Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast
Episodes
Giving 100% of What You Have Left
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Even if a couple faces a trying season, it's amazing to see spouses who are committed to each other. John Fuller talks with Greg and Erin Smalley abou...
Two Lessons from Hard Times
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When your marriage faces a storm, it can either make your relationship stronger or hurt it. Jim Daly talks with author and pastor Gary Thomas about le...
Communicating About Adventure
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Trying new things can be a wonderful way to add adventure to your marriage. Jim Daly talks with Chris and Jenni Graebe about some adventures they've h...
How Can You Serve Your Spouse?
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Truly loving your spouse will result in showing loving actions. John and Greg discuss how husbands can do things to help their wives, and Jim Daly tal...
Recovering from Trauma and Improving Your Relationship
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sadly, many people walk into marriage with trauma in their past. John and Erin provide some hope to those who've faced trauma, and Jim Daly speaks wit...
When a Wife Isn't Enjoying Sex
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In many marriages, one or both spouses admit to not feeling fulfilled sexually. John and Erin offer some advice for husbands on how to pursue their wi...
Negotiating Money with Your Spouse
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Money is a common thing married couples fight over. John talks with the Smalley's about financial conflicts they've experienced, and Jim Daly speaks w...
Three Components of a Marriage Meet Up
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A great habit to establish is consistent communication with your spouse. To help you achieve that, Jim Daly talks with marriage experts Bill and Pam F...
A Sure Foundation for Your Marriage
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
God's love is meant to be the foundation of a successful marriage. Greg talks with John about a couple he admires, and Erin shares how to lean on God'...
A No Break-Up Policy for Your Marriage
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "The Fundamentals of Marriage" for your donation of ...
Not Making Fun of Your Spouse
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Finding reasons to laugh with your mate is healthy, but making fun of your spouse can be very bad for your relationship. Greg talks with John about a ...
When a Fun Activity Doesn't Work for You
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever tried something you expected to be fun as a couple, but it didn't work out? John talks with the Smalley's about how it's happened in the...
Asking Your Husband to Lead Well
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How can a husband step up and lead well? Erin Smalley addresses common complaints she hears from wives about their husbands, and John and Greg discuss...
When and When Not to Listen to Your Husband
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a moment where you thought your husband was right about something, only to find out he was wrong? Greg shares a story with John and ...
The Power of Consistency
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Being intentional about consistent communication is vital to the overall health of your marriage. Jim Daly talked with Bill and Pam Farrel about how t...
Keeping Humor Alive in the Hard Times
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having a sense of humor can help your marriage, even if you're facing a difficult season. John speaks with Greg and Erin about keeping laughter alive ...
Maintaining a Healthy Friendship with Your Mate
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A healthy marriage is built on a great friendship. John talks with the Smalley's about what has kept their friendship strong, and if you need to have ...
When Your Communication Style is Different
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's likely that you and your spouse have differing styles for how you handle conflict. John and the Smalley's explain how they've seen this play out ...
What On Your Table?
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Several people would say their wedding day was very special. But a great marriage is about the journey afterwards. John, Greg and Erin discuss how to ...
Returning to Your First Love
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many married couples, as they gain experience, tend to experience a slow drifting apart. John, Erin and Greg address how drifting can occur, and ways ...
What is Real Submission in Marriage?
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What does a healthy view of submission in marriage look like? Greg and John discuss that topic, and Erin offers encouragement to wives who have a diff...
Maintaining Emotional Intimacy in the Empty Nest Years
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Reaching the empty nest years will create a lot of changes for your marriage, Greg addresses how couples can feel distant in the empty nest years, and...
Finding Hope When You Feel Resentment
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many spouses today feel as if there's a wall of resentment between each other. If you're in that situation, John, Erin and Greg will share about maint...
When Your Spouse's Mind Won't Change
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do when you're facing a crisis in your marriage and it feels like you're drifting apart? John and the Smalley's offer encouragement to str...
Finding a Common Purpose with Your Mate
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do you find a common purpose in your marriage, even if you work completely different jobs? John and the Smalley's answer that question, and Jim Da...
Common Problems and Letting Go of Selfishness
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Unrealistic expectations are common for young couples, but they're also a set up for disappointment. John, Greg and Erin share about common expectatio...
Three R's for Overcoming Temptation
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our choices today will impact our marriage tomorrow. That's especially true with how we respond to temptation. John, Greg and Erin discuss how to resp...
How Conflict Can Make a Marriage Better
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do you feel about conflict? John and the Smalley's share how they feel about it, and also describe ways conflict can actually make your marriage s...
Two Needs Wives Have
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the best gifts a husband can give his wife is to understand what she needs. John talks with Erin about how much it means when a wife feels valu...
The Respectful Helper Wife
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An encouraging wife is something every husband longs for. Yet, what do you do when your husband is getting on your nerves a lot? John, Greg and Erin s...
How Pain Can Purify Your Marriage
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The New Testament reminds us to count it all joy when we face difficulties. Greg and Erin share with John about difficult times they've walked through...
Responding Well to a Crisis
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When you and your spouse are facing a crisis, it can either make your marriage stronger or create further challenges in your relationship. John talks ...
Enjoying Sex in Your Marriage
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sex is an exclusive gift meant for you and your spouse. But what do you do when physical intimacy becomes more of a challenge than a pleasure? John, E...
Prioritizing Physical Intimacy in Busy Seasons
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After you and your spouse have kids, it's easy to let things like physical intimacy become less of a priority. John, Erin and Greg address how many co...
Subtle Spiritual Attacks
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Little irritations can creep in your marriage if you're not careful. Those small annoyances might also be something the enemy wants to use to divide y...
Staying Consistent with Prayer in Marriage
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Praying for your mate is one of the best practices you can develop with your spouse. But what do you do when prayer feels awkward? John and the Smalle...
What Showing Respect Means
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every husband longs to feel respected. Yet, how can wives practically show respect? John, Greg and Erin discuss insecurities men feel and how giving r...
When a Husband Disappoints You
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Unmet expectations in marriage are where disappointments can start to creep in. John, Erin and Greg bring up common expectations couples have going in...
Formulas Don't Work for Sex
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding Different Sexual Needs
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to how people define "intimacy," it's fairly common for husbands and wives to have different definitions. John and Erin discuss how men ...
Staying Together in the Tough Times
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When your marriage goes through a trying season, it can either make your relationship better or harder. How you respond to difficulties is what matter...
When Your Relationship Faces Heartbreak
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every marriage faces heartbreak at some point. If you or a couple you're friends with is in a challenging season, John, Greg and Erin will share how y...
When You Feel Uncomfortable with Prayer
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When your schedule is packed, it's easy to put prayer on the backburner. To help you in your marriage, John, Greg and Erin share what reminds them to ...
Praying the Lord’s Prayer
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most famous prayers Jesus prayed is called The Lord's Prayer. John, Erin and Greg discuss how praying with your mate can improve your marri...
Prioritizing Your Marriage in a Blended Family
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Making a blended family marriage work takes relying on God's love and grace. But what do you do when you're struggling to get on the same page spiritu...
When Children Oppose a Remarriage
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It can be a very tricky situation if a parent wants to get remarried, but a child is opposed to it. John talks with Erin about how a son or daughter c...
Sex from Your Spouse's Perspective
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to sex, it's good to consider what your spouse wants as more important than what you want. John talks to the Smalley's about why it's no...
Common Misconceptions About Sex
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many couples struggle to talk about sex because they fear being vulnerable. John speaks with Greg and Erin about common struggles and misconceptions c...
When Your Parent's Marriage Wasn't Good
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How can you be a good spouse if your parents didn't model a healthy marriage for you? John, Greg and Erin offer hope to those who didn't come from a g...
Love Like a Bulldog
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The wedding vows are a significant part of the ceremony, and a sign of true commitment. John talks with Greg and Erin about the importance of wedding ...
Praying Through Marital Struggles
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Prayer is a powerful tool to help you and your spouse get closer. John speaks with Greg and Erin about the ways they've seen prayer make a difference ...
"Lord, Please Fix My Spouse."
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you're annoyed at your spouse, it's easy to pray, "God, please change my mate!" Yet, a more mature approach is learning to recognize your own fla...
5 Tips for Blended Families
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In a blended family, the dynamics of learning to get along can be very tricky. However, with God's help, a relationship can work out in the long run. ...
When a Kid is Rejecting Your Spouse
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If a child is struggling to get along with your spouse, it can put quite a strain on your marriage. John, Greg and Erin offer some hope for people who...
Sex and Healthy Expectations
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Almost every disappointment in marriage can be traced to an unmet expectation. The same is true about sex. John, Greg and Erin offer some hope to wive...
Designed for Mutual Pleasure
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Almost every disappointment in marriage can be traced to an unmet expectation. The same is true about sex. John, Greg and Erin offer some hope to wive...
Expressing True Humility to Your Spouse
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever done something nice for your spouse, but deep inside, you were hoping for a compliment? We've all been guilty of that in some way. John,...
Being Kind When You Feel Like Being Mean
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are times when it's easy to be kind to everyone else, but rude your spouse. What do you do in those moments? John, Greg and Erin discuss things ...
When You Struggle to Pray for Your Spouse
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You and your spouse want a marriage that honors God. Yet, how can you make time for things like praying together when your schedule is full? John, Gre...
Compassion and Restoration for a Porn Addict
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you find out your husband is struggling with porn, your initial reaction might be very negative. However, shaming your mate is not the solution, Go...
Communicating with Your Spouse About Sibling Rivalries
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If two of your kids aren't getting along, it can cause a lot of stress in your marriage. John, Erin and Greg discuss times when their kids haven't got...
Loving Your Blended Family
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Millions of people today are in a blended family. While some of those relationships can be very good, many are facing a lot of challenges. Greg, Erin ...
What Sex Needs to Be
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sex is part of God's beautiful design for marriage. Yet, many people today are walking into marriage with a sexual secret. John, Erin and Greg provide...
Sex & a Heart Connection
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sex is about so much more than just a physical connection. It's also about connecting your heart to your spouse's heart. John, Greg and Erin offer a h...
Defining God's Love
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We all want to feel loved. Yet, real love isn't the same as it's typically portrayed in entertainment. John and Greg discuss the beauty and the diffic...
Good & Bad Definitions of Love
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to say, "I love you," during the dating phase of a relationship? But, what does that phrase truly mean. John, Greg and Erin offer a perspect...
When a Wife Struggles with Porn
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Troubling statistics indicate that pornography addiction is not just a problem for men, but a lot of women are also struggling with it too. John, Greg...
Confessing the Embarrassing Secret
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you're struggling with pornography, it can be easy to say to yourself, "I'll never tell someone." However, true healing for your marriage happens w...
Adjustments for Blended Couples
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every marriage goes through a lot of changes at the beginning. That is especially true for blended family couples. John, Greg, and Erin discuss change...
Loving Your Spouse's Kids
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A unique challenge that couples in blended families face is trying to win the approval of your spouse's children. John, Erin and Greg share how blende...
When You Don't Have the Talk
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Physical intimacy is a very significant part of your marriage. Yet, it's a topic that many couples are uncomfortable discussing. John, Erin and Greg e...
An Eternal Perspective for Your Marriage
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One day, the story of your marriage on earth will come to an end. While that may seem sad, recognizing that reality can be a huge motivator for treati...
Looking Back to Go Forward
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your love story is unique. Reflecting on how you fell in love can bring joy to your relationship now. John, Greg and Erin share about their own love s...
A Few Minute Adjustment
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It can be frustrating when it feels like you're the one doing all of the work in your marriage. How do you get unstuck from those scenarios? John, Gre...
Submitting to God When It's Hard
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Bible says that wives should submit to their husbands, but that Scripture should never be used in an abusive way. This is especially true if trust...
Shame & Pornography Addiction
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A pornography struggle leads to a lot of shame. To help offer hope to those caught in a cycle of shame, John, Greg and Erin discuss how God's grace ca...
Love Languages & Blended Families
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Knowing and learning to speak your spouse's love language can revolutionize your marriage. The same is also true for those in blended families. John, ...
Crockpot Expectations
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Some things in life take time. For blended families, the challenges may be difficult, but it's possible to make it work with God's help. John, Erin an...
The Small Things That Add Up
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Small decisions that add up over time can lead to big results. The same principle applies to the investments you make in your marriage. John, Greg and...
How Can I Bless You?
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Seeking to bless your spouse without expecting anything in return takes maturity. Sometimes, being a blessing might also need to be having a tough con...
Forgiving the Spouse Who Hurt You
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you've been hurt by your spouse, it's easy to either hold a grudge or not deal with it at all. Is there hope to move on after your mate has wound...
Gentleness for the Conflict
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What you say in the middle of a conflict with your spouse can help resolve the tension or make things worse. Greg and Erin talk with John about how th...
100% Commitment
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A good marriage is built on a foundation where both spouses are giving their best effort. However, what do you do when it feels like you're the only o...
Developing a Strong Partnership
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Your marriage needs a strong partnership to function well. Encouraging each other can go a long way to strengthening your relationship. John speaks wi...
Porn Doesn't Mean Your Marriage is Over
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When it's discovered that a spouse is addicted to pornography, it's heartbreaking because trust has been severed. If this is something that's impacted...
Grace and Justice for a Porn Addict
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A small bit of curiosity regarding pornography can lead to a dangerous cycle of addiction. John, Erin and Greg share ways that a wife can show her hus...
Paying Attention to What Your Spouse Doesn't Like
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
All of us have annoying habits that get on our spouse's nerves. Rather than sweeping them under the rug, it's better to see those habits as opportunit...
A Magnificent Obsession for Your Marriage
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Scripture commands to seek God above anything else. But how do you stay focused on the Lord when life gets busy in your marriage? Greg, Erin and John ...
Stay Inside the 9s
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the worst things you can do is try to have a serious conversation with your spouse when one or both of you is tired. It might be that you need ...
Wise Habits for Results You Want
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you and your spouse were first dating, you naturally did things to make each other feel happy. As time goes on in marriage, it can be easy to neg...
Your Spouse Should be First
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Besides your relationship with God, your relationship with your spouse is the most important one. To help illustrate that point, John, Erin and Greg s...
Three Roles a Spouse Should Play
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many couples will tell you that a strong friendship is one of the best aspects of marriage. But if couples are not careful, it can be easy to get caug...
When Your Spouse is Addicted to Porn
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When a wife learns her husband is struggling with pornography, it's very heartbreaking. In that situation, where do you turn to for help? John, Erin a...
Why Sexual Addiction is So Dangerous
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Small compromises with pornography can lead to a serious addiction problem. When left undealt with, it will do a lot of harm to your marriage. John, E...
Loving Your Spouse, Loving Your In-Laws
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There's an old saying that goes, "You don't just marry your spouse, you marry his or her family." But how do you work through a situation where a rela...
Loving God's Daughter
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As a husband, one of the best things to recognize is that your wife is God's daughter. John, Greg and Erin discuss how having daughters has helped the...
Making Your Expectations Clear
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While no spouse can meet all of your dreams and desires, it's still important to make your expectations clear. Without sharing what you're expecting, ...
Healthy Adjustments to Your Expectations
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
All of us have expectations for what we thought marriage would be like. Yet, at some point, things won't go according to plan, and how you respond wil...
The Intentional Marriage
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Couples who go the distance don't just drift into a successful relationship. Truth be told, it takes consistent effort to succeed in marriage. John, E...
Marriage and Video Games
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While some video games aren't necessarily bad, if they prevent you from communicating with your spouse, they can do great harm to your marriage. John,...