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Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage

English, Personal/Lifestyle/Family, 1 season, 65 episodes, 1 day, 15 hours, 21 minutes
About
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.
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Mark and Rosie Makinney: Fighting Porn in Marriage Part 2

How do we fight against pornography in marriage? Greg and Erin wrap their conversation with Mark and Rosie Makinney on this important topic.. Also we continue our conversation with Focus on the Family Counselor Geremy Keeton. Geremy discusses setting boundaries and what counseling looks like in dealing with porn in a marriage. Later we get a question from one of our listeners about dealing with conflicting personalities in their marriage.   Receive the book Aftershock for your donation of any amount!   Help for Pornography Addiction   Restoring Trust After a Confession of Pornography Addiction   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
5/27/202446 minutes, 6 seconds
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Mark and Rosie Makinney: Fighting Porn in Marriage Part 1

How do we fight against pornography in marriage? Over the next two episodes Greg and Erin tackle this important subject with Mark and Rosie Makinney. Later we are joined by Focus on the Family Counselor Geremy Keeton to dive deeper into the effects of porn on marriage and as always we get a question from one of our listeners about rekindling intimacy after infidelity.   Receive the book Aftershock for your donation of any amount!   Help for Pornography Addiction   Restoring Trust After a Confession of Pornography Addiction   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
5/20/202450 minutes, 24 seconds
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Gary Chapman: Five Love Languages for Marriage

What are your love languages? Dr. Gary Chapman joins Greg and Erin to breakdown the 5 love languages and why they are important in a marriage. Then Greg and Erin talk about their own love languages and how they are intentional in using those in their marriage. Later we answer a question from a listener about his struggles with emotional connection and communication.   Receive the book the The Five Love Languages for your donation of any amount!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
5/13/202436 minutes, 17 seconds
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The Impact of a Strong Wife

Celebrating Mom! Rebecca St. James joins Greg and Erin to discuss becoming a wife and mother. Rebecca also talks about the film about her families journey "Unsung Hero". Rebecca talks about her mom Helen Smallbone as she encouraged and supported her husband and kids in a time of crisis. Later we talk about how best to honor women. and we get a listener question about couples that are struggling with infertility.   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
5/6/202438 minutes, 23 seconds
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The Two Will Become One Flesh Merger Moment

What happens when you have conflict in your marriage? Author Kari Trent Stageberg joins Greg and Erin to discuss the merge moment in her marriage and the steps they took as the two shall become one flesh. Later Greg and Erin will debunk another Marriage Myth and we get a powerful listener question from a woman trying to do everything she can to avoid the dreaded "D'" word.   Receive the book The Merge for Marriage for your donation of any amount!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
4/29/202435 minutes, 58 seconds
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Unpacking 'Unsung Hero'

Greg and Erin talk with Luke and Joel Smallbone and their sister, Rebecca St. James talk about their own family story behind the Unsung Hero movie. The movie follows the family' s mother, Helen Smallbone , as she uses her faith to hold her husband and children together by turning struggles into an adventure and exercise their faith in God Later we will have our always fun conversation starter segment. We wrap the show with a listener question about settling while you are dating.   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
4/22/202442 minutes, 15 seconds
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Dave and Ashley Willis: Boundaries with In-Laws (Part 2)

Greg and Erin continue their discussion with Dave and Ashley Willis about setting boundaries with your in-laws. Later Joannie DeBrito joins the show to weigh in on how to set healthy boundaries with your in-laws with your spouse. We wrap with a listener question from Jay about a spouse being unreceptive toward their feelings.   Get Dave and Ashley's book for a gift of any amount!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
4/15/202440 minutes, 31 seconds
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Dave and Ashley Willis: Boundaries with In-Laws (Part 1)

How do you set boundaries with in-laws? Today, Dave and Ashley Willis join Greg and Erin to discuss setting boundaries with in-laws. Plus, Sterling Knight-Pinneo joins to share his thoughts on setting biblical boundaries!   Get Dave and Ashley's book for a gift of any amount!   Interested in the book Boundaries Ashley mentioned? Click here to get it!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
4/8/202439 minutes, 20 seconds
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Brad and Marilyn Rhoads: Have a Healthy Marriage through Weekly Marriage Dates

What is the key to a healthy marriage? Greg and Erin talk with Brad and Marilyn Rhoads about managing marriage expectations and weekly marriage dates. Plus, Greg and Erin tackle a popular marriage myth!   Click Here to Receive the book The Grace Marriage for your donation of any amount!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
4/1/202437 minutes, 24 seconds
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Chad and Tori Masters: Christian Marriage and Infertility

Can marriage survive infertility? Today, Chad and Tori Masters join Greg and Erin to talk about their journey waiting for their son, Micah. Plus, Bill Arbuckle gives a devotion about looking for God in waiting seasons!   Check out this article to learn more about how you can thrive, even in a waiting season!   Click here to listen to the Practice Makes Parent Podcast!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
3/25/202433 minutes, 59 seconds
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Dr. Juli Slattery: What Does the Bible Say About Sex in Marriage?

What does the bible say about sex in marriage? Dr. Juli Slattery joins Greg and Erin to discuss the importance of sex in marriage. Plus, we have an extra long Q&A with some voicemails with some of our listeners!   Get the Juli's book for a gift of any amount!   Check out these conversation starters to use on date night!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
3/18/202432 minutes, 39 seconds
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Gary Thomas: Making Marriage Work When There are Signs That It's Over

How do you know your marriage is over? Gary Thomas joins Greg and Erin to talk about how marriage is hard, but worth it. Plus, Greg and Erin will talk through some conversation starters!   Get a copy of Gary's book, Cherish, for a gift of any amount!   Check out these conversation starters to use on date night!   Click here to read Erin's article about healing separations.   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
3/11/202437 minutes, 29 seconds
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Mo Isom Aiken: Battling a Selfish Mindset

How can you and your spouse successfully become a team? Mo Isom Aiken joins Greg and Erin to talk about what it's like being a wife and mother battling a "me" mindset. Plus, we'll hear from newlywed's Alex and Megan Seeley about how they learned to being to switch to a team mentality in marriage!   Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a couple by taking our free Marriage Assessment!
3/4/202448 minutes, 33 seconds
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Guy and Amber Lia: Marriage Stress Help

How does stress affect marriage? On today's episode, Greg and Erin talk to Guy and Amber Lia about how they learned to respond to stress in marriage. Plus, Greg and Erin will talk through some conversation starters!   Get Guy and Amber's book for a gift of any amount!   Check out these conversation starters to use on date night!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
2/26/202437 minutes, 4 seconds
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Ted Cunningham: Making Marriage Work with Intentionality

What makes a marriage work? Ted Cunningham joins Greg and Erin to discuss how you can avoid marital drift. Plus, Greg and Erin will talk about how to build a firm foundation for your marriage!   Get a copy of Ted's book for a gift of any amount!   Want to learn more about the sacred pathways Greg mentioned? Click here to get the book!   Need some help with your marriage? Contact our counseling team today!   Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a couple by taking our free Marriage Assessment!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
2/19/202436 minutes, 58 seconds
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Valentines Day Date and Gift Ideas

Need some Valentine's date ideas? Today, Greg and Erin host a roundtable with some married friends to share some Valentine's day ideas!   Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a couple by taking our free Marriage Assessment!   Check out these conversation starters to use on date night!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
2/12/202443 minutes, 28 seconds
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Levi and Jennie Lusko: Pride and Marriage

How can we overcome pride in marriage? Today, Levi and Jenni Lusko join Greg and Erin to talk about how pride destroys a marriage and some practical tips to practice humility with your spouse. Plus, Geremy Keeton stops by to share some thoughts on how to defend your marriage against pride!   Get a copy of the book The Marriage Devotional for a gift of any amount!   Need some help with your marriage? Contact our counseling team today!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
2/5/202444 minutes, 40 seconds
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Dave and Ann Wilson: Happiness in Marriage with God at the Center

How can you have a marriage with God at the center? Dave and Ann Wilson join Greg and Erin to share their story of how they found happiness in marriage. Plus, we'll hear from newlyweds Kennedy and Olivia Unthank about how they have formed a Christ centered marriage!   Get a copy of the book Vertical Marriage for a gift of any amount!   Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a couple by taking our free Marriage Assessment!   Need some help with your marriage? Contact our counseling team today!    We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
1/29/202447 minutes, 53 seconds
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Jason and Tori Benham: A Solution to Rekindle Your Marriage

How do you reignite your spark in marriage? On today's episode, Greg and Erin talk with Jason and Tori Benham how to recognize signs your marriage is under spiritual attack and how to rekindle a marriage! Plus, we'll hear a devotion from our friend, Bill Arbuckle.   Get a copy of Jason and Tori's book for a gift of any amount!   Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a couple by taking our free Marriage Assessment!   Check out these conversation starters to strengthen your relationship   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
1/22/202437 minutes, 59 seconds
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Safa and Tovares Grey: The Fruit of the Spirit in Marriage

How do we show the fruit of the Spirit in marriage? Today, Safa and Tovares Grey join Greg and Erin to talk about what a strong Christian marriage can look like. Plus, we'll hear some good tips from Greg and Erin on how to correct your spouse with love!   Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a couple by taking our free Marriage Assessment!    https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/marriage-meditation-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-is-goodness/   The Fruit of the Spirit is Goodness   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
1/15/202446 minutes, 56 seconds
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Why Every Church Needs a Solid Marriage Ministry

Why is marriage ministry important? On today's episode, Greg and Erin talk with Jay and Laura Laffoon about how important things like premarital counseling, marriage mentoring, and marriage activities are essential to a thriving marriage. Plus, Greg and Erin will give some practical tips for couples who want to serve together in church! Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a couple by taking our free Marriage Assessment!   Check out this article for some practical tips for serving others as a couple!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
1/8/202437 minutes, 12 seconds
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Using "Heart Talk" to Improve Communication and Save Your Marriage

Are you struggling with communication in marriage? Today, Greg and Erin are joined by Matt and Angel Rigsby to discuss what they learned about how to improve communication in marriage by using heart talk. Plus, we'll hear some inspiring stories from some of our Hope Restored alumni!   Wondering if the Hope Restored intensive is for you? Check out the details here.    Want to take the Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment? Click here!    Need some help figuring out what you're feeling? Check out the Feelings Wheel!    We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
1/1/202442 minutes, 24 seconds
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Christmas Stories from the Early Years of Marriage

Merry Christmas! On today's special holiday episode, Greg and Erin talk with some friends here at Focus on the Family about some early marriage stories from Christmas. Plus, Greg and Erin will talk through some holiday conversation starters!   Check out some more conversation starters for the holiday season!   Want to hear more about Greg's Furby story? Click here!
12/25/202344 minutes, 59 seconds
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Overcoming Selfishness in Marriage

Do you struggle with selfishness in marriage? Dino and Ashley Petrone join Greg and Erin to talk about moving away from family after marriage and how that season taught them lessons about emotion connection in marriage. Plus, counselor Jerry Jones stops by to discuss some practical tips for overcoming selfishness in marriage!   Receive the book Designed to Last for your donation of any amount!   Are you and your spouse struggling to show the Fruits of the Spirit towards each other? Check out this free video series!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
12/18/202335 minutes, 31 seconds
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Loving a Fierce Woman

How can a husband lead a fierce woman? Kimberly and LeRoy Wagner join Greg and Erin to talk about fierce women and biblical leadership in marriage. Plus, we'll hear some amazing impact stories from our Hope Restored intensive and our amazing listeners!   Receive the Fierce Women/Men Who Love Fierce Women bundle for your donation of any amount!   Wondering if the Hope Restored intensive is for you? Check out the details here.!   Want to take the Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment? Click here!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
12/11/202340 minutes, 35 seconds
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How to Love Better in Your Marriage

How can you build a love that lasts? Today, Pastor Kevin Thompson joins Greg and Erin to discuss his practical advice around humility and embracing hurt together as a couple. Plus, Greg and Erin give some tips for listening better in your relationship!   Want to get Kevin's book? Click here to get it for a gift of any amount!   Want to get the book Greg co-wrote with Dr. Bob Paul? Check it our here!   Want to hear more from Kevin? Listen to his Focus on the Family Broadcast!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
12/4/202334 minutes, 55 seconds
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Recognizing Conflict Cycles to Get to Conflict Resolution

Are you and your spouse stuck in a conflict cycle? On today's episode, Greg and Erin are joined by Chad and Angela Imhoff who give some great conflict resolution strategies. Plus, Greg and Erin will break down the stages of the conflict cycle and explain some practical steps you and your spouse can take to get out of it!   Want to take the Reactive Cycle quiz? Click here!   Need to talk to a counselor about your marriage? Click here for more information.   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
11/27/202341 minutes
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The Best Choices to Make for Your Marriage

Are you struggling to work through what choices you should be making in your marriage? Today, Dr Ron Welch and his wife Jan talk about some little things you can do to recognize choices you should be making in conflict. Plus, you'll hear a devotion from our friend, Bill Arbuckle!   Click here to receive the book 10 Choices Successful Couples Make for your donation of any amount!   Want to learn what you could be working on in your marriage? Take our free marriage assessment!    Looking for solid Christian marriage books? Check out this article!    We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
11/20/202329 minutes, 6 seconds
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Tori and Chad Masters Take the Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment

Are you looking for ways to improve your marriage? Today, Greg and Erin are joined by Chad and Tori Masters to talk about Focus on the Family's free marriage assessment! Plus, Greg and Erin will dive into some conversation starters!   Want to find out your strengths and weaknesses as a couple? Take the free marriage assessment!   Want to ask your spouse the questions Greg and Erin asked in today's episode? Check out this article!    We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
11/13/202339 minutes, 22 seconds
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Shaunti Feldhahn: The Everyday Recipe for Happy Marriage

Is there a recipe for a happy marriage? On today's episode, Greg and Erin talk with Shaunti Feldhahn about her research on how to have a happy marriage. Plus, you'll hear from Sterling Knight-Pinneo on how he strives to make his wife happier in their marriage!   To learn more about the Fantastic Five for Husbands and Wives, get Shaunti's book for a gift of any amount!   Wondering what you need to work on to get a happier marriage? Take our free marriage assessment!   If you want to go deeper and find some simple habits you can start doing in your marriage, check out this free video series!
11/6/202336 minutes, 36 seconds
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Marriage After Kids: Keeping God at the Center

Are you having a hard time keeping your marriage strong with your blended family? Scott and Vanessa Martindale join Greg and Erin to discuss how a union with God at the center is essential to a strong remarriage. Plus, counselor Glenn Lutjens joins to share some tips for marriage after kids!   Click here to get the book Blended and Redeemed for a gift of any amount!    Are you having trouble in your blended family? Check out this video series!   Counseling - Want a free consultation from one of our counselors? Click here for more information.   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
10/30/202332 minutes, 49 seconds
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How to Romance Your Wife

Looking for some new ways to romance your wife? Greg and Erin are joined by Dr. Mike Bechtle to talk about how you can bring romance back to your marriage. Plus, Greg and Erin will give some ideas for intimacy and romance in your marriage!   Click here to get the book I Wish He Had Come With Instructions for a gift of any amount!   Are you having trouble communicating how you feel to your spouse. Try out the Feelings Wheel!   Do you want to become the expert on your spouse? Check out these conversation starters!    Want to learn more about how important intimacy in marriage is? Watch this video series!    We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
10/23/202337 minutes, 6 seconds
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How to Love Your Life

Are you loving your everyday life? Today, Alexandra Kuykendall joins Greg and Erin to talk about her 9-month experiment that helped her learn how to love life more everyday. Plus, newlywed Alex Seeley talks about how he has learned to love his wife better!   Click here to get the book Loving My Actual Life for a gift of any amount!   Want to hear more from Alexandra on her 9-month experiment? Check out her Focus on the Family Broadcast!   The Care Cycle   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
10/16/202335 minutes, 29 seconds
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Surviving Infidelity to Marriage Restoration

Are you and your spouse struggling to recover from infidelity? Travis and Adelle Graham join Greg and Erin to talk about surviving infidelity and how you can achieve marriage restoration after an affair. Plus, you'll hear from Jenny Coffey about how to work through infidelity in a healthy way!   Are you and your spouse struggling and need help? Check out our Hope Restored marriage intensive.   Not sure what to do after learning about an affair? Here are some practical steps to recovery!   Want more information about oneness in marriage? Click here!   Do you think you would benefit from a healing separation? Check out this article to learn more.   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
10/9/202339 minutes, 33 seconds
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Eye Contact and Other Ideas to Strengthen Your Marriage

Dr. Schroeder explains some practical things that couples can do to strengthen their marriage like making eye contact with each other for at least 10 minutes a day and making a list of things that would be comforting to you and giving it to your spouse. Greg and Erin dive into how spouses can give each other feedback without sounding mad or condescending!   Click here to get the book Simple Habits for Marital Happiness for a gift of any amount!   Want to hear more from Dr. Randy Schroeder on this topic? Check out this free video series!   Get to know your strengths and weaknesses with the Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment!   Do you struggle with defensiveness? Click here to learn more about how you can better respond to feedback.    We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
10/2/202332 minutes, 7 seconds
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Debra Fileta: Working Through Seasons of Marriage (Part 2)

Are you in a dry season? Greg and Erin continue the conversation with Debra Fileta about the seasons of marriage. Specifically, when a spouse is experiencing a marriage without passion and intimacy. Plus, you'll hear a devotion from Bill Arbuckle about the seasons that a marriage can go through!   Click here to get Debra's book for a gift of any amount!   Want to hear more from Debra on this topic? Check out her Focus on the Family Broadcast!     Are you feeling trapped in a dry season? Check out this article!    We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
9/25/202331 minutes, 15 seconds
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Debra Fileta: Working Through Seasons of Marriage (Part 1)

What are the seasons of marriage? Today, Debra Fileta joins Greg and Erin to discuss the four seasons of marriage that couples can go through. Plus, Greg and Erin will talk through some conversation starters about how they started their relationship!   Click here to get Debra's book for a gift of any amount!   Hear some more stories from Greg and Erin on the Focus on the Family Broadcast!   Want to ask your spouse the questions from today's episode? Click here!   Want to hear more from Debra on this topic? Check out her Focus on the Family Broadcast!   Want to learn more about how you can help others strengthen their marriages? Learn how to become a Marriage Champion today!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
9/18/202336 minutes, 3 seconds
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Money and Marriage

Are finances in marriage a trigger point for you and your spouse? On today's episode, Greg and Erin talk with Chuck Bentley and his wife Ann about common money issues in marriage and how you can get on the same page financially with your husband or wife. Plus, you'll hear some great conversations starters about money and marriage!   Click here to get Chuck and Ann's book for a gift of any amount!   Check out this free video series about improving finances in your marriage!    Don't know how to talk about money with your spouse? Use these conversation starters.   Read this article to learn more about how you can create a financial plan that's right for your marriage!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
9/11/202338 minutes, 8 seconds
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True Love Stories

Do you tell your love story? Today, Greg and Erin talk about the importance of love stories! Rhonda Stoppe joins the conversation and shares how God has used her story to help her kids and the people around her. Plus, you'll get to hear Greg and Erin share a little bit about their own personal love story!   Click here to get the book Real Life Romance for a gift of any amount!   Want to hear more of Greg and Erin's love story? Click here to learn more!   Have questions about remarriage after divorce? Check out this article.   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
9/4/202328 minutes, 35 seconds
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How to Save Your Marriage

Dr. David Clarke describes the practical steps that couples should be taking when they don't think their marriage is going to make it. He stresses the importance of understanding that both of you are in very different places emotionally and that communication about your feelings are essential before you take next steps.   Click here to get the book I Don't Want a Divorce for a gift of any amount!   Click here to get the PDF about recovering from an affair.   Does your marriage need help? Check out our Hope Restored Intensive.   If you and your spouse are constantly fighting, watch this video series to learn how you can fight your way to a better marriage!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
8/28/202339 minutes, 44 seconds
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Treating Your Spouse with Respect

How can you find ways to show respect to your husband or wife? Greg and Erin talk with Matt and Lisa Jacobson about how important it is to show respect to your spouse on a regular basis. And, Matt and Lisa share their very unique love story! Then, the Smalley's talk with newlywed, Kennedy Unthank, about how he has learned to show his wife his love. Click here to get the Loving Your Husband/Wife Well Bundle for a gift of any amount!   Want to hear more from Matt and Lisa Jacobson? Click here to watch their Focus on the Family Broadcast!   If you think you might be in an abusive relationship, check out this Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage episode to learn more.    Watch this video series to learn more about how you can cherish and love your spouse!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
8/21/202342 minutes, 17 seconds
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The Importance of Prayer in Your Marriage

Do you pray with your spouse on a regular basis? On today's episode, Greg and Erin discuss praying scripture over your marriage with Jodie Berndt. Plus, you'll hear a devotion from Bill Arbuckle about how prayer is essential to your spiritual growth as a couple!   Click here to get Jodie's book "Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage" for a gift of any amount!   Want to learn Greg and Erin's favorite marriage verses? Click here!   Struggling to find ways to pray with your spouse? Check out Jodie's Berndt's prayer cards!   Did you know that prayer can lead to deeper intimacy in your marriage? Check out this article to learn more!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
8/14/202324 minutes, 4 seconds
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Loving Your Spouse Well

How do we love our spouse like they've never been loved before? This week, Greg and Erin talk with Gary Thomas about how to show your husband or wife that you love them. We'll also hear some great conversation starters about tenderness and learning to cherish your spouse!   Click here to get Gary Thomas's book about loving your spouse well!   Do you want to ask your spouse the same questions from today's episode? Check out these conversation starters!   Want more from Gary Thomas? Click here to watch his video series about cherishing your spouse!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
8/7/202337 minutes, 58 seconds
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Building a Safe Relationship

Are you struggling to have tough conversations in your marriage? Today, Greg and Erin discuss the importance of boundaries in your marriage with Mo Isom Aiken. She also dives into managing expectations around sex and the importance of healing from brokenness. Plus, we’ll hear from a Christian counselor about how couples can manage expectations around intimacy! Then, Greg and Erin answer a question about how to repair broken trust in marriage.   Want to learn more about creating safety in your marriage? Check out this article!   Feel like you need to talk to someone? Connect with one of our Christian counselors today!   Click here to read about how you can set healthy boundaries in your relationship.   Is your marriage in a crisis and you need some help? Click here to learn more about our Hope Restored Intensive.   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
7/31/202338 minutes
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Handling Transitions in Marriage

What should you and your spouse be doing during transitions in marriage? On today's episode, Sean and Lanette Reed join Greg and Erin to talk about how we can unpack the lies the enemy tells us. They also give tips on positive talk about your spouse. Then, Christian counselor Glenn Lutjens stopped by to discuss the best way couples can handle stressful marriage transitions.   Click here to get the book Marriage in Transition: Creating Connection Through Uncontrollable Change for a gift of any amount!   Feel like you need to talk to someone? Connect with one of our Christian counselors today!   There are lies the enemy tells you that can destroy your marriage. Check out this free video series to learn more!   Get your copy of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage today!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.  
7/24/202344 minutes, 9 seconds
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What is a Healthy Sex Life?

Juli believes that men are sometimes raised to believe that a woman is for their pleasure, when that was not God’s design. Wanting to be deeply known by someone isn’t purely a feminine desire, both genders long for a deeper connection with each other. However, that connection shouldn’t be treated as something purely physical. Sex is a chance to have a retreat with your spouse, but it’s also an opportunity to connect spiritually.   Click here to get Juli's book for a gift of any amount!   Check out this free video series on how you can improve your sex life!   Get your copy of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage today!   Want to learn more about what intimacy is? Read this article!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
7/17/202333 minutes, 27 seconds
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In Sickness and in Health

What are you really committing to when you vow to love a spouse “in sickness and in health?” Greg and Erin talk to Dave and Ashley Willis about supporting your spouse's personal health, whether its physical, mental, or spiritual. Dave and Ashley share about the importance of letting your spouse join you in health struggles, or on the other side, being there to listen and encourage them as you walk through health difficulties together. Plus, hear Greg and Erin demonstrate using conversation starters to connect with your spouse.   Get the book Naked and Healthy for a gift of any amount!   Start this free video series to become a more effective and loving communicator.   The goal of a great marriage conversation is to affirm what your spouse is doing right, to exchange ideas and to offer suggestions for the future. Use these questions to get that process started.   Reactive Cycle Test
7/10/202341 minutes, 52 seconds
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Ashley and Dino Petrone Discuss Outserving Your Spouse

How can you serve your spouse better? Today, Greg and Erin talk with Dino and Ashley Petrone about how important it is to serve your husband or wife in everyday life. They even made a game of it! Plus, we’ll hear from some friends in the ministry on how they have learned to be more intentional with their spouses.    Get Ashley and Dino's book for a gift of any amount!   Are you and your spouse more like roommates? Click here to get a copy of Greg and Erin's book Reconnected!   Want to know some of your strengths and weaknesses as a couple? Take our free marriage assessment to find out.
7/3/202334 minutes, 18 seconds
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How to Use Your Love Style

Do you know your love style? Greg and Erin talk with Milan and Kay Yerkovich about the different types of love styles and how they can affect your marriage. Plus, we’ll hear a devotion from Bill Arbuckle on the importance of loving your spouse well!   Get a copy of the Yerkovich's book today!   Want to learn more about The Comfort Circle? Click here!   Find out your love style by taking this quiz.   Want to learn more about how to use your love style? Listen to the Yerkovich's on the Focus on the Family Broadcast.   Click here to connect with one of our counselors today!    We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
6/26/202331 minutes, 33 seconds
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Learning to Let Go

Is it possible to have unity in marriage when you keep having the same arguments over and over again? On today’s episode, Greg and Erin talk to Jim Burns about how there are some things that are worth letting go in conflict and how important it is that we are different from each other. Plus, Greg and Erin will break down how you can repair conflict in your marriage!   Focus on the Family wants to give you and your spouse some real, practical help for the moments after conflict. So we’ve developed a 5-part video series called “From Anger to Affection,” featuring relationship experts Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley.   Visit our store for a copy of the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance.   The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses?   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
6/19/202335 minutes, 12 seconds
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What Do You Do Before You Get Married?

How can you prepare for marriage well? Greg and Erin see to answer that question in the episode by talking about premarital and some practical things Christian couples should do before marriage! Dr. David Gudgel joins them to talk about the importance of commitment. Plus, we’ll hear from newlywed, Megan Seeley about what questions she had before marriage!   Receive the book Ready to Wed for your donation of any amount!   The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses?   Visit our store for a copy of the book Sacred Pathways.   What questions should you ask a young man who wants to marry your daughter? Answers to these 12 big, important, overarching questions might hold the key to your daughter's future happiness.   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.
6/12/202334 minutes, 49 seconds
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The Importance of Marriage Mentoring

Who do you go to when you want help with your marriage? In this episode, Greg and Erin talk with Walt and Barb Larimore about the importance of marriage mentors and how important they are when you are struggling in marriage. Plus, you’ll hear from some friends of the ministry about who they go to for marriage advice!   Receive the book Fight Your Way to a Better Marriage for your donation of any amount!   Visit our store for a copy of the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance.   Invest in Your Marriage with Mentors   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voice note.
6/5/202328 minutes, 16 seconds
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Love is Sacrifice

What does it look like to sacrifice in a relationship? In this episode, Greg and Erin talk with Pastor Bob Lepine about why it is important to sacrifice in marriage. You’ll also hear from Bill Arbuckle with a devotion about how you can show love to your spouse through sacrifice.   Receive the book Love Like You Mean It for your donation of any amount!   Visit our store for a copy of the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance.   Are You in an Abusive Relationship?
5/29/202325 minutes, 7 seconds
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How to Keep Your Marriage Strong (Part 2)

What makes a strong marriage? Greg and Erin continue the conversation with Levi and Jenni Lusko about making marriage investments that will prepare you and your spouse for hard seasons. You’ll also get to hear Greg and Erin ask each other questions they believe every couple should be asking each other every week!   Receive the book The Marriage Devotional for your donation of any amount!   The goal of a great marriage conversation is to affirm what your spouse is doing right, to exchange ideas and to offer suggestions for the future. Use these conversation starters to get started.   Visit our store for a copy of the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance.
5/22/202332 minutes, 50 seconds
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How to Keep Your Marriage Strong (Part 1)

How can you invest in your marriage? What does a strong marriage look like? Join Greg and Erin as they talk with Levi and Jenni Lusko about how they built up their marriage. They also share how they kept their marriage strong after losing their young daughter. Plus, you’ll hear from Christian counselor Kari Aho, about how to heal after a tragedy.   Link to Counseling Services   The Marriage Devotional   Recieve the book "A Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage" for your donation of any amount!   10 Signs of an Emotionally Abusive Relationship
5/15/202338 minutes, 49 seconds
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How to Improve Communication in Conflict

How can we communicate better with our spouse in conflict? In this episode, Greg and Erin talk with Katharine Hill about how conflict can actually strengthen your marriage and help you to communicate better with your spouse! Plus, you’ll hear from some friends of the ministry about conflict styles.   Recieve the Book "If You Forget Everything Else, Remember This: Building a Great Marriage" for your donation of any amount! 
5/8/202332 minutes, 27 seconds
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Are You in an Abusive Relationship?

What does an abusive relationship look like? What are the signs you should be looking for? Join Greg and Erin as they talk with Gary Thomas about what a physically abusive or an emotionally abusive spouse looks like. Plus, we’ll hear from Christian counselor, Tim Sanford, about what practical steps men and women can take to get out of an abusive relationship.   Link to Counseling Services   Abuse in Marriage Video Series   Have You Lost Hope in Your Marriage? For couples in crisis, you can still put the pieces of your marriage back together with Hope Restored.   10 Signs of an Emotionally Abusive Relationship
5/1/202338 minutes, 23 seconds
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Managing Your Triggers in Marriage

Everyone says things that they don’t mean in the heat of an argument, but how can we find ways to strengthen our communication with our spouse when we’re triggered? Join Greg and Erin as they discuss how to communicate better with your spouse in a fight with guests, Guy and Amber Lia. Plus, you’ll hear from some friends of the ministry about how they handle conflict with their spouses! Receive the book Marriage Triggers for your donation of any amount! The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses? Receive the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance for your donation of any amount
4/24/202327 minutes, 12 seconds
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Men and Women: Working Through Your Differences

We all know that there are differences between men and women, but how do we use them to strengthen our relationship? Dr. Mike Bechtle joins Greg and Erin to discuss some biological differences between men and women and how he and his wife have learned to best communicate with each other. Plus, we’ll hear from newlywed, Saundra Mena, on how she and her husband worked through their gender differences in marriage!   Receive the book I Wish He Had Come With Instructions for your donation of any amount!   The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses?   Receive the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance for your donation of any amount
4/17/202330 minutes, 1 second
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Spiritual Warfare in Marriage

What do you do when your marriage is under a spiritual attack? In today’s episode, Greg and Erin talk with Jason and Tori Benham about what spiritual warfare in marriage looks like and how to combat it. Plus, you’ll hear a devotion from Bill Arbuckle on how you can fight for your marriage spiritually! Receive the book Beauty in Battle: Winning in Marriage by Waging a War for your donation of any amount. The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses? Conversation Starters for Date Night Receive the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance for your donation of any amount
4/10/202330 minutes, 56 seconds
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Having Grace When Your Spouse is Struggling

Why is it important to have grace in a relationship? In this episode, Mo Isom Aiken talks about how she had to unpack baggage in her marriage and what a grace filled marriage looks like for her. Join Greg and Erin as they talk about what being a supportive partner can look like! Conversation Starters for Date Night. Receive the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance for your donation of any amount. The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses? Link to Counseling Services
4/3/202333 minutes, 15 seconds
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Learning to Dream Together

Do you and your spouse take the time to talk about your dreams for the future? In this first episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin discuss the importance of building your dreams together with today’s guest, Dr. Juli Slattery!   Receive the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/clt-03-27-23?refcd=1637804   Conversation Starters for Date Night: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/conversation-starters-for-date-nights/   In this book, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley offer practical ways to rekindle the passionate, intimate, heart-to-heart spark of connection between husbands and wives. Recieve your copy today: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/reconnected-moving-from-roommates-to-soulmates-in-your-marriage?refcd=1637804   The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses?: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/focus-on-marriage-assessment?refcd=1637804
3/27/202331 minutes, 30 seconds
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Finding Ways to Stay Connected

Sometimes it can be hard to feel emotionally connected with your spouse, especially when jobs, kids, and arguments are getting in the way. In this episode, Greg and Erin discuss how spouses can find ways to stay emotionally connected in your relationship with guests Bill and Pam Farrel! Plus, you’ll hear a devotion from Bill Arbuckle, a member of our marriage team at Focus on the Family.   Receive the book Reconnected: Moving from Roommates to Soulmates in Marriage for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/crazy-llttle-thing-report?refcd=1633910   With practical advice and stories from their own marriage and counseling experiences, Greg and Erin guide couples to find ways to work around roadblocks in their current relationship and to intentionally create communication patterns that will take them to emotionally safe places. Receive your book today: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/crazy-little-thing-called-marriage-softcover?refcd=1633910   The Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage's strengths and weaknesses?: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/focus-on-marriage-assessment?refcd=1633910   Conversation Starters for Date Night: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/conversation-starters-for-date-nights/
3/24/202331 minutes, 4 seconds
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How to Fight Fair

Marriage arguments and fighting with your spouse are a part of life, but there are ways that we can better understand each other when marital conflict arises. Greg and Erin chat with Bob and Jenni Paul about a conflict tool for couples called heart talk. And you’ll hear from Kennedy, a newlywed, about how he has learned to handle conflict in his marriage!   Receive the book 9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/clt-03-23-23?refcd=1637901   Have You Lost Hope in Your Marriage? For couples in crisis, you can still put the pieces of your marriage back together with Hope Restored: https://hoperestored.focusonthefamily.com?refcd=1637901   With practical advice and stories from their own marriage and counseling experiences, Greg and Erin guide couples to find ways to work around roadblocks in their current relationship and to intentionally create communication patterns that will take them to emotionally safe places. Receive your book today: https://store.focusonthefamily.com/crazy-little-thing-called-marriage-softcover/?refcd=1637901
3/23/202333 minutes, 20 seconds
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Preview

Welcome to Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, a brand new podcast from Focus on the Family! Join us every week as Greg and Erin Smalley give you a seat at the table as they dig deep into what a healthy and godly marriage should look like. This week, the Smalleys give you a sneak peek into what they are learning in their marriage right now. 
3/15/20233 minutes, 51 seconds