The WinShape Marriage Podcast

Thank you for tuning in every week to season 3 of The WinShape Marriage Podcast! We’ve loved having you with us virtually. As we officially wrap season 3, Marlee Arnold and Rob Philo walk through their eight favorite moments this season. They break down encouraging advice and marriage wisdom shared from many guests—Bob Goff, Ted Lowe, Dr. Juli Slattery, and more. Tune into this episode for a high-level highlight reel on what you might have missed. Then, you can catch up on all your favorite episodes, too. We will be back later this year for season 4. Stay tuned!

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Time Stamps:

(2:15) Bob Goff – I'm holding up a trampoline and saying, “Let’s go launch you.”

(5:22) Jeremy Marshall – I had to develop a liturgy of commute home that released everything I had been carrying through the day.

(10:31) Ted Lowe – A great marriage is made up of two people that say, “I just wish you could see you like I see you.”

(16:44) Eric Wooten – Validate now; truth later. Whoever brings a concern up to the other person first, their spouse’s only job at that moment is to validate the concern that’s been brought.

(27:31) The Robys – Lora wanted to fight, and I was ready to flight. That six-month cycle is where we grew in our marriage. We finally looked at each other in May. If we can make it through this, then we’ll make it through anything.

(32:59) Katie Bulmer – What is on the other side of fighting for a good marriage?

(44:52) Dr. Juli Slattery – About 90% of couples have a significant difference in their desire for “how often are we going to have sex” and “what do you enjoy in sex”—that's a normal barrier.

(55:19) Genee Francis – One thing that trips people up is expecting you of others.

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Links:

WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/

WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/

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Relevant Episodes:

Be a Trampoline in Your Marriage, Not a Mirror | Bob Goff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exYZYo0Yo3Q&t=6s

Answering Your Marriage Questions: 2026 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWkzDDEsOv0&t=528s

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Marriage | Ted Lowe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvodSZzRwq4&t=10s

What Does Healthy Conflict Look Like? | Eric Wooten https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsR7WxHUzdc&t=6s

A Marriage Story: The Robys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXYJcpoRH0Q&t=4s

Social Media Is Lying to You About Marriage | Katie Bulmer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61DHLhWLIgY&t=2054s

Answering your Questions About Sex | Dr. Juli Slattery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TislJ_9ie8&t=16s

The Truth Behind Marriage Expectations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRc-G7VGnRo&t=2s

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On today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, we are sharing our fourth and final marriage story for this season. Marlee Arnold sits down with John and Stephanie Oldham, a WinShape Marriage Host Couple. They begin by describing parts of their childhoods, in which they experienced many similarities that affected their abilities to form healthy relationships. Ultimately, they met one another and walked through their own peaks and valleys in their marriage relationship—resulting in a testimony filled with hope and healing. We pray this conversation encourages your marriage. As a reminder, if you want to learn more about sharing your own marriage story and engaging with other married couples in your sphere of influence, consider attending one of our Marriage Discipleship Training programs. Links below.

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Links:

Marriage Discipleship https://marriage.winshape.org/discipleship/

WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/

WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/

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Relevant Episodes:

A Marriage Story: The Robys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXYJcpoRH0Q&t=2s

A Marriage Story: The Gables https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8rAohs1bYE&t=8s

A Marriage Story: The Sharpes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pb6roIdkOY&t=18s

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Ecclesiastes 9:9 begins by saying, “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love...” You’ve got to tune in to today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast featuring pastor, marriage author and speaker, and comedian Ted Cunningham. He breaks down this verse so eloquently, truly helping couples understand, “Jesus is your source, Satan is your enemy, and your spouse is your companion,” and it’s possible to enjoy life with your spouse whom you love! With 30 years of marriage under his belt, Ted has learned what it means to consider his wife, Amy, his companion and how to walk on the lighter side of life alongside her. If you want to learn how to build a love that laughs and experience a higher level of marital satisfaction, check out this episode.

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Time Stamps:

(1:55) Ted Cunningham’s background

(5:28) What inspired Ted to write, “A Love That Laughs”

(8:42) Why Ted believes we generally adhere to the perspective that, “Life is hard.” 

(15:43) 1 – 2 ways Ted uses humor/laughter to lighten the load of everyday life

(21:23) How to build a marriage foundation on genuinely enjoying each other versus enduring each other

(25:46) “I’m not funny...” Where do I start when it comes to incorporating humor/laughter into my marriage

(31:19) Ted’s go-to way to make his wife, Amy, laugh

(34:54) Other works by Ted

(36:12) How to make laughter a key element in your family

(39:42) One key takeaway from this conversation

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Links:

“A Love That Laughs” https://www.amazon.com/Love-That-Laughs-Lighten-Together/dp/1589977084/

“Greater Joy Twogether” https://www.amazon.com/Greater-Joy-TWOgether-Marriage-Devotional/dp/0830785272/

Woodland Hills Family Church https://www.woodhills.org/

A Love That Laughs WinShape Marriage Retreat Nov. 6 – 8, 2026 https://marriage.winshape.org/retreat/a-love-that-laughs-november-2026/

Serving Marriages https://servingmarriages.com/

WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/

WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/

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In today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, we are peeling back the layers on Marriage Intensives. What are they? Should you and your spouse go to one? How are they different from traditional marriage counseling? What’s the history behind Marriage Intensives? We’re unpacking it all with Dr. Peter Larson, brand-new senior director of WinShape Marriage, and his wife, Heather, certified marriage coach. If you’ve ever been at all curious about Marriage Intensives, thought you’d like to attend one, or wondered if you and your spouse were the right fit, you’ll love this episode and get a firmer grasp on all the Marriage Intensive experience has to offer.

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Time Stamps:

(1:22) Dr. Peter and Heather Larson's background

(5:58) What is a Marriage Intensive?

(7:31) What is the difference between a Marriage Intensive and traditional marriage counseling?

(12:06) What is the history behind the Marriage Intensive model?

(26:38) Who are Marriage Intensives for?

(28:51) Who are Marriage Intensives NOT for?

(38:11) Advice for a couple where one spouse is not on board to attend a Marriage Intensive

(43:06) What happens after you leave a Marriage Intensive?

(51:43) One key takeaway from this conversation

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Links:

WinShape Marriage Intensives https://marriage.winshape.org/intensives/

“How To Find a Marriage Counselor” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-find-a-marriage-counselor/

WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/

WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/

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Connection. Connection can feel like a marriage buzzword—being the center of so many marriage questions and pieces of advice. How do we stay “connected?” Make sure you and your spouse are “connecting.” Keep your marriage “connection” strong. Tune into today’s episode with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley. They are the cohosts of the podcast, “Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage,” a Focus on the Family original, and they’ve been married for over 30 years. They talk with Marlee Arnold about this buzzword—connection—and how it is achievable for your marriage. Additionally, with only a high school senior left at home and the empty nest years rapidly approaching, they provide wisdom related to preparing for this new season of marriage and talk about “how soon is ‘too soon’ to prepare.” It’s a great, practical, down-to-earth conversation you don’t want to miss.

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Time Stamps:

(1:30) Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley’s background

(3:17) 1-2 things that are top of mind when you think about “connection as a couple” 

(9:30) 1-2 personal examples of how the Smalleys have done well staying connected

(17:16) How have the Smalleys been preparing for the empty nest phase that is approaching

(32:10) How soon is “too soon” to be thinking about the empty nest

(39:56) How to approach the empty nest phase of marriage and the caring for aging parents phase of marriage well, simultaneously 

(45:55) One key takeaway from this conversation

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Links:

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage https://podcasts.focusonthefamily.com/show/crazy-little-thing-called-marriage/

Focus Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/focusmarriage/

Smalley Marriage https://www.smalleymarriage.com/

Focus on the Family https://www.focusonthefamily.com/

Vision for Your Marriage WinShape Marriage Retreat April 17 – 19, 2026 https://marriage.winshape.org/retreat/vision-for-your-marriage-april-2026/ 

“Learn How To Make a Daily Difference in Your Marriage” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/learn-how-to-make-a-simple-daily-difference-in-your-marriage/

“Marriage Expectations” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/marriage-expectations/

“25 Ideas: How To Reconnect With Your Spouse” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/25-things-to-do-to-reconnect-with-your-spouse/

“What To Talk About With Your Spouse To Reconnect” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/what-to-talk-about-with-your-spouse-to-reconnect/

“How To Find a Marriage Counselor” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-find-a-marriage-counselor/

WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/

WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/

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Relevant Episodes:

The Secret Ingredient To Staying Connected https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdK9Mm-Qo4o&t=432s

The Truth Behind Marriage Expectations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRc-G7VGnRo

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Money can be one of the biggest sources of tension in a marriage, but it doesn’t have to be. Ron Blue is a financial expert; he’s authored more than 20 books on personal finance from a biblical lens, devoting his life and career to helping Christians manage their finances so they have more to give away for the funding and fulfillment of The Great Commission. He joins Rob Philo on today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast to discuss common friction points couple face when discussing finances. According to Ron, when you bring two people together, with different personalities, values, and goals, to “balance one checkbook,” it’s no wonder money management can be challenging. However, Ron’s extensive personal and professional experience provide practical wisdom throughout this conversation, leaving couples with a greater understanding of how to align their finances with their faith and how to navigate talking about money throughout the duration of their marriage.

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Time Stamps:

(1:20) Ron Blue’s background

(3:50) Why Ron thinks finances are such a big friction point for many couples

(6:43) Advice for couples who feel uncomfortable talking about money 

(13:33) How couples can align their finances with their faith

(20:39) How Ron navigated the conversation around giving in his marriage

(25:30) Advice for couples who have a tight budget

(29:00) What are some big financial missteps couples make on a regular basis?

(32:43) How couples can navigate decision making around big financial decisions when they’re in different places

(1:00) One key takeaway from this conversation

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Links:

Ron Blue Institute https://ronblueinstitute.com/

“How To Talk About Finances Before Marriage” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-talk-about-finances-before-marriage/

“How To Manage Finances in a Marriage” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-manage-finances-in-a-marriage/

Gifting Money to Adult Children—What Do We Do? https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/gifting-money-to-adult-children-what-do-we-do/

WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/

WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/

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It’s not a question of “if” you and your spouse will experience hard seasons in your marriage but “when.” This isn’t meant to scare you—our desire is to come alongside you and your spouse now to help you build a strong foundation, so you’ll be resilient and capable of staying connected to one another even when you face challenges in your relationship. Chris and Jamie Bailey, Christian counselors and marriage coaches, join Rob Philo on today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, providing insights around navigating difficulties alongside your spouse. Tune into this conversation—not because you're fearful but because you desire to be proactive and set you and your spouse up to be as successful as possible throughout the duration of your marriage.

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Time Stamps:

(:39) Chris and Jamie Bailey’s background

(1:11) The difference between a Christian marriage counselor and a Christian marriage coach

(4:20) In your experience, have you run into any couples who thought, “We are going to be completely fine,” and then, they get hit sideways?

(9:00) What are some side effects/signals people can look for to realize they are in a more challenging season?

(14:15) What was the dynamic like for you all (Chris and Jamie) trying to figure out each other and how you respond to stress?

(18:58) In a season that is stressful, how can couples stay connected?

(21:58) When it comes to bringing in an outside perspective, do you have any advice for someone who might be hesitant?

(26:15) What are some things you can be proactive about to set yourself up well when hard seasons come?

(31:22) How important is safety in your marriage?

(35:11) How important play is for your marriage, even outside of stressful seasons

(38:43) When you look back to where you were when you first got married, what is one piece of advice you would share with the younger version of yourself?

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Links:

Expedition Marriage https://expeditionmarriage.org/

“How To Find a Marriage Counselor” blog https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-find-a-marriage-counselor/

“20 Good Games To Play With Your Spouse” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/20-good-games-to-play-with-your-spouse/

WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/

WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/

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Relevant Episodes:

The SECRET Ingredient To Staying Connected in Marriage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdK9Mm-Qo4o&t=419s

How To Navigate Grief in Marriage | Laurie Lokey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivswWSleOp0&t=1921s

Dealing With Stress and Anxiety in Marriage | Monique Wells https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OncYeR3tpg&t=2014s

What Does It Mean To Have an Emotionally Safe Marriage? | Dr. Joshua Straub https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8B-49TnMw8&t=5s

Making Your Marriage Fun Again! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjZQkSDz3UA&t=886s

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We’re deep into season three of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, sharing our third marriage story today. Tommy and Shonda Sharpe, a WinShape Marriage Host Couple, join Marlee Arnold for this impactful episode. First, they share a bit about their personal testimonies and relationships with Jesus—how He has met each of them in their own faith journeys. Then, they talk through how they met one another, what they have experienced in their marriage thus far, and how the Lord continues to meet with them presently as they walk hand in hand together. We pray that you’ll be blessed by this conversation.

Note: This conversation is focused on God’s redemptive power and building a healthy, thriving marriage. If you are experiencing abuse in your marriage, or someone you know is, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you struggle with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, help and hope are available to you; please reach out to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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We haven’t done an official, generic Q&A since season one of The WinShape Marriage Podcast. So, we’re bringing it back today! There’s not a specific category or theme for today’s questions—just a little bit of everything—asked directly by you guys. We answer questions like, “How do we develop hobbies we would like to do together?”; “How do you overcome preconceived notions based on marriage examples you grew up with?”; “My spouse and I both want children, but people make it sound impossible and not worth it. Thoughts?”. If you’d like to hear thoughts from two people with two backgrounds but both with experience in marriage and family counseling, tune into today’s episode as they answer your marriage questions.

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Time Stamps:

(:25) Genee Francis’ and Jeremy Marshall’s backgrounds

(3:20) How do we prioritize time together while both of us have high stress, high time-consuming jobs?

(7:26) I struggle to have more of myself to give at the end of the workday. What do you recommend for making sure I still have room for my spouse?

(11:13) How do we play together when we like different things?

(14:55) How do we seek out or develop hobbies that we would like to do together?

(18:00) How do you overcome preconceived notions based on marriage examples you grew up with?

(20:04) How does having divorced parents affect the health and expectation of my marriage?

(21:55) I've heard from so many couples how hard parenting is. My spouse and I both want children, but people make it sound impossible and not worth it. Thoughts?

(29:25) What are your tips for a newly married couple who is expecting a baby sooner than they thought they would be? They have a fear of losing connection.

(33:59) Once children arrive, how do we stay connected to each other?

(39:26) How do we keep family opinions from influencing decisions together?

(45:05) My traditional Christian parents believe I should be submissive in my marriage rather than have an equal partnership. Am I wrong to disagree?

(49:38) When is it OK to go to marriage counseling? And what do you do if your spouse isn’t on the same page about getting help?

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Links:

“20 Good Games To Play With Your Spouse” blog https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/20-good-games-to-play-with-your-spouse/

“Are We Ready for a Baby? 10 Questions To Ask Yourselves First” blog https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/are-we-ready-for-a-baby/

“How To Find a Marriage Counselor” blog https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-find-a-marriage-counselor/

WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/

WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/

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Relevant Episodes:

Making Your Marriage Fun Again! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjZQkSDz3UA&t=886s

The SECRET Ingredient To Staying Connected in Marriage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdK9Mm-Qo4o&t=419s

How To Keep Your In-Laws From Becoming Out-Laws https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWSQcTmMYD0&t=1158s

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You’re on a marriage journey with your spouse, but for many of you, you’re also on a parenting journey. It’s one thing to keep God at the center of your marriage, but it can be another thing to disciple your children alongside your spouse. How do you journey along this life-giving, but often challenging, endeavor? On today’s episode of the WinShape Marriage Podcast, Marlee Arnold is joined by Amy Lowe, who brings her personal experience as a wife of almost 20 years and a mom to two teenagers. However, she also has professional expertise in this topic to boot since Amy oversees WinShape Camps for Girls and WinShape Camps for Families. She shares openly from her experience about how her and her husband practically disciple their children, make God a natural part of their family rhythms, and balance this endeavor with the role of the church and other resources like camp. If you’re a parent who desires for your kids to know and love Jesus, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this conversation.

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Time Stamps:

(:56) Amy Lowe’s background

(3:35) By definition, what does it mean to disciple your children?

(5:40) What are some practical and tangible examples of how you disciple your children?

(9:46) How do you and your spouse get on the same team/remain on the same team in this discipleship endeavor

(13:12) How do you talk to your kids about God

(16:07) How you have made God a natural part of your conversations and rhythms in your family

(21:04) Any advice for parents in this discipleship endeavor who came to know the Lord as adults or grew up in homes where God was sequestered to Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings

(26:10) How do you balance what you’re doing in your home (discipling your children) versus what is being “outsourced”

(31:07) How do you pray with your kids

(33:49) What is the biggest prayer you find yourself praying for your kids

(35:36) One key takeaway from this conversation

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Links:

“The Jesus Storybook Bible” https://www.sallylloyd-jones.com/books/jesus-storybook-bible/

“How To Involve Kids in Prayer” blog https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-involve-kids-in-prayer/

“How To Explain God to a Child” blog https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-explain-god-to-a-child/

“Seven Simple Prayers To Pray for Your Spouse and Kids” blog https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/seven-simple-prayers-to-pray-for-your-spouse-and-kids/

“Prayers for Adult Children” blog https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/prayers-for-adult-children/ WinShape Camps Website https://camps.winshape.org/

WinShape Camps for Families https://camps.winshape.org/family-camps/

Carpool Conversations Podcast https://camps.winshape.org/carpool-conversations/

WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/

WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/

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