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Focus on the Family


Did you know the Hebrew root word for marriage is the same as mess? Okay, maybe not, but it wasn’t a stretch to believe, right? This is the podcast for Christian married couples who are in the middle of a messy moment. They need to laugh. They need clear, practical advice. And they need to hear from someone with an actual degree in this thing. Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley are those people. They have reached millions of couples through their counseling practices, books, events, and work at Focus on the Family.


Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage

Greg and Erin welcome renown British evangelist and author, J.John and his wife Killy as they reflect on their 42-year marriage, discussing early challenges, the importance of communication, and the essential values they've embraced: respect, responsibility, romance, and resilience. They emphasize the significance of intentionally nurturing their relationship despite the demands of work and life, and share their daily routines that help them maintain a balanced and harmonious life together. The Johns are full of encouragement for couples, whether you're just starting out or have been married for decades.
 
 
 
Take the FREE Marriage Assessment
 
 
 
Sacred Pathways, by Gary Thomas
 
 
 
Read more about a Healing Separation
 
 
 
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If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Working Marriage with J & Killy John

Greg and Erin know that every marriage goes through a crisis. That's why we invited Todd and Kristin Evans to share their personal journey from enjoying life as a young, carefree couple to facing the challenges of raising a child with severe disabilities, including emotional strain, grief, and marital disconnect. No matter what your challenges might be, you'll hear ways to get through the storms. We talk about the importance of communication, support networks, and intentional self-care. Todd and Kristin found ways to thrive together, and they also recommitted to each other and set new marital vows tailored to their unique situation. Their story serves as inspiration and guidance for other couples navigating any kind of hardship. We also share the Playground Rules for Marriage, and we answer a listener's email question about how much is too much to share with your spouse when it comes to trauma. This is a practical look at everyday relationship "ins and outs" on this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage!
 
How To Build A Thriving Marriage As You Care for Children with Disabilities
 
Hope Restored
 
Remodeling Stress and Your Marriage
 
Call our Counseling Line at 1-800-A-FAMILY
 
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If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.

Caring For Marriage Under Overwhelming Stress

Get ready for a passionate edition of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage. Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley share a message from Dan and Jane Seaborn about how their personality and lifestyle choices are completely opposite in their marriage.
 
The Four Seasons of Marriage
 
Sign Up For The Free Weekly Marriage Newsletter
 
Nurturing The Heart Of Your Spouse Collection
 
Resist The Drift Conferences
 
Hope Restored Conferences
 
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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.

Nurture Your Spouse, Married For Life

Are you thinking about divorce? On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss overcoming crises in marriage. They dive into the difficulties of rebuilding trust after infidelity, dealing with shame, and managing resentment. Our guests, Monty and Jeannine Mora, share their personal journey from their early years as a young pastoral couple, through a major crisis involving misaligned priorities, personal struggles, and suicidal thoughts. They highlight the importance of communication, seeking counseling, and prioritizing individual healing for the success of anyone's marital restoration. We'll answer a listener's question about how to start healing from hurts, and we've also included some humorous marriage definitions. This is a great program to share with your spouse, or forward to anyone you know who may be in a rough patch in their marriage.
 
 
 
Hope Restored
 
 
 
Call our Counseling Line at 1-800-A-FAMILY
 
 
 
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.

Coming Back After Crisis In Marriage

Whether you’re seeking new friends or wanting to deepen existing relationships, this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage will help women and men build their respective friendships. Erin and her friends discuss how deep, supportive female friendships are vital for navigating life’s challenges, providing encouragement, and fostering spiritual and emotional growth. Then, Greg and his friend Bill discuss the unique challenges men face in forming deep friendships, such as busyness, reluctance to be vulnerable, and prioritizing family. We also answer a listener’s question about a sexless marriage.
 
 
 
The Friendships of Women
 
 
 
A Free Digital Download: The Skit Guys - Building Healthy Friendships Among Men
 
 
 
Find out more about Hope Restored
 
 
 
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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.

The Importance of Having Friends

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!
 
 
 
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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.

Are You REALLY Ready To Wed? - The Young Married Focus Employee Panel

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
 
 
 
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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.

Men Living Focused, Fulfilled & Fearless

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.

Create A Marriage You'll Love, Pt II

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.

Create A Marriage You'll Love, Pt I

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.

Married with Adult Children

In Genesis 2:24, the bible explains that, as one flesh, married couples should leave their family of origin and cleave to each other. But, practically speaking, what does that mean? Join Greg & Erin as they sit down with Scott Kedersha & Gabrielle McCullough of the More than Roommates podcast to talk about how to leave and cleave. Later, we sit down with a newly engaged couple to discuss how they can prepare for marriage. Then, we answer a question from a listener who wants to know how she can improve a damaged relationship with her mother-in-law.
 
 
 
Click here to listen to Scott & Gabrielle's podcast, More than Roommates
 
 
 
Click here to check out Focus on the Family's premarital marriage curriculum, Ready to Wed
 
 
 
Check out Greg's article, "12 Questions Every Father Should Ask His Future Son-In-Law"
 
 
 
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We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

How to Leave and Cleave

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