Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast

Focus on the Family
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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