Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast

In this episode, Jim Turner, an author and redemption advocate, shares his transformative journey after a painful first marriage. He reflects on how embracing vulnerability and faith allowed him to heal and rebuild his life with a renewed family. Jim and host Jim Daly discuss the concept of second chances and the beauty found in restored relationships. Greg Smalley adds insights on growth through struggle, emphasizing that enduring tough times can lead to dramatic improvements in marriages, inspiring couples to persevere.

In this engaging discussion, Jim Turner, an author and speaker, shares his insights on emotional disconnection in marriage. He introduces the concept of 'Heart Walks,' emphasizing the importance of men stepping into their wives' emotional worlds to restore intimacy. Turner recounts his own journey of disconnect and highlights the significance of weekly accountability groups for emotional growth. He also discusses how men can foster genuine relationships that promote honesty and sensitivity, paving the way for deeper connections.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.