Podcast · Society & Culture

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage

by Focus on the Family · English · Society & Culture

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

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 52 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 49 minNew

Men Embracing Chivalrous Marriages

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…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E189 · 5 Oct 2026 · 34 min
Your Emotions Matter (Part 2 of 2)
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…
E188 · 28 Sep 2026 · 50 min
Your Emotions Matter (Part 1 of 2)
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…
E187 · 21 Sep 2026 · 58 min
Marriage: The Creation of Us
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…
E186 · 14 Sep 2026 · 42 min
The Manosphere (Part 2 of 2)
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…
E185 · 7 Sep 2026 · 34 min
The Manosphere (Part 1 of 2)
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…
E184 · 31 Aug 2026 · 56 min
Laying the Foundation for Your Legacy
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:…
24 Aug 2026 · 54 min
Don't Let the Weight of the Past Crush Your Marriage
Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley are joined by Bob Lepine to discuss how guilt, shame, and past wounds affect marriage. If unresolved hurts are triggering conflict in your relationship, listen to this episode and then share it with your spouse. We also talk about building a healthy sexual relationship and adjusting unrealistic expectations shaped by culture. You'll learn how self-regulate when you go into fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses, too. Plus, we answer a listener question about how to move forward when someone's medical treatment has changed them. Building A Stronger Marriage: The Path To…
17 Aug 2026 · 55 min
Adaptability in Marriage
Does it feel like your life is being interrupted? Financial issues, health concerns, and disagreements with family members can all throw a wrench into our plans. Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley talk with Julie Plagens, who describes common interruptions in her life. We address the need for control, people-pleasing, and messages from how a strict faith background fueled anger and unforgiveness. Greg and Erin also talk about benefits of spending time outdoors together, and they answer a listener about chronic blame in marriage. This is a "meat & potatoes" episode we know you'll enjoy. Marriage…
E181 · 10 Aug 2026 · 58 min
Affair Prevention & Recovery
Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley focus on infidelity with Brad and Tami Miller. They discuss how couples drift through busyness, unmet emotional needs, validation-seeking, social media connections, and contrast emotional vs. physical affairs. They also have helpful ideas for couples to avoid the "chore war" and they tackle a listener question about a wife who seems to weaponize the mistakes her husband made in the past. If you know someone who has experienced infidelity, share this link with them! Anatomy of An Affair Join Our Facebook Group! Hope Restored Enjoying music together can draw you…
3 Aug 2026 · 56 min
Support For An InterFaith Marriage
You're really going to be blessed by this program, even if you and your spouse share the same faith. Greg and Erin talk with David McIver, author of Looking For The One. David teaches that loving a spiritually different spouse means seeing them through Jesus’ eyes and praying about where the trust was first broken rather than focusing on behavior. Greg and Erin also talk about a couple that have been married for 84 years, and they answer a listener question about inter-faith marriage and children. Looking For The One: Stories of Seeing The Lost, Lonely, and Broken Through The Eyes of…
E179 · 27 Jul 2026 · 42 min
Rapid Fire Q & A
Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley host a rapid-fire episode answering common marriage questions from both a husband and a wife perspective - with timed responses! They discuss whether spouses should check in when apart, address hidden purchases as “financial infidelity,” evaluate location sharing and phone/social media access, and other common questions couples have. Ultimately, this is to help you and your spouse discuss what must be shared to maintain security, especially after betrayal, and how to respond without weaponizing. The Reactive Cycle Assessment Hope Restored Enjoying music…
20 Jul 2026 · 39 min
Marrying Into Madness - Dealing with In-laws
How is your relationship with your in-laws? Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley discuss what research and experience reveals about in-law relationships, prompted by Erin being asked to speak to a moms group. If conflict, enabling behavior, and parenting disagreements with in-laws seem to take away the PEACE in your family - this is the podcast for you! Make sure you forward the link to other members of your family, too! Married Into The Family Article: How Your Relationship with Your In-Laws Impacts Your Marriage Call Our Free Counseling Line at 1800-A-FAMILY Enjoying music together can draw you…
13 Jul 2026 · 54 min
Anger Triggers in Marriage
Do differences between you and your spouse trigger tension in your marriage? Greg and Erin talk with Amber Lia and offer tips to respond well and explore how miscommunication fuels anger. They discuss common conflict points like “chore wars,” the invisible mental load, and backseat driving, while emphasizing teamwork, communication, and going the extra mile. They also encourage you and your spouse to take the personality test, and they answer a listener's question about living with a depressed spouse. Marriage Triggers: Exchanging Spouses' Angry Reactions for Gentile Biblical…
E175 · 6 Jul 2026 · 57 min
Sparking the Marriage Fires, Pt. 2
Get ready for Part Two of how to spark the fire in your marriage! Want to make your spouse feel special? Todd and Carolyn Petka share the "rocket fuel” for thriving marriages, and describe obstacles like unrealistic expectations, busy lives without margin, conflict styles, and family-of-origin wounds, that naturally leak energy and require intentional refueling. We'll look at the animal kingdom to help you understand your personality, and we have a listener Q & A about how to manage a family when your health is struggling. The Relationship Rocket Formula Hope Restored Check Out The…
E174 · 29 Jun 2026 · 53 min
Sparking the Marriage Fires, Pt. 1
Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley speak with Pastors Todd and Carolyn Petkau about their Relationship Rocket Formula, comparing marriage to a rocket needing navigation, fuel, and spark! They encourage looking into Scritpture, deep “fuel and spark” questions, and creating safety through active listening and saying, “tell me more.” Greg and Erin also apply ideas to TV couples, then answer a listener question about overwhelm, grief, and criticism. This is a program for EVERY marriage. The Relationship Rocket Formula Hope Restored Check Out The Reactive Cycle Assessment Enjoying…
E173 · 22 Jun 2026 · 58 min
Celebrating Fathers with Ken Davis
What was your dad like growing up? Do you have good memories, or could things be better between you? Greg and Erin celebrate all dads with a special presentation from Pastor Ken Davis, who shares four important reminders based on Scripture in Malachi. We hope you'll be encouraged by this message, and that you'll share this podcast with those you love. The Good Dad: Becoming The Father You Were Meant To Be Check Out Our Special Podcast Series Celebrating Dads: Legacy Of Courage Here Are Some Great Resources For Dad Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Contact the show! Send Us A…
E172 · 15 Jun 2026 · 51 min
Money and Marriage, II
Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley continue their discussion on how couples can use finances to strengthen marriage, featuring guest Matt Bell of Sound Mind Investing. If you and your spouse have money conflicts, THIS is the podcast for you! Matt explains that spenders often marry savers. He warns that debt can be a “cancer on marriage,” and urges couples to stop taking on new debt. Greg and Erin then share favorite books and suggest a couples exercise about reading tastes. Then they answer a listener who is married to a non-believing, manipulative husband. Starting Strong: Discovering…
E171 · 8 Jun 2026 · 44 min
Money and Marriage, I
How are you with money? Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley get advice from Matt Bell, about biblical money principles. He explains the Parable of the Talents as a stewardship framework, contrasting consumer vs. steward mindsets, while urging couples to serve the Lord. We'll also challenge you to turn your home into a mini carnival for an at-home date night. The listener Q & A is about motivating a husband to read the Bible and take spiritual leadership. Starting Strong: Discovering the Good That Money Can Do In Marriage Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Contact the show! Send Us A Review!…
E170 · 1 Jun 2026 · 57 min
Making Your Spouse Your Best Friend
Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley emphasize that a strong marriage rests on friendship! Author and speaker, Becky Harling discusses how a past breast cancer diagnosis reshaped her priorities toward intentional friendships. She highlights bringing fun and adventure back, expressing gratitude, avoiding complacency, practicing wise vulnerability, and setting boundaries to prevent over-functioning or controlling behavior, including tighter safeguards around opposite-sex friendships. Greg and Erin also encourage reminiscing and flirting. In a listener question, they advise a husband navigating his…
E169 · 24 May 2026 · 49 min
What To Pray For Your Spouse
Do you feel like your prayer life with your spouse could be better? Do you usually pray about circumstantial things? Mike and Melissa Kruger share about 5 Things to Pray for Your Spouse that will transform your marriage and draw you both closer to Christ. 5 Things To Pray For Your Spouse Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Contact the show! Send Us A Review! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley, please give us your feedback.
E168 · 18 May 2026 · 57 min
The 5 S's of Conflict Resolution
How do you and your spouse handle conflict? Greg and Erin share insights from Dave and Ann Wilson today. They discuss common conflict styles (e.g., yielding, defending, resolving) and emphasize that conflict is often driven by deeper emotions and desires, requiring an open heart, slowing down, listening, and sometimes choosing to “solve or sleep” when exhausted. In the Q&A, they advise a listener to describe behaviors without labeling, using “I feel” statements. It's like a free counseling session when you listen to Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage! The Vertical…
E167 · 11 May 2026 · 34 min
What I Wish My Spouse Knew
Greg and Erin talk about what each of us wish our spouse knew about our inner most secrets and desires in marriage. Sometimes it's hard to express our feelings. Greg and Erin share ideas on how to access our emotions, and share them with our spouse. This is a program that both wives and husbands need to hear! We also give you specific scripture to pray over various situations, and we are encouraged by a testimony from a listener. Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Contact the show! Send Us A Review! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to the…
E166 · 4 May 2026 · 46 min
Celebrating The Beauty of Women For Mother's Day
Erin and Greg share their thoughts on the value of women and we hear excerpts from author and former CEO of Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS), Elisa Morgan. She shared how women should find their beauty by looking through God's eyes. We'll also talk about the upcoming Mother's Day podcast series from Focus On The Family called Legacy of Love. Hello, Beauty Full Listen to the Legacy of Love podcast series celebrating Mother's Day Dealing With Inlaws Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Contact the show! Send Us A Review! Support the show! If you enjoyed listening to the Crazy Little Thing…
28 Apr 2026 · 16 min
Legacy of Love Mother's Day Sneak Peak
This special edition encourages moms on their journey of motherhood, and it's hosted by Whitney Lowe and Erin Smalley. We're covering why becoming a mom is a gift, finding your identity in Christ, hope for tired moms, and ways to celebrate Mother's Day! Praying The Scriptures For Your Children: Discover How To Pray God's Purpose For Their Lives Listen to the Legacy of Love podcast series celebrating Mother's Day Want to get involved in our social media challenge for Mother's Day? Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Contact the show! Send Us A Review! Support the show! If you enjoyed…
E165 · 27 Apr 2026 · 48 min
Get Back Up Singers For Your Marriage - HC
Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley have a treat for you today! Get ready for a presentation from Pastor Ted Cunningham, highlighting humorous, scripture-based encouragement to revere marriage. Greg and Erin give a “Share and Compare” date-night exercise, an a Q&A, from a husband whose wife feels “touched out” after caring for five young kids. Share this show link with friends! Use the Marriage Assessment Tool! It's free! Check Out the Reactive Cycle Assessment Tool! Marriage Champions Ask Us Your Question via Voicemail or Email Contact the show! Send Us A Review! Support the…
E164 · 20 Apr 2026 · 52 min
Selfless Sex, Pt. 2
We're continuing our conversation on selfless sex with Pastor Doug Hanna, who shares his encouragement to pursue sexual satisfaction. He goes into how self-forgetful sex is a lifestyle, an attitude, its patient, and it seeks pleasure. Greg and Erin also have an exercise with foods around the world and date nights. We also answer a listener question about a spouse's lies and affairs. Sex and Self-Forgetfulness Use the Marriage Assessment Tool! It's free! Check Out the Reactive Cycle Assessment Tool! Look Into Hope Restored Marriage Intensive Healing Separation Article Ask Us Your Question via…
E163 · 13 Apr 2026 · 47 min
Selfless Sex, Pt. 1
On this episode, we're talking about Christian married sex with Pastor Doug Hannah, author of Sex and Self Forgetfulness. Does your sex life reflect covenant love through self-forgetfulness rather than selfishness transactional “getting what I’m owed"? We'll talk about serving your spouse, sinning against conscience, and even losing one’s voice. Boundaries matter, and sex is designed by God to be mutually pleasurable and received with thanksgiving. Well also play “compliment ping pong” and answer an email about a manipulative husband. Sex and Self-Forgetfulness…
E162 · 6 Apr 2026 · 55 min
Spouse-ing On Empty
Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley welcome guests Ashley Durand and Kristen Roush authors of Mothering on Empty. We'll talk about the pressures that can leave spouses depleted, and how joy, identity in Christ, and an eternal perspective anchor marriage without idolizing it. We'll give practical tips for husbands of exhausted wives: empathy over fixing, initiative without being asked, avoiding competitions over tiredness, setting social media boundaries, and addressing the “mental load” so no one feels alone. Mothering On Empty Use the Marriage Assessment Tool! It's free! Check Out the…
E161 · 30 Mar 2026 · 58 min
Research on Happy Marriages
What makes a successful marriage? Today, Greg and Erin feature a presentation by best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn. She offers insights from research she's conducted on what makes for a happier, more fulfilling marriage. She also outlines practical ways to develop a more Christ-like relationship with your spouse. We'll challenge you to recreate your first date, and we'll answer a listener question about whether its Biblical to have joint bank accounts. For Men/Women Only Bundle Conversation Starters for Couples Learn More About The Hope Restored Marriage Intensive Take The Reactive Cycle…

About Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage is a English society & culture podcast from Focus on the Family. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Focus on the Family
Language: English
Category: Society & Culture
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 52 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1677343929
Rights: 2026 Focus on the Family

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