Rebuilding Us: Marriage Podcast

Entering into marriage is undoubtedly one of the most significant decisions you'll make in your life. But it comes with a cost. With the joys of the engagement season heightened by holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day, many find themselves caught up in the excitement of wedding planning. However, while beautiful ceremonies and Instagram-worthy moments are cherished, the essence of a marriage lies in its longevity and health. This podcast episode details nine important questions to ask before you get married and emphasizes the importance of counting the cost before tying the knot, ensuring that you're prepared for a lifetime commitment, not just a memorable wedding day. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Get Your FREE "7 Secrets to a Lasting Marriage" Audio Download Here.    If you enjoy the show, please be sure to leave a five-star rating and write a review!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We're addressing a listener's distressing experience of financial abuse within her marriage. Despite having a stable job and a good income, her husband refuses to pay household bills and indulges in personal expenditures. This has brought about financial strain and an emotional toll. Listen as we discuss the nature of financial abuse and what she can do to "fix" her situation. Key Discussion Points: Understanding Financial Abuse: I elaborate on how financial abuse is a form of control, likened to physical, emotional, verbal, and other types of abuse. Potential Solutions: Best and worst-case scenarios are discussed, including the importance of courageous conversations with her husband and engaging a financial planner or counselor for intervention. Practical Steps: I outline actionable steps for our listener to protect her financial assets if her husband doesn't change. Legal Advice: I stress the importance of understanding her legal rights in marriage and documenting all financial decisions she makes. Resources Mentioned: Episode 119: "Financial Peace in Your Marriage" with Austin Black Episode 137: "What is Financial Infidelity?" with Chad Willardson Get Your FREE Ultimate Couples Checklist: 5 Simple Steps to Build More Intimacy Got a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit your relationship questions via email or on Instagram. Like the show? Please give it a 5-star rating, and I'd love for you to write a review!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Being a peacemaker is one of the greatest qualities to have in a relationship. As the holiday season approaches, many of us are preparing to gather—whether with family, friends, or even by ourselves—and the pursuit of peace in our relationships becomes more relevant than ever. In this episode, we discuss the value of peacemaking in relationships and discuss the many differences between peacemaking and “peacefaking.” Key Topics: The Differences Between Peacemakers and Peacefakers The Importance of Starting with Reconciliation in Mind How Conflict Can Be a Tool for Growth How Listening Impacts Your Influence Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Learn About my online course: From Conflict to Connection  Get your Free Conversation Starters to Bash Conflict    If you enjoy the show, please be sure to leave a five-star rating and write a review!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt like your spouse was a shell of a person and you couldn't emotionally connect to him/her? I'm addressing a pressing concern shared by a listener and many couples - the struggle of feeling emotionally disconnected in their marriage or relationship. Many in similar situations will resonate deeply with this discussion. Episode Highlights: Create a Safe Environment: I address the importance of creating a space where couples feel safe to share their emotions. Understanding a partner’s background and upbringing can offer insight into their emotional responses. Meet Him Where He Is: Engaging in activities your spouse or partner enjoys can naturally open the door to deeper conversations and connection. Lead with Vulnerability: By sharing your own struggles and vulnerabilities, you can encourage your spouse to do the same. Affirm Small Steps: Acknowledging and affirming small instances of vulnerability can help build trust. Have a marriage-related question for the show? Send your questions here or DM on Instagram.  Links and Resources: Take the "How Connected Are You Partner Quiz" Tune in next week for another episode of relationship insights and advice!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can you guess the divorce rate of arranged marriages? The stats might shock you. As an Indian immigrant and an insightful storyteller, Sherene Joseph joins me to discuss the nuanced world of arranged marriages. We’re debunking some common myths and exploring the profound impact of family involvement on choosing spouses, providing listeners with valuable relationship advice that transcends cultural and modern marriage boundaries. Key Discussion Points: Intentional Parenting: Emphasizing how parents can be intentional about helping their children prepare for marriage.  Family Dynamics: Sherene shares her personal experience with arranged marriage, the importance of understanding family dynamics, and the reality of such marriages versus common misconceptions. Love and Commitment: Is love enough for a successful marriage?  Matchmaking: The episode touches on informal matchmaking practices within communities and the role of family in suggesting compatible partners.  Surprise Divorce Statistics: Modern marriages are often rife with divorce. We discuss the divorce stats among arranged marriages vs other marriages.    Resources Mentioned: Find Sherene's Writings Online  Ep. 151 - What If Married the Wrong Person? Get Your FREE Ultimate Couple's Checklist Here!   Like the show? Please leave a review! This helps other marriages and relationships grow too!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One listener feels overwhelmed by marriage problems and doesn’t know where or how to start addressing them.  In today’s episode, we will discuss how to identify and prioritize marriage issues more effectively. Knowing where to focus can be challenging. How do you tackle your marriage problems without feeling buried under them all? Shaun is also here to give his take and offer guidance on finding patience and purpose amidst the turmoil. Key Discussion Points: Finding Personal Purpose: the importance of recognizing one’s value beyond your career or marital status Shaun’s Perspective: developing patience with an at-risk marriage while focusing on self-improvement Prioritizing in Marriage: actionable advice on dealing with marriage problems one step at a time, including the importance of recognizing what is currently working and building upon it, while gradually addressing other areas in need of improvement. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Submit your marriage or relationship question for the show here. or send a DM on Instagram Get your FREE Ultimate Couples Checklist here.   If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred platform. Your feedback is invaluable! Tune in next time for more insightful discussions on rebuilding and strengthening your marriage!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We've all heard it said—marriage is hard. But what about marriage is so hard? Specifically, what is about your marriage that makes it hard work? In this episode, I’m sharing five reasons your marriage may be harder than it should be. Also, can we reframe that belief? What if instead of seeing marriage as hard work, we saw it as heart work? Key Points: Changing Your Perspective on MarriageReframe the mindset from "marriage is hard work" to "marriage is heart work." Commit to becoming more resilient and seeing challenges as growth opportunities. 5 Reasons Marriage Is HardLearn to recognize these common marriage problems: trying to change your partner, wishy-washy commitment, external influences, relying on your own strength, and focusing too much on problems. Guarding Influences On Your MarriageDiscover the importance of guarding your mind, media consumption, and the words you use about your marriage. Choose Your HardMake peace with the fact that good things are often hard.  Challenges will exist in all areas of life, but “choosing your hard” will help you value what really matters. Get the full show notes at danache.com/podcast.    Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Ep. 288: 7 Traits to Create a More Resilient Relationship Get Your “Ultimate Couples Checklist” to Develop Greater Intimacy Interested in 1 on 1 Marriage Coaching?   Like the show? Please leave a review! This helps other marriages and relationships grow too!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A husband is seeking advice on how to communicate to his wife that her nurturing behavior sometimes feels smothering and he needs space. They have been together since high school and married for three years. In this episode, we discuss compassionate and clear ways to communicate when you need to tell your spouse something that may be hard to hear. Key Points Discussed: Understanding the Source Smothering Behavior Identifying the Love Languages of Your Spouse Encouraging Personal Space Without Distancing Yourself The Importance of Honest Communication: What to Change and Preventing Resentment   Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Download my "Ultimate Couple's Guide" to reignite the spark in your relationship. Ask your marriage & relationship questions here or on Instagram. Like the show? Give it a five-star rating and write a helpful review so others better their relationships too!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We all want lives of meaning. But building your life and relationships on a solid foundation is more complex than simply desire. This topic hits home for pretty much all of us—whether you're hustling in the business world, running after little ones at home, or working a 9-to-5. We all need to pause and ask: What am I living for, really? I reflect on a time I spoke at a business leaders conference; I spoke about the need to shift our focus from simply achieving success as per worldly standards to building a life on a firm foundation. But this dilemma isn’t applicable only to entrepreneurs and pastors. All of us can be tempted to sacrifice what’s most important for what seems most important. Listen as I share three practical steps on how to build a life of meaning--a life that is built on a firm foundation that will stand the test of time and trials.  Find the full show notes at danache.com/podcast. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Get your free “Ultimate Couples’ Checklist” for a more connected marriage today. 7 Traits of a Resilient Relationship  Like the show? Please leave a review! This helps other marriages and relationships grow too!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When you're best friends with both halves of a splitting couple, as listener Sherry is, things can get messy. Divorce is one of those life events that not only impacts the couple involved but also sends ripples through their connected circle of friends and family. So how do you show love and support without finding yourself stuck in the middle, or worse, causing unintended strains on your relationships and own marriage? In this episode, we dive into these questions and explore ways to maintain healthy boundaries and communications while also supporting your friends through a divorce. Here are some key takeaways from the episode: Love as Individuals Respect Proper Boundaries Model Good Communication Forge a New Way Forward Prepare for New Relationships Remember, it's essential not to let your friends' issues seep into your own marriage. Keep their struggles separate from your relationship, and focus on maintaining harmony at home. Find the full show notes at danache.com/podcast. If you have a relationship or marriage question you’d like answered on the show, email me or send a DM on Instagram.Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In marriage and relationships, it’s crucial to understand how to build resilient relationships. Resilience isn’t about never facing challenges; it’s about facing them, growing through them, and becoming better because of them. Not everyone who faces hardship in relationships develops resilience; many become bitter and disillusioned. Having been married for 25 years, my husband Shaun and I have faced numerous marriage problems. From infidelity and financial crises to family losses and parenting struggles, we've endured it all. If you’ve followed our journey, you know that these challenges have fortified our resilience in profound ways. Listen as we discuss the seven character traits of building or rebuilding marriages and relationships of resilience. Find the full show notes and helpful resources in this episode at danache.com/podcast.  Get Your FREE New Resource! The Ultimate Couples Checklist: 5 Simple Steps to Build More Intimacy   Like the show? Please leave a review! This helps other marriages and relationships grow too!  Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Chris, a husband of three years, is seeking advice on managing his friendships while maintaining harmony in his marriage. He shares his struggle with balancing time spent with friends and his wife's apparent displeasure with it. In this episode, we discuss what to do when your spouse has trust issues, the important balance between friendships and marital commitments, and other practical advice for couples facing similar situations. Key Points Discussed: Trust Issues Healthy Friendships in Marriage Balancing Social Time Couple Friends Open Communication   Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Download my free “Ultimate Couples Checklist: 5 Simple Steps to Build More Intimacy” to rekindle the spark in your marriage. Email to ask your marriage and relationship questions here or DM on Instagram. Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Life is busy! Now more than ever is the time to stay connected as a couple. Shaun is back on the podcast and we’re discussing how to maintain a strong connection as a couple in the midst of busy schedules and seasons. Whether you’re juggling careers, family, life changes, or personal growth, listen as we share insights we’ve learned (and are in the process of learning) on effective communication, finding moments of quality time, and appreciating your current season of life, no matter how busy life is right now. Find the full show notes at danache.com/podcast. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  New Resource! The Ultimate Couples Checklist: 5 Simple Steps to Build More Intimacy   Like the show? Please leave a review! This helps other marriages and relationships grow too!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

I received a heartfelt email from a listener struggling with the aftermath of his wife’s affair. His words resonated with me, and I found myself reflecting on my own journey through such tumultuous times. In this episode, I share some insights, offering guidance and support for anyone walking this difficult path, including:  Understanding the Aftermath The Importance of Time and Patience Avoid Triggering Media Forgiveness Goes Both Ways Turning Your Sorrow to Prayer If you or someone you know is facing similar struggles, I encourage you to reach out.  You’re not alone, and as I often remind you, healing is indeed coming. Stay the course, my friends; brighter days are ahead. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Get your FREE Conversation Starters for Couples in Conflict  Like the show? Please leave a review! This helps other marriages and relationships grow too!  Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Emotional affairs are entanglements that can quietly wreak havoc on marriages, so understanding and addressing them is critical for rebuilding trust and intimacy in our relationships. Too many couples allow unmet desires or longings to be fulfilled in other people and, as a result, introduce dysfunction in their marriages. Rebuilding trust after an emotional affair is possible, but first, let’s dismantle how these breaches in trust happen in the first place. We’re talking about the who, what, when, where, how, and why, and, most importantly, where to go from here if an emotional affair has rocked your marriage.   Rebuilding trust after discovering an emotional affair is challenging, but it’s definitely achievable with the right steps and commitment. Here’s a roadmap to guide you: Sever Ties Completely.Be Completely Honest and Transparent. Reflect on the Open Door.Set Relationship Boundaries. Get the full show notes at https://danache.com/podcast.  Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Work Wife? When Infidelity Happens at Work - YouTube Take My Free Partner Quiz & Rebuild Connection in Your Relationship 6 Keys to Rebuild Trust After an Affair Like the show? Please leave a review! This helps other marriages and relationships grow too! Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt an unexpected attraction towards someone who should be off-limits, like a friend's spouse? In today's episode, we answer a listener's dilemma about finding herself attracted to her best friend's husband—all while she's navigating a rocky marriage of her own. In this episode, I'll walk through steps on how to handle these sensitive situations without jeopardizing friendships and marriages. We'll discuss: Understanding the nature of attraction, and why it's not inherently wrong. How to identify what might be lacking in your own relationship. The importance of not idolizing or comparing and keeping things in perspective. Practical advice on how to limit interactions and keep temptations in check. The value of confiding in a trusted friend to disempower unhealthy fantasies. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Deepen your understanding of real love with the Love Is devotional.    Like the show? Please give it a 5-star rating and a review!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you a wife who feels overwhelmed and exhausted? If you're a busy woman trying to juggle multiple roles, you’re not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the burnout epidemic affecting many women (especially wives) today. In "Burnout of the Busy Wife," I share my personal journey and provide invaluable insights on how to detect and combat burnout effectively. Let’s unpack the differences between stress and burnout. I not only share personal experiences but also provide actionable steps to combat burnout, particularly among wives and working women. Overcome burnout in community. ⬇️ Join our Thrive Wives group coaching today! Get Your Free Speak Life Audio Here.   **Like the show? Please give it a 5-star rating, and I’d love it if you’d write a review! **Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today’s Q&A episode, I’m addressing a relatable question from Shannon, a listener who feels that her “decent” marriage could use a change, but she doesn’t want to sound like she’s complaining to her husband. After twelve years of marriage and three kids, Shannon is eager to reignite the spark in her marriage but finds communication challenging when her husband perceives her concerns as complaints. Here’s the marriage advice I give Shannon broken into three main parts that include identifying the change she wants to see, reflecting on the change she can bring, and a new conversation starter to help her see effective communication for the change she desires in her marriage.  Resources and Links Wives, join my upcoming workshop, where we’ll cover three keys to getting unstuck in marriage. Find more details and register for the Wives Workshop here. Download your free guide to enhance communication and find common ground in your relationship. Have a relationship question you’d like answered on the show? Submit your questions to danache.com/contact. Like the show? We'd love if you'd give it a 5-star rating and write a review!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you've ever struggled to forgive, you'll find the hope and help you're looking for in one of my most inspirational episodes yet. It's time you find the will to forgive and, in the process, find yourself again. When I was healing from infidelity, I found it difficult to lay down my need to be justified and have my pain validated. Because of this, I kept myself stuck in a cycle of pain, bitterness, and unforgiveness. But when I learned how to release the pain, I realized peace and true joy were waiting for me on the other side. I've had to repeat this process in my life with different people, but the results are always the same---the way back to you, the whole, healed you, is only found on the path of forgiveness.  Links Mentioned in this Episode:  Take my "How Connected a Partner Are You Quiz"  Wives, register for our upcoming Wives Workshop on forgiveness and more. **Like the show? Please give it a 5-star rating, and I'd love it if you'd write a review! **Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Allison, a listener who's torn between her husband and her family of origin, wrote to ask my advice on navigating how to honor her marriage while also honoring her family, as her husband "hates" the family she grew up with. Because of past family trauma, Allison was estranged from her parents when she and her husband married. She has since reconciled with them, but her husband's not on board. Listen as I share relationship advice about how to avoid becoming a defacto mediator between the two. If you've struggled with setting boundaries with family, unforgiveness, or feeling in the middle of spouse and others, this episode is for you.  Links Mentioned in this Episode:  Learn more about my Thrive Wives group coaching program  Have a relationship question you want me to answer on the show? Submit your question here. **If you like the show, please leave a review! This helps other marriages and relationships grow, too! **Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.