Awesome Marriage Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Healthy Tech Habits That You & Your Marriage Need with Arlene Pellicane | Ep. 661 Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Is technology bringing you closer together, or leading to disconnection?

Tech is hitting marriages hard today. Yet research shows that marriage can provide a huge boost to personal happiness. Today's guest, Arlene Pellicane, has written several books on how technology is impacting relationships, and today she shares tech habits that will help you and your marriage to thrive.

We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.

Episode highlights include:

The 1 habit that guarantees marriage success 99% of the Time
Easy ways to declutter your digital life for deeper connection
How modern technology is changing the way we love.
Are married people happier? Research tells the truth…
Break the tech spell: Tips for parenting in a digital age

*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!

QUOTES

"If we seek God and His guidance, He's always going to have an answer." Dr. Kim Kimberling
"Is technology bringing you closer together? Or causing you to grow farther apart." - Arlene Pellicane
"We're missing all these little times to connect. That's why you feel disconnected." - Arlene Pellicane
"You have to prepare to be unpopular, because as a parent, it's your job to protect your child." - Arlene Pellicane

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Grab Arlene's new book, Making Marriage Easier, as well as her helpful books on healthy tech habits

Find all of the National Marriage Week resources, including tomorrow's live panel with Dr. Kim, on the WEB, FACEBOOK, X (TWITTER) or INSTAGRAM

Spice things up in the bedroom with our limited-time 'Break the Bedroom Rut' Sexy Bundle!
Learn more about what boundaries can do for your marriage in Dr. Kim's free Building Healthy Boundaries Webinar. Learn more here!
Don't let screens come between you: Use our free 17 Questions Every Couple Should Ask About Tech printable to get on the same page!

How to Have A Better Marriage in the Second Half Than Before | Ep. 660 Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Your marriage doesn't have to grow old just because you do. The second half of marriage does not have to grow stale - make plans to make these your best years yet! Listen today to learn how.

Whether you're looking ahead to the second half of marriage, or you're already there, it is a great time to improve and grow. In today's episode, Dr. Kim shares tips to avoiding complacency and embracing the best version of your marriage in the second half.

We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.

Episode highlights include:

How to jumpstart marriage growth if you've gotten complacent
Practical steps to do the second half of marriage well - no matter where you are today
Tips to bring back the fun and passion later in marriage
Simple conversation starters to help you get going
How to find a mentor couple to help your marriage

*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!

Couples Conversation Guide:

Main takeaway: The second half of marriage does not have to grow stale - evaluate where you'd like to see your marriage go from here, then take the steps to get there.

Questions to Discuss:

What do you envision for your marriage in the next 5 years? 10 years? 20?
What is one thing you can start doing today to move you toward that vision?
What is one thing you need to stop doing today to move in that direction?

QUOTES

If your marriage has been teetering, it can fall at this stage. - Lindsay Few
Nothing is worse than feeling lonely when your spouse is with you. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
We'd seen couples who were older than us disconnect. We didn't want that to happen. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
It's never too late. But the earlier you start, the easier the transition will be. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
If you're one step ahead, you can help somebody. - Lindsay Few

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Spice things up in the bedroom with our limited-time 'Break the Bedroom Rut' Sexy BUNDLE!
Have better conversations with your spouse using Creative Questions to Ask Your Spouse – check out the completely unique First, Second and Third editions of this popular resource!
Deepen emotional intimacy with the FREE Printable Heart to Heart Card Game ❤️
Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!
OR sign up for Dr. Kim's One Thing email to get DAILY steps to build your marriage
Grab your copy of Love, Intimacy and Sex in the Second Half of Marriage, by Dr. Kim and Nancy Kimberling

Find Your Vision As a Couple with Dedric & Krystal Polite | Ep. 659 Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Your marriage should be a blessing to you and your spouse, but it does not need to stop there - a healthy marriage can also bless the world around you! Where is your marriage today? Are you and your spouse a healthy team? Are you healthy enough to pour into those around you?

Today we are delighted to welcome Dedric and Krystal Polite to the podcast today to share their unique perspective on finding a vision for their marriage that is making a mark on the world.

Listen for encouragement on enacting a Godly marriage vision this year!

We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.

Episode highlights include:

Breaking the cycle of generational poverty
Developing a life aligned with your values
Tips to date intentionally so that you find a spouse you can partner with
How to make your marriage a blessing to the world around you
Making your spouse your teammate - not your opponent

*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!

Couples Conversation Guide:

Main takeaway: Make your marriage strong and healthy so it can become a vehicle for blessing your spouse, family and your community.

Questions to Discuss:

What ways could you intentionally bless others as a couple?
Think about the legacy you want to create as a couple. How would you define your marriage vision?

QUOTES

"Never tie your self worth into your net worth." - Krystal Polite
"We pray together, we stay together, we work together." - Krystal Polite
"We lean on each other's strengths." - Dedric Polite
Faith keeps us steady when the road gets rough." - Krystal Polite
"Our purpose isn't just to make it - we're here to make a difference." - Krystal Polite
"It starts and ends with effective communication." - Dedric Polite

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Learn more from the Polites on their website PoliteWealthPortal.com
Find BePolite Properties on Facebook or YouTube
Build healthy habits in the New Year with the Healthy Marriage Rhythms Bundle: 5 resources for just ONE donation! Get all the details HERE!
Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!
Nominate a couple for Awesome Marriage of the Year HERE!

Spiritual Intimacy Do's and Don'ts | Ep. 658 Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Spiritual intimacy is something couples want, but don't really know how to get there. We can tend to believe a common myth that it should come naturally without any effort, plus it can seem awkward to pray together or pursue spiritual growth. So how can spiritual intimacy be a realistic part of marriage?

Today we're talking about tangible ways to grow in spiritual intimacy with your spouse - and what NOT to do.

We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.

Episode highlights include:

Why spirituality matters in marriage
Common mistakes couples make with spiritual intimacy
Can the wife initiate the conversation about spiritual intimacy, or does the husband need to do that as a spiritual leader?
Practical steps to growing together spiritually
Tips to grow your marriage to become a light and example

*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!

Couples Conversation Guide:

Main takeaway: The spiritual domain is integral to our health and wellbeing. Sharing it with your spouse is an essential part of intimacy in marriage.

Questions to Discuss:

What practices / spiritual disciplines have been most impactful for your personal spiritual growth?
What is one spiritual practice you would like to share with your spouse?

QUOTES

"If you're not able to share about spirituality with your spouse, it diminishes your ability to be intimate and know one another." - Lindsay Few
"We wish we could have an awesome marriage without trying. But it does take effort." - Lindsay Few
"When you have an expectation, you've got to share it with your spouse. Then they can let you know whether it's realistic or not." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"Most guys feel inadequate to be a spiritual leader. But God will equip you: It's not rocket science, it's just being intentional." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"Most wives just want to see an intentional effort. It doesn't have to be anything fancy." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"Any time in the Word is better than none." - Lindsay Few

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Build healthy habits in the New Year with the Healthy Marriage Rhythms bundle: 5 resources for just ONE donation! Get all the details HERE!
Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!
FLASH SALE! Browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com, and use code "FLASH2025" for $100 off ANY of our courses! Limited time only.

Marriage Reset: Intentional Rhythms For a Stronger Marriage This Year | Ep. 657 Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

It's a new year, but it's still the same you and your spouse ... so how can you make your marriage the best it can be in the new year? With intentionality, you can break out of the habits that are not serving your marriage well, and build new ones that work better.

Listen today for the tips and tools to help! We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.

Episode highlights include:

Signs that your marriage needs a "reset"
What NOT to do during a reset
Where to start if you want a "reset" but you're not sure what to do
Tips to make sure you don't fall back into the same old patterns?

*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!

Couples Conversation Guide:

Main takeaway: Now is a great time to check in, take stock, and prioritize the healthy habits to make your marriage strong. Listen, then start taking steps today!

Questions to Discuss:

What do you want your marriage to look like in the new year?
What do you envision that's different from how things are now?
Brainstorm 3-5 steps you want to build into your marriage this year.
Where will you start?

QUOTES

"I think we need this every year." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"Don't just see the red flags and ignore them." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
If we're intentional in the New Year, we can really close the gap between what we have and what we want our marriage to look like." - Lindsay Few
"You don't have to agree on everything, but you have to be willing to compromise." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"God is for our marriage. He is for us. When we invite Him into the process it really changes things." - Lindsay Few
"Sometimes we have to sacrifice good things for what's most important." - Lindsay Few

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

- Build healthy habits in the New Year with the Healthy Marriage Rhythms Bundle: 5 resources for just ONE donation! Get all the details HERE!
- FLASH SALE! Browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com, and use code "FLASH2025" for $100 off ANY of our courses! Limited time only.
- If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !
- Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!

The Narrow Way to An Expansive Life with Rich Villodas | Ep. 656 Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

Obedience to the ways of Jesus can sound closed-minded or restrictive, but in today's episode we're breaking down that myth for good.

We're delighted to have pastor Rich Villodas join us today to talk about what it looks like to live on the Narrow Path Jesus taught about, and why it creates the most expansive life you could have. Learn what cultural Christianity gets wrong about the way of Jesus and how to walk the narrow way for a more joy filled life and marriage.

We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.

Episode highlights include:

Signs you're not living out the Narrow Path Jesus taught about
Learn the damaging beliefs of cultural Christianity that don't align with Jesus' teaching
Ways that shallow faith shows up in marriage - and what to do about it
Internal shifts to help you value what matters to your spouse

*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!

Couples Conversation Guide:

Main takeaway: Dying to self to live in Christ is the path to a full and expansive life. What would it look like to live this out in your marriage today?

Questions to Discuss:

How are you doing with each of the cultural values of successism, moralism, and hyperindividualism in your marriage?
What growth step would help you follow the narrow way of Jesus more closely with each of those?

QUOTES

"It seems restrictive on the outside, but ultimately following Jesus leads to greater spaciousness in our lives." - Rich Villodas
"Is it possible for Christians to be on the 'broad path'? Absolutely. Which is why the Sermon on the Mount is a wake up call to the kind of discipleship that Jesus is calling us to live into." - Rich Villodas
"Jesus is saying, 'the kind of life you were designed for is found in my teachings.'" - Rich Villodas
"We might be on the broad path if we are organizing our lives according to worldly notions of what success is." - Rich Villodas
"The paradox of the Christian life is that to die in Christ is to actually come alive and truly live." - Rich Villodas

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Rich's new book The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls
Find more from Rich on his website, on Instagram, and learn more about his church, NewLife.nyc
Ready to break free from negative thought patterns? Use these 11 Prayers to get you on the right path!
Grab the beloved House Prayer Cards and make praying over your home a regular part of your day!
Our ministry is made possibly ONLY through our generous donors. Plus, they get each month's new marriage resource automatically, as well as some other exclusive perks! Learn more about Marriage Changers Membership here.
Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for quick weekly marriage tips!

Conflict Resolution for Conflict Avoiders | Ep. 655 Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

Conflict in marriage is inevitable: it's how you handle it that matters most. But what about couples who really never fight? What happens to conflict that is never addressed and only stays under the surface? Does it ever really go away?

Listen today to learn better ways to handle the issues you don't know how to deal with.

We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.

Episode highlights include:

Tips to initiate a hard conversation you've been avoiding
How to stay grounded when you want to shut down
How conflict can actually lead to better intimacy and connection
Helpful nonconfrontational ways to broach difficult topics

*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!

Couples Conversation Guide:

Main takeaway: Dealing with the important issues together paves the way for true peace, and learning effective conflict solving skills is a win for your marriage.

Questions to Discuss:

Some skills mentioned are: Intentionality - set up a good time to talk, use "I" statements, do not blame your spouse, focus on what you would like to achieve together through the conversation. Pick the one that would help you the most.
What is one easy issue you can tackle together to practice better resolution skills? Focus on using your chosen skill.

QUOTES

If a couple said they never had conflict, I would think they're not being completely honest with each other. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
I think the more you fear conflict, the less you're able to resolve it. - Lindsay Few
We want to equip couples to handle it in a healthy way. - Lindsay Few
Conflict is not bad in itself. It's how we handle conflict. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
Yes, we want peace in our homes. But you can't have it if you ignore things that need to be dealt with. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
It's ok if you get stuck, just don't stay stuck. - Dr. Kim Kimberling

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Do you want a better friendship with your spouse? Build your friendship with the 5 Day Friendship Challenge.
Have you lost the connection you once had? Rebuild friendship with your spouse using the 5 Day Rebuilding Friendship Challenge.
Our ministry is made possibly ONLY through our generous donors. Plus, they get each month's new marriage resource automatically, as well as some other exclusive perks! Learn more about Marriage Changers Membership here.
Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for quick weekly marriage tips!

The Cost of Being "Right" in Marriage | Ep. 654 Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

Marriage conflict is hard, but you know what makes it even harder? Trying to WIN. Because if you win, that means your spouse loses. And that's not great for your marriage connection. Break out of the "my way" versus "your way" myth and learn what it means to work together to have a win for your marriage.

Today we're unpacking the process of how to win TOGETHER. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.

Episode highlights include:

Why taking divorce off the table changes the dynamics of conflict.
What does it mean for the marriage to "win" and how can you do it?
Key steps for healthy conflict resolution
The importance of empathy and proactive communication to prevent arguments.

*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!

Couples Conversation Guide

Main takeaway: Marriage conflict is hard. When you try to win, you make it even harder.

Questions to Discuss:

Are there any issues that have you stuck in a "win/lose" cycle?
Have you considered any creative "third" options (options that aren't "your way" or "their way") that could solve the issue?
Brainstorm possible options. During brainstorming, no idea is too out there! Just get lots of other options on the table to help you start looking for marriage wins instead of fighting over your individual preference.

QUOTES

"If you're trying to win, that means your spouse loses." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"A marriage win creates two winners." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"Ask: What's going to make our marriage win?" - Dr. Kim Kimberling

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Get the Love Making Survey 2.0! Now expanded with 20 new questions PLUS the 7-day Love Making Challenge, it's our Giving Tuesday gift to you, as a thank you for your donation to the ministry of Awesome Marriage!
Shop Honoring Intimates for lingerie, lubricants and more with NO lewd images, and use our discount code AWESOMEMARRIAGE for 20% off!
Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for quick weekly marriage tips!

What Do You Do When Marriage Doesn't Make You Happy? with Chelsea Damon | Ep. 653 Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

Couples often enter marriage with high expectations, and are then dismayed to learn that marriage is not a fairy tale after all. What do you do when marriage doesn't make you happy? How can we break out of our selfish hopes and become the spouse God intends us to be?

Listen to learn practical ways to reconcile your marriage dreams with your married reality.

We all have hopes and dreams for marriage, and the reality of life is that they don't always play out the way we expected. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.

Episode highlights include:

How your expectations before marriage impact your relationship
The hidden role of selfishness in marital issues and conflicts
How to cultivating humility helps to understand your spouse better
Recognizing the redemptive nature of marriage can lead to deeper connections.
Steps to finding a true and deeper joy in marriage

*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!

Couples Conversation Guide:

Main takeaway: Unrealistic expectations of marriage are pretty common, but they can take away from enjoying the marriage you're actually living. If marriage isn't making you happy, then that's your cue to start sowing into it.

Questions to Discuss:

What expectations did you bring into marriage that you later realized were unrealistic?
What are some things you'd love to see more of in your marriage, and how can you work together to make that happen?
Do you have friends who will give you hard feedback when needed? What step can you take to build a friendship like that?

QUOTES

"A lot of people getting married have high hopes for marriage, then a few years into it they realize it's not going to be their source of identity, hope and happiness. That realization kind of turns their world upside down." - Chelsea Damon
"What does God say about me? I had to do some soul searching to see what God has to say about me without trying to find that sense of security in my spouse." - Chelsea Damon
"Marriage does a good of showing you who you are, and all of your faults. It's a good wake up call for who you are as a person." - Chelsea Damon
"One of the things couples find surprising are the expectations they don't even know they're bringing into marriage." - Chelsea Damon
"I realized so much of my sense of security was not in the right place. I decided to put that back on Christ and find my identity in Him." - Chelsea Damon
"You need someone who's willing to speak into your life." - Chelsea Damon

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Find Chelsea on her website, Instagram,
Grab a copy of Chelsea's book, I Thought This Would Make Me Happy
Shop Honoring Intimates for lingerie, lubricants and more with NO lewd images, and use our discount code AWESOMEMARRIAGE for 20% off!
Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for quick weekly marriage tips!

Answering Porn Recovery FAQ: Betrayed Spouse | Ep. 652 Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

Today we're answering listener questions about how to handle the pain of a spouse's porn use.

Unfortunately, this is a pretty common issue we hear about from couples, but the good news is that you CAN heal and move forward. So today we're answering listener questions about healing and recovery from pornography in marriage. We'll talk about the process for forgiveness, what to do if you just cannot forgive and move on, how to rebuild trust, and practical strategies to combat intrusive thoughts.

Listen for practical ways to heal and recover your heart and your marriage. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.

Episode highlights include:

How to forgive and move forward when it feels impossible
Changing your view if you can't separate your spouse from the hurtful behavior
The balance of feeling safe and willingness to be vulnerable
Boundary setting to allow for healing
Getting out of the comparison trap and starting to feel beautiful and desirable again

*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!

Couples Conversation Guide:

Main takeaway: When your marriage is recovering from porn use, repentance is the first step. Forgiveness allows you to heal, and boundaries help facilitate marriage healing. You can rebuild your marriage even better than before.

Questions to Discuss:

What does your spouse do that helps you trust them?
Are there any areas where you need to build or repair trust with your spouse?
What can you do together to help that process?

QUOTES

"Until you forgive, you're still giving a lot of power to what happened." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"One of the best prayers is asking God to help you see your spouse through His eyes." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"We want assurance that nothing will ever hurt us again, but that's not possible." Lindsay Few
"Look for Jesus in your spouse. When you see that, things are probably going to be pretty good." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
This is not a hurdle to get through: this is a lifestyle change. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
There's nothing wrong with being accountable, not because you 'have to,' but because you love your spouse. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"You've got to be completely open and transparent with each other. You can't have trust without that." - Dr. Kim Kimberling

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Sign up for the Free 5 Steps to Healing After Porn Betrayal to learn the steps you need to take to live a marriage undefiled and experience closeness and intimacy again
Past podcast episodes on healing your marriage after porn:

Has your marriage been damaged by the effects of porn? Not sure what's next? Download the 8 Steps To Heal Your Marriage After Porn to learn your next steps to healing.

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