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This week on Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. is joined by Dr. Bill Doherty, marriage and family therapist, author, professor at the University of Minnesota, and co-founder of Braver Angels, for a timely conversation about how to disagree without destroying the relationship. Whether the topic is politics, religion, parenting, or something happening in the culture, difficult conversations can quickly turn into arguments—or become subjects we avoid altogether. Bill explains why one of the first steps toward healthier dialogue is remembering what you have in common and giving up the goal of changing the other person’s mind. Instead, the goal can be to understand where they’re coming from, make sure they feel heard, and share your own perspective without treating the conversation like something you have to win. Julie and Bill also explore the idea that behind many strongly held beliefs is a story. Taking time to ask how someone arrived at their viewpoint can reveal experiences, fears, and values that aren’t obvious on the surface—and can make empathy possible even when agreement isn’t. Bill offers practical tools couples and families can use in hard conversations, including speaking from your own understanding instead of making absolute “truth statements,” looking for something you agree on before focusing on the disagreement, and remembering that the person across from you is someone you love—not a stand-in for a politician, movement, or ideology you oppose. The conversation also turns specifically to marriage and the importance of intellectual intimacy—the ability to hear your spouse’s thoughts, tolerate meaningful differences, and stay emotionally connected even when you don’t see an issue the same way. As Bill puts it, closeness doesn’t require becoming the same person. And when Julie asks for one daily practice that can strengthen a marriage, Bill shares a ritual he and his wife have kept for decades: sitting down after dinner with a cup of coffee and simply talking about their day. It’s intentional, protected time that even their children came to see as a source of security. If you’ve ever wondered how to have a difficult conversation without losing the person on the other side of it, this episode offers practical encouragement to stay curious, lead with respect, listen for the story behind the opinion, and remember that relationships are worth protecting.

In this bonus episode of Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. is flying solo to help couples navigate one of the most complicated times of the year: the holidays. When you get married, you aren’t just combining two people—you’re combining traditions, expectations, family dynamics, schedules, and sometimes very different ideas about what Thanksgiving and Christmas are supposed to look like. Julie reminds couples that from the moment they say “I do,” they are a new family, and they have permission to think intentionally about what they want their holidays to become. Julie walks through four important conversations couples should have before the season gets busy: what the holidays mean to each of you, which traditions you want to keep or leave behind, what expectations your extended families may have, and how you’ll communicate your plans together. She also shares lessons from her own marriage, including the years she and Jay tried to make everyone happy by traveling between families—until one unexpected Christmas at home helped them realize they needed a different approach. Julie offers practical guidance for setting healthy boundaries, communicating decisions as a united couple, handling disappointment from family members without guilt, and creating new traditions that reflect the family you are building together. Before the calendar fills up, make some time to sit down with your spouse, talk through your expectations, and decide together what you want this holiday season to look like. Because even during the busiest time of the year, it’s still the little things that matter on the daily in your marriage.

This week on Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. switches things up again as her friend Gabby Thompson returns to the podcast—and this time, Gabby is asking the questions. Married for nearly three years herself, Gabby brings questions from younger couples and newlyweds who are trying to figure out how to build a marriage that stays strong for the long haul. Together, Gabby and Julie talk about one of the biggest fears many young couples have: growing apart. Julie shares why connection doesn’t happen automatically and why couples have to be intentional about creating time to talk, learn, have fun, and keep choosing one another through every season of marriage. They also dig into how to stay connected when work schedules or travel keep couples physically apart. Gabby shares some of the simple practices she and her husband use when he’s on the road, including daily check-ins, FaceTime dates, and even a personal code word that simply means, “I’m thinking about you.” Their conversation is a practical reminder that strong marriages are built through intentional habits, not good intentions alone. Gabby and Julie also tackle recurring conflict, the pressure our culture places on personal happiness, and the importance of remembering that marriage isn’t “me against you”—it’s the two of you facing life together. Julie explains why disagreements about money, family, holidays, careers, and other issues can be completely normal, and why the way couples engage those differences matters far more than never disagreeing. The episode closes with practical encouragement for couples who want to pray together but aren’t sure where to begin. Julie offers simple ways to make prayer feel natural instead of intimidating and explains why spiritual intimacy can create a deeper connection between spouses. And when Gabby turns Julie’s signature question back on her, Julie’s daily advice is simple: play and laugh together. Whether you’re newly married, navigating a demanding season, or simply looking for practical ways to stay connected, this episode is filled with encouragement to keep choosing your spouse, keep investing in your marriage, and remember that the little things really do matter on the daily.

This week on Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. is joined by author and speaker Stasi Eldredge on the release day of her new book, The Ladder of Love, for a deeply encouraging conversation about intimacy with God, identity, and what it looks like to grow in your relationship with Him through every season of life. Stasi shares why knowing God is about so much more than knowing facts about Him. It’s about knowing Him personally and intimately—and allowing His love to become the foundation for everything else in our lives. She also offers grace for the busy seasons when spiritual rhythms don’t look the way we think they “should,” reminding listeners that God understands our humanity and remains faithful even when all we have to offer is a few minutes. Using the framework from The Ladder of Love, Stasi walks through the different ways Scripture reveals our relationship with God: as clay in the hands of the Potter, sheep cared for by the Shepherd, devoted servants, beloved children, siblings, friends, the Bride of Christ, and ultimately partners with Him in bringing His Kingdom into the world. Along the way, Julie and Stasi talk about healing distorted views of God, letting go of comparison, receiving His love, and embracing the unique person He created you to be. The conversation also turns toward marriage, where Stasi shares wisdom from 43 years with her husband, John. Her daily advice for couples is refreshingly simple: play together. Find something you both enjoy and intentionally make space for lighthearted fun without turning every moment into a serious conversation. And for couples wondering if marriage is really worth the work, Stasi offers a resounding yes. After walking through difficult seasons of her own marriage, she says the pursuit of God, healing, and one another’s hearts has made their marriage “gold”—and that it has been worth every tear, every try, and every prayer. If you’ve ever felt spiritually inadequate, disconnected from God, unsure of who you are, or simply exhausted by the demands of life, this episode is a beautiful reminder that God isn’t asking for perfection. He wants your heart—and there is always more of His love to discover.

This week on Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. is joined by longtime friends and marriage experts Greg and Erin Smalley for an honest, practical conversation about what it really takes to build a healthy marriage over time. Greg serves as Vice President of Marriage and Family Formation at Focus on the Family, while Erin is a therapist in private practice—and together they’ve spent decades helping couples strengthen their relationships. Greg and Erin open up about the rocky beginning of their own marriage and the baggage they each brought with them. From Greg’s deep fear of failure to Erin’s struggle with feeling “not good enough,” they explain how unresolved wounds and tender spots from the past can quietly shape the way couples react to one another. Their encouragement: become aware of your own “stuff,” stay curious about what’s happening beneath the surface, and keep choosing growth. The conversation also tackles one of the biggest misconceptions about marriage—the idea that “two becoming one” means losing your individuality. Greg and Erin explain why a healthy marriage makes room for three things to flourish: you, your spouse, and the relationship you share. They talk about supporting one another’s dreams, honoring differences, and creating a marriage where both people have a voice and room to become who God created them to be. Julie, Greg, and Erin also explore power struggles, control, conflict, and the importance of remembering that most hurts in marriage aren’t intentional. Instead of assuming the worst, couples can extend grace, ask better questions, and even use humor to reset when things get tense. To close, Erin challenges couples to spend just 10 minutes a day checking in at a deeper level—asking how their spouse is really doing and what’s weighing on them. Greg adds that you can’t give what you don’t have, so learning how to rest, recharge, and care for yourself is also an important part of caring for your marriage. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay connected without losing yourself, how to navigate your differences, or how to keep growing together through changing seasons, this episode offers practical encouragement for building a marriage where both people—and the relationship itself—can truly flourish.

This week on Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. welcomes New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and founder of Love Does, Bob Goff, for a conversation filled with humor, wisdom, and practical encouragement for couples at every stage of marriage. Celebrating 40 years of marriage to his wife, Maria, Bob shares how two people with completely different personalities can build a beautiful life together without losing who they are. From his spontaneous, adventurous nature to Maria’s steady, thoughtful approach, Bob explains why oneness in marriage doesn’t have to mean sameness—and how learning to see life through your spouse’s perspective can transform your relationship. Julie and Bob explore the importance of asking honest questions, embracing your differences, and finding playful ways to navigate conflict. Bob introduces his hilarious “Code Rainbow” approach to handling mistakes, explains why adding just one beat before responding can change the direction of an argument, and challenges couples to step back and ask whether today’s frustration will really matter in the bigger picture of their marriage. The conversation also touches on vulnerability, extending your weakest hand instead of your strongest, and Bob and Maria’s guiding principle of approaching their relationship with 100% kindness and zero drama. Bob closes with a surprising piece of advice: keep score in your marriage—but count the right things. After 40 years, he still counts the days he’s been married to Maria as a daily reminder of the gift they share. Whether you’ve been married for six months or 40 years, this episode will encourage you to slow down, laugh more, lead with kindness, and remember that a strong marriage isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about continually choosing each other in the little moments that matter—on the daily.

This week on Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. is joined by Roger Gibson, Marriage and Family Pastor at Fellowship of the Parks in Fort Worth, Texas. Roger has been married to his wife, Carrie, for 34 years and was mentored by his father-in-law, legendary marriage ministry pioneer Gary Smalley. Roger and Julie talk about why the first 10 years of marriage are so important—and why couples shouldn’t expect a great marriage to simply happen because they found the “right person.” Instead, Roger says strong marriages are built through intentionality, practical relationship skills, and a willingness to keep learning how to love your spouse well. They unpack the “soulmate myth,” the unrealistic expectations social media can create, and why communication is about much more than exchanging information. Roger shares practical ways couples can stay connected even during busy seasons—including aiming for 20 minutes of meaningful connection throughout the day, sending a simple text to let your spouse know you’re thinking about them, and creating intentional rhythms that keep your relationship from drifting. Roger also shares lessons he learned from Gary Smalley, including the importance of choosing high honor and low anger, creating an “honor list” of the things you value about your spouse, and remembering that the differences that frustrate you today may be some of the same things that originally attracted you to each other. Ultimately, Roger encourages couples to keep their marriage in front of them—to invest in it, practice healthy relationship skills, prioritize friendship, and never stop having fun together. Because great marriages aren’t discovered; they’re built one intentional choice at a time.

This week on Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. is joined by Sonya Jacobs, Marriage Support Groups and Counseling Minister at Preston Trail Community Church and co-founder of Enjoy Your Marriage, for an honest conversation about what happens when marriage doesn’t look anything like you expected. Sonya opens up about the difficult first decade of her marriage to her husband, Warren. They loved God, had dated for years, and entered marriage believing they had done everything “right”—but they quickly discovered that love alone didn’t prepare them for conflict, intimacy, family-of-origin issues, unrealistic expectations, financial pressure, and the baggage they both brought into the relationship. For years, Sonya and Warren avoided conflict, kept their struggles largely to themselves, and presented a picture that everything was fine. It wasn’t until trusted women in Sonya’s life encouraged her to be honest and seek help that things began to change. After nearly 10 years of marriage, they entered Christian counseling and asked God to help them create “a new marriage with the same person.” Sonya shares what she wishes she could tell her younger self, why no spouse can fulfill needs that ultimately belong to God, and why community, marriage education, and a willingness to ask for help can make such a difference. She also challenges couples to care for themselves spiritually, emotionally, and physically so they can bring their best to their marriage—and move from simply loving their spouse to learning how to love them well. If your marriage feels harder than you expected—or you’ve wondered whether you married the wrong person—this episode is a powerful reminder that struggling doesn’t mean your story is over. There is hope, there is help, and sometimes the marriage you long for can be rebuilt with the person you already chose.

This week on Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. is joined by Dr. Trevor Hislop—author, speaker, therapist, podcast host, ministry leader, and Chief Development Officer at LiveWell Behavioral Health—to talk about why couples often wait far too long to ask for help when their marriage begins to struggle. Julie and Trevor unpack the everyday patterns that can quietly create “relational drift,” from avoiding hard conversations to letting careers, kids, responsibilities, and stress push your marriage to the back burner. They also explore why conflict is often about something deeper than the moment itself—and how our natural instinct to protect ourselves can make it harder to stay curious, connected, and emotionally safe with our spouse. Trevor shares a practical six-part framework for strengthening relationships: reveal, remember, reframe, repair, rehearse, and renew. He explains why meaningful repair requires honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to understand what is really happening beneath the surface. The conversation also looks at how couples can create a greater sense of emotional safety, slow down before reacting, challenge negative assumptions, and intentionally “believe the best” about one another. Julie and Trevor close with simple rhythms of connection couples can build into everyday life—from a morning cup of coffee and a midday text to prayer, date nights, and simply taking a few minutes to check in with each other. If your marriage feels disconnected, tense, or simply busier than it used to be, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to wait until things are falling apart to start doing something differently. Small, intentional moments of connection really can make a difference—on the daily.

This week on Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. sits down with author, speaker, and longtime marriage and family expert Jim Burns for an important conversation about navigating relationships with parents and in-laws after you say “I do.” With 52 years of marriage experience, Jim shares practical wisdom for couples learning how to build their own family while still honoring the families they came from. Julie and Jim tackle the growing issue of estrangement between adult children and their parents, why disagreements and family conflict can so easily create distance, and how healthy boundaries can provide structure without becoming walls. They also discuss the importance of finding your voice as a couple, refusing to throw your spouse “under the bus” with your family, avoiding triangulation, and learning to approach conflict from a place of “we” rather than “I’m right and you’re wrong.” Jim also shares why reconciliation should be the goal whenever possible, how couples can break unhealthy generational patterns, and the simple spiritual practice he believes has helped strengthen his own 52-year marriage: praying together every day and intentionally making time for spiritual connection. If you’re figuring out boundaries with parents, navigating difficult in-law dynamics, or simply trying to build a healthier foundation for your marriage, this episode offers encouragement and practical tools for doing relationships well—on the daily.

What do you do when pornography enters a marriage—and where do you even begin to find help? On this episode of Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. sits down with Jim Cress, a certified addiction therapist, certified partner trauma therapist, speaker, counselor, and co-host of the Therapy and Theology podcast, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about pornography, addiction, betrayal, healing, and marriage. Jim brings decades of professional experience to this conversation, along with his own personal story of recovery. He shares why pornography is such a significant issue for individuals and couples, how secrecy keeps people stuck, and why healing requires more than simply saying, “just stop it.” Together, Julie and Jim discuss: • What to do if you discover your spouse is looking at pornography • Why porn addiction can feel like betrayal in marriage • How trust is broken—and how it can begin to be rebuilt • Why both spouses need safe places to process their stories • What “story work” is and why it matters • How shame, secrecy, and blame keep people trapped • Why a spouse is not responsible for another person’s sin • The importance of full disclosure, wise counsel, and qualified help • Resources for those struggling with pornography or betrayal trauma • Why healing is possible, even after deep hurt Jim also explains why couples need honesty, support, confession, safety, and intentional work to begin moving toward healing. This conversation does not minimize the pain pornography can cause, but it also points toward the hope, help, and healing available for individuals and marriages willing to step out of the dark and into the light. Whether this is part of your story, someone you love is walking through it, or you simply want to better understand the impact pornography can have on marriage, this episode offers practical wisdom, compassion, and a reminder that there is help available. Because even in the hardest places, healing is possible.

What would change if your family became your most important audience? On this episode of Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. sits down with Dr. Joshua Straub—speaker, author, marriage and leadership coach, and co-host of the Famous at Home podcast with his wife, Christi—to talk about what it means to make your family center stage. Josh shares the heart behind Famous at Home and why the greatest red carpet you will ever walk is through your front door. In a world constantly competing for our time, attention, and identity, Josh encourages couples and parents to consider what it looks like to be fully present, emotionally healthy, and intentional with the people under their own roof. Together, Julie and Josh discuss: • What it means to be “famous at home” • Why your family should not get the leftovers of you • How small two-degree shifts can change the direction of your home • The importance of setting healthy boundaries • How to identify the atmosphere of your home • Why emotional literacy matters in marriage and parenting • How to talk about feelings without trying to fix your spouse • The power of command-free time with your children • Why healthy rhythms and Sabbath rest matter • How to celebrate the good at the end of the day Josh also shares practical ways couples can show up as the best version of themselves in Christ, create rhythms that bring peace instead of pressure, and speak life into the atmosphere of their home. Whether you are raising young children, feeling stretched thin, or simply wanting to be more intentional with your spouse and family, this conversation offers practical encouragement for building a home where the people you love most feel seen, known, and valued. Because the greatest stage you will ever stand on may be the one inside your own home.

What does it take to build a love that lasts? On this episode of Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. sits down with pastor, marriage coach, and Forever Love podcast host Calvin Copeland for a rich conversation about marriage, healing, listening, and learning how to grow together over time. Calvin shares his own love story with his wife, Elise—from first noticing her at church when he was 12 years old to building a marriage that has lasted for decades. But as Calvin explains, lasting love is not a fairy tale. It is formed through intentional choices, mutual care, honest reflection, and a willingness to keep getting better. Together, Julie and Calvin discuss: • What “forever love” really looks like • Why love is formed over time • How relationships expose wounded places that need healing • Why your spouse is not responsible for fixing you • How being heard can feel deeply connected to being loved • The importance of creating a safe place in marriage • Why conflict can become an opportunity for deeper intimacy • How delayed gratification applies to relationships • Why listening starts with God, yourself, and then your spouse • What it means to learn how to like getting better Calvin also shares stories from his own marriage and ministry, including how small acts of love, patient listening, and daily decisions to protect each other’s hearts have helped shape his relationship with Elise. Whether you are newly married, decades in, or hoping to better understand what it takes to build lasting love, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that healthy relationships are built through the daily process of learning, listening, healing, and growing together. Because love that lasts is not just found—it is formed.

Do you ever feel like you’re carrying a never-ending to-do list in your head—and it’s starting to create resentment in your marriage? On this episode of Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. sits down with Dr. Morgan Cutlip to talk about the mental load, invisible labor, parenting, marriage, and how couples can begin sharing the weight of home and family life in a healthier way. Morgan has worked in the field of relationship education for more than 15 years and is the author of Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself and A Better Share. She and Julie unpack why the mental load can feel so exhausting, why it often creates tension between spouses, and how couples can start working as teammates instead of adversaries. Together, Julie and Morgan discuss: • What the mental load actually is • Why invisible labor is hard to explain, share, and appreciate • How the mental load impacts resentment, connection, and intimacy • Why “just tell me what to do” doesn’t always solve the problem • How emotional labor adds another layer of exhaustion • Why couples need to make the invisible visible • How to talk about the mental load without spiraling into an argument • Why initiative-taking matters in marriage • How micromanaging, impatience, and keeping score can backfire • Why appreciation matters for both spouses Morgan also shares practical tools for couples, including how to approach the mental load as a shared challenge, how to let your spouse take ownership without correcting every detail, and how one minute of perspective-taking each day can help your spouse feel seen and understood. Whether you’re parenting young kids, managing work and home life, or simply feeling overwhelmed by all the invisible tasks that keep your family moving, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for building a more connected marriage. Because doing life together works better when both people feel supported, appreciated, and seen.

What if the problem you keep arguing about in marriage isn’t actually the real problem? On this episode of Marriage on the Daily, Julie B. sits down with author, speaker, and executive coach Mike Foster to talk about his book The Seven Primal Questions and how understanding the need beneath the conflict can transform the way couples communicate, connect, and show up for each other. Mike has spent more than 20 years helping people stop solving the wrong problem and start leading out of clarity instead of confusion. In this conversation, he explains why many couples stay stuck in the “canopy” of the tree—arguing about behaviors, emotions, and symptoms—when the real breakthrough often comes from getting down to the root. Together, Julie and Mike discuss: • What the Seven Primal Questions are • How unmet needs drive conflict in marriage • Why couples often keep having the same argument over and over • How to identify the deeper question your spouse may be asking • Why your spouse cannot be responsible for meeting every need all the time • The difference between healthy needs and unrealistic expectations • How God, trusted relationships, and self-leadership all play a role in healing • Why curiosity, ownership, and clarity can change the conversation • How a simple 30-second hug can create connection on the daily Mike also shares why naming your need clearly matters, why unspoken expectations are unfair expectations, and how couples can begin answering each other’s deepest questions with a “yes.” Whether you feel stuck in the same recurring conflict, unsure why your spouse reacts the way they do, or ready to better understand yourself and your marriage, this episode offers practical tools to help you move from confusion to connection. Because sometimes the breakthrough starts when you stop solving the wrong