The Grace Marriage Podcast

Melissa was DONE. Separated, exhausted, and ready to walk away from her marriage for good, she agreed to marriage counseling, not to save her marriage, but to check a box and feel justified leaving. But what happened in that room changed everything. In this powerful, emotional episode of the Grace Marriage Podcast, Melissa Hagan shares her raw and redemptive story—from total disconnection to genui...

What happens when you invite a therapist into the middle of your life's mess—live, on-mic? In this candid and emotional episode, Brad and Marilyn sit down with friend and therapist Lauren Early to unpack a rough few weeks filled with health scares, parenting stress, and emotional distance. Together, they model what it looks like to repair relational damage in real time—offering apologies, nam...

What if most of the frustrations in your marriage were never going to go away—and that was completely normal? In this episode, Brad sits down with best-selling author Gary Thomas (Sacred Marriage) to unpack a truth few couples hear but every couple needs: around two-thirds of marital issues are ongoing—and that doesn’t mean your marriage is broken. It means you’re normal. They dive deep into why l...

Is there a “right” number of times couples should be having sex—and what if your sex life looks different than you expected? In this honest and thoughtful conversation, Brad and Marilyn sit down with renowned author and speaker Dr. Juli Slattery (Authentic Intimacy) to tackle some of the most asked (and misunderstood) questions around sex and marriage. From frequency to frustration, porn to pressu...

Tired of saying the same old prayer every night? In this episode, Brad sits down with Dr. Don Whitney—professor, author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life and Praying the Bible—to unpack how a simple shift in your prayer life can radically deepen your connection to God, your spouse, and yourself. You’ll learn how praying Scripture brings clarity, freshness, and depth to your marriage—...

What if your breakthrough wasn’t in doing more—but in learning from someone who’s already been there? In this episode, Brad shares his personal journey of transformation through mentorship—how wise counsel reshaped his marriage, his mindset, and even his ministry. You’ll hear raw stories of being called out, being loved anyway, and being changed by people who walked a little further down the road....

Being funny, spending money, and having sex—three topics that can either bring couples together or tear them apart. In this episode, Brad continues the conversation with Dave and Ashley Willis, diving into the vital (and often neglected) areas of fun, finances, and physical intimacy in marriage. You’ll hear why laughter might be the most spiritual thing you do this week, how to stop fighting about...

What if the key to a thriving marriage wasn’t “working harder”… but rediscovering friendship? In this episode, Brad sits down with Dave and Ashley Willis—national voices in marriage ministry—to talk about how they turned an ordinary marriage into a calling that’s impacted millions. You’ll hear the real story of how youth ministry sparked their mission, how grace changes everything in marriage, and...

Many couples say communication is their biggest issue—but more often, it’s a symptom of something deeper: broken trust, unmet expectations, or simply a lack of emotional safety. In this episode, Brad and Marilyn sit down with therapist Lauren Early to unpack the core issues couples face and how to rebuild connection, even in the toughest seasons. They discuss why love as a choice—not just a feelin...

What if one of the most powerful tools for growing your marriage isn’t more date nights or better communication—but curiosity? In this episode, Brad sits down with pastor, performer, and author Drew Worsham to talk about the surprising role curiosity plays in connection, communication, and long-term relational health. From asking better questions to taking small risks, Drew shares the mindset shif...

Jeremy and Wendy Coward join the Grace Marriage Podcast to share their raw, powerful story of how God redeemed their marriage after years of distance, betrayal, and brokenness. From infidelity and addiction to deep repentance and grace-fueled healing, this episode is for every couple wondering if true transformation is possible. Hear how God turned their marriage around, how they’re helping others...

Sex is one of the most powerful, beautiful, and complicated parts of marriage — and yet it’s one of the least talked about, especially in Christian circles. In this episode of the Grace Marriage Podcast, Brad and Marilyn Rhoads tackle the topic head-on: how sex and communication are intertwined, why healthy intimacy matters for emotional connection, how to navigate seasons where intimacy is hard,...

What if, instead of asking “Why?”, you started asking “Why not?” In this episode, Brad and Marilyn share the bold, life-changing story of how they paused life for six months to travel the country as a family — right as they launched Grace Marriage. From hilarious misadventures to life-altering lessons, they unpack how pursuing big, visionary goals (even when they seem crazy) can deepen your marria...

We all bring something into our marriage—including the way we were raised. In this episode, Brad and Marilyn break down how family of origin influences everything from finances to parenting to how we fight (or avoid conflict altogether). Whether you grew up in a hands-off or hands-on home, your background is likely shaping your expectations in ways you may not even realize. Hear honest stories of...

Talking about money can bring tension, guilt, or even full-blown fights in a marriage—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Brad and Marilyn open up about their own real-life (and hilarious) money clashes, from grocery store blowups to budgeting breakdowns. Whether you’re the saver or the spender, this conversation unpacks how couples can better understand each other, work toward unity, and use...

In this episode of the Grace Marriage Podcast , hosts Brad and Marilyn join Rick to tackle one of the most difficult conversations in marriage: infidelity. With studies suggesting that 20–40% of marriages experience some form of unfaithfulness—emotional, physical, or even just flirtatious—the team digs into what causes drift, how to recognize early warning signs, and most importantly, how to safeg...

Can laughter and spontaneity really strengthen your marriage? In this episode of the Grace Marriage Podcast, Brad and Marilyn Rhodes share hilarious stories (including hang gliding and hot yoga!) and practical wisdom about how fun isn’t optional—it’s essential. They explain why couples stop having fun, how to break out of routines, and how to plan meaningful (and sometimes silly) experiences that...

What do you do when anxiety, depression, or emotional burnout hits your marriage? In this deeply personal episode, Brad and Marilyn open up about one of the hardest seasons of their lives—when emotional overwhelm, grief, and burnout took a toll on their relationship. They share what helped, what didn’t, and why seeking professional help earlier could have made all the difference. If you or your sp...

Ever feel your spouse can’t do anything right—even down to the way they drink coffee? You’re not alone. In this episode, Brad and Marilyn Rhoads join host Rick Dayton to explore how intentional gratitude can shift your entire marriage dynamic. They break down a simple but powerful “eye exam” practice, share how perspective shapes connection, and talk honestly about how frustration creeps in even f...

After years of secrecy, addiction, and betrayal, Bill and Carolyn Rieser were ready to call it quits. But when all hope was gone, God stepped in. In this powerful follow-up to our last episode, Bill shares the miraculous moment of grace that saved his marriage—and his life. If you’ve ever felt like your marriage (or your life) is too far gone, this story is proof that redemption is real. Brad and...

Bill Rieser had it all....then he lost everything. In this episode, hear from Bill as he shares his incredible journey from a troubled childhood in East Harlem to a life transformed by the grace of God. Growing up without a father, Bill struggled with pain, addiction, and broken relationships. Despite his talent as a basketball player, his life took a downward spiral until a series of events led h...

Children are a gift from God, but can they actually hurt your marriage? Many couples unknowingly make their kids the center of their world, which can lead to exhaustion, disconnection, and marital drift. In this episode, Brad and Marilyn Rhoads discuss why a marriage-centric home is healthier than a child-centric home, how to balance parenting and marriage, and why prioritizing your spouse benefit...

Want a stronger, more connected marriage? Date your spouse—every single week. In this episode of the Grace Marriage Podcast, Brad and Marilyn Rhodes join Rick Dayton to break down why dating isn’t just for the early years of marriage—it’s the key to long-term connection, joy, and resilience. Whether you’ve been married for one year or 25, weekly date nights should be a non-negotiable. Discover: -...

Disagreements in marriage are inevitable—but they don’t have to be destructive. In this episode of the Grace Marriage Podcast, Brad and Marilyn Rhoads alongside Rick Dayton break down the rules of engagement for handling conflict in a way that strengthens your relationship rather than tearing it down. Learn how to communicate effectively, listen well, and fight fair so that disagreements lead to g...

Many men think their marriage is fine—until it’s not. In this episode of the Grace Marriage Podcast, Brad and Rick dive into the common mistakes men make, from ignoring their wife’s requests to underestimating her emotional needs. Discover how small cracks in communication and responsiveness can lead to major marital struggles—and what you can do to fix it before it’s too late. Discover: - Why men...