Christianity

The Art of Relationships Podcast

Is it hard to maintain your relationships with everything else you have going on in your life? Chris Grace, Ph.D., and his wife, Alisa Grace, discuss how to build healthy relationships and marriages in The Art of Relationships Podcast. Listen to get practical insights on how to deal with everyday relationship issues, whether it’s your roommate, your parents, a friend, or a significant other. The Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships exists to build and sustain healthy relationships and marriages in the church and broader culture by combining the timeless, cross-cultural wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research, insights and tools. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.

Latest Episodes:

Boundaries vs. Ultimatums with Willa Williams Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Alisa Grace sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Willa Williams to unpack the often-confused concepts of boundaries and ultimatums. They explore the difference between making a request, setting a boundary, and issuing an ultimatum—highlighting how tone, intention, and personal responsibility can either build connection or create division in your relationships.

Together, they provide practical tools and real-life examples to help you communicate needs in a healthy way, create emotional safety, and respond maturely when on the receiving end of a boundary. Whether you’re navigating conflict with a spouse, roommate, friend, or coworker, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement to help you grow in both courage and compassion.

Resources Mentioned:

Speaker-Listener Technique (PDF) – A simple yet powerful communication tool that fosters active listening and mutual understanding in any relationship.
Blue Trust (Colby Gilmore) – Biblically-centered financial planning and investment management for couples and individuals.
The Couples Institute – Dr. Ellyn Bader – Professional therapy resources and relationship education.

Connect with Us:

Join the Conversation:

Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv

About the Hosts:

Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

The Parenting Trap: How Modern Culture Is Ruining Childhood with Tim Carney Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with Tim Carney, author of Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be. They dive into the challenges of modern parenting, discussing how cultural shifts, over-scheduling, and fear-based parenting have made raising kids more stressful than ever. Tim shares insights on how we can reclaim community-driven parenting, encourage independence in our children, and create a more family-friendly culture.

Whether you're a parent navigating the pressures of modern parenting, a young adult thinking about starting a family, or someone interested in how culture shapes childhood, this episode offers practical insights and hopeful solutions for building stronger families and communities.

Resources Mentioned

📖 Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be – Get the book here
📄 What’s the Ideal Family Size? Somewhere Between 0 and 10 Kids – Read Tim Carney’s Washington Post article (Note: This article may be behind a paywall.)
📊 American Enterprise Institute (AEI) – Research on family, culture, and policy. Visit AEI

Connect with Us
🌐 Website: cmr.biola.edu
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr

Join the Conversation
🎙️ Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts / Spotify to help others discover the show.
🔗 Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these insights.
📩 Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Join here

About the Hosts
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they blend biblical wisdom with scholarly research to offer practical advice for everyday relationships. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.

What I Wish I Knew Before Getting Engaged with Tatum Munivez Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Grace and guest co-host Tatum Munivez explore key questions to ask before getting engaged. They discuss essential relationship considerations, including compatibility, handling conflict, emotional safety, and recognizing red and green flags. Through personal insights and real-life examples, they provide practical wisdom to help you navigate the engagement decision with confidence.

Whether you're dating seriously or thinking about the next step, this episode offers valuable advice to build a strong foundation for marriage.

Resources Mentioned:

8 Questions to Ask Before Getting Engaged – A guide from the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships.
Premarital Counseling – Learn how premarital counseling can strengthen your relationship and how to sign up.

Connect with Us:

Join the Conversation:

Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Click here.

About the Hosts:

Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace lead the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, combining biblical wisdom with relationship research to help individuals build healthy relationships. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.

Love Languages: How to Show Love to Every Person in Your Life This Valentine’s Day Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the concept of love languages and how understanding them can transform your relationships. They discuss the five love languages—quality time, words of affirmation, gift-giving, acts of service, and physical touch—popularized by Dr. Gary Chapman. They provide practical insights on how to identify and speak your own love language and those of your loved ones to foster deeper connections.

Whether you're navigating relationships with your spouse, dating partner, family members, friends, or even coworkers, this episode offers valuable advice on how to communicate love effectively and build stronger bonds.

Resources Mentioned:

The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman – A foundational book on how to express and receive love in a way that is meaningful to your relationships.
Five Love Languages Online Quiz – Discover your love language and learn how to better connect with those around you.
Previous Podcast Episode with Dr. Gary Chapman – Listen to Chris and Alisa’s conversation with the author of The 5 Love Languages for more insights.

Connect with Us:

Website: cmr.biola.edu
Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr

Join the Conversation:

Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast so you never miss an episode.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from learning about love languages.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Join our email list

About the Hosts:

Dr. Chris Grace and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

When You Don't Know Who You Are Anymore with Guests Arianna Molloy and Tim Muehlhoff Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Grace explores the complexities of navigating identity and calling, especially in the context of work and relationships with guests Arianna Molloy and Tim Muehlhoff. They discuss how a calling is not just about individual fulfillment but deeply tied to our relationship with God and community. Their conversation touches on understanding work as a calling, avoiding burnout, setting boundaries, and finding rest in God. They provide practical insights and tips for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's demands. Whether you're managing relationships with coworkers, family, or friends, this episode offers valuable advice to help you cultivate a sustainable work-life balance.

Resources Mentioned:

Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work by Dr. Arianna Molloy – A guide to understanding calling, preventing burnout, and finding meaning in work. Visit Arianna Molloy's website for more resources. Click here to buy her book on Amazon.
Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas – Explores how individuals connect with God uniquely, offering insights for incorporating rest and worship into daily life. Click here to purchase on Amazon.

Connect with Us:

Join the Conversation:

Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: Sign Up

About the Hosts:

Sexpectations in Marriage with Guests Shaunti Feldhahn & Brian Goins Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of expectations in marital intimacy. They welcome special guests Shaunti Feldhahn, an award-winning author and social researcher, and Brian Goins, Senior Director of Strategic Projects at FamilyLife. Together, they delve into the dynamics of initiating and receptive desire, the impact of communication, and practical ways couples can foster understanding and intimacy.

Key Discussion Points:

The common question of "how often?" and why there's no universal answer.
The importance of understanding different desire types: initiating, receptive, and resistant.
How unspoken expectations and lack of communication can lead to frustration and disappointment.
Practical advice for navigating differences in desire and building stronger connections through communication and empathy.
Insights from Shaunti and Brian's work, including data-driven strategies for healthy conversations about intimacy.

Resources Mentioned:

"Secrets of Sex & Marriage" by Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma – A book offering eight surprising insights to improve marital intimacy. Learn more and purchase.
Married with Benefits Podcast – Discussions on intimacy, communication, and expectations in marriage. Listen here.
FamilyLife’s Instagram – instagram.com/familylifeinsta.
Shaunti Feldhahn’s Instagram – instagram.com/shauntifeldhahn.
Axis.org – Tools and resources for parents to have conversations about technology, relationships, and more. Visit Axis.

Connect with Us:

Join the Conversation:

Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Subscribe here.

About the Hosts:

Breaking the Chains of Pornography with Guest Nick Stumbo Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the challenges and impacts of pornography in relationships and personal lives with special guest Nick Stumbo, Executive Director of Pure Desire. They discuss the pervasive issue of pornography in Christian communities, its mental, relational, and spiritual implications, and the path to freedom through grace-filled healing. Offering insights into breaking cycles of shame and addiction, this episode provides practical tips to help listeners pursue healthy, Christ-centered relationships.

Whether you’re a college student, a married couple, or a leader in the church, this episode offers valuable advice to navigate this challenging topic and find hope, healing, and restoration.

Resources Mentioned:

Free E-Books from Pure Desire

5 Steps to Freedom from Pornography - A guide to overcoming struggles with pornography. Download here
7 Keys to Understanding Betrayal Trauma - Help for navigating the pain of betrayal. Download here

Books by Nick Stumbo

Safe - A guide to fostering grace-filled environments that promote healing from sexual struggles and create safe spaces for restoration. Learn more
Setting Us Free - Nick Stumbo shares his journey to freedom from sexual addiction, offering practical tools and spiritual insights for lasting transformation. Learn more

From the Center for Marriage and Relationships (CMR)

Sex, Pornography, and Relationship Help - Quick tips on addressing pornography's impact on relationships. Download PDF

Connect with Us:

Join the Conversation:

Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Sign up here

About the Hosts:

Navigating Holiday Stress: Balancing Busyness, Expectations, and Joy Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore managing holiday stress, balancing busyness, expectations, and finding joy. They discuss practical tips for setting realistic expectations, planning ahead, navigating family dynamics, and staying emotionally connected during this busy season. With insights on how to prioritize relationships, manage stress, and align your heart with God's perspective, this episode provides helpful strategies for a more peaceful and meaningful holiday experience. Whether you're navigating relationships with family, friends, or significant others, you'll find valuable advice to improve your connections this holiday season.

Resources Mentioned:

Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel by Jonathon Gibson - A liturgy for worship through Advent and Epiphany. Amazon Link
Oh Come, Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp - A devotional to prepare your heart for Christmas. Amazon Link
The Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Mathis - Reflections on the surprising story of Christmas. Amazon Link
10 Bible Verses for Anxiety (Download) - Scriptures to meditate on for peace during stressful times.
Marriage Conference Information - Learn about upcoming conferences to strengthen your relationships.

Connect with Us:

Join the Conversation:

Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv

About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

Dealing with Grief and Loss During the Holidays with Guest Kevin Van Lant Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the topic of navigating grief and loss during the holidays. They are joined by Dr. Kevin Van Lant, a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in pastoral care and counseling, who provides invaluable insights into the challenges of processing grief during a season traditionally associated with joy and togetherness. They discuss the importance of recognizing and sitting with the pain, offering practical ways to support both yourself and others during difficult times, and how faith plays a transformative role in the grieving process.

Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one or supporting someone in their grief, this episode offers compassionate advice to help you find hope and meaning, even in the midst of sorrow.
Resources Mentioned:

Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop – A guide to practicing lament as a path toward healing and hope.
Necessary Losses by Judith Viorst – An exploration of how loss is an inevitable and essential part of personal growth.
Blue Trust - Biblically centered financial planning and investment management services. Contact Colby Gilmore (colby.gilmore@ronblue.com) for personalized financial advice for all income levels.

Connect with Us:

Join the Conversation:

Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Sign up here

About the Hosts:

Why Traditions Matter: A CMR Staff Roundtable Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the importance of family traditions, especially during the holiday season. They discuss how traditions create bonding, foster a sense of belonging, and adapt over time as families grow and change. Joined by CMR staff members Jane Locke and Tatum Munivez, they share personal stories and offer practical insights into navigating traditions in the face of life changes like marriage, moving, or loss. Whether you're celebrating with your parents, kids, in-laws, or friends, this episode offers meaningful ways to build relationships and honor the deeper reasons for the season.

Resources Mentioned:

"23 of the Best Christmas Traditions Ever" Blog - A list of diverse holiday traditions for every life stage, from singles to families with grown children.
Holiday Resources from the CMR - Insights, Tips, and Tools to Enjoy a Meaningful Holiday Season.

Connect with Us:

Website: cmr.biola.edu
Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr

Join the Conversation:

Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv

About the Hosts: