A Purpose Driven Marriage Podcast

Hey friends! 👋 It's just me today—Duane is out of town—but I'm excited to spend this time with you because we're talking about something that comes up all the time in my coaching sessions: those frustrating, never-ending arguments that go absolutely nowhere.

You know the ones—where you and your spouse keep going in circles, saying the same things, but somehow you're both still frustrated and nothing actually gets resolved? 😩 Yeah, we're getting to the bottom of that today!

After working with hundreds of couples, I've seen the same patterns keep people stuck in these unproductive arguments. And in this episode, I'm breaking down the four biggest communication roadblocks that lead to these cycles—plus how you and your spouse can overcome them together.

💡 Why men tend to go into "fix-it" mode while women want to process—and how to bridge the gap 💡 The "intentions vs. impact" trap—why good intentions don't always equal good communication 💡 How couples often fight about completely different things without realizing it (seriously, this happens ALL the time!) 💡 Why it's hard to see past your own emotions when you're upset—and how to create space for BOTH of you to be heard

Listen, communication is a skill—it's not something we're all just born knowing how to do. But that means it's something we can learn and get better at! So if you're ready to break the cycle of frustrating, never-ending arguments, this episode is for you.

✨ Follow me on Instagram & TikTok (@apurposedrivenmarriage) for daily marriage tips ✨ Want to work together? Book a coaching session at https://apurposedrivenmarriage.com/ ✨ Found this helpful? Send it to a friend or leave a review! It seriously means so much 💛

🎧 Press play and let's work on having more productive, meaningful conversations in your marriage!

Is your marriage slowly drifting apart without you realizing it? In this powerful episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, we sit down with David and Meg Robbins to discuss the three biggest threats that can weaken any marriage—and, more importantly, how to fight back and stay connected.

At the time of this interview, David was the president of Family Life, but since then, he has stepped into a new role as the president of Campus Crusade for Christ International and Cru. While his title has changed, his heart for strengthening marriages remains the same.

David and Meg share deep insights, biblical wisdom, and real-life stories to help couples recognize and overcome: ✅ The Internal Threat – How our own selfishness and busyness create distance ✅ The External Threat – The hidden influences (like technology and culture) pulling couples apart ✅ The Invisible Threat – The spiritual battle against oneness in marriage

Plus, they introduce the newly reimagined Art of Marriage series, designed to help couples strengthen their relationship through faith-centered community.

🎙️ Tune in to hear: ✔️ How to identify if one of these threats is affecting your marriage ✔️ Simple, practical ways to reconnect and stay united ✔️ Why your marriage matters beyond just the two of you—it can change the world!

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Family Life Website: www.familylife.com
• The Art of Marriage
• Follow Family Life on Instagram: @familylifeinsta
• Weekend to Remember

👉 Did this episode resonate with you? Share it with another couple and tag us on Instagram @apurposedrivenmarriage!

Are your in-laws a little too involved in your marriage? Do you or your spouse feel like you're competing for attention, struggling with boundaries, or dealing with a parent who just won't let go? You're not alone!

In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, we dive into the challenges of unhealthy parental attachments—when in-laws mean well but unintentionally create tension, division, and conflict in a marriage. We'll help you recognize the signs, understand the impact, and most importantly, set healthy boundaries without starting a family feud.

✅ Common signs of unhealthy parent-child attachment in marriage ✅ How this dynamic creates loyalty conflicts and weakens connection ✅ Biblical wisdom on leaving and cleaving (Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:7) ✅ Practical strategies to set firm but loving boundaries ✅ How to redirect in-law relationships while protecting your marriage ✅ What to do when boundaries are ignored or met with resistance

Let's Connect: 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @APurposeDrivenMarriage 📧 Have a question or story to share? Email us at [email protected]

💌 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

Valentine's Day is often associated with roses, chocolates, and fancy dinners—but it doesn't have to be about spending big or doing the same old thing. In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, Duane and Nadine share 7 creative ideas to rekindle the romance and make your Valentine's Day (or any day) extra special.

Whether you're planning a fun scavenger hunt, reminiscing on cherished memories, or learning to dance together, these thoughtful and playful ideas will help you reconnect and celebrate your love in meaningful ways. Plus, hear about some personal stories from Duane and Nadine's own relationship as they dive into each idea, showing how you can build intimacy and joy—no matter the day!

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How to create a memory lane date that celebrates your unique journey together
• The benefits of writing heartfelt love letters and why it's a perfect Valentine's tradition
• Fun and easy ways to plan a tech-free day focused on deepening conversation
• How a DIY spa day or even a dance class can spice up your Valentine's celebration
• The importance of focusing on love every day, not just on Valentine's Day

Creative Ideas for a Special Valentine's:

1. Memory Lane Date: Revisit places from your past and look through old photos or memorabilia.
2. Cooking Class Together: Learn a new recipe together and enjoy the bonding experience.
3. Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt: Leave little notes or gifts to surprise your spouse throughout the day.
4. Write Love Letters: Express your feelings through heartfelt words and read them to each other.
5. Tech-Free Day: Spend the day fully focused on each other with fun games and deep conversations.
6. DIY Spa Day: Pamper each other with massages, facials, and candles to set a romantic mood.
7. Dance Class (or App Dance Challenge): Take a dance lesson or try some fun choreography at home.

Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review! We'd love to hear how you and your spouse are celebrating Valentine's Day, or any creative ways you nurture your relationship year-round.

Let's Connect: 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @APurposeDrivenMarriage 📧 Have a question or story to share? Email us at [email protected]

💌 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Episode Description: In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage Podcast, Duane and Nadine Stewart dive into the transformative concept of the Five Love Languages. Rooted in Dr. Gary Chapman's groundbreaking book The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, they explore how understanding and speaking your spouse's love language can lead to fewer conflicts, deeper emotional connections, and greater marital satisfaction. 💖

You'll hear relatable stories, expert-backed insights, and actionable tips on how to identify and speak your spouse's love language effectively—even when it feels unnatural at first.

What You'll Learn: ✅ The Five Love Languages: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch ✅ Why we naturally express love the way we want to receive it—and how that can create misunderstandings ✅ Practical examples of how couples can align their love expressions ✅ Research-based insights into the benefits of love language communication ✅ Tips to discover your spouse's primary love language

Episode Highlights:

• [00:03:45] How Dr. Gary Chapman's counseling experience led to identifying love language mismatches
• [00:10:22] Real-life couple stories where love languages created breakthroughs
• [00:20:11] Discovering your spouse's love language by observing their behavior and complaints
• [00:27:00] How love languages impact conflict resolution and emotional connection

Challenge of the Week: Take 10 minutes with your spouse to discuss your love languages. Don't know them yet? Take the quiz together! Links are in the show notes. Once you discover each other's love languages, talk about practical ways to show love that resonates deeply.

Resources Mentioned: 📚 The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman 🧩 Take the Love Language Quiz

Let's Connect: 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @APurposeDrivenMarriage 📧 Have a question or story to share? Email us at [email protected]

💌 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

What if we told you that one of the secrets to a thriving marriage lies in one simple—but often overlooked—skill? In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, we dive into the transformative power of listening to understand.

Active listening isn't just a corporate buzzword; it's a game-changer for relationships. Research shows that couples who prioritize listening experience increased satisfaction, stronger emotional connections, and are less likely to divorce. Tune in as we share personal stories, practical strategies, and proven techniques to help you become a better listener in your marriage.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Difference Between Hearing and Listening to Understand

   • Why your spouse needs more than a quick "I heard you."
   • How listening to understand builds trust and intimacy.

2. The Science of Listening in Relationships

   • Studies reveal that active listening can increase marital satisfaction by 30%.
   • Emotional attunement: Why it's key to resolving conflicts.

3. Challenges to Effective Listening

   • Overcoming distractions in our busy lives.
   • Handling defensiveness and keeping emotions in check.

4. Practical Tips to Improve Your Listening Skills Today

   • The "Witnessing" technique to ensure your partner feels heard.
   • Creating designated spaces for undistracted conversations.
   • How to call a respectful "time out" when emotions run high.

🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage. 📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage. 💌 Email us at [email protected].

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show!

Does it feel like your communication with your spouse could use a tune-up? In this episode, we tackle five common communication mistakes couples often make—and, more importantly, how to fix them! From poor listening habits to unrealistic expectations, we're breaking down the barriers to understanding and offering practical solutions to help you and your partner connect on a deeper level. Whether you've been married for decades or are newlyweds, this episode is packed with relatable scenarios, laughter, and actionable insights to strengthen your relationship.

Key Takeaways:

1. Poor Listening: Learn how to listen to understand rather than just respond, and why this skill is the ultimate relationship game-changer.
2. Assuming Mind-Reading Abilities: Discover the importance of clear, direct communication and why your spouse isn't a psychic!
3. Reacting Emotionally Instead of Responding Thoughtfully: Master the art of pausing before reacting to create a more empathetic and constructive dialogue.
4. Sweeping Issues Under the Rug: Find out how to address conflicts head-on while respecting each other's communication styles.
5. Using Negative Communication Patterns: We dive into Dr. John Gottman's "Four Horsemen" (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling) and their antidotes to protect your marriage.

Resources Mentioned:

• Communication Style Quiz: [Click here to take the quiz]
• Conflict Style Quiz: [Click here to take the quiz]

🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage. 📲 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage. 💌 Email us your favorite memory as a couple, or let us know how this episode resonated with you at [email protected].

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show!

Do fights in your relationship leave you feeling disconnected, frustrated, or unsure of how to move forward? You're not alone! In this episode, we tackle one of the most challenging aspects of any marriage: resolving conflicts in a way that not only heals wounds but strengthens your bond.

We dive into why conflict is a natural part of relationships and how it can become an opportunity to deepen connection. Learn our 5 proven steps to navigate post-fight resolution, from understanding your spouse's perspective to rebuilding trust and creating a plan to avoid future misunderstandings.

If you've ever struggled to truly move past an argument or want to transform conflict into growth, this episode is for you!

1. Why Communication Issues Often Stem from Connection Problems – Discover how addressing disconnection can make communication smoother.

2. The Power of Vulnerability and Empathy – Learn how to validate your spouse's feelings and uncover the "need behind the need."

3. 5-Step Framework for Healing After a Fight:

   • Step 1: Share your feelings without blame.
   • Step 2: Describe your realities and perceptions calmly.
   • Step 3: Use empathy and validation to connect.
   • Step 4: Take responsibility for your role in the conflict.
   • Step 5: Plan constructive ways to avoid repeating the same issues.

4. Why Skipping Steps Can Sabotage Trust – Hear why jumping straight to "I'm sorry" without understanding the deeper issue can backfire.

🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage. 📲 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage. 💌 Email us your favorite memory as a couple, or let us know how this episode resonated with you at [email protected].

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show!

As we close out another year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the journey you and your spouse have traveled together. In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of reminiscing and how looking back on shared memories can actually bring you closer as a couple. Whether it's revisiting the day you first met, reflecting on challenges you've overcome, or celebrating the wins of the past year, reminiscing strengthens your connection and deepens your love.

We'll explore:

• Why reminiscing is often overlooked but vital for marital happiness.
• How to use shared memories to rebuild intimacy and rekindle your spark.
• Dr. John Gottman's insights on reminiscing and its impact on emotional connection.
• Practical tips to reflect on your past year together and set the stage for an even stronger future.

Grab a cozy spot, your favorite beverage, and your spouse—let's reminisce and reconnect!

1. The Science of Reminiscing: Why shared memories improve marital satisfaction and protect against negativity.
2. The Reset Button Effect: How reflecting on your relationship's "origin story" can reignite love and understanding.
3. Overcoming Challenges Together: Using memories of tough times to foster gratitude, growth, and resilience.
4. Practical Tools for Reflection: Thoughtful questions and exercises to start reminiscing with your spouse today.
5. A Biblical Perspective: How remembering God's faithfulness in your marriage can guide and inspire your journey forward.

💬 "Reminiscing isn't just about the past—it's a way to reconnect in the present and strengthen your bond for the future." 💬 "When couples reflect on their shared journey, they rediscover their 'why' and reignite the love that brought them together in the first place."

• Set aside time this week to reflect on 2024 with your spouse. Start with questions like, "What was our greatest challenge this year, and how did we grow from it?"
• Try creating an annual end-of-year tradition where you celebrate wins, reflect on lessons, and set goals for the year ahead.
• Keep it simple: Reminiscing doesn't require a big production. A heartfelt conversation over coffee or a walk down memory lane with old photos can make a huge difference.

🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage. 📲 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage. 💌 Email us your favorite memory as a couple, or let us know how this episode resonated with you at [email protected].

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show!

What's your favorite memory as a couple? Share it on social media and tag us with #MarriageReflections #ReminisceTogether