Awesome Marriage Podcast

In this special Father’s Day edition of the podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Larry Hagner. While we’re focusing on fatherhood, this episode is packed with wisdom for every married couple. From building a stronger marriage, to deepening your connection with your kids, to taking care of your own well-being—Larry shares wisdom that every family can benefit from.   Episode Highlights: Community and support are essential for fathers. The relationship between husband and father roles is interconnected. Children learn about relationships from their parents' marriage. Legacy is built through the relationships we model. Seeking help and resources is a sign of strength.  Intimacy is rooted in emotional connection. Understanding your partner's needs is crucial for intimacy. Sex is a celebration of a strong emotional bond. Being a spiritual leader starts with self-leadership. Proactive planning can enhance relationships. Navigating modern parenting requires open communication. It's okay not t

In this week’s episode, Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy unpack the powerful topic of expectations—focusing on how to clearly express what you need from your spouse. With honest conversation, a willingness to listen, and an open heart, you can transform how you communicate and connect in your relationship.   Quotes from this episode: “I just thought you knew. And when you didn’t I would go along and get resentful” “We were trying to fit each other in the mold.”  “Our first big argument scared the heck out of me. My unrealistic expectation was that we would never fight.”  “It’s a good idea to have a signal or cue so that you make your spouse aware.”  Questions for Reflection: What are some expectations—spoken or unspoken—that we each bring into our marriage, and how well do we feel they’ve been understood by each other? When was a time we misunderstood one another because expectations weren’t clearly communicated? What can we learn from that moment? How can we create more space in our relationship for honest, judgme

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a powerful truth: the health of your marriage often comes down to what you choose to focus on. It’s easy to fixate on what’s not working, letting small annoyances grow into mountains of frustration. But what if the key to deeper connection and lasting joy is found in a simple but radical posture—gratitude? We’ll explore how contentment isn’t resignation, but an intentional choice to see the blessings amidst the imperfections. You’ll hear honest reflections on prioritizing your spouse, the life-giving role of quality time, and how to navigate conflict in ways that build satisfaction, not resentment. Whether you're newly married or decades in, this conversation is a fresh reminder that gratitude, not settling, is the foundation of a thriving Christian marriage.   Episode highlights: Feeling content in marriage is different from settling. There’s a way to work through conflict that makes both spouses feel more satisfied. Healthy conflict resolution is one of the strongest pr

In this deeply honest and hope-filled conversation, Justin and Trisha Davis open up about their journey through love, ministry, and the real struggles that nearly tore their marriage apart—including infidelity and hidden personal battles. With vulnerability and wisdom, they share how counseling, truth-telling, and taking ownership became the turning points in their healing. Trisha shares what it looked like to face the pain of betrayal trauma, while Justin reflects on the overwhelming guilt and the hard road to forgiveness. Together, they unpack how our stories, the words spoken over us, and the lies we believe about our worth can deeply affect how we show up in relationships. But this isn’t just a story about pain—it’s a story about redemption. About the power of grace, the courage it takes to grieve and heal, and the choice to believe that real transformation is possible. More than behavior change, they point to the heart—the deep, inner work that allows us to discover who we really are and who God has crea

In this special Mother’s Day episode, Dr. Kim Kimberling sits down with bestselling author Melanie Shankle to talk about her latest book, Here Be Dragons. Together, they unpack the complexities of generational trauma and explore what it means to break old cycles in order to build a new legacy of healthy relationships. It’s a conversation that’s honest, refreshing, and full of humor. Whether you're a mother or not, this episode has something for you! Episode highlights include:  Generational trauma affects emotional growth and relationships. Self-worth can be deeply impacted by parental relationships. Humor can be a coping mechanism for deeper issues. Recognizing unhealthy patterns is crucial for personal growth. Parenting requires intentionality and awareness of past traumas. Melanie embraced her daughter's individuality instead of molding her. Healing can come from being the parent you wished you had. True love is built on friendship and authenticity. Identifying generational trauma require

We're excited to launch a brand-new format for the Awesome Marriage Podcast—and with it, introduce a highly requested new co-host: Mrs. Nancy Kimberling! In this episode, Dr. Kim and Nancy Kimberling take you on a heartfelt journey through the story of their relationship, from their blind date to their early years of marriage and parenting, all the way to the joy of becoming great-grandparents. Their marriage hasn’t been without its challenges, but what’s carried them through it all is a decision they made early on: to keep God at the center of everything. Their wisdom, authenticity, and love for each other will make them one of your favorite couples to learn from. We pray this episode encourages and blesses your marriage.   Episode Takeaways: No matter how your marriage starts, everything changes when you invite the Lord in. He can transform the direction of your relationship in powerful ways. Building a strong, healthy marriage and family takes intentional effort and regular reflection on what’s working—and

In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Dr. Kim sits down with Jimmy Rollins to unpack the real-life highs and lows of marriage. They dive into why communication, forgiveness, and a strong support system are so crucial—and how those things have played out in their own lives. From the power of simple daily appreciations to creating a safe space for open conversations, Jimmy and Dr. Kim get real about what it takes to build (and rebuild) a strong relationship. They also reflect on how easy it is to chase success in the wrong places—and how to shift the focus back to what matters most. Whether you're in a great season or struggling to find your footing, this episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement to help you grow and heal in your marriage. Episode Takeaways: Every marriage is hard and requires effort. Forgiveness is a decision, while reconciliation is a process. Daily appreciation can reignite connection in marriage. Creating a safe space is essential for open communication. Winning a

Main takeaway:  Every relationship can be prone to drifting if we aren’t paying attention, and our marriage relationship is no exception. In this episode Dr. Kim and Lindsay talk about how easy it is to begin prioritizing good things over the best things, and how those small compromises lead to big disconnect in marriage.  This episode will help you recognize the signs of drift and begin to fight back against it! Recognizing the signs of drifting is crucial for couples. Prioritizing time together is essential to prevent drifting. Good things can distract from nurturing the marriage. Drifting can happen gradually without realization. Communication and emotional intimacy are key to a strong marriage. Common signs of drifting include changes in communication and intimacy. Non-sexual physical touch can enhance emotional intimacy. It's important to address issues early before they become entrenched patterns. Questions to Discuss:  Is your marriage reflected on your calendar? When’s the last time

In this episode of the Awesome Marriage podcast, Lindsay and Dr. Kim discuss the importance of resolving conflict in a faith-centered, biblical way. They debunk the myth that Christian couples do not experience conflict and emphasize that conflict can lead to growth and deeper intimacy in relationships. Learn the biblical principles for handling conflict, practical steps for effective communication, and the significance of humility and selflessness in marriage.   Episode highlights include: Timeouts can help manage heated discussions. Keeping short accounts prevents resentment from building up. Using the silent treatment is a form of emotional manipulation. Bringing up past conflicts as weapons is unhealthy for marriage. Involving others in conflicts before addressing them with your spouse can create triangles of conflict. Taking responsibility for one's actions is crucial in resolving conflicts. Prayer is a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy marriage. Biblical principles provide a framew

In this conversation, Lindsay and Dr. Kim discuss the concept of cultivating a servant-hearted marriage, emphasizing the importance of serving one another selflessly. They explore how serving each other can create a loving and respectful environment, reflecting God's design for marriage. The discussion includes practical ways to serve, the impact of a servant-hearted marriage on family dynamics, and the barriers that can hinder this service. They also highlight the significance of self-examination and seeking help when facing challenges in marriage.    Episode highlights include: Cultivating a servant-hearted marriage requires daily choices to act in love. Children benefit from witnessing a servant-hearted marriage. A servant-hearted marriage reflects God's design and glorifies Him. Serving one another should come from the heart, not a checklist. Counseling can help break negative patterns in marriage.   Couples Conversation Guide:  Main takeaway:  God’s design for marriage goes far beyond just coex

Dr. Kim and Lindsay dive into a heartfelt conversation about the power of communication and unity in parenting. They talk about why it’s so important for parents to be on the same page when it comes to raising their kids, facing challenges as a team, and setting a strong example through their own decision-making. Along the way, they explore how to navigate differences in parenting styles, adapt to the ever-changing needs of children as they grow, and lean on prayer for guidance in tough decisions. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.    Episode highlights include:  It's unrealistic to agree on everything in parenting. Children benefit from the security of united parents. It's important to filter parenting advice based on core beliefs. When you disagree, and you will, model respect for your spouse. *Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!    Couples Conversation Guide:  Main takeaway:  Do you and your spouse struggle to stay on the same page while

Dr. Kim and Camden Morgante explore how purity culture has shaped individuals' beliefs and relationships. They break down five harmful myths it promotes and examine how these misconceptions can impact a couple's sex life after marriage — including the unrealistic expectation of a fairy tale marriage as a reward for remaining pure. Dr. Morgante offers guidance to help couples move beyond the shame and guilt tied to these teachings, so they can embrace the beautiful gift God designed for marriage. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.    Episode highlights: Our God isn’t a transactional god. Purity culture has been compared to the sexual prosperity gospel. Many individuals only hear negative messages about sex before marriage. Reclaiming the beauty of sex involves holistic healing of mind, body, heart, and soul. Teaching children about sexuality should focus on values rather than rules. Purity culture can lead to feelings of being 'damaged goods'. Myths of purity culture can cause disillusi

Porn is doing real damage to too many Christians today. This issue is affecting a huge percentage of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the shame that often prevents us from talking about it leads to secrecy and hinders healing.  We’re thankful that Nick Stumbo is on the podcast today. Nick is a pastor and the director of Pure Desire Ministries. Along with Barna, Pure Desire recently conducted a study on the impact porn is currently having on the Church in America. Their findings demonstrate how crucial it is to open the conversation about porn among Christians to help them find healing from its destructive impact.     We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.    Episode highlights include:  What the stats tell us about how many Christians are viewing porn regularly Why talking openly is ESSENTIAL for healing  Exposing the progressive nature of porn addiction  How to make church a place where openness is possible  What to do if your church is not a safe place to confess  How

Husbands, have you ever felt like your wife expects too much from you? Wives, have you checked whether your expectations are realistic?  Expectations in marriage can be a difficult topic, and they’re a very common source of marriage tension. Which is why today, we want to help break down misunderstandings around spouse expectations today, so that you can experience better connection and more joy in your marriage.   We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.    Episode highlights include:  Wives may struggle to articulate their needs clearly. Non-sexual affection enhances sexual intimacy. Emotional connection is crucial for a healthy marriage. *Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!  Couples Conversation Guide:  Main takeaway: Expectations don't have to be a source of conflict. There's a way to communicate and connect the different wants and needs you have in marriage. Questions to Discuss:  Are there any expectations that you feel are “too much”? Hu

Wives, have you felt that your husband expects too much from you? Husbands, have you checked whether your expectations are realistic?  Expectations of our spouse can be a difficult topic, and they are a really frequent source of marriage tension. That’s why today, we want to help break down misunderstandings around spouse expectations today, so that you can experience better connection and more joy in your marriage. Don’t let expectations trip your marriage up. Listen today and learn to deal with the wants and needs in your marriage.  We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage. Episode highlights include:  Unvoiced expectations in marriage can lead to tension. Communication is key to understanding each other's needs. Wives should express their feelings of being drained. Finding time for connection is essential for couples. Respect and appreciation are crucial for husbands. Physical affection is important beyond sexual intimacy. Teamwork in parenting strengthens the marriage bond.

 Are you experiencing the power of prayer in your marriage? Prayer is an incredibly powerful habit for your marriages. In fact, research shows that 99% of couples who pray together stay together.   Prayer can be so simple, but the reality is that most couples do not make prayer a regular part of their marriage. Today we’re talking about how to practically overcome the obstacles that keep you from praying together so you can make prayer a regular part of your marriage.  We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.   Episode highlights include:  The #1 marriage-building habit - and why most couples don’t do it What makes prayer so powerful for marriage  The sneaky prayer pitfalls to avoid  How to overcome the common obstacles that keep couples from praying together  The do-able DOs to make prayer part of your marriage    *Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!    Couples Conversation Guide:  Main takeaway: Prayer is so powerful that the enemy will try a

When Chad & Adaeze Brinkman met while serving together on the worship team at church, they didn’t expect that they would one day get married. They also didn’t expect what it would be like to navigate a new marriage while facing cultural pressures as an interracial couple. But learning to have the hard conversations about their differences ultimately led to deeper intimacy. Today, we’re delighted to have Chad and Adaeze on the podcast to share their story, and equip you with practical ways to value different perspectives as a reflection of God’s design. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.    Episode highlights include:  Why listening to real stories of different experiences matters  How to become aware of your habitual assumptions  Realistic first steps to grow your perspective Why addressing our perspective on race is essential for the church  The relationship-building process of navigating tough conversations  How to repair the relationship after you’ve hurt your spouse

Guys, have you lost the spark in your sex drive? If that’s you, you are not alone! Libido is a complex issue. There are so many reasons that male libido can falter, from stress and physical factors, to relational issues in your marriage. But for every factor, there are also solutions.  Learn the steps to uncover what’s driving your lack of drive so you can revive the desire. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.  Episode highlights include:  The physical, mental and emotional health factors that affect sex drive  Tips to unpack the issue together in healthy ways  Is there a place for medical advice in understanding libido? Challenging the cultural myths about aging and sex drive  Steps to starting a helpful conversation about improving libido    Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for quick weekly marriage tips!   *Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!    Couples Conversation Guide  Main takeaway: Husbands, have you lost the passio

Wives, do you seem to be less interested in sex? It’s a common issue, and so many factors affect female libido, from hormonal changes, and emotional disconnection to just plain busyness. Whether stemming from physical health or the health of your marriage, there are many ways you and your spouse can work together to bring back the passion and renew your sex drive.    Today, we’re troubleshooting the issue with tips for wives with low libido, so you can bring back the passion in your marriage. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.    Episode highlights include:  Tips on healthy communication about sex drive issues  Understanding the effects of stress on a wife’s sex drive  How to work together to share the mental load Is lack of sex drive a sign of infidelity?  Building empathy to help reconnect and rekindle her passion    Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for quick weekly marriage tips!   *Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!   

Is technology bringing you closer together, or leading to disconnection?   Tech is hitting marriages hard today. Yet research shows that marriage can provide a huge boost to personal happiness. Today’s guest, Arlene Pellicane, has written several books on how technology is impacting relationships, and today she shares tech habits that will help you and your marriage to thrive.     We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.    Episode highlights include:   The 1 habit that guarantees marriage success 99% of the Time Easy ways to declutter your digital life for deeper connection How modern technology is changing the way we love. Are married people happier? Research tells the truth…  Break the tech spell: Tips for parenting in a digital age   *Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!    QUOTES  “If we seek God and His guidance, He’s always going to have an answer.” Dr. Kim Kimberling  “Is technology bringing you closer together? Or causing you to gro