The Art of Relationships Podcast

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the crucial distinction between healthy and harmful conflict in relationships. They discuss common signs of unhealthy conflict—like harsh startups, criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt—and offer practical strategies to help you de-escalate tension, communicate effectively, and foster greater emotional connection. They dive into topics...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the realities and myths of hustle culture. They discuss how hustle culture is often glamorized for its promises of success, wealth, and status—but at what cost? They weigh the pros, such as ambition, drive, and new opportunities, against the hidden toll it takes on emotional, physical, and relational health. Through stories from their own lives and ot...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the parenting approaches of gentle parenting and tough love . They discuss the core principles, benefits, and potential pitfalls of each method—clarifying common misconceptions like equating gentle parenting with permissiveness or tough love with harshness. Through personal stories, practical examples, and thoughtful dialogue, they offer insights to h...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the hidden cost of chronic busyness and emotional exhaustion—especially the kind that stems from doing too many “good” things. They discuss the symptoms of burnout, how it quietly erodes our most important relationships, and why many Christians struggle to set boundaries out of guilt or obligation. With practical tips for recognizing early signs and c...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to navigate difficult conversations without damaging your relationships. They discuss practical steps for preparing your heart, regulating your emotions, choosing the right time and setting, and using the “affirmation sandwich” method to speak truth with grace. Whether you’re dealing with conflict in a marriage, friendship, workplace, or with a ne...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to discern when it might be time to end a dating relationship. They discuss 13 red flags to look out for—ranging from spiritual misalignment and boundary issues to emotional unavailability and unresolved conflict—providing practical insights and tips to help you navigate the dating process with wisdom and faith. Whether you're dealing with da...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to set and maintain healthy boundaries in dating relationships. They discuss the importance of emotional, physical, and spiritual boundaries, how to talk about them early on, and what to do if those boundaries have already been crossed—providing practical insights and tips to help you date with wisdom, clarity, and intentionality. Whether you&apos...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the highs and lows of college roommate dynamics in “Roommate Horror Stories.” They discuss student stories—ranging from passive-aggressive tension and cleanliness conflicts to emotional dumping and boundary-crossing behaviors—providing practical insights and tips to help you navigate difficult living situations with grace and wisdom. Whether you'...

In this episode, Alisa Grace sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Willa Williams to unpack the often-confused concepts of boundaries and ultimatums. They explore the difference between making a request, setting a boundary, and issuing an ultimatum—highlighting how tone, intention, and personal responsibility can either build connection or create division in your relationships. Tog...

In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with Tim Carney, author of Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be . They dive into the challenges of modern parenting, discussing how cultural shifts, over-scheduling, and fear-based parenting have made raising kids more stressful than ever. Tim shares insights on how we can reclaim community-driven parenting, enc...

In this episode, Chris Grace and guest co-host Tatum Munivez explore key questions to ask before getting engaged. They discuss essential relationship considerations, including compatibility, handling conflict, emotional safety, and recognizing red and green flags. Through personal insights and real-life examples, they provide practical wisdom to help you navigate the engagement decision with confi...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the concept of love languages and how understanding them can transform your relationships. They discuss the five love languages—quality time, words of affirmation, gift-giving, acts of service, and physical touch—popularized by Dr. Gary Chapman. They provide practical insights on how to identify and speak your own love language and those of your loved...

In this episode, Chris Grace explores the complexities of navigating identity and calling, especially in the context of work and relationships with guests Arianna Molloy and Tim Muehlhoff. They discuss how a calling is not just about individual fulfillment but deeply tied to our relationship with God and community. Their conversation touches on understanding work as a calling, avoiding burnout, se...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of expectations in marital intimacy. They welcome special guests Shaunti Feldhahn, an award-winning author and social researcher, and Brian Goins, Senior Director of Strategic Projects at FamilyLife. Together, they delve into the dynamics of initiating and receptive desire, the impact of communication, and pra...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the challenges and impacts of pornography in relationships and personal lives with special guest Nick Stumbo, Executive Director of Pure Desire. They discuss the pervasive issue of pornography in Christian communities, its mental, relational, and spiritual implications, and the path to freedom through grace-filled healing. Offering insights into break...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore managing holiday stress, balancing busyness, expectations, and finding joy. They discuss practical tips for setting realistic expectations, planning ahead, navigating family dynamics, and staying emotionally connected during this busy season. With insights on how to prioritize relationships, manage stress, and align your heart with God's perspect...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the topic of navigating grief and loss during the holidays. They are joined by Dr. Kevin Van Lant, a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in pastoral care and counseling, who provides invaluable insights into the challenges of processing grief during a season traditionally associated with joy and togetherness. They discuss the importance of recog...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the importance of family traditions, especially during the holiday season. They discuss how traditions create bonding, foster a sense of belonging, and adapt over time as families grow and change. Joined by CMR staff members Jane Locke and Tatum Munivez, they share personal stories and offer practical insights into navigating traditions in the face of...

In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with special guests Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff, co-authors of End the Stalemate , to tackle the challenge of navigating difficult conversations in a polarized world. Together, they share practical strategies like building relational capital, showing compassion, and knowing when and how to share truth. With personal stories and real-world examples, Chris,...

In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with special guests Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff, co-authors of End the Stalemate , to explore the art of having difficult conversations in today's polarized world. They discuss how to navigate disagreements, the role of contempt in damaging relationships, and the importance of empathy and perspective-taking. Providing practical tips, they help listen...

In this episode, Alisa Grace and special guest Willa Williams, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discuss the “Top 6 Relationship Killers” that often hinder our closest connections. They explore common destructive habits, such as taking things personally, assuming the worst, and failing to show empathy, offering practical insights to help listeners build stronger, healthier relationships. W...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore rituals for connection —consistent, intentional actions that can help strengthen relationships over time. They discuss how recognizing and responding to bids for attention can prevent couples from drifting apart and highlight simple rituals such as saying goodbye, greeting each other, and spending intentional time together. The Grace's provide pr...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore bids for attention —small interactions that can significantly impact the strength of a relationship. They discuss how recognizing and responding to these bids can prevent couples from drifting apart, drawing on research from Drs. John and Julie Gottman. The Grace's provide practical insights and tips to help you stay connected with your partner,...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace discuss how couples often run on fumes due to the demands of parenting, work, and life. They explore practical ways to prioritize marriage when time and energy are limited, offering insights rooted in Scripture and personal experiences. Drawing on Proverbs 3:9-10, they emphasize the importance of giving your spouse the ‘first fruits’ of your time and attentio...

In this week's episode, CMR Co-Directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss how personality impacts our relationships, and offer practical ways we can use personality tools to better understand ourselves and others.