Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

When it comes to sex in marriage, it's important to show your spouse grace. Jim Daly talks to David Gudgel about he and his wife worked through a misunderstanding regarding physical intimacy. Also, John and the Smalley's address that many couples struggle with sex, and why prioritizing friendship helps with physical intimacy.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A...

When a couple is dating, it's important to protect your relationship from sexual temptation. Jim Daly talks with Safa and Tovares Grey about why, "how far is too far?" is the wrong question. Plus, John and the Smalley's share about the need to have sexual integrity in a dating relationship.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Godly Da...

In the dating phase, what are good qualities to look for in a spouse? John asks the Smalley's about ways they encouraged their kids to search for a godly spouse. Also, Jim Daly asks social media influencers, Tovares and Safa Grey, on why dating is a great time to examine someone's character.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Godly D...

With the internet, smartphones and constant media, our culture is saturated with pornography. Erin Smalley explains how she's seen an increase in porn struggles in her counseling clients. Also, Mark and Rosie Makinney share with Jim Daly how pervasive the problem is. Then, Greg and John talk about the need to confess if you're struggling with it.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepo...

Many people, even within the church, are struggling with pornography. How do you get free from it? Jim Daly speaks with Mark Makinney, who struggled with pornography for years, on why it's so dangerous and addictive. Also, John and the Smalley's will explain why not dealing with a porn problem can be catastrophic to your marriage.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-...

Seeing your kids get married is one of the most emotional journeys. John talks with Greg and Erin about what those experiences have been like for them, and things they learned in the process. Plus, Ted Cunningham describes things he learned on the journey of giving his daughter away to his now son-in-law.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive th...

How do you avoid growing apart when life is so busy? Erin and John bring up how praying together can help a couple's relationship. Then, Jim Daly and Pastor Ted Cunningham share about the significance of prayer and how husbands can keep the communication strong with their wives.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Greater Joy TWOgethe...

Friendship and physical intimacy both play a role in creating a rich marriage. Jim Daly and Dr. David Gudgel share how you can cultivate both things in your marriage. Then, you'll hear John and the Smalley's offer encouragement to couples who feel ashamed about past sexual sin.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Enjoy Your Marriage M...

For husbands, learning to understand your wife doesn't happen by accident. It takes intentionality. Erin talks about something Greg does that helps her feel understood. Plus, Jim Daly and Dr. David Gudgel give the men some guidance on how to emotionally connect with your wife.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Enjoy Your Marriage Mo...

When someone wants to get married, what are some qualities to look for in a potential mate? Greg and John address why having a perfectionist mindset isn't helpful in trying to find a spouse. Then, Jim Daly meets with social media influencers, Tovares and Safa Grey, to discuss what a truly godly person looks like.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Re...

Teamwork is essential for the success of your marriage. Tovares and Safa Grey speak with Jim Daly about healthy mindsets to help you and your spouse be a strong team. Also, Greg and Erin talk to John about why there is joy in learning to make healthy compromises for the sake of your marriage   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Godly D...

Healthy marriages need serious conversations, but also laughter and fun too. Greg shares with John about how he and Erin have learned to have fun together, even with a very demanding schedule. Plus, Ron and Jan Welch talk with Jim Daly about three marriage moments every couple needs to help bring a balance of fun and serious in your relationship.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepo...

When life is crowded with kids, activities, and errands to run, it's easy to make your marriage less of a priority. Jim Daly joins Dr. Ron Welch and his wife Jan to encourage you to keep your marriage a priority, even when life is busy. Also, you'll hear from John and Greg about how even small investments can help your marriage in the long run.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodc...

Laughing together is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enjoy your marriage. John asks the Smalley's how laughter has played a part in making their relationship better. You'll then hear from Jim Daly and Ted Cunningham about how you can make laughter a goal for your marriage.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Greater Joy...

Fixating solely on things you want your spouse to change isn't good for your marriage. Jim Daly speaks with Toni Nieuwhof about the dangers of focusing too much on your spouse's problems. Plus, John and Erin share how owning your faults can help you make it through marital challenges.    Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Before You Sp...

The word tells you to focus on loving yourself, but God calls us to sacrifice for one another. Dr. David Gudgel and Jim Daly talk about two types of love that can bless your marriage - unconditional (agape) and friendship (phileo). You'll also hear John and the Smalley's explain how husbands can love their wives by making emotional connections.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodc...

How would you define the word "love?" The Bible has a lot to say about it, and how to sacrifice for your spouse. Jim Daly and Dr. David Gudgel explain the biblical definitions of love, and how they can positively impact your marriage. Plus, John and the Smalley's discuss how to love your mate by serving each other.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.  ...

Every person who's been married for a while will tell you there are moments your spouse does something you didn't expect. Tovares and Safa Grey share how they've learned that relationships are more complicated than we anticipate. Also, Greg and John talk about the dangers of a perfectionist mentality in romantic relationships.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-...

Dating methods have changed, but the principles that make for a great marriage still stand. Erin Smalley discusses how dating is different since she and Greg were in the dating scene. Then, Jim Daly talks with social media influencers, Tovares and Safa Grey, about about how single adults can be a good marriage candidate.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMI...

Repentance is sometimes the key you need to take your marriage to the next level. Greg Smalley defines what true repentance is. Then, Jim Daly talks with Dr. Ron Welch about a time he realized he needed to change the way he was treating his wife Jan.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book 10 Choices for a Better Marriage for your donatio...

There will come a moment where the commitment you've made to each other will be tested. Dr. Ron Welch and his wife Jan discuss how they've gotten stronger, even through some very challenging moments. You'll also hear Erin Smalley explain why it's good for couples to reflect on how you've made progress in your marriage.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY...

How do you forgive your mate, when it seems like your marriage is filled with hurt? Jim Daly speaks with Toni and Carey Nieuwhof, who faced many difficulties in their relationship, about forgiveness and restoration. Plus, John and Greg talk about how restoration comes when you own your mistakes and flaws.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive th...

Many struggling couples are asking, "Can our relationship survive?" Carey Nieuwhof joins Jim Daly to share about how he's seen divorce negatively impact people. You'll then hear John ask Greg and Erin Smalley about how they persevered through some challenging times in their own marriage.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Before You...

"Follow your heart," is promoted advice throughout our culture. Yet, John and Greg explain why it's a bad marriage strategy. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. David Gudgel share how your feelings are not the best indicators of what's right and wrong.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book Enjoy Your Marriage More for your donation of any amount!  ...

Have you ever been listening to a sermon, or a lecture and thought, "my spouse should hear this?" Many of us have. John Fuller and Erin Smalley share why fixating on your spouse's issues can lead to other problems. Then, you'll hear Jim Daly and Ted Lowe share how to reset your mind when you're constantly frustrated at your mate.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-8...