

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage
Focus on the Family
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 on the Family.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 30, 2026 • 58min
Research on Happy Marriages
What makes a successful marriage? Today, Greg and Erin feature a presentation by best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn. She offers insights from research she's conducted on what makes for a happier, more fulfilling marriage. She also outlines practical ways to develop a more Christ-like relationship with your spouse. We'll challenge you to recreate your first date, and we'll answer a listener question about whether its Biblical to have joint bank accounts. For Men/Women Only Bundle Conversation Starters for Couples Learn More About The Hope Restored Marriage Intensive Take The Reactive Cycle Assessment Tool Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Nurturing The Heart of Your Spouse Audio Collection Contact the show! Send Us A Review! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Mar 23, 2026 • 35min
Work on Yourself, Not Your Spouse Pt. 2
Pastor Dan Seaborn returns for more great conversation on reflection in marriage. When was the last time you asked yourself, "What caused me to do that?" when you responded to your spouse in a not-so-productive way? Greg and Erin also have an exercise to build connection that will open up your spouse's inner world, and we answer a listener question about how often to have sex in a healthy marriage. The Necessary Nine Take the Marriage Assessment Tool Learn More About The Hope Restored Marriage Intensive Take The Reactive Cycle Assessment Tool Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Contact the show! Send Us A Review! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Mar 16, 2026 • 53min
Work on Yourself, Not Your Spouse Pt. 1
Join Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley with their guest, Pastor Dan Seaborn as he describes how he and his wife transformed their marriage over the last three years. There's clinical wisdom for serious issues, but shared in casual and productive ways on this episode. We also share some questions to open up your spouse's inner world, as well as answer a listener's question on how often married couples should have sex. The Necessary Nine Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Call our Counseling Line Here's insight on a Healing Separation Contact the show! Send Us A Review! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Mar 9, 2026 • 41min
Make Your Marriage A Fortress
Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss the importance of making marriages strong enough to withstand life's challenges. We're bringing back one of our best friends, Dr. Gary Thomas, who talks about his book 'Making Your Marriage a Fortress.' The conversation covers how sin, temptations, and life trials can erode a relationship. We also discuss the significance of spiritual growth, community, and emotional safety in marriages. We'll also answer a listener's question about handling life after divorce and provide practical advice on creating a couples' vision board to achieve future goals together. Making Your Marriage A Fortress Hope Restored Article: How To Overcome Unrealistic Expectations in Marriage Take the FREE Reactive Cycle Assessment Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Call our Counseling Line Here's insight on a Healing Separation Contact the show! Send us your email or voice mail here! Send Us A Review! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Mar 3, 2026 • 25min
Adventures in Odyssey - Journey Into the Impossible
There's something exciting happening and you could call it an Adventure In Odyssey! This is a special release to talk about the brand new animated feature film that will release in the Fall of 2026. Listen to Adventures in Odyssey Donate To The Making Of Journey Into the Impossible! Contact the show! Send us your email or voice mail here! Send Us A Review! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Mar 2, 2026 • 32min
Question & Answer Session
We're doing a Question/Answer Show again because you are part of our community—addressing real questions, exploring fresh perspectives, and continuing the dialogue together! Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley share on a variety of marital challenges. From persuading a husband to give family trips another chance to discussing sensitive issues like pornography in marriage, emphasizing boundaries and seeking professional help. Keep sending your questions to us. It's our honor to help you in every way possible! Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Book Learn More About Pornography Help From Pure Desire Resources to Help a Pornography Addiction Check Out The Marriage Assessment Tool Check Out The Reactive Cycle Assessment Tool Contact the show! Sign up for our FREE Marriage Newsletter Send us your email or voice mail here! Send Us A Review! Support the show! Suicide Prevention Hotline If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Feb 23, 2026 • 54min
Building A Life Together
In this engaging conversation, Luke and Courtney Smallbone share the story of their 16-year marriage, reflecting on their love story that began with a chance meeting at a shoe store. (Luke and his brother Joel make up the band For King And Country.) Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley delve into the unexpected challenges and growth that marriage brings, sharing insights on leadership, conflict resolution, and maintaining a fun and fulfilling relationship. And as always, we answer a listener question. Take The Date Night Challenge Listen to the Song Ever & Ever Before Contact the show! Sign up for our FREE Marriage Newsletter Send us your email or voice mail here! Send Us A Review! Support the show! Suicide Prevention Hotline If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Feb 16, 2026 • 54min
Sex and Intimacy in Marriage, Pt 2
We continue the conversation with Kait and JJ Tomlin, but we dive deeper into understanding ways to be more intimate with our spouse. Calling out our feelings, checking ourselves, and seeking God's truth as you walk through tough times. They delve into the surprises and challenges they faced and the importance of pre-engagement and premarital counseling. JJ shares his journey of overcoming resentment and selfishness, highlighting the impact of ownership and repentance on their marriage. The Tomlins speak candidly about their sex life, illustrating the importance of realistic expectations, too. We also address a listener's question about dealing with pain, mental health issues, and a perceived lack of support from her spouse. Take The FREE Marriage Assessment See Where You Are In The Reactive Cycle Click Here For More Information About Marriage Resources Contact the show! Sign up for our FREE Marriage Newsletter Send us your email or voice mail here! Send Us A Review! Support the show! Suicide Prevention Hotline If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Feb 9, 2026 • 52min
Sex and Intimacy in Marriage, Pt I
Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley talk with the founder of Heart of Dating, Kait Tomlin, with her husband JJ about our mindsets when we're dating before marriage, versus the reality of what we each bring into our married life. They emphasize the importance of being open to changes and the significance of individual growth and self-examination to maintain a healthy marriage. Our hurts, our issues, our expectations, all of it! We'll also give you a Valentine's Day activity, and we answer a question from a wife who knows that her relationship is stuck in the reactive cycle. The conversation provides practical advice on managing relationship conflicts and stresses the value of a teachable spirit and open heart in fostering marital growth. The Language of Sex Check Out The Reactive Cycle Assessment Tool Article: Flirt Your Way To A Better Marriage Article: Maximize The Mundane Check Out the Marriage Assessment Tool Hope Restored Marriage Intensive Contact the show! Sign up for our FREE Marriage Newsletter Send us your email or voice mail here! Send Us A Review! Support the show! Suicide Prevention Hotline If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

6 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 3min
Forgiveness in Marriage
Get ready for a GREAT conversation with Micah E. Davis, author of the book Three Strikes, You're Forgiven! He delves into the profound concept of forgiveness, emphasizing it as a deliberate decision rather than merely a feeling. Greg and Erin share strategies for beginning the forgiveness process, as well as God's grace in the journey as they share the story of someone close to their family that they had to forgive, too. Three Strikes, You're Forgiven Forgiveness In The Family Article Hope Restored Take Our Free Marriage Assessment Tool Article: Dealing With Your Child's Divorce Contact the show! Sign up for our FREE Marriage Newsletter Send us your email or voice mail here! Send Us A Review! Support the show! Suicide Prevention Hotline If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.


