Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage

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.

In this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley discuss the importance of personal responsibility with Dr. Bob Paul and Tara Lalonde, who share their extensive experience in marriage counseling through the Hope Restored program. Bob and Tara explain concepts like the reactive cycle and the importance of seeing your spouse through the eyes of God. They also provide actionable tips for balancing family expectations and maintaining a strong marital connection, even during challenging times. We'll also introduce you to the concept of Micro Moments, as well as answer a listener voicemail about balancing marriage and family obligations during a family crisis.   Hope Restored   Sign up for our FREE Marriage Newsletter!   Breaking The Reactive Cycle Article   Take The Reactive Cycle Assessment   Connect With the Community!   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.   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 discuss maintaining a strong marriage during the transition to the empty nest phase with the one and only Dr. Gary Chapman, author of 'The Five Love Languages' and 'Your New Life with Adult Children.' We explore the emotional challenges couples face as children leave home, and the importance of communication, intentionality, and empathy in navigating this transition. Dr. Chapman shares insights on balancing personal and marital growth, and the need for parents to listen and validate their children's experiences. We'll also help you rekindle connection and affection through a fun game idea called 'Jazzed Up Jenga'! Share this episode with anyone you know who has children that will soon leave the nest.   Your New Life With Adult Children   Questions For Jazzed Up Jenga   Learn more about The 5 Love Languages   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.   If you enjoyed listening to Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Patricia Ashley shares a deeply personal testimony about how her marriage, once perceived as dead and nearly at the point of collapse, was revived through their mutual journey and commitment to Christianity. Over time, through shared prayer and a growing understanding of God's intentions for marriage, the Ashley's rebuilt their relationship, focusing on mutual respect and love. We also answer a listener email about how often 60+ year olds should be having sex. And we share a great idea involving a Time Capsule Love Letter to draw you and your spouse closer.     Nurturing The Heart of Your Spouse Collection   Hope Restored   10-Day Couples Prayer Text Campaign   Truth Rising   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley have a great conversation with Dr. Joannie DeBrito, about the common differences between partners that impact marriage, such as intellectual and processing differences, emotional versus logical thinking, and varying approaches to stress and grief. She emphasizes understanding and leveraging these differences to strengthen your marriage, and highlights the contrast in how men and women multitask, manage stress, and handle sexual differences. Practical advice includes recalling initial attraction, managing discussions during non-stress times, and using therapy when needed. We'll also answer a listener question about what to do about an ongoing addiction.   His Brain, Her Brain   How to Pursue A Healing Separation   The Perception Questions Exercise   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin speak with Dr. Stephanie and Dan Holmes about being in a marriage effected by autism. They discuss the evolving dynamics of their relationship, the importance of communication strategies, and how neurodivergence impacts their daily lives. Stephanie highlights the significance of understanding and valuing each other's strengths, while also stressing the need for neurodiversity-informed support when seeking marital help. Dan reflects on the value of empathy and the necessity of recognizing different perspectives. Together, they offer practical advice and emphasize the importance of support systems, shared values, and strategic communication for couples managing similar challenges.   Embracing the Autism Spectrum   Marriage Assessment   A Neurodiverse Marriage: One Wife's Story   How To Identify and Relate to A Spouse on the Autism Spectrum   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley discuss the importance of regular date nights for marital happiness, stability, and sexual satisfaction with Jay and Laura Laffoon. They share personal anecdotes about their own date nights provide insights from their 40-year marriage on keeping the spark alive through dating. You'll learn how to overcome barriers to date nights, the significance of trying new activities together, and later, we even talk about renewing wedding vows. We'll also address a listener's question on how to support a chronically unemployed spouse, emphasizing patience, compassion, and practical advice.   Ultimate Date Night: 52 Amazing Dates for Busy Couples   Conversation Starters For Couples   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

So, what HAVEN'T you told your spouse? On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss the impact of past trauma and secrets on marriage and relationships. We'll also hear from Elizabeth Good who discusses her book 'Speak the Unspeakable,' exploring the impact of adverse childhood experiences, or ACES. Greg and Erin encourage you to play a movie-themed game of 'Never Have I Ever,' and they'll answer a listener's question about handling a potential pornography addiction in a spouse.   Speak The Unspeakable   Understanding and Overcoming Trauma with Dr. Gregory Jantz   Redeeming a Marriage and Childhood Wounds with Russ & Tori Taff   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

On this episode of 'Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage' Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley celebrate our troops and their families, and talk with Beth Runkle about the challenges military spouses face and the dynamic of military home life -- which includes frequent moves, loneliness, saying goodbye for deployments, and the emotional strain of maintaining relationships. Beth shares personal experiences about resentment towards military life, the importance of communication, and how finding faith helped her marriage survive. We'll give you practical advice on self-care, forming community, and supporting mental and emotional health, too. We also will take a question from a listener who is dealing with anxiety.   Another Move God?   Here are resources to help military families!   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

On this episode of 'Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage,' Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss common myths about marriage. Do you have misconceptions about what makes a marriage successful? We'll talk with Rhonda and Steve Stoppe who discuss Rhonda's book 'If My Husband Would Change, I'd Be Happy.' We'll hear stories about their marital challenges and how they resolved them through faith and open communication. The episode concludes with advice on dealing with chronic illness in marriage and the importance of maintaining self-care and balance. Plus, we have a fun activity to create music playlists for your spouse to foster connection and intimacy.   If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy   Weekend Get Away   9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley interview Dr. Gary Chapman, renowned author of 'The Five Love Languages' and other marriage-related books. On this episode we discuss practical insights from Chapman's new book, 'A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage.' Highlights include addressing common communication issues in marriage, the importance of humility, techniques for handling conflicts, and the role of apologies and forgiveness. Dr. Chapman shares his wisdom from 60 years of marriage, emphasizing the need for mutual respect, understanding each other's love languages, and consistently working on the relationship. The episode concludes with a celebration of Greg and Erin's 33rd wedding anniversary, highlighting their ongoing commitment to growing in love and supporting each other.   A Simple Guide For A Better Marriage   Conversation Starters For Couples   Here's a link to the Narcissism episode   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

What if you went to your girlfriend's father, asking for her hand in marriage, and he says "NO!" What would you do? On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley dive into a heartfelt story involving Curt and Tanya Cramer, their daughter Abby, and her future husband, David. This conversation emphasizes the importance of patience, relational growth, and spiritual growth in order to handle the biblical requirements of a marriage. Greg and Erin also address a listener’s question about the biblical perspective on sex in marriage and share humorous marriage tweets.   Ready To Wed: 12 Ways To Start A Marriage You'll Love   12 Questions Every Father Should Ask His Future Son In Law   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Personal anecdotes, including stories about resolving conflicts, handling crises, and supporting each other through tough times, illustrate the broader points of a strong marriagfe. The importance of empathy, communication, and long-term commitment is highlighted, as is the notion of using marriage as a means to grow more like Christ and to support one another in becoming the best versions of themselves.   The Healthy Marriage Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations to Bring You Closer Together   If you'd like to talk with a Christian Counselor, call us at 1-800-A-FAMILY   Fight Your Way To A Better Marriage   Additional Premarital Resources   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

On this edition of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin have a discussion with Jim and Jean Daly about strengthening marriages, starting with how their differences revealed themselves early in their marriage. We'll explore the key challenges in marriage such as creating safety and understanding each other's needs. This conversation is also featured on Focus on the Family daily radio program on June 5, 2025.   The Healthy Marriage Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations to Bring You Closer Together   Marriage Champions   Fight Your Way To A Better Marriage   Take the Marriage Personality Test   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

In this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss strategies to strengthen marriages using biblical principles and sports analogies! We spent some time with marriage coaches George and Tondra Gregory who shared their experiences working with NFL teams and their approach to marriage ministry. Topics include defining a 'win' in marriage, navigating cultural and communication differences, and the importance of intentional growth through life transitions. The episode also provides practical date night ideas using the alphabet, and addresses a listener's question about improving communication and managing emotional triggers. Make sure you share the link with your friends!   The Game Plan For Marriage   Nurture The Heart of your Spouse Collection   The Animal Personality Test   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing called Marriage, Dr. Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley discuss the benefits of prayer in relationships with the one and only Stormy Omartian, an award-winning author known for her 'Power of a Praying' series. Stormy shares her personal story, highlighting the role of prayer in overcoming marital challenges like depression, anger, and PTSD. You'll learn how prayer will foster unity, commitment, and positive change in your marriage. We also address a listener question about navigating feelings after an adult child's divorce.   The Power of a Praying Couple   Marriage Assessment   12 Questions Every Father Should Ask   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley tackle the sensitive topic of marital betrayal due to physical affairs, emotional affairs, and pornography addiction. Guests Bob and Dannah Gresh share their personal journey through Bob's pornography addiction and the process of healing and restoration they experienced. They discuss the spectrum of pornography use, the impact of shame, and the importance of rigorous honesty and transparency in recovery.     Happily Even After - Let God Redeem Your Marriage   If you have a problem, listen to the No More Porn Podcast. You’ll learn why pornography hurts a marriage, but there’s hope and freedom found in God’s grace. Whether you’ve struggled with pornography or been hurt by your spouse’s usage of it, this series will help you start a journey toward healing.   Marriage Champions   How & Why To Pursue A Healing Separation   Hope Restored   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

How is your marriage, really? On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, we're highlighting key aspects of a long-lasting marriage. The episode discusses maintaining friendship, effective communication, and daily acts of love in marriage with our special guests Brandon and Octavia Cormier. They share their love story, challenges in communication, and how their faith has played a pivotal role in their marriage. The episode showcases the importance of enduring difficulties, seeking counsel, and placing faith in God to navigate marital challenges.   The Deep Rooted Marriage: Cultivating Intimacy, Healing and Delight   How & Why To Pursue A Healing Separation   Send us your Date Night Disaster stories through Voice Mail!   Support this Show!   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.