Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Focus on the Family

If you’re married — or soon to be — you’ve got questions. What makes this relationship work? How do I fix it when it breaks? Where do I go when I need help? Host John Fuller and marriage experts Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley help answer those questions with practical, down-to-earth insights based on God’s design for marriage. Find answers and inspiration in every short episode of this Christian marriage podcast.

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3 Tips for Better Conversations with Your Spouse
3 Tips for Better Conversations with Your Spouse episode artwork
#1998
Today at 6:00 AM

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
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Facing Past Trauma
Facing Past Trauma episode artwork
#1997
Last Thursday at 6:00 AM

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...


Finding Stability in a Tough Season
Finding Stability in a Tough Season episode artwork
#1996
08/25/2026

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


Your Spouse Isn’t a Mind-Reader
Your Spouse Isn’t a Mind-Reader episode artwork
#1995
08/20/2026

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


Staying Organized in the School Year
Staying Organized in the School Year episode artwork
#1996
08/20/2026

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<...


Indicators for Blended Family Success
Indicators for Blended Family Success episode artwork
#1994
08/18/2026

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


Midlife Doesn’t Have to be a Crisis
Midlife Doesn’t Have to be a Crisis episode artwork
#1993
08/13/2026

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


When an Unfaithful Spouse Confesses
When an Unfaithful Spouse Confesses episode artwork
#1992
08/11/2026

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...


Learning to See the Positive
Learning to See the Positive episode artwork
#1991
08/06/2026

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...


The Merge Moment
The Merge Moment episode artwork
#1990
08/04/2026

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


A Thoughtful Conversation Goes a Long Way
A Thoughtful Conversation Goes a Long Way episode artwork
#1989
07/30/2026

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...


Focus on the Good Qualities
Focus on the Good Qualities episode artwork
#1988
07/28/2026

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...


Be Slow to Speak
Be Slow to Speak episode artwork
#1987
07/23/2026

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


Learning to Work in Tandem
Learning to Work in Tandem episode artwork
#1986
07/21/2026

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<...


Overcoming Financial Feuding
Overcoming Financial Feuding episode artwork
#1985
07/16/2026

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


Making Good Marital Choices
Making Good Marital Choices episode artwork
#1984
07/14/2026

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...


Building Boundaries With In-Laws
Building Boundaries With In-Laws episode artwork
#1983
07/09/2026

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.

Get today's featured resource, "Boundaries."

Take the Focus on Marriage Assessment.

Download "Establishing Healthy Boundaries...


Navigating Inevitable Conflict
Navigating Inevitable Conflict episode artwork
#1982
07/07/2026

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

 


When You’re Not Getting Along with In-Laws
When You’re Not Getting Along with In-Laws episode artwork
07/02/2026

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 Do You Appreciate About Your Mate?
What Do You Appreciate About Your Mate? episode artwork
06/30/2026

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

 ...


4 Simple Things You Can Do
4 Simple Things You Can Do episode artwork
06/25/2026

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 

 

Download the Godcaster App

 

Conversa...


Building Trust & Friendship
Building Trust & Friendship episode artwork
06/23/2026

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 

 

Download the Godcaster App

 

Counseling Consultation and Referrals

 

...


What Every Woman Wants from a Man
What Every Woman Wants from a Man episode artwork
06/18/2026

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 

 

Download the Godcaster App

 

The Un...


The Male & Female Brains
The Male & Female Brains episode artwork
06/16/2026

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...


Accepting When Your Mate Says "No"
Accepting When Your Mate Says "No" episode artwork
06/11/2026

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 

 


When Kids Get in the Way
When Kids Get in the Way episode artwork
06/09/2026

Kids are a blessing, but they also require you to be more intentional to spend time with your spouse. John and the Smalley's open up about times they felt disconnected in their marriages when raising children. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Dave and Ashley Willis about making time for dates with your spouse, even if you have little kids.

 

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...


Dates Don’t Need to be Expensive
Dates Don’t Need to be Expensive episode artwork
06/04/2026

What if some of the best date nights didn't cost money? Jim Daly talks with Jay and Laura Laffoon about how you can have a wonderful date with your spouse for not much money. Also, John asks Greg and Erin how they're learning to still have dates together, in a season with grown adult children.

 

 

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

 

Receive the book The Fundamentals of Marriage for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 


Your Spouse is Still Your Friend
Your Spouse is Still Your Friend episode artwork
06/02/2026

Are you and your mate best friends? Howard and Danielle Taylor join Jim Daly to make the case for why friendship in marriage is necessary for a thriving relationship. Then, Dr. Greg Smalley shares the most important thing you can do to keep your friendship alive.

 

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

 

Receive the book The Fundamentals of Marriage for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 

Discovering God's Design for Your Marriage 

 

Is Y...


P.L.A.N. for a Better Marriage
P.L.A.N. for a Better Marriage episode artwork
05/27/2026

What if a small change you made had the biggest impact on your marriage? Marcus Warner and Chris Coursey share four steps you can take to improve your relationship. Also, Greg and Erin explain why it's good to make time for having fun, even if you are very busy.

 

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

 

Receive the book The 4 Habits of Joy-Filled Marriages for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 

Filling Your Marriage With Joy 


The Needs of Military Spouses
The Needs of Military Spouses episode artwork
05/25/2026

Today, we honor the sacrifices of our military and spouses of veterans. Erin Smalley shares some of the statistics of how military families battle loneliness. You'll also hear from Jessica Manfre, who joins Jim Daly to share about how you can reach out to those serving in the armed forces.

 

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

 

Receive the book Never Alone for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 

Hope and Encouragement for Military Families 

 <...


When Your Spouse Needs to Get Healthier
When Your Spouse Needs to Get Healthier episode artwork
05/21/2026

What do you do if your spouse is making unhealthy lifestyle choices? Dave Willis talks with Jim Daly about how his wife Ashley encouraged him to go to the doctor and deal with his health issues. Plus, Greg and Erin address how to respond well if you've tried talking to your mate about their diet and lifestyle, but he or she hasn't listened yet.

 

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

 

Receive the book Naked and Healthy for your donation of any amount!

 

Foc...


Staying Healthy in the Midlife
Staying Healthy in the Midlife episode artwork
05/19/2026

The midlife years of marriage are filled with changes, but can also be very rich. Lisa-Jo Baker joins Jim and Jean Daly to address some of the ways she had to adjust to the middle years of life. Then, Greg Smalley opens up about struggles men usually face during that time-period.

 

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

 

Receive the book The Middle Matters for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 

Thriving as a Wife and Mom...


Vulnerability is Healthy
Vulnerability is Healthy episode artwork
05/14/2026

Does it feel like conflict sets your marriage back instead of making it stronger? Erin opens up about how her and Greg struggled to get along early on in their marriage. Then, Jim Daly chats with two couples - Milan and Kay Yerkovich and Marc and Amy Cameron - on how to be honest about your emotions with your spouse, in ways that don't lead to big arguments.

 

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

 

Receive the book How We Love for your donation of any amount!

...


Healthy vs. Unhealthy Spouses
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Spouses episode artwork
05/12/2026

When have you last examined your own flaws instead of fixating on your spouse's? Greg describes how distressed couples have a tendency to focus too much on their mate's issues instead of their own. Plus, Les and Leslie Parrott share how to tell if you're a healthy or an unhealthy spouse.

 

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

 

Receive the book Healthy Me, Healthy Us for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 

Improve Yourself, Improve Your Rela...


When the Perfect Storm Comes
When the Perfect Storm Comes episode artwork
05/07/2026

Most couples go through a season where you're overwhelmed by many challenges all at once. How do you persevere? Greg explains about a time where he and Erin felt like they went through the perfect storm. You'll also hear Jim Daly chat with Dr. Josh and Christi Straub about how they worked together through a number of unforeseen circumstances.

 

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

 

Receive the book Famous at Home for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 ...


3 Rs for a Deeper Relationship
3 Rs for a Deeper Relationship episode artwork
05/05/2026

How are you being intentional to make your marriage better? Rhonda Stoppe and Jim Daly will encourage you with 3 Rs - remember, repent, return. Also, John, Erin and Greg bring up how to respond well if your spouse is caught in unrepentant patterns of sin.

 

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

 

Receive the book If My Husband Would Change, I’d Be Happy for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 

How Reframing Your Perspective Can Transf...


Contract vs. a Covenant Mindset
Contract vs. a Covenant Mindset episode artwork
04/30/2026

What's the difference between a contract vs. a covenant type of love? Dr. Greg Smalley answers that question. Then, Jim Daly talks with Dr. Gary Chapman on what real commitment in your marriage looks like. At the end, Erin and John will share what you can do if you're in a tough spot as a couple.

 

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

 

Receive the book A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage for your donation of any amount!

 

Hope Restored

 

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Praying Through the Tougher Times
Praying Through the Tougher Times episode artwork
04/28/2026

Prayer is one of the key ingredients to helping you experience a deeper relationship with your mate. Kathi Lipp joins Jim Daly to discuss the difference prayer can make in your marriage. Also, Erin Smalley shares about couples she's seen persevere through serious challenges by relying on God.

 

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

 

Receive the book Praying God’s Word for Your Life for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 

Bringing Purpose and Power to You...


If You Aren’t Doing Well Spiritually
If You Aren’t Doing Well Spiritually episode artwork
04/23/2026

Most couples go through a season where you're not connecting like you want. Erin Smalley addresses how spiritual connection matters, and that a lot of couples are struggling in this area. Plus, Jim Daly and Debra Fileta give some thoughts for getting on the same page spiritually again.

 

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

 

Receive the book Love in Every Season for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 

Loving Your Spouse Through the Seasons of Marr...


Keeping Attraction Alive
Keeping Attraction Alive episode artwork
04/21/2026

When you fell in love, was it love at first sight, or did attraction grow with time? Jim Daly and Debra Fileta address how a person can fall in love with their mate, and enjoy the spring season of marriage. Also, Erin and Greg Smalley will address why taking care of yourself is good for your relationship

 

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

 

Receive the book Love in Every Season for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 

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