Focus Live

Dee Dee Said shares a story about a time her boyfriend in high school physically hurt her in front of his friends. Listen to today's broadcast Get "It Doesn't Start with a Punch" free with your gift Explore more episode resources  If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Minute, please give us your feedback.  

Abuse and manipulation in teen relationships are devastating and sadly often happen without parents ever knowing. Identifying the warning signs and how to support a teen or young adult who is going through abuse is crucial. Dee Dee describes a manipulative, physically and emotionally abusive teen relationship she suffered and offers poignant insight into understanding how a teen or young adult mig...

Matchbox the Movie  leans into the over-the-top fun of Mattel Matchbox cars for its stunt-filled action. Will this spy movie live up to your childhood plastic-track memories? Plugged In has the review slotted and ready to roll. Read the full review PluggedIn Facebook Page  If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.

What causes believers to feel distant from God? In this conversation, Pastor Gary Thomas continues to unmask the lies that keep us striving, doubting, and disconnected. Sharing from his new book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live, Gary invites us to exchange falsehoods for the rich, soul-satisfying relationship God designed us to enjoy. Get "The Life You Were Reborn to Live" free with your gift Lea...

You and your spouse may plan for the future, but how do you respond when life is beyond your control? Jim Daly explains why happy couples stay flexible in their circumstances but firm in their commitment to each other. Support Family Ministry If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Commentary, please give us your feedback.

Julie Lowe shares how she covers the topic of bullies with her kids. Listen to today's broadcast Facing Bullies with Confidence Bundle Explore more episode resources  If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Minute, please give us your feedback.

Bullying can leave kids feeling isolated, anxious, and unsure of their worth—and parents often wonder if they’re responding the right way. Counselor Julie Lowe offers practical, biblical guidance to help you recognize bullying, respond with wisdom, and give your child the courage and confidence to stand strong.  Get the "Facing Bullies with Confidence Bundle" free with your gift Helping Your Child...

Fall is here, and Average Boy is looking for a new sport to try. Jesse and AB begin by looking back at some of AB’s unforgettable athletic adventures, including the time he scored a soccer goal with the back of his head. Along the way, they share jokes, answer a listener question and talk about why showing respect and kindness reflects God’s love. In the end AB decides that he needs help! What spo...

Our words have power. Jim Daly shares how to block out negativity and inspire yourself forward with words of grace, hope, and faith. Support Family Ministry If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Commentary, please give us your feedback.

Up to 70% of couples in counseling say they feel emotionally disconnected from their spouse. In this episode, Jim Daly opens up about the blind spots that cost him his first marriage, and Jim Turner shares what it looks like for men to finally lean in emotionally. Dr. Greg and Dr. Erin Smalley unpack the pursuer-withdrawer dynamic, explain how to spot your spouse's bids for connection, and offer p...

Bullying can leave emotional scars that last a lifetime. John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta discuss how to recognize the signs, respond with compassion, and help your child heal. Plus, Focus on the Family president Jim Daly talks with author Nancy Rue, who shares a heartbreaking story about a student she couldn't save — and her own daughter's experience being bullied. Practical guidance and hope for...

Dr. Larry Taylor shares how to find the right schools for your children. Listen to today's broadcast Match Your Parenting to Your Kids’ Needs . . . Now Explore more episode resources  If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Minute, please give us your feedback.    

Dr. Larry Taylor and Dr. Barry Corey help parents think biblically and practically about the growing challenges surrounding children’s education. They discuss the shifting cultural landscape, the importance of grounding children in a biblical worldview, and the strengths and limitations of public, Christian, charter, homeschool, and hybrid education options. The conversation also addresses the new...

LEGOStarWars:TheMandalorian brings Mando and his ward, Grogu, into the famed Star Wars Cantina . Does this show, restructured in bricks and tiles, make the Mando action more kid-friendly? Plugged In   has the plastic brick review you need. Snap to it. Read the full review PluggedIn Facebook Page  If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.

If you've ever felt that you "can't" or that the obstacles in your life are too insurmountable, you've GOT to listen to Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James' conversation with Nick Vujicic! This will encourage you and your children to understand that there's purpose, no matter the pain and setbacks we may encounter. This is an inspiring podcast that will challenge your faith and give you confide...

Small disagreements can divide a couple. Jim Daly explains why emptying yourself of yourself can turn what drives you apart into something that brings you together instead. Support Family Ministry If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Commentary, please give us your feedback.

Debra Fileta describes how healthy relationships depend on one's identity with Christ Listen to today's broadcast Get today's featured resource "Relationship Skills" Explore more episode resources  If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Minute, please give us your feedback.

We were made for connection, but relationships don’t always come easy. In today’s conversation, Debra Fileta breaks down the “seasons” (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) that relationships naturally go through. She provides practical tools and encouragement to help us tend to our relationships well, ultimately guiding us to follow Christ’s example of love first. Get "Relationship Skills" free with you...

In response to the growth of AI in creative endeavors, the Australian Recording Industry Association banned all songs from music charts that aren’t “substantially human-made.” What should you tell your kids about the use of AI and the growing list of new AI rules? Check out Plugged In for information and solid talking points on the topic. Pluggedin PluggedIn Facebook Page  If you've enjoyed listen...

Burnout rarely shows up overnight, often shows up in the midst of success, and always goes after your soul. Join us this week as host Dave Stone sits down with Mark Neal, founder of Clarity Ministries, to talk about the warning signs that burnout is coming, and the rhythms that can bring you back from it. Pastor to Pastor Instagram The Focused Pastor YouTube The Focused Pastor Website Pastor to Pa...

Whatever you’re after, success takes time. Jim Daly shares why a great marriage, a great career, or kids with great character require patience and the determination never to give up. Support Family Ministry If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Commentary, please give us your feedback.

When anger flares or worry takes over, there's usually something deeper underneath. John Fuller, Dr. Greg, and Erin Smalley unpack a conversation with counselor Debra Fileta about what's really driving our emotions and share practical habits to help couples connect beneath the surface. Nourish Your Family’s Mental Health Bundle Speak with a Counselor How to Nourish Mental Health in Your Family

John Fuller and Dr. Danny Huerta hear from authors Amber Lia and Wendy Speake to discussing replacing reactive, knee-jerk parenting responses with thoughtful, biblically grounded scripts—covering how to set consequences ahead of time, self-regulate in heated moments, and keep connection intact while enforcing boundaries. Parenting Scripts 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Say This, Not Th...

We were made for connection, but relationships don’t always come easy. In today’s conversation, Debra Fileta breaks down the “seasons” (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) that relationships naturally go through. She provides practical tools and encouragement to help us tend to our relationships well, ultimately guiding us to follow Christ’s example of love first. Get "Relationship Skills" free with you...

StarWars:ZeroCompany places its XCOM-like, tactical RPG action in a Star Wars setting. But is this new game family-friendly fun or a lot of messy trigger-pulling? Plugged In has the review (and a few droids) that you’re looking for. Read the full Review PluggedIn Facebook Page  If you've enjoyed listening to Plugged In Reviews, please give us your feedback.