Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast
Episodes
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 ...
If Your Spouse Doesn’t Receive Positive Affirmations
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you tried to be encouraging to your spouse, but he or she wasn't receptive to it? Jim Daly talks to Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about...
Owning Your Responsibility to Feel Good
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being affirmed by your spouse is great, but do you need it to survive? John, Erin and Greg explain why affirming your spouse is healthy, and discuss t...
Maintaining Joy When Your Plate is Full
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What your marriage is in a busy season, how can you make time for fun and laughter? Jim Daly speaks to Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about ho...
When Your Husband Doesn’t Initiate Romance
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What can you do if you desire romance, but your spouse isn't the romantic type? Jim Daly talks with Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about a con...
Openness That Leads to Healing
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pretending like you've got it all together is not good for your your marriage. John and Greg address why it's not okay to act like your relationship i...
A Wedding for Blended Couples
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For couples facing remarriage, what's the way to do a wedding right? John and the Smalley's share how they've seen God restore people, even after an u...
When You and Your Spouse Don’t Agree on Discipline
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you and your spouse find agreement on ways to discipline your kids? John, Erin and Greg address how this is a common tension point for couples,...
Blended Couples and Their Finances
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Money is one of the top areas of conflict for married couples. If you're facing financial problems, John, Erin and Greg will explain why you can still...
Focusing on the Best for a Better Sex Life
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You long to feel emotionally safe in marriage. When you feel that safety, it can positively impact your sexual relationship. Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. ...
Are We the Only Ones Struggling with Sex?
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The truth is, many couples face challenges regarding physical intimacy. John, Greg, and Erin share why a satisfying sex life takes time and doesn't ha...
Taking the Chance to Flirt
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It can be easy to neglect romance when life gets busy. John talks with the Smalley's about how they've learned to be playful and flirtatious. Also, Ji...
Stop Criticizing and Start Planning
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been critical of your spouse and you didn't realize how your words hurt his or her feelings? Dr. Randy Schroeder talks to Jim Daly about...
Can God Heal the Betrayal?
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Adultery does great damage to a marriage, and it's strongly warned about in the Bible. Pastor Rick and Tiffany Bulman discuss what happened after her ...
Your Spouse Had an Affair, Now What?
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sadly, many marriages today are broken when one or both spouses have been unfaithful to the marriage vows. If you know someone in that scenario, there...
Is Sex Really That Important?
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes, one spouse desires sex more than the other. When that happens, how can you and your spouse talk about it? John and the Smalley's address wh...
Respecting Your Past and Each Other
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How can blended families show each other grace, when they reveal difficult details about their pasts? Jim Daly and Ron Deal share about how couples ca...
How to Have Good Conversations About Sex
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you and your spouse talked about sex? The truth is, many couples struggle to discus it at all. Jim Daly speaks to Shaunti Feldh...
Navigating Toxic Friendships
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Your marriage needs friendships. But how can you discern if your friendships are truly helping your relationship? Greg Smalley talks with John and Eri...
Practicing Dialogue, Not a Monologue
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You thought you were making such a good point to your spouse, but instead, your mate got annoyed by how much you talked! Sound familiar? Jim Daly spea...
How Affairs Get Started
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many affairs get started with something that seems innocent - a nice text, a friendly conversation, etc. John, Greg and Erin will encourage you to not...
Warning Signs That Can Lead to an Affair
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Small things left unchecked in your marriage might make your relationship more vulnerable to an affair. John, Erin and Greg discuss how you can guard ...
A Wedding for Blended Couples
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For couples facing remarriage, what's the way to do a wedding right? John and the Smalley's share how they've seen God restore people, even after an u...
Blended Couples and Kids
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all need God's grace for our past mistakes. But what does that look like if you've gotten remarried? John, Greg, and Erin provide hope to those in ...
Designed for Passionate Pleasure
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you see sex in your marriage as a gift? John and the Smalley's explain some of the benefits of physical intimacy in marriage, and why it's a gift f...
Sex and Sacrificial Love
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
God calls us to minister to our spouse, even when it comes to sex. Dr. Juli Slattery and Jim Daly discuss what it means to practice sacrificial love i...
It’s How You Approach Conflict
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the toughest challenges with conflict in marriage is focusing on what's best for your spouse instead of trying to win an argument. Jim Daly and...
When Conflict is Actually a Good Thing
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Conflict is an inevitable part of a good marriage. The key is in how you work through it. John and the Smalley's give some hope to couples who seem to...
Before an Affair Takes Place
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Infidelity does tremendous damage to a marriage, but it doesn't have to be the end of your story. John and the Smalley's address how many couples have...
For the Couple Who’s Lost a Child
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us know a couple who's lost a child, and the pain is devastating. John and the Smalley's share how they've seen couples walk through this. The...
If You’ve Come from a Blended Family
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Even if you come from a broken home, there is still hope for you. Jim Daly talks with Ron Deal about his own personal background of coming from a blen...
What Blended Families Face
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The statistics indicate many couples today are part of a blended family. If that's you or someone you know, John and the Smalley's will provide some h...
Sex and Intimacy Aren’t the Same Thing
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is the difference between sex and intimacy? Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Juli Slattery, who helps people understand God's design for sex. Plus, John ...
Godly Character and Your Sex Life
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The world tells you that good sex is about what feels right to you. However, that's not the biblical approach. John and the Smalley's address misconce...
Responding to Hurtful Comments from Your Spouse
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It hurts when your spouse has said mean things to you. If you're feeling resentment because of rude comments from your mate, Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Sc...
Listening Before Criticizing
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Being a good listener doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentionality. Greg Smalley shares with Erin Smalley and John Fuller about how he's learni...
My Life is Busy! Please Help!
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When your schedule is full, it's hard to make time for your spouse. John Fuller talks with Erin Smalley about ways each of them has struggled with ove...
When Financial Problems Turn to Anger
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Financial struggles can lead to bitterness in your marriage, if you aren't careful. Jim Daly and marriage expert Gary Thomas share how your marriage c...
Leaving a Legacy that Matters
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Your marriage is building a legacy that will one day be remembered. To encourage you to leave a godly legacy, Jim Daly chats with Kimberly and Danny R...
When God Stepped in Your Marriage
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Can you look back to a moment in your marriage and say, "only God could've done that?" Greg, Erin and share with John about a time that happened in th...
Sex is Meant to Reflect God’s Love
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What if your sex life was meant to be a reflection of God's love for His people? Jim Daly talks with psychologist Dr. Juli Slattery about how to honor...
Sex and Covenant Love
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What comes to your mind when you heard the word "covenant?" Dr. Juli Slattery and Jim Daly explain how something called "covenant love," can greatly i...
You Can’t Read Your Spouse’s Mind!
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Time for an honest question, have you tried to read your spouse's mind? Jim Daly and Counselor Randy Schroeder explain why that's not a good thing for...
No Tech Secrets Between Us
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been enjoying a nice dinner with your spouse, only to look up and see he or she was glued to a phone screen? John and Erin share how the...
Good Kinds of Storms
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having a baby or getting a new job are wonderful blessings. Yet, those same things can add a lot of stress to your marriage. If you're in a stressful ...
3 Building Blocks for Emotional Connection
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do you maintain a strong connection with your spouse when you are going through a storm? Jim Daly and Gary Thomas will offer you three ways you ca...
Can We Start Over?
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When you're in the middle of an argument with your spouse, there's tremendous value in learning to pause and start over. John and the Smalley's discus...
Doing Whatever it Takes
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At some point in your marriage, you'll make a mistake or handle a situation poorly. Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson share a funny story with Jim Daly ...
How God Can Redeem Your Sexual Brokenness
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sex is meant to be a gift from God', but how can you see it as a blessing when you've made many mistakes? Jim Daly and Dr. Juli Slattery share how the...
Two Wrong Perspectives About Sex
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us enter marriage with a distorted view of God's design for sex. To give you some hope, Jim Daly talks with Dr. Juli Slattery about two wrong ...
Sarcasm: Helpful or Harmful to Your Marriage?
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever said something sarcastic to your spouse, only to have him or her be offended? The Smalley's share with John Fuller about how sarcasm has...
Making Appreciation a Habit
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Telling your mate how much you appreciate him or her is very life-giving to your relationship. John talks with Greg and Erin Smalley about reasons the...
Don’t Isolate Your Marriage
03 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy for many people to feel isolated in their marriages today. John and the Smalley's discuss factors that can lead to feeling disconnected in y...
Overcoming Anger and Financial Hardships as a Couple
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tension in your marriage can be caused by a number of factors. But what if the real reason you're upset is not what you think it is? Gary Thomas speak...
God Works in the Messiness of Marriage
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's freeing when you can learn to love your spouse even when things are not perfect. But what do you do in the seasons of life deal you a bad hand? J...
Having a "Team Us" Mentality
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having a team mentality is one of the keys to making your marriage work. John talks with Greg and Erin about how they've learned to adopt a team minds...
Reclaiming Sex as a Gift
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Most couples find it challenging to talk about sex. If you're facing some discouragement in this area, John, Greg and Erin will discuss things that wi...
Giving Things Over to God
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When facing a struggle in your marriage, one of the best things you can do is give it to the Lord. But what exactly does that look like? John, Erin an...
Four Daily Essentials
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is an essential part of your daily routine? Just like in life, your marriage needs good daily habits. John talks with Greg and Erin about habits ...
Habits that Lead to Happiness
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A good marriage is partly built on the foundation of healthy habits. Dr. Randy Schroeder and Jim Daly discuss the impact of your daily choices. You'll...
Focused Communication & Childhood Wounds
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having a successful marriage requires being focused in your communication and also honest about past wounds. But what about the wounds are as serious ...
Overcoming Fears & Long-Distance Struggles
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Two things that can create tension in your marriage are fears and long-distance. If you're trying to work through one of those things, you'll be encou...
Step into the Painting
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In your marriage, it really is the simple moments that can make the most beautiful memories. John, Greg and Erin offer some tips for how to not miss t...
Being There for Your Spouse in Hobbies and Moving
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Regardless of the season your marriage is in, it's important to communicate to your spouse, "I'm here for you." John talks with Greg about some of the...
Focus on the Positive
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having a great relationship requires focusing on the best aspects of your spouse. John and the Smalley's discuss what can happen if you focus on the p...
How Playing Offense Can Lead to Intimacy
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Physical intimacy is a great gift for your marriage, and needs to be seen as one. Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Juli Slattery on some of the barriers that ...
Making Big Decisions in Faith Together
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When facing a big decision, it's critical for you and your spouse to work out an agreement. But how do you get there? Greg and Erin Smalley chat with ...