Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

Focus on the Family

If you’re married — or soon to be — you’ve got questions. What makes this relationship work? How do I fix it when it breaks? Where do I go when I need help? Host John Fuller and marriage experts Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley help answer those questions with practical, down-to-earth insights based on God’s design for marriage. Find answers and inspiration in every short episode of this Christian marriage podcast.

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21 episodes
Updated Today

Episodes21

Newest first

Today · 14 min
Learning to See the Positive
If your mate is getting on your nerves, it's good to pause and focus on their best qualities. Ted Lowe joins Jim Daly to give couples a framework on seeing the best in each other. Plus, John and the Smalley's share about how you need to have honest and constructive conversations, even if your mate is bugging you. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Us in Mind Focus on Marriage Assessment Changing Your Mindset in Marriage (Digital Download) Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Podcast
Tuesday · 15 min
The Merge Moment
How do you learn to accept the differences between you and your mate even when they rub you the wrong way? John and the Smalley's open up about times they've worked through annoyances in their own marriages. Plus, Joey and Kari Stageberg tell Jim Daly a funny story about how cleaning a sink created a misunderstanding. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY The Merge for Marriage Focus on Marriage Assessment Blending Two Lives into One Flesh (Digital) Dealing with Your Differences: Decide, Don’t Slide Speak with a Counselor
July 30 · 9 min
A Thoughtful Conversation Goes a Long Way
When your spouse is getting on your nerves, it's good to remember the qualities that attracted you to him or her. Karen Leann Murphy joins Jim Daly to share how she reminded herself of the good things about her husband. Also, John, Greg and Erin discuss how dating and engaged couples can focus on the best in their potential mate before they walk the aisle. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY 2-Book Becoming a Husband/Wife Bundle Focus on Marriage Assessment Before the Wedding Bells: Essential Pre-Marital Tips for Couples (Digital Download) Ready to Wed: Pre-Marital Counseling Kit Speak with a counselor
July 28 · 10 min
Focus on the Good Qualities
When your spouse is getting on your nerves, it's good to remember the qualities that attracted you to him or her. Karen Leann Murphy joins Jim Daly to share how she reminded herself of the good things about her husband. Also, John, Greg and Erin discuss how dating and engaged couples can focus on the best in their potential mate before they walk the aisle. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY 2-Book Becoming a Husband/Wife Bundle Focus on Marriage Assessment Before the Wedding Bells: Essential Pre-Marital Tips for Couples (Digital Download) Ready to Wed: Pre-Marital Counseling Kit Counseling Consultation and Referrals
July 23 · 12 min
Be Slow to Speak
When tension is high, how do you avoid saying something to your spouse that you'll end up regretting? Deborah Pegues and Jim Daly offer some helpful thoughts on what it means and looks like to control your tongue. Then, the Smalley's share how to calm down and get collected even when an argument gets intense. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue Focus on Marriage Assessment Controlling Your Tongue (Digital Download) Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster
July 21 · 9 min
Learning to Work in Tandem
When conflict arises, does one of you tend to get aggressive, and does the other withdraw? Dr. Josh and Christi Straub talk with Jim and Jean Daly about how to recognize your patterns in conflict and how you can handle arguments in a more constructive way. Plus, Greg and Erin offer some helpful advice on how to recognize if you're playing the victim in marital conflict. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Famous at Home Focus on Marriage Assessment Becoming Teammates in Marriage I-II (Digital) Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment Counseling Consultation and Referrals
July 16 · 14 min
Overcoming Financial Feuding
Money is one of the biggest reasons couples fight. Erin and Greg Smalley discuss how a tennis ball can sparked a big fight between them. Also, Jim Daly talks to Chuck and Ann Bentley about how Chuck repented of idolizing money. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Money Problems, Marriage Solutions Focus on Marriage Assessment Getting on the Same Page Financially in Marriage (Digital) Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster
July 14 · 13 min
Making Good Marital Choices
How do you know if you're actually making the best decisions for your marriage? We don't always get it right. Greg Smalley opens up about some mistakes he made and how he learned from them. You'll also hear Dr. Ron Welch and his wife Jan speak to Jim Daly about something they call "unspoken truths," and how they can influence your choices. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY 10 Choices Successful Couples Make Focus on Marriage Assessment The Best Choices You Can Make for Your Marriage (Digital Download) Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment Making the Right Choice in Marriage
July 9 · 11 min
Building Boundaries With In-Laws
What do you do if your in-laws are making things difficult for you and your spouse? Drs. John Townsend and Henry Cloud talk with Jim Daly about how to respond if an in-law is pressuring you to do things that hinder you from prioritizing your marriage. Plus, Greg Smalley describes how he's learned to focus more on his marriage while not relying on his parents as much. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get today's featured resource, "Boundaries." Take the Focus on Marriage Assessment. Download "Establishing Healthy Boundaries With Your In-Laws." Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment. Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster.
July 7 · 9 min
Navigating Inevitable Conflict
When the tension is high in your marriage, how do you and your spouse work through it? Fawn Weaver and Jim Daly share about ways you can de-escalate an argument with your mate. Then, Erin and Greg open up about how they've learned to get better at working through a conflict as a team. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY The Argument-Free Marriage Focus on Marriage Assessment Reducing Conflict in Your Marriage (Digital) Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment Counseling Consultation and Referrals
July 2 · 12 min
When You’re Not Getting Along with In-Laws
In-law relationships can be some of the most complex after you get married. Dr. Gary Chapman joins Jim Daly to talk about responding in a Christ-like manner when your in-laws are not treating you fairly. Also, Erin Smalley discusses how this is a common issue for a lot of couples, and why you're not alone if this is your story. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Happily Ever After Focus on Marriage Assessment Becoming Friends With Your In-Laws Download the Godcaster App Counseling Consultation and Referrals Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.
June 30 · 11 min
What Do You Appreciate About Your Mate?
What would happen in your marriage if you simply told your spouse what you love about them? Kathy Lipp joins Jim Daly to share about an experiment she and her church did with couples. Then, Erin Smalley discusses the difference that giving your spouse regular compliments can make. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Happy Habits for Every Couple Focus on Marriage Assessment Fun Ways to Pep Up Your Marriage Download the Godcaster App Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.
June 25 · 10 min
4 Simple Things You Can Do
What if your marriage was only a small adjustment away from going to the next level? Scott and Vanessa Martindale talk to Jim Daly about 4 things you can do that'll keep the communication strong with your spouse. Also, Greg Smalley breaks down why simple habits add up over time. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Blended and Redeemed Focus on Marriage Assessment Redeeming Your Blended Marriage Download the Godcaster App Conversation Starters for Date Nights Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.
June 23 · 11 min
Building Trust & Friendship
Just like your house needs a solid foundation, your marriage needs trust. Dr. Henry Cloud joins Jim Daly to share about why showing empathy is required for building trust. Then, Erin Smalley explains why trust is necessary for having a deeper friendship with your spouse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Trust Focus on Marriage Assessment Learning to Build Healthy Trust Download the Godcaster App Counseling Consultation and Referrals Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.
June 18 · 13 min
What Every Woman Wants from a Man
Every wife longs to feel safe in her marriage. Jim Daly and Brant Hansen discuss why women find it so attractive if a man seeks to protect them. Also, Greg Smalley talks about how men need to step up and take responsibility for leading their wives well Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. The Men We Need Focus on Marriage Assessment Being the Man Your Family Needs Download the Godcaster App The Unique Matter of Manhood Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.
June 16 · 13 min
The Male & Female Brains
Men and women tend to respond to stress and situations very differently. Jim Daly and Gary Thomas address the differences in brain chemistry between husbands and wives. Then, John and the Smalley's discuss what a husband can do if a wife keeps bringing up the same problem in conversations. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Loving Him Well Focus on Marriage Assessment How to Positively Influence Your Husband Download the Godcaster App Counseling Consultation and Referrals Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.
June 11 · 13 min
Accepting When Your Mate Says "No"
If you want a good relationship, you sometimes have to tell your spouse, "No." Arlene Pellicane talks about a time where she had to have a tough conversation with her husband on learning to accept her "No." Also, Greg and Erin share how working through tough scenarios can lead to better friendship with your mate. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Focus on Marriage Assessment How To Avoid Bad Influences On Your Marriage Practice Makes Parent Podcast Hope Restored Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.
June 9 · 15 min
When Kids Get in the Way
Kids are a blessing, but they also require you to be more intentional to spend time with your spouse. John and the Smalley's open up about times they felt disconnected in their marriages when raising children. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Dave and Ashley Willis about making time for dates with your spouse, even if you have little kids. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Focus on Marriage Assessment How To Avoid Bad Influences On Your Marriage Practice Makes Parent Podcast Hope Restored Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.
June 4 · 9 min
Dates Don’t Need to be Expensive
What if some of the best date nights didn't cost money? Jim Daly talks with Jay and Laura Laffoon about how you can have a wonderful date with your spouse for not much money. Also, John asks Greg and Erin how they're learning to still have dates together, in a season with grown adult children. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book The Fundamentals of Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Discovering God's Design for Your Marriage Is Your Husband or Wife Your Best Friend? 3 Ways to Create a Godly Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.
June 2 · 14 min
Your Spouse is Still Your Friend
Are you and your mate best friends? Howard and Danielle Taylor join Jim Daly to make the case for why friendship in marriage is necessary for a thriving relationship. Then, Dr. Greg Smalley shares the most important thing you can do to keep your friendship alive. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book The Fundamentals of Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Discovering God's Design for Your Marriage Is Your Husband or Wife Your Best Friend? 3 Ways to Create a Godly Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.