

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

Oct 30, 2025 • 10min
The Words You Say to Your Mate
Do your words encourage or tear down your spouse? Jim Daly speaks to Jay and Laura Laffoon on how they've learned to be more encouraging to each other. Then, Erin Smalley gives some pointers for the person who recognizes they need to be a better encourager to their mate. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Celebrate Your Marriage for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Practical Ways to Celebrate Your Marriage Hope Restored Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Oct 28, 2025 • 11min
Getting Rid of Hurry-Syndrome
Laura LaFoon, an author and speaker focused on marriage and family rhythms, joins the discussion to tackle the cultural pressures women face and the damaging 'hurry syndrome.' She highlights how saying 'yes' too often can harm relationships. The conversation dives into the importance of prioritizing spouse and family over career, exploring the idea of a destination mentality versus being present in the moment. With practical tips on slowing down, Laura emphasizes the need for mindfulness and enjoying life's journey together.

Oct 23, 2025 • 10min
Run from Pornography!
Jesus tells us in the New Testament that looking lustfully at someone is equivalent to committing adultery in your heart. Greg Smalley explains why watching pornography will do serious damage to your marriage. Plus, Jim Daly and Jerry Jenkins discuss why porn also causes feelings of shame. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Hedges" for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored How to Guard Your Marriage From Temptation Contact our Counseling Team The Hedges Challenge Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Oct 21, 2025 • 10min
When Temptation is Still Around
When you got married, it was easy to believe sexual temptation might disappear. John and Erin explain why temptation still needs to be dealt with even after you get married. Then, Jim Daly and author Jerry Jenkins share why God calls us to flee from sexual temptation, not just fight it. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "Hedges" for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored How to Guard Your Marriage From Temptation Contact our Counseling Team The Hedges Challenge Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Oct 16, 2025 • 11min
Stay Curious About Your Spouse
Curiosity is key to maintaining love in marriage, even after years together. Learn how curiosity sustains romance and drives personal growth. Discover that people constantly evolve, revealing new layers to explore. A personal story highlights the dangers of assuming complete knowledge about a partner. Simple yet profound practices include setting aside time for deeper conversations. Rekindle that spark by asking questions and truly listening to each other—it's a skill you can develop!

Oct 14, 2025 • 12min
Why Codependency is so Toxic
If you're focused too much on your spouse's issues, that might be a sign of codependency. Jim Daly talks with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde, on how you need to deal with your own problems first before trying to fix your spouse. Also, John and the Smalley's bring up how to discern if you're not focusing on your own maturity enough. 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 Take 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.

Oct 9, 2025 • 13min
The Dangers of Not Engaging Emotionally
To not try to understand your wife's emotions can do great damage in your marriage. John asks Erin Smalley about how it makes a wife feel if her husband dismisses her emotions. Then, Jim Turner and Jim Daly explain why loving your wife is more than just doing nice things for her. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "The Disconnected Man" for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Dealing With Emotional Disconnection in Marriage Contact our Counseling Team Humility in Marital Conflict Makes a Difference Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Oct 7, 2025 • 14min
When Your Husband is Emotionally Distant
What do you do if your husband is not connecting with you emotionally? Jim Daly interviews Jim Turner about how he struggled with being emotionally distant in his first marriage. Also, Greg Smalley shares how he's learned to be more open to sharing his feelings with Erin. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book "The Disconnected Man" for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Dealing With Emotional Disconnection in Marriage Contact our Counseling Team Humility in Marital Conflict Makes a Difference Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Oct 2, 2025 • 10min
Too Busy to Date Your Spouse?
You want fun dates with your spouse, but what if you simply don't have much time on your plate? Jay and Laura Laffoon speak with Jim Daly about how you can still make date nights a priority, even if you have a demanding schedule. Then, John asks Greg about how incremental changes in your relationship can have a major impact on having more time with your mate. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Celebrate Your Marriage: 365 Daily Devotions for Busy Couples for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Practical Ways to Celebrate Your Marriage Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Make Date Night with Your Spouse a Weekly Habit Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Sep 30, 2025 • 10min
Don't Skip Date Night
Date nights should be a part of every couple's schedule no matter how long you've been married. Jay and Laura Laffoon, who've been together for four decades, speak with Jim Daly about why their marriage is better because of date nights. Plus, Dr. Greg Smalley talks about some of the best dates he and Erin have been on. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Celebrate Your Marriage: 365 Daily Devotions for Busy Couples for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Practical Ways to Celebrate Your Marriage Conversation Starters for Date Nights How Important is Sex in a Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.


