Summary: In this episode, Shaunti Feldhahn sits down with author Laurie Davies to unpack the powerful concept behind the book Emotional Hoarding: Letting Go of the Stuff That Keeps You Stuck. Together, they explore how holding onto hard emotions costs us. Emotional 'hoarding’ limits how we love, it keeps us stuck in regret, grudges, and shame—and, most importantly, it creates a disconnect between us and the freedom God wants us to walk in. 

Together, Shaunti and Laurie distinguish between emotional “baggage” and the deeper patterns of emotional hoarding, highlighting signs that you might be hoarding hard emotions, and why honest self-examination is essential to breaking free. 

The conversation dives into emotions such as worry, worthlessness, regret, anger, and bitterness—focusing on how scripture offers a clear path to freedom. With worry, for example, Shaunti and Laurie discuss how renewing our thinking, grounded in principles from Philippians 4:8, can close the worry loop and restore peace. 

As Shaunti observed in her foreword to the book: “You will never think about your inner emotional life the same way again.” 

Tune in to this episode for a hope-filled path for stepping into greater emotional and relational freedom. 

Links: lauriedavies.com Emotional Hoarding on Amazon

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Summary: 

Parents naturally want to protect their kids from disappointment and failure—but sometimes our help can actually get in the way of their growth. In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff talk about the growing trend of “snowplow parenting,” where parents try to clear every obstacle out of their child’s path. Through stories, research insights, and practical wisdom, they explore how well-meaning parents can unintentionally prevent their kids from learning resilience and responsibility. You’ll hear why allowing natural consequences can actually be a gift—and how to support your kids without removing every challenge in front of them. 

For Parents Only

https://shaunti.com/2024/05/how-to-stop-being-a-snowplow-parent-part-1/

https://shaunti.com/2024/05/how-to-stop-being-a-snowplow-parent-part-2/

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/16/style/snowplow-parenting-scandal.html

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Summary: In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn unpack one of the most overlooked sources of conflict in marriage: the very different ways men and women process thoughts and emotions. Drawing on two decades of research, they explore why many women experience ongoing “open windows,” lingering worries or mental tabs that are hard to close and why many men may not even realize those windows are still open. 

With practical insight and empathy for both sides, Shaunti and Jeff explain the brain-based and physiological differences that shape how we handle stress and disagreement. Most importantly, they offer simple, powerful ways spouses can respond in moments of tension, turning misunderstanding into connection. If you’ve ever felt like you and your spouse were missing each other emotionally, this conversation will give you fresh clarity and practical tools to build deeper understanding. 

Resources: Gur, R. C., & Gur, R. E. (2017). Complementarity of sex differences in brain and behavior: From laterality to multimodal neuroimaging. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 95(1), 189–199. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.2383 

FOR MEN ONLY 

FOR WOMEN ONLY  

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Summary: 

What are young couples really wondering about as they step into engagement and marriage?

In this special and deeply personal episode, Shaunti and Jeff sit down with their daughter Morgen and her fiancé Ben—just weeks before their wedding—to talk candidly about readiness, trust, faith, conflict, finances, sex, and what it really means to commit for life.

Drawing from both lived experience and decades of research, this conversation blends heart, humor, and practical wisdom for engaged couples—and for parents walking alongside them.

Resources:

The Secrets of Sex and Marriage

The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Summary 

In this second part of our powerful two-part series, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn continue their heartfelt conversation with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith, diving even deeper into the healing journey after sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. 

Building on the foundation of honesty and vulnerability discussed in Part 1, this episode unpacks what it takes to truly rebuild trust and intimacy in a relationship that’s been deeply wounded. The Raabsmiths offer practical, grace-filled guidance for couples, emphasizing the importance of structured healing, safe community, and sustained emotional connection. 

You’ll hear how couples can move forward, not just surviving, but genuinely thriving through intentional steps, compassionate support, and the redemptive work of God. This is a vital conversation for anyone longing to understand the path to restoration and hope. 

If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and start there for the full picture of this profound dialogue. 

Resources: 

https://raabsmithteam.com/free 

Building True Intimacy 

https://www.amazon.com/Building-True-Intimacy-Creating-Connection/dp/B0CHCLTDZJ/?tag=shaunticom-20

Secrets of Sex and Marriage book  

For referral resources: secretsofsexandmarriage.com  

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Summary 

This episode is part one of a two-part conversation that we simply couldn’t keep to one week. !t’s that powerful! 

Dr. Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith to tackle one of the most painful but crucial topics in relationships: sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. With deep empathy and rich insight, the Raabsmiths, a couple who are both trained professionals and seasoned by personal experience, share the emotional and relational toll of betrayal and the courageous journey toward healing. 

They explore the critical roles of honesty, vulnerability, and structured support in recovery, highlighting how both partners contribute to rebuilding trust and intimacy. You'll hear practical, research-backed strategies for couples, as well as how the church can be a safe and redemptive place for those walking this road. 

Don’t miss this compelling conversation, and be sure to come back next week for Part 2, where we go even deeper into the healing process and the hopeful road forward. 

Resources: 

https://raabsmithteam.com/free 

Building True Intimacy 

Secrets of Sex and Marriage book  

For referral resources: secretsofsexandmarriage.com  

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Summary:

In this insightful episode Jeff and Shaunti, along with Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, delve into the deeper layers of love languages, unpacking not only the five primary categories but also the nuanced dialects within each one. With warmth and expertise, they explore how the concept of the “love tank”—our emotional reservoir—impacts relationships and why empathy is the key to truly speaking each other's language. The conversation highlights practical tools like the Five Love Languages Assessment and the “My Heart Chart,” offering listeners accessible ways to foster connection. Through real-life stories and actionable guidance, the Parrotts empower couples to bridge communication gaps and build lasting intimacy—one intentional act of love at a time. 

Links and Resources

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Language-That-Matters-Most/dp/0802438903/?tag=shaunticom-20

For assessments and more details: www.5lovelanguages.com

https://www.myheartchart.com/

LesAndLeslie.com

Social media- IG: @Lesandleslie; X: @LesParrott; Facebook: @Lesandleslieparrott

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Summary:

In this insightful episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with Dr. Gary Chapman, renowned author of The Five Love Languages and The Five Languages of Apology. Together, they explore how understanding both love and apology languages can radically improve relationships. Dr. Chapman unpacks the five core ways people express and receive love—and explains how offering sincere, well-matched apologies can be just as vital to healing and connection. The conversation highlights the power of empathy, emotional communication, and forgiveness in maintaining strong, healthy relationships. Whether you're married, dating, or simply want to love others well, this episode offers powerful tools to deepen your relational bonds.

Links and Resources:

www.5lovelanguages.com

The Five Languages of Apology

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Summary:

In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn share their personal journey with MediShare, a healthcare sharing ministry, as they navigate rising medical costs and their own health challenges. They welcome Dr. Ian Day, Chief Medical Officer at MediShare, to unpack how the program works, its biblical roots, and the powerful sense of community that distinguishes it from traditional insurance. Together, they explore how MediShare integrates emotional and spiritual support into healthcare, emphasizing the role of prayer and the holistic vision of biblical wellness—caring for body, mind, and soul.

Links and Resources:

 About CCM | Christian Care Ministry

Medishare.com/serve

Or text “serve” to 70246

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Summary: In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn explore the power of intentionality in building strong relationships, especially in marriage and parenting. Instead of aiming for perfection, they encourage listeners to simply focus on doing “the next right thing.” Drawing on research insights, they unpack how small, everyday wins create real momentum, fueling both hope and motivation. The conversation also touches on the crucial role of community, encouragement, and practical steps that foster deeper connection and long-term growth. 

Links and Resources: HBR article https://hbr.org/2011/05/the-power-of-small-wins

The Good News About Marriage 

The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages  

jointhekindnesschallenge.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.