Beauty in Battle is a high-energy conversation for married couples to help you energize your relationship, give you purpose, and draw you close to your spouse by turning the tension that divides you into energy that fuels you. In this podcast, Jason and Tori Benham share the stories of their relationship and the practical ways they turned conflict and quarrels into passion and purpose by leaning into their struggles rather than trying to avoid them. As a result, they discovered that fighting ...
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Did you know the Hebrew root word for marriage is the same as mess? Okay, maybe not, but it wasn’t a stretch to believe, right? This is the podcast for Christian married couples who are in the middle of a messy moment. They need to laugh. They need clear, practical advice. And they need to hear from someone with an actual degree in this thing. Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley are those people. They have reached millions of couples through their counseling practices, books, events, and work at Focus ...
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Did you know the fire you once felt in your marriage doesn't have to die down or even simmer? You can and should keep it burning hot! This episode will dive into the building blocks of romance and the three keys to ignite the flame once again. Enjoy!
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Greg and Erin talk with Luke and Joel Smallbone and their sister, Rebecca St. James talk about their own family story behind the Unsung Hero movie. The movie follows the family' s mother, Helen Smallbone , as she uses her faith to hold her husband and children together by turning struggles into an adventure and exercise their faith in God Later we …
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To thrive in your marriage, shift your focus from tallying points in your relationship to building a winning connection with your spouse. In this episode, we'll share three essential strategies to help you make this shift. Enjoy!
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Dave and Ashley Willis: Boundaries with In-Laws (Part 2)
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Greg and Erin continue their discussion with Dave and Ashley Willis about setting boundaries with your in-laws. Later Joannie DeBrito joins the show to weigh in on how to set healthy boundaries with your in-laws with your spouse. We wrap with a listener question from Jay about a spouse being unreceptive toward their feelings. Get Dave and Ashley's …
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Do you want to know your spouse better? How about deepening your understanding of yourself? Today's episode will help you do just that. We're going to ask you one powerful question that will draw you close to your spouse and open your eyes to who you were made to be! We call this "The HERO Journey." It's going to bless your life and marriage in a b…
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Dave and Ashley Willis: Boundaries with In-Laws (Part 1)
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How do you set boundaries with in-laws? Today, Dave and Ashley Willis join Greg and Erin to discuss setting boundaries with in-laws. Plus, Sterling Knight-Pinneo joins to share his thoughts on setting biblical boundaries! Get Dave and Ashley's book for a gift of any amount! Interested in the book Boundaries Ashley mentioned? Click here to get it! W…
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Have you ever been lost in a conversation with someone and totally lost track of time? You enjoy it so much. Why? Subconsciously, you are connecting with them, and God made us for connection. In this episode we dive into the research behind what makes "super communicators" and how we can emulate their practices in marriage. Enjoy.…
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Brad and Marilyn Rhoads: Have a Healthy Marriage through Weekly Marriage Dates
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What is the key to a healthy marriage? Greg and Erin talk with Brad and Marilyn Rhoads about managing marriage expectations and weekly marriage dates. Plus, Greg and Erin tackle a popular marriage myth! Click Here to Receive the book The Grace Marriage for your donation of any amount! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voi…
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We were created for oneness with our spouse. The question is, how do we practically do it? Today's episode will give you three keys to drawing close and staying close to your spouse so you can experience a marriage that will last. Enjoy.
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Chad and Tori Masters: Christian Marriage and Infertility
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Can marriage survive infertility? Today, Chad and Tori Masters join Greg and Erin to talk about their journey waiting for their son, Micah. Plus, Bill Arbuckle gives a devotion about looking for God in waiting seasons! Check out this article to learn more about how you can thrive, even in a waiting season! Click here to listen to the Practice Makes…
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The healthiest marriages are emotionally intelligent marriages. And the key to emotional intelligence is self-awareness. Join us as we discuss the three levels of self-awareness and how you can walk through each level to strengthen your marriage. Enjoy!
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Dr. Juli Slattery: What Does the Bible Say About Sex in Marriage?
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What does the bible say about sex in marriage? Dr. Juli Slattery joins Greg and Erin to discuss the importance of sex in marriage. Plus, we have an extra long Q&A with some voicemails with some of our listeners! Get the Juli's book for a gift of any amount! Check out these conversation starters to use on date night! We'd love to hear from you! Visi…
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Harnessing Emotions to Strengthen Your Marriage
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One of our greatest needs is emotional connection. Harnessed properly, emotions can draw you together in a deep and powerful way. Today's episode is all about helping you do just that. Join us as we share three keys to emotional connection built upon a Biblical and scientific framework. Enjoy!
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Gary Thomas: Making Marriage Work When There are Signs That It's Over
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How do you know your marriage is over? Gary Thomas joins Greg and Erin to talk about how marriage is hard, but worth it. Plus, Greg and Erin will talk through some conversation starters! Get a copy of Gary's book, Cherish, for a gift of any amount! Check out these conversation starters to use on date night! Click here to read Erin's article about h…
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If you want to magnetize your spouse to you, this episode is a "must-listen." We're going to share two powerful questions that will put you in a frame of mind to draw your spouse close and connect you emotionally. Enjoy!
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Mo Isom Aiken: Battling a Selfish Mindset
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How can you and your spouse successfully become a team? Mo Isom Aiken joins Greg and Erin to talk about what it's like being a wife and mother battling a "me" mindset. Plus, we'll hear from newlywed's Alex and Megan Seeley about how they learned to being to switch to a team mentality in marriage! Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a …
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Join us as we discuss six key marriage habits we've discovered that have drawn us closer and helped us turn conflict into connection. Based on proven research, these six keys can revolutionize your marriage!
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How does stress affect marriage? On today's episode, Greg and Erin talk to Guy and Amber Lia about how they learned to respond to stress in marriage. Plus, Greg and Erin will talk through some conversation starters! Get Guy and Amber's book for a gift of any amount! Check out these conversation starters to use on date night! We'd love to hear from …
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Join us as we dive into a little brain science that shows the power of our right-brain and how it is wired to run on four key things. These four keys are pillars that will support and strengthen your marriage when you apply them to your relationship. Enjoy!
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Ted Cunningham: Making Marriage Work with Intentionality
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What makes a marriage work? Ted Cunningham joins Greg and Erin to discuss how you can avoid marital drift. Plus, Greg and Erin will talk about how to build a firm foundation for your marriage! Get a copy of Ted's book for a gift of any amount! Want to learn more about the sacred pathways Greg mentioned? Click here to get the book! Need some help wi…
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Intimacy is to be fully known and fully accepted. God made us for intimacy - both with Himself and with others. In marriage, intimacy is the lifeblood of your relationship. But it's hard. Why? Because intimacy reveals insecurity. In today's episode, we dive into the topic of insecurity and give three keys on how to overcome it. You'll enjoy this Va…
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Need some Valentine's date ideas? Today, Greg and Erin host a roundtable with some married friends to share some Valentine's day ideas! Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a couple by taking our free Marriage Assessment! Check out these conversation starters to use on date night! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave…
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Today's episode is all about how to properly manage conflict and a 3-part grid we've learned that has helped us overcome conflict in our own marriage. It's built upon the foundation that conflict is meant for connection - it’s God’s way of turning you from “me” into “we.” This mindset will help you w/any conflict. Join us as we share this unique gr…
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Levi and Jennie Lusko: Pride and Marriage
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How can we overcome pride in marriage? Today, Levi and Jenni Lusko join Greg and Erin to talk about how pride destroys a marriage and some practical tips to practice humility with your spouse. Plus, Geremy Keeton stops by to share some thoughts on how to defend your marriage against pride! Get a copy of the book The Marriage Devotional for a gift o…
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This episode is sure to blow your hair back, especially if you're a wife! We dive deep into the meaning of the phrase "helper suitable" and the powerful implications it has on the role of a woman in marriage. Taken from the context of creation and attaching a new spin on relationship dynamics, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and …
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Dave and Ann Wilson: Happiness in Marriage with God at the Center
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How can you have a marriage with God at the center? Dave and Ann Wilson join Greg and Erin to share their story of how they found happiness in marriage. Plus, we'll hear from newlyweds Kennedy and Olivia Unthank about how they have formed a Christ centered marriage! Get a copy of the book Vertical Marriage for a gift of any amount! Learn more about…
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Each year we ask God to give us a word for the following year. This year God gave us two words (well, technically four, but who's counting?). Today, we're gonna share those words with you and how you can use them to help build and grow your relationship. Enjoy
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Jason and Tori Benham: A Solution to Rekindle Your Marriage
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How do you reignite your spark in marriage? On today's episode, Greg and Erin talk with Jason and Tori Benham how to recognize signs your marriage is under spiritual attack and how to rekindle a marriage! Plus, we'll hear a devotion from our friend, Bill Arbuckle. Get a copy of Jason and Tori's book for a gift of any amount! Learn more about your s…
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Today we're going to dive into Attachment Theory and how we can apply it to our marriage. Recent studies have shown how your primary attachments early in life dictate the strength of your attachments later in life, but how we can each grow to deeper levels of connection by simply being aware of our attachment style. Attachment is defined as "a deep…
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Safa and Tovares Grey: The Fruit of the Spirit in Marriage
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How do we show the fruit of the Spirit in marriage? Today, Safa and Tovares Grey join Greg and Erin to talk about what a strong Christian marriage can look like. Plus, we'll hear some good tips from Greg and Erin on how to correct your spouse with love! Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a couple by taking our free Marriage Assessmen…
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You cannot be the spouse or parent God made you to be if you are not physically well. Today's episode focuses on the importance of exercise and nutrition in your marriage and how suffering together draws you together when you choose to focus on your physical fitness as a couple. Plus, we're going to share nine keys to a healthy lifestyle from an ex…
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Why Every Church Needs a Solid Marriage Ministry
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Why is marriage ministry important? On today's episode, Greg and Erin talk with Jay and Laura Laffoon about how important things like premarital counseling, marriage mentoring, and marriage activities are essential to a thriving marriage. Plus, Greg and Erin will give some practical tips for couples who want to serve together in church! Learn more …
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We often take for granted the importance of being kind to our spouse. But recent research has shown the power that simple kindness has on your physical, mental, emotional, and relational health. In this episode, we're going to talk about three aspects of kindness, the brain science behind it, and the four building blocks to becoming a kinder person…
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Using "Heart Talk" to Improve Communication and Save Your Marriage
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Are you struggling with communication in marriage? Today, Greg and Erin are joined by Matt and Angel Rigsby to discuss what they learned about how to improve communication in marriage by using heart talk. Plus, we'll hear some inspiring stories from some of our Hope Restored alumni! Wondering if the Hope Restored intensive is for you? Check out the…
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Your childhood was the university of your relationships. How you thought and what you believed as a child plays into the way you respond as an adult. In today's episode, Tori will dissect the nine types of childhood messages and dissect the fears and desires they are built upon. Your inner child is still speaking. Shining a light on this subconscio…
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Christmas Stories from the Early Years of Marriage
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Merry Christmas! On today's special holiday episode, Greg and Erin talk with some friends here at Focus on the Family about some early marriage stories from Christmas. Plus, Greg and Erin will talk through some holiday conversation starters! Check out some more conversation starters for the holiday season! Want to hear more about Greg's Furby story…
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Join us in this fun episode where we dive into three research-backed signs that reveal you have a strong marriage. These three relational traits ensure that your friendship is deep and your bond is strong. You'll like this one. And if you haven't purchased a copy of our newest book, Marriage A To Z, you can pick up a copy HERE. It's a 30-Day devoti…
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Do you struggle with selfishness in marriage? Dino and Ashley Petrone join Greg and Erin to talk about moving away from family after marriage and how that season taught them lessons about emotion connection in marriage. Plus, counselor Jerry Jones stops by to discuss some practical tips for overcoming selfishness in marriage! Receive the book Desig…
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Protecting Your Marriage With Priorities & Boundaries
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Your marriage is the most valuable asset you have, and you need to protect it like you would a priceless treasure. In today's episode, we're going to dive into priorities and how to wrap boundaries around them, as well as three key boundaries that will keep your marriage healthy and thriving. Enjoy. Oh, and if you haven't grabbed a copy of our newl…
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How can a husband lead a fierce woman? Kimberly and LeRoy Wagner join Greg and Erin to talk about fierce women and biblical leadership in marriage. Plus, we'll hear some amazing impact stories from our Hope Restored intensive and our amazing listeners! Receive the Fierce Women/Men Who Love Fierce Women bundle for your donation of any amount! Wonder…
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A fully formed marriage is the result of two fully formed brains! If you want to experience health and wholeness in your life, marriage, and family, you must tap into the power of two-brained thinking. Based on a powerful book on the subject, we dive into the difference between the left-brain and the right-brain and the two key components that lead…
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How can you build a love that lasts? Today, Pastor Kevin Thompson joins Greg and Erin to discuss his practical advice around humility and embracing hurt together as a couple. Plus, Greg and Erin give some tips for listening better in your relationship! Want to get Kevin's book? Click here to get it for a gift of any amount! Want to get the book Gre…
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Everybody has needs that must be met. How you go about getting them met is what this episode is all about. Join us as Tori dives deep into three key "stances" we all take to get our needs met and how we typically lean to one more than the others. Building on the foundation of emotional intelligence, these three key stances will help you understand …
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Recognizing Conflict Cycles to Get to Conflict Resolution
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Are you and your spouse stuck in a conflict cycle? On today's episode, Greg and Erin are joined by Chad and Angela Imhoff who give some great conflict resolution strategies. Plus, Greg and Erin will break down the stages of the conflict cycle and explain some practical steps you and your spouse can take to get out of it! Want to take the Reactive C…
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The primary factor in emotional and relational health is GRATITUDE. Why? Because gratitude challenges negative thought patterns. Negative thinking destroys your brain and your bond to your spouse. In this special Thanksgiving episode, we're going to talk about how gratitude is the social emotion of the brain and how it makes you feel attached to th…
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The Best Choices to Make for Your Marriage
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Are you struggling to work through what choices you should be making in your marriage? Today, Dr Ron Welch and his wife Jan talk about some little things you can do to recognize choices you should be making in conflict. Plus, you'll hear a devotion from our friend, Bill Arbuckle! Click here to receive the book 10 Choices Successful Couples Make for…
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In marriage, each spouse has a core need. Ephesians 5 tells us that women need love and men need respect. Put in plain terms, women need to be prioritized and men need to be admired. If a husband shows his wife she's his #1 priority, she will feel loved. If a wife admires her husband, he will feel loved. Today's episode dives into one of our favori…
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Tori and Chad Masters Take the Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment
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Are you looking for ways to improve your marriage? Today, Greg and Erin are joined by Chad and Tori Masters to talk about Focus on the Family's free marriage assessment! Plus, Greg and Erin will dive into some conversation starters! Want to find out your strengths and weaknesses as a couple? Take the free marriage assessment! Want to ask your spous…
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What do you do when you are giving your 100% best to strengthen your marriage but your spouse isn't on the same page? That's the question we're going to answer on today's episode. Taken from Tori's own journey through this same issue, we will share three keys to winning your spouse even when your spouse doesn't think there's an issue. Enjoy!…
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Shaunti Feldhahn: The Everyday Recipe for Happy Marriage
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Is there a recipe for a happy marriage? On today's episode, Greg and Erin talk with Shaunti Feldhahn about her research on how to have a happy marriage. Plus, you'll hear from Sterling Knight-Pinneo on how he strives to make his wife happier in their marriage! To learn more about the Fantastic Five for Husbands and Wives, get Shaunti's book for a g…
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