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Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast

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...

Location:

Colorado Springs, CO

Description:

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.

Language:

English

Contact:

Focus on the Family Colorado Springs, CO 80995 1-800-232-6459


Episodes
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Don’t Settle for Control or Manipulation

3/26/2026
We all have times of conflict, but what if it feels like your spouse is being controlling or manipulative? Jim Daly talks with Dr. Ron Welch and his wife Jan, who overcame control issues in their own marriage. Plus, John and Erin share how to know if you're truly being the best spouse you can be. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book The Controlling Husband for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment How to Deal With a Controlling Spouse Contact our Counseling Team The Benefits of Losing Control in Your Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:09:42

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Don’t Pretend, Move Forward

3/24/2026
Does it feel hard to forgive your spouse when he or she has hurt you? Jim Daly joins Dr. Randy Schroeder to explain why forgiving your mate is necessary for a healthy marriage. Then, John and Greg will encourage you to focus on small improvement points you can make as a couple. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Simple Habits for Marital Happiness for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment How to Break Bad Habits and Cultivate a Healthy Marriage How to Forgive Your Spouse When It’s Not Easy Contact our Counseling Team Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:12:40

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“What I’m Hearing You Say Is …”

3/19/2026
We've all had moments where we misunderstood our spouse. Greg opens up about some of the ways he's not understood things Erin has said. Then, Jim Daly joins Rob and Gina Flood, who give some practical ways you can clarify a miscommunication with your mate. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book With These Words for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Better Ways to Communicate With Your Spouse Contact our Counseling Team Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:11:04

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3 Questions to Make Your Marriage Better

3/17/2026
It's easy to play blame-games in your marriage, but it's better to ask yourself some hard questions. Greg Smalley opens up about some times where he got honest with himself. Then, Dr. Gary Chapman joins Jim Daly to share how three questions can help you have a more Christ-like attitude in your marriage. 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! Focus on Marriage Assessment Finding New Ways to Thrive in Your Marriage Contact our Counseling Team Navigating Marriage Expectations When Marriage Isn’t How You Thought It Would Be Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:11:47

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When a Wife Encourages Her Man

3/12/2026
One of the most powerful things a wife can do is encourage her husband. Ann Wilson and her husband Dave talk to Jim Daly about a time where she chose to speak words of life into Dave's heart. Also, Greg opens up about how meaningful it is when Erin encourages him. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book How to Speak Life to Your Husband for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Revive Your Marriage By Becoming Your Husband’s Biggest Cheerleader Contact our Counseling Team How to Stop Complaining and Be an Encouraging Spouse Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:14:01

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Laugh When Things Go Wrong

3/10/2026
When was the last time you and your spouse laughed at something? Ted Cunningham sits down with Jim Daly to share a few times he and his wife Amy have found reasons to laugh together. You'll also hear from Greg and Erin about how they've learned to find reasons to laugh amidst a very busy season. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book A Love That Laughs for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Bringing Laughter to Your Marriage Humor in Marriage Having Fun in Your Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:12:32

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“What Happened to the Person I Married?”

3/5/2026
Most couples go through a tough season where you wonder, "What happened to the honeymoon phase?" Greg Smalley shares some statistics on how many couples are actually struggling today. Also, Jim Daly speaks with Jay Payleitner on how he's helped couples who've drifted from each other. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book 52 Things Wives Need From Their Husbands for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Practical Ideas for Loving Your Wife 6 Tools for Healthy Communication in Marriage New Focus on the Family Report: Marriage Health in America Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:12:24

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Overcome Loneliness by Talking

3/3/2026
We're living in a lonely generation today. Dr. Heather Holleman and her husband Ashley join Jim Daly to address the dangers of isolation and how to form warm connections. Then, John asks Erin Smalley about how you can reconnect with your spouse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book The Six Conversations for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment How To Have Meaningful Conversations With Your Spouse Conversation Starters for Couples Contact our Counseling Team Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:11:08

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Let Go of Control, Open Your Heart

2/26/2026
Being successful in marriage sometimes looks like letting go of unrealistic expectations and striving for real connection. Rebecca St. James and Cubbie Fink talk with Jim Daly about a few adjustments they made in their own communication. Also, Greg and Erin provide some hope for husbands who struggle to connect with a really emotional wife. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Finding God's Love in Marriage and Life Unsung Hero Official Lionsgate Website Contact our Counseling Team Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:11:09

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When He Popped the Question

2/24/2026
What was the moment like when you got engaged? Greg and Erin Smalley tell the story of when he asked Erin to marry him. Then, Jim Daly talks to Rebecca St. James and her husband Cubbie on how he popped the question on a wintry night in Nashville Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Finding God's Love in Marriage and Life Unsung Hero Official Lionsgate Website Leave us a Comment Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:13:46

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“Let’s Not Talk Now”

2/19/2026
One of the best lessons in marriage is that you don't have to solve everything this very moment. Sometimes, it's best to take a deep breath. Jim Daly and his wife Jean talk to the Smalley's about why slowing down can help bring the tension down when you're upset at your mate. Also, Erin will give you some pointers for how to make things right if you haven't been treating your spouse well. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book The Healthy Marriage Devotional for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Five Ways to Grow Closer as a Couple Hope Restored Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:11:19

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“I Won’t Spend a Dime, Greg”

2/17/2026
Have you ever misunderstood something your spouse said? We've all done it at some point. Jim Daly chats with Greg and Erin about a time they worked through a misunderstanding while moving. Plus, John asks the Smalley's on how working through a miscommunication can build trust with your spouse. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book The Healthy Marriage Devotional for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Five Ways to Grow Closer as a Couple Hope Restored Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:09:08

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Think Legacy, Not Just this Moment

2/12/2026
You want your marriage to bless future generations to come. Greg opens up about the marriage legacy he comes from, and how that inspires him today. Then, Jim Daly talks with Jerry Jenkins about how being legacy-minded in his marriage has helped his sons. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Hedges for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Healing My Life and marriage After an Eating Disorder Contact our Counseling Team The Hedges Challenge Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:16:21

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Run to Love, Run from Porn

2/10/2026
The culture tells us that porn isn't a big deal. But the truth is, it's catastrophic to a relationship. Erin and Greg Smalley share why porn is bad for a marriage. Also, Jim Daly talks with Jerry Jenkins about how to protect your marriage from pornography. He also recounts how he fell in love with his wife. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Hedges for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Healing My Life and marriage After an Eating Disorder Contact our Counseling Team The Hedges Challenge Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:14:36

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First Progress, Then Regress, Now What?

2/5/2026
Does it feel like you're making progress as a couple, only to take a few steps back? Krista and David Dunham talk to Jim Daly on how they faced this very scenario with her eating disorder. Plus, the Smalley's share how to evaluate if you're getting better at persevering through challenges as a couple. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Table for Two for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Healing My Life and marriage After an Eating Disorder Contact our Counseling Team Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:12:54

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Eating Disorders & Mental Illness

2/3/2026
If you or your spouse are dealing with a serious struggle, how can you be honest and get help? David and Krista Dunham share with Jim Daly about how Krista struggled with an eating disorder, and some mistakes they made too. Then, Greg and Erin will give you some ideas for if your spouse is struggling, but isn't seeking the help they need. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Table for Two for your donation of any amount! Hope Restored Healing My Life and marriage After an Eating Disorder Contact our Counseling Team Resources: Eating Disorders Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:12:11

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When Falling in Love Becomes Intentional

1/29/2026
Do you remember when you were dating and you wanted to marry your special someone? Greg Smalley tells about the moment he knew he wanted to marry Erin. Also, Jim Daly chats with Cubbie Fink and his wife Rebecca St. James on how Cubbie intentionally pursued her. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Finding God's Love in Marriage and Life Practice Makes Parent Unsung Hero Official Lionsgate Website Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:10:10

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Marriage Won’t Solve Discontentment

1/27/2026
Your spouse may be wonderful, but it's not wise to find all of your happiness from them. Erin Smalley shares why couples need to look for satisfaction in God, not just marriage. Then, Jim Daly talks to Rebecca St. James and her husband Cubbie. She discusses how surrendered her dream of having a family to God. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Finding God's Love in Marriage and Life Practice Makes Parent Unsung Hero Official Lionsgate Website Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:10:26

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When You Walk Through a Mourning Season

1/22/2026
Every couple goes through loss sometimes. John and Greg open up about times they went through loss in their marriages, and how God showed up during those times. Also, Jim and Jean Daly share how they worked through a season of mourning. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book The Healthy Marriage Devotional for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Five Ways to Grow Closer as a Couple Contact our Counseling Team Hope Restored Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:14:10

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Dealing with Unmet Expectations and Offenses

1/20/2026
Have you or your spouse ever had an unexpected outburst? It might be that there are unrealistic expectations underneath the surface. Greg and Erin talk to Jim and Jean Daly about how they've worked through expectations and misunderstandings. Plus, John asks the Smalley's how you can practice genuine honesty for the sake of your marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book The Healthy Marriage Devotional for your donation of any amount! Focus on Marriage Assessment Five Ways to Grow Closer as a Couple Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Contact our Counseling Team Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Duration:00:11:08