In today’s episode of The Vision-Driven Marriage, Doug and Leslie Davis dive deep into an often-overlooked issue in marriage: weaponizing intimacy. When intimacy is used as a tool for control or punishment, it can cause deep wounds that weaken the foundation of trust and connection in a relationship. Leslie shares biblical insights and practical steps to help couples avoid this destructive pattern and build a marriage rooted in love, service, and reconciliation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The meaning of weaponizing intimacy and its harmful effects on marriage.
• Three ways to avoid weaponizing intimacy and build stronger, more unified bonds.
• How open communication, service, and reconciliation are key to a healthy relationship.
• The biblical wisdom of Philippians 2:3–4 and Romans 10:12 as foundations for marriage.

Resources Mentioned:

• Philippians 2:3–4 – A call to humility and serving one another in love.
• Romans 10:12 – A reminder of God’s impartial love for all.
• Annette Chesney – Supporting women coming out of narcissistic relationships. Check out her work at AnnetteChesney.com.
• The Vision-Driven Marriage Quiz – Is your relationship affair-proof? Take the quiz at www.thevisiondrivenmarriage.com/quiz to assess how protected your marriage is from external threats.
• Episode 83: "Love, Laughter, and Legacy: Building a Strong Marriage with Latasha Kennedy" – Don’t miss our conversation with Latasha Kennedy on creating a marriage filled with love and intention. Listen to it here.

Take Action:

• Reflect on how you’re communicating and serving your spouse in intimacy. If you’ve fallen into the trap of weaponizing intimacy, start today by committing to open dialogue, mutual service, and reconciliation.
• Explore Annette Chesney’s work if you or someone you know is healing from the effects of narcissistic abuse.
• Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement in their marriage!

Connect with Us:

• Website: The Vision-Driven Marriage
• Follow Us on Instagram: @TheVisionDrivenMarriage
• Podcast Quiz: Is your marriage affair-proof? Take the quiz at www.thevisiondrivenmarriage.com/quiz.

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Your feedback helps us reach more couples striving to build marriages centered on Christ.

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Dead Winter
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Artists: White Bones
Composers: White Bones
Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Find out more about Doug and Leslie:

• Free Resources
• Social Media Links
• Current episodes of The Vision Driven Marriage

Click Here

Episode Overview:
In this uplifting episode, Doug and Leslie Davis sit down with Latasha Kennedy, founder of Girlfriends Thriving, to discuss how couples can build a lasting, joy-filled marriage. Latasha shares valuable insights on the power of prayer, the importance of honesty, and how couples can avoid weaponizing intimacy. She also emphasizes the beauty of out-serving one another and maintaining a posture of reconciliation in the relationship. Tune in to discover how love, laughter, and legacy can transform your marriage.

Latasha talked about how the following keeps her marriage strong.

Key Takeaways:

• Praying Together: Strengthens the spiritual bond and opens the door to God's guidance in your relationship.
• Intimacy Without Manipulation: Build trust by not using intimacy as a tool for control or punishment.
• Honesty and Transparency: Create a safe space for vulnerability by being open and truthful.
• Out-Serve One Another: Foster a spirit of love by prioritizing your spouse’s needs above your own.
• Posture of Reconciliation: Always be willing to seek peace and unity, even in the midst of challenges.

Latasha recommended two books that help keep her marriage and family strong:

• 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Connect with Latasha:

• Follow Latasha on Instagram @latashakennedy
• Latasha’s website: From Frazzled To Thriving: Create New Income Streams - Girlfriends Thriving

Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by The Blessed Family Recovery Summit, offering support and encouragement to families dealing with addiction. Visit [insert link] to learn more and register for this empowering event.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @‌TheVisionDrivenMarriage
• Follow us on Facebook @‌Doug&LeslieDavis
• Join our email list for exclusive content and resources at TheVisio

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Dead Winter
ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662
Artists: White Bones
Composers: White Bones
Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Find out more about Doug and Leslie:

• Free Resources
• Social Media Links
• Current episodes of The Vision Driven Marriage

Click Here

Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of The Vision-Driven Marriage podcast, we sit down with Monica Hansen, host of The Graceful Warrior Podcast. Monica opens up about her personal journey of standing strong in her marriage while her husband denies God's existence. With raw honesty and deep faith, she shares how she relies on the armor of God daily to protect her marriage and uphold her walk with Christ. Whether you’re in a similar situation or simply looking for ways to strengthen your spiritual defenses, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement for wives facing spiritual challenges at home.

Key Takeaways:

• The Armor of God: How to apply each piece—belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, and more—specifically in the context of marriage.
• Standing Firm in Faith: Monica’s practical tips for keeping your faith strong, even when your spouse doesn’t believe.
• Spiritual Warfare in Marriage: Recognizing spiritual attacks on your relationship and how to respond with God’s Word.
• Waiting on God’s Timing: How Monica stays hopeful and prayerful as she waits for her husband to come to know the Lord.

Scripture References:

• Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Armor of God)
• Numbers 22:22-35 Balek and the Donkey
• John 6

Guest Information:
Monica Hansen is the host of The Graceful Warrior Podcast where she encourages women to walk boldly in faith through life’s challenges. You can connect with her on Instagram @‌GracefulWarriorPodcast and listen to her show wherever you get your podcasts.

Resources Mentioned:

• Movie Recommendation: The Forge by The Kendrick Brothers
• Doug and Leslie on the Graceful Warrior Podcast

Episode Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by the Blessed Family Recovery Summit. Learn how God is helping families overcome addiction at The Blessed Family Recovery Summit.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @‌VisionDrivenMarriage
• Visit TheVisionDrivenMarriage.com for exclusive content and resources!

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement in their marriage!

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INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Dead Winter
ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662
Artists: White Bones
Composers: White Bones
Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Find out more about Doug and Leslie:

• Free Resources
• Social Media Links
• Current episodes of The Vision Driven Marriage

Click Here

In this episode of The Vision-Driven Marriage, Doug and Leslie Davis dive into a common struggle in marriage—criticism over different methods. Have you ever found yourself frustrated because your spouse approaches things differently than you would? It’s easy to get caught up in how things are done, but true unity comes from focusing on shared values, not matching methods.

Join Doug and Leslie as they explore Biblical principles that can help couples appreciate their differences, cut down on criticism, and strengthen their relationship by uniting around core values. You’ll walk away with practical tools to start shifting your perspective from methods to values, creating a deeper sense of unity and appreciation in your marriage.

Key Takeaways:

• Why focusing on methods can lead to criticism and disunity.
• The importance of celebrating your spouse’s unique strengths and gifts.
• How shared values create a stronger, more unified marriage.

Tune in for an uplifting conversation that will encourage you to embrace the uniqueness God has placed in your marriage!

We Mention

Amos 3:3

Ephesians 4:16

Don Manning's conversation with us in Episode 80


Ready to kick criticism to the curb and build a stronger, more united marriage? Schedule a free Vision Session to discover your core values as a couple! By focusing on what truly matters, you'll cut down on the criticism and start appreciating each other's unique gifts. Let’s work together to create a vision that will bring you closer, foster unity, and help you thrive as a couple. Book your session today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier marriage!
Schedule your call.


The Blessed Family Recovery Summit
Find renewed hope and healing at the free Blessed Family Recovery Summit. Join us to discover God's presence in the midst of addiction and experience the fulfillment that brings life and peace.
REGISTER HERE

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HOPEFUL-NOSTALGIC-EMOTION-(FLYING-HOME)

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Dead Winter
ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662
Artists: White Bones
Composers: White Bones
Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Find out more about Doug and Leslie:

• Free Resources
• Social Media Links
• Current episodes of The Vision Driven Marriage

Click Here

In this 80th episode of The Vision-Driven Marriage, Doug and Leslie Davis sit down with Don Manning from Crazy Cool Family Ministries for an inspiring conversation on how couples can grow closer by focusing on shared values rather than getting stuck in criticism. Don unpacks the difference between values and methods, offering practical wisdom and personal stories that reveal how God transformed his approach to love and intimacy in marriage. Tune in to discover how aligning on core values can bring deeper connection and joy to your relationship.

Where to find Don and Suzanne Manning
Website: www.CrazyCoolFamily.com
Don's book Crazy Cool Family: Rethink the Way You Do Family can be found on his website

Things we mention in this episode:
‌The Blessed Family Recovery Summit
John 17
Philippians 2
James 1:19

Don & Suzanne's podcast: Crazy Cool Family

Where you can find more about Doug and Leslie @TheVisionDrivenMarriage
Website: TheVisionDrivenMarriage.com

Strengthen Your Marriage Through Prayer

Are you longing to experience deeper connection and spiritual unity with your spouse? Our FREE guide, Praying with Your Spouse: A Brief Guide, is here to help! Discover how prayer can transform your relationship, break down barriers, and invite God's presence into your marriage.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Three common challenges couples face when praying together
• Seven foundational steps to build an effective prayer life as a couple
• Practical tips to help you and your spouse pray with confidence and unity

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow closer as a couple and strengthen your bond with God. Download your FREE guide now and take the first step toward a thriving, prayer-filled marriage! LINK: Thevisiondrivenmarriage.com/prayerguide

MIDROLL MUSIC CREDITS
HOPEFUL-NOSTALGIC-EMOTION-(FLYING-HOME)
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INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Dead Winter
ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662
Artists: White Bones
Composers: White Bones
Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Find out more about Doug and Leslie:

• Free Resources
• Social Media Links
• Current episodes of The Vision Driven Marriage

Click Here

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Collins, a passionate minister who helps men overcome the grip of impostor syndrome. Mark opens up about the struggles he faced from a young age, growing up with deep feelings of inadequacy and guilt. He shares how a strained relationship with his father and a lack of affirmation from his mother caused him to strive for approval, believing he was never enough. These early wounds followed him into adulthood, but everything changed when Mark discovered the freeing truth of his identity in Christ. Join us as we explore Mark's powerful testimony and the practical steps he offers for breaking free from the lies of impostor syndrome and walking confidently in the identity God has given us.

‌About Mark:

Mark Collins, an experienced pastor, coach, husband, father, and the author of LIFE MASTERY – Living Life by Design, Not by Default. With over 20 years in ministry, Mark has guided hundreds of Christian men in overcoming fear and uncertainty to step into the life God designed for them. As the Associate Pastor at Authentic Community Church, he’s passionate about empowering men to thrive in their jobs, businesses, and marriages through Biblical principles. Mark has also created online tools and courses to help accelerate their impact.

‌We Mention

Mark’s website

2 Corinthians 10:5

Psalm 19:14

Romans 12:1-2

Matthew 23

‌The Blessed Family Recovery Summit

‌Free Discovery Tool from Mark Collins

Discover if fear of failure is standing in the way of having UNWAVERING confidence and UNSTOPPABLE Freedom in your life. Free Download Offer - Freedom For Life (freedom-for-life.net)

‌We would love to connect with you:

www.thevisiondrivenmarriage.com 

Are you and your spouse struggling to pray together? Our free prayer guide for couples is designed to help you overcome common obstacles and build a stronger, more united prayer life. It offers practical tips and Biblical wisdom to bring you closer as a couple through prayer. Visit our website or CLICK HERE download your guide today and start praying with greater confidence and connection! 

‌MIDROLL MUSIC CREDIT
FLYING-HOME
Yummy Tunes
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INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Dead Winter
ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662
Artists: White Bones
Composers: White Bones
Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Find out more about Doug and Leslie:

• Free Resources
• Social Media Links
• Current episodes of The Vision Driven Marriage

Click Here

In this powerful episode of The Vision-Driven Marriage, we sit down with Tanya Gioia to hear her raw and inspiring story of navigating the storm of addiction within her marriage. Tanya opens up about her husband's battle with addiction and how her desire to "fix it" led to a cycle of enabling and frustration. Just four days before Christmas, everything came to a head, forcing her to confront the reality of their situation. Now, as a coach guiding others through the trenches of addiction and recovery, Tanya shares the faith and resilience that carried her through the darkest moments. She also hosts the Blessed Family Recovery Summit, where she equips families with tools to overcome addiction and rebuild hope. Join us as she reflects on the journey to healing and restoration in her marriage.

More About Tanya:
Tanya Gioia is a Harvard-trained theologian and a certified Family Recovery Coach with over 15 years of experience supporting women who are navigating the challenges of loving someone with addiction. As an ICF-certified coach, Tanya specializes in helping families cope with the unique emotional struggles of addiction, including guilt, shame, and confusion. With a compassionate and holistic approach, she provides guidance on setting boundaries, developing healthy behaviors, and restoring strained relationships. Drawing from her deep theological background, Tanya also incorporates the spiritual aspects of addiction and recovery, empowering families to find resilience, unity, and renewal through faith. She is the host of the Blessed Family Recovery Summit, where she helps families heal and thrive beyond the shadows of addiction.

Find Tanya at:
https://www.tanyagioia.com/

https://www.facebook.com/tanya.gioia.9/

‌https://www.instagram.com/addictionrecoveryconnection/

@‌soberonpurpose Youtube

Linked IN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-gioia-96ab2221/

Tanya Mentions:

• Jerry Maguire Movie
• The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren
• Parable of the prodigal son

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Dead Winter
ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662
Artists: White Bones
Composers: White Bones
Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Find out more about Doug and Leslie:

• Free Resources
• Social Media Links
• Current episodes of The Vision Driven Marriage

Click Here

In today's episode of The Vision-Driven Marriage, we're tackling a topic that every couple can relate to: navigating disagreements in a way that strengthens, rather than weakens, your relationship. Even the most devoted Christian couples will face conflicts from time to time, but it's how we respond to these challenges that truly defines the health of our marriage. As believers, we're called to approach our spouse with grace, humility, and a heart for reconciliation, especially during moments of tension. Join us as we explore ten uplifting phrases that can help you and your spouse defuse arguments and foster a stronger, more loving connection. Each phrase is rooted in biblical values that promote understanding, respect, and faith—the very foundation of a joyful Christian marriage.


Here are ten things a Christian couple can say to each other to help stop an argument:

1. "I'm sorry. Let's pray about this together."
   • This acknowledges the need for humility and invites God's presence into the situation.
2. "I love you, and I value our relationship more than this argument."
   • This emphasizes the importance of the relationship over the conflict.
3. "Can we take a break and come back to this later?"
   • This allows time for emotions to cool down and prevents saying things in anger.

Click here for all Ten

Let's Connect:
Find out if your marriage is affair proof:
Take the quiz

TheVisionDrivenMarriage.com
Email Doug & Leslie at: [email protected]
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Instagram: @TheVisionDrivenMarriage
Get The Vision-Driven Marriage newsletter in your inbox every week: Click here

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Dead Winter
ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662
Artists: White Bones
Composers: White Bones
Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Find out more about Doug and Leslie:

• Free Resources
• Social Media Links
• Current episodes of The Vision Driven Marriage

Click Here

Ever wondered how to maintain a strong, balanced marriage amidst life's chaos? Sharon Costanzo from Respected and Connected joins us to share her compelling journey from an achievement-oriented upbringing to creating a partnership that thrives on mutual respect and egalitarian values. Sharon opens up about the unique challenges she faced in finding a partner who wasn't intimidated by her career in engineering, and how she and her husband navigated the complexities of household responsibilities, especially after becoming parents. Her insights on giving constructive feedback without causing defensiveness are truly eye-opening.

This episode dives into the essence of intentionality in relationships, urging couples to move beyond autopilot behavior that often leads to disconnection. We explore how independent, strong-minded women can effectively share tasks and negotiate within their marriages. Sharon emphasizes the power of assuming good intentions and practicing charitable interpretation. By appreciating the small gestures of care and commitment from your partner, you can build a more supportive and understanding relationship, even during conflicts.

Tune in for heartfelt advice and practical strategies that can transform your marriage through effective communication and mutual support.

Sharon Mentions:
Mindsight by Daniel J. Siegel M.D.

Us: Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship by Terrence Real
 
Find Sharon at Respected and Connected

Find Doug and Leslie at The Vision-Driven Marriage on IG and
Doug & Leslie Davis on FB

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Dead Winter
ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662
Artists: White Bones
Composers: White Bones
Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Find out more about Doug and Leslie:

• Free Resources
• Social Media Links
• Current episodes of The Vision Driven Marriage

Click Here

Could your marriage withstand the weight of hidden challenges and small compromises? Join us on this powerful episode of the Vision-Driven Marriage Podcast as we welcome Brad and Lisa Valencia from Unrelenting Pursuit. They courageously share their transformative story from marital strife to triumph, driven by Brad's conviction to reveal the miracles in their relationship as a beacon of hope for others. Their journey is a testament to the power of Christ and unrelenting pursuit of what really matters.

Our conversation delves into profound themes of faith, redemption, and the dangerous spiral of compromising one's beliefs. Brad recounts a personal story of growing up in a pastoral family and the incremental steps that led to compromising his faith, ultimately resulting in significant consequences. This candid narrative highlights the critical need for addressing secret sins and the impact of these seemingly minor compromises on our lives and relationships. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining our spiritual integrity and the role of faith in overcoming life's toughest challenges.

Healing and renewal through Christ form the cornerstone of this episode, as Brad and Lisa emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and spiritual growth. They share their experiences of rebuilding their marriage through a supportive faith community, honest communication, and unwavering commitment. Their story underscores the protecting what is important and maintaining accountability in marriage. Offering a message of hope and resilience, they remind us that while the journey of healing is unique and often challenging, it is ultimately rewarding and filled with purpose when anchored in faith.

You can find Brad and List at:
https://www.facebook.com/unrelentingpursuitofmarriage

https://unrelentingpursuit.org/

Brad & Lisa Valencia (@unrelentingpursuit_) • Instagram photos and videos

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Dead Winter
ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662
Artists: White Bones
Composers: White Bones
Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Find out more about Doug and Leslie:

• Free Resources
• Social Media Links
• Current episodes of The Vision Driven Marriage

Click Here