

Focus on 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2025 • 14min
When Sex Isn’t Happening as Often as You Want
There are times where physical intimacy is a regular part of your marriage. But how do you navigate the seasons where it's not? Jim Daly speaks to Erin Smalley and Sherri Mueller on when wives have a husband who's not able to engage in sex. Plus, John and the Smalley's address healthy perspectives for husbands whose wives can't be physically intimate. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book I Want Him to Want Me for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Pursuing Intimacy with a Reluctant Husband Contact our Counseling Team The Best Way to Deal with Mismatched Libidos in Your Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Aug 21, 2025 • 16min
When the Reactive Cycle Goes Negative
How are you and your spouse responding to conflict? Jim Daly speaks with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde about something called, The Reactive Cycle, and when it goes wrong in your marriage. Then, Dr. Greg Smalley will give you some hopeful perspectives if you and your spouse are in a pattern of handling conflict poorly. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Loving the Spouse God Gave You for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Empowered to Love: Discovering Your God-Given Power to Create a Marriage You Both Love The Reactive Cycle Assessment Contact Our Counseling Team Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Aug 19, 2025 • 12min
Reactions that Make Your Spouse Feel Safe
Every marriage needs to feel safe before both spouses can be open with each other. Erin shares about some ways her husband Greg makes her feel safe. Plus, Jim Daly talks with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde about how real safety is not just physical protection, but also where you can be vulnerable with your mate. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Loving the Spouse God Gave You for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Empowered to Love: Discovering Your God-Given Power to Create a Marriage You Both Love The Reactive Cycle Assessment Contact Our Counseling Team Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

9 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 13min
Roadblocks to Effective Communication
Explore the ongoing journey of understanding your spouse as hosts discuss the importance of shared language in marriage. Learn how familiarity can either deepen connections or foster isolation. Discover practical strategies to overcome communication barriers and the role of self-reflection. Couples are encouraged to express personal feelings for better dialogue. Plus, tips on delivering feedback with care can help ensure conversations are constructive and compassionate.

Aug 12, 2025 • 12min
The Difference 3 Seconds Can Make
The podcast highlights the power of a simple three-second pause during marital conflicts, allowing spouses to regain control before reacting. Emotional responses are discussed, emphasizing the importance of managing feelings to prevent negative outbursts. Communication challenges are addressed, introducing concepts like 'Mount Foolish' to illustrate misunderstandings. There's a strong focus on active engagement and the impact of small, consistent efforts in improving relationships, alongside helpful resources and encouragement for couples navigating tough times.

Aug 7, 2025 • 15min
Lean into Your Spouse’s Strengths
How have your spouse's strengths been useful to you? John Fuller opens up a way his wife has helped him be a better man. Also, Dr. Kevin Leman talks with Focus President Jim Daly about how his wife has been good at catching details and encouraging him. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive The Birth Order Book for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment How Your Birth Order Shapes Your Marriage Recognize Your Spouse’s Value Contact Our Counseling Team Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Aug 5, 2025 • 9min
The Value of Your Spouse’s Birth-Order
You and your spouse likely have different strengths. God designed it that way. But are you telling your spouse you appreciate their gifts? Dr. Kevin Leman and Jim Daly share about how a firstborn wife, who loves rules, can still respect her husband, even if he's not as strict with rules. Then, Erin Smalley shares what it means to a wife when her husband encourages her. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive The Birth Order Book for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment How Your Birth Order Shapes Your Marriage Recognize Your Spouse’s Value Contact Our Counseling Team Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Jul 31, 2025 • 13min
When Sex Isn’t Frequent
Discover how couples can navigate seasons of low sexual intimacy with insights on communication and emotional connection. Hear personal stories that highlight the struggles some women face, including the feeling of isolation in marriages. Learn about the impact of external stressors on libido and strategies to foster open dialogues around sexual desire. The importance of seeking support, especially through counseling, is emphasized, along with a hint at how birth order may affect relationship dynamics.

Jul 29, 2025 • 12min
Leaving a Marriage Legacy
What will your kids say about your marriage in the future? Greg and Erin Smalley share how they stay inspired to remember they're building a legacy now. Also, Sean and Lanette Reed address how God wants us to bless not only your marriage but also generations to come after you. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Marriage in Transition: Creating Connection Through Uncontrollable Change for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Creating a Shared Vision for Your Marriage Secrets to a Lifelong Love Lifetime Love: Advice from Couples Who Made Marriage Last Support This Show! If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Jul 24, 2025 • 12min
What You Control, What You Don’t
It's easy to fixate on what your spouse is doing wrong. But real courage many times is focusing on what you need to work on. Erin Smalley addresses how a lot of couples in her counseling are too focused on their spouse's issues. Then, Jim Daly speaks to Tara Lalonde and Dr. Bob Paul, who will encourage you to work on yourself. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Empowered to Love: Discovering Your God-Given Power to Create a Marriage You Both Love for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Loving Your Wife with Your Words Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Podcast Contact Our Counseling Team Support This Show! If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.