Field Guide for Marriage- A 24/7 Marriage Podcast

As we go into a new year.  We will take a candid look at 2025, what we learned through what was hard.    What is changing or shifting for us and what has God taught us. Support the show The "Original" Marriage Flippers   Meet the Labradors —Javier and Shannan. Married 33 years, they’ve weathered the highs, lows, and everything in between—and now their mission is simple: to see marriages...

As we step into 2026, it’s not about making resolutions — it’s about making decisions.  Every marriage is either building something or burying something. The question is: what in your marriage needs to die so something better can live? Every year, couples carry old habits, unspoken hurts, and unresolved conflicts into a new season — expecting new results from the same foundations. But new life can...

Support the show The "Original" Marriage Flippers   Meet the Labradors —Javier and Shannan. Married 33 years, they’ve weathered the highs, lows, and everything in between—and now their mission is simple: to see marriages thrive, not just survive. As sought-after conference speakers, authors, podcast hosts, and creators of 24/7 Marriage Bootcamps—3-day intensives that help couples hit res...

When a storm hits your marriage, how prepared are you.  Many couples, in the midst of a storm, grow closer, rely on one another, and need each other to make it through.  Why?  How did it draw them closer when others seem to be torn apart?     What you do IN BETWEEN matters more than the storm itself. Most couples only start praying, pursuing, and fighting for their marriage when the storm hits. Su...

Understanding the enemy’s strategy — distraction, division, and disconnection. He is subtle and if we do not wake up to the battle we are in, we will be deceived into thinking our spouse, kids, or the culture around us is the enemy. Support the show The "Original" Marriage Flippers   Meet the Labradors —Javier and Shannan. Married 33 years, they’ve weathered the highs, lows, and everythi...

Today we’re breaking down why your marriage carries massive influence in a world that’s drifting away from commitment. From the atmosphere in your home to the example you’re setting for your kids, your relationship is shaping far more than just the two of you. We’ll unpack how choosing each other—daily, intentionally, even on the hard days—pushes back against a culture that quits fast and loves sh...

When men go silent, marriages suffer. In this episode, we’re talking about what happens when husbands check out—when apathy replaces action and silence replaces leadership. We’ll unpack why men often withdraw, how it impacts their wives, and what it takes to re-engage and lead with purpose again. Support the show The "Original" Marriage Flippers   Meet the Labradors —Javier and Shannan....

In this episode, we’re talking about sex — the topic everyone’s curious about but few are honest about. Let’s get real about desire, connection, and how to keep intimacy alive in every season of marriage. Support the show The "Original" Marriage Flippers   Meet the Labradors —Javier and Shannan. Married 33 years, they’ve weathered the highs, lows, and everything in between—and now their...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Keisha Gomez for a real, laughter-filled, and deeply honest conversation about what it means to be a wife in today’s world. Between us, we bring decades of marriage, parenting, and even grandparenting wisdom to the table—and we’re not afraid to talk about the messy, the funny, and the meaningful moments that come with it all. Whether you’re newly married...

 Your marriage isn’t just struggling because of stress, kids, or communication issues — it’s under spiritual attack. The enemy hates unity, covenant, and love that reflects Christ. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why the devil targets marriage and how you can stand firm, fight back, and protect what God has joined together.  Support the show The "Original" Marriage Fli...

 What an incredible and humbling privilege it is to walk alongside your spouse through life’s most challenging moments. In this episode, Javier and Shannan open up about what it means to be there for one another when life gets truly messy. Shannan shares her heart behind the words, “If it’s not me, it would be someone else—and I want to be the one by your side, celebrating the victories and the wi...

Gen Z is rewriting the rules on dating, love, and marriage — and the Church can’t afford to ignore it. They’re the most connected generation in history, yet also the most anxious. In this powerful conversation with God Love Co., we unpack how social media and technology have reshaped how Gen Z sees commitment, intimacy, and faith. Constant comparison, instant validation, and digital “situationship...

 On this episode of Field Guide to Marriage , we’re joined by our special guests,  The Good Love Co. Together, we dive into how millennials are approaching dating, relationships, and marriage in today’s world. From shifting cultural expectations to navigating faith, family, and commitment, this conversation unpacks the challenges and opportunities younger couples face—and what we can all learn fro...

We’re kicking things off with Part Two of “We Are the Labradors” —a raw and real conversation that takes you deeper into our story, our marriage, and the mission behind what we do. Join us as we share more of the lessons, laughs, and even the hard moments that shaped who we are today. Whether you’re new to the podcast or you’ve been with us from the beginning, this episode will give you a front-ro...

Welcome to The Field Guide for Marriage ! Formerly known as the 24/7 Marriage Podcast, we’ve had a little makeover—and we’re excited for what’s ahead. It’s been a while since we officially introduced ourselves, so in this episode, come hang out with us, Javier and Shannan Labrador. We’ll share a bit of our story, why we’re passionate about helping marriages thrive, and what you can expect from thi...

In this episode of the 24/7 Marriage Podcast, hosts Javier and Shannon discuss the critical role of communication in marriage. They explore the importance of words, the impact of cultural myths on communication, and how to navigate difficult conversations. The episode emphasizes the need for emotional safety, the power of affirming words, and the necessity of understanding and empathy in communica...

In this episode of the 24/7 Marriage Podcast, hosts Shannan and Javier discuss the importance of planning for summer as a family while maintaining a strong marriage. They share personal anecdotes about memorable family vacations, the significance of intentionality in relationships, and the need for self-care. The conversation emphasizes the value of creating family traditions and respecting family...

In this video, we dive into a growing crisis facing men in America—especially fathers. Since the pandemic, there's been a noticeable rise in passivity, apathy, and fear of commitment among men, particularly when it comes to marriage and family. We discuss the spiritual and societal challenges men are facing today, the epidemic of fatherlessness, and the collapse of commitment to family. But t...

In this episode, we’re diving into the beauty of physical and emotional connection in marriage—the kind God lovingly designed. We're getting real about the challenges couples face, the ways we sometimes drift, and how to intentionally draw near to one another again. With biblical insight, practical encouragement, and just the right amount of humor, we’ll explore how to nurture closeness that’...

What does it really mean for a man to lead his home biblically? In this episode, we break down the often misunderstood concept of spiritual leadership through the lens of Scripture—not culture. Biblical leadership is not about control, dominance, or making all the decisions. It’s about humility, servant-heartedness, sacrificial love, and walking in step with Christ. We’ll explore practical ways a...

In this powerful episode, we confront a growing issue in today’s culture: the Church’s silence on the biblical view of marriage. As culture loudly redefines love, gender, and covenant, far too many churches have taken a passive stance, leaving couples without truth, guidance, or support. We explore what happens when the Church steps back instead of stepping in—and why elevating marriage should be...

 Is your marriage surviving... but barely? Maybe you're showing up, doing the things, but it all feels numb—like roommates sharing a calendar, not a covenant. In this episode, we’re getting real about the seasons when marriage feels lifeless, disconnected, or just plain hard. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this! Support the show The "Original" Marriage Flippers  ...

Every strong structure begins with a solid foundation, and marriage is no different. In this episode of Shannan and Javi, dig deep and ask: What’s in the foundation of your marriage? Is it built on trust, faith, communication, or maybe... some cracks you’ve been ignoring? Join us as we explore the key components that hold a marriage together when life gets messy. We’ll share personal stories, prac...

In this special anniversary episode, we invite you into a personal conversation as Javier and I reflect on 32 years of marriage—yes, 32! We’re sharing the highs, the lows, the lessons learned, and the laughter that’s carried us through more than three decades together. You’ll hear real talk about what’s helped us grow stronger, the rhythms we’ve developed, and how we've navigated seasons of c...

What do you do when the person you love most struggles—and you're left carrying the weight of it all? In this episode, we’re diving into the emotional toll that comes when your spouse isn’t okay, and life looks nothing like you expected. We’ll talk about the silent burden of unmet expectations, how to show up with grace (even when you’re tired), and what it looks like to stay connected when e...