Anger isn’t the problem—it’s a signal pointing to something deeper. In this episode, we uncover four root causes of anger in marriage and share practical, biblical ways to address them. Enjoy!

Healthy relationships are built on the right rules. In this episode, we unpack three powerful principles that can transform your marriage. When couples stop fighting for position and start fighting for connection, everything changes. Enjoy. 

Marriage isn’t just about happiness; it’s about transformation. In this episode, we use the Johari Window to show how your relationship reveals blind spots, uncovers hidden struggles, and deepens intimacy. You're gonna love this one!

Ladies - how do you truly get to the heart of your man? In this episode, we unpack a powerful example from Abigail’s interaction with David in 1 Samuel 25 and reveal five simple but impactful ways to speak to your man’s heart. Enjoy.

Anxiety in marriage doesn’t just show up—it has roots. In this episode, we walk through a simple four-step framework to help you identify what’s really driving anxiety. When you get to the root, you can respond with clarity, support your spouse better, and move toward lasting peace together.

In this episode, we unpack the three damaging effects of anxiety and how it quietly takes control. Understanding these patterns is the first step to breaking anxiety’s grip and learning how to respond with clarity, courage, and faith.

This episode is based on our newely released book: 

Unshakeable: A Proven Plan To Crush Anxiety, Defeat Overwhelm, And Conquer The Fears That Freak You Out. 

Grab your copy HERE. 

Anxiety doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts marriages. In this episode, based on our new book Unshakeable, we talk about how to deal with anxiety together as a couple and the three-step process to set you free. Peace in marriage is possible—and it starts with becoming unshakeable together.

Grab a copy of UNSHAKEABLE: A Proven Plan To Crush Anxiety, Defeat Overwhelm, And Conquer The Fears That Freak You Out 

How you respond to pain determines whether you stay stuck or step into strength. In this episode, we explore two keys that help couples process emotions and drawing closer together at the same time. 

In Part 2 of our anniversary series, it’s my (Jason's) turn. In this episode, I'm sharing five lessons I've learned that have shaped my marriage and helped us grow stronger through every season. Enjoy. 

Today we celebrate 25 years of marriage (please, hold your applause!). In this episode, Tori shares five lessons she’s learned along the way. In the next episode, I’ll share my five from our two and a half decades together. Enjoy. 

Busyness doesn’t kill intimacy—drifting does. In this episode, we unpack how small, unguarded moments lead to danger in marriage. You’ll learn the four-stage drift progression and simple ways to close the gap. Drift isn’t failure; it’s feedback. Enjoy. 

Most couples think they’re fighting about dishes or tone—but they’re actually fighting a pattern. In this episode, we unpack the 4-part cycle that keeps conflicts on repeat and show you how to break it. This one will totally reshape how you handle recurring arguments.

Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for emotional and relational health. In this special Thanksgiving episode, we explore how gratitude rewires your mind, draws you closer to your spouse, and keeps negativity from taking over your marriage.

Emotional pain doesn’t end with us—it echoes through generations. In this episode, we unpack Reuben’s story to show how family trauma repeats and three keys that can break the cycle. Enjoy!

Oh, and it's that time again - our Beauty In Battle Marriage Retreat in July of 2026. Click HERE for more info. Come hang with us! 

When life feels chaotic, it’s easy to get stuck in your head instead of staying connected to your spouse. In this episode, we share four simple steps to calm the chaos. Each one helps you reset your mind, release stress, and reconnect emotionally. Enjoy.

Healthy marriages thrive on healthy boundaries. In this episode, we dive into Part 2 of The Ten Laws of Boundaries in Marriage, based on Dr. Henry Cloud’s classic book. We’ll walk through the first five laws and show how clear, godly boundaries protect your relationship, build trust, and deepen connection. Enjoy

Healthy marriages thrive on healthy boundaries. In this episode, we dive into Part 1 of The Ten Laws of Boundaries in Marriage, based on Dr. Henry Cloud’s classic book. We’ll walk through the first five laws and show how clear, godly boundaries protect your relationship, build trust, and deepen connection. Enjoy

Charlie Kirk’s assassination shook the nation—and reminded us that we’re in a spiritual fight. In this episode, we explore how couples can grow stronger by fighting together by knowing the three battles we all face and how to achieve victory in each. Let's do this!

One of the deepest ways to connect with your spouse is by tuning in to what you’re both feeling. In this episode, we talk about the power of labeling emotions and how recognizing what’s going on in your body can help you identify and express what’s going on in your heart. Enjoy

Your presence is the greatest gift you can give. In this episode, we talk about the power of being fully present in your marriage—what’s stealing it, how to protect it, and how to get it back. This one’s a wake-up call to stop drifting and start showing up. Enjoy!

When marriage feels stuck or stale, sometimes the best way forward is to go back—back to your roots. In this episode, we draw from the book of Hebrews to break down five things you likely did when you first fell in love—and how doing them again can breathe new life into your relationship. Enjoy.

Marriage is about more than just living together—it’s about motivating each other to become all God created you to be. In this episode, we dive into Hebrews 10:24 and share three keys to stirring up your spouse to love and good works. Enjoy

Ask ChatGPT

Gratitude isn’t just polite—it’s powerful. In this episode, we break down what gratitude really is and how it can transform your marriage from the inside out. You’ll learn the difference between gratitude, thankfulness, and thanksgiving, and walk through four simple steps to grow in everyday appreciation for your spouse. Enjoy

Every strong marriage is built on two key pillars: Devotion and Discipline. In this episode, we explore two ways to demonstrate loyalty and two ways to utilize discipline so your marriage becomes stronger, sweeter, and more secure. Enjoy. 

Ask ChatGPT

Not all conflict is bad—in fact, good conflict can deepen your connection and strengthen your marriage. In this episode, we break down the difference between good conflict and bad conflict, and three practical steps you can take that bring you closer, not further apart. Enjoy

Ask ChatGPT

In marriage, unity isn’t just about getting along—it’s about building a deep bond on multiple levels. In this episode, we break down the Three Levels of Unity from Philippians 2. When you move from simply living together to truly partnering in life, work, and faith, your marriage becomes stronger and more fulfilling. Enjoy.

Want to feel more fulfilled in life? Start by loving your spouse. In this episode, we unpack the powerful truth that when you love your spouse well, you're actually loving yourself. Loving your spouse isn’t just a gift to them—it’s the best investment you can make in your own well-being. Enjoy. 

Raising godly kids doesn’t happen by accident—it takes prayer and example. In this episode, we share three powerful things to pray for and three key things to model. Tune in for practical ways to lead your children with both intention and joy.

In this episode, we unpack the three types of listening that show up in marriage—and why only one of them leads to real connection. It’s not about winning the conversation—it’s about winning your spouse’s heart. Tune in to discover how shifting your listening style can transform the way you love.

In marriage, social awareness is a game-changer. In this episode, we explore three simple keys to help you grow: paying attention to cues, bids, and triggers. When you learn to spot these little things, you’ll connect deeper, fight less, and love smarter. Enjoy

Love isn't just a feeling—it's a debt we owe, especially in marriage. In this episode, we dive into Romans 13:8 and explore what it means to carry the "continuing debt to love one another" and unpack how recognizing that debt can radically transform your marriage. Enjoy. 

Come hang with us at our upcoming marriage retreat in Cancun!  Click HERE. 

In today’s fast-paced world, free time with your spouse can feel like a luxury—but it’s essential if you want to stay close and connected. In this episode, we explore four keys to be intentional with your downtime so it draws you closer. Enjoy.

Oh, and if you haven't signed up for our marriage retreat on July 14-18, 2025, check it out HERE. 

Dealing with a difficult spouse can be one of the biggest challenges in a relationship, especially when tensions run high. In this episode, we explore practical strategies to navigate conflict with wisdom and composure. Enjoy! 

Difficult conversations are inevitable in any relationship, but how you approach them makes all the difference. In this episode, we break down three keys to handling tough discussions with your spouse without damaging your connection. Enjoy! 

What does love look like in practical terms? In this episode, we dive into three essential qualities every spouse needs to cultivate for a thriving marriage. Whether you’re newly engaged or married for years, these principles will help you strengthen your relationship and grow closer than ever.

And come join us in July for a marriage retreat like none other! Click HERE for details. 

By the age of four, our souls begin asking two fundamental questions. This episode explores how these deep-rooted needs shape our relationships and how God speaks directly to them in Scripture. Understanding these core questions can transform your marriage and deepen your connection. Enjoy!

Want your spouse to feel truly loved and deeply connected to you? There’s a simple yet powerful way to make it happen. In today’s episode, we’re uncovering the key to unlocking the most essential element of love and how you can use it to strengthen your bond and bring you closer than ever.

Come hang with us in Cancun - click HERE for more details. 

Conversations can go off track when people operate in different modes. In this episode, we unpack how to recognize and respond to three types of conversations to better connect with your spouse (or anyone!). Enjoy.

Join us at your Beauty In Battle Marriage Retreat in sunny Cancun July 14-18, 2025. Click HERE for details. 

Have you ever thought about how the family you grew up in shaped your approach to relationships? The way your mom, dad, siblings, or others in your family treated one another often sets the tone for how you interact with your spouse or loved ones. Today, we’ll dive into how to embrace the good lessons and let go of the unhealthy patterns. Enjoy!

While it might seem like just an occasional bad habit, unchecked defensiveness can erode trust, prevent healthy conflict resolution, and keep you from having the deep, vulnerable conversations your relationship needs. In this episode, we’ll walk through five keys to help you break it. Enjoy

If you haven't signed up for our exclusive "off-the-charts-amazing" marriage retreat in Cancun, check it out HERE! 

Each year, we ask God to give us a word that serves as a theme for the following year. It's been a powerful tool that's strengthened us individually and drawn us together as a couple. Today, we'll show you how to come up with your own!

Plus, come join us in Cancun to strengthen your marriage like none other!  Click HERE for more details. 

Join us as we explore the power of intentionality and the art of making moments truly meaningful. Whether you’re newlyweds or celebrating decades together, this podcast reminds you that every day can be extraordinary when you choose to make it special.

Join us in sunny Cancun for a marriage retreat like none other!  Click HERE for more details. 

The strongest couples are those who stay fully present and attentive to each other. Today, we’ll dive into what science reveals about cultivating mindfulness in your marriage to build a deeper, more meaningful connection. Let’s do this!

We’re diving into neuroscience again, exploring three research-backed keys to building a secure attachment with your spouse (and kids). Join us as we unpack the science of relationships and discover the transformative power of living deeply connected to your spouse.

Also, join us for our Beauty In Battle Marriage retreat at the luxurious Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres all-inclusive resort in Mexico. Click HERE for more details. 

We have more brain science coming your way! Join us as we dive into the power of right-brain thinking and three keys to shift from left to right for deeper connection. Also, tune in for our announcement for the Beauty In Battle Marriage Retreat!!

For more information, click HERE. 

Research shows the healthiest people and the healthiest relationships are characterized by flexibility - the capacity to bend without breaking. Join us as we share our discoveries on the power of flexibility in marriage. Enjoy. 

Today is part 2 of our deep dive into the bestselling marriage book Marriage On The Rock by Jimmy Evans. Today, we're talking about the four core needs of a wife and a husband and the four types of destructive spouses. Enjoy. 

Join us as we dive into the four pillars of a strong marriage taken from the best-selling book "Marriage On The Rock" by Jimmy Evans. These keys are taken directly from Scripture and are pivotal if you want a thriving relationship. Enjoy. 

Join us for a discussion on Dr. Gary Chapman's latest book, *The Five Apology Languages*. We'll explore each of the apology languages and how they can help us navigate failures in our marriages. We’ll also touch on the topic of forgiveness. Enjoy!

Join us as we dive into Willard Harley's best-selling marriage book, His Needs Her Needs. We'll cover the five core needs of each spouse and how his findings relate to our own marriages. Enjoy!

Conflict is meant for connection. It's the opportunity to turn "me" into "we." But the key is in how we handle it. Join us as we talk about a research-backed four-part process on how to manage conflict in a way that joins us together rather than tears us apart.  

Enjoy. 

Did you know the best marriages have a certain level of fear in the relationship? In today's episode, we dive into two types of fear and four practical ways to cultivate healthy fear so your marriage will thrive. Enjoy!

In today's busy world, we must be proactive about spending time with each other. Time is our greatest treasure, and "where your treasure is, your heart will be also." Join us as we discuss five places to find more time! 

Enjoy

Every couple experiences conflict, and how you handle it can make or break your relationship. In today's episode, we dive into the five approaches to conflict and how to choose the right one at the right time. Enjoy!

Join us as we dive into a familiar story in the Bible to discover three powerful keys to a deeper connection with your spouse. Taken from Matthew 3, we're going to look at three things God did to draw His Son close to Him and how it relates to marriage. 

Enjoy!

Join us as we share five keys from the story of Mary and Joseph to help us build strong marriages. We know them as the earthly parents of Jesus, but their lives show us powerful secrets to success in relationships. 

Enjoy!

What do you want to accomplish in your marriage? In today's episode, we'll dive into three powerful questions that will help you achieve that goal. At the end we'll throw in a fun exercise to help lock it in. Enjoy. 

In life, games are about winners and losers. The problem is, when it comes to relationships, if you choose to play games both people lose. Why? Because in marriage the win is the relationship!  

Join us as we dive into nine games we can play in our relationships and how to stay out of those silly little games!

Enjoy. 

Better communication leads to a better marriage. And becoming a better listener is the key to being a good communicator. In today's episode, we dive into four key questions to create an environment of emotional safety so you can become a better listener. 

Enjoy!

The TERA quotient is a concept used to gauge and improve the quality of relationships, particularly in professional settings, but it can be applied to personal relationships as well. Backed by neuroscience, the TERA quotient can improve the dynamics of marriage, leading to more effective communication, stronger connections, and greater mutual respect.

Enjoy!

Join us as we explore four common mistakes couples make when trying to communicate under stress. We'll dive into each one, backed by research, and then share practical strategies on what to do instead. Enjoy!

Did you know that God is not all that you need? He didn't design you that way. He created you to need others. In this episode we'll tackle two core needs we all have and how our spouse is the primary one who God uses to meet those needs.

God made you for relationship.  As such, you have inborn needs to draw you close to your spouse. Join us as we tackle two core relational needs that draw you to each other.

Enjoy.

P.S. If you haven't taken our free 5-Day Marriage Challenge, you can join the fun HERE. 

Did you know your brain subconsciously asks two questions each time you interact with another person? In today's episode, we're going to dive into these two questions and how they can positively impact your marriage. 

Thanks to the research of Dr. Chip Dodd, we have plenty to talk about in this episode!  Enjoy. 

Over 40 years of research by the good folks at Prepare Enrich have revealed five keys that make the happiest marriages. Tune in as we dive into each of them. 

Enjoy. 

Ever felt a stalemate when it came to thinking of stuff to talk about with your spouse? Today's episode will cure you of that! Join us as we dive into specific questions you can ask your spouse that will help you connect on a deep level.

And, as promised on the pod, here are a list of the questions:

Before you talk, here are some questions to ask yourself about your spouse:  

• What is going on?
• What are they feeling? 
• What are they thinking? 

Five Questions to ask one time: 

• What things do I do (or can I do) to make you feel most loved? 
• What activity do we do that you cherish the most and why? 
• What is something romantic I’ve done for you that you liked? 
• What three things have we done in our marriage that you’re most proud of? 
• What do I do that’s the biggest turn-on to you?

Five Questions to ask every week: 

• On a scale of 1-10, how connected do you feel to me and why?  
• How are things going between you and the kids? 
• How are things going between you and your friends? 
• How are you feeling overall? (“what” are you feeing?) 
• What has the Lord been speaking to you? 

Join us and our close friends, Trent and Amy Pruett, missionaries in the Philippines, as we discuss how they manage to run a growing ministry and full-time business while thriving in their relationship. 

You'll enjoy this podcast as it gives practical takeaways you can apply in your marriage today. 

Did you know the fire you once felt in your marriage doesn't have to die down or even simmer? You can and should keep it burning hot! This episode will dive into the building blocks of romance and the three keys to ignite the flame once again. 

Enjoy! 

To thrive in your marriage, shift your focus from tallying points in your relationship to building a winning connection with your spouse. In this episode, we'll share three essential strategies to help you make this shift. 

Enjoy!

Do you want to know your spouse better? How about deepening your understanding of yourself? Today's episode will help you do just that. We're going to ask you one powerful question that will draw you close to your spouse and open your eyes to who you were made to be!

We call this "The HERO Journey." It's going to bless your life and marriage in a big way.  

Enjoy. 

Have you ever been lost in a conversation with someone and totally lost track of time? You enjoy it so much. Why? Subconsciously, you are connecting with them, and God made us for connection. In this episode we dive into the research behind what makes "super communicators" and how we can emulate their practices in marriage. 

Enjoy. 

We were created for oneness with our spouse. The question is, how do we practically do it? Today's episode will give you three keys to drawing close and staying close to your spouse so you can experience a marriage that will last. 

Enjoy.

The healthiest marriages are emotionally intelligent marriages. And the key to emotional intelligence is self-awareness. Join us as we discuss the three levels of self-awareness and how you can walk through each level to strengthen your marriage. 

Enjoy! 

One of our greatest needs is emotional connection. Harnessed properly, emotions can draw you together in a deep and powerful way. Today's episode is all about helping you do just that. Join us as we share three keys to emotional connection built upon a Biblical and scientific framework. 

Enjoy!

If you want to magnetize your spouse to you, this episode is a "must-listen." We're going to share two powerful questions that will put you in a frame of mind to draw your spouse close and connect you emotionally. 

Enjoy!

Join us as we discuss six key marriage habits we've discovered that have drawn us closer and helped us turn conflict into connection. Based on proven research, these six keys can revolutionize your marriage!

Join us as we dive into a little brain science that shows the power of our right-brain and how it is wired to run on four key things. These four keys are pillars that will support and strengthen your marriage when you apply them to your relationship.  

Enjoy!

Intimacy is to be fully known and fully accepted. God made us for intimacy - both with Himself and with others. In marriage, intimacy is the lifeblood of your relationship. But it's hard. Why? Because intimacy reveals insecurity. 

In today's episode, we dive into the topic of insecurity and give three keys on how to overcome it. You'll enjoy this Valentine's Day edition as we tackle a difficult issue that we all face. 

Enjoy.  And ...HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Today's episode is all about how to properly manage conflict and a 3-part grid we've learned that has helped us overcome conflict in our own marriage. 

It's built upon the foundation that conflict is meant for connection - it’s God’s way of turning you from “me” into “we.” This mindset will help you w/any conflict. 

Join us as we share this unique grid that can help you work through any conflict!

This episode is sure to blow your hair back, especially if you're a wife! We dive deep into the meaning of the phrase "helper suitable" and the powerful implications it has on the role of a woman in marriage. Taken from the context of creation and attaching a new spin on relationship dynamics, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and excited about your marriage. 

Join us in this fun and interesting deep-dive into the world of female identity. This podcast is a "must listen" for wives to understand their true identities and husbands to grasp the powerful role your wife has in your own identity. 

Enjoy!

Each year we ask God to give us a word for the following year. This year God gave us two words (well, technically four, but who's counting?). Today, we're gonna share those words with you and how you can use them to help build and grow your relationship. 

Enjoy

Today we're going to dive into Attachment Theory and how we can apply it to our marriage. Recent studies have shown how your primary attachments early in life dictate the strength of your attachments later in life, but how we can each grow to deeper levels of connection by simply being aware of our attachment style. 

Attachment is defined as "a deep and enduring emotional bond between two people in which each seeks closeness and feels more secure when in the presence of the other.”

Attachment Theory is a set of principles regarding how people attach with others in relationships. Coined by psychologist John Bowlby in 1969, he states that when we form our primary attachment, we also make a mental representation of what a relationship is, which we then use for all other relationships in the future i.e., friendships, working, and romantic relationships.

We look forward to jumping in and discovering what we can learn about attachment and how it can help us connect deeper with our spouse. 

You cannot be the spouse or parent God made you to be if you are not physically well. Today's episode focuses on the importance of exercise and nutrition in your marriage and how suffering together draws you together when you choose to focus on your physical fitness as a couple. 

Plus, we're going to share nine keys to a healthy lifestyle from an expert coach. 

Enjoy!  

P.S. If you haven't gotten your copy of our latest book, Marriage A To Z, grab one HERE!

We often take for granted the importance of being kind to our spouse. But recent research has shown the power that simple kindness has on your physical, mental, emotional, and relational health. In this episode, we're going to talk about three aspects of kindness, the brain science behind it, and the four building blocks to becoming a kinder person. 

Enjoy!

Your childhood was the university of your relationships. How you thought and what you believed as a child plays into the way you respond as an adult. In today's episode, Tori will dissect the nine types of childhood messages and dissect the fears and desires they are built upon. 

Your inner child is still speaking. Shining a light on this subconscious voice will make sure it does not sabotage your marriage!

Enjoy. 

If you haven't gotten your copy of our newest and best-selling book Marriage A To Z, grab your copy HERE. 

Join us in this fun episode where we dive into three research-backed signs that reveal you have a strong marriage. These three relational traits ensure that your friendship is deep and your bond is strong. You'll like this one. 

And if you haven't purchased a copy of our newest book, Marriage A To Z, you can pick up a copy HERE. It's a 30-Day devotional designed to strengthen your connection with your spouse. 

Your marriage is the most valuable asset you have, and you need to protect it like you would a priceless treasure. In today's episode, we're going to dive into priorities and how to wrap boundaries around them, as well as three key boundaries that will keep your marriage healthy and thriving. 

Enjoy.  

Oh, and if you haven't grabbed a copy of our newly released book, Marriage A to Z, grab your copy HERE. 

A fully formed marriage is the result of two fully formed brains! If you want to experience health and wholeness in your life, marriage, and family, you must tap into the power of two-brained thinking.

Based on a powerful book on the subject, we dive into the difference between the left-brain and the right-brain and the two key components that lead to health in every aspect of our lives and relationship.

This episode is a must-listen as we learn how to experience joy in everyday life.

Enjoy. 

And if you haven't gotten our most recent book yet, Marriage A to Z, you can grab your copy HERE. 

Everybody has needs that must be met. How you go about getting them met is what this episode is all about. Join us as Tori dives deep into three key "stances" we all take to get our needs met and how we typically lean to one more than the others. 

Building on the foundation of emotional intelligence, these three key stances will help you understand yourself and your spouse in a much deeper way. 

Enjoy. 

• Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received.  
• Thankfulness is the desire to express that feeling.   
• Thanksgiving is following through on that desire.   

In marriage, each spouse has a core need. Ephesians 5 tells us that women need love and men need respect. Put in plain terms, women need to be prioritized and men need to be admired. If a husband shows his wife she's his #1 priority, she will feel loved. If a wife admires her husband, he will feel loved. 

Today's episode dives into one of our favorite books on marriage - Love & Respect by Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs. We will discuss these two core needs in marriage and the three cycles couples can find themselves in as they meet or "don't meet" these needs. 

Enjoy. 

What do you do when you are giving your 100% best to strengthen your marriage but your spouse isn't on the same page? 

That's the question we're going to answer on today's episode. Taken from Tori's own journey through this same issue, we will share three keys to winning your spouse even when your spouse doesn't think there's an issue. 

Enjoy!

Your marriage will move in the direction of your strongest thoughts. Recognizing that your thinking will naturally gravitate toward the negative is the backdrop to today's episode as we show you how to keep your thinking on the positive side so that you can experience relational strength. 

Using Craig Groeshel's best-selling book "Winning The War In Your Mind" we'll dive into how winning the battle in your mind is the secret to winning the heart of your spouse. 

And, if you want to dive deeper, jump over to the Beauty In Battle Bootcamp and take our course that will help you change your thinking to transform your relationship. 

Today's episode is based on a great book by the same title "The Four Habits Of A Joy-Filled Marriage" and how you can experience joy in your marriage by incorporating four simple habits into your daily life. 

Built on the foundation that love is all about attachment, the authors show us that the more joy you build into your marriage the more you’ll feel in love.

It's loaded with brain science and all the latest research on what makes couples tick. 

So join us as we discuss these powerful habits and ways we can use them in our relationships. 

Enjoy!

Today's episode is taken from 1 Samuel 25 where a woman named Abigail shows us five keys to calling out the best in our spouse. She did it with her soon-to-be-husband, King David, and it literally magnetized him to her. 

You won't want to miss this one. Enjoy!

Today's episode is a fun one - we're joined by Jason's twin brother, David, and his wife Lori to talk about all things marriage and family. They've been married for 25 years, have five kids together, and own multiple businesses. We dive deep into the best advice they have for married couples and the parenting best-practices they've used to raise five children who all love Jesus. 

A few highlights: 

• Learn their #1 marriage habit that keeps their relationship strong. 
• Discover the "cone method" for parenting that ensures the greatest outcome for kids. 
• How to balance work/life issues. 
• The key to unlocking intimacy. 
• How to handle conflict "shoulder-to-shoulder" to ensure deeper connection. 
• and a lot more...

Enjoy! 

Research shows that arguments over small, nagging things happen as often as 312 times a year for the average married couple. The little stuff, if not managed properly, can ultimately damage your relationship. 

A small conflict can blow up into a big one if you don’t pay attention to these little things. 

In this episode, we share the two keys you need to stop conflict before it starts, as well as a research-backed exercise that will help you alleviate the damage of all the little things that can cause perpetual conflict. 

Enjoy! 

Today's episode is a special one because we get to interview our own mentors, Scott & Beth Volk. For the last 20+ years, we have watched these two pour themselves into their ministry while falling deeper in love with each other and raising mature, Jesus-loving kids.  And anytime we've needed advice, they're always a phone call away. 

Here's a sneak peek at some of the topics we cover: 

• How hospitality and loving others will draw you close in marriage
• The importance of being positive in the midst of conflict 
• Why using “I” statements is the best way to communicate your needs 
• How to elevate relationships over rules in parenting
• How a spirit of simple niceness disarms your spouse 
• The power of desire - if you “want” good kids you can have them 
• How listening unlocks your children and draws them close to you 
• The power of an apology when you’ve messed up 

Tune in and listen to these two all-stars share some of the best marriage and parenting advice you'll hear. 

Enjoy. 

Dr. John Gottman, the foremost researcher in all things marriage, and he's discovered four characteristics evident in all marriages that fail. He calls them the "Four Horsemen" of the Apocolypse, and if these four qualities are not dealt with quickly and properly the end of the relationship is inevitable.

Fortunately, there's an antidote - four of them, to be precise. And in this episode, we're going to discuss all four. You won't want to miss this timely and valuable conversation on how to counteract the Four Horseman that can ruin your relationship.

Enjoy. 

p.s. If you haven't taken our free 5-Day Challenge you can join us HERE. 

What do you want to accomplish in your life and marriage? Whatever it is, it will be impossible apart from systems. A system is a series of steps to help you achieve a desired result. If it works in business, it can work in your relationship! 

That's what today's episode is all about - helping you create systems in your marriage that will help you achieve what you desire. We start w/two powerful questions: 

• WHAT DO YOU WANT? 
• WHAT PROBLEMS ARE YOU HAVING? 

Once you answer these questions, it's time to wrap systems around your marriage so you can achieve what God has designed for you. 

Enjoy!

When you were dating you probably heard someone say, "You guys bring out the best in each other." But what does that really mean? And how do you know if you're actually doing it? 

That's what this episode is all about. Building off a marriage blog we recently read, we're going to share 8 ways that reveal you are bringing the best out of each other. 

Enjoy! 

In today's episode we're going to dive into the five core human needs and how they all pivot on our #1 core human need - Security.

Security answers the question, "Who can I trust?"

All relationships move at the speed of trust. But what does it mean to be a trustworthy person? And how do you practically work on the trust factor in your marriage?

That's what this episode is all about. We're going to share with you three keys to trustworthy behavior and how you can become someone with whom your spouse feels secure.

Enjoy!

p.s. If you haven't take our free 5-Day Challenge, join us HERE.  If you haven't read our book, check it out HERE. 

Did you know the divorce rate in America has steadily declined in the last 20 years? We didn't either! But that prompted Success Magazine to write an article on marriage and the eight traits that make relationships strong. 

Check out today's episode as we dive into each of them!

We can honestly say, of all the podcasts we've ever done, this one BY FAR takes the cake (or pretzel, if you prefer!). If you've ever eaten an Auntie Anne's pretzel you know how incredibly delicious they are. But what you might not know is the incredible love story that lead to its inception.

The story you're about to hear is a story of passion, loss, betrayal, forgiveness, and transformation that will leave you on the edge of your seat! You're going to hear how God's miraculous power working in a marriage that was poised to fail ushered in the events that lead to the greatest pretzel franchise the world has ever known.

Please, grab your spouse and favorite beverage and settle in for a story that's sure to leave an impression on you for the rest of your life.

Enjoy!

P.S. If you haven't taken our free 5-Day Marriage Challenge, join us HERE.

P.S.S. Auntie Anne's new cookbook "Come To The Table" is available HERE. 

Did you know that it's your responsibility to take care of your spouse emotionally? 

The marriages that succeed feel compelled to take care of each other's feelings.

This means you have to be in tune with your spouse to know how they’re feeling. 

In this episode, we're going to dive into what it means to be sensitive to your spouse and the two key questions you have to ask yourself every day to make sure you are being the sensitive partner God made you to be. The result is a deeper connection with the person to whom you've dedicated your life!

Enjoy. 

Remember when you were dating how attracted you were to each other and how you could talk for hours on end only to feel like the time flew by?  But then you got married and the things you once loved about didn't seem so loveable anymore.

One of the biggest problems in marriage is that we stop being captivated by our spouse. But there's a secret to staying captivated, and it's built on the understanding that God wants you to be captivated by your spouse and has given you the power to do it - you just have to tap into it.

That's what we're going to do in this episode. We'll define captivation and give you the key to tapping into its power. Based on Proverbs 5 where Solomon encourages young husbands to "...always be captivated by her love," we'll dive deep into why we lose our relational zeal so easily and how we can keep it alive and growing.

Enjoy.

p.s. If you haven't taken our free 5-Day Marriage Challenge, you can take it HERE.  

To really connect with your spouse, your lives have to INTERSECT! This allows you to move from ME to WE. We've heard it said, "Compatibility does not lead to a successful marriage - connectedness does!"

While independence is worthy to be celebrated, we have to understand that when it comes to marriage interdependence is much more important. Why? Because interdependence brings strength and meaning to your relationship.

In this episode we'll dive into the power of interdependence and four ways you can grow in this vital area of your marriage.

Enjoy

Have you taken our free 5-Day Marriage Challenge yet? If not, click HERE and join us!

Did you know that you can grow the romantic aspect of your relationship?  In this episode we're going to dive into the three aspects of romantic love and how you can grow in each. 

We'll also explore how to unlock your five senses to get the most out of your relationship. Spoiler alert - it may mean you need to stop wearing cologne/perfume!!!

Enjoy!

The Greeks are smarter than we are. At least, that's what it feels like! Today we're talking about the six types of love the ancient Greek philosophers talked about and how you can grow stronger in each one.  

Applied to our marriages, these six types of love cover the full array of relational bonding and will draw you close to your spouse. 

Enjoy!

Did you know one of the best ways to grow your attraction for your spouse is through an attitude of endearment? And when you do, the things you could easily criticize will become cute?

In today's episode, we're going to share five steps (our "terms of endearment") for growing an attitude of endearment toward your spouse where attraction and affection are the norms in your relationship.

Enjoy!

Oh, and if you haven't taken our free 5-Day Marriage Challenge, jump in HERE. 

Today we're talking about the recent findings of an 85-year-old study called "The Harvard Study of Adult Development" which shows the #1 characteristics of adults who experience the happiest, most fulfilling lives. As the oldest ongoing study in history, it's discovery on what makes the healthiest and happiest people is mind-blowing. Spoiler alert - it has something to do with relationships! 

Tune in and find out. 

Does your spouse spend a lot of time scrolling on their smartphone? Mindless scrolling is a problem for millions. It’s become a leading obstacle to intimacy. 

Why? Because it violates the law of Priority. 

Our #1 asset/gift is our TIME.  A scroll session takes away that time and is subconsciously received as a lack of priority. 

In today's episode, we're going to share the science behind distraction addiction and five keys to stopping the scroll to connect with our spouse!

Enjoy

Did you know that most conflict in marriage cannot be resolved? You and your spouse are two different people, so resolving perpetual issues isn't the right way to think about it. In marriage, we need to be thinking about managing conflict more than resolving it.

When you learn how to properly manage conflict, the very fight that once tore you apart now draws you together. 

Today, we're doing to talk about four keys to manage conflict to draw us closer rather than tear us apart. 

Enjoy.

Today is our final installment in our series "The Neuroscience of Connection." In this episode we'll dive into the various aspects of forgiveness and show you the power it has in your relationship. 

We'll also give you a different angle in which to view forgiveness, one in which you might not have thought of before. 

A marriage built on forgiveness is a powerful marriage. This episode will help you do it. 

How you think determines what you say and how you act. Ultimately, how you think determines how you love. Nothing could be more important in your marriage than cleaning up your thoughts.

In today's episode, we're going to dive into nine different negative thinking patterns that sabotage relationships, along with five keys that will set you free in your mind and bond you to your spouse.

Based on Dr. Amen's best-selling book, "You Happier," this episode will dive deep into the most important component of your marriage - how you "think" about your spouse and relationship.

And if you haven't taken our free 5-day marriage challenge, you can join us HERE. 

Time is not just a way to discover the hour of the day, it's also a way to bond you closely in marriage.  We often thing quality time is the most important. While it's true, it also holds that quantity time is just as vital if you want a thriving relationship.

In today's episode, we're diving into the 5th installment of our series on the Neuroscience of Connection to focus on the value of TIME in marriage. We'll look at six keys to spending quality time together and how we can make sure our "special" time together is maximized to the fullest.

Enjoy.

P.S. If you haven't taken our free 5-day marriage challenge, jump in HERE. 

Let's talk about the value of being assertive in marriage. Before we do, here are a few definitions of assertive:  

“The quality of being self-assured and confident without being aggressive to defend a right point of view or a relevant statement.”

"A life skill that involves being able to express your thoughts and feelings in a confident, polite, and reasonable way.”

Assertiveness in relationship is all about needs - meeting those of your spouse, and expressing those of yourself. 

Dive into this episode and we'll talk about five keys to becoming more assertive in your marriage. 

We're in week three of our deep dive into the Neuroscience of Connection, and today we'll be talking about the power of communication. 

We've heard it said that "in the absence of communication, negativity fills the void." In marriage, the lack of communication is the death-bell for your relationship.  So today, we'll be talking about the number one characteristic of good communication:

Becoming an active listener!

We're going to show you the eight typical bad habits of poor communicators, as well as the seven keys to becoming an active listener to strengthen communication.

You guys will like this one!  Enjoy.

If you haven't taken our 5-Day marriage challenge, or grabbed a copy of our book, you can do both by clicking HERE. 

We're in Week 2 of our discussion on the neuroscience of connection (based on the book, "You Happier" book by Dr. Amen). We're talking about the eight keys to staying deeply connected to your spouse, and answering the question, "Am I reinforcing the behaviors I like or dislike in my spouse?" 

Last week we talked about the importance of taking responsibility in your marriage. This week we're talking about empathy. We're going to show you the latest research on empathy - how it develops and how we can grow it in - and how 90% of marital conflict is resolved when both partners are empathetic toward each other. 

And we'll wrap it up with 5 Keys to Growing in Empathy. 

Enjoy!

Oh, and if you haven't taken our 5-Day Marriage Challenge join us HERE! 

We get jazzed about all the new research that's coming out on the brain and how our thoughts affect every aspect of our life, especially our relationships. In this episode, we're going to dive into the latest studies that show how marriages can be enhanced by understanding how our brains work. 

We'll be looking at Dr. Amen's recent book "YOU HAPPIER" and dive deep on the eight aspects of brain activity that can strengthen your marriage. 

You're going to like this one! Enjoy!

As a married couple, you were made to energize each other. In today's episode, we'll discuss exactly how you can do it. We'll share the two key components that lay the foundation and the three characteristics that follow - all of which are qualities that God exhibits in His own nature. When we apply them to our marriage, great things happen! 

Enjoy.

We've got good news - you don't have to top fighting in marriage! Actually, fighting together will draw you together when you learn to do it the right way. 

In today's podcast, we're going to take a look at the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (coined by Dr. John Gottman) - four things that will destroy your relationship. But we're also going to share four keys to keep these evil destroyers far away. 

We're going to dive into some serious research-based information that will shine a light on conflict in marriage and ways to help you turn conflict and quarrels into passion and purpose. 

Join us as we interview our good friends, Zach and Andi Wooldridge, and they share how they've been able to balance a growing family, make it through a crazy military life, and manage a hectic schedule all while growing closer to each other in the process. 

Zach and Andi are a part of our Beauty In Battle Marriage Mentorship program, and today they're going to share some of the keys they've discovered that have helped them draw together in the midst of strain and struggle rather than grow apart. 

Both are entrepreneurs, which means they are natural fighters with crazy amounts of ambition. Yet they've discovered how to leverage their strengths in the midst of trying times in order to grow closer to each other and their kids at the same time. 

Go grab a cup of Joe and tune in!

We're excited about this special Valentine's Day edition of our podcast, as we've brought on an amazing couple who is a part of our Beauty In Battle Marriage Mentorship program.

Tanner and Brittany Hoyt are former college athletes who got married, lived the dream life for almost five years, then moved away for business while having kids at the same time. They moved from Easy Street to Sesame Street and found themselves trying to hold on to their ever-increasing chaotic life.

But they figured out how to manage it all and grow closer at the same time. Tune in to hear their story and the practical things they've done to strengthen their relationship while managing a hectic schedule.

Also, we're excited to announce the release of our free 5-Day Marriage Challenge. This challenge will give you five keys to strengthen your connection in marriage and will help you understand your spouse in a brand new way. Lots of people are joining, so click HERE to join the fun!

Who doesn't want a great sex life in marriage? Research shows the healthiest marriages are those who report having healthy, fulfilling, and frequent sexual engagement. 

In this episode, we dive into an online study of 70,000 people in 24 countries that revealed 13 keys to great sex. The researchers were curious about what might be different about couples who said that they had a great sex life, compared to couples who said that they had a bad sex life. 

Here's their findings - Couples who have a great sex life everywhere on the planet are doing the same set of things. Couples who do not have a great sex life everywhere on the planet are not doing these things.

So let's figure out what those things are! 

Huey Lewis sang about it. So did Celine Dion. But the power of love is not about the emotional pull we feel when we love another person. It actually carries intense spiritual and biological power that gives us strength beyond our normal capacity. 

In today's episode, we tackle the deeper meaning of "love" and how it can literally transform your genes when you are in a loving relationship with another person. 

We'll also show you what this looks like in a marriage back in Bible days - how love gave strength to do things beyond normal physical strength. 

Dive in! 

Last week we talked about best practices in marriage and gave seven things couples can do to help strengthen their marriage. This week we decided to bring on some friends of ours who model many healthy marriage habits that have allowed them to embrace a busy life while growing close together at the same time. 

Tune in and learn how laughing together draws you together, how to use celebration as a tool to draw you close, why communication is the lifeblood of relationship, and the number one way to assure success in your relationship.

Join us and our pals, Steven and April Stinson, as we dive into the things they do that's helped establish a healthy marriage culture in their home. 

April owns her own business. Steven is a pastor. Needless to say, these two are busy. But they have found a way to stay close amidst the chaos and have some great advice to help others do the same. 

Enjoy! 

One of the best things you can do if you want to accomplish a goal is to find others who have achieved what you would like to achieve and ask what some of their best practices are. This allows you to glean from their knowledge bank and apply it to your own situation. 

That's what we do in this podcast. We discuss seven "best practices" that we have learned from others and have applied in our own relationship and found them to be worthy of the title. 

Enjoy!

You want a strong marriage, right?  Well, the book of Philippians has some timely advice on how to make that happen. 

In this episode, we're going to dive into seven characteristics from Paul's letter to the Philippians and how his way of relating to them is a great example for us to relate to our spouse. 

Even though the dude wasn't married, what we can learn from the way he writes to this church will help our relationships immensely! 

Enjoy!

A dream written down is a goal. A goal broken down is a plan. 

While this is true in every aspect of life, one of the areas which we often fail to have goals is in our marriage. So in this episode, we're going to talk about three specific goals that will help you connect deeper with your spouse. 

These three goals, when applied consistently, will foster the most healthy environment for your marriage to flourish. 

Happy new year!

Before oneness in marriage, you need two-ness - two healthy individuals to make up one healthy marriage. But it's not always so easy, especially when the chaos of life hits.

In this episode, we're going to look at four powerful questions you can ask yourself to help you become the best version of yourself.

When you're the best you individually, you can be the best us relationally. 

Enjoy. 

Intimacy is to "be fully known and fully accepted." God wants us to be intimate with Him, and He gives us the recipe on how to do it. 

The same way we connect with God we can connect with our spouse. And when we do, we'll experience a deep level of intimacy. 

But to be fully known you have to be willing to be vulnerable.  To open yourself up so your spouse can "see it all." 

However, vulnerability must be met with safety in order for a spirit of full disclosure to take place.

That's what we talk about in this episode. We share three keys for creating a "safe space" for vulnerability that will help you strengthen your intimacy in marriage and deepen your connection.  

Enjoy!

On January 2nd every year, divorce attorneys and marriage counselors are overwhelmed with new business.  January is often referred to as “Divorce Month.” 

Why? Because the chaos of the Holidays puts added stress on already unstable relationships. 

So what can you do to make sure this doesn’t happen to your relationship? 

That's what this episode is all about. We're going to give you four keys to connect this Christmas even in the midst of all the chaos! 

Let's dive in!

Every relationship is about connection. But what do you do when you're disconnected? How can you connect once again and stay connected? 

That's what this episode is all about. We're going to share a secret that will keep you connected without a trace of disconnection. 

And the beauty is, it's so easy and fun! 

Tune in as we share this relational secret. And we'll even share with you our story of how we got engaged - it involved candlelight and a little "foot washing" ceremony (no joke!).  

See you in there!

Your presence is the greatest present you can give your spouse! But it's not easy, especially in a day when technology and busy schedules saps our focus and pushes us to the point of mental exhaustion. 

So what do we do?  We can just give up and slide into a relational comfort zone or we can stop what we're doing, take control and do something about it. 

That's what we talk about in today's podcast. We're going to talk about two important keys to experiencing presence in your marriage and five practical steps to stay that way. 

Enjoy

Before oneness in marriage, there's "two-ness." You have to be individually healthy before you can be relationally healthy. The second greatest commandment echoes this when we're told to love others (our spouse) "as we love ourselves."

A healthy life is the foundation for a healthy marriage.

In today's episode, we brought in an expert to show us how  we can be the best version of ourselves by thriving in our body, mind, and spirit.

A former middle school teammate with Jason, Dr. John Skelton has worked more than 20 years as an Emergency Room doctor. After seeing thousands of patients struggling with perpetual problems, he started his own Lifestyle Medical practice that focuses on holistic health - mind, body, spirit.

Tune in and find out what causes anxiety and what you can do about it, how to reverse diabetes, how hormonal levels play a role in everything, and a surprising three-step plan to deal with the stress in your life.

God wants you to be the healthiest version of yourself. Every part of you is linked - if one part is sick then it affects every other part, including your closest relationships. Listen to Dr. John as he dives deep to help you get healthy.

You can learn more about Dr. Skelton's virtual lifestyle medical practice by clicking HERE. 

Have you ever gotten into an argument with your spouse and you felt like you were getting nowhere? We never have. Ok, so that's a lie. 

In those moments when you feel as though you're at an impasse, there's a surprising solution that will be uber-helpful for you.  

Tune in to check it out. 

There are two types of marital conflict - the kind that can be resolved and the kind you have to live with. 

Solvable conflict relates to a specific situation or behavior. Unsolvable conflict is more about personality differences and underlying issues. 

Most conflict falls into the unsolvable category. But you don’t have to resolve these marital conflicts in order to thrive.
 
Dr. John Gottman, a world-famous psychotherapist, said that after 40 years of research he found that using humor to be one of the best ways for couples to calm themselves in the midst of a fight.

Humor isn't just good for your marriage, it's proven to be beneficial to your physical body as well. 

In this episode, we'll dive into the power of laughter in your relationship and how we discovered it in the midst of a fight outside our County Fair! 

Enjoy. 

Did you know that Google spent millions of dollars on a research project that revealed the #1 characteristic of the best teams in their business?  The good news for us is that their findings can help you immensely in your marriage. 

Dive in to find out what in the world we're talking about!

Every couple wants and needs peace in their relationship in order to become all that God designed them to be. But it can oftentimes be difficult to get there. 

In today's episode, we'll tackle five keys that will lead to peace in your personal and relational life, that ultimately leads to a marriage laced with tranquility.  

Based on Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, we'll dive into how the peace of God is determined by our peace with others and the practical ways we can get it. 

If that sounds like music to your ears, listen in. 

Wanna learn more about our marriage coaching program? Click HERE

Have you read our book?  If not, you can grab a copy HERE

Did you know that buried emotions never die? They show up in the strangest places and at the most random times often wreaking havoc on our closest relationships. Insecurities from the past, doubts about the future, fear of failure, overwhelming self-consciousness - all of these and more can creep their way into your marriage and hold you back from becoming the vibrant couple God made you to be. 

In today's episode, we'll dive into the two keys to properly dealing with emotions from the past so they won't hold you back in your present and how they can actually become springboards for your future. We'll look at a prophet in the Old Testament, how he helped one of his buddies get to the source of his problem and how he aligned himself with the supernatural. 

Our culture rewards people for "holding things together" when they go through tough situations. But doing so can damage you emotionally if you don't properly deal with the stuff you felt while you went through it. Even worse, if you hold onto it for too long, the weight will be too much to bear. 

But it doesn't have to be this way. You can thrive emotionally and flourish relationally if you know how to get to the root. Dive in and let's do this together!

Oh, and Tori is finally going to share her world-famous "ranger cookie" recipe. You won't want to miss that. 

p.s. We think you'll like our song choice for this week. Epic love song!

Every human being was created to connect with others. This is even more so the case in marriage. But disconnection is the natural tendency in our sin-fallen world.

However, there is a way to connect on a deeper level with your spouse - and it starts with being emotionally intelligent about where to look.

In this episode, Tori will share three core "stances" we take to meet our needs and how understanding the one we predominately rely on is the key to connecting deeper with our spouse.

Enjoy!

You can learn more about Jason and Tori and their marriage coaching program HERE. 

God created you and your spouse to operate in very specific roles within your relationship. So long as you stay in your proper lane, all is well. But the minute one or both of you move outside your role, or even worse - you switch roles - it could be devastating to your marriage.

Listen in as our familiar guests Eric and Rachel Beck talk about the roles we were designed to play, how we can function within those roles, and how to encourage your spouse when he/she is not operating within the role for which they were designed.

Speaking of rolls, Tori knows how to make some serious sourdough bread. Oh wait, that's the wrong kind of role! 

Want to know more about Beauty In Battle? Check out our site HERE. 

Did you know that married couples who pray together are 90% more likely to report higher satisfaction in their sex life than couples who don't pray together?

Call us crazy, but we've discovered that incorporating prayer in our marriage does way more than simply increase physical satisfaction - it draws us together unlike anything else can.

Why? Because all truly healthy marriages involve three people - husband, wife, and God. When you bring God into your relationship great things happen.

God is your Father, so He knows what you need more than you do. But He's also your Father-in-Law - He knows what your spouse needs. Better yet, He will give you the keys to their heart if you'll simply take time to listen to Him.

That's what this episode is all about - how to incorporate prayer into our marriage and how to leverage it's power in our relationship.

We'll wrap up with three aspects of prayer that all couples need to do every single day.

Enjoy. This one is a fun one.

p.s. Want to work with one of our marriage coaches to incorporate prayer in your life? Click HERE to learn how. 

In this episode we welcome back to our podcast Eric and Rachel Beck. Two of our faves, the Becks dive into some of the best advice you can get on how to establish good culture in your marriage.  There's so much good content in here it's going to blow your hair back (maybe!!).

And Rachel gives her favorite buffalo taco recipe just for kicks!

Enjoy! 

Want to get coached in your marriage? Check out what we have to offer HERE. 

We've all heard that familiarity breeds contempt.  But is that true?

In today's episode, we'll show you a different side of familiarity and how it can help you and hurt you at the same time, and how you can leverage it to your advantage.

Based on a small verse tucked away in Psalms 71, we'll look at the one thing you need to do in order to keep your relational pursuit vibrant.

And, if you hang around, you'll discover how the Roman Colleseum can teach us a thing or two about marriage!

Hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we liked making it!

ps, if you want to learn more about our marriage coaching programs, click HERE. 

When you and your spouse first met, FEELING came before EXPRESSION. You “felt” something before you expressed how you felt.

But then we get married and the chaos of life hits, and  that "lovin feelin" seems to be the last thing on our minds. It's at these moments that we learn a valuable truth - while feeling came before expression before marriage, after marriage expression comes before feeling!

Actions come first!!!

Think about this - you don’t feel healthy and then run three miles do you?  You don't feel healthy and then skip dessert do you? 

No! You run three miles and skip dessert, THEN you feel healthy. Actions first.

In today's episode we're going to look at a small book in the Bible named after a man who drew a tough assignment from God. His name was Hosea, and if there ever was a man who had to learn this lesson it was him. But the miracle of the story is just as true for you and your spouse as it was for him!

Tune in and see what God did through him to show us how we can be wildly attracted to our spouse.

Want to be coached in your marriage, then head over to our site and check out our coaching packages HERE. 

The most important thing you can do in your marriage is learn how to communicate properly to your spouse. Why? Because communication is all about CONNECTION!

When you dated your spouse you had no problem communicating. But then you got married and all of a sudden communicating became hard.

But it doesn't have to stay that way!  In this episode we'll dive into two familiar stories in the Bible that shows the power of communication, and draw out three key elements that are important for us to understand if we're going to connect with our spouse. 

Good communication starts with a clear understanding of three things:

1) You need to understand that God brought you together.
2) You need to understand you and your spouse are wired differently.
3) You need to understand that communication is often difficult.

Need help with your communication? Then join one of our coaching programs. You can learn more HERE. 

Oh, and one more thing - if you listen all the way to the end Tori will let you in on a little food recipe she discovered was a gamechanger for our family! Just for fun!

Today is part 2 of a two-part series on sexual intimacy in marriage.  

Here's a quick sneak peek: 

• The Purpose of sex is intimacy 
• The Product of sex is LIFE 
• That’s why it’s Pleasurable

But when the pleasure overtakes the purpose then you forfeit the product. 

Here are the FOUR KEYS TO GREAT SEX: 

• Rhythm 
• Recognize 
• Relax 
• Reward 

Are you interested in being coached as a couple? We have a new program we just released that we'd love to have you join. You can learn more HERE. 

This is a topic we've been waiting to tackle! In this episode, we are going to share a three-part framework on how to view sex as well as four powerful keys to great sex. 

Can't get any better than that, can it? 

Today is part 1 of a two-part series on sexual intimacy in marriage. 

Here's a quick sneak peek: 

• The Purpose of sex is intimacy 
• The Product of sex is LIFE 
• That’s why it’s Pleasurable

But when the pleasure overtakes the purpose then you forfeit the product. 

Here are the FOUR KEYS TO GREAT SEX: 

• Rhythm 
• Recognize 
• Relax 
• Reward 

Are you interested in being coached as a couple? We have a new program we just released that we'd love to have you join. You can learn more HERE. 

A few weeks ago we had lunch with one of our pastors from church and his wife. The way they interacted with each other was one of the most refreshing and enlightening experiences we've had with a couple. After 22 years of marriage, they are still "madly" in love with each other, love being around one another, all while being in full-throttle parent mode. 

We sat in our car afterward and both agreed - "we're gonna get these two on our podcast, period!" Fortunately, we didn't have to threaten them or anything like that! Ha Ha. 

We finally got them in the studio and had a powerful conversation. All we can say is that you're going to love these two. 

In this episode, Nathan and Tamsey Smith share their story and some very practical marriage advice.  They give several things they do to keep their marriage vibrant.  The first tip they share is something we're going to incorporate in our own marriage immediately!

Enjoy!

Would you like a very simple three-step plan to magnetize your spouse to you? 

In today's episode, that's exactly what we'll tackle. We share three keys that will unlock gridlock in your relationship and put you on a path to thrive. 

But it's not just for hurting couples - healthy couples can (and should) use these same keys to move their relationship forward and make it even better. 

Here's a sneak peek - If you want to magnetize your spouse to you it will involve these three things: 

1) Think 
2) Talk 
3) Touch

Listen in as we dive into the specific ways you can do these things strategically to draw your spouse close to you. 

Don't have our book? Grab it HERE. 

Join us as we share a story about our 12-year-old daughter who was in a traumatic accident that threatened her vision. What we have learned from her during this time has helped us in our own relationship. 

Specifically, little Lundi has shown us three keys for choosing hope in the midst of a trial. Applied to your marriage, these keys are pivotal in keeping your hope anchored on the one unchanging person who has the power to change your relationship for the better. 

Listen in. You'll enjoy this story. 

Never before have we lived busier lives and needed to put safeguards in place to protect ourselves from the stressors that crush our bodies and ruin our relationships. 

In this episode, we're going to talk about the dangers of "busyness" and distraction on our bodies and our marriages. We've learned that the real issue isn’t the increased stress, it's the prolonged release of adrenaline that seeks to alleviate that stress. 

We're going to dive into how our body functions to alleviate stress, and how that very function is the thing that can hurt us if we aren't careful to regulate it.  

Stress is normal and good, but it’s supposed to be TEMPORARY! Elevated stress is like pressing the gas and never letting up! But it doesn't have to be that way. 

We're going to share with you three simple keys that will help you alleviate stress in your own life, help your spouse deal with stress in their life, and how to thrive in your marriage in the midst of a crazy busy world. 

This episode will blow your hair back (assuming you have hair!).  We interviewed some close friends of ours, Eric and Rachel Beck, about how to connect deeper with your spouse by discovering the unconscious emotions that fuel your emotions.

You guys are going to love these two! Eric is a rock-star business coach who's helped thousands of entrepreneurs own their business without it owning them. Rachel is a former model turned wellness coach who's created eight online courses to help women heal from the inside out.

They have been married for going on 25 years, have six boys, and live in Colorado. Our discussion with them will help you immensely if you want to connect with your spouse in ways you never thought you could.

In this episode, you'll learn:

* How to discover the unconscious emotions that fuel your behavior.
* How to spot and deal with emotions that are fueling your spouse.
* Four keys to dealing with conflict that they call "Fight Club Rules."

This episode will bless your socks off, so you might as well grab a cup of coffee, kick back and enjoy this powerful interview with Eric and Rachel Beck.

You can learn more about Rachel's program HERE. 

While in college, our old strength trainer used to say, "You’re only as fast as your slowest leg!" 
In marriage, this means you're only as strong as the weakest partner!

All of us go through times of pain and heartache, struggle and strain. This is one of the reasons God gave us the gift of marriage - we have a built-in helper in our time of need!

The question is, how can we help our spouse when he/she is hurting.

In today's episode we're going to share four keys that will help you unlock your spouse and get them moving onto the path of health.

Enjoy!

If you haven't gotten our book, check it out HERE!

Last week we looked at the power of emotions and how trapped emotions wreak havoc on our bodies, our souls, and our relationships. This week we'll look into some practical steps we can take to process those emotions.

An emotion is tied to what happened to us. A feeling is tied to how we process that emotion. If we don't process our emotions properly, we'll end up with feelings we never should have had.

In this episode we'll discuss three simple steps to process emotions:

* Let it Out
* Let it Go
* Let it Happen

Within each, we'll share some practical steps on how we can do each of these and live in peace and freedom in our own personal lives as well as our marriage.

Please visit us on our website at BeautyInBattle.com

If you haven't read our book, you can get it here. 

Trapped emotions rob us of joy and destroy our relationships, leaving us a shell of the marriage God intended for us. Not only that, they destroy our physical bodies. 

In this episode, we'll take a look at a powerful verse that shows us the importance of exposing hidden emotions and how God can help us get to the bottom of them. 

Psalms 139:23-24 states, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”

David essentially asks God, “Put me in a struggle so I can see what’s going on inside me!” 

God knows what emotions we are feeling, even when we aren't sure ourselves. And He knows the emotions that draw us close and those which pull us away from each other. He wants to help us access the power of emotions and expose them for what they are. 

We'll also discuss the three sources of emotion - inherited, experienced, and projected. 

You will enjoy this episode and the one that follows.

Please visit us on our website at BeautyInBattle.com

If you haven't read our book, you can get it here. 

In this episode, we interview some longtime friends, Denny and Heather Smith, who show us that even a seemingly perfect couple is anything but perfect! Denny and Heather are both on staff at a church in Indiana and they share their powerful story of how they found love in the midst of difficult times early on in marriage. 

Heather also shares her story of how anxiety almost wrecked her life, to a point where she actually wrote out her own funeral service. But God pulled her out of that pit while strengthening her bond with her husband at the same time. 

You'll be encouraged as you listen to their story. 

Tune in and enjoy.  

We live in a time when threats to our relationship are at an all-time high. Marriages are being ripped apart at break-neck speed, and one of the most pressing issues is the threat of an affair. Even the most spiritual leaders among us are falling prey. 

This episode is part 2 of a dive deep into ten principles to affair-proof your marriage. These are simple things we can do to assure our spouse that we'll last the test of time. 

We went from the perspective of what we can do individually to keep ourselves from an affair. And, here's a little spoiler-alert: the first principle is never thinking you're above one!

Listen in to part 2 of how to affair-proof your marriage. 

We live in a time when threats to our relationship are at an all-time high. Marriages are being ripped apart at break-neck speed, and one of the most pressing issues is the threat of an affair. Even the most spiritual leaders among us are falling prey. 

So in this episode and the one that follows we dive deep into ten principles to affair-proof your marriage. These are simple things we can do to assure our spouse that we'll last the test of time. 

We went from the perspective of what we can do individually to keep ourselves from an affair. And, here's a little spoiler-alert: the first principle is never thinking you're above one!

Listen in to part 1 of how to affair-proof your marriage. 

Many of you know that Tori is a certified coach for the Enneagram and Emotional Intelligence, but for those who don’t, well, she is! And in this episode she’s going to dive deep into the three “instinctual subtypes” of the Enneagram. 

Knowing how you behave “instinctively” will help you not only understand yourself but relate to your spouse on a deeper level. 

In short, there are three sub-types (or “instincts”) we all have. They are: 

• Self Preservation - my instinct is mostly about “ME.” 
• Social - my instinct is mostly about “US.” 
• One-to-One - my instinct is mostly about “YOU.” 

Tori will explain each of these more in depth as she dissects me (lucky guy!) on air. Hope you enjoy learning this as much as we did sharing it!

Visit us on the web HERE. 

Grab a copy of Beauty In Battle HERE. 

We all have five core needs: 

1. Security - Who can I trust?
2. Identity - Who am I?
3. Belonging - who wants me?
4. Purpose - why am I alive?
5. Competence - what am I good at?

In today's episode we're going to dive into each of these and show you how God meets those needs in you through your spouse. 

We'll also discuss the core relational need of a husband and the core relational need of a wife and how you can make sure you're meeting those needs on a regular basis.

If you'd like to connect with us visit our website HERE.

If you haven't read our book, you can grab a copy HERE. 

Today we're going to dive into the four stages of parenting and a very simple, practical way we can stay in love while parenting our kids. As any married couple with kids will tell you, it can be a real challenge! 

Our foundation is in Exodus 33 where we see how God parented the Israelites and stayed connected with them at the same time.  

Throughout the book we see the Four stages of parenting:  

    •    1) Babysitter - A babysitter says, “I’ve GOT you!” 

    •    2) Referee - A ref says, “I’ll PUNISH you.”  

    •    3) Coach - A coach says, “I’m FOR you.” 

    •    4) Teammate - A teammate says, “I’m WITH you.” 

KEY: A spirit of HONOR moves our kids through the first three stages to become a teammate. 

The teammate phase is where we truly get to KNOW the person. 

PROBLEM - our kids often move backward through the stages when by their behavior.  And that can threaten our marital bond if we're not careful. Therefore, the key to staying in love while parenting kids is to be on the same page in the same stage with our spouse. 

This episode is all about dating in your marriage. Often times when we get married that's the thing that gets pushed aside because of our busy lives. But it's vitally important if we want to keep our relationship strong and growing. 

We'll discuss three key aspects about dating:   

• DATING IS ABOUT DISCOVERY
• DATING IS ABOUT CONNECTION
• DATING IS ABOUT DREAMING 

We'll also talk about the value of play and the five things it gives you as a couple:  

• Deeper connection
• Positive emotions (cancer breeds on negative emotion) 
• Relational satisfaction 
• Better communication 
• Better problem-solving 

If you want to incorporate dating into your marriage, follow these three steps:  

• 1) Create a dating system 
• 2) Set goals (big and small) 
• 3) Talk about things that matter 

Before two can become one, one needs to be one (a whole person). 

Relational health is born out of individual health. 

Often times in marriage the problem isn’t US - it’s ME. 

The problem we’ll talk about today is FEAR. We're going to show how fear is literally debilitating to your relationship. 

Fear draws us away from those we love. 

Faith draws us toward those we love. 

KEY - God often orchestrates scary situations to prove His power. 

How do we overcome fear?  The same way the angels did in Revelation 12:11: 

• The blood of the Lamb - salvation 
• The power of their testimony - salvation lived out
• Not loving their lives so much as to shrink from death - whatever the cost attitude. 

In marriage, if we can overcome our fear it will unite us to our spouse in a powerful way. But you have to first let your spouse in on your fear. And if they are the ones going through a trial, jump into the struggle with them. 

Your greatest blessings are only found on the other side of your greatest fears! And when you walk through them together, your relationship will grow stronger as a result. 

Today we're talking about THE LOVE LOOP. This is just a fancy term for when spouses are connected and nothing is hindering their relationship. Like your wedding ring - it's fully connected in a perfectly formed loop around your finger. 

Marriage is the same way. And in order to keep that loop secure, we have to excel in the power of GRATITUDE! 

When your spouse does something for you it opens up a half loop.  
Expressing gratitude closes the Love Loop and results in connection. 
Unexpressed gratitude leaves the loop open and results in disconnection. 

The primary factor in emotional and relational health is GRATITUDE.  Why? Because gratitude challenges negative thought patterns.  Negative thinking destroys your brain and your bond to your spouse. 

Gratitude is the social emotion of the brain - it makes you feel attached to the person you’re thankful for.

Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received.   
Thankfulness is the desire to express that feeling.   
Thanksgiving is following through on that desire.    

How to increase gratitude in your relationship:  

1. Pay attention to the little things that you typically take for granted. 
2. Focus on the good that you can be thankful for. 
3. Experience the emotion of gratitude by putting yourself in different shoes.  (If I didn’t have her…what would my life be like if…) 
4. Have a habit of thanking God for your spouse.  (He’s your Father-In-Law)
5. Express, Express, Express your gratitude.  (the more you express the more you’ll want to express) 

The reward for gratitude is presence (Psalms 100:4)  with God & your spouse.

When we first got married we quickly discovered one of the most difficult things to do was to accept each other for who we really are.  Not because we didn't love each other, oh no! But because we discovered certain things we didn't like about each other.

Fortunately, we made it through those early years and learned some powerful keys that helped us along the way.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

* How to be accepting of your spouse
* How to be acceptable to your spouse
* The foundation for acceptance - loving yourself
* Three things God wants you to know about how He feels about you
* How you can show God's love to your spouse
* How to grow in intimacy

Oh, and Tori's jokes are really on point today!

If you want to learn more about Jason and Tori click HERE. 

If you haven't purchased the Beauty in Battle book you can get it HERE. 

George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” 

To strengthen your marriage you have to learn to communicate well. We know it goes without saying, but all-too-often we think we're saying one thing but our spouse hears something completely different.

What do we do in those situations?   How can we learn to communicate in a way where we stay on the same page?

That's what we'll tackle in this episode. We'll talk about how good communication is about giving AND receiving.  And when you learn to do both of those well, you'll be well on your way to a strong relationship.

We'll also share a five-step method we discovered to keep us out of the "misunderstood" zone. We call it our LEARN method, and it will help you strengthen your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

Our good friend, Jon Gordon, says, "In the absence of communication negativity fills the void." That's more true in marriage than in any other relationship. But it doesn't have to be that way. So dive in and let's make sure that never happens to any of us!

Enjoy!

If you'd like to listen to past episodes, click HERE. 

What married couple doesn't have to deal with forgiveness? It's something Tori has to deal with on a regular occasion. HA HA! 

In this episode, we're going to tackle the issue of forgiveness and the danger of unforgiveness, and how unforgiveness in the heart gives someone control over your life. 

We've heard it said, "Refusing to forgive is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die." 

To help us wade through the murky waters of forgiveness, we've broken this episode down into two categories:

* When you've wronged someone, how do you seek forgiveness? 
* When someone has wronged you, how do you grant forgiveness?

When it comes to seeking forgiveness, the Bible gives us a powerful three-step plan for confession and the one thing we have to do if we're going to experience healing in our relationship. It comes from Psalms 51 when King David sinned with Bathsheba.

When it comes to granting forgiveness, we don't believe you can forgive and forget and just move on. We believe that forgiving "as God forgives" looks quite a bit different than what you've probably been taught before.

We'll dissect two specific occasions where Jesus shows us how to deal with a person who's repented and someone who hasn't. You won't want to miss this episode!

So let's dive in!

You can see more episodes and/or get our book on our WEBSITE. 

When you got married you became ONE with your spouse. This gave you the 10x factor! 

But Satan wants you divided because he knows he can't win if the two of you are operating on the same page. 

One of the ways to combat this is by proactively creating healthy habits in your relationship. 

A healthy habit is anything that draws you together with your spouse.  It's finding something you can do together and making a consistent habit in your relationship. 

In this episode, we'll discuss a few very practical habits we've built into our marriage that have proven to be fun and energizing ways to bring life to our relationship. And we'll challenge you to find ways to do the same with your spouse.

* For more podcast episodes or to pick up a copy of our book, visit our WEBSITE

* Follow on socials @JasonAndTori - Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Did you know there are two main types of thinking in marriage? 

If you want a thriving marriage you have to learn to think both emotionally and transactionally.  

Emotional thinking is subjective and is tied to how you "feel."

Transactional thinking is objective and is tied to "logic." 

Typically, you will fall into one category more naturally than the other. But when you learn to think both ways, with the ability to pivot naturally, you'll discover a powerful tool in your relationship.

The Bible gives us two examples of this type of thinking - in the life of King David and Jesus.

In this episode we will dive into both of these examples as we discuss the power of thinking both ways and the practical steps we can take to switch between the two. 

And, if you haven't read our book Beauty In Battle, you can grab a copy HERE!

* Learn more about Jason and Tori HERE

* Follow on socials @JasonAndTori - Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

One of our greatest needs in marriage is emotional connection.  But that's impossible if you're not first emotionally intelligent.

In this episode we're going to look at the two parts of the brain - the emotional and the logical - and discuss how we can make sure the emotional side of us stays healthy and strong so we can remain connected to our spouse.

We'll also talk about the four parts of emotional intelligence and the research that shows how our emotional intelligence far outweighs our cognitive intelligence when it comes to success in life.

When we're done, you'll be equipped with tools that will not only help you to understand yourself better, but connect with your spouse on a deeply personal level.

And for Tori's jokes, they weren't quite as good in this episode, but she tried hard - and for that, she gets an "A+!"  Ha Ha Ha

* Learn more about Jason and Tori HERE

* Purchase a copy of their book, Beauty In Battle - click HERE

* Follow on socials @JasonAndTori - Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

One of the best things we've done in our marriage that's helped us understand each other better is taking the Enneagram.  Knowing our enneagram types has given us new eyes to see each other and understand the core motivations that fuel our behavior.

And, as many of you may not know, Tori is a certified Enneagram coach. As such, she has a deep understanding into this powerful tool and how it can help you and your spouse get along better!

So in this episode, we dive into the nine enneagram types and talk about how we can relate to each other regardless of where we are on the scale.

Oh, and Tori's jokes are pretty epic in this one. Just being honest.

Enjoy!

* Learn more about Jason and Tori HERE

* Purchase a copy of their book, Beauty In Battle - click HERE

* Follow on socials @JasonAndTori - Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Get our new book Beauty in Battle: Winning in Marriage by Waging a War by ordering HERE!

How badly do you want the spark that started your relationship back?

The power of desire is so important in a relationship because it's where it all starts. What's interesting is the longer you're married, (Can I get a witness?!) that desire begins to wane off.

You can restore your desire for your spouse.

Don't buy that freaking lie of, 'Well, when you get married, you know...feelings are supposed to go away.'

Fight for your spouse and the treasure that is your marriage.

In this episode, we talk about:

• If you really want it, you'll go get it.
• You arouse desire by where you spend your time.
• The 3 D’s - determination, discipline, diligence.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Importance of Pursuit

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Beauty in Battle: Winning in Marriage by Waging a War is out. Click HERE to order your copy today!

* Learn more about Jason and Tori HERE

* Follow on socials @JasonAndTori - Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Get our new book Beauty in Battle: Winning in Marriage by Waging a War by ordering HERE!

Conflict is the one topic that nobody wants to talk about, but everybody wants to talk about.

And it comes down to one thing:

Do you know how to fight well with your spouse?

When we start talking about conflict, we have to remember who the real enemy is (hint: it's NOT your spouse!).

It takes a mature person to be in the heat of conflict and find a way to speak life into their spouse at that moment.

This life-giving act has the strength to break chains and to knock down walls.

Fighting with your spouse can bring you closer together rather than draw you apart if you learn to fight the right way. That's what this episode is all about.

Here are a few things we talk about:

• The two things that always manifest in every conflict. 
• How to manage conflict, rather than resolve it. 
• The proper way to handle conflict when it happens. 

Mentioned in this Episode:

• A New Pair of Glasses

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Beauty in Battle: Winning in Marriage by Waging a War is out. Click HERE to order your copy today!

* Learn more about Jason and Tori HERE

* Follow on socials @JasonAndTori - Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Seeing isn't just believing - it's behaving!

If you want to see positive change in your marriage you have to adjust the way you see your relationship.

How you see determines how you act.

In this episode, we dive deep into practical ways you can change the way you view your spouse and your marriage so your relationship will thrive no matter how crazy and chaotic your life may be!

* Learn more about Jason and Tori HERE

* Purchase a copy of their book, Beauty In Battle - click HERE

* Follow on socials @JasonAndTori - Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

You can harness and utilize dopamine (the feel-good chemical for your body) consistently for your marriage.

Wait, what?

Did you know that your brain releases dopamine when you pursue a goal? When you have that sense of fulfillment and accomplishment...when you achieve it.

This is great news for married couples because when you pursue your spouse with a sense of winning their heart, dopamine floods your body and it feels good.

That's what we're going to talk about in this episode - the value of pursuit and how we can stay in "full pursuit" mode without letting it fade away, so the dopamine in our bodies can do what it does!

* Learn more about Jason and Tori HERE

* Purchase a copy of their book, Beauty In Battle - click HERE

* Follow on socials @JasonAndTori - Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

You can't build a house without establishing a foundation first. In this episode, we'll dive deep into several fundamental concepts upon which you can build your marriage. 

We'll also talk about how your marriage is a lot like a triangle. The closer you draw to God individually the closer you get to each other relationally. And when you do, everything in your marriage changes for the better. 

Tune in as we talk about some key foundational thoughts on marriage and why your spouse was meant to be a little bit like sandpaper to make you into the person God wants you to be. 

As Gary Thomas says, "your marriage isn't to make you happy, it's to make you holy!"
Oh, and Tori has some epic jokes as well!

* Learn more about Jason and Tori HERE

* Purchase a copy of their book, Beauty In Battle - click HERE

* Follow on socials @JasonAndTori - Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Do you remember where you were when 911 took place?

We had only been married nine months, and the image of the weeks and months that followed etched in our memories forever. All of us as Americans felt so connected to each other, and for a brief moment in history, we put aside our differences and chose to fight alongside each other against an enemy who wanted to take us out. 

We saw firsthand how fighting together drew us together and knew from that moment forward the lessons we learned from that tragic day 20+ years ago can be applied to marriage. 

There's a very real battle going on in the world. It's a spiritual struggle between the forces of good and evil. And God has designed your marriage as a divine weapon for the fight! 

But Satan wants you to fight FACE TO FACE against each other rather than SHOULDER TO SHOULDER against him. Why? Because he knows that's the only way he can win. 

The beauty of marriage is discovered when a couple chooses to no longer fight AGAINST each other in a personal war but rather ALONGSIDE one another in the spiritual battle.

* Learn more about Jason and Tori HERE

* Purchase a copy of their book, Beauty In Battle - click HERE

* Follow on socials @JasonAndTori - Twitter / Instagram / Facebook