Simply Relational

19 Episodes

By: Darran Crager and Dr. Shelly Crager

Welcome to Simply Relational, the podcast that helps you Elevate Marriages and Equip Parents to lead with faith, wisdom, and purpose. In a world that pulls families in every direction, this show is your reminder to slow down, reconnect, and realign your most important relationships with what matters most.Hosted by Darran and Shelly Crager, Simply Relational brings real conversations to the table—ones that honor authenticity and guide couples toward stronger communication, deeper emotional connection, and Christ-centered parenting. Each episode blends biblical truths with practical strategies drawn from real life—helping you build a marriage that endures and a home...

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Attitude of Gratitude

#19

Today at 7:00 AM

Discover practical ways to build lasting habits of gratitude in your family life. Learn how small shifts in mindset can help both kids and adults focus on appreciation every day.

Why gratitude is not automatic for children—or adults—and how to develop it as a habitHow your daily actions and words model gratefulness for kidsTwo practical tools: "3 before more" and "notice the ordinary" for teaching thankfulnessThe difference between being thankful in all circumstances versus for all circumstancesSimple ways to help children (and yourself) recognize everyday blessings and shift away from a mindset of scarcity

Let go of the Reins

#18

10/27/2026

Life can feel overwhelming, and sometimes it’s hard to see a way forward. In this episode, real-life stories and biblical principles provide clarity on what to do in the midst of life’s storms.

Common struggles families face and the sense of heaviness that can resultA powerful hunting story illustrating the value of letting go of controlThe importance of trusting a guide—even when the path isn’t visibleBiblical verses that offer direction and comfort during tough timesPractical advice on faith, taking action, and waiting for the right outcome

Fin...

I'm Bored: The Two Words Every Parent Dreads

#17

10/20/2026

Feeling overwhelmed by your kids’ complaints of boredom? Discover why today’s children struggle with downtime and what you can do about it.

Explore the impact of structured activities and technology on kids’ creativity and decision-making.Learn why unstructured free play is crucial for child development.Find out how setting clear boundaries for screen time can make a difference.Get practical advice on creating a personalized "boredom bridge" list for your family.
Understand the value of stillness and how quiet time benefits both kids and adults.

Find out ho...

Three Paths: One Marriage

#16

10/13/2026

Discover the three paths marriages typically take and why so many couples grow apart without realizing it. Learn practical steps to assess and strengthen your relationship before it's too late.

The real-life story of couples "having it all together" but feeling empty once the kids leaveThe three common trajectories marriages follow: parallel, drifting apart, and growing togetherWhy many couples unintentionally become roommates or coworkers instead of partnersThe importance of daily intentionality and prioritizing your spouse over children and careerSimple action steps to correct your course and safeguard your marriage for the future

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The Tug of War in Marriage

#15

10/06/2026

Struggling with endless arguments that seem to go nowhere? Discover practical strategies for breaking the cycle and strengthening your marriage.

The "rope" analogy for understanding marital conflictStep-by-step PAUSE method to manage heated argumentsThe importance of separating emotions from the core issueHow to speak truth with grace in your relationshipTechniques for letting go of the past and moving forward together

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.

Don't Pick up the Rope: When your Child says "NO"

#14

09/29/2026

Learn how to handle it when your child says "NO" without turning it into a power struggle. This episode gives practical steps to maintain authority and consistency as a parent.

Why a child's "no" often starts power struggles and how to break the patternThe importance of follow-through as an action, not just more wordsWhen to avoid picking up the "rope" and engaging in tug-of-war battlesHow to create consequences and boundaries you can actually controlPractical examples for handling tantrums, disrespect, and persistent refusals

Find out how strong your marriage...

Why Won't My Child Listen: Stop Repeating, Start Following Through

#13

09/22/2026

Struggling with kids who don’t listen until you repeat yourself or raise your voice? In this episode, we cut through the noise and show you what really works to get children to follow through the first time.

How to distinguish between "can't" and "won't" when your child doesn't listenThe dangers of accidentally training kids to respond only when you escalateThe simple "ask, pause, act" method for immediate follow-throughWhy consistency and calm action matter more than repeated requests or yelling How to connect consequences directly to behavior—without power struggles or lengthy arguments

Why Won't My Child Listen: When It's not Disobedience

#12

09/15/2026

Struggling to get your child to listen? This episode uncovers why your child’s behavior might not be disobedience and what you can do about it.

The real reason kids don’t follow multi-step directionsHow “can’t” is different from “won’t” when it comes to listeningWhy vague instructions set kids up for failureThe importance of breaking tasks into developmentally appropriate chunksPractical tips to set your child up for success and avoid morning frustrations

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Parenting Pause...

Don't Miss the Warning Sign

#11

09/08/2026

Get so focused on your goals that you miss the warning signs? In this episode, we share a real-life mountain climbing story with powerful lessons on determination and wisdom.

The dangers of ignoring critical warning signs in pursuit of a goalLessons learned from a harrowing climb on Fool’s PeakHow determination can both drive and endanger youThe importance of wise counsel and preparationKnowing when to persevere—and when to change direction

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Pare...

When the Drift Reaches the Bedroom

#10

09/01/2026

When a marriage starts to drift, the first signs often show up in the bedroom. This episode tackles the real challenges couples face with intimacy and communication.

Why intimacy struggles are often the first warning sign of marital driftThe common disconnect between men's and women's needs in the bedroomHow to break the cycle of misunderstanding and emotional distanceA practical analogy to set realistic expectations for sex in marriageWhy open conversation is the starting point to reconnecting as a couple

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our...

Keeping the Momentum: Five Rhythms That Prevent Drift

08/25/2026

Rediscover momentum in your marriage with practical, actionable rhythms you can start today. In this episode, we break down the five essential habits that prevent relational drift and strengthen your connection.

How to pursue your spouse daily with small, intentional actsThe difference between meaningful conversation and simple information exchangeSteps to repair before resentment builds, including the 4 Rs of healthy repairWhy laughing often together matters and how to make fun a priorityWays to pursue Christ together as the foundation for all other rhythms

Find out how strong your marriage...

Warning Signs of Drifing in Your Marriage

08/18/2026

Are you missing the warning signs that your marriage is drifting? In this episode, we break down the four key danger zones couples face and how to spot them before it’s too late.

The danger of becoming complacent and letting life distractions take priority over your relationshipThe first alarming sign: you stop pursuing each otherHow a lack of meaningful conversation signals troubleThe critical mistake of not noticing each other and allowing small issues to pile upWhy failing to repair hurts can create distance you didn't see coming

The Secret To Raising Wise Decision-Makers

08/11/2026

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

Discipline Training Hearts, Not Controlling Behavior

08/04/2026

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of effective, biblical discipline and what it truly means for parents. Get clear answers on common discipline debates and practical tools to guide your children toward strong character.

Why the purpose of discipline matters more than the method (spanking, timeouts, etc)The difference between biblical and cultural definitions of disciplineHow generational approaches to discipline have shifted over timeUnderstanding and applying consequences that connect to your child's growthThe dangers of frustration-driven punishment and permissive gentle parenting

Find out how strong...

Parenting Wisdom Why Connection Is the Key to Correction

07/28/2026

In this episode of Simply Relational, the focus returns to parenting with practical strategies rooted in biblical principles. Discover actionable steps to improve discipline and strengthen your relationship with your children.

· Why cultivating roots is more important than focusing on "fruit" in biblical parenting

· The real meaning of "connection before correction" and why it matters

· Common discipline pitfalls like yelling and humiliation—and why they don't work

· A simple three-step process: pause, connect, correct

· How offering acceptable choices empowers children and prevents power struggles

Find out how strong your marriage is...

Growing Strong Roots Raising Children Who Bare Good Fruit

07/21/2026

Unlock practical biblical wisdom for parenting in today's world. Learn why growing strong roots matters more than perfect apples.

· Why parents are overwhelmed by conflicting advice

· The apple tree analogy for parenting and what truly matters

· The difference between stewardship and ownership of children

· How to help kids grow through struggles, not just escape them

· The biblical foundation for building resilient, principled kids

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

From Me to We Building Lasting Connection in Your Marriage

07/14/2026

Discover how the baggage you bring into marriage shapes your relationship dynamic. Learn practical tips to move from “me” to “we” for a stronger, more connected partnership.

Why unresolved personal baggage impacts marriages for yearsThe “marriage suitcase” analogy and what you’re really carrying into your relationshipHow family backgrounds influence conflict styles and communicationThe danger of focusing on your partner’s flaws instead of strengthsConcrete steps and tools, like the marriage quiz, to help unpack issues and build unity

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerminist

The Myth of Balance Why Equal Isn't Biblical

07/07/2026

Are you struggling to find balance in your relationships? This episode challenges the common myth of balance and reveals a more effective, biblical approach to priorities.

· Why the idea of "finding balance" is misleading and damaging

· The importance of establishing order, not equality, in your relationships

· A practical visual using your hand to remember relationship priorities

· How misplaced priorities impact marriage, parenting, and personal well-being

· The scriptural foundation for putting God first and how it changes everything

Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Mar

When Priorities Shift Everything

06/30/2026

Kick off your journey to stronger relationships with Dr. Shelly Crager and her husband as they share real-life examples and practical advice. In this episode, learn how your priorities shape your life and discover simple tools for lasting connection.

The importance of keeping your relationship priorities in orderReal-life stories on balancing marriage, parenting, and personal identityThe impact of mentorship and coaching in family lifeWhy your time, energy, and resources reveal your true prioritiesA practical “stone” of wisdom to apply immediately to your relationships

Find out how strong your marr...