

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 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 26, 2026 • 11min
Let Go of Control, Open Your Heart
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.

Feb 24, 2026 • 14min
When He Popped the Question
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.

Feb 19, 2026 • 11min
“Let’s Not Talk Now”
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.

Feb 17, 2026 • 9min
“I Won’t Spend a Dime, Greg”
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.

Feb 12, 2026 • 16min
Think Legacy, Not Just this Moment
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.

Feb 10, 2026 • 15min
Run to Love, Run from Porn
Jerry Jenkins, author and speaker known for the book Hedges, offers practical guidelines to protect marriage from temptation. He discusses admitting vulnerability and building defenses. Short strategies include filters, accountability, reminders and routines. He also shares a vivid love story memory and using mementos to keep commitment front and center.

Feb 5, 2026 • 13min
First Progress, Then Regress, Now What?
David Dunham, a supportive husband and co-author of Table for Two, and Krista Dunham, who recovered from an eating disorder and co-wrote the book, share their story. They discuss relapse and recovery in marriage. They talk faith, community, prayer, counseling, perseverance, and practical ways couples interrupt negative cycles and lean on one another.

Feb 3, 2026 • 12min
Eating Disorders & Mental Illness
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.

Jan 29, 2026 • 10min
When Falling in Love Becomes Intentional
Cubbie Fink, musician and husband of Rebecca St. James, shares a brief courtship story about intentionally pursuing his now-wife. He tells of the airport pickup that changed everything. They discuss how persistence and following through won her heart and why ongoing intentional pursuit matters in marriage.

Jan 27, 2026 • 10min
Marriage Won’t Solve Discontentment
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.


