Marriage After God

By Aaron Smith & Jennifer SmithSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity Relationships

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Marriage After God episodes

June 05, 2025 How to Speak Life Into Your Marriage w/ Dave & Ann Wilson
Their 10th-anniversary breaking point, Dave's repentance, and why the words you speak carry life or death
About This Episode
Aaron sits down with Dave and Ann Wilson, hosts of FamilyLife Today and married 45 years, to talk about the power of words in marriage and Ann's book How to Speak Life to Your Husband. They share their 10th-anniversary breaking point, when Ann told Dave she had no feelings left and Dave responded by repenting on his knees in the car. Dave recalls a MOPS talk where he blurted out that at home all he heard was "boo," and Ann describes asking God to show her the greatness in Dave and choosing to speak life-giving words that transformed him. Drawing on Proverbs 18:21 and the brain science of "positive illusion," they explain how encouragement heals and connects, while still making room for hard truths and getting help in abusive situations.
About Dave & Ann Wilson
Dave and Ann Wilson are authors, speakers, and the co-hosts of the FamilyLife Today radio show and podcast. Married 45 years, they have learned firsthand how speaking life, showing kindness, and embracing humility can transform a relationship. Ann is the author of How to Speak Life to Your Husband, and together they wrote Vertical Marriage and No Perfect Parents.
In This Episode
Strong families, strong society — why the foundation of society is built on the family.
The 10th-anniversary breaking point — Ann's "no feelings left" moment and Dave's repentance on his knees in the car.
"All I hear is boo" — the MOPS talk that revealed what Dave was hearing at home.
Seeing the greatness in your spouse — Ann's prayer that changed how she spoke to Dave.
Life and death in the tongue — Proverbs 18:21 and the science of "positive illusion."
Upbringing and communication — how the homes we grew up in shape the way we love.
Timing hard conversations — why when you raise a sensitive topic matters.
Truth with love — speaking life while still saying hard things and getting help when a situation is abusive.
Scripture Referenced
Proverbs 18:21
Ephesians 4:29
Romans 12:2
Proverbs 15:1
2 Corinthians 5:17
Genesis 2:18
Romans 5:8
Resources from This Episode
How to Speak Life to Your Husband by Ann Wilson
Vertical Marriage by Dave and Ann Wilson
No Perfect Parents by Dave and Ann Wilson
Dave and Ann Wilson on Instagram
Shop Marriage After God
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
1 hr 3 min
May 29, 2025 Overcoming Anger in Motherhood With Compassion & Balance w/ Elizabeth Andreyevskiy
Curiosity and anger can't coexist: a mom of four on self-regulation, triggers, and shame vs. conviction
About This Episode
Aaron sits down with Elizabeth Andreyevskiy, a Christian life coach, wife of nearly 16 years, and mother of four, to talk about overcoming anger in motherhood. Elizabeth didn't realize she struggled with anger until her third child, and it eventually led to spanking her kids in rage. That low point brought her to counseling and to a new focus: working on her own regulation rather than trying to fix her toddler. She shares the practical tools that helped, from a morning routine that raises her capacity to taking thoughts captive and a "vision writing" exercise that rewires how she responds to triggering moments. Elizabeth also distinguishes conviction, which comes from God and leads to change, from shame, which comes from the enemy and leads to hiding, and encourages moms to meet failure with godly sorrow.
About Elizabeth Andreyevskiy
Elizabeth Andreyevskiy is a Christian life coach, wife of nearly 16 years, mother of four, and founder of Emotionally Healthy Legacy. Through her coaching and podcast, she helps overwhelmed moms manage their emotions with biblical truth and practical tools for self-regulation, overcoming anger, and rewiring thought patterns rooted in Scripture.
In This Episode
Recognizing mom anger — how Elizabeth's anger surfaced after her third child.
Regulating yourself first — why counseling shifted her focus from fixing her toddler to her own responses.
A capacity-building morning routine — Scripture, journaling, movement, and phone boundaries.
Taking thoughts captive — redirecting negative thinking before it drives your reactions.
Vision writing — rehearsing on paper how a curious, playful, compassionate mom would respond to a trigger.
Curiosity and anger cannot coexist — why curiosity changes the moment.
Conviction vs. shame — one leads to change, the other leads to hiding.
Spiritual leadership in the home — why it matters for a thriving family.
Scripture Referenced
Ephesians 4:26
2 Corinthians 10:5
Philippians 4:8
2 Corinthians 7:10
Romans 12:2
1 John 3:7
Resources from This Episode
Emotionally Healthy Legacy Podcast
Emotionally Healthy Legacy website
Email: [email protected]
Free training: endmomshame.com
@emotionally_healthy_legacy on Instagram
Triggers by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake
Shop Marriage After God
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
56 min
May 22, 2025 Strengthening Marriage Through Faith, Humility, and Obedience - w/ Austin J. Holt
What we appreciate appreciates: why your marriage is your first ministry and how to take 100% responsibility
About This Episode
Aaron sits down with Austin J. Holt, co-founder of The Conscious Christian Marriage, to talk about strengthening marriage through faith, humility, and obedience. Austin and his wife Rachel, married 14 years with four children, moved from a top Kansas City wedding photography business into marriage coaching, fueled in part by processing her parents' divorce. Austin explains why your marriage is your first ministry, how pastors and volunteers can over-serve at church while being "homeless" at home, and why he's calling for a family-focused sabbatical movement. He teaches "active appreciation," borrowed from the financial term: what we appreciate appreciates, and who we appreciate appreciates. They also discuss making it easy for your spouse to love you, taking 100% responsibility for your own integrity, and why commitments, unlike agreements, are between you and God.
About Austin J. Holt
Austin J. Holt is a Christian entrepreneur, marriage coach, and ministry leader. Together with his wife Rachel, he co-founded The Conscious Christian Marriage, a coaching program that integrates biblical principles with psychological insights to help Christian couples deepen their connection and purpose. Before coaching couples, Austin and Rachel ran a top Kansas City wedding photography business. They have been married 14 years and have four children.
In This Episode
From wedding photography to marriage ministry — how Austin and Rachel's own marriage led them into coaching.
Your marriage is your first ministry — why ministry starts at home.
"Homeless" at home — how church leaders and volunteers can over-serve and neglect family, and the call for a family-focused sabbatical.
Active appreciation — what we appreciate appreciates, and who we appreciate appreciates.
Make it easy to be loved — helping your spouse love you well.
100% responsibility — owning your integrity regardless of what your spouse does.
Commitments vs. agreements — why a commitment is between you and God.
Biblical prosperity vs. the prosperity gospel — the difference and why it matters.
Scripture Referenced
James 4:6
Romans 12:2
John 10:10
1 Timothy 3:2-5
Malachi 2:14
Ephesians 5:25
James 4:3
Resources from This Episode
Conscious Christian Marriage website
@consciouschristianmarriage on Instagram
Marriage After God by Aaron & Jennifer Smith (also in our shop)
Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline by Dr. Becky Bailey
Shop Marriage After God
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
1 hr 4 min
May 15, 2025 Pray Instead of Changing, Finding Restoration After Infidelity, Building Authentic Community - w/ Amanda Hayhurst
Shift from fix and control to surrender and prayer: a marriage restored after infidelity
About This Episode
Aaron sits down with Amanda Hayhurst, seminary graduate and author of Pray for Him, to talk about prayer, restoration, and community. After infidelity early in their marriage, her husband Marcus had biblical grounds to leave, but a sermon on restoring marriages and a godly community kept them together. Amanda shares how father wounds and the lies she believed drove her neediness, and how surrender brought healing. When her son Reese was diagnosed with leukemia, she had to stop numbing with wine and feel her feelings, and she experienced God's presence in the middle of it. Her core message is simple: stop trying to be the Holy Spirit in your husband's life, and shift your focus from fix and control to surrender and prayer.
About Amanda Hayhurst
Amanda Hayhurst is a seminary graduate and the author of the self-published book Pray for Him. Her marriage was restored after infidelity, and she writes about surrendering control, praying for your spouse, healing from father wounds, and finding your identity in Christ.
In This Episode
Restoration after infidelity — how a sermon on restoring marriages and godly community kept Amanda and Marcus together.
Stop playing Holy Spirit — why trying to change your spouse creates frustration instead of change.
From fix and control to surrender and prayer — the shift at the heart of Pray for Him.
Father wounds and lies — how old wounds fueled neediness and how surrender brought healing.
Suffering and dependence — walking through her son Reese's leukemia diagnosis.
Feeling instead of numbing — bringing emotions to God rather than numbing them.
Advice or listening — discerning when to speak and when to simply listen.
Authentic community — why it was crucial to their marriage surviving.
Scripture Referenced
1 John 5:14-15 — the confidence we have that God hears us when we ask according to His will.
Psalm 37:4 — delighting in the Lord, and how He changes the desires of our hearts.
Proverbs 18:1 — the danger of isolating yourself from community.
Romans 8:28 — God working all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Resources from This Episode
Pray for Him by Amanda Hayhurst
Amanda Hayhurst's website
@amandahayhurstwrites on Instagram
Shop Marriage After God
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
59 min
May 08, 2025 Healing Through Grief, Removing Masks, Finding Wholehearted Love - w/ Caleb & Stefanie Rouse
Losing twins, choosing worship the next day, and removing the masks that keep us from loving wholeheartedly
About This Episode
Aaron sits down with Caleb and Stefanie Rouse, authors of Wholehearted Love, to talk about grief, obedience, and removing the masks that keep us from genuine connection. After Stefanie earned her MFT at Fuller and Caleb left teaching, they built an online relationship ministry, and God grew their obedience muscle by leading them to turn down lucrative brand deals and quit TikTok in 2020. They share the devastating day they discovered twins on an ultrasound and learned they had lost both boys, Asher and Shiloh, in the same moment. The next day they chose to worship, clinging to truth even when they couldn't feel God's love. They also talk about daily prayer for your spouse, celebrating life at every stage, and why investing in singles and pre-married couples matters so much.
About Caleb & Stefanie Rouse
Caleb and Stefanie Rouse are the authors of Wholehearted Love and founders of an online relationship ministry that helps couples, singles, and pre-married couples love with their whole hearts. Stefanie holds an MFT from Fuller, and Caleb left teaching to build the ministry with her. They also created the prayer books 52 Prayers for My Husband and 52 Prayers for My Wife and host The Wholehearted Love Podcast.
In This Episode
Masks from past wounds — how pain blocks our ability to love wholeheartedly.
Growing the obedience muscle — turning down lucrative brand deals and quitting TikTok.
Losing Asher and Shiloh — the day they discovered twins and learned they had miscarried both.
Worship in grief — choosing to worship the next day, even when they couldn't feel God's love.
The same God in pain and celebration — clinging to truth in suffering.
Celebrating life at every stage — honoring life even after pregnancy loss.
Praying daily for your spouse — the practice behind their 52 Prayers books.
Investing in singles and pre-married couples — why it creates lasting impact for future marriages.
Scripture Referenced
Psalm 34:18 — God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Hebrews 13:8 — the same God yesterday, today, and forever.
Romans 8:28 — God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
Lamentations 3:22-23 — His mercies are new every morning.
Resources from This Episode
Wholehearted Love by Stefanie & Caleb Rouse (book page)
52 Prayers for My Husband by Stefanie Rouse and 52 Prayers for My Wife by Caleb Rouse (book page)
31 Prayers For My Future Husband by Jennifer Smith (also in our shop)
Stefanie Rouse on Instagram
Caleb Rouse on Instagram
The Wholehearted Love Podcast
stefanieandcaleb.com
Shop Marriage After God
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
58 min
May 01, 2025 Understanding God's Will, Making Confident Decisions, Finding Freedom From Paralysis - w/ Costi Hinn
Where God calls, He clarifies: the seven P's for no-regret decisions and freedom from paralysis by analysis
About This Episode
Aaron sits down with Costi Hinn, pastor, author, and founder of For the Gospel, to demystify God's will. Costi grew up in the prosperity gospel as the nephew of Benny Hinn and was converted out of it by reading Scripture, a journey his down-to-earth wife Christine sparked. He describes the brutal first years of marriage as God stripped away his old identity. Drawing from his book Walking in God's Will, Costi explains the difference between God's secret, sovereign will and His revealed will of command, which gives us plenty to keep us busy. He shares seven P's for no-regret decisions, why peace matters but shouldn't be your only factor, and how marriage provides built-in accountability. He also warns against paralysis by analysis, the "God told me" gag order, and fear-driven church cultures that shame people for moving away.
About Costi Hinn
Costi Hinn is a pastor, author, and the founder of For the Gospel ministry. After growing up in the prosperity gospel movement, he was transformed through God's Word and now helps believers discern God's will and make decisions with confidence. He is the author of Walking in God's Will: Demystify God's Plan for Your Life and Make Decisions with Confidence, and with his wife Christine he has written children's books on the fruit of the Spirit and prayer.
In This Episode
Out of the prosperity gospel — how reading Scripture, sparked by his wife Christine, led to Costi's conversion.
Early marriage and a new identity — the hard first years as God stripped away the old.
Sovereign will vs. revealed will — what we'll never know and what God has clearly commanded.
Seven P's for no-regret decisions — including prayer, wise counsel, priorities, long-term perspective, and peace.
Peace is not the only factor — why a feeling of peace shouldn't make the decision alone.
Paralysis by analysis — getting unstuck when you face too many options.
The "God told me" gag order — why it shuts down wise counsel.
Marriage as built-in accountability — deciding together instead of in isolation.
Freedom to enjoy good things — without guilt or fear that God wants you to suffer.
Where God calls, He clarifies — trusting God to make the path clear.
Scripture Referenced
1 Corinthians 12:30 — not all speak in tongues; the verse that began untangling what Costi had been taught.
Matthew 10:34 — Jesus did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Ephesians 5 — husbands loving their wives like Christ, and wives submitting as unto the Lord.
Proverbs 18:1 — whoever separates himself seeks his own desire.
Romans 8:28 — God causes all things to work together for good.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 — God has given us all things to enjoy.
Colossians 3:19 — husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Deuteronomy 29:29 — the secret things belong to our God.
Resources from This Episode
Walking in God's Will: Demystify God's Plan for Your Life and Make Decisions with Confidence by Costi Hinn
Knowing the Spirit by Costi Hinn
Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
For the Gospel ministry
For the Gospel podcast (available on all platforms)
Children's books on the fruit of the Spirit and prayer by Costi and Christine Hinn
Shop Marriage After God
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
57 min
April 24, 2025 Spiritual Warfare Today, Common Marriage Temptations, The Power of Belief - w/ Tilly Dillehay
Resentment, 'marrying down,' and phones: the quiet marriage temptations exposed in My Dear Hemlock
About This Episode
Aaron sits down with Tilly Dillehay, author of My Dear Hemlock and Seeing Green, to talk about spiritual warfare and the everyday temptations that work against Christian marriages. Tilly was raised in the church, apostatized in college, and was converted at 22 through two weeks of counseling in a small Tennessee church where she is now a pastor's wife. Her book My Dear Hemlock, modeled on C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters with a female patient and feminine demons, exposes temptations like resentment over lost courtesies, believing you married down, phones that pull you out of the road of time, and withholding gratitude. Tilly and Aaron discuss avoiding both ditches when it comes to demons, why they are limited and must ask permission as in Job, and how confession and believing God's Word bring freedom.
About Tilly Dillehay
Tilly Dillehay is a pastor's wife in Tennessee and the author of My Dear Hemlock and Seeing Green. After her own journey from apostasy to faith, she uses creative storytelling to expose the subtle ways spiritual forces work against Christian marriages. She also hosts the Home Fires podcast with Abigail Dodds.
In This Episode
From apostasy to faith — Tilly's conversion at 22 through counseling at a small Tennessee church.
My Dear Hemlock — a Screwtape Letters-style look at temptation through a female patient.
Resentment over lost courtesies — how small discourtesies grow into bitterness.
"I married down" — a lie that quietly poisons contentment.
Pocket mirrors — how phones lift us out of the road of time.
The power of gratitude — why withholding it is a temptation and practicing it is a defense.
Avoiding both ditches — neither ignoring demons nor giving them undue power.
Confession unlocks the cages — "We build the cages and this unlocks them."
Believing what God says — the armor of God and trusting Scripture as the believer's defense.
Scripture Referenced
The Book of Job
The armor of God (Ephesians 6)
1 Corinthians 10:13
2 Peter 1:3
Romans 12:2
1 John 4:4
Resources from This Episode
My Dear Hemlock by Tilly Dillehay
Seeing Green by Tilly Dillehay
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Home Fires podcast with Abigail Dodds
Shop Marriage After God
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
50 min
April 17, 2025 Mom Fog Syndrome, Reclaiming Joy In Motherhood, Living In The Present Moment - w/ Hannah Keeley
What's in your hand that's taking your eyes off your family? A mom of seven on escaping the mom fog
About This Episode
Aaron sits down with Hannah Keeley, mother of seven, "America's #1 Mom Coach," and author of Mom Fog, to talk about reclaiming joy in motherhood. Hannah recounts her breakdown as an overwhelmed, in-debt young mom sobbing in a pile of laundry, when God simply told her to get up and fold her laundry, teaching her that the most powerful way out of a slump is usually the most counterintuitive one. She explains how the mom brain changes after birth, including a roughly 4% loss of gray matter, and how to interrupt negative internal dialogue with a physical pattern-break before replacing lies with God's truth. Hannah also challenges listeners to check their phone screen time, warning that the foolish woman tears down her house with her own hands by escaping into distraction instead of being present and creating memories now.
About Hannah Keeley
Hannah Keeley is a mother of seven, known as "America's #1 Mom Coach," and the author of Mom Fog: 8 Steps to Overcoming Mom Fatigue Syndrome. After her own season of overwhelm as a young mother, she developed the Mom Mastery Method, an 8-step formula to help moms transform their lives, and she leads Mom Mastery University.
In This Episode
Get up and fold the laundry — why the most powerful way out of a slump is often the most counterintuitive.
Cultural lies about motherhood — recognizing and rejecting unnecessary burdens.
The changed mom brain — what happens after birth and how to work with it.
Interrupting negative self-talk — using a physical pattern-break, like Hannah's whistle, and replacing lies with God's truth.
Your own vision of motherhood — aligning with how God designed you.
Screen time and presence — what's in your hand that's taking your eyes off your family.
Living in the present moment — creating memories now instead of dwelling on regret or anxiety.
Yielding vs. surrendering — a different approach to parenting.
Scripture Referenced
Proverbs 14:1
Proverbs 14:12
Matthew 11:28-30
Matthew 6:34
Romans 8:1
Genesis 1:28
2 Corinthians 10:5
Romans 12:2
Philippians 4:8
Resources from This Episode
Mom Fog: 8 Steps to Overcoming Mom Fatigue Syndrome by Hannah Keeley
Hannah Keeley's website
Mom Fog Challenge at momfogbook.com
Mom Mastery University
@hannahkeeley on Instagram
Shop Marriage After God
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
55 min
April 10, 2025 New Thought Deception, The Danger of Happy Lies, Finding Truth in Scripture - w/ Melissa Dougherty
It sells you pride with the language of humility: how to spot New Thought teaching and test it by Scripture
About This Episode
Aaron sits down with Melissa Dougherty, Christian apologist and author of Happy Lies, to talk about the New Thought movement and how its ideas have quietly shaped our self-obsessed world and even the church. Melissa traces how she fell for metaphysical teaching she calls "Christianity on steroids," including the law of attraction, manifestation, and Christ-consciousness, until two Jehovah's Witnesses showed up at her door and the Gospel of John forced her to test whether Scripture was trustworthy. She unpacks how New Thought redefines terms like love as vibrations and frequencies, sells pride with the language of humility, and minimizes Christ while elevating the self as inherently divine and whole. She closes with four diagnostic questions for testing any teaching against Scripture.
About Melissa Dougherty
Melissa Dougherty is a Christian apologist and the author of Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World (Zondervan, 2025). A former New Thought adherent, she now helps believers recognize and reject teachings that elevate self over Christ through her books, The Melissa Dougherty Podcast, and a YouTube channel with over 285,000 subscribers and more than 18 million views.
In This Episode
From New Thought to Christ — Melissa's journey out of metaphysical "Christianity on steroids."
A knock at the door — how two Jehovah's Witnesses and the Gospel of John led her to test Scripture.
New Thought vs. New Age — why New Thought ideas can be more dangerous for Christians.
Law of attraction and manifestation — the allure of thinking your desires into existence.
Redefined words — how love becomes "vibrations and frequencies."
Pride in the language of humility — elevating self while minimizing Christ.
Four diagnostic questions — Is it new? Is it secret? Who or what is emphasized? Who gets the glory?
Connections to modern movements — progressive Christianity and the prosperity gospel.
Scripture Referenced
The Gospel of John
John 3:16-20
John 3:30
John 9:1-3
1 John 4:1
Genesis 3
Luke 11:35
Romans 1:25
2 Corinthians 10:5
2 Corinthians 12:9
Resources from This Episode
Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World by Melissa Dougherty
The Word of God in English by Leland Ryken
Melissa Dougherty's website
Melissa Dougherty on YouTube
The Melissa Dougherty Podcast
Melissa Dougherty on Instagram
Shop Marriage After God
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
As an Amazon Associate, Marriage After God earns from qualifying purchases.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
1 hr 10 min
April 03, 2025 Protecting Children from Pornography, Training Kids for Digital Integrity, Creating a Safe Home - w/ John-Michael Bout
Your child will get a sexual discipleship from someone: why parents must disciple, not just protect
About This Episode
Aaron sits down with John-Michael Bout, executive director of Into the Light Ministries, to talk about protecting kids from pornography and discipling them toward integrity. John-Michael was exposed to pornography at age eight and kept his addiction hidden until 18, when older Christian men walked with him into freedom. He explains why parents can't bury their heads in the sand when the porn industry actively targets children, including tactics like misspelled searches for "Elmo" that redirect to porn sites. They talk about aiming at children's hearts rather than just behavior, having age-appropriate conversations, focusing on God's design for sexuality, and why tech safeguards alone won't solve the problem. As John-Michael puts it, your child will get a sexual discipleship from someone, so parents need to be the ones to give it.
About John-Michael Bout
John-Michael Bout is the executive director of Into the Light Ministries and a father of three. Drawing on his own journey from addiction to freedom through accountability and community, he equips families to navigate biblical sexuality in a digital world. Into the Light creates free resources, including the Parenting and Pornography series and TechSafe device tutorials, to help parents protect and disciple their children.
In This Episode
Exposed at eight — John-Michael's story of hidden addiction and the older men who helped him find freedom.
No head in the sand — why parents must engage when exposure starts so young.
How the porn industry targets kids — including misspelled searches like "Elmo."
Hearts over behavior — aiming at a child's heart instead of just managing actions.
God's design for sexuality — leading with what is good, not only what is forbidden.
Age-appropriate conversations — practical ways to talk with kids about sexuality.
Protect and prepare — why tech safeguards alone aren't enough and kids need training.
Women and shame — how pornography increasingly affects women too.
Free resources for parents — the Parenting and Pornography series and TechSafe tutorials.
Scripture Referenced
Proverbs 22:6 — "Train up a child in the way he should go."
Proverbs — a father's warnings to his son to stay far from sexual sin.
Matthew 5 — cutting off access to what leads you into sin.
Resources from This Episode
Into the Light Ministries
Free resources: "Parenting and Pornography" and "TechSafe" series
Into the Light Ministries on Instagram
Shop Marriage After God
Full show notes and blog post
Connect with Marriage After God
Website: marriageaftergod.com
Shop books, devotionals, and prayer journals: shop.marriageaftergod.com
Follow Marriage After God: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · TikTok
Follow Aaron and Jennifer: Husband Revolution · Unveiled Wife
Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together.
If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen.
Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026
50 min