One Degree Marriage: Practical Tools & Rhythms for Christian Marriages

Hard conversations don’t usually fail because of the topic—they fail because of how they start.In this episode, we share a simple, practical framework for bringing up difficult topics in marriage without triggering defensiveness or conflict. Learn how the first minute of a conversation can change everything and how to invite your spouse into connection instead of control.🔗 Resources MentionedThe Communication Toolkit (digital PDF): A practical set of tools and scripts to help couples navigate hard conversations with clarity, calm, and connection.

What is the biblical purpose of marriage? Is marriage meant for happiness and companionship, or something more?In this episode of the One Degree Podcast, we walk through Ephesians 5 and Genesis 2 to explore what it looks like to not waste your marriage. We unpack servant leadership, biblical submission, and why Scripture calls you to focus on becoming a better spouse rather than wishing for a different one.Ultimately, marriage isn’t just about having a healthy relationship. It’s about becoming faithful followers of Jesus who live on mission together and make disciples... starting in your home.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Don't Waste Your Life by John PiperConnect with us on Instagram!Grab your Weekly Marriage Meeting Journal

It’s easy to read Scripture with your spouse in mind.In marriage, we often approach the Bible looking for what they should change instead of allowing God’s Word to confront us first. But Scripture was never meant to be a tool for managing your spouse’s obedience. It’s meant to shape your own heart.In this episode of the One Degree Marriage Podcast, we talk about why the Bible addresses individuals before relationships, how passages like Ephesians 5 are often misunderstood, and why obedience in marriage isn’t meant to be transactional. We also discuss what faithfulness looks like when your spouse isn’t changing, how to pursue obedience without resentment, and when bringing in wise counsel is both biblical and necessary.This conversation is for Christian couples who want a stronger, healthier marriage but feel stuck focusing on what their spouse isn’t doing instead of what God is calling them to do.In this episode, we cover:Why Scripture is meant to be a mirror before it’s ever a megaphoneHow Ephesians 5 speaks to personal responsibility, not controlThe difference between faithfulness and transactional obedienceWhat to do when obedience isn’t reciprocated in marriageWhen prayer, counsel, and community are essentialWhy marriage isn’t about fixing each other, but pursuing faithfulness togetherOne Degree Shift:This week, read Scripture asking, “How am I being called to obey?” rather than “How should my spouse change?”

What if one simple habit could dramatically improve communication, reduce conflict, and help your marriage stay spiritually connected, without adding more to your plate?In this episode, we break down the Weekly Marriage Meeting, the one habit we believe has had the biggest long-term impact on our marriage.We explain exactly what a Weekly Marriage Meeting is, why it works when other marriage goals fail, and how this simple rhythm helps couples move from feeling like roommates to feeling deeply connected again. You’ll hear the real structure we use each week, including how we talk about communication, conflict, intimacy, finances, schedules, and spiritual growth.... without awkwardness or overwhelm.Whether you’re newly married or have been married for decades, this episode will help you build intentional connection through small, consistent habits that compound over time.RESOURCES:FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateWeekly Marriage Meeting Journal

If you and your spouse feel spiritually disconnected, you’re not alone. In this episode, we talk about spiritual intimacy in marriage: what it is, what it looks like in real life, and how to grow it through simple spiritual habits—from prayer, to reading the Bible together—that actually stick. We cover personal vs. shared spiritual disciplines, how habits shape what you love, and what to do if your spouse isn’t on board spiritually. Plus, we share a practical One Degree Shift you can start today to pursue Christ together without trying to change everything overnight.In this episode:What spiritual intimacy in marriage meansSigns of healthy spiritual intimacy (safety, depth, honesty)Personal habits vs. couple habitsPrayer, Scripture, fasting, and consistency over intensityWhat to do when your spouse isn’t on the same page spirituallyA simple “one habit for 365 days” challengeResources mentioned:You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith: humans are shaped more by what they love than what they think, and habits and cultural liturgies form our desires.Get our Free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template or go deeper in the habit with a Weekly Marriage Meeting Journal!

Do you love your spouse but feel like you’re living parallel lives?In this episode of the One Degree Podcast, we talk about why so many couples feel like roommates in marriage—and how to actually reverse it.We unpack why busyness isn’t the real problem, how lack of intentionality and discipline slowly erodes connection, and what small, repeatable rhythms can help you rebuild emotional intimacy. This isn’t about fixing a “broken” marriage. It’s about helping a good marriage grow into a thriving one.You’ll learn:Why feeling like roommates is so common (especially in busy seasons)The difference between busyness and misplaced prioritiesHow intentionality, commitment, and discipline restore connectionSimple daily and weekly rhythms that help couples reconnectWhy consistency matters more than grand gesturesIf your marriage feels more like a partnership than a relationship, this episode will help you take one small step back toward closeness.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeWeekly Marriage Meeting JournalNick Bare Podcast (discipline and consistency)

Need an easy, cozy listen? This one’s a “just vibes” episode where we share the things we’ve been loving lately, sparked by a listener request from our recent survey.We talk about what’s been surprisingly fruitful for discipling little kids (and why we’ve been obsessed with Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey), the at-home workouts that keep us consistent, leaning into winter instead of fighting it, a dangerously good Aldi chocolate, and the structured Bible studies that have been helping us slow down and actually sit with Scripture.Plus: a quick update on why the Weekly Marriage Meeting Journal™ has been such a game-changer for us in staying consistent through the full meeting, not just the first half.Resources Mentioned:Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey (Lithos Kids)Nourish Move Love workoutsAldi orange + dark chocolate (orange almond bars)The Diary of a CEO episode mentioned (cancer/health foods conversation)The Daily Grace Co. Bible studies (Haggai, James, Revelation mentioned)Weekly Marriage Meeting Journal™

We're pulling back the curtain and sharing the real areas we're actively working on in our marriage right now. Not from a "we've got it all figured out" place—but from a posture of humility, honesty, and a desire to grow together. We walk through four rhythms we want to strengthen as we head into a new season: • Praying together daily (and why it matters more than we realize) • Actually finishing our weekly marriage meetings—mission statement, core values, and all • Being more intentional about serving in our local church • Slowing down and soaking up this sweet (and chaotic) season with our kids If you want a practical, Christ-centered conversation that feels like friends on the couch figuring out marriage together... this one's for you. Resources Mentioned Weekly Marriage Meeting™ Journal (structure + accountability for the meeting) Expositional preaching (definition + example explained)

Conflict is inevitable when two sinful people share a life, a home, and a very full playroom. In this episode, we unpack a real conflict from our Sabbath (yes, we handled it poorly at first) and use it as a springboard to talk through five components of healthy, Christ-centered conflict: soft start-ups, ditching "always/never" language, having a conflict resolution plan, regularly debriefing in a weekly marriage meeting, and humbly apologizing and asking how to better serve each other. If you've ever thought, "We just keep fighting about the same things," this one's for you. Resources Mentioned: Free Weekly Marriage Meeting Guide Episode Mentioned: No. 119: Our Favorite Way to Fight

Sex is meant to be a gift, but what happens when it feels confusing, painful, or even like a burden? In this honest conversation, we open up about the first few years of our marriage when sex was really difficult. We share what we learned through trial, tears, and prayer: how to handle mismatched drives, pain, pressure, and the impact of purity culture. You'll hear five practical steps we wish we'd known sooner, and why patient, sacrificial love (and some gentle honesty) changes everything. 🎧 Plus, paid Substack subscribers get this week's bonus: The Honest Intimacy Conversation Guide — a step-by-step tool to start gentle, Christ-centered conversations about sex. RESOURCES MENTIONED: 📚 Books: • The Mingling of Souls — Matt Chandler • The Meaning of Marriage — Tim & Kathy Keller (referenced for context) • Intended for Pleasure — Ed & Gaye Wheat (older book; contains some outdated views) • A Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex — Sheila Wray Gregoire (the "good girl's" title they were recalling) Other: @christiansexeducator — education on biblical, healthy sexuality Mentionables Lingerie— model-free, beautiful lingerie (10% off with ONEDEGREE) Intimately Us app— clean, marriage-focused intimacy app for couples 👉 Download the free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Become a paid Substack subscriber for the bonus guide

What do you do when your spouse isn't leading, isn't helping with the kids, and is far from Christ? In this conversation, we share six anchors: pray daily for your spouse, pursue personal holiness, "win without a word" through conduct, lead your children spiritually, seek wise care and counsel, and know your biblical freedom without trivializing covenant. Scripture referenced: Ezekiel 36:26; James 1:5 John 15:1–5; Galatians 5:22–23 1 Peter 3:1–2 2 Timothy 1:5; Acts 16:1–3 1 Corinthians 7 (esp. v.15) Links/Resources: ACTS prayer model guide (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) 7-Day Spouse Prayer Challenge (this week's bonus resource for paid Substack Subscribers) Related episode: "When You Feel Like You're the Only One Trying"

Ever feel like you're swimming upstream in your marriage? You're trying to grow spiritually and build healthy rhythms while your spouse just… isn't there? You're not alone. In this episode, we're breaking down how to stay faithful, hopeful, and steadfast when it feels one-sided. Bonus Resource: Subscribers on Substack get access to our new 7-Day Pray-for-Your-Spouse Challenge — a short daily guide to help you pray intentionally and stay hopeful in this season. 👉 SUBSCRIBE AND GET ACCESS TO ALL PODCAST BONUS RESOURCES

When it comes to spiritual intimacy, many couples want it, but few know where to start. Between busy schedules, young kids, and never-ending to-do lists, it's easy to relegate your faith as individuals instead of something shared. In this episode, we unpack how to actually grow in spiritual intimacy with your spouse without making it overwhelming or forced. We share three practical ways to build that connection—starting with short, simple prayer, adding a daily Scripture rhythm, and ending with a weekly family devotional that brings it all together. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to invite God into your everyday marriage rhythms, this episode is for you. 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, or share this episode with another couple who wants to grow closer to God together.

Many couples know the Bible mentions marriage, but few stop to consider what those passages actually mean for everyday life. In this episode, we unpack five core biblical truths, from reflecting Christ and the church to living on mission together, and explain how they can reshape your relationship. Grab a notebook and join us on the comfy, cozy, virtual couch for a practical, Christ‑centered conversation. 👉 Download our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Step-by-Step Writing Your Marriage Mission Statement 👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily encouragement + practical tips: @onedegreemarriage 👉 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more couples find this show!

Life can get crowded with work, kids, church and errands, and sometimes the fun in your marriage gets squeezed out. In this episode, we share why date nights and vacations aren't the only solution and offer three practical steps to cultivate fun right where you are. Join us as we chat candidly about seasons of busyness, weekly marriage meetings and simple habits that restore light‑heartedness. 👉 Download our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily encouragement + practical tips: @onedegreemarriage 👉 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more couples find this show!

Want to prepare for marriage in a way that sets you up for connection, honesty, and a Christ-centered foundation? In this episode, we share three powerful steps every engaged or seriously dating couple should take before saying "I do": pursuing the Lord individually and together, getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations, and pursuing premarital counseling with wise, trusted mentors. Whether you're a few months from the altar or prayerfully discerning the future, these habits will help you step into marriage ready for unity, intimacy, and mission. 👉 Download our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily encouragement + practical tips: @onedegreemarriage 👉 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more couples find this show!

Feel like you're just co-managing calendars and carpool schedules? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into what it means to live "on mission" as a married couple. We'll chat about how cultural norms can distract us from God's design for marriage. We chat: Why a shared mission statement matters How praying together shifts your heart Why weekly marriage meetings are so transformative Looking at examples like Priscilla and Aquila and passages from Genesis and Ephesians, we're reminded that marriage is a picture of Christ and His Church... so why not aim for deeper purpose and eternal impact? If you're ready to move from cohabiting roommates to mission-minded partners, this episode is for you. Get our bonus resource, a worksheet guiding you step-by-step through writing your family's mission statement (and our library of bonus resources), by becoming a paid Substack subscriber for $5/month! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! 👉 Download our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily encouragement + practical tips: @onedegreemarriage 👉 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more couples find this show!

Want a thriving marriage that feels more connected, intentional, and Christ-centered? In this episode, we share five simple (but powerful!) ways to invest in your marriage this week—from praying together and having deeper conversations to starting a weekly marriage meeting that transforms your relationship. Whether you've been married one year or ten, these habits will help you move from "ships in the night" to a marriage rooted in faith, intimacy, and joy. 👉 Download our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily encouragement + practical tips: @onedegreemarriage 👉 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more couples find this show!

In this episode of the One Degree Podcast, we unpack how gratitude can transform your marriage from drifting into discontentment back into connection and joy. If you've found yourself slipping into nagging, comparison, or simply overlooking your spouse, this conversation is for you. We share: Why ungratefulness breeds discontentment in marriage How gratitude shifts your mindset and fosters intimacy Practical steps to show daily appreciation What to do when your spouse feels distant or difficult Whether you've been married one year or 30, this episode will help you cultivate gratitude as a Christ-centered discipline—replacing criticism with contentment, and rekindling love that glorifies God. 👉 Download our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template to start practicing gratitude today. ⏱️ Timestamps 2:30 – Micro discontentments: avoidance, nagging, and comparison 11:00 – Practical step #1: Start with your thought life 13:40 – Practical step #2: Voice appreciation regularly 17:30 – Practical step #3: Start a gratitude journal 18:30 – When gratitude feels impossible in a difficult season 28:00 – Gratitude doesn't replace conflict resolution—don't ignore issues 29:00 – Your One Degree Shift

Making friends as an adult is tough—and when you're married, it can feel nearly impossible. Between busy schedules, kids' bedtimes, and the challenge of finding couples where everyone clicks, it's easy to feel lonely or disconnected. In this episode, we share real talk about why friendships matter for your marriage, the unique challenges of couple friendships, and three practical keys to building deep, lasting community: initiate, be curious, and be vulnerable. We'll also talk about the difference between hosting vs. hospitality, how to get over the fear of rejection, and why prayer is the best place to start when seeking friendships. ✨ Resources + Mentions Weekly Marriage Meeting Template (Free Download) Marriage on Mission 7-Day Challenge Whether you're newly married or deep in the trenches of family life, this conversation will encourage you to pursue friendships that strengthen your marriage and your faith.