Awesome Marriage Podcast

Today on the Awesome Marriage podcast, Dr. Kim is joined by Gabe and Rebekah Lyons to discuss their latest book The Fight for Us. Through 28 years of marriage, they realized as time went on that each of them brought their own differing perspectives, expectations, and emotional maturity to the marriage. The one common thread to connecting through all the differences is and will always be clear and effective communication. It will take a fight and it will take intentionality, but your marriage will thrive and it will absolutely be worth it. We are praying this episode encourages you to keep fighting for your marriage.   Episode Highlights: Husbands and wives are going to bring different levels of emotional maturity into the marriage. Don't make an agreement with the idea of "it is what it is."  It will take daily, intentional effort to give your marriage the nurturing it needs. Effective communication is at the cornerstone of a strong marriage. Differing expectations aren't bad, they're different.  Quotes from Today's Episode: I want to normalize the fact that, yeah, there's conflict in marriage, but the bigger part is the repair and staying together and fighting for each other.   A wife or a husband is a mirror and you're going to see parts of yourself that are not healed, that are not whole.   We're all longing to be seen and known and loved fully in the absence of shame. And women are going to just keep hunting that down until they find it.    You're not healing unless you're talking.   It's not that it's right or wrong- it's different.   Sin separates, it's the whole goal of sin is to separate and break relationship.    We need to be all in.    Couples' Conversation Guide: Have you resolved to believe the lie that it is what it is? Are you giving your spouse space to share their emotions, free from shame and judgement?  On a scale of 1-10 how intentional are you being right now in fighting for your marriage? What is one practical thing from today's episode that you can begin implementing in your marriage to aid in the fight for an awesome marriage?   Mentioned in this Episode: Find Rebekah on IG Find Gabe on IG Help your children write God's Word on their hearts with our FREE 11 Bible Verses For Kids to Memorize Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word as you work toward handling conflict in a biblical way, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Try this FREE YouVersion plan: 4 Ways to Fight Fair in Marriage If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to . receive our Date Night Boosters.  

What if the chaos in your life and marriage isn't random, but the result of living out of sync with God's divine order? In this powerful episode, Dr. Kim welcomes pastor, author, and Bible teacher Manny Arango to the show for the first time. Drawing from his book Crushing Chaos, Manny shares how God brings peace by establishing order and how that same truth can transform our marriages. From understanding "Sequence, Authority, Rhythm" to identifying the chaos we invite into our homes, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and biblical depth. Whether you're navigating stress, disconnection, or just longing for more peace at home, this episode will help you move toward order, unity, and rest.   Episode Highlights: God's first works calm the chaos. Understanding God's context changes the way we read the Bible. God is an expert at not just blessing people with peace, but giving people order. We can't make lasting decisions in our marriage based on a temporary rhythm. Boundaries are necessary for proper order.   Quotes from Today's Episode: Alot of times we are really good at knowing what the Bible says, but not good at knowing what the Bible means.  He takes our lives which are naturally chaotic and dysfunctional and God begins to create order.  Most people think the opposite of chaos is peace, but the reality is the opposite of chaos is order.  Life is full of rhythm. You can't fight against the rhythm of life.  God does healthy, biblically inspired boundaries.  Your feelings aren't a good indicator of whether or not something is godly or biblical. The Word of God has to have preeminence.    Couples' Conversation Guide: Where might we be living out of sync with God's order in our marriage or home? How do we define peace in our marriage? Do you feel like it is based on emotions or God's order? What boundaries might we need to set to protect the rhythm and health of our relationship?   Mentioned in this Episode: Find Manny on IG. A book worth reading. Crushing Chaos by Manny Arango is powerful and challenging in the best way. Order yours today! We believe that keeping marriage fun means date night can't be boring. Check out our Date Night Boosters. Reignite the fun and intimacy in your date nights with your spouse. Find Dr. Kim on Instagram Awesome Marriage swag is now LIVE! Grab a gift for you, your spouse or another couple. There's something for everyone.  Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word as you intentionally choose to prevent the chaos from taking over your marriage, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Try this FREE YouVersion plan: MindCraft: Take Your Thoughts Captive to Transform Your Marriage If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to . receive our Date Night Boosters.  

In this episode, Dr. Kim opens up about how workplace relationships, especially dealing with negative and/or flirtatious coworkers, can impact marriage. He encourages couples to recognize these concerns, lean on biblical truth, and take intentional, practical steps to protect and strengthen their relationship. This episode reminds us of the power of open communication, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and the hope we can find in trusting God through every season of marriage.   Episode Highlights: Concern about coworkers is a valid issue in marriages. Bad company can corrupt good character, as warned in scripture. It's essential to communicate concerns with love and honesty. Praying for wisdom and protection is crucial in navigating these situations. Strengthening the marriage bond is the best defense against outside influences. Being a positive influence in your spouse's life can counteract negative coworkers. Setting healthy boundaries for workplace relationships is necessary. Knowing when to step back and trust God is important. Focus on building a positive atmosphere at home. Each person is responsible for their own choices before God. 24/7 365 Foreplay   Quotes from this Episode: Walk with the wise and become wise. The company we keep matters. Addressing the situation requires discernment not knee jerk reactions. Even in marriage, where two become one flesh, each person remains an individual. A spouse is to be respected. Communicate with love and honesty. Sometimes the most effective communication comes through questions rather than direct confrontation. The most important thing Nancy and I have done in our marriage is prayer daily. Be that uplifting thing that your spouse needs.  Know when to step back.  Anytime we are in a situation where we could compromise our relationship with our spouse we have to run.  Workplace relationships are significant but they aren't all powerful.   Couple's Conversation Guide: Are there relationships at your workplace that are taking time or emotional energy away from your connection with your spouse? How can you set healthy boundaries? Do any coworkers influence your attitudes or behaviors in ways that conflict with the values you and your spouse have established for your marriage and home? How can your faith guide you in responding to difficult or questionable coworkers while maintaining peace and integrity? What steps can you take to protect your marriage from workplace stress and distractions, ensuring your spouse remains your first priority?   Mentioned in this Episode: Find Dr. Kim on Instagram If you strengthen your marriage at home, the affects of work will lessen! Keeping marriage fun means date night can't be boring. Check out our Date Night Boosters. Reignite the fun and intimacy in your date nights with your spouse. Awesome Marriage swag is now LIVE! Grab a gift for you, your spouse or another couple. There's something for everyone.  Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word as you intentionally choose to build a thriving marriage, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. If you're realizing work relationships are interfering with your marriage this FREE YouVersion plan is for you: Better Work/ Life Balance If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to . receive our Date Night Boosters.  

In this episode of the Awesome Marriage Podcast, Dr. Kim sits down with special guest Amie Seiffert, author, speaker, and pastor, for a rich and real conversation about enjoying and engaging with God in every season. Amie shares her journey of faith and the ups and downs of pursuing her calling while raising a family. Together, they unpack the beauty of grace, the power of humor, and the comfort found in Scripture during life's hardest seasons. Whether you're navigating parenting, ministry, or marriage, this episode will remind you that God is present in every season. Episode Highlights: Grace is a central theme in ministry and relationships. Find opportunities to laugh together. Seasons of life are temporary and ever-changing.   Quotes from this Episode: This for now is not forever. We are held by grace.  Humor is such a way to bring things back down to earth. I don't want to live offended. We have buzz words that bring each other back to reality. If I feel overwhelmed, I learned this at therapy, I will give a number on a scale of 1-10. It's hard to say you need help, but it's rewarding.   Couple's Conversation Guide: How do you think grace shows up in our marriage—and where could we use more of it? Amie talked about humor being important in marriage—what are some ways we could be more intentional about laughing together? What does open communication look like for us during stressful or busy seasons? Do we need to make changes? Have you ever struggled with self-doubt in your calling or role in our family? How can I better support you in those moments? What season of life are we in right now, and how can we stay grounded in God while walking through it together? How can we better support one another in balancing our individual callings with our family life?   Mentioned in this Episode: Amie loves Instagram. Connect with her HERE. Seminary Sisters is her podcast. Check it out! We believe that keeping marriage fun means date night can't be boring. Check out our Date Night Boosters. Reignite the fun and intimacy in your date nights with your spouse. Awesome Marriage swag is now LIVE! Grab a gift for you, your spouse or another couple. There's something for everyone.  Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word as you intentionally choose to build a thriving marriage, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. If you're realizing work relationships are interfering with your marriage this FREE YouVersion plan is for you: Speak to Their Heart: 5 Ways to Love Your Spouse Well If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our Date Night Boosters.  

Just when you thought you couldn't love Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy more—this episode takes things to a whole new level. With honesty and heart, they open up about the real journey of their marriage—sharing the intentional choices, tough seasons, and deep faith that carried them through. From early challenges that could have pulled them apart to the daily decisions that drew them closer, their story reflects what's possible when a couple chooses to build on the foundation of Christ. Their marriage is both relatable and inspiring—a powerful reminder that when God is kept first, a marriage doesn't just survive—it thrives. Episode Highlights: Intentionality is key. Marriages won't thrive naturally. Taking ownership and openly communicating are important tools for successful marriages.   Quotes from this Episode: Don't be negative.  I think we were in lust not in love. I think we had to build true love in our marriage. We've learned to build bit by bit. I thought if I loved you enough everything was going to be ok. Until you realize how much God loves you as a person you aren't truly free to love another person. Divorce isn't a word in our vocabulary anymore, commitment is! We realize now what we were missing. Just getting married doesn't mean you won't feel alone.    Questions for Conversation: What part of Dr. Kim and Nancy's story felt most relatable or surprising to you? Why? Have you ever assumed love alone would be enough to fix everything? How has your view of love and commitment changed over time? Have there been moments where one (or both) of you felt alone in your marriage? What helped reconnect you—or what could help now? Is "divorce" or emotional withdrawal ever subtly present as an option in your mindset or language? What does it look like to choose commitment every day? How can you better prioritize keeping God first in your marriage this week? What's one thing you want to be intentional about after listening to this episode—together or individually?   Mentioned in this episode: Find Dr. Kim on Instagram We believe that keeping marriage fun means date night can't be boring. Check out our Date Night Boosters. Reignite the fun and intimacy in your date nights with your spouse. Awesome Marriage swag is now LIVE! Grab a gift for you, your spouse or another couple. There's something for everyone.  Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word as you intentionally choose to build a thriving marriage, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Try this FREE YouVersion plan: Celebrating Differences in Marriage If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to . receive our Date Night Boosters.  

This is the perfect episode to kick off July, as this month at Awesome Marriage we're highlighting the importance of dating your spouse. Arlene Pellicane joins me in the studio to talk about keeping your spouse first and your marriage fun! But what does that actually look like? In the midst of life's demands, Arlene shares practical tips and loads of wisdom to help you keep investing in your marriage and enjoying your spouse. We pray this episode encourages your marriage. Episode Takeaways: Marriage and parenting are common pain points for many people. The divorce rate is down, but so is the marriage rate. Men are marrying later and less frequently than in the past. Gray divorce is on the rise, with more older couples divorcing. Couples often stay together for the kids but drift apart afterward. Awareness of vulnerability in marriage is crucial. Gratitude can transform how you view your spouse. Serving your spouse should be unconditional, regardless of their actions. Fun is essential in maintaining a healthy marriage. Finding common interests can strengthen the bond between spouses. Be creative in finding fun activities together. Family meals are essential for daily connection. Prioritizing your spouse can enhance the marriage. It's important to forgive quickly in a marriage. Express gratitude for your spouse regularly. Shared experiences create lasting memories. Nurturing the marriage benefits the entire family. Every day together is a gift to cherish. The book 'Making Marriage Easier' offers practical insights.   Quotes from this Episode: "It's never too late to turn that around." "We want to avoid drifting apart." "Play by God's rules in your marriage." "Who can out-serve the other?" "I will try it, even if I'm not good at it." "What can we do all together?" "You don't have to do it like everyone else." "It blesses your kids." "Every day is a gift that we have together."   Questions for Conversation: What practical steps can you take this week to put your marriage first, even amidst busy schedules and family demands? How can you create more opportunities for fun and laughter with your spouse, making your relationship a joyful priority? In what ways can prioritizing your spouse help you both feel more connected and valued in your daily life? What new or creative activities can you plan together to bring more excitement and shared enjoyment into your marriage?   Mentioned in this Episode:  Find Arlene Pellicane on IG.  We believe that keeping marriage fun means date night can't be boring. Check out our Date Night Boosters. Reignite the fun and intimacy in your date nights with your spouse. Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word as you intentionally choose to pursue the marriage God intended, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Try this FREE YouVersion plan: 7 Secrets of an Awesome Marriage If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to . receive our Date Night Boosters.

In this enlightening discussion, Faith Eury Cho, CEO of The Honor Summit and author of 'Deepen Your Friendship with God', shares insights on nurturing a deep friendship with the divine. She emphasizes that true joy comes from a continuous connection with God, contrasting this with fleeting happiness. Faith encourages listeners to recognize God's presence in daily life and highlights the transformative power of joy rooted in faith. Reflective questions are posed to deepen this spiritual connection, guiding listeners on their journey to intimacy with God.

In today's episode, we explore how constant connectivity and work stress can quietly invade our marriages. When work becomes all-consuming, it can turn into an idol and create emotional distance between spouses. We discuss why learning to leave work at work is a spiritual discipline and how true support means walking alongside your spouse, not having all the answers. You'll hear practical wisdom on setting boundaries together, sharing burdens, and seeking counsel early. Marriage is about more than success—it's about not facing struggles alone.   Episode Highlights:  Technology has blurred our boundaries between work and home.  Learning to leave work at work is a spiritual discipline. Being supportive doesn't mean you have to all the answers- it means you're walking alongside your spouse. The pace of modern culture doesn't allow proper mental closure.   Quotes from Today's Episodes: A lot of people in the workplace feel the expectation to be available 24/7/365 Work problems begin to feel like personal problems- like they need immediate attention. Our ultimate identity is not in our professional performance.  Work stress can be like an invisible third person in your marriage. When work becomes all consuming it shifts into an idol. Our marriages are about something bigger than career success. Marriage is about sharing burdens- not just the good stuff.  Trying to handle stress alone creates distance in the marriage. There's something spiritually significant about not facing struggles alone.  The most effective boundaries are the ones you create together. They need to know your concern comes from a place of care not criticism. The earlier you involve wise counsel the more effectively you can address issues before they become entrenched patterns.  Questions for Discussion: Do you currently have any transitional rituals in place? If not, what rituals can the two of you agree to implement?  Do you currently implement any device free times/ zones? Are you using technology to connect with your spouse in healthy ways? (encouraging text, midday phone call)   Mentioned in This Episode: Find Dr. Kim on Instagram Check out our June resource of the month: Love That Honors Want to ensure you aren't unintentionally disrespecting your spouse- our FREE resource can help: 17 Unintentionally Disrespectful Phrases To Cut Out When Speaking To Your Spouse Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word as you intentionally choose to grow the intimacy in your marriage and your relationship with Christ, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Try this FREE YouVersion plan just in time for summer: Islands, Tides and the Deep: A Marriage Message from the Sea If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! If your marriage is struggling or in crisis, don't give up and give in. Our 11 Things to do Before you Get a Divorce webinar is your next step. There is always hope for healing and this free webinar will give you the foundation to start rebuilding if you're willing to try!

In this special Father's Day edition of the podcast, I'm joined by my good friend Larry Hagner. While we're focusing on fatherhood, this episode is packed with wisdom for every married couple. From building a stronger marriage, to deepening your connection with your kids, to taking care of your own well-being—Larry shares wisdom that every family can benefit from.   Episode Highlights: Community and support are essential for fathers. The relationship between husband and father roles is interconnected. Children learn about relationships from their parents' marriage. Legacy is built through the relationships we model. Seeking help and resources is a sign of strength.  Intimacy is rooted in emotional connection. Understanding your partner's needs is crucial for intimacy. Sex is a celebration of a strong emotional bond. Being a spiritual leader starts with self-leadership. Proactive planning can enhance relationships. Navigating modern parenting requires open communication. It's okay not to have all the answers as a parent. Learning together with your children strengthens bonds.   Questions for Reflection: Which cultural pressures do we feel most as parents right now, and how can we support each other in responding to them with biblical wisdom? Are there ways we've let parenting take priority over our marriage lately? What small changes could help us reconnect more intentionally as a couple? How do we currently approach discipline and spiritual formation—are we united in our values, and where might we need better alignment or communication? What habits could we build into our week to stay emotionally and spiritually connected—not just as parents, but as husband and wife? What specific Scriptures or practices can help you stay rooted as a father (parent)?   Quotes from Today's Episode:  "It's important to show children how to love well." "Creating a strong family foundation is essential." "I want to feel connected to her. I love her." "What we plan for, we can execute." "We can't put our head in the sand."   Mentioned in this episode: Find Larry's podcast HERE. Connect with Larry on social media. This month's resource is for every couple. Love that Honors: A 13 Day Challenge for Couples. Honor and respect aren't always our first response or priority. This challenge will help you love your spouse the way the Lord has called you to love your spouse.  Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word as you intentionally choose to level up as a dad, or maybe commit to parenting God's way, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Try this FREE YouVersion plan: Fighting to be a Man of God If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy.   

In this week's episode, Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy unpack the powerful topic of expectations—focusing on how to clearly express what you need from your spouse. With honest conversation, a willingness to listen, and an open heart, you can transform how you communicate and connect in your relationship.   Quotes from this episode: "I just thought you knew. And when you didn't I would go along and get resentful" "We were trying to fit each other in the mold."  "Our first big argument scared the heck out of me. My unrealistic expectation was that we would never fight."  "It's a good idea to have a signal or cue so that you make your spouse aware."  Questions for Reflection: What are some expectations—spoken or unspoken—that we each bring into our marriage, and how well do we feel they've been understood by each other? When was a time we misunderstood one another because expectations weren't clearly communicated? What can we learn from that moment? How can we create more space in our relationship for honest, judgment-free conversations about what we each need or hope for? What's one expectation we can both express more clearly this week—and how can we support each other in meeting it with love and grace?   Mentioned in this Episode: Find Dr. Kim on Instagram This month's resource is for every couple. Love that Honors: A 13 Day Challenge for Couples. Honor and respect aren't always our first response or priority. This challenge will help you love your spouse the way the Lord has called you to love your spouse.   When you're frustrated, it's easy to let words fly out of your mouth. Our new FREE resource: 17 Unintentionally Disrespectful Phrases To Cut Out When Speaking To Your Spouse will help couples choose words that bring life instead of cause chaos. Awesome Marriage has a great Premarital course to help couples have important conversations before their big day. Communicate expectations effectively and be proactive in learning your future spouse with this great course. Already married? Share this course with a couple who's looking forward to their big day. Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word as you intentionally choose to puruse the marriage God intended, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Try this FREE YouVersion plan: 14 Keys to Lasting Love If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy.