Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk

A hardened heart can keep even the people who are closest to us at arm’s length. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson shares a powerful message from Army Lieutenant Colonel Don Coble. A hard-drinking workaholic whose marriage was headed for divorce, Coble describes the church service that changed everything.

Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, and friends often don’t know what to say. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh continues his heartfelt conversation with Jackie M. Baker, author of Messy Mourning. After losing her son to suicide, Jackie discovered the Church often struggles to respond. She explains how believers can offer real comfort, and why it took seven years for her to feel at peace.

Loving parents can do everything right and still watch their grown child slip out of reach. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh welcomes Jackie M. Baker, author of Messy Mourning. Her son, Sebastian, was raised in a Christian home and battled drug abuse and mental illness before dying by suicide at 23. Jackie shares how the Psalms of lament carried her through.

Faith is often forged in the darkest of valleys. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson continues his impactful conversation with Holocaust survivor Diet Eman (pronounced “deet a-mon”), who risked her life in the Dutch resistance to help Jews escape the Nazis. She shares the cost of that courage, the loss of her fiancé, and the unshakable faith that carried her through.

On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson shares a powerful conversation with Diet Eman, a Dutch resistance worker imprisoned by the Nazis for helping Jews escape to safety.

The post Courageous Choices, Part 1 appeared first on Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

God is writing a story in every life, even in the hardest seasons. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Joe and Tamara Battaglia discuss her new 40-day devotional, Written in Heaven, featuring the honest testimonies of forty women of faith. Through struggles with infertility and heartbreak, these women learned that God sees them and never abandons His children. discovered God was still writing their story.

Some love stories feel too remarkable to be anything but ordained. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Joe and Tamara Battaglia share how a series of holy coincidences brought them together later in life. After loss and long seasons of singleness, they discovered God was still writing their story.

On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson sits down with comedian and author Ken Davis, who opens up about his emotionally distant father, who was a survivor of the Bataan Death March during World War II.

The post Ken Davis Shares from His Heart appeared first on Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

No matter how far we fall, no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Gary Bauer continues his powerful conversation with Al Cason, whose life spiraled toward the edge before a praying mother and a faithful father refused to give up. Al shares how surrender to Christ brought sobriety, restoration, and a business built on second chances.

Even a child raised in a loving Christian home can lose his way. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Gary Bauer sits down with Al Cason, president and COO of Bud’s Best Cookies, who grew up with faith, structure, and every advantage, yet slowly fell into the grip of addiction. It’s an honest look at how good intentions and hidden struggles can pull a family into deep pain.

Real love can’t be forced, and it can’t be caged. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson draws from his book, Love Must Be Tough, to teach why respect is the foundation of every lasting romantic relationship. He explains why grasping and smothering drive a partner away, how healthy love gives freedom, and what it means to defend the line of respect.

Every young person longs for love that lasts, yet so many chase it in ways that push it away.  On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson shares a powerful message for young adults facing life’s biggest decisions. Drawing from his book, Love Must Be Tough, Dr. Dobson explains why respect comes before love, and why holding on too tightly snuffs out the very spark you’re reaching for.

Raising children who stand firm in their Christian faith requires intention. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson sits down with Olympic runner Jim Ryun and his wife Anne, along with three of their children, to explore the intentional choices behind a strong Christian home. They share their approach to homeschooling, courtship, and daily prayer.

No one is ever beyond the reach of God’s love and transforming power. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson sits down with Emeal “EZ” Zwayne, whose path was headed toward destruction from being part of a notorious street gang, but was interrupted by a single night that changed everything. Zwayne shares how grace turned a rebellious teen into president of a worldwide ministry.

A doctor’s refusal to terminate a pregnancy set one boy on a collision course with the world.

The post An Immigrant’s Story: From Rebellion to Redemption, Part 1” appeared first on Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

Many Christians know a great deal about Jesus but wouldn’t recognize Him if He walked into the room. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh sits down with pastor and author Mark E. Moore to discuss his new book, The Missing Messiah. Moore explores how culture has reshaped Jesus into a comfortable image, and what genuine Christian community truly requires.

Politicians come and go, but the call for Christians to influence our nation for the gospel never fades. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Gary Bauer makes the case for why believers cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. He shares how civic engagement reflects a life of faith, why every vote carries weight, and what’s at stake for our nation this November.   Voting and the Church (eBook)

During every election season, Christians face a weighty question: how should we vote in a way that honors our faith? On today’s edition of Family Talk, Gary Bauer explores what it means to bring biblical convictions into the voting booth. He shares why the choices Christians make at the ballot box matter, and how faith can guide those decisions with wisdom and conviction.   Voting and the Church (eBook)

Busy parents often think that memory-making is one more task on an impossible list. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson continues his joy-filled conversation with Gloria Gaither and Shirley Dobson about their book, Making Ordinary Days Extraordinary. They reveal how both children and parents benefit from taking time to slow down and be fully present with the ones they love.

The most lasting memories rarely come from expensive vacations. They grow from ordinary days made extraordinary. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson sits down with Gloria Gaither and Shirley Dobson to explore simple, meaningful ways parents can shape their children’s hearts and minds. They share why small moments matter most, and how everyday interruptions can become God’s work.

In a culture that’s redefining sexuality, how do parents equip their kids with biblical truth? On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh continues his encouraging conversation with Dr. Christopher Yuan, author of Holy Sexuality and the Gospel. Dr. Yuan introduces his new Holy Sexuality Project, a first of its kind video series helping parents and teens understand and embrace God’s design for sexuality.

This story is one of the most powerful testimonies you’ll ever hear. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh welcomes author, ordained minister, and Bible professor Dr. Christopher Yuan, who shares his journey from drug dealing, prison, and an HIV diagnosis to radical transformation in Jesus Christ. Don’t miss this remarkable story of redemption and God’s unwavering faithfulness! Continue to Holy Sexuality, Part 2

Skeptics have spent centuries trying to disprove the Bible, yet the evidence keeps pointing back to its truth.

The post Ask the Experts: Trusting Scripture appeared first on Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

Only a small percentage of Christians can explain what they believe and why. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson gathers a remarkable panel of apologetics experts, including authors Dr. Frank Turek, Lee Strobel, and Dr. Gary Habermas to make the case for the resurrection, absolute truth, and a biblical worldview.

Caring for a special needs child requires more than love —it takes a team. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh continues his inspiring conversation with Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini about their book, The Special Needs Parent. They share how they navigate difficult behaviors, raised daughters who cherish their brother, and prepared for their son’s care in the years ahead.

Raising a child with special needs is a journey no parent would choose, yet it’s one filled with unexpected joy. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh welcomes Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini to discuss their new book, The Special Needs Parent. They share their son Joey’s diagnosis, the death of the dreams they once held, and how surrendering to God transformed heartache into blessing.

Some of life’s sweetest gifts come from our most painful seasons. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson continues his harrowing conversation with Don and Brenda Jacobson about their book, When God Makes Lemonade. They share Don’s remarkable survival after a devastating accident, powerful true stories of hope in the darkest moments, and how loving others is the way to escape bitterness. Some of life’s sweetest gifts come from our most painful seasons. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson continues his harrowing conversation with Don and Brenda Jacobson about their book, When...

Jesus promised that in this life, trouble is certain. But that’s not where the story ends. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson welcomes authors Don and Brenda Jacobson to explore how God takes life’s bitter lemons and makes lemonade. Through the harrowing story of a near-fatal accident, they reveal how the Lord meets us in our deepest valleys, and brings good from what feels impossible.

Children today are growing up in a world flooded with fear and anxiety. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh continues his inspiring conversation with Montell and Kristin Jordan about their new children’s book, Shiloh and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed. They share how parents can redefine the “monsters” that kids fear by inviting God into those anxious moments, and equipping children with the tools of faith and courage.

On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh welcomes Montell and Kristin Jordan, who traded music stardom for full-time ministry.

The post Montell and Kristin Jordan: Their Journey of Faith, Music, and Cancer, Part 1 appeared first on Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

The Bible is full of blended families, and their struggles look a lot like ours. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh continues his conversation with Laura Petherbridge about her book, Stepfamilies of the Bible. She draws on stories like Joseph and his brothers to reveal the timeless wisdom that helps stepfamilies heal, set healthy boundaries, and thrive.

Nearly two out of three Americans have a stepfamily relative, yet the church offers almost nothing to help them build their family structure. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh welcomes author Laura Petherbridge to discuss her new book, Stepfamilies of the Bible. She shares how Scripture speaks directly to the jealousy, rivalry, and loss that blended families can carry, and why God’s Word still holds the wisdom they need.

Middle school has never been easy, but today’s culture pushes kids out of childhood faster than ever.

The post Protecting Your Middle Schooler During Those Turbulent Years appeared first on Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

America’s freedoms may hang on a single election. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Gary Bauer continues his enlightening conversation with the Hon. Michele Bachmann about the stakes that Christian citizens are facing in this year’s election. She sounds the alarm on threats to our republic, and explains why believers must reject antisemitism and get to the polls and vote.

How do we make sense out of evil, and how should Christians respond to it? On today’s edition of Family Talk, Gary Bauer welcomes the Hon. Michele Bachmann to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and reflect on the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Gary and Michele share personal memories of that tragic day, and consider the current deep divisions in our country over political violence.

A kneeling grandparent can shape a child’s faith for a lifetime. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson welcomes Cavin Harper of the Christian Grandparenting Network to continue discussing the Grandparents Day of Prayer and his book, Courageous Grandparenting. He and Dr. Dobson explore the power of praying grandparents, and the lasting legacy they can leave for the next generation.

Being a good grandparent means more than spoiling the grandkids and sending them home to their parents. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson welcomes Cavin Harper, author of Courageous Grandparenting. They discuss why it takes courage to point the next generation to Jesus Christ, and how everyday moments are opportunities to leave a lasting spiritual legacy.

Many believers stay silent about their faith, afraid of ridicule or being labeled intolerant. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson sits down with attorney and broadcast journalist Hugh Hewitt to discuss his book, The Embarrassed Believer. Hewitt explains why so many Christians are hesitant to share the gospel, and why courage matters now more than ever.

From the rise of communism to the brink of nuclear war, could a single ancient object be hidden behind the last century’s darkest chapters? On today’s edition of Family Talk, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn returns to discuss his gripping new book, The Altar of Pergamon. He traces a startling mystery from Karl Marx to the Cuban Missile Crisis, revealing where the story ultimately points

Buried for centuries, an ancient altar that the Bible calls the “throne of Satan” was unearthed and carried into the modern world. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh welcomes best-selling author Rabbi Jonathan Cahn to discuss his new book, The Altar of Pergamon. Discover the startling connections between this object, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and today’s headlines.