Focus on the Family Australia
610 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsFocus on the Family radio programs are played on over 550 stations around Australia with an estimated 4.5 million listeners each month. While the content is diverse the purpose and hope for each program is the same – to help your family thrive.
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Episodes
Staying Close to God as a Busy Mum II
October 11, 2022 14:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBCourtney Ellis knows the struggle of finding time to connect with God in the midst of motherhood duties like nappies, dishes, laundry and countless to-do lists. In this interview, Courtney will encourage mums in their faith journey by sharing her tips for creating spiritual growth, intimacy, and renewal (Part 2 of 2). Book by guest: Almost Holy Mama: Life-Giving Spiritual Practices for Weary Parents.
Staying Close to God as a Busy Mum I
October 10, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBCourtney Ellis knows the struggle of finding time to connect with God in the midst of motherhood duties like nappies, dishes, laundry and countless to-do lists. In this interview, Courtney will encourage mums in their faith journey by sharing her tips for creating spiritual growth, intimacy, and renewal (Part 1 of 2). Book by guest: Almost Holy Mama: Life-Giving Spiritual Practices for Weary Parents.
Finding God's Purpose in Adversity
October 09, 2022 14:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBDaniel Ritchie has faced remarkable adversity, yet he claims being born without arms was a gift. He shares how he overcame despair and discovered how to glorify God through his pain. Book by guest: My Affliction for His Glory: Living Out Your Identity in Christ.
Intentional Fathering II
October 07, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 11.6 MBOne of the most effective fathering strategies is to simply take advantage of everyday opportunities to love our children and instill the right values. The key is to be consistent. Whether you are having fun with them, helping them with their homework or teaching them something new, being consistent in a relationship with our children with help foster a meaningful connection. Our guest, Lee Wee Min, is the asian regional director of Focus on the Family and author of the book "Intentional Fath...
Taking Steps to Live out Your Dreams
October 06, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBHow might your life be different if you took a few minutes every day to focus on your goals and dreams? …wife, mum and avid dreamer Kathi Lipp encourages you to live out the desires God has placed in your heart. Embrace the life you have while living the life you’ve always wanted. Book by Guest: The Me Project: 21 Days to Living the Life You've Always Wanted.
Survival tips for new dads
October 05, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBPregnancy is an exciting and beautiful time in the life of a couple. But, let’s be honest, it can also be confusing and stressful—especially for first-time dads! Aaron Sharp shares how he learned to best support his wife during four pregnancies and prepare for fatherhood. Book by guest: You Got This, Dad.
The Power of Gracious Words
October 04, 2022 14:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBIt’s easy to fall into a cycle of correcting behaviour problems instead of truly relating to your child. Pastor Bill Smith will help you draw out and guide your child – and ultimately build a deeper relationship. Book by guest: Parenting with Words of Grace: Building Relationships with Your Children One Conversation at a Time.
Walking through depression
October 03, 2022 14:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBDealing with depression is a struggle, but you’re not alone. Paul Asay shares personal insights to give you a glimpse into the dark and troubling world of depression and a few simple ways to manage it. You’ll discover hope and healing through Christ for this troubling condition. Book by guest: Beauty in the Browns.
Listening to the Heart of Your Kids
October 02, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBBecky Harling offers practical ways you can intentionally listen to your child. From learning to give her a voice to the importance of non-verbal communication to teaching him how to make wise decisions, you’ll see how listening is one of the most important components of parenting. Book by guest: How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk: Deepen Your Connection and Strengthen Their Confidence.
Intentional Fathering I
September 30, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBSome of the important roles of being a father is to provide, to correct and to love. Not every dad will agree on what belongs in the number one spot, but I believe that one role that should be near the top is to model God's character. But how to fathers achieve this? Our guest, Lee Wee Min, is the asian regional director of Focus on the Family and the author of the book "Intentional Fathering." He shares some of the joys and challenges of being a dad and discusses some of the keys to help dad...
Laughter Really is the Best Medicine
September 29, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBPhil Callaway is certain that laughter and a sense of gratitude are the keys to overcoming the stresses of everyday life. He shares how the Lord reminded him of that lesson through the extreme stress of his wife’s serious illness and subsequent remarkable recovery. Laugh Like a Kid Again: Live Without Regret and Leave Footsteps Worth Following.
Living at Peace with Difficult People II
September 28, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBPastor Brian Noble is the CEO of Peacemaker Ministries and has extensive experience in conflict coaching and mediation. His goal is for Christians to understand we live in a fallen world where conflict is common and reconciliation is only possible because of the Gospel – that Jesus died for our sins to bring us into reconciliation with God and others. Book by guest: Living Reconciled: 7 Ways to Bring Peace to Your Most Difficult Relationships
Living at Peace with Difficult People I
September 27, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBPastor Brian Noble is the CEO of Peacemaker Ministries and has extensive experience in conflict coaching and mediation. His goal is for Christians to understand we live in a fallen world where conflict is common and reconciliation is only possible because of the Gospel – that Jesus died for our sins to bring us into reconciliation with God and others. Book by guest: Living Reconciled: 7 Ways to Bring Peace to Your Most Difficult Relationships.
Rethinking Godly Sexuality in Your Marriage II
September 26, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBDr. Juli Slattery recognises that many couples possess a poor foundation for understanding God’s design for intimacy — that our sexual relationship is a metaphor for the intimacy God longs to have with each one of us. Therefore, God is very interested in our sexuality and, in fact, designed sex for our pleasure. She encourages married couples to have “covenant love” rather than contractual love in part 2 of 2. Book by guest: God, Sex, and Your Marriage.
Rethinking Godly Sexuality in Your Marriage I
September 25, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBDr. Juli Slattery recognises that many couples possess a poor foundation for understanding God’s design for intimacy — that our sexual relationship is a metaphor for the intimacy God longs to have with each one of us. Therefore, God is very interested in our sexuality and, in fact, designed sex for our pleasure. She encourages married couples to have “covenant love” rather than contractual love in part 1 of 2. Book by guest: God, Sex, and Your Marriage.
Transform Your Marriage
September 23, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 47.4 MBAustralian relationships have faced un unfamiliar foe over the past year and a half of living with COVID restrictions and uncertainty. Today’s guest is Joanne Wilson, relationship expert and neuropsychotherapist from the Sunshine Coast, who has a passion for teaching couples how to transform their lives and reclaim happiness. We will be discussing how to survive the pandemic and come out stronger together.
Surviving Divorce and Single Parenthood II
September 22, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBSusan Birdseye shares her dramatic story of learning about her husband’s affair after 17 years of an apparently happy marriage. She describes the devastating effects of her husband’s decisions on her family and her struggles navigating her eventual separation and divorce. Susan also shares some of the challenges she is facing now as a single parent (Part 2 of 2). Book by guest: When Happily Ever After Shatters: Seeing God in the Midst of Divorce and Single Parenting
Surviving Divorce and Single Parenthood I
September 21, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBSusan Birdseye shares her dramatic story of learning about her husband’s affair after 17 years of an apparently happy marriage. She describes the devastating effects of her husband’s decisions on her family and her struggles navigating her eventual separation and divorce. Susan also shares some of the challenges she is facing now as a single parent (Part 1 of 2). Book by guest: When Happily Ever After Shatters: Seeing God in the Midst of Divorce and Single Parenting.
Helping Your Kids Know God Better
September 20, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBChap Bettis encourages parents to be more intentional about sharing the Gospel with their children. Chap also addresses “pharisee parenting” where mums and dads need to be sure their own walk with the Lord is solid before preaching to their kids. Book by guest: The Disciple-Making Parent: A Comprehensive Guidebook for Raising Your Children to Love and Follow Jesus Christ.
Creating Sustainable Rhythms in Your Marriage
September 19, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBChris and Jenni Graebe both grew up with very strong opinions on how marriage should look. They eventually went to other couples who were years ahead of them, and compiled a list of biblical lifestyles of “rhythms” that married couples can create in their lives. In this interview, they’ll focus on the important rhythms that have helped them through the years. Book by guests: The Rhythm of Us: Create the Thriving Marriage You Long For.
Helping Kids Navigate Worry in Healthy Ways
September 18, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBYou may think your child is acting out when, in fact, they are struggling with worry. Dr. Josh and Christi Straub describe how to help your young child identify their emotions and navigate fear in a healthy way. Book by guest: What Do I Do With Worry?
Keeping the Spark Alive II
September 16, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 11.7 MBThere are no perfect marriages - but what would it take to bring you and your spouse closer together? Brett and Kate Ryan spoke to an online group on the topic of ‘Keeping the Spark Alive’ using biblical truths and a reminder of timeless marriage interaction tips. Today is Part 2 of this presentation.
Remembering to Have Fun in Your Life
September 15, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBJim Burns encourages you to slow down and enjoy life more, focusing on Christ, your family, and other important relationships. Jim and his wife, Cathy, have both had bouts with cancer, but they have made it a priority in their lives to maintain joy and have fun, taking time to reflect on God’s beauty and to build a lasting legacy. Book by guest: Have Serious Fun: And 12 Other Principles to Make Each Day Count.
Simple Habits to Embrace in Your Marriage
September 14, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBDr. Randy Schroeder has counselled thousands of married couples and has discovered simple tools that help couples avoid divorce and build a thriving marriage. In this broadcast, he describes practical habits to help couples navigate expectations in marriage, build emotional closeness, and resolve disagreements. Book by guest: Simple Habits for Marital Happiness: Practical Skills and Tools That Build a Strong Satisfying Relationship.
Simple Habits to Embrace in Your Marriage
September 14, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBDr. Randy Schroeder has counselled thousands of married couples and has discovered simple tools that help couples avoid divorce and build a thriving marriage. In this broadcast, he describes practical habits to help couples navigate expectations in marriage, build emotional closeness, and resolve disagreements. Book by guest: Simple Habits for Marital Happiness: Practical Skills and Tools That Build a Strong Satisfying Relationship.
Finding Your Identity in Jesus Christ
September 13, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBSusie Larson shares how she learned to fight for the identity Jesus gave her as His precious daughter, even though her life experiences made her feel like a ‘second-class citizen.’ Starting at age nine when we she was attacked by a group of boys, Susie felt she was targeted for tragedy. Hear how she found a whole new perspective and identity as a “daughter of the King.” Book by guest: Prevail: 365 Days of Enduring Strength from God's Word.
How to Deal with a Controlling Spouse
September 12, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBIn this broadcast, Psychologist Dr. Ron Welch and his wife, Jan, describe how too much control can damage a marriage and family. Their message illustrates how placing your partner's feelings before your own can help you avoid tremendous heartache in your relationship. Book by guest: The Controlling Husband: What Every Woman Needs To Know.
Living Out Loud: Embracing Your Confidence
September 11, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBDeborah Pegues offers biblical advice to help listeners throw off the weight of insecurity and experience God’s peace. She describes symptoms of insecurity, like envy and people pleasing, and discusses the importance of overcoming perfectionism. Deborah closes by encouraging believers to rest on God’s promises and pursue His peace. Book by guest: 30 Days to a Stronger, More Confident You: Secrets to Bold and Fearless Living.
Keeping the Spark Alive I
September 09, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBThere are no perfect marriages but what would it take to bring you and your spouse closer together? Brett and Kate Ryan spoke to an online group on the topic of ‘Keeping the Spark Alive’ using biblical truths and a reminder of timeless marriage interaction tips. Today is Part 1 of this presentation.
Grabbing Hold of God
September 08, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBAfter losing her parents in a murder-suicide, 9-year-old Kim Meeder was filled with despair. You’ll hear how Kim learned that God was bigger than this devastating loss and how the Lord brought healing. Learn how God used Kim’s pain to help other traumatised kids. Book by Guest: Hope Rising.
The Biblical Truths Your Kids Need to Know
September 07, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBAs a parent, you are the most important influence in your child’s faith development – more than friends, social media, or even the youth pastor. Ruth Chou Simons offers practical help for teaching kids God’s Word. She describes why you don’t have to be a perfect parent to model Biblical truths at home. Book by guest: Foundations: 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family.
The Proof You Need to Believe in Jesus Christ II
September 06, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBDuring his more than 20 years as a homicide detective, J. Warner Wallace successfully helped identify and convict killers, even without evidence from the scene. He utilises these same detective skills and techniques to investigate the historical life and actions of Jesus – using the evidence of history alone to confirm the historicity and deity of Jesus. In this interview, Wallace discusses his faith journey and his fascinating detective research proving the claims and historical authenticity...
The Proof You Need to Believe in Jesus Christ I
September 05, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBDuring his more than 20 years as a homicide detective, J. Warner Wallace successfully helped identify and convict killers, even without evidence from the scene. He utilises these same detective skills and techniques to investigate the historical life and actions of Jesus – using the evidence of history alone to confirm the historicity and deity of Jesus. In this interview, Wallace discusses his faith journey and his fascinating detective research proving the claims and historical authenticity...
The Legacy of a Godly Dad
September 04, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhat makes a great dad? How ‘bout honesty, integrity, and a robust prayer life! Tune in for a touching tribute to a godly dad as shared by his adult son.
Daddy's Bedtime Prayer
September 02, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 11 MBWe at Focus firmly believe that parents are the primary disciplers of their children. For fathers of faith with young children, reading bible stories making them fun and come alive is part of the journey. We also know it takes a village to raise a child and we need others and resources to help us in this vital role of bringing up our children in the things of God. Our guest, Akram Zaki, is the author of "Daddy's Bedtime Prayer." We are proud to partner with Akram, and have exclusive rights to...
Understanding the Hot Buttons in Your Marriage
September 01, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBDr. Bob Paul and his wife Jenni explain how seemingly innocent disagreements can spiral into a major argument because of unidentified personal hot buttons that trigger primal reactions that are out of proportion to the issue at hand. Book by guest: 9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage: And the Truths That Will Save It and Set It Free.
Staying Connected to God: A 60-Day Challenge II
August 31, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBJohn Burke reminds us that God is the source of life and of our contentment and joy. He gives us a clear picture of what it looks like to do life with God and how you can trust Him with your strongest and deepest desires (Part 2 of 2). Book by guest: Soul Revolution: How Imperfect People Become All God Intended.
Staying Connected with God: A 60-Day Challenge I
August 30, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBJohn Burke reminds us that God is the source of life and of our contentment and joy. He gives us a clear picture of what it looks like to do life with God and how you can trust Him with your strongest and deepest desires (Part 1 of 2). Book by guest: Soul Revolution: How Imperfect People Become All God Intended.
Nurturing your child's purpose and passion
August 29, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBYou want to raise your children to be resilient and confident, with a solid identity in Christ. But sometimes, their confidence comes under attack. Cyndie Claypool de Neve offers tools to help you encourage your child in healthy, positive ways. Learn to steer clear of fear-based parenting as you build your child’s confidence. Book. by guest: God-confident Kids.
Discovering God’s Design for Marriage
August 28, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBThe strength of your marriage depends on the strength of its foundation. Howard and Danielle Taylor, seasoned marriage coaches, describe how to build your relationship on rock-solid principles from scripture. They share relatable communication mishaps, encouragement for managing expectations, and ideas for reigniting fun and friendship in marriage. Book by guests: The Fundamental of Marriage: 8 Essential Practices of Successful Couples.
Experiencing Grief and Learning to Live with Loss II
August 26, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBWe will all experience loss and grief unfortunately. It could be through death, divorce, illness, family or relationship breakdown and a myriad of other life events. Our guest today is Mardi Sheahan, a counsellor and trainer in Grief and Bereavement and a Palliative care worker. We will be exploring what is grief, how do we process it, how can we help ourselves and others going through it?
Experiencing God’s Grace in a Special Needs Family
August 25, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBIsolation. Loneliness. Shame. These words describe what many special-needs families experience from day to day. Sandra Peoples will share her personal stories of a sister born with Down syndrome and a son with autism. She paints a picture of what life looks like for many special needs families and how the church can better reach out and minister to these families. Book by guest: Unexpected Blessings: The Joys & Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family.
How Godly Thinking Can Transform Your Life
August 24, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBLevi Lusko shares about living your best life, overcoming worry, fear and anxiety to experience freedom in Christ. He encourages us to strategically take the high ground to combat the enemy of our souls in the right way. He challenges us to spiritual growth and courage in the face of life’s storms. Book by guest: Take Back Your Life: A 40-Day Interactive Journey to Thinking Right So You Can Live Right.
Establishing Healthy Boundaries with Adult Children II
August 23, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBAllison Bottke shares a dramatic story of raising an adult son who has struggled with drug addiction, multiple arrests, and imprisonment. She is quick to admit to her mistakes of enabling her son over the years, and shares stories of other parents who have unwittingly crossed the line of “helping” to enabling their adult children. (Part 2 of 2). Book by guest: Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing for Struggling Parents.
Establishing Healthy Boundaries with Adult Children I
August 22, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBAllison Bottke shares a dramatic story of raising an adult son who has struggled with drug addiction, multiple arrests, and imprisonment. She is quick to admit to her mistakes of enabling her son over the years, and shares stories of other parents who have unwittingly crossed the line of “helping” to enabling their adult children. (Part 1 of 2). Book by guest: Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing for Struggling Parents.
Fighting the Spiritual Battle for Your Marriage
August 21, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBJason and Tori Benham struggled with conflict until they realised marriage is a spiritual battle. Fighting together for their marriage rather than against each other transformed their relationship. In this conversation, you’ll hear practical tips about working through conflict, overcoming destructive thought patterns towards your spouse, and reigniting godly jealousy for your husband or wife. Book by guests: Beauty in Battle: Winning in Marriage by Waging a War.
Experiencing Grief and Learning to Live with Loss I
August 19, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBWe will all experience loss and grief unfortunately. It could be through death, divorce, illness, family or relationship breakdown and a myriad of other life events. Our guest today is Mardi Sheahan, a counsellor and trainer in Grief and Bereavement and a Palliative care worker. We will be exploring what is grief, how do we process it, how can we help ourselves and others going through it?
Motivating your kids to reflect the character of God II
August 18, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBAs a parent, teaching character and motivating change in your child can be a challenge. So, where do you begin? By strengthening the relationship with your child! Dr. Kathy Koch explores practical ways to teach character, just by getting to know your child better. Book by guest: Start with the heart.
Motivating your kids to reflect the character of God I
August 17, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBAs a parent, teaching character and motivating change in your child can be a challenge. So, where do you begin? By strengthening the relationship with your child! Dr. Kathy Koch explores practical ways to teach character, just by getting to know your child better. Book by guest: Start with the heart.
Giving Up People Pleasing for a Better Way to Live II
August 16, 2022 15:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBIn this broadcast, Dr. Mike Bechtle helps listeners avoid the trap of people pleasing in order to develop healthier relationships with others. Book by guest: The People Pleaser's Guide to Loving Others Without Losing Yourself.