Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

When you got married, it was easy to believe sexual temptation might disappear. John and Erin explain why temptation still needs to be dealt with even after you get married. Then, Jim Daly and author Jerry Jenkins share why God calls us to flee from sexual temptation, not just fight it.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book "H...

How do you stay curious about your spouse, even if you've been married for a long time? Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde speak to Jim Daly about why there's always something new to learn about your mate. Also, John talks with Erin Smalley about how a couple can regain curiosity, even if you've lost that romantic spark.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMI...

If you're focused too much on your spouse's issues, that might be a sign of codependency. Jim Daly talks with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde, on how you need to deal with your own problems first before trying to fix your spouse. Also, John and the Smalley's bring up how to discern if you're not focusing on your own maturity enough.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or ca...

To not try to understand your wife's emotions can do great damage in your marriage. John asks Erin Smalley about how it makes a wife feel if her husband dismisses her emotions. Then, Jim Turner and Jim Daly explain why loving your wife is more than just doing nice things for her. Find us online at  focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "The Disconnected...

What do you do if your husband is not connecting with you emotionally? Jim Daly interviews Jim Turner about how he struggled with being emotionally distant in his first marriage. Also, Greg Smalley shares how he's learned to be more open to sharing his feelings with Erin. Find us online at  focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "The Disconnected Man" fo...

You want fun dates with your spouse, but what if you simply don't have much time on your plate? Jay and Laura Laffoon speak with Jim Daly about how you can still make date nights a priority, even if you have a demanding schedule. Then, John asks Greg about how incremental changes in your relationship can have a major impact on having more time with your mate. Find us online at  focusonthefami...

Date nights should be a part of every couple's schedule no matter how long you've been married. Jay and Laura Laffoon, who've been together for four decades, speak with Jim Daly about why their marriage is better because of date nights. Plus, Dr. Greg Smalley talks about some of the best dates he and Erin have been on. Find us online at  focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FA...

The statistics on how many Christian men are viewing porn regularly are very sad. Jim Daly talks with Sherri Mueller and Erin Smalley on how sexual sin is having negative consequences on young people. Also, John and the Smalley's offer hope to people who are feeling shame over past sexual sin.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the...

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul encourages couples to not go too long without physical intimacy. Jim Daly talks to Erin Smalley and Sherri Mueller on why it matters for a couple to not neglect sex in marriage. Then, Dr. Greg Smalley encourages families to talk about sex in healthy ways.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the...

When you're upset, one of the worst things you can do is fixate too much on blaming your spouse. Dr. Greg Smalley shares a story about a time he snapped at Erin, and how he learned from it. Plus, Jim Daly joins Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde on why it's important to not give your spouse too much power over how you feel.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-F...

How do you respond well when one of your buttons gets pushed in marriage? Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde talk with Jim Daly about examining the reasons why your buttons get pushed. Also, John Fuller asks Erin Smalley about how couples can practice effective types of self-care.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Loving the Sp...

Having supportive friends is one of the best ways to keep your marriage strong. Jim Turner tells Jim Daly a story about a time a friend called him out on something. Plus, Erin Smalley shares what women need from friends who love them.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book The Disconnected Man for your donation of any amount! &...

Allowing your spouse to share their feelings is one of the best ways to make your marriage safe. Jim Turner and Jim Daly talk about how men tend to compartmentalize their emotions. Also, John and the Smalley's will give some ideas on how to make sure you and your spouse are connecting frequently.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive t...

What if a small change in your marriage made the biggest difference? Jay and Laura Laffoon talk about how 15 minutes of uninterrupted conversation has helped couples they've worked with. Then, the Smalley's talk about simple ways you can make your spouse feel appreciated.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Celebrate Your Ma...

When was the last time you and your spouse laughed together? Erin Smalley explains why laughter is a sign of a healthy relationship. Then, Jim Daly joins Jay and Laura Laffoon, who bring up why every couples needs to find simple ways to have fun together.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Celebrate Your Marriage for your d...

The best sex is many times the end result of staying committed to your spouse. Jim Daly talks to Sherri Mueller about why sex can get better with time in your marriage. Then, Erin Smalley shares about how your marriage can still be great, even if you're in a season where you and your spouse can't have sex.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.  ...

There are times where physical intimacy is a regular part of your marriage. But how do you navigate the seasons where it's not? Jim Daly speaks to Erin Smalley and Sherri Mueller on when wives have a husband who's not able to engage in sex. Plus, John and the Smalley's address healthy perspectives for husbands whose wives can't be physically intimate.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/...

How are you and your spouse responding to conflict? Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde about something called, The Reactive Cycle, and when it goes wrong in your marriage. Then, Dr. Greg Smalley will give you some hopeful perspectives if you and your spouse are in a pattern of handling conflict poorly.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FA...

Every marriage needs to feel safe before both spouses can be open with each other. Erin shares about some ways her husband Greg makes her feel safe. Plus, Jim Daly talks with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde about how real safety is not just physical protection, but also where you can be vulnerable with your mate.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. &...

Do you think you have your spouse all figured out? The truth is, there's always something new to learn. Ryan Frederick and Jim Daly encourage husbands to work through communication barriers to better understand their wives. Plus, Erin Smalley talks about the right ways to give honest feedback to your spouse, for the sake of improving your relationship.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com...

If you're ever mad with your spouse, it's good to pause before saying something you regret later. Greg and Erin Smalley talk about the value of pausing before you explode in a marriage argument. Also, Ryan Frederick joins Jim Daly to address how a husband can respond well when he's upset with his wife.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Rec...

How have your spouse's strengths been useful to you? John Fuller opens up a way his wife has helped him be a better man. Also, Dr. Kevin Leman talks with Focus President Jim Daly about how his wife has been good at catching details and encouraging him.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive The Birth Order Book for your donation of any...

You and your spouse likely have different strengths. God designed it that way. But are you telling your spouse you appreciate their gifts? Dr. Kevin Leman and Jim Daly share about how a firstborn wife, who loves rules, can still respect her husband, even if he's not as strict with rules. Then, Erin Smalley shares what it means to a wife when her husband encourages her.   Find us online at foc...

How do you handle seasons where you're not enjoying physical intimacy as much as you want in marriage? Jim Daly speaks to Erin Smalley and Sherri Mueller about when sex isn't happening much for married couples. Plus, Greg Smalley shares how a husband can be a safe place for his wife to talk about sex.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Rece...

What will your kids say about your marriage in the future? Greg and Erin Smalley share how they stay inspired to remember they're building a legacy now. Also, Sean and Lanette Reed address how God wants us to bless not only your marriage but also generations to come after you.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Marriage in...