Focus on Marriage Podcast

Focus on the Family
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Jul 22, 2025 • 13min

Can God Work a Miracle in Your Relationship?

Have you ever reached a point in marriage where you didn't think you'd make it? John asks Greg Smalley about how he and Erin persevered through a challenging time in their relationship. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde on what helps couples go the distance in their marriage.   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.
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Jul 17, 2025 • 13min

When Two Strong Personalities Clash

Conflict in marriage can be intense, especially when both partners have strong personalities. Ryan Frederick shares his journey toward gentleness during arguments, while Erin Smalley emphasizes the value of understanding how husbands think. The discussion highlights personal conflicts and the impact of fatigue on communication. Listeners learn about the importance of grace and effective communication strategies to foster emotional safety and support personal growth in relationships. With practical tips, this talk encourages couples to navigate their differences with empathy.
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Jul 15, 2025 • 10min

Your Temperament as a Husband

Explore the vital role of communication dynamics in marriage, highlighting the impact of tone and non-verbal cues. Learn why emotional vulnerability is crucial for deep connections, and hear encouragement for introverted spouses. Discover techniques for effective communication, including the importance of active listening and intentional questioning. Personal anecdotes bring these challenges to life, as well as resources to promote love and understanding between couples. This conversation is packed with insights to foster healthier relationships.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 10min

Birth-Order and Biblical Examples

Explore how birth order shapes personalities and influences relationships. Discover intriguing biblical examples that illustrate these dynamics, such as the stories of Cain, Abel, Joseph, and David. Unpack the unique traits of middle children, including their peacemaking roles and feelings of being overlooked. Discuss the pitfalls of perfectionism in marriage and learn why embracing imperfection fosters healthier connections. Gain insights to enhance your own relationships by understanding these powerful influences.
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Jul 8, 2025 • 10min

When You and Your Spouse Are the Same Birth-Order

Many couples tend to marry someone outside of their birth-order. But what about the scenario where people of the same birth-order get married? Dr. Kevin Leman talks with Jim Daly about when middle children and babies of the family get married to each other. Then, Erin and John discuss why it's important to not assume your spouse is a certain personality, based on if he or she is a first-born, middle child, or youngest.   Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.   Receive the book 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've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

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