Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

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...

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...

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...

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.   Rec...

How was God working in your heart before you met your spouse? Jim Daly talks to Rebecca St. James and her husband Cubbie Fink on lessons God taught them and ways they stayed active before they walked down the aisle. Plus, John asks Greg how God can redeem your story, even if you don't like how your marriage is going.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAM...

As Christians, we're called to please God. So, how do you balance that with trying to make your spouse happy? Dr. Greg Smalley will help you discern if your goal is to obey God, or if you're focusing too much on your mate's happiness. Also, Rebecca St. James joins Jim Daly to explain how she learned to let go of people-pleasing tendencies before she got married.   Find us online at focusonthe...

One of the beauties and challenges of marriage is that your spouse is always changing. Greg and Erin join Jim Daly and his wife Jean to explain how you can learn to love your spouse more with time. Also, John asks the Smalley's about how Greg's introversion has had a positive impact on Erin.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the bo...

Have you told your spouse how much you appreciate him or her recently? It can be easy to get caught up in the to-do lists of life, and miss telling them "thank you." Jim Daly and his wife Jean, along with the Smalley's, encourage you to make your mate feel valued through very simple gestures. Plus, John Fuller asks Erin Smalley why focusing on the best aspects of your spouse is good for your relat...

Focus on the Family When you set a boundary, it can lead to deeper intimacy with your spouse. John and Erin will encourage you to be intentional about setting boundaries in your marriage. Then, Jim Daly and Jerry Jenkins discuss ways you can practically eliminate some types of sexual temptation.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive th...

It's important to recognize where you're tempted so you can guard your marriage. Jim Daly and Jerry Jenkins address how sex, money and pride are the top areas where most people battle temptation. Then, Erin Smalley encourages married couples to create a safe place for you and your spouse to talk about where you feel tempted.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-8...

How do you embrace the ways you and your spouse are so different? Greg Smalley gives a helpful perspective for appreciating your mate's uniqueness. Also, Jim Daly talks to Tara Lalonde and Dr. Bob Paul on how to love your spouse for who they are, not who you wish they'd be.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Loving the Spou...

Has the romance run dry in your marriage? Most couples go through a season where that happens. Erin Smalley gives a few tips for small things you can do if the romance is low. Then, Jim Daly talks to Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde about how remembering you are a team can lead to more romantic moments.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Recei...

It's wonderful to recount your story before you and your spouse fell in love. Jim Daly talks with Rebecca St. James and her husband Cubbie on what their lives were like before they met. Plus, John asks Greg about why it's good for couples to reminisce on how God has worked in your lives.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book L...

Focus on the Family In Christ, you can experience redemption, even after you've made poor choices in your marriage. Jim Daly talks with Jim Turner on how to confront lies you might believe about yourself. Then, Greg shares how to respond well if a good friend calls you out on something.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Th...

How do you like to bless your mate and ask him or her, "how are you doing?" It's good to make that a regular part of your relationship. The Smalley's joined Jim and Jean Daly to discuss the importance of making your marriage a high priority above other human relationships. Plus, John Fuller asks Greg and Erin about why having fun is good for your marriage.   Find us online at focusonthefamily...

What does the Bible mean when it calls wives a "weaker vessel?" Jay and Laura Laffoon join Jim Daly to offer a beautiful perspective on what that term actually means. Then, Erin and Greg explain why speaking encouragement to your spouse is critically important.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Celebrate Your Marriage for...

Most affairs can be traced back to small compromises. Erin Smalley addresses how she's seen that very truth in her counseling practice, and why there's still hope if you're feeling tempted. Plus, Jim Daly and popular author, Jerry Jenkins, share why it's important to be guarded with things like touching someone and giving compliments   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or...

All of us need boundaries to protect ourselves from sexual temptation. Greg and Erin open up about something that helps them fight tempting thoughts. Then, Jim Daly talks to Jerry Jenkins about how men can protect themselves around women.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Hedges for your donation of any amount!   Hope...

What helps you and your spouse connect emotionally? Jim Daly speaks to Tara Lalonde and Dr. Bob Paul about a concept they refer to as Heart Talk, and how you can practically do it. Plus, Erin provides hope to couples who are struggling to communicate at the heart level.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Empowered to Love f...

It's common for you and your spouse to have different styles for trying to resolve conflict. Jim Daly joins Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde, who both open up about times they worked through conflict with their spouses. Then, John Fuller asks Erin and Dr. Greg Smalley how you can make things right with your mate after a bad argument.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or ca...

It's easy to believe the lie that things won't get better. But, we serve a God who's in the business of redemption. Jim Turner sits down with Jim Daly to explain how God has healed his story, even after his first marriage failed. Also, Greg Smalley offers encouragement to couples who don't feel like persevering through a rough season.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast o...

When was the last time you and your spouse went for a walk together? Erin Smalley discusses how the simple activity of going for a walk can help you and your spouse connect. Then, Jim Daly interviews Jim Turner on something called a Heart Walk   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Disconnected Man for your donation of any...

Do your words encourage or tear down your spouse? Jim Daly speaks to Jay and Laura Laffoon on how they've learned to be more encouraging to each other. Then, Erin Smalley gives some pointers for the person who recognizes they need to be a better encourager to their mate.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Celebrate Your Mar...

Saying "yes," to too many things is really bad for your marriage. Greg opens up about how he's learning to try and pull back from too many commitments. Also, Jay and Laura Laffoon join Jim Daly to share why prioritizing your spouse and kids matters more than career accomplishments.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Celebra...

Jesus tells us in the New Testament that looking lustfully at someone is equivalent to committing adultery in your heart. Greg Smalley explains why watching pornography will do serious damage to your marriage. Plus, Jim Daly and Jerry Jenkins discuss why porn also causes feelings of shame.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book...