Your Bold Marriage

Every marriage will hit hard times. It's not a question of if, only when. This episode is about how you get through them with your marriage stronger instead of quietly drifting apart.

Married 14 years, Chris & Jamie talk openly about what they're facing right now: grief, health challenges, financial risk, family stress and a heavy year. They explain why commitment, not feelings, is what carries a marriage through. They also share practical, faith-centered ways to stay connected when you don't feel like it.

This episode is ideal for married couples in a rough season, couples who feel a growing distance, and anyone who wants a stronger foundation before the storms come. It's an honest, encouraging listen for Christian couples who want to put God at the center of their marriage.

Key takeaways include: 

• Commitment outlasts feelings. Your vows were made to each other and before God, not just at a ceremony.

• Don't let feelings control you. Notice them, name them, then choose a healthy response.

• Watch for "quietly giving up." Withdrawing, staying busy or checking out is leaving without leaving.

• Do it anyway. Show love, affection and kindness even when you don't feel like it.

• Keep communication open. Be honest and keep leaning in, even in conflict.

• Pray together and on your own. Take your fears, tension and frustration to God.

• Think hard before making a drastic decision. The grass isn't always greener, and the hosts say second and third marriages tend to be harder.

• Stress reveals hidden problems. Face them, get help when you need it, and know the difference between a hard season and a broken marriage.

• This is not for abusive situations or for a marriage where one partner has checked out.

Lastly, they leave you with action steps to reeaffirm your commitment, encouragement to pray together and read Scripture and you will be positioned to weather any storm.

DISCLAIMER: 

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests.

The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area.

Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy.

Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage:

Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com
Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB

TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage
YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage
Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage
Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

Is conflict waiting for your marriage this holiday season? Learn how to stay on the same page with your spouse from Thanksgiving through New Year's.

Chris & Jamie walk through four of the most common holiday arguments, drawn from research and what couples are searching for online. Then they give you a practical six-step plan to handle them. The goal is a holiday season that strengthens your marriage, not one you just survive.

Your six-step plan is all in here:

1. Anticipate. Look at your calendar now, before the season sneaks up on you.
2. Discuss it openly. Have the messy, uncomfortable conversation and give your spouse real input.
3. Plan together. Decide as a couple, stay committed, and be willing to compromise.
4. Do things that energize your marriage. Think Christmas movies, gift-wrapping nights, and driving around to look at lights.
5. Use downtime to your benefit. Schedule rest, and see why Christmas can be "just a day" if you work through the holiday.
6. Look forward. Use the break to set family and marriage goals for the new year.

This episode serves as a reminder to anchor the season in your faith and bring glory to God in how you talk to and about people, and lastly, honest, funny moments from their own household.

The couples who talk early have a better shot at walking into the holidays aligned, calm, and ready to enjoy it.

DISCLAIMER: 

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests.

The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area.

Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy.

Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage:

Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com
Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB

TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage
YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage
Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage
Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

The difference between a marriage that drifts and one that stays strong often comes down to this: is God truly at the center, or just mentioned in passing? 

Chris & Jamie unpack the heart-level difference between religious activity and real surrender, and why prayer, decision-making, and daily priorities reveal far more than church attendance ever could.

They start with the uncomfortable gut check most Christian couples avoid - if God is central, when was the last time you actually prayed together? From there, the conversation gets practical and personal, exploring how marriages slowly slide off course through busyness, selfishness, over-focused parenting, and the subtle habit of making a spouse carry burdens only God can meet. 

You'll discover why prayer together matters so much, how to build the habit without making it awkward, and why reading Scripture, worshiping together, and serving in church all work best when they are paired with honest, intimate spiritual connection at home. They also break down what it looks like to make major decisions together with God instead of pushing forward on willpower, fear, or the need to be right. Chris and Jamie also speak directly to the painful reality of being spiritually mismatched in marriage. If one partner is less interested in faith, their advice is clear: don’t nag, don’t preach, and don’t turn spirituality into a weapon. Lead with prayer, gentleness, respect, and curiosity, and trust God to work in hearts over time.

This episode is a grounded, encouraging reminder that nobody gets this perfectly right all the time - and that’s exactly why it matters. Whether your marriage feels steady, stalled, or spiritually out of sync, this conversation offers the kind of honest guidance that helps you realign, reconnect, and start moving back toward center.

DISCLAIMER: 

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests.

The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area.

Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy.

Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage:

Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com
Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB

TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage
YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage
Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage
Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

Most couples think happy marriages are about luck, chemistry, or finding the "right" person. They're not. This episode breaks down seven surprisingly practical habits that strong couples do differently—and shows you where you can start building a better marriage today.

Chris & Jamie unpack a HuffPost article based on therapist observations, then put each point under the microscope with real-life marriage experience, biblical wisdom, and honest examples from their own relationship. If you've ever looked at another couple and assumed they just got lucky, this conversation will challenge that story fast.

You'll discover:

• Why speaking openly is about safety and trust, not blurting out whatever you think
• How deeper conversations keep couples from drifting into roommate mode
• What it really means to give your spouse the benefit of the doubt
• Why healthy marriages protect individuality instead of erasing it
• How gentleness changes conflict, tone, and recovery after an argument
• What "fighting fairly" looks like when disagreement is unavoidable
• Why a builder's mindset creates momentum, vision, and shared purpose

The conversation also gets real about the difference between ordinary conflict and actual danger, why some marriages need more than a podcast, and how resentment, defensiveness, and silence quietly wreck connection over time. If you want a marriage that is stronger and more intentional, this episode gives you a clear framework to work from. Perfect for couples who want more than survival, more than routine, and more than a marriage that just "gets by." If you're ready to build something better together, this one will give you language, perspective, and a challenge you can use tonight.

Link to HuffPost article: https://apple.news/A5KEdwLJOTgWjTokBo2x3qw

DISCLAIMER: 

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests.

The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area.

Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy.

Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage:

Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com
Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB

TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage
YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage
Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage
Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

Most couples say “we’ve tried everything” when what they really mean is “we’re stuck in the same fight.” Chris and Jamie unpack why that mindset keeps marriages spinning in circles—and what to try instead if you actually want change. 

If you’ve been blaming your spouse, waiting for them to go first, or having the same argument over and over, this conversation will challenge you to look at the cycle beneath the conflict. Chris and Jamie break down the difference between fighting each other and fighting the pattern—and why the real issue is usually not the trash, the phone, the chores, or the tone, but the deeper hurt underneath.

You’ll discover:

• Why “I’ll change when you change” can keep a marriage stuck
• How to spot the cycle of criticism, defensiveness, withdrawal, and contempt
• What it means to get to the root instead of staying focused on the surface problem
• How to repair with real ownership, apology, and less defensiveness
• Why consistency matters more than one good conversation, date night, or attempt

Jamie brings a clinical lens to stepping outside the blame game and identifying the pattern together. Chris adds practical examples from real life and marriage, including how small habits can either escalate conflict or build trust over time. Most marriages don’t fall apart over one big problem. They erode when hurt goes unaddressed, responsibility gets avoided, and both people keep waiting for the other to move first. If you’re tired of repeating the same arguments, this conversation can help you ask better questions and start making different choices. 

For couples who feel stuck, spouses frustrated by recurring conflict, and anyone who suspects “we’ve tried everything” might not actually be true yet.

DISCLAIMER: 

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests.

The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area.

Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy.

Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage:

Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com
Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB

TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage
YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage
Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage
Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

The biggest marriage mistakes are usually not dramatic betrayals - they are the everyday patterns that slowly erode trust, connection, and peace. Jamie and Chris break down a BuzzFeed list of real-life relationship mistakes and turn it into a practical, honest conversation about what actually strengthens a marriage before resentment takes root. 

You’ll discover why respecting a spouse’s no matters, how hidden manipulation shows up in subtle ways, and why unmet expectations around money, sex, and family planning can quietly become one of the fastest paths to bitterness. Jamie and Chris also unpack the danger of trying to change your partner, the truth about financial secrecy, and why scorekeeping in marriage never leads to real victory. They also get into a deeper issue that affects couples at every stage: identity. 

What happens when you look to your spouse to complete you, instead of becoming a whole, secure person in Christ first? And why does that matter so much, especially for couples who married young or are still figuring out who they are? Other topics include putting your marriage at the center of your family, knowing when counseling helps, and learning the habit that can save a relationship faster than almost anything else - saying sorry and actually meaning it. Jamie and Chris bring their candid, faith-centered perspective to every topic, blending real-world marriage wisdom with practical next steps you can use right away. If you want a marriage that grows stronger instead of slowly drifting apart, this episode is essential listening.

Original BuzzFeed list post found here: 

https://www.buzzfeed.com/abbyzinman/relationship-ways-to-avoid-divorce

DISCLAIMER: 

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests.

The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area.

Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy.

Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage:

Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com
Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB

TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage
YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage
Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage
Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

In this episode, Chris & Jamie remind us that marriage is not supposed to erase you. The healthiest relationships make room for two whole people - and when Chris and Jamie say that out loud, they back it up with Scripture, research, and real-life examples from their own marriage.

After separate retreats left them both feeling recharged, more confident, and more rooted in who God has called them to be, they use that experience to make a bigger case: growth apart from one another is not a threat to your marriage - it can actually strengthen it. 

If you've ever felt guilty for wanting space, growth, or a fresh challenge, this conversation will reframe the way you think about support, identity, and partnership. You'll discover:

• Why self-expansion theory says couples often feel more satisfied after pursuing growth individually
• How differentiation helps couples stay close without becoming fused or codependent
• Why the word "helper" in Genesis is a word of strength, not diminishment
• What it looks like to support your spouse's calling without scorekeeping or resentment
• Practical ways to start the conversation if one or both of you feel stuck, overextended, or unseen

This episode is for couples who want a stronger marriage, but also refuse to lose themselves in the process. If you've been waiting for the "right time" to pursue growth, this is your sign to start the conversation and trust that becoming more of who God made you to be can make your marriage better, too.

DISCLAIMER: 

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests.

The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area.

Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy.

Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage:

Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com
Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB

TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage
YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage
Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage
Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

There are five marriage myths are quietly keeping couples stuck, and most people believe at least one of them without realizing the damage it causes. 

Chris & Jamie break down the false assumptions that can sabotage connection, delay healing, and turn a good marriage into a merely acceptable one. Drawing from their book and real conversations from marriage counseling, they challenge the idea that loving God automatically equals a healthy marriage, explain why waiting until things are desperate before getting help usually makes everything worse, and unpack the danger of normalizing divorce talk as a casual backup plan. 

They also get honest about the lie that marriage will fix loneliness or emotional pain, and why “we’re fine” is often just another way of saying you’ve stopped expecting more. You’ll discover why faith is a foundation, not a finish line, and why biblical truth still has to be applied through communication, wisdom, and intentional effort. If you’ve been settling, avoiding hard conversations, or assuming your marriage should just work because you love God, this episode will challenge that mindset fast. The goal is not just to avoid divorce or survive the week—it’s to build a marriage that is alive, healthy, and worth fighting for.

DISCLAIMER: 

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests.

The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area.

Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy.

Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage:

Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com
Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB

TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage
YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage
Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage
Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

Married couples don’t “just stop having sex,” and avoiding cheating is not the definition of a healthy marriage. Chris and Jamie expose three marriage myths that quietly kill connection, sexual intimacy, and long-term satisfaction - and explain what actually needs to change if you want a thriving marriage, not just surviving one. 

They break down the cultural stereotypes around married sex, why declining frequency is usually a signal of something deeper, and why “we’re fine as long as nobody cheats” sets the bar way too low. If sex has become awkward, rare, duty-driven, or emotionally disconnected, this conversation gives you a sharper way to evaluate what’s really happening beneath the surface.

You’ll discover:

• Why the myth that marriage automatically kills your sex life is flat-out misleading
• Why “it’s okay if we don’t have much sex” can hide resentment, disconnection, or even harm
• Why mutual pleasure and emotional connection matter far more than performance or obligation
• Why a marriage can avoid infidelity and still be deeply unhealthy
• How to tell whether your relationship is actually flourishing or just barely holding together

Chris & Jamie also push back on some of the worst Christian teaching around sex, explain why God designed intimacy for mutual benefit and pleasure, and challenge couples to ask a better question than “Are we still married?” - namely, “Do we actually love being married to each other?” 

Essential listening if you want a more honest, more connected, and more life-giving marriage. If one of these myths sounds uncomfortably familiar, this episode will help you identify it, talk about it, and take a real next step.

DISCLAIMER: 

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests.

The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area.

Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy.

Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage:

Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com
Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB

TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage
YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage
Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage
Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

Truth bombs: Marriage is not supposed to be boring, kids will not fix a struggling relationship, and “at least nobody cheated” is a terrible success metric. If you want a marriage that actually feels alive, this episode is for you. Chris & Jamie keep their marriage myths series going with a straight-talking conversation about the hidden beliefs that quietly drain connection, intimacy, and joy from Christian marriages. They break down the stereotypes people absorb from movies, culture, and even church teaching, then replace them with a better, healthier vision of what marriage can be.

You’ll discover:

• Why boredom in marriage is usually a symptom, not a destiny
• How intentional fun and playfulness directly affect marital satisfaction
• Why having a baby can intensify a weak marriage instead of saving it
• How shared values matter more than shared hobbies
• Why your childhood may influence your marriage, but it does not have to define it

Chris and Jamie also challenge the dangerous idea that marriage is only “successful” if it survives without infidelity or divorce. They make the case for something far better: a thriving, connected, mutually satisfying marriage that reflects God’s design instead of merely avoiding disaster.If your relationship feels stuck, routine, or more like roommates than teammates, this conversation will give you language, perspective, and practical next steps. Perfect for couples who want to stop tolerating marriage and start building one they actually love.

DISCLAIMER: 

This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests.

The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area.

Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy.

Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage:

Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com
Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB

TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage
YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage
Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage
Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage