

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage
Focus on the Family
Did you know the Hebrew root word for marriage is the same as mess? Okay, maybe not, but it wasn’t a stretch to believe, right? This is the podcast for Christian married couples who are in the middle of a messy moment. They need to laugh. They need clear, practical advice. And they need to hear from someone with an actual degree in this thing. Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley are those people. They have reached millions of couples through their counseling practices, books, events, and work at Focus on the Family.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 24, 2025 • 42min
Habits for A Happy Marriage, Pt. 2
Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley continue with the great conversation they had with Dr. Randy Schroeder about simple habits couples can adopt to strengthen their marriage. Starting with the critical role of forgiveness in healing and sustaining relationships, with specific language that you can use. We also touch on managing conflict, expressing kindness, and the value of having specific disagreement guidelines. If your marriage needs help, pick up Dr. Shroeder's book, and call our counseling line. We'd love to help you. Simple Habits for Marital Happiness Take the Free Marriage Assessment Take The Free Reactive Cycle Assessment Conversation Starters Send us your email or voice mail here! Send Us A Review! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Nov 17, 2025 • 59min
Habits For A Happy Marriage, pt. 1
Dr. Randy Schroeder, a seasoned marriage therapist and author of 'Simple Habits for Marital Happiness', shares invaluable insights for couples. He emphasizes the significance of clear expectations and practical habits like meaningful hugs and eye contact. Randy suggests couples list their top expectations and frame them as requests, enhancing communication and reducing defensiveness. He also discusses essential habits for connection, respectful conflict resolution strategies, and the importance of continuous learning in marriage, making this a must-listen for all couples!

Nov 10, 2025 • 53min
What Is Best for Each Other & Best For Your Marriage
Greg and Erin Smalley discuss the importance of maintaining relational skills in marriage with Roger and Kathy Lipp, who discuss their blended family and their adventures in team-building. We delve into the importance of carving out couple time, how chronic illness can reshape a marriage, and the importance of gratitude and flexibility. Happy Habits for Every Couple How to Fight Busyness in Marriage Sign Up For Our Weekly E-Newsletter And Be a Marriage Champion 20 Dates For Less Than $20 Support the show! Sign up for our FREE Marriage Newsletter If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Nov 3, 2025 • 42min
How To Understand Your Hot Buttons
Do you think repairing your marriage is hopeless? On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin feature a presentation by Bob and Jenni Paul, who explain that underneath all marital conflicts is a common cycle of reactive behavior triggered by deeper, often unrecognized wounds or buttons. Our goal is to bring awareness to these patterns so that couples are able to respond with understanding, and improve their relationships by addressing their core desires and fears. Sound complicated? It really isn't! You'll learn a lot from this episode. We also answer a listener Q & A about gambling. 9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage Support the show! Sign Up For Our Weekly E-Newsletter And Be a Marriage Champion Check Out Our Reactive Cycle Assessment 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.

Oct 27, 2025 • 45min
The Middle Years of Marriage
No matter how long you've been married, there's some great advice in this episode! Greg and Erin discuss the challenges and opportunities in the middle years of marriage, focusing on issues like health struggles, retirement, and caring for aging parents with Larry McCall. They emphasize the importance of preventing boredom, pursuing wonder in marriage and life, and the value of counsel. Larry shares his journey of understanding the deeper purpose of marriage, the importance of love based on God's love rather than reciprocation, and insights into being intentional in relationships. A Seasoned Marriage: Living the Gospel in the Middle Years and Beyond Go here for more Deep Questions To Stay Curious About Your Spouse Truth Rising Learn more about how to be a Marriage Champion 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.

Oct 20, 2025 • 42min
His & Her Perspectives on Romance, Sex & Fun In Marriage
On this episode, Greg and Erin discuss the importance of communication, romance, and navigating challenges within marriage with Jess and Ryan Ronne; who also share their journey of dealing with grief after losing their first spouses. The Ronnes offer insights into how they balance their relationship while caring for eight children (including one with special needs), and the strategies they use to maintain intimacy and satisfaction. Lovin' With Grit & Grace: Straight Talk about Romance, Sex, Fun, And The Tough Stuff Too Truth Rising Read more about a Healing Separation Support this Show! Sign Up For Our Marriage Newsletter 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.

Oct 13, 2025 • 60min
Working Marriage with J & Killy John
Greg and Erin welcome renown British evangelist and author, J.John and his wife Killy as they reflect on their 42-year marriage, discussing early challenges, the importance of communication, and the essential values they've embraced: respect, responsibility, romance, and resilience. They emphasize the significance of intentionally nurturing their relationship despite the demands of work and life, and share their daily routines that help them maintain a balanced and harmonious life together. The Johns are full of encouragement for couples, whether you're just starting out or have been married for decades. Take the FREE Marriage Assessment Sacred Pathways, by Gary Thomas Read more about a Healing Separation 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.

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.

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.

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.


