Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage

Focus on the Family
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Jul 21, 2025 • 55min

My Spouse Is On The Spectrum

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin speak with Dr. Stephanie and Dan Holmes about being in a marriage effected by autism. They discuss the evolving dynamics of their relationship, the importance of communication strategies, and how neurodivergence impacts their daily lives. Stephanie highlights the significance of understanding and valuing each other's strengths, while also stressing the need for neurodiversity-informed support when seeking marital help. Dan reflects on the value of empathy and the necessity of recognizing different perspectives. Together, they offer practical advice and emphasize the importance of support systems, shared values, and strategic communication for couples managing similar challenges.   Embracing the Autism Spectrum   Marriage Assessment   A Neurodiverse Marriage: One Wife's Story   How To Identify and Relate to A Spouse on the Autism Spectrum   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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Jul 14, 2025 • 52min

The Ultimate Date Night Show

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley discuss the importance of regular date nights for marital happiness, stability, and sexual satisfaction with Jay and Laura Laffoon. They share personal anecdotes about their own date nights provide insights from their 40-year marriage on keeping the spark alive through dating. You'll learn how to overcome barriers to date nights, the significance of trying new activities together, and later, we even talk about renewing wedding vows. We'll also address a listener's question on how to support a chronically unemployed spouse, emphasizing patience, compassion, and practical advice.   Ultimate Date Night: 52 Amazing Dates for Busy Couples   Conversation Starters For Couples   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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Jul 7, 2025 • 43min

Trading Trauma For Truth

So, what HAVEN'T you told your spouse? On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss the impact of past trauma and secrets on marriage and relationships. We'll also hear from Elizabeth Good who discusses her book 'Speak the Unspeakable,' exploring the impact of adverse childhood experiences, or ACES. Greg and Erin encourage you to play a movie-themed game of 'Never Have I Ever,' and they'll answer a listener's question about handling a potential pornography addiction in a spouse.   Speak The Unspeakable   Understanding and Overcoming Trauma with Dr. Gregory Jantz   Redeeming a Marriage and Childhood Wounds with Russ & Tori Taff   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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Jun 30, 2025 • 59min

Supporting Military Marriages

On this episode of 'Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage' Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley celebrate our troops and their families, and talk with Beth Runkle about the challenges military spouses face and the dynamic of military home life -- which includes frequent moves, loneliness, saying goodbye for deployments, and the emotional strain of maintaining relationships. Beth shares personal experiences about resentment towards military life, the importance of communication, and how finding faith helped her marriage survive. We'll give you practical advice on self-care, forming community, and supporting mental and emotional health, too. We also will take a question from a listener who is dealing with anxiety.   Another Move God?   Here are resources to help military families!   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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Jun 23, 2025 • 57min

Myths Wives Believe

On this episode of 'Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage,' Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss common myths about marriage. Do you have misconceptions about what makes a marriage successful? We'll talk with Rhonda and Steve Stoppe who discuss Rhonda's book 'If My Husband Would Change, I'd Be Happy.' We'll hear stories about their marital challenges and how they resolved them through faith and open communication. The episode concludes with advice on dealing with chronic illness in marriage and the importance of maintaining self-care and balance. Plus, we have a fun activity to create music playlists for your spouse to foster connection and intimacy.   If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy   Weekend Get Away   9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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Jun 16, 2025 • 56min

Better Marriage - Better Life

Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley interview Dr. Gary Chapman, renowned author of 'The Five Love Languages' and other marriage-related books. On this episode we discuss practical insights from Chapman's new book, 'A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage.' Highlights include addressing common communication issues in marriage, the importance of humility, techniques for handling conflicts, and the role of apologies and forgiveness. Dr. Chapman shares his wisdom from 60 years of marriage, emphasizing the need for mutual respect, understanding each other's love languages, and consistently working on the relationship. The episode concludes with a celebration of Greg and Erin's 33rd wedding anniversary, highlighting their ongoing commitment to growing in love and supporting each other.   A Simple Guide For A Better Marriage   Conversation Starters For Couples   Here's a link to the Narcissism episode   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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Jun 9, 2025 • 49min

Covenant Conditions: A Father's Challenge To A Future Son-In-Law

What if you went to your girlfriend's father, asking for her hand in marriage, and he says "NO!" What would you do? On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley dive into a heartfelt story involving Curt and Tanya Cramer, their daughter Abby, and her future husband, David. This conversation emphasizes the importance of patience, relational growth, and spiritual growth in order to handle the biblical requirements of a marriage. Greg and Erin also address a listener’s question about the biblical perspective on sex in marriage and share humorous marriage tweets.   Ready To Wed: 12 Ways To Start A Marriage You'll Love   12 Questions Every Father Should Ask His Future Son In Law   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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Jun 2, 2025 • 59min

Let's Talk About Marriage Pt .2

Personal anecdotes, including stories about resolving conflicts, handling crises, and supporting each other through tough times, illustrate the broader points of a strong marriagfe. The importance of empathy, communication, and long-term commitment is highlighted, as is the notion of using marriage as a means to grow more like Christ and to support one another in becoming the best versions of themselves.   The Healthy Marriage Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations to Bring You Closer Together   If you'd like to talk with a Christian Counselor, call us at 1-800-A-FAMILY   Fight Your Way To A Better Marriage   Additional Premarital Resources   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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May 26, 2025 • 59min

Let's Talk About Marriage Pt. I

On this edition of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin have a discussion with Jim and Jean Daly about strengthening marriages, starting with how their differences revealed themselves early in their marriage. We'll explore the key challenges in marriage such as creating safety and understanding each other's needs. This conversation is also featured on Focus on the Family daily radio program on June 5, 2025.   The Healthy Marriage Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations to Bring You Closer Together   Marriage Champions   Fight Your Way To A Better Marriage   Take the Marriage Personality Test   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
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May 19, 2025 • 58min

Sports Analogies for Marriage

In this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss strategies to strengthen marriages using biblical principles and sports analogies! We spent some time with marriage coaches George and Tondra Gregory who shared their experiences working with NFL teams and their approach to marriage ministry. Topics include defining a 'win' in marriage, navigating cultural and communication differences, and the importance of intentional growth through life transitions. The episode also provides practical date night ideas using the alphabet, and addresses a listener's question about improving communication and managing emotional triggers. Make sure you share the link with your friends!   The Game Plan For Marriage   Nurture The Heart of your Spouse Collection   The Animal Personality Test   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

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