Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage

Focus on the Family
undefined
Oct 6, 2025 • 49min

Caring For Marriage Under Overwhelming Stress

Greg and Erin know that every marriage goes through a crisis. That's why we invited Todd and Kristin Evans to share their personal journey from enjoying life as a young, carefree couple to facing the challenges of raising a child with severe disabilities, including emotional strain, grief, and marital disconnect. No matter what your challenges might be, you'll hear ways to get through the storms. We talk about the importance of communication, support networks, and intentional self-care. Todd and Kristin found ways to thrive together, and they also recommitted to each other and set new marital vows tailored to their unique situation. Their story serves as inspiration and guidance for other couples navigating any kind of hardship. We also share the Playground Rules for Marriage, and we answer a listener's email question about how much is too much to share with your spouse when it comes to trauma. This is a practical look at everyday relationship "ins and outs" on this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage! How To Build A Thriving Marriage As You Care for Children with Disabilities Hope Restored Remodeling Stress and Your Marriage Call our Counseling Line at 1-800-A-FAMILY Support this Show! ENGAGE WITH US If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.
undefined
Sep 29, 2025 • 53min

Nurture Your Spouse, Married For Life

Dan Seaborn, founder of Winning at Home, shares insights from his own marriage with Jane, highlighting how their opposing personalities can spark both humor and conflict. He discusses the spiritual dimensions of marriage, warning against threats like adultery and pornography. Dan emphasizes daily spiritual practices and small gestures that nurture love. He also reflects on the impact of a strong marriage as a model for children. The conversation includes practical tips for recognizing and combating spiritual attacks in relationships.
undefined
Sep 22, 2025 • 52min

Coming Back After Crisis In Marriage

Are you thinking about divorce? On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss overcoming crises in marriage. They dive into the difficulties of rebuilding trust after infidelity, dealing with shame, and managing resentment. Our guests, Monty and Jeannine Mora, share their personal journey from their early years as a young pastoral couple, through a major crisis involving misaligned priorities, personal struggles, and suicidal thoughts. They highlight the importance of communication, seeking counseling, and prioritizing individual healing for the success of anyone's marital restoration. We'll answer a listener's question about how to start healing from hurts, and we've also included some humorous marriage definitions. This is a great program to share with your spouse, or forward to anyone you know who may be in a rough patch in their marriage.   Hope Restored   Call our Counseling Line at 1-800-A-FAMILY   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.
undefined
Sep 15, 2025 • 56min

The Importance of Having Friends

Whether you’re seeking new friends or wanting to deepen existing relationships, this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage will help women and men build their respective friendships. Erin and her friends discuss how deep, supportive female friendships are vital for navigating life’s challenges, providing encouragement, and fostering spiritual and emotional growth. Then, Greg and his friend Bill discuss the unique challenges men face in forming deep friendships, such as busyness, reluctance to be vulnerable, and prioritizing family. We also answer a listener’s question about a sexless marriage.   The Friendships of Women   A Free Digital Download: The Skit Guys - Building Healthy Friendships Among Men   Find out more about Hope Restored   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.
undefined
Sep 8, 2025 • 55min

Are You REALLY Ready To Wed? - The Young Married Focus Employee Panel

Dr. Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley discuss various aspects of marriage preparation, adjustment, and conflict resolution with four young married employees of Focus on the Family. They share their insights and experiences about preparing for marriage, dealing with marital changes, finances, and communication styles. Whether you've been married for a long time or a short while, there's useful advice on understanding conflict as an opportunity for growth, maintaining individual emotional health, and continuing to learn about each other in a relationship.   Ready To Wed   Call our Counseling Line at 1-800-A-FAMILY   Take The Free Marriage Assessment!   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.
undefined
Sep 1, 2025 • 56min

Men Living Focused, Fulfilled & Fearless

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley delve into the importance of men adopting lion-hearted characteristics in today's culture, inspired by Brandon and David Lindell's book 'Lion Hearted: A Man's Guide to Living Focused, Fulfilled, and Fearless.' We'll talk about the challenges faced by men stepping into leadership roles within their families, the significance of intentional living, and the need to understand and guard the heart. We'll also look at animal behaviors, illustrating lessons applicable to strengthening marriages. Then we'll answer a listener question about their spouse's weight gain.   Lionhearted: A Man's Guide To Living Focused, Fulfilled, and Fearless   Truth Rising   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.
undefined
Aug 25, 2025 • 49min

Create A Marriage You'll Love, Pt II

Join us as we continue to discuss how to deal with conflict on Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, with part two of our discussion with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde. They'll share their experiences of dealing with reactive cycles in their marriages, emphasizing the importance of self-control. Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley ask about conflict styles like fight-fight, fight-flight, and flight-flight, detailing how unresolved issues can amplify present conflicts. We also go over the 'Care Cycle,' a five-step tool to help individuals manage their emotions. Plus, we'll give you some Marriage History, and answer a listener email about a husband who doesn't take his wife's advice.     Empowered To Love: Discovering Your God-Given Power to Create a Marriage You Both Love   Hope Restored   Sign up for our FREE Marriage Newsletter!   Breaking the Reactive Cycle Article   Take The Reactive Cycle Assessment   Fight Your Way To A Better Marriage   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.
undefined
Aug 18, 2025 • 55min

Create A Marriage You'll Love, Pt I

In this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley discuss the importance of personal responsibility with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde, who share their extensive experience in marriage counseling through the Hope Restored program. Bob and Tara explain concepts like the reactive cycle and the importance of seeing your spouse through the eyes of God. They also provide actionable tips for balancing family expectations and maintaining a strong marital connection, even during challenging times. We'll also introduce you to the concept of Micro Moments, as well as answer a listener voicemail about balancing marriage and family obligations during a family crisis.   Hope Restored   Sign up for our FREE Marriage Newsletter!   Breaking The Reactive Cycle Article   Take The Reactive Cycle Assessment   Connect With the Community!   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.
undefined
Aug 11, 2025 • 43min

Married with Adult Children

Greg and Erin discuss maintaining a strong marriage during the transition to the empty nest phase with the one and only Dr. Gary Chapman, author of 'The Five Love Languages' and 'Your New Life with Adult Children.' We explore the emotional challenges couples face as children leave home, and the importance of communication, intentionality, and empathy in navigating this transition. Dr. Chapman shares insights on balancing personal and marital growth, and the need for parents to listen and validate their children's experiences. We'll also help you rekindle connection and affection through a fun game idea called 'Jazzed Up Jenga'! Share this episode with anyone you know who has children that will soon leave the nest.   Your New Life With Adult Children   Questions For Jazzed Up Jenga   Learn more about The 5 Love Languages   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.   If you enjoyed listening to Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.
undefined
Aug 4, 2025 • 58min

What Your Marriage Can Be

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Patricia Ashley shares a deeply personal testimony about how her marriage, once perceived as dead and nearly at the point of collapse, was revived through their mutual journey and commitment to Christianity. Over time, through shared prayer and a growing understanding of God's intentions for marriage, the Ashley's rebuilt their relationship, focusing on mutual respect and love. We also answer a listener email about how often 60+ year olds should be having sex. And we share a great idea involving a Time Capsule Love Letter to draw you and your spouse closer.     Nurturing The Heart of Your Spouse Collection   Hope Restored   10-Day Couples Prayer Text Campaign   Truth Rising   Support this Show!   If you enjoyed listening to Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app