Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

What do you do if your in-laws are making things difficult for you and your spouse? Drs. John Townsend and Henry Cloud talk with Jim Daly about how to respond if an in-law is pressuring you to do things that hinder you from prioritizing your marriage. Plus, Greg Smalley describes how he's learned to focus more on his marriage while not relying on his parents as much. Find us online at focusonthefa...

When the tension is high in your marriage, how do you and your spouse work through it? Fawn Weaver and Jim Daly share about ways you can de-escalate an argument with your mate. Then, Erin and Greg open up about how they've learned to get better at working through a conflict as a team. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY The Argument-Free Marriage Focus on...

In-law relationships can be some of the most complex after you get married. Dr. Gary Chapman joins Jim Daly to talk about responding in a Christ-like manner when your in-laws are not treating you fairly. Also, Erin Smalley discusses how this is a common issue for a lot of couples, and why you're not alone if this is your story.     Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast o...

What would happen in your marriage if you simply told your spouse what you love about them? Kathy Lipp joins Jim Daly to share about an experiment she and her church did with couples. Then, Erin Smalley discusses the difference that giving your spouse regular compliments can make.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Happy Habits for Every Co...

What if your marriage was only a small adjustment away from going to the next level? Scott and Vanessa Martindale talk to Jim Daly about 4 things you can do that'll keep the communication strong with your spouse. Also, Greg Smalley breaks down why simple habits add up over time.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Blended and Redeemed  ...

Just like your house needs a solid foundation, your marriage needs trust. Dr. Henry Cloud joins Jim Daly to share about why showing empathy is required for building trust. Then, Erin Smalley explains why trust is necessary for having a deeper friendship with your spouse.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Trust   Focus on Marriage Asse...

Every wife longs to feel safe in her marriage. Jim Daly and Brant Hansen discuss why women find it so attractive if a man seeks to protect them. Also, Greg Smalley talks about how men need to step up and take responsibility for leading their wives well   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   The Men We Need   Focus on Marriage Assessment &n...

Men and women tend to respond to stress and situations very differently. Jim Daly and Gary Thomas address the differences in brain chemistry between husbands and wives. Then, John and the Smalley's discuss what a husband can do if a wife keeps bringing up the same problem in conversations.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Loving Him Well...

If you want a good relationship, you sometimes have to tell your spouse, "No." Arlene Pellicane talks about a time where she had to have a tough conversation with her husband on learning to accept her "No." Also, Greg and Erin share how working through tough scenarios can lead to better friendship with your mate.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY....

Kids are a blessing, but they also require you to be more intentional to spend time with your spouse. John and the Smalley's open up about times they felt disconnected in their marriages when raising children. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Dave and Ashley Willis about making time for dates with your spouse, even if you have little kids.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or ca...

What if some of the best date nights didn't cost money? Jim Daly talks with Jay and Laura Laffoon about how you can have a wonderful date with your spouse for not much money. Also, John asks Greg and Erin how they're learning to still have dates together, in a season with grown adult children.     Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Recei...

Are you and your mate best friends? Howard and Danielle Taylor join Jim Daly to make the case for why friendship in marriage is necessary for a thriving relationship. Then, Dr. Greg Smalley shares the most important thing you can do to keep your friendship alive.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Fundamentals of Marria...

What if a small change you made had the biggest impact on your marriage? Marcus Warner and Chris Coursey share four steps you can take to improve your relationship. Also, Greg and Erin explain why it's good to make time for having fun, even if you are very busy.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The 4 Habits of Joy-Filled...

Today, we honor the sacrifices of our military and spouses of veterans. Erin Smalley shares some of the statistics of how military families battle loneliness. You'll also hear from Jessica Manfre, who joins Jim Daly to share about how you can reach out to those serving in the armed forces.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book...

What do you do if your spouse is making unhealthy lifestyle choices? Dave Willis talks with Jim Daly about how his wife Ashley encouraged him to go to the doctor and deal with his health issues. Plus, Greg and Erin address how to respond well if you've tried talking to your mate about their diet and lifestyle, but he or she hasn't listened yet.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriag...

The midlife years of marriage are filled with changes, but can also be very rich. Lisa-Jo Baker joins Jim and Jean Daly to address some of the ways she had to adjust to the middle years of life. Then, Greg Smalley opens up about struggles men usually face during that time-period.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Middl...

Does it feel like conflict sets your marriage back instead of making it stronger? Erin opens up about how her and Greg struggled to get along early on in their marriage. Then, Jim Daly chats with two couples - Milan and Kay Yerkovich and Marc and Amy Cameron - on how to be honest about your emotions with your spouse, in ways that don't lead to big arguments.   Find us online at focusonthefami...

When have you last examined your own flaws instead of fixating on your spouse's? Greg describes how distressed couples have a tendency to focus too much on their mate's issues instead of their own. Plus, Les and Leslie Parrott share how to tell if you're a healthy or an unhealthy spouse.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book H...

Most couples go through a season where you're overwhelmed by many challenges all at once. How do you persevere? Greg explains about a time where he and Erin felt like they went through the perfect storm. You'll also hear Jim Daly chat with Dr. Josh and Christi Straub about how they worked together through a number of unforeseen circumstances.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagep...

How are you being intentional to make your marriage better? Rhonda Stoppe and Jim Daly will encourage you with 3 Rs - remember, repent, return. Also, John, Erin and Greg bring up how to respond well if your spouse is caught in unrepentant patterns of sin.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book If My Husband Would Change, I&rsqu...

What's the difference between a contract vs. a covenant type of love? Dr. Greg Smalley answers that question. Then, Jim Daly talks with Dr. Gary Chapman on what real commitment in your marriage looks like. At the end, Erin and John will share what you can do if you're in a tough spot as a couple.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive t...

Prayer is one of the key ingredients to helping you experience a deeper relationship with your mate. Kathi Lipp joins Jim Daly to discuss the difference prayer can make in your marriage. Also, Erin Smalley shares about couples she's seen persevere through serious challenges by relying on God.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the b...

Most couples go through a season where you're not connecting like you want. Erin Smalley addresses how spiritual connection matters, and that a lot of couples are struggling in this area. Plus, Jim Daly and Debra Fileta give some thoughts for getting on the same page spiritually again.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Lov...

When you fell in love, was it love at first sight, or did attraction grow with time? Jim Daly and Debra Fileta address how a person can fall in love with their mate, and enjoy the spring season of marriage. Also, Erin and Greg Smalley will address why taking care of yourself is good for your relationship   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   R...

How do you know if you're facing spiritual warfare? Dr. Tim Muehlhoff and his wife Noreen joined Jim Daly to discuss 5 real signs that you're actually under a spiritual attack. Also, Greg and Erin open up about times they persevered when they tempted to be discouraged.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Defending Your Marri...