The Art of Relationships Podcast

In a time when it seems everyone is on their cell phone, it is important to understand the significant influence that technology has on us. Research has shown that people feel more connected to others simply because of their smartphones. Yet, with the use of smartphones and other technologies on the rise, we also need to create healthy boundaries and balance when it comes to our relationships. Dr....

We are in the age of constant connection. It's not that technology is bad, the problem is that the poor use of it can negatively impact our relationships. While technology makes it easier to connect with those who are far from us, if not used wisely, it can also make it more difficult for us to stay connected with those who are near to us. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim...

Relationships are hard work, and parenting is certainly no exception. Child psychologists say that ages newborn to six are extremely formative in a child's self-identity, making it critical to establish a healthy parenting philosophy early on. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explore the different seasons of parenting styles and offer practical ways to foster hea...

Relationships are hard work, and parenting is certainly no exception. Child psychologists say that ages zero to six are extremely formative in a child's self-identity, making it critical to establish a healthy parenting philosophy early on. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff break down results from a classic Harvard case study that explores the relationship between...

As discussed in our previous podcast, calling a "relational truce" means designating a period of time where you agree  not  to talk about the issue that is causing conflict. While it can be beneficial to a relationship, there can also be negative consequences to this method of conflict resolution. In today's podcast Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff continue their discussion on ...

Establishing and cultivating a healthy "relationship climate" can be hard work, especially in the midst of a disagreement. When couples get caught up in the heat of the moment, they can make mistakes that hurt the climate of their relationship. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explore Proverbs to discuss the concept of a "relational truce" and how...

In a world that condones and even encourages the hookup culture, dating for Christians can either become a taboo subject or avoided altogether if not approached with the intent to marry. These two opposite extremes make dating a very confusing subject, especially if you don't belong in either category. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Debra Fileta a...

In a world that condones and even encourages the hookup culture, dating for Christians can either become a taboo subject or avoided altogether if not approached with the intent to marry. These two opposite extremes make dating a very confusing subject, especially if you don't belong in either category. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Debra Fileta,...

It can be easy for a couple to slip into the mindset of their partner being there to make them happy, all the while losing focus on God's intended purpose for their relationship. What are some ways to re-focus this mindset and instill the biblical truth that marriage primarily is a means of glorifying God? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Bryan Lori...

We know life was never meant to be a holy hustle, but often times it can be easy for Christians to slip into a white-knuckling mentality to try and earn God's love. If this try-harder attitude inevitably taints our relationship with God, what are some practical ways to rely on God's grace instead of our performance? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down ...

Many  working components contribute  to a healthy relationship, yet the emotional side of love can be confusing. In today's episode, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the best-selling book,  The Five Love Languages , and discuss practical ways to communicate love on an emotional level so our relationships can flourish.

Did you know that research shows listening is the most important communication skill for interpersonal relationships and establishing a career? Yet in our fast-paced, high-tech world, it can be a challenge to listen well. In part 2 of this series, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff continue their discussion on the importance of listening and explore practical ways of setting aside time to liste...

Research shows listening is the most important communication skill for interpersonal relationships and establishing a career.  Yet in our fast-paced, high-tech world, it can be a challenge to listen well.  In part 1 of this series, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff identify common obstacles that prevent us from listening well.

Why did God design marriage? What can we learn about the character of God and His perfect love through a marriage relationship surrendered to Him? In this episode, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff take a deeper look at God’s purpose for marriage as they discuss insights from Gary Thomas, author of Sacred Marriage.

For many people, there seems to be an inherent stress that comes with the holiday season. From hosting family gatherings to encountering various family members, there are a variety of factors that add to the tension of it all. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff share practical advice on how to navigate the stress of the holiday season in a way that honors God and blesse...

In light of today's divorce rate, one of the biggest questions couples will ask before saying, "I do," is how can they be sure they're marrying the right person and if their love is the kind that will last a lifetime? In this second episode of "How To Marry with Confidence", Drs. Paul and Virginia Friesen continue to discuss their book,  Before You Save the Date: 21 Q...

In light of today's divorce rate, one of the biggest questions couples will ask before saying, "I do" is how can they be sure they're marrying the right person and if their love is the kind that will last a lifetime? In this episode, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with the experts, Drs. Paul and Virginia Friesen, and discuss their book  Before You Save the Date:...

Because dating is filled with ambiguity, and the tension between strong feelings and the reality of not being married, people can often move too fast towards marriage or end up destroying the relationship. In a Christian culture that often over-spiritualizes dating, where can you go to get sound advice about dating? In this episode, we talk about how to navigate dating well.

If you want to know what makes relationships thrive and what tears them apart, learn from John Gottman, one of the leading marital researchers in the world. In this episode, we’ll continue sharing some of his best research-based tips for happy and healthy marriages.

Today’s episode dives into a discussion about one of the leading marital researchers in the world – John Gottman. We’ve highlighted some of his best research-based tips for happy and healthy marriages and relationships, including the 5:1 ratio, the magic of 5 hours, love maps, and more!

Conflict is inevitable in any close relationship, but there is cause for concern when reoccurring issues foster conflict in marriages. If not addressed, recurring conflicts caused by marital “affairs,” will lead to a decrease in emotional connection, trust and intimacy. Listen to this episode to learn strategies that will help you protect your marriage.

If you have kids, your schedule is most likely filled to the brim with extracurricular activities and sports, and your family is pulled in ten million different directions. Our podcast guests Dave and Ann Wilson of Kensington Church in Detroit, Michigan, share their strategies for determining priorities and developing a mission for raising their kids.

This episode features guests Dave and Ann Wilson of Kensington Church in Detroit, Michigan. Dave and Ann are incredibly transparent and share about how they started dating and also some of the difficulties they had to overcome in their marriage. If you're getting serious in a dating relationship, don't miss their advice on spiritual compatibility. Listen to hear their story and gain insi...

Most Americans will say that forgiveness is important, but when you have something to forgive, it becomes really difficult to do. The way in which you give and extend forgiveness can really shape a relationship. In this podcast, we explore what forgiveness is and isn't, and take you through the process of dealing with deep hurts.

When someone says or does something that drives you crazy, you may be dealing with a hot button issue. In this episode, we discuss insights to help you identify the deeper emotions that get triggered from hot button issues, understand why the issue is so important to you and learn how to resolve the conflict well.