Can you have genuine faith and still experience genuine doubt?

When Christian leaders fail, prayers seem unanswered, life doesn’t make sense, or something you’ve always believed suddenly feels uncertain, questions can begin creeping in: Is God really who I thought He was? Can I actually trust Him? What if I’m wrong about all of this?

In this episode, Carl and Heather have an honest conversation about doubting your faith—and why doubt itself isn’t necessarily the problem. Thomas doubted after showing extraordinary courage and devotion to Jesus. John the Baptist found himself sitting in prison asking whether Jesus really was the Messiah. And in both cases, their questions were brought toward Jesus, not away from Him.

So when is doubt healthy, and when does it become dangerous?

We’ll explore how to recognize where your doubts are coming from, the difference between wrestling with God and becoming double-minded, and five practical things you can do when your faith feels uncertain.

You don’t have to be afraid of your questions. Don’t waste your doubt. Let it drive you toward prayer, Scripture, truth, and ultimately back to Jesus.

Please let us pray for you and with you. Send Prayer requests: [email protected]

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Love or Respect?

Does a woman need love more than respect? Does a man need respect more than love? And what does that actually look like in a real marriage?

After our recent conversation with Shaunti Feldhahn, we wanted to circle back to one idea that really resonated with people: many women have a deep need to feel loved and cherished, while many men have a deep need to feel respected, capable, and believed in.

This week, it’s just the two of us talking about how that has played out in our own marriage.

We unpack the seemingly small things that can make a husband feel disrespected or a wife feel unloved—even when that was never the intention. We talk about criticism, correcting one another, disagreement, emotional distance, and what happens when both spouses start waiting for the other person to go first.

Can you respect your husband when you disagree with him? Can you love your wife when she’s distant or frustrated? What if you don’t feel like your spouse deserves what they’re asking for? And how does following Jesus change the way we answer those questions?

Ultimately, this isn't just about learning what men want or what women want. It’s about becoming a student of the person you married and learning to communicate love in a way they can actually receive.

Because sometimes the thing you’re trying to communicate isn’t the thing your spouse is hearing.

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Do you ever wish you could get inside your husband’s head and understand what he’s really thinking?

This week, we’re joined by bestselling author and social researcher Dr. Shaunti Feldhahn for a fascinating conversation about her book, For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men.

Shaunti’s research has helped millions of women better understand the men they love—including one finding that can be especially surprising: many men would rather feel respected than loved.

But what does that actually mean in a marriage?

We talk with Shaunti about the inner life of men—the pressures and insecurities husbands may not know how to put into words, why respect carries so much weight, and some of the things your husband may desperately want you to understand about him.

Because sometimes loving your spouse well begins with understanding them better.

If you’ve ever thought, “I love this man, but sometimes I just do not understand him,” this episode is for you. Our hope is that this conversation helps you see your husband with fresh eyes and gives you practical ways to build greater connection, affection, and trust in your marriage.

If this episode encouraged you, don’t just move on—join us.

Follow the podcast so you don’t miss conversations that are helping couples fight for what matters most—their marriage, their family, and their walk with God.

And if this episode helped you, consider sharing it with a friend or another couple who might need it too.

Need prayer? We’d truly be honored to stand with you.
📧 [email protected]

And if you’re looking to invest in the health of marriages at your church or event, we’d love to serve you.

⛪💍 Submit a request at carlandheather.com/booking

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Looking to connect with Carl and Heather? Start here...
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What happens when the marriage you have isn’t the marriage you thought you were getting?

Most of us entered marriage carrying expectations—about communication, sex, money, parenting, faith, family, and even who we thought our spouse would become. But eventually, there’s a moment when we realize: this isn’t exactly what I ordered.

So what do you do with the disappointment?

In this episode, Carl and Heather talk about the difference between things in marriage that genuinely need to change and things we may need to learn to accept—and even love. Through Scripture, humor, and a burger with way too many onions, they explore biblical contentment, gratitude, patience, unmet expectations, and the possibility that God may be doing something good in a marriage that looks different from the one you imagined.

Maybe the goal isn’t to finally get the marriage you thought you’d have. Maybe it’s to discover what God wants to do with the marriage you actually have.

Plus, Carl and Heather share more about their new book, Together on Purpose, coming November 1.

Have a prayer request? Email [email protected] Carl and Heather set aside time every Monday to pray for listeners. Send your request or learn about having them speak or lead worship at your church or event at CarlAndHeather.com.

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Looking to connect with Carl and Heather? Start here...
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Replay Episode: Creating Margin (Our Very First Episode)

As we approach our 100th episode, we're revisiting the conversation that started it all.

Many of you have discovered the podcast over the past couple of years, so we wanted to re-release Episode 1 because its message feels more timely now than ever.

Life has a way of filling every open space. Between work, kids, sports, church, and endless opportunities, it's easy to find ourselves running at a pace that leaves little room for what matters most.

In this conversation, we talk honestly about our own struggle with overcommitment, the cost of hurry, and why creating intentional margin is essential for a healthy marriage and a healthy soul.

You'll hear practical ideas for slowing down, protecting your priorities, and making space to connect with God and each other.

Because we've learned this is still true:

Margin is the space where connection grows.

Whether this is your first time hearing Episode 1 or you're listening again, we hope it encourages you to step off the crazy train and make room for the relationships that matter most.

Together is better.

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Back to School: Become a Student of Your Spouse

Every August, students head back to the classroom—but what if this season became an opportunity to go back to school in your marriage?

In this episode, Carl and Heather challenge couples to become lifelong students of one another. Instead of assuming you've already figured your spouse out, learn how curiosity, intentional questions, and healthy rhythms can deepen intimacy and strengthen your relationship.

Together, they discuss why people continue to change throughout marriage, what Scripture teaches about drawing out the heart of another person, and practical habits that help couples stay connected through every season of life.

No matter how long you've been married, you'll discover fresh ways to pursue, understand, and love your spouse with greater intentionality.

Scripture: Proverbs 20:5

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What if the greatest purpose of your marriage is to tell the story of the Gospel?

In the final episode of our study through Ephesians, Carl and Heather explore one of the most discussed passages in Scripture and discover that Paul's ultimate focus isn't marriage itself—it's Christ and His Church.

Together you'll unpack what sacrificial love, mutual honor, and covenant commitment look like in everyday marriage. You'll also discover why the armor of God immediately follows Paul's teaching on marriage and why remembering your spouse is not your enemy can transform the way you handle conflict.

As we wrap up this five-week journey through Ephesians, we're reminded that the goal isn't simply to know God's Word—it's to become people who live it together.

This week's passages: Ephesians 5:22–6:24

Download the free companion Couples Study Guide at carlandheather.com and continue the conversation with your spouse.

Prayer requests:
[email protected]

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Looking to connect with Carl and Heather? Start here...
www.carlandheather.com
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Why is following Jesus still such a struggle sometimes?

If you've ever wondered why old habits, old arguments, or old ways of thinking continue to surface—even after placing your faith in Christ—you're not alone.

In Episode 4 of our study through Ephesians, Carl and Heather explore Paul's invitation to put off the old self, walk in love, and live wisely through the power of the Holy Spirit.

You'll discover why lasting transformation begins with identity, how small daily choices shape healthy marriages, and why the Christian life isn't powered by willpower but by God's Spirit working within us.

Join us as we continue our five-week journey through the Book of Ephesians.

This week's passages: Ephesians 4:17–5:21

Download the free companion Couples Study Guide at carlandheather.com and follow along each week.

Prayer requests:
[email protected]

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Looking to connect with Carl and Heather? Start here...
www.carlandheather.com
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Does God have a purpose for your life... or just for pastors and missionaries?

In Episode 3 of our study through Ephesians, Carl and Heather explore one of the most encouraging truths in Scripture: every follower of Jesus has received a calling.

As Paul prays for believers to be rooted and grounded in God's love, he reminds us that the Christian life isn't about earning God's approval—it's about living from it.

Together you'll discover why your career isn't your calling, how the Church reveals God's plan to the world, and what it looks like to faithfully live out your purpose in everyday life and marriage.

Join us as we continue our five-week journey through the Book of Ephesians.

This week's passages: Ephesians 3:1–21; 4:1–16

Download the free companion Couples Study Guide at carlandheather.com and follow along each week.

Prayer requests:
[email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Looking to connect with Carl and Heather? Start here...
www.carlandheather.com
@carlcartee
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Do you ever feel like you're never quite enough?

Enough for God.
Enough for your spouse.
Enough as a parent.
Enough in your faith.

Ephesians 2 answers that question with one of the clearest pictures of the Gospel in all of Scripture.

In this episode, Carl and Heather explore what it means to be saved by grace—not by performance—and why understanding that truth changes everything about how we love God and one another.

Together you'll discover why grace isn't just the starting point of the Christian life—it's the foundation of every healthy marriage.

Join us as we continue our five-week journey through the Book of Ephesians.

This week's passage: Ephesians 2:1–22

Download the free companion Couples Study Guide at carlandheather.com and follow along each week.

Prayer requests:
[email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Looking to connect with Carl and Heather? Start here...
www.carlandheather.com
@carlcartee
@heather.cartee