Focus on Marriage Podcast

Working Through Different Financial Priorities

In a marriage, one spouse tends to save money while the other prefers to spend it. When that's the case, how can you work together? John, Greg and Erin offer some ideas for how to get on the same page financially in your relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the book "Thriving in Money" with your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-06-22?refcd=1103302 Get more resources: https://www.fo...

Why You Must Talk About Money

Financial stress is one of the most common reasons for conflict in marriages today. But, it's also something that many couples are uncomfortable talking about. John chats with Greg and Erin about how they've overcome financial challenges in their relationship. Featuring guests Jeff and Shaunti Feldhahn. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the book "Thriving in Love & Money" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/...

Lies That Will Close Your Heart

Have you ever believed something untrue about your spouse? It's an uncomfortable question, but believing lies will always prevent your heart from being open to your mate. John talks with Erin and Greg about how they've learned to let go of lies in their relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the book "9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-0...

What Your Spouse is Not

Your spouse might be amazing, but he or she cannot meet every expectation you have. In some way, he or she will fall short. John, Greg and Erin discuss how to let go of bad expectations in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the book "9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-04-20?refcd=1101002 Get more episode resources: https://www.focu...

The Danger of Assumptions

A lack of communication can open the door to all kinds of unhealthy assumptions about your spouse. John, Greg, and Erin give some ideas for how to deal with negative assumptions in your relationship, and explain why reading the Bible can help you become a better spouse. Featuring Dr. Ron and Mrs. Jan Welch. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the book "10 Choices Successful Couples Make" with your donation of any amount: https://donate.focuson...

Rules for Marriage Communication

Just like a professional sport needs rules to be played well, your marriage needs boundaries for effective communication. John talks with the Smalleys about rules they have in their own marriage for communicating with each other. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Dr. Ron Welch's book "10 Choices Successful Couples Make" with your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-04-15?refcd=1099902 Get more e...

Moving on From Miscommunication

Greg and Erin talk with John about how they've learned to get passed misunderstandings, and why working through miscommunication is worth it. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the book "The Intimate Connection" with your donation of any amount: https://secure.anedot.com/focus-on-the-family/don-fofm-podcast-2021-03-09?source_code=1100201&donation_pledge_code=FRIENDSFAM Get more resources: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/focus-on-ma...

Don't Run From the Problem

As problems come up in your relationship, it's essential to deal with them. But the big question is, how? John, Erin and Greg explain why you shouldn't run from marriage issues, and discuss how praying together helps build a lasting foundation for your relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Dr. Kevin Leman’s book “The Intimate Connection” for your donation of any amount: https://secure.anedot.com/focus-on-the-family/don-fofm-podcast...

Letting God Work on Your Spouse

When your spouse has an annoying habit, it's easy to snap at him or her. How can you show love and patience to your mate when he or she is getting on your last nerve? John, Greg and Erin give some ideas on how to deal with annoying habits in your marriage, and discuss the importance of allowing God to work on your spouse. Featuring Joshua & Raquel Rogers. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the book "Confessions of a Happily Married Man" with ...

How Integrity Leads to Intimacy

Integrity is for a marriage what a foundation is for a house. Without it, your relationship will fall apart. John, Greg and Erin discuss what genuine integrity looks like, and how to talk with your spouse about difficult things. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Get the book "Confessions of a Happily Married Man" with your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-04-27?refcd=1097002 Get more episode resou...

What God Says About Love

As time rolls on in your marriage, the feelings of love will come and go. Whether you feel in love with your spouse today or not, you've come to the right place. Greg, Erin and John explain how relying on God's love can help you overcome feelings of apathy in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Get the book "9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage" with your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast...

A Healthy Perspective on "Becoming One"

Scripture tells us that two spouses "become one," in marriage. But what does that mean? John, Greg and Erin provide some ideas for how to live in unity with your spouse. . Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Get the book "9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage" with your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-04-20?refcd=1092311 Get more episode resources: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/focus-o...

Letting Go of Control in Your Marriage

All of us want to feel the freedom to be ourselves when we're with our mate. But, if one spouse is always trying to control the other, it can weigh a marriage down with resentment. John, Greg and Erin discuss how giving your spouse freedom can strengthen your relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast. Or, call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the book "10 Choices Successful Couples Make" with your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2...

The Dangers of a Controlling Spouse

As you're getting to know your spouse, it's easy for things to come up that you weren't expecting. John talks with Greg and Erin about struggles they overcame in their marriage. They'll also provide hope for those who feel stuck in a controlling relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Get the book "10 Choices Successful Couples Make" with your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-04-15?refcd=1...

Marriage is Not a Competition

When you and your spouse do life as a team, it's amazing what you can accomplish together. But if you compete against each other, things will go terribly wrong. John, Greg and Erin give some insights on how you and your spouse can work together in spite of your differences. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Get the book "The Intimate Connection" with your donation of any amount: https://secure.anedot.com/focus-on-the-family/don-fofm-podcast-2021...

A Safe Place to Talk

"When it's been a long day, having a considerate spouse to share your feelings with is a wonderful gift. But how can you tell your mate what's really going on when you feel upset? John, Greg and Erin provide some guidelines for expressing anger without being rude to your spouse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY" Get the book "The Intimate Connection" for your donation of any amount: https://secure.anedot.com/focus-on-the-family/don-fofm-podca...

How God Wants to Use Your Imperfect Marriage

Marriage has a way of revealing some of our deepest fears. But no matter what you're afraid of today, God can help you overcome it. Greg, Erin and John open up about some of their struggles, and explain how God uses friends to help you defeat discouragement in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Joshua Rogers' book "Confessions of a Happily Married Man" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fof...

The Difference a Helpful Friend Makes

When your marriage faces challenges, having a supportive friend to turn to can be so helpful. But how do you know if someone is a safe person to share your struggles with? Greg, Erin and John explain how you can find trustworthy friends to help your marriage in times of need. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Joshua Rogers' book "Confessions of a Happily Married Man" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fo...

A Great Goal for Your Marriage

In the early stages of your relationship, it was easy to dream of the perfect marriage. But over time, as your expectations meet reality, it's easy to let discouragement set in. Erin, Greg and John discuss how to keep growing together as a couple, even when you feel disappointed in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Get the book, "9 Lies that Will Destroy Your Marriage": https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-04-...

Developing Spiritual Strength in Your Marriage

Marriage was created by God to reflect His character to the world. But at the same time, we do have a spiritual enemy, the Devil, who hates God's precious design. When Satan attacks your relationship, how should you respond? John, Greg and Erin give some ideas on how to fight spiritual battles in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY Get the resource, "9 Lies that will Destroy Your Marriage": https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fo...

Dealing With the Root of Marriage Problems

John, Greg and Erin discuss how letting go of selfishness makes a big difference for when you face conflict as a couple. Get Today's Featured Resource for a gift of any amount "10 Choices Successful Couples Make: The Secret to Love that Lasts a Lifetime" https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-04-15?refcd=1080606 Get More Resources https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/focus-on-marriage-podcast/dealing-with-the-root-of-marriage-problems/#featured-resource-cta If you...

Addressing a Sexual Struggle in Your Marriage

Many times, current sexual problems are related to something painful we've experienced. Whether it was abuse, pornography or past sexual experiences, such things can taint our perspective on intimacy. John, Greg and Erin provide hope for couples who are trying to overcome past sexual pain. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the "How to Have a Better Sex Life" product bundle for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/...

What Your Spouse Really Needs

We all have things we want from our spouse. But there's an important distinction between a need and a desire. John, Greg and Erin will explain what true needs are in marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Dr. Kevin Leman's book "The Intimate Connection" for your donation of any amount: https://secure.anedot.com/focus-on-the-family/don-fofm-podcast-2021-03-09?source_code=1076004&donation_pledge_code=FRIENDSFAM Get more episode resources...

Early Birds & Night Owls

A common difference between many husbands and wives is where one likes to wake up early and the other prefers to sleep in late. If left unaddressed, this can lead to a lot of conflict in a marriage. How do you navigate a relationship where one spouse is an early bird, and the other is a night owl? John, Greg and Erin discuss how to work through different sleeping habits as a couple. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Dr. Kevin Leman's book "T...

Rebuilding Trust in a Broken Marriage

Many marriages have been hurt by the sting of broken trust. If the relationship with your spouse is clouded by distrust, where do you turn to for help? If hope seems dim in your relationship today, John, Greg and Erin will offer some encouragement. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the book "The Marriage Knot" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-03-02?refcd=1073004&donation_pledge_code=F...

How the Gospel Can Heal Your Broken Marriage

Contrasts in Communication

In marriage, it's very common for you and your spouse to have opposite communication styles. As our differences become more evident, it's easy for us to misunderstand each other. John and the Smalleys provide some helpful ideas for communicating verbally and nonverbally with your spouse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the Smalleys' book "The Wholehearted Wife" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-p...

Doing Life in the Same Boat

If we're honest, we all have annoying habits. In marriage, it's very common for those same habits to get on our spouse's nerves. John and the Smalleys share things they've learned from their own journeys and how you can work through disagreements with your spouse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the Smalleys' book "The Wholehearted Wife" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-02-23?refcd=...

Love Styles & Your Sex Life

A good sex life is built on a foundation of trust. But achieving trust in your marriage requires intentional effort. John, Greg and Erin explain how patience and vulnerability can strengthen your marriage and benefit your sex life. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the "How to Have a Better Sex Life" product bundle for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-03-16?refcd=1068202 Get more episode...

Overcoming Sexual Obstacles in Your Marriage

The sexual relationship with your spouse is one of the most important parts of your marriage. But having a good sex life requires intentional and honest communication. Greg, Erin and John address working through different expectations for sex in your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the "How to Have a Better Sex Life" product bundle for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-03-16?re...

When You Misunderstand Your Mate

Every marriage faces misunderstandings. While they can be awkward in the moment, they can also be something you laugh about it in the future. John, Erin and Greg tell how they've learned to work through misunderstandings in their marriages and discuss how wives can better communicate with their husbands. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Dr. Kevin Leman's book "The Intimate Connection for your donation of any amount: https://secure.anedot.co...

Serving Your Special Someone

Serving your spouse is a wonderful thing. But what would your marriage look like if you served your mate without expecting anything in return? John, Greg and Erin share stories from their own experience, and give some tips for husbands on how to better care for their wives. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Dr. Kevin Leman's book "The Intimate Connection for your donation of any amount: https://secure.anedot.com/focus-on-the-family/don-fofm-...

Recovering a Broken Relationship

When trust has been shattered in your marriage, the recovery process can take months or even years. Is there hope when your relationship is hanging on by a thread? If you or a couple you know is trying to rebuild trust in their relationship, you'll be encouraged by this hopeful conversation with John, Greg and Erin. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Ron and Jody Zappia's book "The Marriage Knot" for your donation of any amount: https://donat...

Avoiding an Affair

Most affairs can be traced back to something small. A tiny compromise, a little white lie, and before you know it, your marriage is in serious trouble. John, Greg and Erin provide some guidance on how to guard your marriage from an extramarital affair. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Ron and Jody Zappia's book "The Marriage Knot" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-03-02?refcd=1064001&...

Marriage is Like a Canoe

When your spouse gets on your nerves, it hits much closer to home than when someone else does. If left unchecked, those little annoyances can become sources of tension and conflict. John and the Smalleys explain how working through your differences can make you a stronger couple. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the Smalleys' book "The Wholehearted Wife" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2...

Having Fun With Your Differences

It's common for spouses with completely different personalities to find each other. The early bird marries a night owl, and an extrovert marries an introvert, With such contrasts, it's easy to get annoyed with your spouse. But what if there was a way to have fun with your differences? John and the Smalleys give some helpful tips for couples who can't see past their opinions. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the Smalleys' book "The Wholehear...

God's Plan for Your Sex Life

God designed sex to be a wonderful gift for you and your spouse. Yet, many couples are trying to work through a sexual struggle. If that's you today, we want to give you some hope. John, Greg and Erin discuss God's design for sexuality, and offer encouragement to those with a dark sexual past. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get the Yerkovichs' book "How We Love" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-pod...

Making Space for Humor

Some of the sweetest memories with your spouse will probably involve laughing together. The truth is, appreciating each other's sense of humor can be one of the greatest blessings in your relationship. Greg and Erin tell John about how they've learned to have fun and laugh together as a couple. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Ted Cunningham's book "A Love That Loves" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-...

Being There for Your Spouse

We all want our spouse to be there for us. No matter what happens in life, having a faithful mate through the good and bad times can be so comforting. John talks with Greg and Erin about what it looks like for husbands to treat their wives well through the ups and downs of life. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Katharine Hill's book "If You Forget Everything Else, Remember This": https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2020-12-...

Adjusting With Changing Seasons

It's been said before that as the seasons change, so do we as people. The truth is, as years come and go, you and your spouse won't be the same people as when you first got married. John, Greg and Erin give some tips on doing marriage well through changing seasons. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Katharine Hill's book "If You Forget Everything Else, Remember This": https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2020-12-01?refcd=10534...

Helping Your Marriage Through Little Changes

It's fair to say you and your spouse are not the same person. When your differences become more evident, it's easy to get into arguments over things like money, the kids, or having company over for dinner. John and the Smalleys give some helpful ideas for working through differences with your spouse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Arlene Pellicane's book "31 Days to a Happy Husband" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusont...

Healthy Ways for Wives to Discuss Sex

Talking to your spouse about sex can be very awkward and uncomfortable. If you are trying to work through a sexual struggle in your marriage, you're not alone. Greg, Erin and John discuss how couples can have honest and healthy conversations about sex. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Arlene Pellicane's book "31 Days to a Happy Husband" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-01-05?refcd=10...

Picking the Right Fights

When you and your spouse run into conflict, the key to success is knowing which battles to fight and which ones to avoid. John, Greg and Erin offer some helpful ideas for working through conflict successfully with your spouse, and how to rely on God's strength as you face challenges together. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Leslie Vernick's book "How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong" for your donation of any amount: https://donate....

Choosing Forgiveness, Even When It's Hard

When your spouse hurts you, your knee-jerk reaction might be to hold on tightly to unforgiveness. But choosing not to forgive can cause even more damage to your relationship. John, Erin and Greg weigh in on why forgiveness can set your marriage free from resentment. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Leslie Vernick's book "How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fo...

Laughing Together as a Couple

What were some things that attracted you to your spouse? Maybe, it was his or her sense of humor, or the way he or she laughed? Greg and Erin tell John about how humor brought them together, and why laughter can help you overcome a struggle in your relationship. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Ted Cunningham's book "A Love That Laughs" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-01-19?refcd=10...

Finding Reasons to Laugh

A moment that goes wrong can turn into one of your funniest memories. The truth is, learning to laugh together can be one of the greatest blessings in your marriage. Greg, Erin and John share a funny story and give a few ideas for how to make humor part of your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Ted Cunningham's book "A Love That Laughs": https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2021-01-19?refcd=1044607 Get more episode...

Preparing for Transitions

As your kids grow up, changes will happen in your marriage. No matter how much you love your children, your marriage must remain a priority. Greg, Erin and John discuss transitions couples go through, and adjusting to changes with your children. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Katharine Hill's book "If You Forget Everything Else, Remember This": https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2020-12-01?refcd=1043903 Get more episod...

Having Couple Friends

Your spouse might be your best friend, but doing life with other couples can make your marriage even stronger. None of us are meant to go through life and marriage alone. Greg and Erin talk with John about the difference that friends have made in their marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Katharine Hill's book "If You Forget Everything Else, Remember This": https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-fofm-podcast-2020-12-01?refcd=1043903 ...

Finding a Fun Activity

As your children come and grow, it's good for you and your spouse to have fun activities you enjoy doing together. Whether they're big or small, the ultimate goal is to connect with each other. John, Greg and Erin discuss things they enjoy doing with their spouse, and how fun activities have helped their marriages. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Arlene Pellicane's book "31 Days to a Happy Husband": https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don...

Recapturing Romance in Busy Times

You come home from a busy day, and instead of looking forward to a romantic candlelit dinner with your spouse, you're having to watch the kids for the evening. While every season brings blessings, is romance even possible on those days? John and the Smalleys discuss what a husband can do to keep romance alive in the busy times. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Get Arlene Pellicane's book "31 Days to a Happy Husband": https://donate.focusonthefa...