Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Respecting Your Spouse’s Brain Wiring Nov 10, 2026

Show notes

One of the biggest factors in how husbands and wives communicate is the
unique ways each of your brains are wired. Bill and Pam Farrel join Jim Daly to address the
different ways God designed men and women's brains. Plus, John, Greg and Erin share why
your understanding what your mate needs can help you be a better communicator.
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Understanding the Differences Between You and Your Spouse
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Communication Mistakes Spouses Make Nov 05, 2026

Show notes

How do you and your spouse work through your different communication
styles? Jim Daly is joined by marriage experts, Bill and Pam Farrel, and they'll share common
mistakes men and women make in communicating. Plus, John and the Smalley's give some
tips to help you avoid miscommunications in your marriage.
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Explore more episode resources
Receive the book Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti for your donation of
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Understanding the Differences Between You and Your Spouse
Why are Men Like Waffles? Why are Women Like Spaghetti?
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How Often Should We be Intimate? Nov 03, 2026

Show notes

It's common for married couples to ask, "how often should we be physically
intimate?" While there's no rule, Jim Daly speaks to Dr. Michael Sytsma and Shaunti
Feldhahn on why many couples struggle to agree on frequency. You'll also hear John and the
Smalley's offer encouragement to couples who are struggling to enjoy sex.
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The Best Ways to Deal with Mismatched Libidos in Marriage
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The Key to a Closer Marriage Oct 29, 2026

Show notes

What if the thing you're most afraid to share with your spouse is exactly what could bring you closer together? Ryan and Selena Frederick join Jim Daly to talk about how honesty and vulnerability transformed their marriage — from buried childhood shame to a deeper emotional connection than ever before.

See-Through Marriage

Letting God's Light Shine Through Your Marriage

Identifying Abuse in Marriage Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

Today, counselor Darby Strickland helps us unpack the difficult topic of domestic abuse. Learn how to distinguish between normal conflict and a pattern of coercive control, recognize the signs of emotional and verbal abuse, and find out when and how to get help.

Is it Abuse? - Gift with Donation

Friends Helping Friends: Identifying Abuse in Marriage

Rebuilding Trust in Marriage Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

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

Why Boundaries Make Your Marriage Stronger Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

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

Navigating Grief Together in Your Marriage Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

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

From Critic to Cheerleader: The Power of Encouraging Your Spouse Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

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

When You Feel Like Married Roommates: Overcoming Emotional Disconnection Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

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