Focus on the Family Commentary

They say confession is good for the soul. But is that true? Jim Daly shares about a man who has helped hundreds of thousands of people free themselves of their deepest secrets. (Original air date: Dec. 8, 2015)If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Many of the problems our culture face have been around as long as people. So have the solutions. Jim Daly explains how a document written nearly 3,000 years ago offers solutions for today's problems.If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

It's Inauguration Day. Are you excited? You should be ... even if your candidate didn't win. Jim Daly explains why. (Original air date: Jan. 20, 2017)If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Sadly, the wedding ceremony is often the high point of marriage for many couples! Jim Daly shares how to make your wedding ceremony a memorable first step on a long, exciting journey together.If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

Not every idea catches on like we hope ... and sometimes that's a good thing. Jim Daly explains the value of letting go of what you hoped could be, in order to pursue something better.If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

We're all fighting some kind of battle, we all could use a friend. All of us! Jim Daly shares stories that prove friendships can change the world.

Lawyers see such a spike in business in January they refer to it as the "divorce month." Jim Daly shares how couples can make January a new beginning for their marriage instead of a sad ending. (Original air date: Jan. 9, 2018)

What does intelligence look like in your child? Jim Daly shares why your child's greatest abilities won't always show up on a report card.

There are probably a lot of things your spouse does around the house every day that you never notice. Jim Daly explains why even an occasional compliment to your husband or wife can have a big impact. (Original air date: March 22, 2013)

Details matter. That's a valuable principle in any area of life. Jim Daly explains why your character in small, insignificant moments in life is the same character you'll exhibit when it really counts.

It's sad but true – we accept hypocrisy within ourselves much more easily than we accept it in others. Jim Daly shares why it's up to each one of us to create a world that's broken ... or to create a world that's filled with love, courage, and justice.

A disability can either be an excuse or a springboard to success. Jim Daly shares the story of Dr. Tyler Sexton, who had every reason to quit. But he just needed one reason to push forward. (Original air date: Feb. 9, 2018)

Actors Kirk and Chelsea Cameron got married in one of the toughest places to have a relationship: Hollywood. Jim Daly shares how their marriage shows couples can only be happy when they learn to harness their differences.

Has your depression been getting worse? How about your anger or feelings of resentment? There's an important factor that may be behind your deepening struggle. Find out what it is – and hear solutions. (Original air date: Dec. 27, 2013)

Did you know that college football was almost outlawed a century ago? Jim Daly explains how saving the sport illustrates why we need the strength of character to fight through difficulty and overcome when things get tough.

Did you achieve everything you wanted to last year? If not, don't feel discouraged. The new year is underway, and Jim Daly will share how to make the best of this year and change the course of your life. (Original air date: Jan. 12, 2016)

Photographs and videos can be priceless. No one knows that more than Kyle, who lost a Go Pro camera, and Chris, who found it. Jim Daly shares their story. (Original air date: Jan. 12, 2018)

Becoming a stepparent can be rewarding. But it can also be challenging. If stepparenting has gotten off to a rocky start for you, Jim Daly has three suggestions that will help.

Almost every marriage in crisis shares the same problem – one spouse blames their own poor behavior on their spouse. It kills relationships. But it doesn't have to be that way. Jim Daly shares how to have healthy conflict in your marriage. (Original air date: Oct. 22, 2014)

Flexibility is one of the most important keys to success. Jim Daly shares a story about the popular child's toy Play Doh that illustrates why success isn't always a straight line.

The phrase "Merry Christmas" first became popular in 1843 when Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" was published. Jim Daly shares the beautiful message we communicate to each other every time we say, "Merry Christmas!" (Original air date: Dec. 25, 2018)

We overlook heroism when it's understated. Christmas is a wonderful time to remember that greatness often comes quietly. Jim Daly shares about the unlikely hero you may have overlooked in the classic movie "It's a Wonderful Life." (Original air date: Dec. 19, 2018)

Hall of Fame golf teacher Butch Harmon tells his students, "Feel and real are not the same." That's true in golf. That's true in life. Jim Daly explains why living according to what we feel is only a good idea when we have a moral compass to guide us.

They say eyes are the window to the soul. Men, if that's true, then what are your wife's eyes telling you? Jim Daly explains why what you see in her eyes might very well depend on what she sees in yours.

If you've lost a loved one recently, the holidays could be a painful time for you. Jim Daly shares why good memories are a like a pathway through grief. (Original air date: Dec. 11, 2018)

Has your marriage been rocked by adversity? Reconciling with your spouse may not be easy. But there is a lot you can do to create a "new normal." Jim Daly explains. (Original air date: Dec. 2, 2014)

Who do you turn to for wisdom? Jim Daly explains why the wisest people are those who listen to others.

The presidential race may be over, but disagreement about the results can become a big problem when families reunite for Christmas. Jim Daly shares how to prevent political arguments from wreaking havoc on your Christmas. (Original air date: Dec. 20, 2016)

What's your favorite Christmas movie? Jim Daly shares why the original biblical account is still the greatest story ever told.

Jim Daly shares creative ideas for building a stronger relationship with your kids. (Original air date: Dec. 30, 2013)

Every couple wants a loving marriage that'll endure for the long haul. So, it's worth asking, "Why do so few relationships seem to experience that kind of genuine intimacy?" Jim Daly answers that question and offers solutions. (Original air date: Sept. 17, 2014)

Kids hope Santa brings lots of toys for Christmas. But parents might want to encourage Santa to be a little stingier this year. Jim Daly explains why the reason for the season isn't something you find under a mountain of toys. (Original air date: Dec. 17, 2019)

What is human life worth? Jim Daly explains that for all people to be equally valuable there must be something about every single person that must be equally true.

What's your greatest Christmas memory? Jim Daly explains how to create lasting memories by not cleaning up wrapping paper around the tree, or dishes from the Christmas meal too quickly.

One of the survivors of the attack at Pearl Harbor was a young sailor named Jim Downing. He risked his life to save others. But he did something else that was equally heroic. Jim Daly shares his story. (Original air date: Dec. 7, 2018)

Have you ever gotten a Christmas present that you didn't like? Jim Daly shares why a gift's true value is found not on a price tag, but in the heart of the one who gives. (Original airdate: Dec. 6, 2019)

Are we here by accident? Are people nothing more than biological machines that live and die? Jim Daly explains why only human beings have the capacity for faith, self-reflection, and worship.

Building a strong family isn't rocket science, but it does take practice. Jim Daly shares a simple idea for strengthening your family's muscle memory. (Original airdate: July 26, 2017)

Do you and your spouse feel like lovers on a journey through life together? Or married roommates? Jim Daly explains how to turn your marriage into a romance instead of a business arrangement.

Have you ever spent time with good friends and felt happier, more positive, and more alive? Jim Daly shares why good relationships improve our health and longevity. (Original airdate: March 4, 2016)

In some parts of the culture, manhood itself is under attack. Jim Daly explains why manhood is not the source of society's problems. It's part of the solution. (Original airdate: Jan. 28, 2019)

Before America was founded, the Pilgrims expressed gratitude to God for His many blessings ... even when life was hard. Jim Daly explains why Thanksgiving is not something you feel, but something you do. (Original airdate: Nov. 28, 2019)

Overall good health is not just a function of physical well-being, but of spiritual well-being. Jim Daly shares why a happy, healthy life isn't about only living a long time. It's about the quality you pour into those years.

When you imagine the founding of America, the men who created and established the colonies get most of the credit. Jim Daly shares why, without women and the institution of marriage, our nation may have never gotten off the ground. (Original airdate: Nov. 24, 2016)

In an age when technology connects us more than any previous generation, teenagers are lonelier and more disconnected than ever. Jim Daly shares why when it comes to your child's digital loneliness, the only solution is human-to-human contact.

Most of us are in a hurry. We're scrambling to get the next thing checked off our to-do list. Jim Daly explains why even good things can become the enemy of the best things – like our relationships. (Original airdate: June 27, 2017)

If you're single and on the hunt for Mr. or Mrs. Right, then you know the dating scene can be tricky. Jim Daly explains why the best way to navigate relationships with others is to first concentrate on your relationship with yourself. (Original airdate: Jan. 12, 2012)

Suicide is a growing problem among young people between the ages of 18 and 24. Jim Daly shares how to spot signs of chronic depression, substance abuse, or social isolation.

All across the country, households with a teenager are fighting the same battle. It's called "The Thermostat War." Jim Daly shares how to solve that conflict, and any other you're battling at home. (Original airdate: Dec. 19, 2017)

What does it take to win at the game of life? Jim Daly shares a story about Italian bobsledder Eugenio Monti that illustrates why being a champion takes more than skill – it takes character.