Experts say modern couples face pressures that didn’t exist decades ago, turning what once felt simple into a constant balancing act of communication and emotional connection. Without intentional effort, even close companions can begin to feel distant.

What does it really take to keep love strong over three decades of marriage?

Our host, Delia, gets into conversation with Chris and Clarinda as they open up about their 30‑year journey. Clarinda shares how shared values and an understanding of each other’s family backgrounds helped them build empathy and avoid repeating unhelpful patterns. Chris reveals how early parenting tested their foundations — his firmer discipline style clashing with her gentler approach — and how mutual respect kept them united.

From navigating major life transitions, such as Clarinda becoming a stay‑at‑home mum and later re‑entering the workforce after 16 years, their reflections raise fresh questions about trust, growth and partnership.

Their stories invite you to wonder: What foundations are you building today that will carry your marriage through the different seasons of life?

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Build your early years of marriage with Connect2 Just Married! Designed to equip couples married for five years or less, this programme helps you learn key skills, clarify expectations, strengthen communication, and navigate differences and responsibilities with confidence. Grow a strong foundation and keep the romance alive as you journey together. Find out more at www.family.org.sg/C2justmarried.

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

What does healthy sexuality in marriage look like?

We hear from family and marital therapist Benny Bong to unpack the deeper layers of healthy sexuality. Benny explains that true intimacy is more than physical closeness—it includes our emotional, cognitive, and spiritual selves. He shares how disconnection, unspoken expectations, and the absence of emotional bonding can weaken a married couple’s sense of togetherness.

He also highlights the importance of understanding ourselves, feeling secure in our identity, and nurturing emotional intimacy at home. And if you think your children are not watching, think again—they pick up far more than we realise.

“The starting point of healthy sexuality is a good understanding and acceptance of who we are.” — Benny Bong

We hope this episode encourages you to slow down, reconnect with your spouse, and enjoy healthy, wholehearted intimacy in your marriage.

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“I was all ready to quit after seven years of marriage. The endless communication breakdowns, deep-seated misunderstandings, and growing resentment in me has taken its toll.”

- Tricia (Name has been edited to protect the client’s privacy)

Life can be overwhelming. Having a listening ear can bring relief, help you feel supported, and improve relationships. Make an appointment with a counsellor today. Fees apply. Find out more www.family.org.sg/counselling

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

Grandparents often step in to help raise grandchildren, but what happens when support turns into tension?

In this episode of the Connect2 Podcast, host Ee Jay speaks with Fook Cheong and Mabel—creators of the SPYCes framework—on how grandparents can be allies, not adversaries, in their adult children’s parenting journey.

Discover why the season of raising children ends when your children become independent self-supporting adults, and why respecting boundaries is key to harmony. Learn practical tips on communication, mindset shifts, and avoiding rivalry. Fook Cheong and Mabel share insights from 39 years of marriage and their experience guiding families through intergenerational challenges.

Whether you’re a parent seeking help from grandparents or a grandparent wanting to support without overstepping, this episode offers practical strategies for fostering trust, respect, and shared purpose. Tune in for actionable steps to strengthen marriages and family bonds across generations.

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“I was all ready to quit after seven years of marriage. The endless communication breakdowns, deep-seated misunderstandings, and growing resentment in me has taken its toll.”

- Tricia (Name has been edited to protect the client’s privacy)

Life can be overwhelming. Having a listening ear can bring relief, help you feel supported, and improve relationships. Make an appointment with a counsellor today. Find our more www.family.org.sg/counselling. Fees apply.

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

Series: What I Wish I Knew Before Getting Married

In this episode, we’re diving into a big question: How do we grow in intimacy as a couple?

Do you find yourself avoiding difficult conversations with your spouse—especially around intimacy? And what does healthy sexual intimacy really look like?

Physical closeness is one way we express love, but sexual intimacy is more than that — it's a language, — a form of communication. So, let’s talk.

Our host, Hosanna Nazar, is joined by Raymond and Jenny Teo, founders of Ten Butter Fingers and a couple married for 25 years. They encourage couples to explore and learn together. Even after marriage, it’s okay to say, “We’re still figuring it out.” Because intimacy is not about pressure or performance —it’s about growing in trust, humility, and openness.

▶ Watch the Connect2 Vodcast series to engage further—just click the link to uncover so much more.

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Marriage is one of the most rewarding things in life. Yet navigating marriage as newlyweds or an engaged couple can sometimes get overwhelming. Whether it's managing expectations of the in-laws, getting a good grasp on your family finances, or establishing good habits of communication and healthy conflict. Visit www.family.org.sg/C2MarriagePrep for more information today!

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

Series: What I Wish I Knew Before Getting Married

In this episode, we’re tackling a question many couples wrestle with: How can I get along with my in-laws?

As we step into fresh roles in marriage and family life, it’s important to remember that our parents and in-laws are also navigating their own transitions. Just as we were never formally taught how to be spouses or parents, they too were never taught how to be mothers-or fathers-in-law. We’re all learning—together.

Join our host, Hosanna, as she speaks with Raymond and Jenny Teo—founders of Ten Butter Fingers and married for 25 years—as they recall how managing in-law relationships was a major source of tension early in their marriage. With many responsibilities, even scheduling a simple meal with both sets of parents felt overwhelming—and they realised they had little time for themselves. But learning to see things from their parents’ perspective reshaped how they responded. They chose to love and honour their parents while finding solutions that worked for their family.

▶ Watch the Connect2 Vodcast series to engage further—just click the link to uncover so much more.

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Marriage is one of the most rewarding things in life. Yet navigating marriage as newlyweds or an engaged couple can sometimes get overwhelming. Whether it's managing expectations of the in-laws, getting a good grasp on your family finances, or establishing good habits of communication and healthy conflict. Visit www.family.org.sg/C2MarriagePrep for more information today!

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

Series: What I Wish I Knew Before Getting Married

From budgeting styles to spending habits, our personal views on money shape expectations in marriage—and those expectations can sometimes lead to tension.

But what if financial conflict is actually an opportunity to pause and ask, “Where is this coming from?”

In this episode, we explore the idea of stewardship—using money wisely while learning to appreciate how your partner expresses love through financial decisions. It’s not just about dollars and cents; it’s about values, communication, and trust.

Our host, Hosanna Nazar, is joined by Raymond and Jenny Teo, who are married for 25 years and are the founders of Ten Butter Fingers. They share how they’ve come to see that while money can bring comfort and even happiness, true joy comes from shared values, intentional time together, and wise choices—not just spending.

▶ Watch the Connect2 Vodcast series to engage further—just click the link to uncover so much more.

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Marriage is one of the most rewarding things in life. Yet navigating marriage as newlyweds or an engaged couple can sometimes get overwhelming. Whether it's managing expectations of the in-laws, getting a good grasp on your family finances, or establishing good habits of communication and healthy conflict. Visit www.family.org.sg/C2MarriagePrep for more information today!

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

Series: What I Wish I Knew Before Getting Married

Managing household responsibilities isn’t just about splitting tasks—it’s about creating a home that reflects what truly matters in your marriage. It’s about tapping into each other’s strengths, communicating expectations clearly, and acknowledging the often- unspoken mental load that one spouse may carry.

Join our host, Hosanna Nazar, as she sits down with Raymond and Jenny Teo, founders of Ten Butter Fingers, married for 25 years. They share how chores are less about keeping score and more about teamwork in different seasons of life. Whether it’s reassessing priorities or outsourcing when needed, the goal is to build a home that supports connection, rest, and purpose—without letting housework become the main thing that defines your relationship.

▶ Watch the Connect2 Vodcast series to engage further—just click the link to uncover so much more.

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Marriage is one of the most rewarding things in life. Yet navigating marriage as newlyweds or an engaged couple can sometimes get overwhelming. Whether it's managing expectations of the in-laws, getting a good grasp on your family finances, or establishing good habits of communication and healthy conflict. Visit www.family.org.sg/C2MarriagePrep for more information today!

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

How do you build a marriage that feels safe—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—as you prioritise open and honest communication?

In this episode, host June sits down with couple therapists and clinical psychologists Jared and Joyce Tan to explore how couples can process their thoughts and feelings and express the deepest parts of themselves to their spouse. 

They discuss why emotional safety is essential for intimacy and growth, and how self-awareness and attunement help couples navigate differences and strengthen connection. The conversation also highlights how unspoken expectations and family backgrounds can create emotional distance—and how understanding each other’s inner world can build a stronger, more secure bond. 

Safety in marriage isn’t about avoiding conflict, but about cultivating care, humility, and repair. Whether you're adjusting to new rhythms or working through challenges, this episode offers practical insights to help you create a relationship where both partners feel seen, supported, and safe. 

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Sign up here to create an account with Focus on the Family Singapore to access a wide range of marriage and parenting resources designed to nurture and strengthen your family relationships.

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.  

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

“Self-care is about bringing our best selves into a healthy, shared marriage space.” – Jared

“We’re relational beings—sharing our burdens supports well-being.” – Joyce

In this episode, host June chats with couple guests Jared and Joyce Tan, both trained couples' therapists and clinical psychologists, about the importance of self-awareness and mutual accountability in marriage. They explore how expressing personal needs and navigating life’s transitions can strengthen connection.

Caring for yourself is not selfish—it’s essential. Everyone recharges differently, so take time to reflect and reconnect. Self-care can be a shared journey that uplifts both you and your spouse, creating space for deeper connection, growth, and meaningful service to others.

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Sign up here to create an account with Focus on the Family Singapore to access a wide range of marriage and parenting resources designed to nurture and strengthen your family relationships.

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.  

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

What does it mean to raise a family while growing your marriage partnership? 

In this episode, we're joined by Mark and Sue, counsellors from The Social Quotient, whose work focuses on marriage and parenting. They share how embracing complementary roles as father and mother strengthens both their parenting and their marital bond. 

“That’s the legacy we hope our children carry into their own relationships and marriages—a strong foundation of love, trust, understanding, and mutual respect.” – Mark and Sue 

Their conversation highlights the importance of putting the marriage first—modeling unity and commitment that children can carry into their own future relationships. It’s a reminder that when couples grow together, the whole family thrives. 

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Sign up here to create an account with Focus on the Family Singapore to access a wide range of marriage and parenting resources designed to nurture and strengthen your family relationships.

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If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Podchaser. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/connect2podcast to share with your friends.  

You can also support us by giving monthly. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.