest about how they handled money ...

How Often Should We be Intimate?

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's common for married couples to ask, "how often should we be physically intimate?" While there's no rule, Jim Daly speaks to Dr. Michael Sytsma and...

Three Types of Sexual Desire

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you deal with a situation where you and your spouse have differing desires regarding sex? Jim Daly talks with Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Fe...

When Your Childhood Impacts Your Marriage

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Undealt with pain from your childhood can sometimes come up unexpectedly in the ways you treat your spouse. John, Erin and Greg will encourage you to ...

Connecting Well in the Evening

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you've had a long day, it's easy to pull out your phone and not talk with your spouse. John and Greg emphasize why it's important to be disciplin...

Respecting Your Spouse’s Brain Wiring

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the biggest factors in how husbands and wives communicate is the unique ways each of your brains are wired. Bill and Pam Farrel join Jim Daly t...

The Ways Men and Women Process Information

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever get frustrated by the different ways and your spouse communicate? Jim Daly talks with marriage experts, Bill and Pam Farrel about the diff...

Don’t Hide from the Pain

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you handle painful memories? While it's not fun to think about them, we encourage you to not hide from them either. Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal e...

The Ripples of Grief for Blended Families

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sadness and pain happen in every family. How do you pick up the pieces, even when you can't shake painful memories? Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal address ...