
Advertise on podcast: Expedition Marriage with Chris & Jamie Bailey
Rating
4.9from
This podcast has
181 episodes
Language
EnglishExplicit
No
Date created
2020/09/23
Latest episode
2026/04/23
Average duration
47 min.
Release period
8 days
Description
Welcome to the Expedition Marriage Podcast! We're glad you're here! We're Chris and Jamie Bailey, and we are Christian counselors and marriage coaches. We're here to help you put God in the center of your marriage by sharing some solid biblical truth, along with some practical marriage tips. So, no matter where you're at in your marriage, start getting excited, because we're here to help you Enjoy the Journey!
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Ep 179: Is Technology Replacing Your Spouse? The Rise of False Intimacy in Marriage
2026/04/23
Are phones, social media, and even AI replacing connection in your marriage?
In this episode, we're talking about the rise of false intimacy, which is when technology gives the feeling of connection without the depth, responsibility, or vulnerability that real intimacy requires.
We'll unpack:
How technology is reshaping emotional connection in marriage Why scrolling, texting, and AI interactions can feel easier than your spouse The hidden cost of choosing convenience over connection Simple, practical ways to reconnect and rebuild real intimacy If you've ever felt like your spouse is competing with a screen, or if you've found yourself turning to your phone instead of each other, this episode will challenge and encourage you.
👉 Want help reconnecting? Visit: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage or [email protected]
00:00 AI Knows You Best
00:38 Is Tech Replacing Spouses
01:29 From Distraction to Displacement
02:56 Cheap Substitute Trap
04:50 False Intimacy Warning
06:08 Phubbing and Marriage Fallout
09:19 Oversharing Online Advice
13:06 Emotional Outsourcing to Bots
15:07 Parasocial Validation Loop
17:38 AI Romance Simulation Risks
20:13 Long Term Attachments Form
20:57 Known Fully by God
21:44 Safe But Empty Validation
22:21 Bonding With Screens
23:40 Tolerance Shrinks Over Time
25:36 Loneliness And Lower Wellbeing
27:31 AI Romance And Infidelity
28:42 Emotional Affairs Defined
33:33 Dopamine Hits Rewire Expectations
35:52 Preventative Questions To Ask
37:40 Faith Growth And Waiting
40:08 Practical Guardrails And Tools
41:53 Prayer And Final Takeaways
#ChristianMarriage #MarriageHelp #Relationships #EmotionalIntimacy #MarriagePodcast
*Disclaimer: The information discussed here is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional.
Ep 178: Pivoting in Marriage: The One Skill That Changes Everything
2026/04/16
Pivoting in Marriage: The One Skill That Changes Everything
Life doesn't always go as planned, and when it doesn't, your marriage feels it. In this episode, we're talking about one of the most important (and overlooked) skills in a healthy marriage: learning how to pivot.
This week has stretched us in real time—living in an Airbnb while helping care for our grandson after our daughter's home flooded, navigating disrupted routines, writing deadlines, and even a broken laptop. It's been a reminder that life rarely asks if it's a good time.
And here's what we've seen:
👉 Most couples don't struggle because life is hard
👉 They struggle because they don't know how to adjust when it is
We break down how inflexibility creates unnecessary conflict and how learning to pivot can actually bring you closer together in difficult seasons.
In this episode, we cover:
Why expectations cause tension in stressful seasons What pivoting actually looks like in marriage How to communicate your needs clearly Why grace matters more when life is messy How to stay connected when everything feels off Scripture reminds us in James 1:2–4 that trials are producing something in us, and in Proverbs 16:9 that while we make plans, God directs our steps.
Your marriage doesn't need perfect conditions. It needs flexibility that is anchored in truth.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to pivot well.
👉 Want help navigating a hard season?
Learn more about our marriage coaching: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage
00:00 Solutions Not Ammo
00:15 Meet The Pivot
02:06 Why Change Feels Hard
03:45 Triggered Spouse Dynamics
04:26 Trials And Growth
05:57 When Plans Collapse
10:48 Gods Sovereignty Mindset
13:27 Flexibility Versus Stability
15:35 Upstairs Brain Solutions
16:35 Pressure And Deadlines
17:09 Asking For Grace
18:29 Best Buy Blowup
19:41 Repairing After Conflict
20:54 What Pivoting Means
22:36 Storms Will Come
23:36 Reset Expectations
27:04 Resentment Vs Pivoting
28:33 Release Control To God
30:31 Flexibility Anchored In Truth
32:08 Prayer And Sendoff
Ep. 177: Why Blended Family Marriage Feels So Hard (And What Actually Helps) | Ron Deal
2026/04/02
Blended families bring unique challenges into marriage, and if you're in one, you've probably felt it.
The tension, complexity, and the emotional weight of trying to make it all work.
In this episode, we sit down with Ron Deal, a leading voice in stepfamily ministry, to talk about why blended family marriages can feel so hard, and what actually helps.
00:00 Meet Ron Deal
00:55 How Ron Found Stepfamily Ministry
05:49 Why Blended Families Feel Hard
06:05 COVID Analogy for Blending
10:18 Expectations Kids vs Adults
12:38 Premarital Counseling Mistakes
15:06 Competing Attachments Triangle
18:09 Insiders and Outsiders
21:10 Front Seat Marriage Priority
23:08 Balancing Kids and Spouse
25:07 Wilderness to Promised Land
25:56 Blending Takes Years
26:49 Earning Stepchild Trust
28:11 Parenting Conflicts Surface
29:16 Paralyzed Parent Problem
29:57 Bio Parent Must Lead
32:19 Divide and Conquer Tactics
33:45 No Magic Bullet Mindset
35:11 Resources That Actually Help
37:21 Blended and Blessed Event
41:14 Barna Data Wake Up Call
44:52 Healthy Step Families Redeem
46:48 Redemption and Next Steps
We dive into the realities couples face when navigating blended family dynamics and how to build a strong, Christ-centered marriage in the middle of it. We also talk about the upcoming Blended & Blessed® event, designed to equip and encourage stepfamilies with practical, biblical guidance.
🎧 In This Episode:
Why blended family marriages are uniquely challenging Common struggles stepfamilies face (that many don't expect) How past relationships impact your current marriage Navigating loyalty conflicts and family dynamics Practical ways to strengthen your marriage in a stepfamily Biblical encouragement for couples in blended families How the Blended & Blessed® event can help you
❤️ Key Takeaway:
Blended family marriage isn't harder because you're doing it wrong. It's harder because it is more complex.
But with the right perspective, tools, and support, you can build a strong, connected, Christ-centered marriage.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Blended & Blessed® Event:
👉 https://smartstepfamilies.com/events/find-an-event
Learn more about Ron Deal:
👉 https://smartstepfamilies.com/about/about-ron-deal
Podcast
👉🏼https://www.familylife.com/familylife-blended-podcast/
Next Steps:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone navigating a blended family.
And don't forget to leave a review! Your review helps more couples find hope and truth for their marriage.
Ep. 176: When Wives Carry Too Much: Letting Go of Control and Trusting God in Marriage
2026/03/26
When Wives Carry Too Much: Letting Go of Control and Trusting God in Marriage
It's NOT All On You (And How to Let Go & Trust God in Marriage)
Are you carrying more in your marriage and life than God ever asked you to? So many wives live with an unspoken pressure: "If this is going to work, it's up to me." But that mindset often leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and disconnection.
In this episode, we sit down with Blake Guichet (The Girl Named Blake) to talk about what happens when God begins to reshape your identity, your priorities, and the way you show up in your marriage.
This conversation will help you release control, let go of pressure, and learn to trust God in deeper ways.
In This Episode:
The "it's all on me" mindset and how it affects your marriage Why criticism creates distance in relationships The connection between anxiety, busyness, and disconnection How slowing down changes your marriage What it looks like to trust God and release control Reordering priorities as a wife, mom, and woman of faith
Key Takeaway:
You were never meant to depend on your own strength.
Connect with Blake:
Instagram: @thegirlnamedblake
Website: thegirlnamedblake.com
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speakeasy/id1440149171
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more couples find hope and truth for their marriage.
Ep. 175: Not Fixing Things Too Fast: Why Emotional Validation Matters in Marriage
2026/03/19
Many couples struggle with this moment in marriage: one spouse shares something painful, and the other immediately tries to fix it. But what if the real need isn't a solution yet?
In this episode of the Expedition Marriage Podcast, Chris and Jamie talk about why emotional validation and compassionate presence are often the first step toward healing in marriage.
Men are often wired to provide, protect, and solve problems quickly. Women often need space to process emotions and feel understood before solutions are helpful. When couples move too quickly into problem-solving, the emotional need beneath the struggle can be missed.
Scripture gives us a powerful framework for emotional processing. Throughout the Psalms, David models a healthy pattern of emotional regulation:
• Feeling the pain
• Speaking the struggle honestly
• Bringing it to God
• Asking for help
• Remembering who God is
• Finding peace again
Learning to slow down, listen, and validate emotions can strengthen trust, deepen connection, and create emotional safety in marriage.
In this episode we discuss how couples can practice compassionate emotional regulation and follow the biblical pattern we see throughout the Psalms.
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Ep 174: Perimenopause, Menopause & Marriage: How Hormones Affect Your Relationship (With Dr. Gretchen Reis)
2026/03/12
Hormones don't just affect your body. They can deeply impact your emotions, energy, communication, and connection in marriage.
In this episode of the Expedition Marriage Podcast, Chris and Jamie sit down with Dr. Gretchen Reis, an integrative medicine physician who specializes in hormone health for both women and men. Together they discuss how perimenopause, menopause, and hormone changes can affect mood, anxiety, fatigue, memory, intimacy, and even the way couples relate to one another.
Jamie also shares her own personal experience with sudden anxiety, brain fog, and exhaustion during hormonal changes, and how understanding what was happening physically helped bring clarity, compassion, and healing to their marriage.
If you or your spouse are approaching midlife, already navigating perimenopause or menopause, or simply want to better understand how hormones affect relationships, this conversation will bring clarity, encouragement, and practical insight.
In This Episode We Discuss:
• How perimenopause and menopause impact marriage
• Why hormone changes can affect mood, anxiety, and emotional connection
• The difference between perimenopause and menopause
• How husbands can better support their wives during hormonal changes and also learn to understand and deal with their own hormonal shifts.
• Why many women feel brain fog, fatigue, or sudden anxiety
• The role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatment options
• How couples can approach this season with understanding instead of frustration
Key Takeaway
Hormonal changes are a normal part of life, but when couples understand what is happening physically and emotionally, it can transform confusion into compassion and strengthen connection in marriage.
Resources Mentioned
Dr. Gretchen Reis — Integrity Wellness MD
https://integritywellnessmd.com
*Disclaimer: The information discussed here is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained medical or healthcare professional.
Ep. 173: Communication in Marriage: 7 Mistakes Couples Don't Realize They're Making
2026/03/05
Most couples don't struggle because they don't love each other. They struggle because they unknowingly repeat small communication mistakes that slowly start dividing them.
In this episode, we break down seven common communication patterns that erode connection, increase defensiveness, and keep couples feeling misunderstood.
If you want stronger communication, deeper connection, and fewer repeated arguments, this episode will give you practical tools you can use right away.
Resources
Newlywed Couples Devotional (for newlyweds and newlywed "wanna be's") -
https://amzn.to/3Qn9XpB
Other Episodes Mentioned -
When Love Feels Like a Roller Coaster (Understanding the Vacillators) - https://youtu.be/5WzhHz1ESBw
Breaking the Usual Error - https://youtu.be/ubtLwR-Nn3o
Ep. 172: Marriage, Autism, and Faith: Raising a child with special needs together
2026/02/26
In this episode, Larah Roberts, founder of Raising Autistic Disciples, shares gospel hope for parents navigating autism and unexpected parenting challenges. We discuss how autism affects marriage, how couples can stay united under stress, and how to faithfully disciple neurodiverse children.
0:00 - Not Our Family Moment 0:48 - Meet Larah Roberts 2:02 - Family Story and Faith 3:27 - Noticing Differences in Graham 4:15 - Autism Diagnosis Journey 6:55 - Gratitude and Grief Collide 13:35 - Marriage Under Pressure 14:14 - Marriage Under Pressure (Larah's response) 24:54 - Protecting Unity and Rhythms 27:57 - Creative Connection Date Nights 30:05 - Protecting Marriage Moments 30:51 - Eye Contact Teamwork 32:09 - Why Rhythms Help Kids 32:33 - Robotic But Necessary 34:44 - Places and Associations 37:30 - Can My Child Know God 38:36 - Holy Spirit and Theology 41:01 - Diagnosis Fears and Hope 42:42 - Adapt Discipleship Methods 43:54 - Aroma of Christ Parenting 45:52 - Lean Hard Into Jesus 48:33 - Books and Ministry Resources 49:08 - Advocacy Without Losing Witness 53:54 - Letters Through Gospel Lens 55:41 - Longings Answered in Jesus 57:12 - Closing Prayer and Blessing This episode offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope for parents and couples walking a difficult but sacred path.
Resources:
Follow Larah on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/raisingautisticdisciples/
Book Links
How to Advocate & Stay Christian.
Letters to Lindsey: Seeing Your Child's Autism Diagnosis Through a Gospel Lens
Ep. 171: Our Trials. His Testimony: Finding Hope and Redemption Through the Hardest Seasons of Our Marriage
2026/02/19
We've Never Shared This Before!
Every marriage has a story behind it, including ours. In this deeply personal episode, we share parts of our story we haven't fully shared before. The trials that tested us. The seasons that stretched us. The moments when we didn't know how things would turn out. And how the Lord got us through.
This episode isn't about having a perfect marriage. In fact, it's the opposite. It's about having a very messy marriage that became something great in the Lord's hands. It's our story of two broken people, confronted with the gospel, surrendered to Him, and fully transformed. From our mess to His message. To God be the glory!
*This episode is sponsored by Tyndale Publishers and features the Every Woman's Bible, a beautiful and deeply insightful study Bible designed to help women grow in their understanding of God's Word.
With thousands of study notes, devotionals written by women, and access to even more resources through the Filament Bible app, including videos, maps, audio, and additional teaching. It's designed to help you go deeper and connect Scripture to your everyday life.
Order yours today! https://hubs.la/Q042N3YX0
And if you want to hear more about Jamie's Redemption Story (ep. 47), you can listen to it:
- On our site: https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-47-special-episode-jamies-redemption-story/
- On Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/expedition-marriage-with-chris-jamie-bailey/id1533102376?i=1000547382479
- On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MrpsVeg5FKua5JOKZPp2s?si=FGuyYLmKQdiT32H_kVc-Cg
Ep. 170: Why Christian Couples Stop Talking and How to Fix It
2026/02/12
If your Christian marriage feels more like roommates, it's not just you. Many couples don't stop loving each other even though they slowly stop connecting. In this episode, we explore why Christian couples stop talking, what causes emotional and spiritual distance in marriage, and how seasons like busyness, parenting, health challenges, burnout, and unresolved conflict quietly steal connection. We also share biblical insight and practical steps to help you rebuild intimacy without blame or pressure.
If you're feeling disconnected but still committed, this episode offers hope, clarity, and simple next steps to reconnect emotionally and spiritually.
Get ready to learn:
Why Christian Couples Stop Talking Seasonal & Situational Roadblocks to Connection The Deeper Biblical Issue Beneath Silence How to Reconnect Encouragement for Weary Couples
This episode was sponsored by Tyndale Publishing's One Year Bible.
The One Year Bible for Men and Women (NLT)
If you've been wanting a simple, consistent way to grow in God's Word and strengthen the foundation of your faith and marriage, this Bible guides you through the entire Bible in one year with daily readings and devotionals designed for real life.
Purchase or learn more here:
https://www.tyndale.com/stories/one-year-bible-for-women-and-men?utm_campaign=18101557-Bibles%20-%20NLT%20One%20Year%20Bible%20for%20Women&utm_source=Expedition%20Marriage%20Podcast&utm_medium=February%202026%20Microsite
🔗 Related episode: Ep. 155 — Chronic Illness in Marriage https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/expedition-marriage-with-chris-jamie-bailey/id1533102376?i=1000729638726
🔗 Related episode: Ep. 130 — Nervous System Regulation in Marriage
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/expedition-marriage-with-chris-jamie-bailey/id1533102376?i=1000668424812
Ep. 169: Do You Feel Special in Your Marriage?
2026/02/05
Most spouses know they're loved. But far fewer actually feel special.
In this episode, we talk about the subtle but powerful difference between being loved and being chosen, noticed, and delighted in, and why that distinction matters more than we realize in marriage.
We explore how unspoken affection, good intentions, and sacrifices can unintentionally leave a spouse feeling overlooked, even in an otherwise healthy relationships. And we offer practical, biblical ways to help your spouse experience not just love, but intentional care and honor.
This episode is an invitation to slow down, become more aware, and make small shifts that can deeply strengthen your connection.
🧭 Inside the Episode:
The difference between feeling loved and feeling special Common, unintentional ways spouses neglect emotional connection Why waiting to express love often diminishes its impact How time, attention, and shared burdens communicate value Why explaining your motivation matters, especially when sacrifices are misunderstood Simple ways to help your spouse feel seen, prioritized, and cherished
🎁 Free Resource:
We created a simple, meaningful way to speak life over your spouse that only takes 1 minute!
👉 Download our free 60-Second Blessing Sheet here:
https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-169-do-you-feel-special-in-your-marriage
It's designed to help you intentionally affirm, encourage, and bless your spouse in under a minute.
☕ Something We Love:
One small way we slow down and connect is over a warm cup of chai. We love Bhakti chai tea because it's organic, driven by a mission and owned by people we know!
👉 Bhakti Chai Tea on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/49P2StX
This is an Amazon affiliate link, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share things we genuinely use and love.
Make time for a Chai Chat this week. Cozy up together over a cup of chai and have this conversation: Do you feel loved by me? Do you feel special? What is something I can do to make you feel more special?
Final Encouragement:
Feeling special doesn't come from grand gestures. It comes from consistent attention, clear communication, and intentional love.
If this episode encouraged you, we'd be so grateful if you:
Shared it with your spouse or a friend Left a review Or subscribed so you don't miss future episodes We're cheering you on as you continue growing together.
— Chris & Jamie
Expedition Marriage
Ep. 168: The War Inside Your Marriage - And How to Win It Together
2026/01/29
The War Inside Your Marriage - And How to Win It Together
What if the biggest battle in your marriage isn't between you and your spouse?
In this episode, we're unpacking the real war happening inside every marriage, which is the internal battles of pride, self-protection, fear, past wounds, and unmet desires that sabotage connection. Before you get discouraged, know that you can win this war together, and Jesus shows us how.
Whether you're feeling disconnected, discouraged, or simply wanting to grow, this episode will give you the clarity and practical tools you need to move toward peace and unity again.
What We Cover in This Episode
The Lie Most Couples Believe
"If we're fighting this much, maybe we're not right for each other."
We break down why conflict doesn't mean incompatibility, it reveals something deeper.
The Real Battle Beneath Every Argument
At the heart of almost every fight is the same truth:
"I want my way."
The Three Barriers Every Couple Faces
We walk through the three sources of marital tension that have nothing to do with whether you married the "right" person:
Psychological differences — personality friction Gender differences — designed strengths that feel like irritants Historical wounds — the stories you didn't choose but carry
The Turning Point Every Marriage Needs
The shift from
Me-first → Christlike love is where healing begins.
How to Respond When You Feel Yourself Shutting Down, Getting Defensive, or Insisting on Your Way
We share practical, simple steps to stop escalation and choose connection.
🔥 Key Takeaways
Your spouse is not your enemy. The war inside your heart is often louder than the conflict in your home. Marriage doesn't create your struggles, it reveals them so God can heal them. Christlike love is the only way to win the internal war.
📖 Scriptures Mentioned
James 4:1 Philippians 2:3–4 Proverbs 18:2 Colossians 3:12–13 Psalm 34:18
Let's Connect!
If this episode encouraged you, it would mean the world if you left a review or shared it with another couple who needs hope today.
✨ Want weekly encouragement for your marriage?
Sign up for our newsletter:
👉 expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter
*Disclaimer: The information discussed here is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional.
https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-168-the-war-inside-your-marriage-and-how-to-win-it-together/
Ep. 167: A Biblical Playbook for Marriage: Simple Strategies That Change Everything
2026/01/22
A Biblical Playbook for Marriage: Simple Strategies That Change Everything
What if marriage wasn't about winning arguments, but about learning how to play on the same team?
In today's episode, we sit down with Al & Autumn from MarriageTeam to talk about what it really means to have a biblical playbook for marriage. With decades of marriage and ministry experience, they share how God used their own story, messy beginnings, hard lessons, and real growth to shape their passion for helping couples build strong, lasting marriages.
In This Episode, We Cover:
• Al & Autumn's marriage story and the early lessons God used to shape their ministry
• What a "marriage playbook" really means and why couples need one
• How seeing your spouse as a teammate changes everything
• The vision behind the Rick & Jane Learn to Be Married book series
• Why communication is the first step toward intimacy
• Marriage coaching vs. counseling—and why coaching can be so effective
• Common misconceptions about anger and healthier, God-honoring ways to handle it
• Simple, practical strategies couples can begin using this week
Resources & Next Steps
•Check out the Rick & Jane Learn to Be Married series https://rickandjane.com
Learn more about marriage coaching or get support through MarriageTeam at: https://marriageteam.org
For inquiries or to connect with the Rays directly: [email protected]
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a couple who could use some hope today.
Ep 166: When Your Heart Grieves Before Anything Happens: Understanding Anticipatory Grief in Marriage
2026/01/15
Have you ever felt fear, heaviness, or sadness long before anything "bad" actually happened? There's nothing wrong with and you're not dramatic. But you may be experiencing anticipatory grief, and it impacts marriages far more than couples realize.
In this episode, Chris & Jamie unpack why your heart sometimes grieves before life changes… and how this hidden emotional process can affect connection, communication, and even conflict inside the marriage.
This is one of the most tender, eye-opening conversations you'll hear. Whether you're caring for aging parents, walking through health concerns, navigating infertility, or simply sensing that something in your life or marriage is shifting.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
1. What Anticipatory Grief Actually Is and how it shows up
2. Expected Causes of Anticipatory Grief in Marriage
3. Unexpected Causes Couples Don't Realize Are Grief
4. How Anticipatory Grief Shows Up Between Spouses
Many couples think they have a marriage problem —
when really, they have a grief problem.
Signs include:
Irritability Anxiety Emotional shutdown Clinging or control Avoidance Misreading each other's responses We share how this creates friction, especially when men & women process anticipatory grief differently.
5. The Transformational Question: "What am I anticipating?"
A grounding tool to help couples move from fear to clarity and compassion.
This question helps you uncover:
The loss you're imagining What part of your heart feels threatened How your love is showing up as fear Grief becomes a doorway to deeper connection when it's named.
6. Reframing Grief as a Couple: Turning Toward Instead of Away
We teach couples how to ask:
"Are we fighting because of grief, not each other?" "Are we withdrawing because something scares us?" And how to say:
"I'm scared of losing ___." "I'm grieving how things are changing." "I need you with me in this."
7. What Couples Can Actually Do with Anticipatory Grief
Practical tools you can use today:
8. A Biblical Perspective on Anticipatory Grief
We explore comfort and grounding through Scripture:
Psalm 34:18 Matthew 6:34 Romans 8:38–39 1 Peter 5:7 God meets us not only in the losses we face but also in the ones we fear.
⭐ CTA
If this episode helped open your eyes or gave language to something you've been feeling, we'd be SO grateful if you'd leave a review.
Click the ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and share how this podcast is helping your marriage.
And make sure to follow so you don't miss next week's episode!
Ep. 165: Why You Shouldn't Always Take Our Advice (And How to Let God Lead You in the Timing of Growth)
2026/01/08
In today's episode, we're talking about something a little unexpected coming from two marriage counselors: why you shouldn't always take our advice, or anyone else's, without checking with the Lord first.
We live in a world overflowing with sermons, reels, podcasts, coaching, challenges, and self-help. So much of it is helpful… but not all of it is helpful for you, and not all of it is helpful right now.
This episode is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and learn how to discern the difference between good advice and God's direction for your particular season.
⭐ Inside the Episode
Jamie's Story: When "Do It Afraid" Went Too Far
Jamie shares a pivotal moment in her journey with anxiety and how a sermon quote ("Do it afraid") became her life mantra for a season… until it began overworking her nervous system and pushing her into hypervigilance.
It wasn't bad advice; it was just no longer the right advice.
That's when God spoke a new word:
"My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
Only the Lord knows what we truly need and exactly when we need it.
⭐ What Happens When We Treat Advice Like Scripture
We unpack why great advice can become harmful when we elevate it above God's timing:
⭐ Examples of "Good" Marriage Advice That Can Be Bad in the Wrong Season
We explore six common marriage principles that are wonderful but not universally timed:
⭐ What Scripture Says About Being Led by God
We walk through passages that remind us God leads personally and seasonally:
⭐ A Nervous System Perspective
Not every push is holy.
Not every challenge is healthy.
Sometimes "growth" advice puts your body into survival mode.
⭐ The SIFT Method: How to Discern What's Actually for You
A simple 4-step framework to help couples filter advice through prayer and peace:
⭐ Marriage Application: What This Means for Couples
Practical questions to ask one another.
⭐ Final Encouragement
Not all good advice is God's advice for you —
but God always has the right word for the right time.
✨ Stay Connected + Encouraged Every Week
If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to keep walking with you.
Sign up for our weekly marriage newsletter for devotionals, tools, and Christ-centered encouragement straight to your inbox:
👉 expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter
And don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs it. ❤️
Podcast reviews
Read Expedition Marriage with Chris & Jamie Bailey podcast reviews
Lem017 2026/02/27
Marriage Content through a Gospel Lens
I’ve listened to a lot of podcast that explain a topic really well… but leave me thinking, “okay but what do I actually DO with all that?” What I love...
liz's store 2026/02/13
Full of Wisdom and Joy
Every time we listen we get so much out of it! Very thoughtful and prayerful podcasts. We’ve been married 20 years and get so much from the podcasts b...
ginnyg83 2026/01/29
A Deep Dive in Ep. 168
You guys … this. is. so. good! I love how you take a deep dive with the Book of James as you talk about the war in our marriages. It is honest, con...
willice12 2026/01/26
Hope-filled tools to strengthen your marriage!
Chris and Jamie Bailey are the real deal. Expedition Marriage is practical, honest, and hope-filled — full of tools you can actually use to communicat...
Bryce and Kendra 2023/11/16
Laughter
My husband and I listen in the mornings while getting ready for work. We love the content but more importantly, we love the laughter and the giggling....
Kris Tip 2023/06/13
So much wisdom here!
Chris and Jaime are so wise and down to earth with their approach to marriage and the very real struggles! They’re so personal and I’ve learned so muc...
Jess Domis 2023/06/08
Any episode
I love every episode… even when I read the title and don’t think I need to hear that message …I listen anyway and somehow always end up blessed by so ...
SarahFrazer 2023/04/29
Find any issue to talk about
I love that Chris and Jamie are relatable and don’t shy away from hard marriage topics. I’m always blessed after listening.
BrookNeal418 2023/01/25
Amazing Couple!
My husband and I love this podcast! Chris and Jamie are so relatable and fun!
ilive4him24 2023/01/25
My favorite marriage coaches!
Chris and Jamie are a breath of fresh air, hilarious, and so full of Godly wisdom! I just love their authenticity- both with each other and their list...
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