
Bare Marriage
Tired of Christian pat answers about marriage? The podcast that goes in-depth into marriage, parenting, and even sex--to see how we can live the passionate life we were meant for. Paired with To Love, Honor and Vacuum--the blog!
Latest episodes

10 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 57min
Episode 280: The Problems with the Book The Love Dare--And How It Papers Over Real Problems
The discussion critically examines the popular book The Love Dare, arguing it perpetuates harmful marriage myths. It highlights how reliance on unrealistic advice can blind couples to deeper issues, particularly in abusive situations. The hosts advocate for open communication and accountability instead of superficial solutions. They explore the complexity of selfishness and the dangers of misinterpreting intentions in relationships. Emphasizing the need for genuine intimacy and self-reflection, they encourage couples to seek healthier guidance in their marriage.

Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
Episode 279: Saving Face: Finding My Self, God, and One Another Outside a Defaced Church (feat. Aimee Byrd)
Aimee Byrd, an author and speaker known for her insights on theology and culture, joins the conversation to explore the need for vulnerability and authenticity in building true community. They discuss personal struggles within conservative faith contexts and the importance of emotional connections over rigid doctrines. Aimee highlights women's roles in spiritual education, calling for genuine relationships that promote growth and healing. The dialogue reflects on navigating faith after harmful experiences and finding connections beyond traditional church boundaries.

13 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 11min
Episode 278: Why Don't Evangelical Women Want to Marry Evangelical Men?
The discussion dives deep into why evangelical women are turning away from marrying men within their faith. It highlights the disconnect between expectations and realities in conservative spaces, emphasizing women's newfound independence and desire for equality in relationships. The speakers critique traditional marriage teachings, revealing how societal and economic factors shape women’s perspectives, pushing them to prioritize personal happiness over conventional roles. There’s also a focus on the changing gender dynamics and the evolving ideals of partnership.

7 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 9min
Episode 277: Why Emotions Aren't Feminine (and Why Women Aren't More Emotional!)
The podcast dives into the misconception that men are logical while women are emotional, revealing a more nuanced truth about emotional maturity. The hosts discuss the critical role of emotional intimacy and balance in relationships, challenging outdated stereotypes. They emphasize the importance of vulnerability and communication, advocating for shared emotional responsibilities. Historical insights on women's roles in the church and the need for egalitarian partnerships are also explored, promoting mutual respect and deeper connections in marriages.

10 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 59min
Episode 276: Is Reading Romance Novels for Women the Same as Watching Porn?
The hosts delve into the controversial comparison between romance novels and porn, questioning societal biases against women’s reading choices. They discuss the implications of both genres on sexuality, addressing issues of objectification and the importance of consent. The conversation touches on the distinct ways media presents female pleasure, advocating for realistic portrayals of women's desires. Humor and personal anecdotes pepper the discussion, highlighting the need for open conversations about relationships, intimacy, and the complexities of female sexual understanding.

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 8min
Episode 275: Becoming the Pastor's Wife feat. Beth Allison Barr
Beth Allison Barr, a professor at Baylor University and author of "Becoming the Pastor's Wife," explores the often-overlooked historical contributions of women in ministry. She critiques the limits imposed by traditional church roles and champions a shift towards egalitarian views. Discussing the evolution of women's leadership, she highlights figures like Milberga from early Christianity. The conversation also touches on the complexities of current church dynamics and advocates for acknowledging women’s voices and experiences in faith communities.

14 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 53min
Episode 274: The Marriage You Actually Want
A groundbreaking new book aims to reshape evangelical marriage through evidence-based insights. The discussion critiques stagnant marriage literature and challenges traditional gender roles, promoting equality and shared responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on effective communication, tackling tough conversations, and modern realities like internet pornography. The hosts advocate for updated, research-backed advice that resonates with contemporary couples and celebrate grassroots efforts to spread their innovative message.

14 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 57min
Episode 273: Are Traditionally Christian Marriages Linked to More Immaturity? The Data Speaks!
Delve into the link between traditional beliefs in marriage and emotional immaturity. Discover how societal norms affect interpersonal behaviors and satisfaction in relationships. Explore the impact of generational trauma on parenting and its ripple effects on family dynamics. Learn about attachment styles and how they influence emotional challenges within rigid marital roles. Gain insights into fostering intimacy through open communication and vulnerability, while critiquing conservative interpretations of submissive roles for women.

Feb 27, 2025 • 42min
Episode 272: Is "Acts of Service" Love Language Really a Cry for Help? All New Bonus Stats!
Is the 'acts of service' love language hiding a deeper issue about unequal household roles? The discussion uncovers how physical touch might reflect underlying challenges in intimacy. New statistics reveal surprising insights into how these love languages affect emotional connections. The hosts advocate for balancing responsibilities in partnerships, stressing the importance of communication in maintaining health in relationships. Dive into the complexities of love languages and how they shape modern marriage dynamics!

22 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 58min
Episode 271: What the Unfairness Threshold Tells Us About Marriage (and Mental Load!)
Joanna Swatsky, a stats expert who analyzed data for 'The Marriage You Want,' joins to unpack the crucial topic of marital satisfaction. They discuss how sexual frequency can impact relationship happiness, revealing that less intimacy often leads to decreased satisfaction. The conversation also addresses the critical role of dividing household chores fairly and how traditional gender roles create imbalance. They explore the concept of mental load, emphasizing the need for open communication and teamwork to strengthen marriages.
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