The Middle Years of Marriage

No matter how long you've been married, there's some great advice in this episode! Greg and Erin discuss the challenges and opportunities in the middle years of marriage, focusing on issues like health struggles, retirement, and caring for aging parents with Larry McCall. They emphasize the importance of preventing boredom, pursuing wonder in marriage and life, and the value of counsel. Larry shares his journey of understanding the deeper purpose of marriage, the importance of love based on God's love rather than reciprocation, and insights into being intentional in relationships.   A Seasoned Marriage: Living the Gospel in the Middle Years and Beyond   Go here for more Deep Questions To Stay Curious About Your Spouse   Truth Rising   Learn more about how to be a Marriage Champion   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

On this episode, Greg and Erin discuss the importance of communication, romance, and navigating challenges within marriage with Jess and Ryan Ronne; who also share their journey of dealing with grief after losing their first spouses. The Ronnes offer insights into how they balance their relationship while caring for eight children (including one with special needs), and the strategies they use to maintain intimacy and satisfaction.   Lovin' With Grit & Grace: Straight Talk about Romance, Sex, Fun, And The Tough Stuff Too   Truth Rising   Read more about a Healing Separation   Support this Show!   Sign Up For Our Marriage Newsletter   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Greg and Erin welcome renown British evangelist and author, J.John and his wife Killy as they reflect on their 42-year marriage, discussing early challenges, the importance of communication, and the essential values they've embraced: respect, responsibility, romance, and resilience. They emphasize the significance of intentionally nurturing their relationship despite the demands of work and life, and share their daily routines that help them maintain a balanced and harmonious life together. The Johns are full of encouragement for couples, whether you're just starting out or have been married for decades.   Take the FREE Marriage Assessment   Sacred Pathways, by Gary Thomas   Read more about a Healing Separation   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Greg and Erin know that every marriage goes through a crisis. That's why we invited Todd and Kristin Evans to share their personal journey from enjoying life as a young, carefree couple to facing the challenges of raising a child with severe disabilities, including emotional strain, grief, and marital disconnect. No matter what your challenges might be, you'll hear ways to get through the storms. We talk about the importance of communication, support networks, and intentional self-care. Todd and Kristin found ways to thrive together, and they also recommitted to each other and set new marital vows tailored to their unique situation. Their story serves as inspiration and guidance for other couples navigating any kind of hardship. We also share the Playground Rules for Marriage, and we answer a listener's email question about how much is too much to share with your spouse when it comes to trauma. This is a practical look at everyday relationship "ins and outs" on this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage! How To Build A Thriving Marriage As You Care for Children with Disabilities Hope Restored Remodeling Stress and Your Marriage Call our Counseling Line at 1-800-A-FAMILY Support this Show! ENGAGE WITH US If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Get ready for a passionate edition of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage. Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley share a message from Dan and Jane Seaborn about how their personality and lifestyle choices are completely opposite in their marriage. The Four Seasons of Marriage Sign Up For The Free Weekly Marriage Newsletter Nurturing The Heart Of Your Spouse Collection Resist The Drift Conferences Hope Restored Conferences Support this Show! ENGAGE WITH US If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Are you thinking about divorce? On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss overcoming crises in marriage. They dive into the difficulties of rebuilding trust after infidelity, dealing with shame, and managing resentment. Our guests, Monty and Jeannine Mora, share their personal journey from their early years as a young pastoral couple, through a major crisis involving misaligned priorities, personal struggles, and suicidal thoughts. They highlight the importance of communication, seeking counseling, and prioritizing individual healing for the success of anyone's marital restoration. We'll answer a listener's question about how to start healing from hurts, and we've also included some humorous marriage definitions. This is a great program to share with your spouse, or forward to anyone you know who may be in a rough patch in their marriage.   Hope Restored   Call our Counseling Line at 1-800-A-FAMILY   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Whether you’re seeking new friends or wanting to deepen existing relationships, this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage will help women and men build their respective friendships. Erin and her friends discuss how deep, supportive female friendships are vital for navigating life’s challenges, providing encouragement, and fostering spiritual and emotional growth. Then, Greg and his friend Bill discuss the unique challenges men face in forming deep friendships, such as busyness, reluctance to be vulnerable, and prioritizing family. We also answer a listener’s question about a sexless marriage.   The Friendships of Women   A Free Digital Download: The Skit Guys - Building Healthy Friendships Among Men   Find out more about Hope Restored   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Dr. Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley discuss various aspects of marriage preparation, adjustment, and conflict resolution with four young married employees of Focus on the Family. They share their insights and experiences about preparing for marriage, dealing with marital changes, finances, and communication styles. Whether you've been married for a long time or a short while, there's useful advice on understanding conflict as an opportunity for growth, maintaining individual emotional health, and continuing to learn about each other in a relationship.   Ready To Wed   Call our Counseling Line at 1-800-A-FAMILY   Take The Free Marriage Assessment!   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley delve into the importance of men adopting lion-hearted characteristics in today's culture, inspired by Brandon and David Lindell's book 'Lion Hearted: A Man's Guide to Living Focused, Fulfilled, and Fearless.' We'll talk about the challenges faced by men stepping into leadership roles within their families, the significance of intentional living, and the need to understand and guard the heart. We'll also look at animal behaviors, illustrating lessons applicable to strengthening marriages. Then we'll answer a listener question about their spouse's weight gain.   Lionhearted: A Man's Guide To Living Focused, Fulfilled, and Fearless   Truth Rising   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Join us as we continue to discuss how to deal with conflict on Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, with part two of our discussion with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde. They'll share their experiences of dealing with reactive cycles in their marriages, emphasizing the importance of self-control. Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley ask about conflict styles like fight-fight, fight-flight, and flight-flight, detailing how unresolved issues can amplify present conflicts. We also go over the 'Care Cycle,' a five-step tool to help individuals manage their emotions. Plus, we'll give you some Marriage History, and answer a listener email about a husband who doesn't take his wife's advice.     Empowered To Love: Discovering Your God-Given Power to Create a Marriage You Both Love   Hope Restored   Sign up for our FREE Marriage Newsletter!   Breaking the Reactive Cycle Article   Take The Reactive Cycle Assessment   Fight Your Way To A Better Marriage   Support this Show!   ENGAGE WITH US   If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.