

Focus on the Family Strengthening 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 3, 2023 • 12min
Listening Before Criticizing
Learn about the importance of listening in marriage and how it can lead to conflict resolution. Explore the significance of repair and active listening, and the benefits of healthy habits. Discover tips for navigating difficult conversations and reconnecting with your spouse. Find out the value of listening and connecting in marital relationships and get recommendations for improving relationships.

Sep 28, 2023 • 12min
My Life is Busy! Please Help!
When your schedule is full, it's hard to make time for your spouse. John Fuller talks with Erin Smalley about ways each of them has struggled with overcrowding their schedules in their marriages. Then, Jim Daly and Gary Thomas discuss why busyness isn't good for your relationship. They'll also share about how to hear from God, when making decisions in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Making Your Marriage a Fortress for your donation of any amount! For couples in crisis – you can still put the pieces of your marriage back together with Hope Restored. God's Design for Marriage Contact our Counseling Department Listen Anytime If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Sep 26, 2023 • 11min
When Financial Problems Turn to Anger
Financial struggles can lead to bitterness in your marriage, if you aren't careful. Jim Daly and marriage expert Gary Thomas share how your marriage can survive a financial hardship. Also, John Fuller and Erin Smalley discuss how to handle any anger you feel toward your spouse about money. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book Making Your Marriage a Fortress for your donation of any amount! For couples in crisis – you can still put the pieces of your marriage back together with Hope Restored. Embrace Your Money Type to Find Financial Unity Contact our Counseling Department Listen Anytime If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Sep 21, 2023 • 11min
Leaving a Legacy that Matters
Your marriage is building a legacy that will one day be remembered. To encourage you to leave a godly legacy, Jim Daly chats with Kimberly and Danny Ray Thompson about living for what truly matters. You'll also hear John Fuller and the Smalley's share about a couple they admire. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Disappear for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses? How to Rekindle a Relationship with Your Spouse Is Your Marriage Worth Imitating? Listen Anytime If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Sep 19, 2023 • 9min
When God Stepped in Your Marriage
Can you look back to a moment in your marriage and say, "only God could've done that?" Greg, Erin and share with John about a time that happened in their relationship. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Danny Ray and Kimberly Thompson about how God sustained them through a difficult childbirth. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses? Contact our Counseling Department Relationship Rituals: 20 Ideas for Staying Connected to Your Spouse Listen Anytime If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Sep 14, 2023 • 9min
Sex is Meant to Reflect God’s Love
Psychologist Dr. Juli Slattery and couples Greg and Erin Smalley discuss the importance of honoring God in sexuality, understanding covenant love in marriage, applying the pillars of covenant love to sexuality, the negative effects of rule-focused sexual relationships, and navigating sexual intimacy with care and support.

Sep 12, 2023 • 11min
Sex and Covenant Love
What comes to your mind when you heard the word "covenant?" Dr. Juli Slattery and Jim Daly explain how something called "covenant love," can greatly impact your sex life. Plus, John and the Smalley's explain why it's good for married couples to pray about physical intimacy. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "God, Sex, and Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses? What is Intimacy? How Important is Sex in a Relationship? Listen Anytime If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Sep 7, 2023 • 11min
You Can’t Read Your Spouse’s Mind!
Time for an honest question, have you tried to read your spouse's mind? Jim Daly and Counselor Randy Schroeder explain why that's not a good thing for your marriage. You'll also hear John Fuller and Erin Smalley talk about ways you and your spouse can share your honest thoughts with each other, instead of relying on assumptions. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses? The Reactive Cycle You Didn't Marry a Mind Reader: How to Communicate Your Expectations Listen Anytime If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Sep 5, 2023 • 12min
No Tech Secrets Between Us
Have you ever been enjoying a nice dinner with your spouse, only to look up and see he or she was glued to a phone screen? John and Erin share how they are working on getting better about not overusing technology. Also, Jim Daly and Dr. Randy Schroeder address how you can have better tech habits in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Simple Habits for Marital Happiness" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses? 7 Tips for a Technology and Social Media Detox How to Reconnect When You're Lonely in Marriage Listen Anytime If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Aug 31, 2023 • 15min
Good Kinds of Storms
Having a baby or getting a new job are wonderful blessings. Yet, those same things can add a lot of stress to your marriage. If you're in a stressful season, you'll be encouraged by what John, Greg and Erin have to say. Plus, Gary Thomas and Jim Daly offer a few practical ideas for maintaining your communication when you're overwhelmed by stress. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Receive the book "Making Your Marriage a Fortress" for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses? Finding Stability Amidst Marriage Stressors Contact our Counseling Department Listen Anytime If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.


