One Degree Marriage: a Christian Marriage Podcast for Couples Who Want to Grow

In this episode, we're getting honest about one of the sneakiest marriage killers: ungratefulness. We've found in our own marriage, and in the couples we talk to, that the longer you're together, the easier it is to start taking your spouse for granted. The things that once drew you to them? You stop noticing. And the things that bother you? They seem to get louder.In this episode, we talk about:Why ungratefulness breeds discontentment — and what to do insteadHow our Weekly Marriage Meeting builds gratitude intentionally into our weekThe "what you look for grows" principle and why it's a game-changer in marriageWhat to do when your heart is hardened toward your spouse and it feels impossible to feel gratefulThe Litany of Humility and how it shapes the way we approach recognition and appreciationA live, rapid-fire version of our three-things-we-appreciate exercise... straight from our own meetingWe wrap with a practical one-degree shift you can try this week: keeping a daily gratitude list specifically about your spouse.Resources mentioned in this episode:Weekly Marriage Meeting Journal Daily Marriage Challenge emails The Litany of Humility— a Catholic prayer of humility we reference throughout the episodeIf this episode encouraged you, share it with a couple who needs it. And if you haven't already, subscribe so you never miss a new episode!Mentioned in this episode:Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

What would your marriage look like if both of you woke up every morning asking, "How can I out-serve my spouse today?"In this episode, we get real about what it actually means to seek to out-serve your spouse, the subtle scoreboard most couples keep, why our flesh resists serving without reciprocation, and how the gospel completely reframes what sacrifice is meant to look like in marriage.In this episode:Why "I did it last, so you do it now" quietly shifts service into transactionThe language shift that removes the tally from your marriageWhat to do when you feel like you're the only one giving, and nothing is coming backWhy prayer isn't an afterthought, it's your first moveThree practical one-degree shifts to start serving your spouse better this week📋 Free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template → onedegreeMarriage.com/meetingOne Degree Marriage Podcast | Helping couples grow through practical, faith-grounded conversations... one degree at a time.Mentioned in this episode:Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

Marriage will change you — the question is, will it change you for better or worse?In this episode, we get honest about six real ways marriage has shaped, stretched, and sanctified us — the good stuff AND the uncomfortable stuff. From sin being exposed (yes, including the t-shirt drawer debate) to learning that love is a daily choice and not just a feeling, this one's a candid conversation you'll want to share with your spouse.In this episode:Why marriage exposes sin you didn't even know you hadHow close proximity forces you to think about others moreWhy structure and discipline in marriage creates MORE freedomThe conflict skills they had to learn the hard wayThe humbling reality of thinking you know it all before kidsWhy love is a choice — and what that looks like in the real, tired momentsOne Degree Shift: Ask your spouse this week — "How can I best serve you this week?" — and then actually do it.🎁 Free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template → onedegreeMarriage.com/meetingMentioned in this episode:Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

Spring break is here, and if you're hitting the road with your spouse, we did the work for you. In this episode, we walk you through our curated road trip playlist straight from the One Degree Marriage podcast: 10 episodes hand-picked to spark real conversation in the car without requiring a single note. From fun and light to deeper listens, we've got your whole drive covered.GET THE WHOLE PLAYLIST HERE

What separates couples who feel truly close from those who are just coexisting? In this episode, we're (and by we I mean... me. Just Xan this week) breaking down 7 practical habits that deeply connected couples actually practice. No fluff, no theory, just things you can implement today. From the High-Low-Buffalo daily check-in to non-sexual physical touch, praying together, the Weekly Marriage Meeting™, expressing specific gratitude, protecting against slow drift, and having a real conflict plan, we're gonna cover it all. Whether your marriage feels disconnected right now or you're simply looking to go deeper, there's something here for you. Grab the free Weekly Marriage Meeting™ template at https://onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

Feeling disconnected from your spouse or stuck in the daily grind of work, kids, and responsibilities?In this episode, we talk about one simple rhythm that has helped our marriage stay intentional: taking a yearly marriage retreat.You don’t need a fancy vacation, a huge budget, or even overnight childcare to make it happen. A marriage retreat can be as simple as a weekend away, a staycation, or intentionally setting aside time to reconnect and reflect on where your marriage is headed.In this conversation, we share why we started doing annual marriage retreats, what actually makes them meaningful, and how you can plan one that strengthens your relationship.We also talk about:• Why thriving marriages don’t happen by accident• How to plan a marriage retreat with any budget• The most important conversations to have during your retreat• How to align your marriage, faith, and family vision for the future• Practical ways to reconnect when life feels busy or overwhelmingWhether you’ve been married one year or ten, intentional time together can make a huge difference in building a strong, Christ-centered marriage.Resources & Links📥 FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Guide: https://onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

What does it really mean for wives to “submit” to their husbands in Ephesians 5?In this episode, we unpack one of the most controversial passages in the Bible about marriage: “Wives, submit to your husbands.”Is submission blind obedience?Does it mean tolerating sin or abuse?Is it outdated or oppressive?Or is it something deeper, and actually freeing?We explore:What biblical submission is notWhy this passage must be read alongside the call for husbands to love like ChristWhat submission looks like on an ordinary TuesdayHow respect, encouragement, and trust play out practicallyWhy submission is ultimately an act of worship to ChristIf you’ve wrestled with this passage (or avoided it altogether) this conversation will help you think biblically, clearly, and courageously about your role in marriage.📖 Scripture referenced: Ephesians 5:22–33, 1 Peter 3, Genesis 2k5jLIHDjFaRtJ9pH3hPCMentioned in this episode:March Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=prerollDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

Ephesians 5 might be one of the most debated passages in marriage conversations, especially when it comes to submission. But what about the calling placed on husbands?In this episode of One Degree Marriage, we unpack what it actually means for husbands to love their wives “as Christ loved the church.” And spoiler alert: the bar is Jesus.We break down:What servant leadership really means (and what it doesn’t)Why authority in marriage is meant for sacrifice, not controlPractical, everyday examples of loving your wife wellHow husbands can initiate spiritual leadership at homeThe difference between passivity and Christlike leadershipIf you’ve ever wondered what Ephesians 5 looks like on a Tuesday night, this episode is for you.Next week, we’ll tackle the other half of the conversation.Mentioned in this episode:Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meetingMarch Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll

Feeling disconnected in your marriage, even when nothing is “wrong”? In this episode, we talk about the three kinds of intimacy (spiritual, emotional, physical) and why surface-level fixes like date nights don’t work if you don’t address the root.We’ll walk you through the starting point that changes everything: an honest conversation to diagnose what’s actually driving the drift (busyness, unresolved conflict, unmet expectations, stress, trust, spiritual stagnancy). Then we share simple, practical rhythms that rebuild connection over time, including prayer, Weekly Marriage Meetings, and daily check-ins.RESOURCES:Free Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateWeekly Marriage Meeting Journal™Conflict Resolution Episode: Our Favorite Way to FightMentioned in this episode:March Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=prerollDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

Have you ever gone all out to love your spouse, only to be met with a lukewarm response? You meant well. You put in real effort. And somehow, it still missed the mark.In this episode of One Degree Marriage, we’re talking about what it actually looks like to love your spouse in the way they feel most loved, not just the way that comes naturally to you. Using real-life examples, biblical truth, and practical questions you can ask this week, we unpack why love is meant to be self-giving and sacrificial rather than self-expressive.We discuss love languages, why gratitude and intention both matter, how seasons of life change the way love is received, and why regular check-ins (like a Weekly Marriage Meeting) are key to staying connected. If you want to move from well-intentioned effort to meaningful connection, this episode will help you take that next step.Mentioned in this episode:March Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=prerollDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

Conflict isn’t the enemy in marriage. How you handle it is.In this episode, we walk through five practical rules for healthy conflict in marriage—rules that help couples stay connected, communicate clearly, and resolve disagreements without damaging trust.We talk about why conflict can actually strengthen your relationship, how subtle habits like “always” and “never” language sabotage communication, and what it looks like to approach hard conversations as teammates instead of opponents.You’ll hear real-life examples from our own marriage, a simple framework for bringing up difficult topics, and why having a conflict plan matters more than you think.If you want better communication, healthier conflict, and a marriage that grows stronger over time, this episode is for you.Episode Show NotesMentioned in this episode:Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meetingMarch Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll

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.Mentioned in this episode:Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meetingMarch Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll

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 JournalMentioned in this episode:March Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=prerollDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

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?”Mentioned in this episode:Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meetingMarch Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll

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 JournalMentioned in this episode:March Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=prerollDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

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!Mentioned in this episode:March Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=prerollDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

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)Mentioned in this episode:Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meetingMarch Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll

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™Mentioned in this episode:Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meetingMarch Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll

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 kidsIf 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)Mentioned in this episode:Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meetingMarch Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll

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 GuideEpisode Mentioned: No. 119: Our Favorite Way to FightMentioned in this episode:March Marriage Challengehttps://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=prerollDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting TemplateDownload the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting