Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast
Episodes
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 ...
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...