Forever Marriage Podcast

Season 9 | Episode 5: Prioritizing Our Marriage – Understanding His & Her Needs

What does it look like to truly prioritize your spouse? It starts with understanding and intentionally seeking to meet their needs. In this episode, we continue our conversation on prioritizing our marriage by taking a closer look at some of the unique needs of husbands and wives.

We explore a husband's need for respect and sensitivity to the demands and responsibilities he carries, as well as a wife's need for commitment to the family, openness and honesty, and affection. From being present and stepping up at home to having meaningful conversations and showing nonsexual affection, we discuss practical ways to communicate love and strengthen our marriages.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Isn't It Time Somebody Took Out the Trash? PDF
• Is There Life Out There by Reba McEntire Music Video 

Season 9, Episode 4: We Prioritize Our Marriage

In this episode of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we kick off the Family section of our Faith, Family and Finances series with a foundational principle: WE prioritize our marriage.

Marriage is not a relationship of convenience or a contract to be negotiated—it’s a covenant to be honored. So what does it look like to put your spouse first? Drawing from Philippians 2:3–4, we’ll talk about putting aside selfish desires, honoring the commitments we’ve made to one another, and recognizing that our spouse comes second only to our relationship with Jesus Christ.

No parent, career, friendship, or hobby should take priority over the health and well-being of our marriage. So, how can WE practically prioritize our spouse? It starts with seeking to understand and meet their love needs.

Mentioned in this episode:

• See Season 5 Episodes 9, 10, & 11 to hear more about Rights You Give Up and Responsibilities You Pick Up in a Covenant Marriage. 
• Top 10 Emotional Love Needs PDF

Season 9, Episode 3: Grow and Serve in a Local Church

In this episode of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we wrap up the Faith portion of our Faith, Family and Finances series by talking about the importance of growing and serving in a local church.

Hebrews 10 reminds us not to neglect meeting together, but to encourage one another and stir one another up toward love and good works. When a husband and wife are connected to a local church, they have opportunities to grow spiritually, serve together, build meaningful relationships, and have important spiritual conversations within their marriage and family.

Healthy marriages strengthen the local church and give the world a picture of the gospel. So what does it look like to make the local church a priority in your marriage and family?

Mentioned in this episode:

• Undivided by First Call 

Season 9, Episode 2: Pray Together

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways a husband and wife can grow closer to God—and closer to each other. Yet for many couples, praying together is something they know they should do, but rarely actually do.

In this episode of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we talk about the importance of regularly praying together as a couple and why taking the initiative to pray can make such a difference in your marriage. Because when we bring our struggles, needs, gratitude, and hearts before God together, He can use prayer to strengthen our marriage and deepen our faith.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Scalp Sunscreen 

Season 9: Faith, Family & Finances

As we kick off Season 9 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, Scott and Dawn begin with the foundation that impacts every area of marriage and family life: our spiritual growth. As we go, so goes our marriage. As our marriage goes, so goes our family—and the ripple effect continues into our church, community, and beyond.

In this episode, Scott and Dawn talk about the importance of pursuing spiritual growth individually and together, and how spiritual growth naturally leads to relational growth. They share one practical way they’ve grown both spiritually and relationally: learning to live out the “One Anothers” of Scripture.

From accepting, encouraging, forgiving, and serving one another to bearing burdens, praying for one another, and pursuing peace, these biblical commands give us practical ways to strengthen our relationships.

So, how are WE doing?

Join Scott, Dawn, Emily & JP as they kick off a new season with a challenge to pause, ponder, and consider how we are growing—both individually and together.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Feeding Your Soul - Jean Flemming
• Things Unseen - Sinclair Ferguson 
• One Another's of Scripture

In these two bonus episodes, we’re talking about two important conversations every couple should have each week: Making Life Go and Making Love Grow.

In this second episode, we’re focusing on the Making Love Grow conversation—a weekly time to slow down, check in with each other, and intentionally invest in your marriage.

First, you'll ask each other What’s Working? Take time to celebrate what’s going well and encourage one another. Then ask, What’s Not Working? Learn to address the little things before they become big things, while giving your spouse the benefit of the doubt. Finally, ask, How Can I Help You? Look for a practical way to support your spouse—and then follow through.

Mentioned in this episode:

• 5 Keys to a Safe Relationship 
• The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher

Before we jump into a new podcast season, we wanted to put out these two bonus episodes where we’re talking about two important conversations every couple should have: Making Life Go and Making Love Grow.

In this first episode, we’re talking about the Making Life Go conversation—a weekly check-in that helps you and your spouse get on the same page about the things that keep your family moving.

We’ll talk about the kids—who needs to be where, school projects and activities, and who’s coming over. We’ll talk about cash—what’s coming up financially and whether you’re on the same page. We’ll look at the calendar and your week at a glance. And we’ll talk about career—including how you’re balancing work and life.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dave Ramsey's EveryDollar App

Recipe Keeper App

Season 8, Episode 12: You Are a Family of Light

Jesus called His followers "the light of the world," but what does that look like for a family? In this episode, Scott and Dawn finish up the FAMILY series by exploring how families can shine Christ's light through serving others, practicing hospitality, and living generously.

Discover practical ways to serve together as a family, open your home with biblical hospitality, and model a lifestyle of generosity that your children won't just hear about—they'll learn by watching. 

Join us as we discuss how raising "families of light" begins with simple, intentional acts of love that point others to Jesus and leave a lasting legacy for the next generation.

In Season 8, Episode 11 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we conclude our discussion on L — Listen to Understand by exploring the final four components of the L.I.S.T.E.N. framework.

Great listening requires more than simply hearing words. It means staying focused on the conversation, testing your understanding through thoughtful questions, paying attention to non-verbal cues, and managing your emotions when conversations become difficult. In this episode, we discuss how to stay on target without "chasing rabbits," how to clarify what you've heard, how to listen between the lines, and how to respond with self-control rather than reacting emotionally.

Join us as we finish unpacking one of the most important skills every family needs: learning to truly listen in order to understand.

In Season 8, Episode 10 of the Forever Marriage Podcast, we continue unpacking the L — L.I.S.T.E.N. to Understand in our FAMILY series by moving from principle to practice.

What does it actually look like to be a great listener? In this episode, we discuss simple but powerful ways to help your spouse and children feel heard and valued. From giving your undivided attention and removing distractions, to making eye contact, showing genuine interest, and responding with empathy and compassion, we explore practical habits that strengthen connection and communication in the home.

Listening is more than hearing words—it’s demonstrating love, respect, and understanding. Join us as we begin working through the acronym L.I.S.T.E.N. and discover how intentional listening can transform your family relationships.