Don’t Pretend, Move Forward

Don’t Pretend, Move Forward

Author: Focus on the Family March 24, 2026 Duration: 12:40

Does it feel hard to forgive your spouse when he or she has hurt you? Jim Daly joins Dr. Randy Schroeder to explain why forgiving your mate is necessary for a healthy marriage. Then, John and Greg will encourage you to focus on small improvement points you can make as a couple.

 

Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.

 

Receive the book Simple Habits for Marital Happiness for your donation of any amount!

 

Focus on Marriage Assessment

 

How to Break Bad Habits and Cultivate a Healthy Marriage 

 

How to Forgive Your Spouse When It’s Not Easy 

 

Contact our Counseling Team

 

Support This Show!

 

If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Marriage Podcast, please give us your feedback.


Marriage is a journey filled with both profound joy and real challenges, and Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast exists to walk alongside you through all of it. Host John Fuller, together with marriage experts Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, creates a space for honest conversation about what it takes to build a lasting, fulfilling partnership. Rather than offering abstract theory, each episode delivers practical, down-to-earth insights grounded in a Christian perspective on God's design for marriage. You'll hear discussions on navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, deepening intimacy, and keeping your connection strong amidst life's constant demands. Whether you're newly married, decades in, or simply looking to strengthen your relationship's foundation, this podcast provides thoughtful guidance and genuine encouragement. The format is concise and focused, making it easy to fit meaningful conversation into your daily routine. Tune in for a blend of expert advice, relatable stories, and actionable steps that aim to transform not just your relationship, but your approach to life together. From Focus on the Family, this series is a trusted resource for anyone who believes a strong marriage is worth the intentional effort.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Learning to See the Positive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:57
If your mate is getting on your nerves, it's good to pause and focus on their best qualities. Ted Lowe joins Jim Daly to give couples a framework on seeing the best in each other. Plus, John and the Smalley's share about…
The Merge Moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:40
How do you learn to accept the differences between you and your mate even when they rub you the wrong way? John and the Smalley's open up about times they've worked through annoyances in their own marriages. Plus, Joey a…
A Thoughtful Conversation Goes a Long Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:07
When your spouse is getting on your nerves, it's good to remember the qualities that attracted you to him or her. Karen Leann Murphy joins Jim Daly to share how she reminded herself of the good things about her husband.…
Focus on the Good Qualities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:05
When your spouse is getting on your nerves, it's good to remember the qualities that attracted you to him or her. Karen Leann Murphy joins Jim Daly to share how she reminded herself of the good things about her husband.…
Be Slow to Speak [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:29
When tension is high, how do you avoid saying something to your spouse that you'll end up regretting? Deborah Pegues and Jim Daly offer some helpful thoughts on what it means and looks like to control your tongue. Then,…
Learning to Work in Tandem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:57
When conflict arises, does one of you tend to get aggressive, and does the other withdraw? Dr. Josh and Christi Straub talk with Jim and Jean Daly about how to recognize your patterns in conflict and how you can handle a…
Overcoming Financial Feuding [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:56
Money is one of the biggest reasons couples fight. Erin and Greg Smalley discuss how a tennis ball can sparked a big fight between them. Also, Jim Daly talks to Chuck and Ann Bentley about how Chuck repented of idolizing…
Making Good Marital Choices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:45
How do you know if you're actually making the best decisions for your marriage? We don't always get it right. Greg Smalley opens up about some mistakes he made and how he learned from them. You'll also hear Dr. Ron Welch…
Building Boundaries With In-Laws [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:27
What do you do if your in-laws are making things difficult for you and your spouse? Drs. John Townsend and Henry Cloud talk with Jim Daly about how to respond if an in-law is pressuring you to do things that hinder you f…
Navigating Inevitable Conflict [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:36
When the tension is high in your marriage, how do you and your spouse work through it? Fawn Weaver and Jim Daly share about ways you can de-escalate an argument with your mate. Then, Erin and Greg open up about how they'…