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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

Do you think repairing your marriage is hopeless? On this episode of Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage, Greg and Erin feature a presentation by Bob and Jenni Paul, who explain that underneath all marital conflicts is a common cycle of reactive behavior triggered by deeper, often unrecognized wounds or buttons. Our goal is to bring awareness to these patterns so that couples are able to respond with understanding, and improve their relationships by addressing their core desires and fears. Sound complicated? It really isn't! You'll learn a lot from this episode. We also answer a listener Q & A about gambling.
 
 
 
9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage
 
 
 
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Sign Up For Our Weekly E-Newsletter And Be a Marriage Champion
 
 
 
Check Out Our Reactive Cycle Assessment
 
 
 
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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.

How To Understand Your Hot Buttons

No matter how long you've been married, there's some great advice in this episode! Greg and Erin discuss the challenges and opportunities in the middle years of marriage, focusing on issues like health struggles, retirement, and caring for aging parents with Larry McCall. They emphasize the importance of preventing boredom, pursuing wonder in marriage and life, and the value of counsel. Larry shares his journey of understanding the deeper purpose of marriage, the importance of love based on God's love rather than reciprocation, and insights into being intentional in relationships.
 
 
 
A Seasoned Marriage: Living the Gospel in the Middle Years and Beyond
 
 
 
Go here for more Deep Questions To Stay Curious About Your Spouse
 
 
 
Truth Rising
 
 
 
Learn more about how to be a Marriage Champion
 
 
 
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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 Middle Years of Marriage

On this episode, Greg and Erin discuss the importance of communication, romance, and navigating challenges within marriage with Jess and Ryan Ronne; who also share their journey of dealing with grief after losing their first spouses. The Ronnes offer insights into how they balance their relationship while caring for eight children (including one with special needs), and the strategies they use to maintain intimacy and satisfaction.
 
 
 
Lovin' With Grit & Grace: Straight Talk about Romance, Sex, Fun, And The Tough Stuff Too
 
 
 
Truth Rising
 
 
 
Read more about a Healing Separation
 
 
 
Support this Show!
 
 
 
Sign Up For Our Marriage Newsletter
 
 
 
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.

His & Her Perspectives on Romance, Sex & Fun In 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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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.

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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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.

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
 
 
 
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.

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!
 
 
 
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.

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
 
 
 
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.

Men Living Focused, Fulfilled & Fearless

Are you struggling with communication in marriage? Today, Greg and Erin are joined by Matt and Angel Rigsby to discuss what they learned about how to improve communication in marriage by using heart talk. Plus, we'll hear some inspiring stories from some of our Hope Restored alumni!
 
 
 
Wondering if the Hope Restored intensive is for you? Check out the details here. 
 
 
 
Want to take the Focus on the Family Marriage Assessment? Click here!
 
 
 
 Need some help figuring out what you're feeling? Check out the Feelings Wheel! 
 
 
 
We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

Using "Heart Talk" to Improve Communication and Save Your Marriage

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