Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast

What if a small choice could have a tremendous impact on your marriage? Jim Daly has a conversation with Arlene Pellicane on 4 choices you can make to have a better relationship. At the end, Greg and Erin will give some thoughts on how to have fun together.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Making Marriage Easier for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Four Key Decisions for Loving Your Spouse for Life    Three Ways to Invest in Your Marriage (and Have Fun Along the Way)    Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Is there a certain amount of time that you have to spend with your spouse on a daily basis? Greg Smalley gives some research-backed information on the right amount of time couples should talk to each other. Also, Jim Daly asks Trey and Lea Morgan about making time together a priority.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book 10 Ways to a Stronger Marriage for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Secrets to a Strong and Happy Marriage    Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage    Counseling Consultation and Referrals   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

We all have times of conflict, but what if it feels like your spouse is being controlling or manipulative? Jim Daly talks with Dr. Ron Welch and his wife Jan, who overcame control issues in their own marriage. Plus, John and Erin share how to know if you're truly being the best spouse you can be.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Controlling Husband for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   How to Deal With a Controlling Spouse    Contact our Counseling Team    The Benefits of Losing Control in Your Marriage   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Does it feel hard to forgive your spouse when he or she has hurt you? Jim Daly joins Dr. Randy Schroeder to explain why forgiving your mate is necessary for a healthy marriage. Then, John and Greg will encourage you to focus on small improvement points you can make as a couple.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Simple Habits for Marital Happiness for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   How to Break Bad Habits and Cultivate a Healthy Marriage    How to Forgive Your Spouse When It’s Not Easy    Contact our Counseling Team   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

We've all had moments where we misunderstood our spouse. Greg opens up about some of the ways he's not understood things Erin has said. Then, Jim Daly joins Rob and Gina Flood, who give some practical ways you can clarify a miscommunication with your mate.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book With These Words for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Better Ways to Communicate With Your Spouse    Contact our Counseling Team    Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

It's easy to play blame-games in your marriage, but it's better to ask yourself some hard questions. Greg Smalley opens up about some times where he got honest with himself. Then, Dr. Gary Chapman joins Jim Daly to share how three questions can help you have a more Christ-like attitude in your marriage.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Finding New Ways to Thrive in Your Marriage    Contact our Counseling Team    Navigating Marriage Expectations When Marriage Isn’t How You Thought It Would Be   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

One of the most powerful things a wife can do is encourage her husband. Ann Wilson and her husband Dave talk to Jim Daly about a time where she chose to speak words of life into Dave's heart. Also, Greg opens up about how meaningful it is when Erin encourages him.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book How to Speak Life to Your Husband for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Revive Your Marriage By Becoming Your Husband’s Biggest Cheerleader    Contact our Counseling Team    How to Stop Complaining and Be an Encouraging Spouse   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

When was the last time you and your spouse laughed at something? Ted Cunningham sits down with Jim Daly to share a few times he and his wife Amy have found reasons to laugh together. You'll also hear from Greg and Erin about how they've learned to find reasons to laugh amidst a very busy season.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book A Love That Laughs for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Bringing Laughter to Your Marriage    Humor in Marriage    Having Fun in Your Marriage   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Most couples go through a tough season where you wonder, "What happened to the honeymoon phase?" Greg Smalley shares some statistics on how many couples are actually struggling today. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Jay Payleitner on how he's helped couples who've drifted from each other.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book 52 Things Wives Need From Their Husbands for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Practical Ideas for Loving Your Wife    6 Tools for Healthy Communication in Marriage    New Focus on the Family Report: Marriage Health in America   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

We're living in a lonely generation today. Dr. Heather Holleman and her husband Ashley join Jim Daly to address the dangers of isolation and how to form warm connections. Then, John asks Erin Smalley about how you can reconnect with your spouse.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Six Conversations for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   How To Have Meaningful Conversations With Your Spouse    Conversation Starters for Couples    Contact our Counseling Team   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Being successful in marriage sometimes looks like letting go of unrealistic expectations and striving for real connection. Rebecca St. James and Cubbie Fink talk with Jim Daly about a few adjustments they made in their own communication. Also, Greg and Erin provide some hope for husbands who struggle to connect with a really emotional wife.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Finding God's Love in Marriage and Life    Unsung Hero Official Lionsgate Website    Contact our Counseling Team   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

What was the moment like when you got engaged? Greg and Erin Smalley tell the story of when he asked Erin to marry him. Then, Jim Daly talks to Rebecca St. James and her husband Cubbie on how he popped the question on a wintry night in Nashville   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Finding God's Love in Marriage and Life    Unsung Hero Official Lionsgate Website    Leave us a Comment   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

One of the best lessons in marriage is that you don't have to solve everything this very moment. Sometimes, it's best to take a deep breath. Jim Daly and his wife Jean talk to the Smalley's about why slowing down can help bring the tension down when you're upset at your mate. Also, Erin will give you some pointers for how to make things right if you haven't been treating your spouse well.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Healthy Marriage Devotional for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Five Ways to Grow Closer as a Couple    Hope Restored    Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Have you ever misunderstood something your spouse said? We've all done it at some point. Jim Daly chats with Greg and Erin about a time they worked through a misunderstanding while moving. Plus, John asks the Smalley's on how working through a miscommunication can build trust with your spouse.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Healthy Marriage Devotional for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Five Ways to Grow Closer as a Couple    Hope Restored    Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

You want your marriage to bless future generations to come. Greg opens up about the marriage legacy he comes from, and how that inspires him today. Then, Jim Daly talks with Jerry Jenkins about how being legacy-minded in his marriage has helped his sons.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Hedges for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   Healing My Life and marriage After an Eating Disorder    Contact our Counseling Team    The Hedges Challenge   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

The culture tells us that porn isn't a big deal. But the truth is, it's catastrophic to a relationship. Erin and Greg Smalley share why porn is bad for a marriage. Also, Jim Daly talks with Jerry Jenkins about how to protect your marriage from pornography. He also recounts how he fell in love with his wife.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Hedges for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   Healing My Life and marriage After an Eating Disorder    Contact our Counseling Team    The Hedges Challenge   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Does it feel like you're making progress as a couple, only to take a few steps back? Krista and David Dunham talk to Jim Daly on how they faced this very scenario with her eating disorder. Plus, the Smalley's share how to evaluate if you're getting better at persevering through challenges as a couple.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Table for Two for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   Healing My Life and marriage After an Eating Disorder    Contact our Counseling Team    Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

If you or your spouse are dealing with a serious struggle, how can you be honest and get help? David and Krista Dunham share with Jim Daly about how Krista struggled with an eating disorder, and some mistakes they made too. Then, Greg and Erin will give you some ideas for if your spouse is struggling, but isn't seeking the help they need.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Table for Two for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   Healing My Life and marriage After an Eating Disorder    Contact our Counseling Team    Resources: Eating Disorders   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Do you remember when you were dating and you wanted to marry your special someone? Greg Smalley tells about the moment he knew he wanted to marry Erin. Also, Jim Daly chats with Cubbie Fink and his wife Rebecca St. James on how Cubbie intentionally pursued her.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Finding God's Love in Marriage and Life    Practice Makes Parent    Unsung Hero Official Lionsgate Website   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Your spouse may be wonderful, but it's not wise to find all of your happiness from them. Erin Smalley shares why couples need to look for satisfaction in God, not just marriage. Then, Jim Daly talks to Rebecca St. James and her husband Cubbie. She discusses how surrendered her dream of having a family to God.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Finding God's Love in Marriage and Life    Practice Makes Parent    Unsung Hero Official Lionsgate Website   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Every couple goes through loss sometimes. John and Greg open up about times they went through loss in their marriages, and how God showed up during those times. Also, Jim and Jean Daly share how they worked through a season of mourning.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Healthy Marriage Devotional for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Five Ways to Grow Closer as a Couple    Contact our Counseling Team    Hope Restored   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Have you or your spouse ever had an unexpected outburst? It might be that there are unrealistic expectations underneath the surface. Greg and Erin talk to Jim and Jean Daly about how they've worked through expectations and misunderstandings. Plus, John asks the Smalley's how you can practice genuine honesty for the sake of your marriage.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Healthy Marriage Devotional for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Assessment   Five Ways to Grow Closer as a Couple    Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage    Contact our Counseling Team   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

So many people regret not spending enough time with their family. How do you avoid making that very mistake? Erin Smalley addresses how she's seen that very scenario in her counseling office. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Jerry Jenkins about things he learned from interviewing five high-profile men, and how that inspired him to spend time with his wife and kids.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Hedges for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   How to Guard Your Marriage From Temptation    5 Traditional Marriage Vows: What They Mean and Why They're Still Important    The Hedges Challenge   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Flirting might seem harmless. But, it's dangerous to flirt with someone who isn't your spouse. Jerry Jenkins tells Jim Daly a poignant story of how flirting led to an affair with a couple he knew at church. He'll also discuss importance of keeping your wedding vows. Then, John and the Smalley's encourage you to remember and think about your wedding vows, even if you've been married for a long time.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Hedges for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   How to Guard Your Marriage From Temptation    5 Traditional Marriage Vows: What They Mean and Why They're Still Important    The Hedges Challenge   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

How are you dealing with the baggage you've brought into your marriage? We all bring some, but the key is taking appropriate action to address it. David and Krista Dunham talk to Jim Daly about how they discovered Krista had an eating disorder while they were dating. Also, Erin Smalley discusses what you can do if your spouse has a serious problem, but is not seeking help.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Table for Two for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   Healing My Life and marriage After an Eating Disorder    Contact our Counseling Team    Body Image Issues and Eating Disorders   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Perfectionism is something many people struggle with. It's also very bad for your marriage. Jim Daly talks to David & Krista Dunham on how her struggles with perfectionism led to an eating disorder. You'll also hear from Greg Smalley, who will share about giving yourself grace, even if you mess up.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Table for Two for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   Healing My Life and marriage After an Eating Disorder    Contact our Counseling Team    Body Image Issues and Eating Disorders   Support This Show!   If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.