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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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/

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.

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!

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. ❤️