Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

When trust is broken in a marriage can it ever be restored? John Fuller sits down with Dr. Greg Smalley and Dr. Erin Smalley to explore how couples can move past broken trust and toward healing. They share practical wisdom from Dr. Henry Cloud on unprompted transparency, self-trust, and the ongoing work of repair.

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Learning to Build Healthy Trust

When you hear "boundaries in marriage," it might sound like building walls between you and your spouse. But what if the right boundaries actually keep your hearts more open? In this episode, John Fuller sits down with Greg and Erin Smalley to unpack why healthy boundaries are essential for emotional safety in marriage, from protecting your couple time to maintaining financial transparency and avoiding harmful opposite-sex friendships. Then, Dr. John Townsend, explains the biblical case for boundaries.

Boundaries in Marriage

How To Set Healthy Boundaries In Your Marriage

Grief is inevitable in every marriage — but how you and your spouse process loss can look very different. In this episode, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley join John Fuller to explore how couples can support each other through grief, even when their coping styles and timelines don't match.

Holding On to Love After You’ve Lost a Baby

Embracing Hope and Love After a Loss

We're wired to crave our spouse's affirmation more than anyone else's, yet too often, we become their chief critic. In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson share a candid story about the moment Ann realized her husband needed encouragement, not criticism, and how that shift transformed their marriage. Dr. Greg and Dr. Aaron Smalley unpack what true biblical encouragement looks like and how understanding your spouse's unique encouragement "language" can breathe life back into your relationship.

How to Speak Life to Your Husband

Revive Your Marriage By Becoming Your Husband’s Biggest Cheerleader

Up to 70% of couples in counseling say they feel emotionally disconnected from their spouse. In this episode, Jim Daly opens up about the blind spots that cost him his first marriage, and Jim Turner shares what it looks like for men to finally lean in emotionally. Dr. Greg and Dr. Erin Smalley unpack the pursuer-withdrawer dynamic, explain how to spot your spouse's bids for connection, and offer practical steps you can take today even if your partner isn't on board yet.

The Disconnected Man

Hope Restored

Dealing with Emotional Disconnection in Marriage

When anger flares or worry takes over, there's usually something deeper underneath. John Fuller, Dr. Greg, and Erin Smalley unpack a conversation with counselor Debra Fileta about what's really driving our emotions and share practical habits to help couples connect beneath the surface.

Nourish Your Family’s Mental Health Bundle

Speak with a Counselor

How to Nourish Mental Health in Your Family

This month's theme is emotional safety. John Fuller, Dr. Greg and Dr. Erin Smalley, and guest Karen DeArmond Garner unpack the many forms abuse can take physical, verbal, and emotional why it's so hard to recognize, and how faith has been misused to keep victims trapped. A compassionate guide toward help and healing.

Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse

Speak with a Counselor

Finding Hope In The Aftermath Of Domestic Violence (Digital Download)

No couple signs up to lose at marriage but without a game plan, many marriages drift. In this episode, John Fuller and Dr. Greg Smalley talk with George and Tondra Gregory, authors of The Marriage Game Plan, about a five-part strategy for marital success. From defining what "winning" looks like to knowing your opponents and creating vision together, this conversation offers practical hope for couples at every stage even those who feel hopelessly behind at halftime.

The Marriage Game Plan

Marriage 911 Program

Build a Winning Game Plan for Your Marriage

Your spouse's differences aren't a bug, they're a feature. Kathi Lipp and Sheri Gregory, authors of Overwhelmed, join the Focus on the Family Marriage podcast to explore how personality differences—expressives vs. analytics, introverts vs. extroverts, can clash in marriage yet ultimately complement each other when couples learn to value what each brings to the table. Discover why the traits that first attracted you are the ones that later drive you crazy, and how honest conversations and the right perspective can turn frustration into appreciation‌
Overwhelmed
Practical Help for When You're Overwhelmed

Children are a blessing — but they're also one of the biggest disruptors a marriage will face. In this episode of the Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast, host John Fuller sits down with Dr. Greg and Dr. Erin Smalley to discuss how couples can protect their relationship amid the chaos of parenting, navigate disagreements about roles and responsibilities, and stay unified when their parenting styles differ. You'll also hear a candid and humorous conversation Jim Daly had with Pat and Ruth Schwenk, authors of For Better or For Kids, about the unpredictable early years of raising kids — including one unfo...

Teamwork takes intentionality. No matter how hard it gets, it's worth the effort. Erin Smalley shares some exciting news about how teamwork has paid off in her marriage. Then, Dr. Randy Schroeder joins Jim Daly to give couples a framework for encouraging each other in your daily lives. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
Simple Habits for Marital Happiness
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Forming New Habits for Your Marriage
Filling Your Marriage With Joy
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

Do you wish you could go back to the way things were? Have you lost hope? There is good news. Jim Daly joins Vicki Rose to share how God worked in her heart during a separation period with her husband Bill. At the end, Greg Smalley will explain why it's not too late for you and your spouse to be restored. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
Every Reason to Leave
Hope Restored
Staying Together When You Feel Like Leaving
Counseling Consultation and Referrals
An Impossible Marriage

Without feeling emotionally safe, it's hard to work together as a couple. Josh Straub and his wife Christi talk to Jim Daly about how he learned to make her feel seen and heard. Also, Greg opens up about why it's so meaningful when Erin encourages him. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
A Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage
Check Out Greg & Erin's Podcast
Working Together as a Team in Your Marriage
Developing Teamwork in Marriage
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

What if you could make your marriage happier? Shaunti Feldhahn joins Jim Daly to share research findings on what happy couples do. Also, if your spouse is getting on your nerves, John and the Smalley's will encourage you to assume the best. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Uncovering the Secrets to a Happy Marriage
6 Ways to Make Your Marriage Happy
Speak to a Counselor

Are you and your mate struggling to work together on money? Chuck and Ann Bentley share with Jim Daly how they struggled to communicate about their finances for two decades. Also, Greg and Erin provide some ideas for couples can get on the same page with your money. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
Money Problems, Marriage Solutions
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Getting on the Same Page Financially in Marriage
Finding Financial Unity in Marriage
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

What if you and your spouse had regular conversations that left you feeling encouraged? Bill and Pam Farrel talk with Jim Daly about how to do something called a marriage meet up. Then, Erin and Greg explain why scheduling time to talk together can lead to greater marital satisfaction. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
Marriage Meet Ups (Bundle)
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Strengthen Your Marriage With a Meet Up
Improve Your Marriage by Asking the Right Questions
Wife Wants Better Communication in Marriage: A Guide for Mentors
<...

Many times, when people make poor choices, it might be rooted in some unresolved past trauma. Justin and Trisha Davis talk with Jim Daly about learning to forgive some of the bad decisions their parents made. Also, John and the Smalley's will encourage you to be honest if you've made a bad choice and seek appropriate help. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
One Choice Away from Change
Hope Restored
Identifying Harmful Patterns To Heal Your Marriage I-II (Digital Download)
Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment
Listen to Focus Live...

How do you get along with your mate when circumstances are tough? Jeff and Sarah Walton have faced a number of challenges, and they speak with Jim Daly on some things they've learned. Then, Greg and Erin discuss what it means for a couple to give their struggles to the Lord. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
Together Through the Storms
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Staying Married Through the Storms of Life (Digital Download)
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster
Speak to Counselor

It's best to listen to your spouse instead of assuming you already know what he or she thinks. Dr. Randy Schroeder speaks with Jim Daly about the need to tell your spouse what you're actually thinking. You'll also hear Greg and Erin discuss how you can better communicate with your mate if you've had trouble doing so. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
Simple Habits for Marital Happiness
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Forming New Habits for Your Marriage (Digital Download)
Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment
Misreading Your Spouse

Is it a challenge for you to keep the house clean? As we approach a new school year, Kristi Clover and Jim Daly offer young moms some encouragement for how to teach kids to clean. Plus, John and Danny will give some guidelines for how to make cleaning fun, even if you kid doesn't want to do it. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
M.O.M.: Master Organizer of Mayhem
Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment
Simple Ways to Organize Your Home and Family (digital)
Avoiding Chore Wars<...

Learning to adapt well as a blended family is not a simple process. Jim Daly talks with Ron Deal on some of the top stressors in blended marriages. Then, Greg and Erin encourage all couples to deal with issues when they're small before they turn into something problematic. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
The Smart Stepfamily Marriage
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Improving Your Marriage as a Blended Family Couple (Digital)
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster
Counseling Consultation and Referrals

What if the midlife years of your marriage could be some of the richest? Bill and Pam Farrel share how to do some healthy life reflections in the middle years. Then, Erin Smalley encourages you and your mate to have a vision for your current season of life. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
The 10 Best Decisions a Couple Can Make
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Navigating Midlife Transitions in Your Marriage I-II (Digital)
Marriage Champions
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

If one or both spouses have been unfaithful, it's a horrible betrayal to the marriage. Tim and Kathy Bush join Jim Daly to share how they survived a time where both of them had been unfaithful in the relationship. Also, Erin Smalley discusses some of the key indicators that a marriage will make it, even if there's been infidelity. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
Sex on the First Date
Hope Restored
How One Couple Overcame Infidelity And Broke Generational Cycles I-II (Digital Download)
Speak to a counselor
Marriage...

If your mate is getting on your nerves, it's good to pause and focus on their best qualities. Ted Lowe joins Jim Daly to give couples a framework on seeing the best in each other. Plus, John and the Smalley's share about how you need to have honest and constructive conversations, even if your mate is bugging you. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
Us in Mind
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Changing Your Mindset in Marriage (Digital Download)
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster
Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage...

How do you learn to accept the differences between you and your mate even when they rub you the wrong way? John and the Smalley's open up about times they've worked through annoyances in their own marriages. Plus, Joey and Kari Stageberg tell Jim Daly a funny story about how cleaning a sink created a misunderstanding. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
The Merge for Marriage
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Blending Two Lives into One Flesh (Digital)
Dealing with Your Differences: Decide, Don’t Slide
Speak with a Counselor

When your spouse is getting on your nerves, it's good to remember the qualities that attracted you to him or her. Karen Leann Murphy joins Jim Daly to share how she reminded herself of the good things about her husband. Also, John, Greg and Erin discuss how dating and engaged couples can focus on the best in their potential mate before they walk the aisle. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
2-Book Becoming a Husband/Wife Bundle
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Before the Wedding Bells: Essential Pre-Marital Tips for Couples (Digital...

When your spouse is getting on your nerves, it's good to remember the qualities that attracted you to him or her. Karen Leann Murphy joins Jim Daly to share how she reminded herself of the good things about her husband. Also, John, Greg and Erin discuss how dating and engaged couples can focus on the best in their potential mate before they walk the aisle. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
2-Book Becoming a Husband/Wife Bundle
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Before the Wedding Bells: Essential Pre-Marital Tips for Couples (Digital...

When tension is high, how do you avoid saying something to your spouse that you'll end up regretting? Deborah Pegues and Jim Daly offer some helpful thoughts on what it means and looks like to control your tongue. Then, the Smalley's share how to calm down and get collected even when an argument gets intense. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
30 Days to Taming Your Tongue
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Controlling Your Tongue (Digital Download)
Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

When conflict arises, does one of you tend to get aggressive, and does the other withdraw? Dr. Josh and Christi Straub talk with Jim and Jean Daly about how to recognize your patterns in conflict and how you can handle arguments in a more constructive way. Plus, Greg and Erin offer some helpful advice on how to recognize if you're playing the victim in marital conflict. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
Famous at Home
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Becoming Teammates in Marriage I-II (Digital)
Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment<...

Money is one of the biggest reasons couples fight. Erin and Greg Smalley discuss how a tennis ball can sparked a big fight between them. Also, Jim Daly talks to Chuck and Ann Bentley about how Chuck repented of idolizing money. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
Money Problems, Marriage Solutions
Focus on Marriage Assessment
Getting on the Same Page Financially in Marriage (Digital)
Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment
Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

How do you know if you're actually making the best decisions for your marriage? We don't always get it right. Greg Smalley opens up about some mistakes he made and how he learned from them. You'll also hear Dr. Ron Welch and his wife Jan speak to Jim Daly about something they call "unspoken truths," and how they can influence your choices. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY
10 Choices Successful Couples Make
Focus on Marriage Assessment
The Best Choices You Can Make for Your Marriage (Digital Download)
Take the Reactive...

What do you do if your in-laws are making things difficult for you and your spouse? Drs. John Townsend and Henry Cloud talk with Jim Daly about how to respond if an in-law is pressuring you to do things that hinder you from prioritizing your marriage. Plus, Greg Smalley describes how he's learned to focus more on his marriage while not relying on his parents as much. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

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Take the Focus on Marriage Assessment.

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When the tension is high in your marriage, how do you and your spouse work through it? Fawn Weaver and Jim Daly share about ways you can de-escalate an argument with your mate. Then, Erin and Greg open up about how they've learned to get better at working through a conflict as a team. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY

The Argument-Free Marriage

Focus on Marriage Assessment

Reducing Conflict in Your Marriage (Digital)

Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment

Counseling Consultation and Referrals

In-law relationships can be some of the most complex after you get married. Dr. Gary Chapman joins Jim Daly to talk about responding in a Christ-like manner when your in-laws are not treating you fairly. Also, Erin Smalley discusses how this is a common issue for a lot of couples, and why you're not alone if this is your story.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Happily Ever After

Focus on Marriage Assessment 

Becoming Friends With Your I...

What would happen in your marriage if you simply told your spouse what you love about them? Kathy Lipp joins Jim Daly to share about an experiment she and her church did with couples. Then, Erin Smalley discusses the difference that giving your spouse regular compliments can make.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Happy Habits for Every Couple

Focus on Marriage Assessment 

Fun Ways to Pep Up Your Marriage 

Download the Godcaster App

 ...

What if your marriage was only a small adjustment away from going to the next level? Scott and Vanessa Martindale talk to Jim Daly about 4 things you can do that'll keep the communication strong with your spouse. Also, Greg Smalley breaks down why simple habits add up over time.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Blended and Redeemed

Focus on Marriage Assessment 

Redeeming Your Blended Marriage 

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Conversa...

Just like your house needs a solid foundation, your marriage needs trust. Dr. Henry Cloud joins Jim Daly to share about why showing empathy is required for building trust. Then, Erin Smalley explains why trust is necessary for having a deeper friendship with your spouse.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Trust

Focus on Marriage Assessment 

Learning to Build Healthy Trust 

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Counseling Consultation and Referrals

Every wife longs to feel safe in her marriage. Jim Daly and Brant Hansen discuss why women find it so attractive if a man seeks to protect them. Also, Greg Smalley talks about how men need to step up and take responsibility for leading their wives well

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

The Men We Need

Focus on Marriage Assessment 

Being the Man Your Family Needs 

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The Un...

Men and women tend to respond to stress and situations very differently. Jim Daly and Gary Thomas address the differences in brain chemistry between husbands and wives. Then, John and the Smalley's discuss what a husband can do if a wife keeps bringing up the same problem in conversations.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Loving Him Well

Focus on Marriage Assessment 

How to Positively Influence Your Husband 

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Co...

If you want a good relationship, you sometimes have to tell your spouse, "No." Arlene Pellicane talks about a time where she had to have a tough conversation with her husband on learning to accept her "No." Also, Greg and Erin share how working through tough scenarios can lead to better friendship with your mate.

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Focus on Marriage Assessment

How To Avoid Bad Influences On Your Marriage 

Practice Makes Parent Podcast