Claim OwnershipThe Art of Relationships Podcast
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Is it hard to maintain your relationships with everything else you have going on in your life? Chris Grace, Ph.D., and his wife, Alisa Grace, discuss how to build healthy relationships and marriages in The Art of Relationships Podcast. Listen to get practical insights on how to deal with everyday relationship issues, whether it's your roommate, your parents, a friend, or a significant other. The Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships exists to build and sustain healthy relationships and marriages in the church and broader culture by combining the timeless, cross-cultural wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research, insights and tools. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.
214 Episodes
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1In this episode, Alisa Grace sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Willa Williams to unpack how your family of origin shapes the way you love, connect, and relate today. Together, they explore how childhood caregiving environments form your attachment style—secure, avoider, pleaser, or vacillator—and how those patterns often surface in adult relationships, marriages, and even your walk with God. They break down how misinterpretations happen, why couples get stuck in pursue–wit...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to teach kids genuine gratitude in a culture that constantly feeds entitlement. They talk about why “me-first” messaging (from social media, advertising, and peer groups) shapes the way kids see themselves, their stuff, and even God’s grace—and how parents can gently push back. Along the way, they share practical ideas like modeling gratitude in everyday frustrations, using dinnertime questions to help kids notice God’s goodness, shifting fro...
In this episode, we explore how couples can build habits that make marriage easier—and even more joyful—for the long haul. Guest Arlene Pellicane, author, speaker, and host of The Happy Home Podcast, joins Alisa to share insights from her new book Making Marriage Easier: How to Love and Like Your Spouse for Life. Together, they unpack biblical wisdom, research-based habits, and personal stories from Arlene’s 26 years of marriage. They discuss common misconceptions about marriage, the power of...
In this special Halloween-themed episode of The Art of Relationships, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace uncover the “marriage monsters” that quietly creep into relationships when we’re not paying attention. From unspoken expectations and avoidance to contempt and emotional disengagement, these hidden habits can quietly erode intimacy, trust, and connection. With their signature blend of biblical wisdom, psychological insight, and real-life experience, Chris and Alisa share how to identify these relat...
In this episode, Chris Grace and guests explore what it truly means to find freedom and identity in Christ. Joined by Dr. John-Paul (J.P.) Foster and Dr. Matt Williams, they discuss insights from their new book, Finding Freedom in Jesus: 21 Attributes of Your Identity in Christ. Together, they unpack how understanding who God says you are transforms not only your sense of self but also your relationships, emotional health, and spiritual growth. From battling negative self-talk to breaking fre...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the sensitive question many Christians wrestle with: If I had sex before marriage, am I forgiven? They discuss God’s design for sex, how He responds to sexual sin, and the emotional, spiritual, and relational healing that is possible. Along the way, they address shame, guilt, conviction, and the difference between God’s forgiveness and the enemy’s accusations, while offering practical steps toward freedom and restoration. Whether you’re navigatin...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the often-overlooked struggle of making friends in college. They discuss why college can feel more isolating than expected, the psychological and social hurdles that block new friendships, and the surprising reasons even extroverts feel lonely in new environments. Providing practical insights and encouragement, they share stories, scientific research, and biblical wisdom to help students take initiative, overcome social anxiety, and build meaning...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace unpack what it really means to have a Christ-centered marriage. Beyond simply sharing a faith background, they explore the defining traits of a marriage where Jesus is truly at the center. Drawing from Scripture, research, and their own marriage journey, they discuss key differences between valuing Christ and truly centering your relationship on Him, as well as practical habits that help couples reflect the love of Christ daily. From healthy communicatio...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore what it really means to date well—approaching relationships with intentionality, emotional health, and biblical wisdom. They discuss the purpose of dating, the importance of aligning your faith, assessing red and green flags, and the role of spiritual discernment and emotional maturity in building healthy connections. You’ll also hear practical tips on navigating compatibility, understanding personality traits, and seeking input from trusted comm...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the all-too-common struggle of comparison—especially in the age of social media. They discuss why we compare ourselves to others, how comparison can become a trap that steals our joy, and when (if ever) comparison can actually be helpful. Drawing from social psychology, Scripture, and real-life stories, they offer practical insights and tips to help you break free from unhealthy comparison and embrace your God-given identity. Whether you're deali...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the crucial distinction between healthy and harmful conflict in relationships. They discuss common signs of unhealthy conflict—like harsh startups, criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt—and offer practical strategies to help you de-escalate tension, communicate effectively, and foster greater emotional connection. They dive into topics such as recognizing emotional flooding, using gentle startups, labeling emotions accurately, taki...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the realities and myths of hustle culture. They discuss how hustle culture is often glamorized for its promises of success, wealth, and status—but at what cost? They weigh the pros, such as ambition, drive, and new opportunities, against the hidden toll it takes on emotional, physical, and relational health. Through stories from their own lives and others, Chris and Alisa provide practical insights and tips to help you reframe what success means ...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the parenting approaches of gentle parenting and tough love. They discuss the core principles, benefits, and potential pitfalls of each method—clarifying common misconceptions like equating gentle parenting with permissiveness or tough love with harshness. Through personal stories, practical examples, and thoughtful dialogue, they offer insights to help parents strike a healthy balance between empathy and structure. Whether you're parenting toddl...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the hidden cost of chronic busyness and emotional exhaustion—especially the kind that stems from doing too many “good” things. They discuss the symptoms of burnout, how it quietly erodes our most important relationships, and why many Christians struggle to set boundaries out of guilt or obligation. With practical tips for recognizing early signs and creating emotional margin, they invite listeners to evaluate their priorities and build sustainabl...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to navigate difficult conversations without damaging your relationships. They discuss practical steps for preparing your heart, regulating your emotions, choosing the right time and setting, and using the “affirmation sandwich” method to speak truth with grace. Whether you’re dealing with conflict in a marriage, friendship, workplace, or with a neighbor, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships by fostering trust, cla...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to discern when it might be time to end a dating relationship. They discuss 13 red flags to look out for—ranging from spiritual misalignment and boundary issues to emotional unavailability and unresolved conflict—providing practical insights and tips to help you navigate the dating process with wisdom and faith. Whether you're dealing with dating relationships, or navigating romantic connections post-loss, this episode offers valuable advice ...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to set and maintain healthy boundaries in dating relationships. They discuss the importance of emotional, physical, and spiritual boundaries, how to talk about them early on, and what to do if those boundaries have already been crossed—providing practical insights and tips to help you date with wisdom, clarity, and intentionality. Whether you're dealing with dating relationships, friendships, or mentoring others in their relationships, this e...
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the highs and lows of college roommate dynamics in “Roommate Horror Stories.” They discuss student stories—ranging from passive-aggressive tension and cleanliness conflicts to emotional dumping and boundary-crossing behaviors—providing practical insights and tips to help you navigate difficult living situations with grace and wisdom. Whether you're dealing with roommates, friends, or even future spouses, this episode offers valuable advice to imp...
In this episode, Alisa Grace sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Willa Williams to unpack the often-confused concepts of boundaries and ultimatums. They explore the difference between making a request, setting a boundary, and issuing an ultimatum—highlighting how tone, intention, and personal responsibility can either build connection or create division in your relationships. Together, they provide practical tools and real-life examples to help you communicate needs in a hea...
In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with Tim Carney, author of Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be. They dive into the challenges of modern parenting, discussing how cultural shifts, over-scheduling, and fear-based parenting have made raising kids more stressful than ever. Tim shares insights on how we can reclaim community-driven parenting, encourage independence in our children, and create a more family-friendly culture. Whether you're a p...
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in and out. they make a good burger. DONNIE
Loving this podcast!
too religiously based, you should have gave a disclaimer