Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

How do you and your spouse work through your different communication styles? Jim Daly is joined by marriage experts, Bill and Pam Farrel, and they'll share common mistakes men and women make in communicating. Plus, John and the Smalley's give some tips to help you avoid miscommunications in your marriage. Find us online at or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Explore more episode resources Receive the book Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Understanding the Differences Between You and Your Spouse Why are Men Like Waffles? Why are Women Like Spaghetti? If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

It's common for married couples to ask, "how often should we be physically intimate?" While there's no rule, Jim Daly speaks to Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti Feldhahn on why many couples struggle to agree on frequency. You'll also hear John and the Smalley's offer encouragement to couples who are struggling to enjoy sex. Find us online at or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Get more resources Receive the book Secrets of Sex & Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Listen Anytime Contact our Counseling Department The Best Ways to Deal with Mismatched Libidos in Marriage If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

What if the thing you're most afraid to share with your spouse is exactly what could bring you closer together? Ryan and Selena Frederick join Jim Daly to talk about how honesty and vulnerability transformed their marriage — from buried childhood shame to a deeper emotional connection than ever before. See-Through Marriage Letting God's Light Shine Through Your Marriage

Today, counselor Darby Strickland helps us unpack the difficult topic of domestic abuse. Learn how to distinguish between normal conflict and a pattern of coercive control, recognize the signs of emotional and verbal abuse, and find out when and how to get help. Is it Abuse? - Gift with Donation Friends Helping Friends: Identifying Abuse in Marriage

When trust is broken in a marriage can it ever be restored? John Fuller sits down with Dr. Greg Smalley and Dr. Erin Smalley to explore how couples can move past broken trust and toward healing. They share practical wisdom from Dr. Henry Cloud on unprompted transparency, self-trust, and the ongoing work of repair. Get "Trust" free with your gift Learning to Build Healthy Trust

When you hear "boundaries in marriage," it might sound like building walls between you and your spouse. But what if the right boundaries actually keep your hearts more open? In this episode, John Fuller sits down with Greg and Erin Smalley to unpack why healthy boundaries are essential for emotional safety in marriage, from protecting your couple time to maintaining financial transparency and avoiding harmful opposite-sex friendships. Then, Dr. John Townsend, explains the biblical case for boundaries. Boundaries in Marriage How To Set Healthy Boundaries In Your Marriage

Grief is inevitable in every marriage — but how you and your spouse process loss can look very different. In this episode, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley join John Fuller to explore how couples can support each other through grief, even when their coping styles and timelines don't match. Holding On to Love After You’ve Lost a Baby Embracing Hope and Love After a Loss

We're wired to crave our spouse's affirmation more than anyone else's, yet too often, we become their chief critic. In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson share a candid story about the moment Ann realized her husband needed encouragement, not criticism, and how that shift transformed their marriage. Dr. Greg and Dr. Aaron Smalley unpack what true biblical encouragement looks like and how understanding your spouse's unique encouragement "language" can breathe life back into your relationship. How to Speak Life to Your Husband Revive Your Marriage By Becoming Your Husband’s Biggest Cheerleader

Up to 70% of couples in counseling say they feel emotionally disconnected from their spouse. In this episode, Jim Daly opens up about the blind spots that cost him his first marriage, and Jim Turner shares what it looks like for men to finally lean in emotionally. Dr. Greg and Dr. Erin Smalley unpack the pursuer-withdrawer dynamic, explain how to spot your spouse's bids for connection, and offer practical steps you can take today even if your partner isn't on board yet. The Disconnected Man Hope Restored Dealing with Emotional Disconnection in Marriage

When anger flares or worry takes over, there's usually something deeper underneath. John Fuller, Dr. Greg, and Erin Smalley unpack a conversation with counselor Debra Fileta about what's really driving our emotions and share practical habits to help couples connect beneath the surface. Nourish Your Family’s Mental Health Bundle Speak with a Counselor How to Nourish Mental Health in Your Family

This month's theme is emotional safety. John Fuller, Dr. Greg and Dr. Erin Smalley, and guest Karen DeArmond Garner unpack the many forms abuse can take physical, verbal, and emotional why it's so hard to recognize, and how faith has been misused to keep victims trapped. A compassionate guide toward help and healing. Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse Speak with a Counselor Finding Hope In The Aftermath Of Domestic Violence (Digital Download)

No couple signs up to lose at marriage but without a game plan, many marriages drift. In this episode, John Fuller and Dr. Greg Smalley talk with George and Tondra Gregory, authors of The Marriage Game Plan, about a five-part strategy for marital success. From defining what "winning" looks like to knowing your opponents and creating vision together, this conversation offers practical hope for couples at every stage even those who feel hopelessly behind at halftime. The Marriage Game Plan Marriage 911 Program Build a Winning Game Plan for Your Marriage

Your spouse's differences aren't a bug, they're a feature. Kathi Lipp and Sheri Gregory, authors of Overwhelmed, join the Focus on the Family Marriage podcast to explore how personality differences—expressives vs. analytics, introverts vs. extroverts, can clash in marriage yet ultimately complement each other when couples learn to value what each brings to the table. Discover why the traits that first attracted you are the ones that later drive you crazy, and how honest conversations and the right perspective can turn frustration into appreciation‌ Overwhelmed Practical Help for When You're Overwhelmed

Children are a blessing — but they're also one of the biggest disruptors a marriage will face. In this episode of the Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast, host John Fuller sits down with Dr. Greg and Dr. Erin Smalley to discuss how couples can protect their relationship amid the chaos of parenting, navigate disagreements about roles and responsibilities, and stay unified when their parenting styles differ. You'll also hear a candid and humorous conversation Jim Daly had with Pat and Ruth Schwenk, authors of For Better or For Kids, about the unpredictable early years of raising kids — including one unforgettable story involving a yellow umbrella and a Michigan football game — and why fighting for your marriage matters in every season of parenthood For Better or for Kids Focus on Marriage Assessment Loving Your Spouse in the Midst of Parenthood

Teamwork takes intentionality. No matter how hard it gets, it's worth the effort. Erin Smalley shares some exciting news about how teamwork has paid off in her marriage. Then, Dr. Randy Schroeder joins Jim Daly to give couples a framework for encouraging each other in your daily lives. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Simple Habits for Marital Happiness Focus on Marriage Assessment Forming New Habits for Your Marriage Filling Your Marriage With Joy Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

Do you wish you could go back to the way things were? Have you lost hope? There is good news. Jim Daly joins Vicki Rose to share how God worked in her heart during a separation period with her husband Bill. At the end, Greg Smalley will explain why it's not too late for you and your spouse to be restored. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Every Reason to Leave Hope Restored Staying Together When You Feel Like Leaving Counseling Consultation and Referrals An Impossible Marriage

Without feeling emotionally safe, it's hard to work together as a couple. Josh Straub and his wife Christi talk to Jim Daly about how he learned to make her feel seen and heard. Also, Greg opens up about why it's so meaningful when Erin encourages him. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY A Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Check Out Greg & Erin's Podcast Working Together as a Team in Your Marriage Developing Teamwork in Marriage Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

What if you could make your marriage happier? Shaunti Feldhahn joins Jim Daly to share research findings on what happy couples do. Also, if your spouse is getting on your nerves, John and the Smalley's will encourage you to assume the best. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages Focus on Marriage Assessment Uncovering the Secrets to a Happy Marriage 6 Ways to Make Your Marriage Happy Speak to a Counselor

Are you and your mate struggling to work together on money? Chuck and Ann Bentley share with Jim Daly how they struggled to communicate about their finances for two decades. Also, Greg and Erin provide some ideas for couples can get on the same page with your 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 Finding Financial Unity in Marriage Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

What if you and your spouse had regular conversations that left you feeling encouraged? Bill and Pam Farrel talk with Jim Daly about how to do something called a marriage meet up. Then, Erin and Greg explain why scheduling time to talk together can lead to greater marital satisfaction. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Marriage Meet Ups (Bundle) Focus on Marriage Assessment Strengthen Your Marriage With a Meet Up Improve Your Marriage by Asking the Right Questions Wife Wants Better Communication in Marriage: A Guide for Mentors