Introduction & Jon Fort's Story

Marriage as the First Sex Ed Class

Talking to Kids About Sex 

Healing & Healthier Communication

Kids learn what love and intimacy look like long before anyone sits them down for the talk. Author John Fort, whose own childhood was marked by sexual abuse and years of silence, joins Greg and Erin Smalley to talk about how a marriage teaches children about sex, how spouses can share their sexual histories safely, when and how parents should start talking with their kids, and how a couple can heal intimacy after sexual trauma.

Don't Stress Talking Sex by John Fort, for moms and dads who want confident conversations with their kids about sexhttps://linktw.in/fotf-marr-assessment?utm_content=20261102

Launch into the Teen Years, a video curriculum for starting these conversations long before adolescence

The free Marriage Assessment shows you and your spouse where your marriage is strong and where it needs work

Take the free Reactive Cycle Assessment to see which buttons get pushed in your conflicts

Send Greg and Erin your question about your marriage

Speak with a Christian counselor at Focus on the Family

 

Kids learn what love and intimacy look like long before anyone sits them down for the talk. Author John Fort, whose own childhood was marked by sexual abuse and years of silence, joins Greg and Erin Smalley to talk about how a marriage teaches children about sex, how spouses can share their sexual histories safely, when and how parents should start talking with their kids, and how a couple can heal intimacy after sexual trauma.
<a href="https://store.focusonthefamily.com/dont-stress-talking-sex/?refcd=1702902&amp;utm_source=description&amp;utm_medium=youtube&amp;utm_campaign=focusonthefamilymarriage&amp;utm_content=20261102">Don't Stress Talking Sex by John Fort,</a> for moms and dads who want confident conversations with their kids about sex<a href="https://linktw.in/fotf-marr-assessment?utm_content=20261102">https://linktw.in/fotf-marr-assessment?utm_content=20261102</a>
<a href="https://store.focusonthefamily.com/launchintotheteenyears?refcd=1702902&amp;utm_source=description&amp;utm_medium=youtube&amp;utm_campaign=focusonthefamilymarriage&amp;utm_content=20261102">Launch into the Teen Years</a>, a video curriculum for starting these conversations long before adolescence
<a href="https://linktw.in/fotf-marr-assessment?utm_content=20261102">The free Marriage Assessment</a> shows you and your spouse where your marriage is strong and where it needs work
Take the <a href="https://linktw.in/fotf-marr-reactive-cycle?utm_content=20261102">free Reactive Cycle Assessment</a> to see which buttons get pushed in your conflicts
<a href="https://linktw.in/fotf-marr-questions?utm_content=20261102">Send Greg and Erin your question about your marriage</a>
<a href="https://linktw.in/fotf-marr-counselors?utm_content=20261102">Speak with a Christian counselor at Focus on the Family</a>
&nbsp;

Your Marriage Is Your Kids' First Sex Ed Class 

The La Jument Lighthouse Story

Being Trustworthy: Anchoring to the Rock

Self-Trust: The Lighthouse Keeper

The Light of Trust & Weekly Challenge

Can your marriage survive a big storm? Join Dr.s Greg and Erin Smalley as they share intimate details about how they've learned to trust one another. Using the example of the La Jument lighthouse in Ushant, France, we'll learn how trust grows, what destroys trust, and how trust isn't a "once and for all" issue in marriage.

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage

Marriage First Aid Kit

Learn More About Hope Restored

Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email

Speak With A Counselor

Can your marriage survive a big storm? Join Dr.s Greg and Erin Smalley as they share intimate details about how they've learned to trust one another. Using the example of the La Jument lighthouse in Ushant, France, we'll learn how trust grows, what destroys trust, and how trust isn't a "once and for all" issue in marriage.
<a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-crazy-little-thing-2026-10-26?refcd=2549902">Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage</a>
<a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/marriage-first-aid-kit/">Marriage First Aid Kit</a>
<a href="https://hoperestored.focusonthefamily.com/">Learn More About Hope Restored</a>
<a href="https://podcastfeedback.com/673ba2ea166f521457de6d2c?refcd=">Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email</a>
<a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help-now/">Speak With A Counselor</a>

Understanding Trust In Marriage

Guest Introduction & Jennifer's Story

Biblical Guidance on Infidelity & Trust

Healing, Trauma & Full Disclosure

Practical Trust-Building & Closing

Has your spouse cheated on you? Drs. Greg and Erin Smalley host a conversation on infidelity recovery, focusing on when betrayed spouses feel stuck or unmotivated to heal. Joining them is Pastor Brad Hambrick, author of “True Betrayal: Nine Steps to Processing Your Spouse’s Infidelity.” This conversation dives into true transparency, accountability, and assessing deeper relational problems beyond the affair. Even if you know someone who has gone through this experience, make sure you pick up Brad's book and share it as a gift!

True Betrayal: 9 Steps for Processing Your Spouse's Infidelity

Recovering From An Affair Article

Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email

Speak With A Counselor

Has your spouse cheated on you? Drs. Greg and Erin Smalley host a conversation on infidelity recovery, focusing on when betrayed spouses feel stuck or unmotivated to heal. Joining them is Pastor Brad Hambrick, author of &ldquo;True Betrayal: Nine Steps to Processing Your Spouse&rsquo;s Infidelity.&rdquo; This conversation dives into true transparency, accountability, and assessing deeper relational problems beyond the affair. Even if you know someone who has gone through this experience, make sure you pick up <a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-crazy-little-thing-2026-10-19?refcd=2549502">Brad's book</a> and share it as a gift!
<a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-crazy-little-thing-2026-10-19?refcd=2549502">True Betrayal: 9 Steps for Processing Your Spouse's Infidelity</a>
<a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/recovering-from-an-affair/">Recovering From An Affair Article</a>
<a href="https://podcastfeedback.com/673ba2ea166f521457de6d2c?refcd=">Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email</a>
<a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help-now/">Speak With A Counselor</a>

Healing From Infidelity Trauma

Welcome & Overview

Authentic Masculinity

Listener Q&A: Talking to a Defensive Husband 

Creating Your Family Motto

Drs. Greg and Erin Smalley welcome Pastor Seth Troutt, author of Authentic Masculinity, to discuss God’s design for masculinity in marriage and parenting, while contrasting it with “the manosphere” counterfeits. If you want to collaborate with your spouse, encourage and understand Biblical leadership, as well as cherish and nurture your life choice in new ways, Seth explains how men and women can work together and live as Godly examples. In a Q&A, we answer a wife's question on how to address a defensive husband. We'll also share how to create a family motto.

Authentic Masculinity: Leaving Behind the Counterfeits for God’s Design

Marriage Assessment

Reactive Cycle Assessment

Join Our Facebook Community

Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email

Speak With A Counselor

Drs. Greg and Erin Smalley welcome Pastor Seth Troutt, author of Authentic Masculinity, to discuss God&rsquo;s design for masculinity in marriage and parenting, while contrasting it with &ldquo;the manosphere&rdquo; counterfeits. If you want to collaborate with your spouse, encourage and understand Biblical leadership, as well as cherish and nurture your life choice in new ways, Seth explains how men and women can work together and live as Godly examples. In a Q&amp;A, we answer a wife's question on how to address a defensive husband. We'll also share how to create a family motto.
<a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-crazy-little-thing-2026-10-12?refcd=2542703">Authentic Masculinity: Leaving Behind the Counterfeits for God&rsquo;s Design</a>
<a href="https://sf.fotf.com/grll18">Marriage Assessment</a>
<a href="https://sf.fotf.com/mm3e2r">Reactive Cycle Assessment</a>
<a href="https://sf.fotf.com/pj641f">Join Our Facebook Community</a>
<a href="https://sf.fotf.com/ccdhbg">Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email</a>
<a href="https://sf.fotf.com/96gg52">Speak With A Counselor</a>

Men Embracing Chivalrous Marriages

Dr. Erin and Dr. Greg Smalley continue their discussion with Debra Fileta about emotional awareness, warning against “spiritual bypassing” that skips hard feelings with spiritual phrases. We also talk about the impact of trauma as either muting emotions or creating hypervigilance and “false alarms.” Healing your emotions can happen. Listen to this conversation and honestly ask "Where am I in all of this?" Reach out to our counseling department if you need more help.

Get the Book: Are You Really OK?

Reactive Cycle Assessment

Article on Healing Separation

Enjoying music together can draw you closer as a couple.
Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster.

Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email

Speak With A Counselor

Marriage Assessment Tool

Marriage Health In America Study

Check Out Hope Restored

Dr. Erin and Dr. Greg Smalley continue their discussion with Debra Fileta about emotional awareness, warning against &ldquo;spiritual bypassing&rdquo; that skips hard feelings with spiritual phrases. We also talk about the impact of trauma as either muting emotions or creating hypervigilance and &ldquo;false alarms.&rdquo; Healing your emotions can happen. Listen to this conversation and honestly ask "Where am I in all of this?" Reach out to our counseling department if you need more help.
<a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-crazy-little-thing-2026-20-05?refcd=2542702">Get the Book:&nbsp;Are You Really OK?</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/j6c0dd">Reactive Cycle Assessment</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/v3zyll">Article on Healing Separation</a> Enjoying music together can draw you closer as a couple. <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/1tnuxq">Check out Focus Live,</a> powered by Godcaster. <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/lruj34">Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/kobjdk">Speak With A Counselor</a>
<a href="https://sf.fotf.com/4tnm4r">Marriage Assessment Tool</a> <a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/state-of-the-family/">Marriage Health In America Study</a> <a href="https://hoperestored.focusonthefamily.com/">Check Out Hope Restored</a>

Your Emotions Matter (Part 2 of 2)

Introduction

Understanding Emotions

Why Your Emotions Matter

Practical Takeaways

Do you prioritize spiritual health while neglecting emotional health? Have you intentionally aligned with the Holy Spirit when it comes to your feelings? Drs. Erin and Greg Smalley discuss cultural stigmas around expressing emotions with Debra Fileta, author of Are You Really Okay? They outline conversational levels, how to check in with your spouse, and what NOT to talk about on date nights. The listener Q&A involves a stressed out wife who hasn't set clear boundaries. This is just the beginning of this important conversation.

Get the Book: Are You Really OK?

Reactive Cycle Assessment

Article on Healing Separation

Enjoying music together can draw you closer as a couple.
Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster.

Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email

Speak With A Counselor

Marriage Assessment Tool

Marriage Health In America Study

Check Out Hope Restored.

Do you prioritize spiritual health while neglecting emotional health? Have you intentionally aligned with the Holy Spirit when it comes to your feelings? Drs. Erin and Greg Smalley discuss cultural stigmas around expressing emotions with Debra Fileta, author of <a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-crazy-little-thing-2026-20-05?refcd=2542702">Are You Really Okay?</a> They outline conversational levels, how to check in with your spouse, and what NOT to talk about on date nights. The listener Q&amp;A involves a stressed out wife who hasn't set clear boundaries. This is just the beginning of this important conversation.
<a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-crazy-little-thing-2026-20-05?refcd=2542702">Get the Book:&nbsp;Are You Really OK?</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/j6c0dd">Reactive Cycle Assessment</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/v3zyll">Article on Healing Separation</a> Enjoying music together can draw you closer as a couple. <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/1tnuxq">Check out Focus Live,</a> powered by Godcaster. <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/lruj34">Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/kobjdk">Speak With A Counselor</a>
<a href="https://sf.fotf.com/4tnm4r">Marriage Assessment Tool</a> <a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/state-of-the-family/">Marriage Health In America Study</a> <a href="https://hoperestored.focusonthefamily.com/">Check Out Hope Restored.</a>

Your Emotions Matter (Part 1 of 2)

Intro

Pseudo Sense Of Connection

Equation of Us

A Healthy Thriving Marriage

Good Dependence & Healthy Attachment

Marriage Attention Deficit

The Box of Us

Greg & Erin's Critique

Phases of Marriage

Q & A and Close

Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley interview Pastor Kevin A. Thompson about his book The Creation of Us. Kevin emphasizes that marriage is its own entity where both spouses maintain individuality while building shared rhythms, mission, and unity. We talk about good dependence versus independence or enmeshment, how marriage reveals and can help heal attachment wounds, and “marital attention deficit.” We'll outline the phases of marriage and we answer a listener question about weaponizing sex.
The Creation of Us: How To Build A Great Marriage Without Losing Yourself

Marriage Assessment Tool

Reactive Cycle Tool

Love Styles: Why You Love The Way You Do (And How to Change It)

Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email

Speak With A Counselor

Marriage Health In America Study

Check Out Hope Restored. 

Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley interview Pastor Kevin A. Thompson about his book The Creation of Us. Kevin emphasizes that marriage is its own entity where both spouses maintain individuality while building shared rhythms, mission, and unity. We talk about good dependence versus independence or enmeshment, how marriage reveals and can help heal attachment wounds, and &ldquo;marital attention deficit.&rdquo; We'll outline the phases of marriage and we answer a listener question about weaponizing sex. <a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-crazy-little-thing-2026-09-21?refcd=2534402">The Creation of Us: How To Build A Great Marriage Without Losing Yourself</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/4tnm4r">Marriage Assessment Tool</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/y03343">Reactive Cycle Tool</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/1xr308">Love Styles: Why You Love The Way You Do (And How to Change It)</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/zyl1zy">Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/kobjdk">Speak With A Counselor</a> <a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/state-of-the-family/">Marriage Health In America Study</a> <a href="https://hoperestored.focusonthefamily.com/">Check Out Hope Restored. </a>

Marriage: The Creation of Us

Why The Podcast Matters

Emotions & Godly Call To Men

Do As Christ Did

Manosphere Lie v Scripture

Weaponizing The Bedroom

All 6 Manosphere Lies

Share This Podcast!

We're continuing our discussion of the “manosphere,” reviewing how it distorts headship and submission and focusing on three additional lies: that emotional vulnerability is weakness, that women are biologically untrustworthy, and that a wife’s body belongs to her husband. Greg and Erin contrast these ideologies with scriptures calling husbands to sacrificially love, cherish, nourish, honor, and create safety so a wife can flourish. We'd love to hear your thoughts on these episodes, so click on the show notes to get in touch with us.
Bearded Gospel Men: The Epic Quest for Manliness & Godliness
What Is Biblical Leadership Articl
Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and hear contemporary Christian worship music!
Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email
Speak With A Counselor

We're continuing our discussion of the &ldquo;manosphere,&rdquo; reviewing how it distorts headship and submission and focusing on three additional lies: that emotional vulnerability is weakness, that women are biologically untrustworthy, and that a wife&rsquo;s body belongs to her husband. Greg and Erin contrast these ideologies with scriptures calling husbands to sacrificially love, cherish, nourish, honor, and create safety so a wife can flourish. We'd love to hear your thoughts on these episodes, so click on the show notes to get in touch with us. <a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-crazy-little-thing-2026-09-14?refcd=2535802">Bearded Gospel Men: The Epic Quest for Manliness &amp; Godliness</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/wpgliz">What Is Biblical Leadership Articl</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/7wdf26">Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It&rsquo;s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and hear contemporary Christian worship music!</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/lz09nj">Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/fklxkn">Speak With A Counselor</a>

The Manosphere (Part 2 of 2) 

Open

Detailing the Manosphere

Headship of The Man

What Submission Means

We're Not Villainizing Men

Check Out Today's Resource

Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss the Manosphere and the “Christian Manosphere." This is a program that you want to share with all the men in your life. Greg shares research from months of reading forums and explains the first three of six lies that many men are believing. We also go into what submission means for women. Part two is coming up next week, and we can't wait to hear your thoughts after listening to these programs.
Bearded Gospel Men: The Epic Quest for Manliness & Godliness
Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and hear contemporary Christian worship music!
Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email
Speak With A Counselor

Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss the Manosphere and the &ldquo;Christian Manosphere." This is a program that you want to share with all the men in your life. Greg shares research from months of reading forums and explains the first three of six lies that many men are believing. We also go into what submission means for women. Part two is coming up next week, and we can't wait to hear your thoughts after listening to these programs. <a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-crazy-little-thing-2026-09-08?refcd-2527501">Bearded Gospel Men: The Epic Quest for Manliness &amp; Godliness</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/l57z2z">Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It&rsquo;s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and hear contemporary Christian worship music!</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/07fwnd">Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/r8itnj">Speak With A Counselor</a>

The Manosphere (Part 1 of 2) 

Live By Design, Not Default

Values For Family

Values Questions

First Steps To Take

Greg & Erin Critique

Create Your Family Crest

Q & A

Close

Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss what it means to leave a marital legacy by building a healthy foundation -- with intentional core values -- rather than living by default. Guest Lain McCanless of Rally Your Family describes practical tools to guide decisions, unify spouses, and model faithfulness across generations.This is something you can start today! Then, Greg and Erin share how they fashioned their family crest, and they encourage you try this exercise with your family. Plus, they answer a listener question about leaving a husband who has pawned family heirlooms.
Finishing Well: Biblical Lessons to Maximize Your Later Years
Join The Focus On The Family Strengthening Marriages Facebook Group
Here's Information on a Healing Separation
Enjoying music together can draw you closer as a couple. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It’s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and hear contemporary Christian worship music!
Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email
The "Be" List

Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss what it means to leave a marital legacy by building a healthy foundation -- with intentional core values -- rather than living by default. Guest Lain McCanless of Rally Your Family describes practical tools to guide decisions, unify spouses, and model faithfulness across generations.This is something you can start today! Then, Greg and Erin share how they fashioned their family crest, and they encourage you try this exercise with your family. Plus, they answer a listener question about leaving a husband who has pawned family heirlooms. <a href="https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-crazy-little-thing-2026-08-31?refcd=2525102">Finishing Well: Biblical Lessons to Maximize Your Later Years</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/tq0xxb">Join The Focus On The Family Strengthening Marriages Facebook Group</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/jsl4id">Here's Information on a Healing Separation</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/c18my2">Enjoying music together can draw you closer as a couple. Check out Focus Live, powered by Godcaster. It&rsquo;s a great way to get Focus On The Family content and hear contemporary Christian worship music!</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/9i2rc7">Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email</a> <a href="https://sf.fotf.com/wg2lu3">The "Be" List</a>

Laying the Foundation for Your Legacy

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.

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

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. 

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

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