Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

One of the biggest factors in how husbands and wives communicate is the unique ways each of your brains are wired. Bill and Pam Farrel join Jim Daly to address the different ways God designed men and women's brains. Plus, John, Greg and Erin share why your understanding what your mate needs can help you be a better communicator.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-80...

Do you ever get frustrated by the different ways and your spouse communicate? Jim Daly talks with marriage experts, Bill and Pam Farrel about the differences in how men and women talk. You'll also hear John and the Smalley's share why it's best to show appreciation to your mate, even in spite of your differences.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY   Rec...

How do you handle painful memories? While it's not fun to think about them, we encourage you to not hide from them either. Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal encourage blended families to work through painful situations from the past. Plus, John and the Smalley's encourage you to give yourself grace, even when you get something wrong today.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1...

Sadness and pain happen in every family. How do you pick up the pieces, even when you can't shake painful memories? Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal address some of the ways sadness and grief impact blended families. Also, John and the Smalley's explain how practicing vulnerability can help heal past wounds.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY   Receive the boo...

Have you tried to be encouraging to your spouse, but he or she wasn't receptive to it? Jim Daly talks to Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about some healthy perspectives on if your spouse isn't receiving your kind words. Plus, John and the Smalley's discuss how positive affirmations can help a couple build trust and have more enjoyable intimacy.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marr...

Being affirmed by your spouse is great, but do you need it to survive? John, Erin and Greg explain why affirming your spouse is healthy, and discuss the difference between a need and a strong desire. You'll also hear from Jim Daly and Dr. Michael Sytsma on why feeling good about yourself is your decision, and should not be dependent on what your spouse says.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.co...

What your marriage is in a busy season, how can you make time for fun and laughter? Jim Daly speaks to Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about how they've learned to be joyful during busy seasons. John also talks with Greg and Erin about how they maintain joy, even with a taxing schedule.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY   Receive the book The Fl...

What can you do if you desire romance, but your spouse isn't the romantic type? Jim Daly talks with Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about a concept they call, "biblical flirtation." Plus, John and the Smalley's share about why it's good for men to be romantic toward their wives.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY   Receive the book The Flirtation...

Pretending like you've got it all together is not good for your your marriage. John and Greg address why it's not okay to act like your relationship is perfect, especially when there are issues going on. Also, Jim Daly talks with Pastor Rick Bulman about how he and his wife Tiffany don't hide from their broken past, and ways they've seen God heal their marriage.   Find us online at focusonthefamil...

For couples facing remarriage, what's the way to do a wedding right? John and the Smalley's share how they've seen God restore people, even after an unwanted divorce. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal talk about ways kids can be involved in a blended family wedding.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY   Receive the book Preparing to Blend for your donation...

How do you and your spouse find agreement on ways to discipline your kids? John, Erin and Greg address how this is a common tension point for couples, and why having kids can help you be a better spouse. Also, Dr. Ron Deal and Jim Daly discuss what healthy discipline can look like for blended families.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY   Receive the bo...

Money is one of the top areas of conflict for married couples. If you're facing financial problems, John, Erin and Greg will explain why you can still have hope. They'll also address whether or not a prenuptial agreement is a good idea. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. Ron Deal discuss how blended families can deal with financial issues.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800...

You long to feel emotionally safe in marriage. When you feel that safety, it can positively impact your sexual relationship. Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma talk with Jim Daly about the need to focus on good things in your marriage, even outside of the bedroom. Plus, John and the Smalley's talk about how you can help your mate overcome his or her insecurities.   Find us online at focusonth...

The truth is, many couples face challenges regarding physical intimacy. John, Greg, and Erin share why a satisfying sex life takes time and doesn't happen overnight. You'll also hear from Jim Daly, who talks to Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about common misconceptions many couples have about sex.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY   Receive th...

It can be easy to neglect romance when life gets busy. John talks with the Smalley's about how they've learned to be playful and flirtatious. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer about a concept they call, "biblical flirtation," that you can apply to your relationship.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY   Receive the book Th...

Have you ever been critical of your spouse and you didn't realize how your words hurt his or her feelings? Dr. Randy Schroeder talks to Jim Daly about how couples can recognize if they're criticizing their mate too much. Plus, John and the Smalley's address why planning things together, instead of complaining, can go a long way in your marriage.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepod...

Adultery does great damage to a marriage, and it's strongly warned about in the Bible. Pastor Rick and Tiffany Bulman discuss what happened after her affair with a friend came to light. Also, John and the Smalley's share about what you can do, if you're wondering if you'll ever trust your mate again.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY   Receive the book...

Sadly, many marriages today are broken when one or both spouses have been unfaithful to the marriage vows. If you know someone in that scenario, there can be restoration. Pastor Rick and Tiffany Bulman tell about the moment where her affair came to light. Plus, John and the Smalley's discuss how they've seen God heal many couples through the Hope Restored program.   Find us online at focusonthefam...

Sometimes, one spouse desires sex more than the other. When that happens, how can you and your spouse talk about it? John and the Smalley's address why it's good to put your spouse's needs above your own. Also, Jim Daly talks to Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn about why it matters that you and your spouse have a good sex life.   Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donat...

How can blended families show each other grace, when they reveal difficult details about their pasts? Jim Daly and Ron Deal share about how couples can have healthy conversations on their past histories. Also, John and the Smalley's offer hope to people who didn't have good marriages modeled to them by their parents.   Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount!...

When was the last time you and your spouse talked about sex? The truth is, many couples struggle to discus it at all. Jim Daly speaks to Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma about why many couples face challenges regarding physical intimacy. Plus, John and the Smalley's address why you need to talk about physical intimacy.   Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of an...

Your marriage needs friendships. But how can you discern if your friendships are truly helping your relationship? Greg Smalley talks with John and Erin about ways you can tell if a friendship is toxic. Plus, Jim Daly speaks to Dr. Randy Schroeder on how friendships influence a marriage.   Receive the book Simple Habits for Marital Happiness for your donation of any amount!   Focus on Marriage Asse...

You thought you were making such a good point to your spouse, but instead, your mate got annoyed by how much you talked! Sound familiar? Jim Daly speaks with Counselor, Dr. Randy Schroeder about the need for couples to practice dialogue. Also, John and the Smalley's will encourage you to make dialoguing a habit in your conversations with your spouse.   Receive the book Simple Habits for Marital Ha...

Many affairs get started with something that seems innocent - a nice text, a friendly conversation, etc. John, Greg and Erin will encourage you to notice the warning signs, so you can prevent an affair from happening. You'll also hear Jim Daly talk to Rick and Tiffany Bulman, as they address how she developed a seemingly innocent friendship that led her down a dark road.   Receive the book Mended...

Small things left unchecked in your marriage might make your relationship more vulnerable to an affair. John, Erin and Greg discuss how you can guard your marriage from an affair. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Pastor Rick Bulman and his wife Tiffany about a season where they didn't heed the warning signs in their marriage.   Receive the book Mended for your donation of any amount!   Hope Restored   List...