In this best-of episode from our archives, we’re talking about how you can team up not just for the new year, but for every minute, hour, day, week, and month of the year! Listen in as we share three practical ways you can walk in unity. We also talk about spiritual warfare in marriage, what that might look like, and share thoughts on how to navigate it hand-in-hand.

Take the "Us Time" Challenge

Pick one of today’s ways to team up and try it this week.

Team Us Resources

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• “Is This a Spiritual Attack, or Is My Spouse Just a Jerk?” (https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/is-this-a-spiritual-attack-or-is-my-spouse-just-a-jerk/)

Connect with Ted and Ashleigh

• Website (https://ashleighslater.com/)
• Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ashleighslater_author/)
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ashleighslaterauthor)

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

We don't have to be Scrooges to benefit from reflecting on Christmas past, present, and future. In this episode from our archives, we talk about how looking back, living now, and planning ahead together can enrich our marriages.

TAKE THE "US TIME" CHALLENGE

If you’ve been married five years or more, practice nostalgia with your spouse. Ask each other about your favorite Christmas you’ve spent together and why it stands out to you. If you have been married less than five years, plan ahead on where you want to be relationally next Christmas.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Did you enjoy this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/team-us/id1565819107)

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/) 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• “Here’s why there used to be so many Christmas Day weddings” by Daisy Goddard at Find My Past (https://www.findmypast.co.uk/blog/discoveries/christmas-day-weddings)
•  “How Christmas Memories Can Enrich Your Life” by Mark D. Roberts at Fuller De Pree Center (https://depree.org/de-pree-journal/how-christmas-memories-can-enrich-your-life/)
•  “’Tis the Season for Nostalgia: Holiday Reminiscing Can Have Psychological Benefits” at APA.org (https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/12/nostalgia)
• “Look Ahead to Strengthen Your Relationship” by Barton Goldsmith Ph.D. at Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-fitness/201310/look-ahead-strengthen-your-relationship)
• “What Is Active Listening?” by Amy Gallo at Harvard Business Review (https://hbr.org/2024/01/what-is-active-listening)

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

In this episode, we explore the surprisingly powerful world of micro-habits—those tiny actions that take less than five minutes but, when repeated, create meaningful and lasting change in your marriage. From simple daily rituals to small moments of gratitude to chore-based love notes, you’ll discover how small things practiced often can strengthen connection, build warmth, and shape the overall direction of your relationship.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• What micro-habits are and why researchers say they matter
• How 1% improvements compound into significant transformation over time
• Why micro-moments help keep couples from slipping into “roommate mode”
• Three daily micro-habits that build connection, gratitude, and emotional safety
• Practical examples of how we use these habits in our own marriage

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Small habits practiced consistently create meaningful change over time.
• Micro-moments protect connection and help couples avoid “roommate mode.”
• Specific gratitude (“Thank you for…”) shifts focus toward what’s working.
• Everyday chores can become tangible expressions of love.
• Simple rituals—like hello, goodbye, and goodnight kisses—strengthen emotional and physical connection.

US TIME CHALLENGE

Choose one micro-habit and practice it every day this week. It can be one of the three we shared or be a micro-moment unique to your relationship. Consistency is the goal, not size. Let the small thing do its quiet, steady work.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

• Follow Ashleigh: Instagram @teamuspodcast | Facebook @ashleighslaterauthor
• Subscribe to Team Us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you don’t miss an episode.
• Join our community: Get updates, resources, and encouragement for your marriage by signing up for Ashleigh’s weekly email newsletter at AshleighSlater.com.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear (https://a.co/d/9kNsP4L)
• “5 Micro-Moments That Predict the Health of Your Marriage” by Shlomo and Rivka Slatkin at the Marriage Restoration Project (https://themarriagerestorationproject.com/5-micro-moments-that-predict-the-health-of-your-marriage/)
• “The Art of Micro-Routines: How 5-Minute Habits Can Transform Your Day” by Glossy Magazine (https://theglossymagazine.com/the-art-of-micro-routines-how-5-minute-habits-can-transform-your-day/)
• “12 Micro Moves for Your Marriage” by Ted Lowe (https://allprodad.com/12-micro-moves-for-your-marriage/)

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

In a previous episode, we talked about the power of saying, “I’m sorry.” Today, we’re taking the next step and diving into forgiveness, specifically, what it looks like to forgive our spouse. Forgiveness isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to strengthen a marriage. In this episode, we explore what forgiveness really is (and isn’t), why it’s vital for lasting love, and how practicing it can lead to healing, trust, and deeper connection.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why forgiveness plays such a big role in happy, lasting marriages
• What forgiveness truly means from both a biblical and relational perspective
• Three things forgiveness is not and why those distinctions matter
• How to navigate the process of forgiving when it still hurts
• Practical ways to rebuild trust after forgiveness
• How to think like a forgiving person and create a culture of grace in your marriage

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Forgiveness is a process, not a one-time decision.
• Forgiveness doesn’t erase responsibility or instantly restore trust.
• Choosing to forgive frees your heart from bitterness and opens space for connection.
• Repair—not just resolution—is what rebuilds intimacy after conflict.
• Thinking like a forgiver starts by asking God to help you see your spouse through His eyes.

US TIME CHALLENGE

This week’s challenge is to think about how you think. When your spouse does something that frustrates or hurts you, pause and ask yourself: Am I thinking like a forgiver or like a victim? Invite God to reshape your thoughts, helping you move toward grace and understanding.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

• Follow Ashleigh: Instagram @teamuspodcast | Facebook @ashleighslaterauthor
• Subscribe to Team Us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you don’t miss an episode.
• Join our community: Get updates, resources, and encouragement for your marriage by signing up for Ashleigh’s weekly email newsletter at AshleighSlater.com.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• “How Forgiveness Can Transform Your Marriage” by the Gottman Institute (https://www.gottman.com/blog/forgiveness-can-transform-marriage/)
• “Real Answers to Real Relationship Questions” from Chad Moore at Sun Valley Community Church (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exzwsCITlVM)
• “What the Bible Really Says About Love” from Chad Moore at Sun Valley Community Church (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQSMJWhRNFo)
• “What forgiveness is not: 5 common misconceptions” by Laura Petherbridge (https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/what-forgiveness-is-not-5-common-misconceptions)
• “The Art of Repair: Transforming Conflict Into Closeness” by Greg Smalley (https://www.klove.com/resources/life/the-art-of-repair-transforming-conflict-into-closeness-11585)

 

 

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

The holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. Between all of the shopping, decorating, and events, it’s easy for us as couples to stay busy without really connecting. In this episode, we share ten fun and affordable holiday date ideas to help you slow down, laugh together, and enjoy the season as a team. You’ll hear creative ways to make time for each other and find joy in everyday moments.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The holidays don’t have to be stressful or expensive to be meaningful.
• Simple, shared experiences can bring you closer together.
• Making time for each other is one of the best gifts you can give this season.

US TIME CHALLENGE

Come up with a holiday date idea of your own—something simple that fits you as a couple—and make it happen. Then share it with us at AshleighSlater.com or on social media! We’d love to hear how you’re making time for each other this Christmas.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

• Follow Ashleigh: Instagram @teamuspodcast | Facebook @ashleighslaterauthor
• Subscribe to Team Us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you don’t miss an episode.
• Join our community: Get updates, resources, and encouragement for your marriage by signing up for Ashleigh’s weekly email newsletter at AshleighSlater.com.

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

 

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

In this fun episode, we share creative and meaningful conversation starters to help you reconnect with your spouse, especially if you feel like you’ve run out of things to say. Whether you’re on a date night, taking a walk, or driving somewhere together, these questions will help you laugh, learn, and rediscover each other.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why it’s normal for couples to occasionally run out of things to say
• How conversation starters can spark fun, meaningful connection
• A mix of lighthearted and relationship-focused questions to ask your spouse
• How laughter and curiosity keep your marriage conversations fresh

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Playful conversation matters. Asking silly, imaginative questions helps you reconnect through fun and laughter.
2. Curiosity strengthens connection. When you keep learning about each other, you keep growing together.
3. Intentionality counts. Don’t wait for deep conversation to “just happen.” Plan for it by bringing a few questions along on your next date.

CONVERSATION STARTERS WE ANSWER

• If you could have any job, whether serious or silly, and money was not a factor, what would it be?
• If time travel existed, when and where would you like to visit first?
• Who are three famous people, dead or alive, you would want to have lunch with?
• If you could only listen to two albums for the rest of your life, which ones would you choose, and why?
• What do you think our biggest strength as a couple is? What about our biggest weakness?
• What’s a "little thing" in our relationship that you really love?
• If our life was a reality TV series, what do you think would be the most appropriate title?
• What is one date we have not done you would like to do?

US TIME CHALLENGE

Print out a list of conversation starters and take them with you on your next date night, walk, or long drive. Make it fun by taking turns picking questions, and let the conversation go wherever it leads. You might just discover something new about each other!

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

Stay connected with us beyond the show! Visit AshleighSlater.com for free marriage tools, updates on new podcast episodes, and to sign up for her weekly email newsletter.

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

 LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• “93 Meaningful Conversation Starters & Questions for Couples to Better Connect,” The Adventure Challenge, https://www.theadventurechallenge.com/blogs/news/conversation-starters-for-couples/
• “260 Free Printable Conversation Starters for Couples,” WinShape Marriage, https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/conversation-starters-for-date-night/
• Bedtime Prayers: Lullabies and Peaceful Worship by Twila Paris (https://amzn.to/4gf4aj5)

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

In this conversation, we talk about how to face the holidays as a united team rather than letting stress, schedules, or family expectations pull you apart. From setting shared expectations to finding ways to serve and dream together, these five simple principles can help you approach the season hand-in-hand, not back-to-back.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• How to set holiday expectations as a couple so you stay on the same page
• Ways to make time for each other amid the busyness of family gatherings and events
• How serving together can deepen your bond and create meaningful shared memories
• The value of dreaming together before the new year begins
• How to handle conflict with a "we vs. the problem" attitude

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Set expectations together. Talk about what kind of holiday season you both want — simple or busy, quiet or full of tradition — before the stress hits.
2. Spend dedicated time together. Guard your connection by scheduling couple time in advance, even if it means celebrating a little differently.
3. Serve others together. Volunteering or giving as a team strengthens your unity and creates shared purpose.
4. Dream together. Use the season to look ahead, set goals, and imagine what’s next for your marriage and family.
5. Face conflict together. When disagreements arise, remember you’re on the same team and approach conflict as us against the problem, not me vs. you.

US TIME CHALLENGE

Sit down together and set your holiday expectations as a couple. Talk about what you both want this season to look like — from traditions and travel to budgets and downtime — and then make a plan to help make that vision happen.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

Stay connected with us beyond the show! Visit AshleighSlater.com for free marriage tools, updates on new podcast episodes, and to sign up for my weekly email newsletter.

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

 

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

In this conversation, we talk about what it means to “leave and cleave” in marriage and how getting married calls you to realign your loyalties and priorities. We share three ways we’ve learned to live out this principle, and we hope it encourages you to keep choosing your spouse first.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• The biblical meaning behind the phrase “leave and cleave”
• Why “leaving and cleaving” is harder in practice than in theory
• How redefining “immediate family” strengthens your marriage
• Three practical ways to prioritize your spouse over extended family
• Why involving parents or siblings in marital conflict can create unnecessary strain

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Give your spouse priority over parents and siblings. Your marriage becomes your new “immediate family.” While it’s still important to love and honor your parents, your primary loyalty now belongs to your spouse.
2. Determine to make decisions together first. Going to your spouse before seeking outside input builds trust, unity, and interdependence. It shows that your spouse’s thoughts and feelings come first.
3. Decide not to involve extended family in marital conflict. Unless you’re dealing with abuse or serious issues, resolve everyday disagreements privately. Inviting family into routine conflict can damage relationships and make reconciliation harder.

US TIME CHALLENGE

Write down one specific area where you struggle to “leave and cleave.” Share it with your spouse and discuss whether they see it the same way. Then, together, brainstorm two or three practical ways you can improve in that area this week.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

Stay connected with us beyond the show! Visit AshleighSlater.com for free marriage tools, updates on new podcast episodes, and to sign up for her weekly email newsletter.

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

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

Ever said "I'm sorry" just to move on? You're not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about how to apologize in a way that actually heals and not just hushes the hurt. We'll share what experts say about why it's so hard to say sorry, what makes an apology sincere, and how humility can transform even the most awkward moments into deeper connection.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why apologizing feels so difficult (and what’s really behind it)
• How to make "I'm sorry" more than just words
• The difference between regret and a true apology
• What humility has to do with healing and reconciliation
• A practical, faith-based process for rebuilding trust after hurt

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Real apologies focus on the other person's pain, not our own discomfort.
• Humility is the foundation of every meaningful apology.
• "I'm sorry if…" or "I'm sorry but…" aren't true apologies—they're defenses.
• Taking responsibility rebuilds connection faster than explaining your intent.
• A sincere apology requires empathy, ownership, and change.

US TIME CHALLENGE

Look back at your most recent apologies. Were they centered on your own feelings or your spouse's experience? This week, practice making your next "I'm sorry" one that reflects humility, empathy, and love.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Ashleigh's weekly e-newsletter at AshleighSlater.com, so you never miss what's next. 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• “Study: The states that apologize the most” by Matt Zajechowski
• “Why is it so hard to apologize?” TedX Talk by Michael Ballard
• “Why Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” by F. Diane Barth
• Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies by Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy

 

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

Ever sit down for date night and realize you’re both scrolling instead of talking? You’re not alone. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of “technoference,” or when screens quietly slip between you and your spouse.

For couples who can’t just unplug completely—because, for some of us, “off the clock” isn’t really a thing—we share three simple, memorable ways to protect your marriage time from digital noise. From quick phone checks that don’t spiral into scrolls, to turning toward each other when it matters most, this episode offers practical steps to keep your connection strong, even in a screen-saturated world.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• What “technoference” means and how it quietly affects relationships
• Why “just turn it off” doesn’t always work for busy couples
• Practical steps to handle screens with purpose instead of guilt
• Three simple, memorable habits for protecting your marriage time

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Veni, Vidi, Vici — “I came, I saw, I conquered”: Take care of the urgent task quickly, then turn back toward your spouse.
2. Stop, Look, Listen: Pause before reaching for your phone. Notice your moment and your marriage.
3. Ready, Steady, Go: When your spouse bids for attention, get ready to respond, steady yourself to act, and then go by giving them your full focus.

US TIME CHALLENGE

This week, try one of these three ideas. Maybe it’s setting down your phone mid-scroll, conquering that quick work text and returning fast, or intentionally turning toward your spouse when they reach out. Small shifts can make a big difference in how connected you feel.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s next. And we’d love to hear from you! Which of these takeaways do you need most? Share it with us on social media or send us a message at AshleighSlater.com.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt (https://a.co/d/a1rrbEA)
• “Technology Tips and Traps in Your Relationship” by Kailee Hansen and David Schramm (https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/research/technology-tips-and-traps-in-your-relationship)
• The Big-Baby Pivot from How to Talk So Your Spouse Feels Seen and Heard {Episode 101} (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us-podcast-episode-101/)

 

 

 

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