The Art of Relationships Podcast: Recent Episodes
Chris Grace, Ph.D. and Alisa Grace from the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships
Is it hard to maintain your relationships with everything else you have going on in your life? Chris Grace, Ph.D., and his wife, Alisa Grace, discuss how to build healthy relationships and marriages in The Art of Relationships Podcast. Listen to get practical insights on how to deal with everyday relationship issues, whether it's your roommate, your parents, a friend, or a significant other. The Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships exists to build and sustain healthy relationships and marriages in the church and broader culture by combining the timeless, cross-cultural wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research, insights and tools. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace answer some of the most common (and most honest) dating questions submitted by attendees at the Biola Couples Conference. From navigating physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries to figuring out compatibility, alone time, conflict, and preparing for marriage, they offer biblical wisdom and practical guidance for every stage of dating.
They discuss how to distinguish healthy attraction from lust, why intentional boundaries matter, how to recover after crossing those boundaries, the role of prayer and spiritual intimacy in dating, finding shared hobbies, addressing relationship concerns, and overcoming fear surrounding physical intimacy before marriage. Along the way, they share personal stories from their own relationship and practical advice for building healthy patterns that last.
Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or mentoring someone in a relationship, this episode offers thoughtful insights to help you pursue relationships that honor God and foster lasting intimacy.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZFClUEIRSSk
Resources Mentioned:
- Sheet Music by Dr. Kevin Leman – A practical Christian guide to sexual intimacy designed for engaged and newly married couples. Chris and Alisa recommend reading the first few chapters before marriage and the remaining chapters afterward.
- Free Relationship Advice – Biola Center for Marriage & Relationships – Receive confidential, biblical, and practical relationship guidance from the CMR team: https://cmr.biola.edu/resources/relationship-advice
- CMR Relationship Resources – Explore articles, podcasts, and practical tools on dating, marriage, and healthy relationships: https://cmr.biola.edu/
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast so you never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who is navigating dating or engagement and could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and relationship resources from the Center for Marriage & Relationships: http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage & Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace continue their conversation with Tony and Lymari Navarro as they share the powerful second half of their story of healing after infidelity. This episode explores what it actually takes to rebuild trust, restore intimacy, and create a stronger marriage through God's grace.
Tony and Lymari discuss the importance of laying a new foundation rooted in Scripture, embracing the "messy middle" of recovery, finding the right support, celebrating small victories, and choosing perseverance when healing feels slow. They also share practical encouragement for couples navigating broken trust, reminding listeners that restoration isn't about returning to what once was—it's about allowing God to build something entirely new.
Whether you're walking through betrayal, supporting a friend in crisis, strengthening your own marriage, or simply wanting to build healthier relationships, this episode offers biblical wisdom and practical hope for the journey.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3AOwkiFfIDA
Resources Mentioned
- From Ruin to Renewal: Tony and Lymari Navarro share their personal story of rebuilding their marriage after infidelity while discovering God's power to restore what was broken. https://shop.familylife.com/product/from-ruin-to-renewal/
- Weekend to Remember® Marriage Getaway: The marriage conference that became a turning point in Tony and Lymari's restoration journey, providing biblical tools and practical guidance for building a healthy marriage. https://www.familylife.com/weekend-to-remember/
- Home with the Navarros: Marriage coaching, speaking information, resources, and encouragement from Tony and Lymari Navarro. https://www.tonyandlymarinavarro.com/
- Tony & Lymari Navarro on Instagram: Follow their ongoing ministry, marriage encouragement, and family life content. https://www.instagram.com/tonyandlymarinavarro
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast so you never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who needs hope that healing and restoration are possible.
- Sign up for weekly relationship resources and encouragement from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with marriage coaches, speakers, and authors Tony and Lymari Navarro to hear the first part of their powerful story of betrayal, broken trust, and the beginning of restoration. Tony and Lymari share how their relationship began, their journey to faith, and the challenges they faced as young believers trying to build a marriage without healthy models or examples.
As their family grew, unresolved wounds, unhealthy communication patterns, and emotional distance created cracks beneath the surface of their marriage. When Lymari received a phone call revealing Tony's infidelity, everything came crashing down. Together, they candidly discuss the devastating impact of betrayal, the role of wise counsel during a crisis, the tension between justice and grace, and how God met them in the midst of their deepest pain.
Whether you're walking through betrayal, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to build a stronger marriage, this episode offers honest encouragement and biblical wisdom about forgiveness, grace, and the first steps toward healing.
Watch on YouTube:
Resources Mentioned:
From Ruin to Renewal – Tony and Lymari Navarro's story of rebuilding their marriage after infidelity and discovering God's power to restore what was broken.
https://shop.familylife.com/product/from-ruin-to-renewal/
Home with the Navarros – Marriage resources, coaching, speaking information, and encouragement from Tony and Lymari Navarro.
https://www.tonyandlymarinavarro.com/
Tony & Lymari Navarro on Instagram – Follow their ongoing ministry, marriage encouragement, and family life content.
https://www.instagram.com/tonyandlymarinavarro
Connect with Us:
Website: cmr.biola.edu
Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships!
http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the do’s and don’ts of breaking up well. They discuss how to end a relationship with honesty, kindness, and maturity, while avoiding common mistakes like ghosting, giving false hope, or staying in unhealthy contact after the breakup. They also share practical guidance for navigating the emotional aftermath, processing grief, and seeking God's wisdom throughout the process.
Whether you're considering a breakup, recovering from one, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical tools to help you move forward in a healthy way.
Want advice on your breakup? We can help! cmr.biola.edu/resources/relationship-advice
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gs6MUpHp8bs
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube:www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on your platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the psychology behind whirlwind romances: relationships that move quickly with intense passion and early commitment, but often lack deep emotional intimacy. They discuss Robert Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, highlighting how passion and commitment can create the illusion of a strong relationship when intimacy hasn’t had time to develop.
They unpack key signs of a whirlwind romance, like instant chemistry, rapid emotional closeness, constant communication, and early talk of a future together. The episode also dives into the role of brain chemistry (dopamine and oxytocin) that can make these relationships feel deeper than they actually are. Chris and Alisa offer practical wisdom on why intensity doesn’t equal intimacy, the risks of moving too fast, and how to slow things down by setting boundaries, building friendship, and developing a solid foundation over time.
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/-4R0GWVsk0M
Resources Mentioned:
- Triangular Theory of Love – Framework by Robert Sternberg explaining love through intimacy, passion, and commitment.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore what happens when marriages lose passion and shift into what psychologists call companionate love. They discuss the difference between intimacy, commitment, and passion using Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love, why many couples begin to feel more like roommates over time, and the common reasons passion fades—like busyness, lack of curiosity, and taking one another for granted. They also share practical ways to reignite passion, including small behavioral changes, intentional date nights, asking meaningful questions, understanding your spouse’s love language, and creating space for rest and connection. Whether you're dealing with marriage, dating relationships, or long-term commitment, this episode offers practical insights to help you reconnect, rebuild intimacy, and restore passion in your relationship.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jaeq_yvYkJI
Resources Mentioned:
- The Triangular Theory of Love (Robert Sternberg) – A psychological framework explaining love through intimacy, passion, and commitment.
- Going Deeper Together: Spiritual Armor Required – A course designed to help couples recognize spiritual challenges and strengthen their relationship. http://t.ly/iTL9
- The 5 Love Languages (Gary Chapman) – A tool to help couples understand how they give and receive love. https://amzn.to/4t5pInf
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the psychology of situationships—relationships marked by emotional connection and romantic involvement but lacking clear commitment or definition. They discuss how situationships differ from casual hookups and traditional dating, using Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love to explain how intimacy and passion without commitment can lead to confusion and instability. They also unpack common signs of situationships, why they’ve become more common in modern dating, and the emotional toll they can take.
Throughout the conversation, Chris and Alisa provide practical insights on how to recognize if you’re in a situationship, how to pursue clarity through healthy communication, and why intentionality and commitment are essential for Christ-centered relationships. Whether you're navigating dating, friendships, or trying to discern the direction of a relationship, this episode offers wisdom to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
Watch on YouYube: https://youtu.be/tx9VKtvsjW0
Resources Mentioned:
- Triangular Theory of Love (Robert Sternberg) – A psychological framework describing love through three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on your platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris Grace welcomes licensed counselor and author Debra Fileta to explore why healthy relationships depend on strong people skills. They discuss the common assumption that we’re good with people, the impact of technology and distraction on connection, and how self-awareness, ownership, and intentional conversation can transform our relationships. Debra shares practical insights on going deeper in conversations, recognizing emotional filters, repairing relational ruptures, and focusing on changing your own “ingredients” rather than trying to change others. Whether you're dealing with roommates, spouses, friends, coworkers, or family members, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships and communicate with greater depth and intentionality.
Resources Mentioned:
- People Skills by Debra Fileta — Learn practical relational skills to improve communication, ownership, and connection in every relationship.
https://amzn.to/48j4wm8 - Debra Fileta — Articles, counseling resources, podcast, and relationship tools.
https://debrafileta.com - Talk To Me Podcast — Debra Fileta’s podcast focused on meaningful conversations and healthy relationships.
https://debrafileta.com/talktome/
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace’s staff members, Tatum Munivez and Rachel Pestana, explore the challenges of navigating life after college in “The Postgrad Trenches.” They discuss key transitions like moving back home, starting a new job, relocating to a new city, shifting friendships, unmet expectations, and the pressure to have life figured out. Drawing from their own real-life experiences, they provide practical insights and encouragement to help you navigate uncertainty, build new rhythms, process grief, and stay intentional in your relationships during this major life shift.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nNdyZMyPv58
Resources Mentioned:
- CMR Blog on Friendship After Graduation – Practical encouragement on maintaining friendships post-grad (https://cmr.biola.edu/blog/2025/when-life-changes-how-do-friendships-survive)
- CMR Blog on Inviting God Into Your Emotions – Spiritual guidance for processing post-grad transitions (https://cmr.biola.edu/blog/2026/five-reminders-about-god-for-the-graduating-senior)
- Biola CMR Free Relationship Advice – Confidential, biblical, and practical relationship guidance (https://cmr.biola.edu/resources/relationship-advice)
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube:www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by Amanda Courvoisier, PsyD, to explore what many people were never taught about sex, intimacy, and expectations in relationships. Amanda holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. from the Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University and is an ABCST Sex Therapy Associate under consultation. Together, they discuss the gap between cultural messages and healthy, biblical perspectives on sex, common misconceptions about sexual intimacy, the role of communication and consent, and how expectations around sex can shape dating and marriage.
The conversation offers practical insight for navigating these topics with honesty, clarity, and respect, helping listeners build healthier, more informed relationships rooted in trust and mutual care.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire – A research-based book addressing harmful sexual teachings in Christian culture and offering a healthier framework for intimacy. https://amzn.to/4czstJ6
- Sheet Music by Kevin Leman – A Christian guide to sexual intimacy in marriage that discusses communication, expectations, and connection between spouses. https://amzn.to/4lyrMCl
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with James and Arlene Pellicane to explore how marriage can actually become easier—not harder—over time. Drawing from 27 years of marriage, ministry, parenting, and hard-won wisdom, they unpack what it looks like to build a relationship that thrives for the long haul.
They discuss practical tools for healthy communication (including how to address tone and conflict without defensiveness), what to do when you disagree on big decisions, the importance of servant leadership and mutual submission, and why taking fun seriously is essential for a strong marriage. They also tackle modern challenges like phone distraction, the “still face” phenomenon, and even how AI can subtly interfere with influence and connection in a relationship.
Whether you're married, dating, engaged, navigating roommate dynamics, parenting together, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers practical encouragement to help your relationships feel lighter, stronger, and more life-giving.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VPFJW5P_G0Q
Resources Mentioned:
Making Marriage Easier – Arlene Pellicane
A practical, encouraging guide filled with simple habits and mindset shifts that help couples move from surviving marriage to truly enjoying it.
https://arlenepellicane.com
Happy Home University Coaching – James Pellicane
Coaching resources for dads and husbands who want to grow in leadership, connection, and intentional family life.
https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/coaching
Still Face Experiment (Dr. Edward Tronick)
A powerful research study demonstrating how quickly disconnection impacts relationships—and why attentiveness matters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1Jw0-LExyc
Connect with Us:
Website: cmr.biola.edu
Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights grounded in biblical truth.
Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the powerful and often misunderstood topic of forgiveness—and how it differs from reconciliation. Joined by Dr. Matt Williams, professor of New Testament at Biola University, they unpack the biblical, emotional, relational, and spiritual realities of forgiveness and why unforgiveness can become a significant barrier to healing and freedom.
They discuss common misconceptions about forgiveness, the impact of trauma and abuse, and why forgiving someone does not always mean reconciling with them. Dr. Williams shares stories from years of counseling students, explains how unforgiveness can become a spiritual foothold for the enemy, and offers a clear, Christ-centered definition of true biblical forgiveness. The conversation also explores the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual consequences of holding onto unforgiveness—and how releasing it leads to peace, restoration, and freedom in Christ.
Whether you’re navigating hurt with a spouse, family member, friend, coworker, or someone from your past, this episode offers practical wisdom and hope-filled guidance to help you move forward without minimizing the pain you’ve experienced.
Watch on YouTube:
Resources Mentioned:
- Finding Freedom in Jesus: The 21 Attributes of Your Identity in Christ – A book by Dr. Matt Williams and Dr. J.P. Foster that explores identity in Christ as a foundation for healing, forgiveness, and spiritual freedom. https://amzn.to/4ra83uF
- Forgiving and Reconciling: – A book by Dr. Everett Worthington that explains the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation and introduces the REACH model of forgiveness. https://amzn.to/4r63ql3
- Boundaries – A practical resource on establishing healthy boundaries, especially important in situations involving abuse, trauma, or unrepentant behavior. https://amzn.to/4ao8Kt3
- Forgiveness Resource - A practical guide outlining steps to seek and grant forgiveness, four signs you’ve truly forgiven, and three common ways to ruin an apology. https://assets.biola.edu/4396738754672012438/attachment/8cac27f799713c64b2e8014a834f283d/250390_-_CMR_-
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore why we were created for community and why finding meaningful, Christ-centered friendships in adulthood can feel so challenging. They discuss the biblical foundation for friendship, common barriers like unrealistic expectations, fear of vulnerability, life transitions, and past hurts, and what healthy, God-honoring friendships actually look like. Throughout the conversation, they offer practical wisdom on taking initiative, building trust over time, being mutual and intentional, and becoming the kind of friend you’re hoping to find. This episode will help you move beyond surface-level connections and begin cultivating life-giving community rooted in faith, character, and shared values.
Whether you’re navigating friendships with coworkers, church community members, fellow parents, classmates, or long-time friends, this episode offers thoughtful guidance to help you build deeper, more sustaining relationships.
Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/L1E--5VSQJs
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who’s longing for deeper connection or community.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical, faith-based guidance for everyday relationships. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with Casey and Meygan Caston, founders of Marriage 365, to explore how small, consistent habits can radically transform a marriage. Drawing from their own near-divorce story and their new book, The Marriage Habit, they discuss how thriving marriages are built not on perfection or big breakthroughs, but on intentional daily practices rooted in curiosity, gratitude, humility, and grace.
Throughout the conversation, they unpack several of the ten habits from the book, including the weekly marriage business meeting, scheduling sex, the 60-second blessing, and the power of unsolicited apologies. The discussion highlights how habits reduce conflict, create emotional safety, deepen intimacy, and help couples resist “the drift” that so often happens over time. Listeners will gain practical, research-informed tools they can apply immediately—whether their spouse is fully on board or not.
Whether you’re navigating marriage, preparing for marriage, parenting, or even managing roommates and family relationships, this episode offers hope-filled, actionable insights to help you build a more intentional and connected relationship.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fz5lRp7iPc8
Resources Mentioned:
- The Marriage Habit – Casey and Meygan Caston outline 10 simple, research-based habits to help couples move from drifting to thriving. https://amzn.to/4qS18pi
- 365 Connecting Questions for Couples – A practical tool designed to build emotional intimacy through intentional, curiosity-driven conversation. https://amzn.to/49iwBLq
- Marriage 365 App – A digital resource offering videos, courses, and tools to help couples strengthen their relationship.
www.marriage365.com/app
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to support a friend who is hurting—whether they’re grieving a loss, facing illness, walking through heartbreak, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s pressures. They discuss the importance of being present, listening without trying to fix the problem, validating a friend’s experience, and offering practical help in meaningful ways. Throughout the conversation, they share personal stories and real-life examples that highlight what helps—and what can unintentionally hurt—when someone is in pain.
This episode provides practical insights and relational tools to help you show up with empathy, compassion, and wisdom, offering real support rather than clichés or quick fixes. Whether you’re navigating relationships with friends, family members, roommates, or others in your life, this conversation will help you care for people well during difficult seasons.
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Y_kbgRSnKNI
Connect with Us:
- Website: https://cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
- http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and relational insight. Learn more about their work at https://cmr.biola.edu
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how Christian parents can thoughtfully approach the topic of Santa Claus while keeping Christ at the center of Christmas. They discuss the history and cultural role of Santa, research on child development and imagination, concerns about honesty and trust, and several practical approaches Christian families take. They also offer guidance for building Christ-centered traditions that nurture wonder, generosity, and spiritual formation in children.
Whether you're navigating this question with toddlers, teens, grandchildren, or extended family, this episode provides wisdom, reassurance, and practical rhythms to keep Christmas meaningful and Christ-focused.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rxxoxeDb4sw
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Alisa Grace sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Willa Williams to unpack how your family of origin shapes the way you love, connect, and relate today. Together, they explore how childhood caregiving environments form your attachment style—secure, avoider, pleaser, or vacillator—and how those patterns often surface in adult relationships, marriages, and even your walk with God.
They break down how misinterpretations happen, why couples get stuck in pursue–withdraw cycles, and what to do when your emotional reactions today are rooted in yesterday’s wounds. Most importantly, Willa offers practical tools for growth, healing, and developing a more secure attachment—whether you grew up in a healthy home or a deeply broken one.
Whether you're navigating marriage, dating, friendships, or family relationships, this conversation will give you hope, language, and a roadmap to healthier connection.
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/yW2OLLXVJdM
Resources Mentioned:
- How We Love — Milan & Kay Yerkovich: A foundational book on adult attachment styles and how childhood wounds shape marriage and communication. https://howwelove.com/shop/how-we-love-book/
- How We Love Attachment Style Quiz: A free online assessment to help you identify your attachment style and start meaningful conversations with loved ones. https://howwelove.com/love-style-quiz/
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to teach kids genuine gratitude in a culture that constantly feeds entitlement. They talk about why “me-first” messaging (from social media, advertising, and peer groups) shapes the way kids see themselves, their stuff, and even God’s grace—and how parents can gently push back. Along the way, they share practical ideas like modeling gratitude in everyday frustrations, using dinnertime questions to help kids notice God’s goodness, shifting from “I have to” to “I get to,” and helping kids process disappointment (like missing out on Disneyland) without shaming their feelings. You’ll also hear creative practices—from gratitude walls and journals to serving the less fortunate and writing thank-you notes—that slowly form thankful hearts instead of entitled ones.
Whether you’re parenting preschoolers, navigating the teen years, co-parenting, grandparenting, or investing in kids as a teacher, coach, or mentor, this episode offers hopeful, realistic tools to cultivate gratitude in the next generation—and in your own heart.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W2Dzkdfquwo
Resources Mentioned:
- Going Deeper Together: Spiritual Armor Required – A five-lesson course that helps couples recognize the enemy’s tactics and stand strong together with practical, biblical tools. http://t.ly/iTL9
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, we explore how couples can build habits that make marriage easier—and even more joyful—for the long haul. Guest Arlene Pellicane, author, speaker, and host of The Happy Home Podcast, joins Alisa to share insights from her new book Making Marriage Easier: How to Love and Like Your Spouse for Life. Together, they unpack biblical wisdom, research-based habits, and personal stories from Arlene’s 26 years of marriage.
They discuss common misconceptions about marriage, the power of gratitude and hope, and the four key habits that strengthen every relationship. Arlene and Alisa also dive into handling grief and loss, how couples can reconnect through simple moments of fun, and the impact of technology on intimacy and attention.
🎥 Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/cMB3HAa4OII
Resources Mentioned:
- Making Marriage Easier: How to Love and Like Your Spouse for Life – Arlene’s newest book filled with humor, biblical insight, and practical tools for a lasting marriage. 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Making-Marriage-Easier-Love-Spouse-ebook/dp/B0D99XK3R4
- The Happy Home Podcast – Arlene’s show helping families grow closer and live with joy. 👉 www.accessmore.com/pd/https/arlenepellicanecom/podcasts/
- Going Deeper Together: Spiritual Armor Required – A five-lesson online course by Chris and Alisa Grace equipping couples to recognize the enemy’s tactics and stand strong together. 👉 http://t.ly/iTL9
- How to Ask Better Questions – A free downloadable handout to help you become a better listener and question asker in marriage, friendships, and family life. 👉https://assets.biola.edu/4396738754672012438/attachment/e06213efc42d52c08cca652e4ed63668/250620_-_CMR_-_Guides_and_Tip_Sheets_Ask_Better_Questions.pdf
- Follow Arlene:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/arlenepellicane/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArlenePellicaneAuthor/
- Website: arlenepellicane.com/
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this special Halloween-themed episode of The Art of Relationships, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace uncover the “marriage monsters” that quietly creep into relationships when we’re not paying attention. From unspoken expectations and avoidance to contempt and emotional disengagement, these hidden habits can quietly erode intimacy, trust, and connection.
With their signature blend of biblical wisdom, psychological insight, and real-life experience, Chris and Alisa share how to identify these relationship “haunts” and—more importantly—how to fight back with humility, honesty, and grace.
Whether you’re navigating challenges with your spouse, fiancé, or close relationships, this episode offers hope-filled, practical tools to turn your “haunted house” back into a safe haven.
Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAL0NYvpIqI
Key Topics Covered:
- The “Ghost of Unspoken Expectations” — how hidden assumptions breed frustration and resentment.
- The “Skeleton of Avoidance” — why silence and peace-at-any-cost can quietly destroy connection.
- The “Monster of Contempt” — the biggest predictor of divorce and how to replace it with appreciation.
- The “Phantom of Emotional Disengagement” — how busyness and neglect drain intimacy and what to do about it.
Resources Mentioned:
- Repair Checklist (Gottman Institute) — Practical statements to de-escalate conflict and build understanding.
- FamilyLife Weekend to Remember Marriage Getaway – Monterey, CA— Three days of teaching, connection, and renewal for couples.
- The Art (And Science) of Relationships — A 7-lesson online course from the CMR combining Scripture and research-backed insights on communication, conflict, and connection.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris Grace and guests explore what it truly means to find freedom and identity in Christ. Joined by Dr. John-Paul (J.P.) Foster and Dr. Matt Williams, they discuss insights from their new book, Finding Freedom in Jesus: 21 Attributes of Your Identity in Christ. Together, they unpack how understanding who God says you are transforms not only your sense of self but also your relationships, emotional health, and spiritual growth.
From battling negative self-talk to breaking free from shame, guilt, and false identities, this conversation dives deep into the biblical foundation of freedom and victory. You’ll hear powerful stories of transformation—from students and church members to an 87-year-old woman—showing that it’s never too late to live out your true identity in Christ. Whether you’re navigating challenges with friends, family, your spouse, or even your own self-worth, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you walk confidently in who God says you are.
Resources Mentioned:
- Finding Freedom in Jesus: 21 Attributes of Your Identity in Christ – By Dr. J.P. Foster & Dr. Matt Williams. A practical and theological guide to understanding who you are in Christ and experiencing spiritual freedom.
- Free Relationship Advice – Center for Marriage and Relationships (CMR) – Get confidential, biblically grounded, and practical advice from trained counselors to strengthen your relationships and prevent issues before they grow.
- Ron Blue Trust – Financial Planning for Couples – Faith-based financial advisors helping couples find peace and unity in their finances through biblically sound stewardship. Learn more at ronblue.com or connect with advisor Colby Gilmore at colby.gilmore@ronblue.com.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the sensitive question many Christians wrestle with: If I had sex before marriage, am I forgiven? They discuss God’s design for sex, how He responds to sexual sin, and the emotional, spiritual, and relational healing that is possible. Along the way, they address shame, guilt, conviction, and the difference between God’s forgiveness and the enemy’s accusations, while offering practical steps toward freedom and restoration. Whether you’re navigating your own past, supporting a spouse, or walking with a friend through this struggle, this episode provides compassionate and hope-filled guidance for strengthening relationships.
Resources Mentioned:
- FamilyLife Weekend to Remember Marriage Getaway – Monterey, CA – A weekend away to invest in your marriage with biblical teaching, practical tools, and quality time together. Learn more and register here
- Talbot School of Theology – Equipping leaders in biblical truth and partnering with the CMR to expand resources for marriages and relationships. www.biola.edu/talbot
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the often-overlooked struggle of making friends in college. They discuss why college can feel more isolating than expected, the psychological and social hurdles that block new friendships, and the surprising reasons even extroverts feel lonely in new environments. Providing practical insights and encouragement, they share stories, scientific research, and biblical wisdom to help students take initiative, overcome social anxiety, and build meaningful connections.
Whether you're dealing with roommates, classmates, old high school friends, or you're navigating life as a commuter, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships and feel less alone.
Resources Mentioned:
- How to Ask Better Questions (PDF) – A guide to asking questions that build deeper connection and spark better conversations.
- It’s Just Coffee (PDF) – A simple tool to help start low-pressure conversations and grow new friendships.
- Free Relationship Advice – Schedule a free session with a trained relationship advisor (in-person or virtual).
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace unpack what it really means to have a Christ-centered marriage. Beyond simply sharing a faith background, they explore the defining traits of a marriage where Jesus is truly at the center. Drawing from Scripture, research, and their own marriage journey, they discuss key differences between valuing Christ and truly centering your relationship on Him, as well as practical habits that help couples reflect the love of Christ daily.
From healthy communication and conflict resolution, to servant leadership, prayer, and practicing gratitude, Chris and Alisa provide practical insights to strengthen your marriage and encourage spiritual growth together. Whether you’re married, engaged, or dating with faith at the core, this episode offers a powerful vision of how your relationship can point others to Christ.
Resources Mentioned:
- Fierce Marriage 40-Day Prayer Guides – Devotionals designed to help you pray intentionally for your spouse. shop.fiercemarriage.com/products/40-day-prayer-journey-couples-bundle-2-books?srsltid=AfmBOopx3UCuDhkuufGJP2QnGFa3gmkg4PtwKIJjVTke7EtsgSRIyNK7
- Ron Blue Trust – Biblically centered financial planning for couples seeking unity in stewardship. ronblue.com
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore what it really means to date well—approaching relationships with intentionality, emotional health, and biblical wisdom. They discuss the purpose of dating, the importance of aligning your faith, assessing red and green flags, and the role of spiritual discernment and emotional maturity in building healthy connections. You’ll also hear practical tips on navigating compatibility, understanding personality traits, and seeking input from trusted community members. Whether you're single, newly dating, or looking to strengthen your approach to relationships, this episode offers valuable, no-fluff guidance to help you date in a way that honors God, protects your heart, and sets the stage for a healthy future.
Resources Mentioned:
- Gary Thomas – Sacred Marriage – A book exploring how marriage is designed to make us holy more than happy. https://www.garythomas.com/sacred-marriage/
- Big Five Personality Test – A research-backed tool for understanding key personality traits in yourself and others. https://www.outofservice.com/bigfive
- The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – Gottman Institute resource on the four destructive communication patterns to watch for in relationships. https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the all-too-common struggle of comparison—especially in the age of social media. They discuss why we compare ourselves to others, how comparison can become a trap that steals our joy, and when (if ever) comparison can actually be helpful. Drawing from social psychology, Scripture, and real-life stories, they offer practical insights and tips to help you break free from unhealthy comparison and embrace your God-given identity. Whether you're dealing with relationships with roommates, parents, friends, or significant others, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your sense of self and relational health.
Resources Mentioned:
- Blue Trust – Certified Wealth Strategists – Personalized, biblically centered financial planning and investment services.
- Understanding Your Spiritual Temperament (with Gary Thomas) – A podcast episode on how different people uniquely connect with God.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the crucial distinction between healthy and harmful conflict in relationships. They discuss common signs of unhealthy conflict—like harsh startups, criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt—and offer practical strategies to help you de-escalate tension, communicate effectively, and foster greater emotional connection.
They dive into topics such as recognizing emotional flooding, using gentle startups, labeling emotions accurately, taking healthy time-outs, and practicing gratitude and repair after conflict. With Scripture, psychology, and personal stories, they provide a clear roadmap to transform conflict into a tool for growth and deeper understanding.
Whether you're dealing with roommates, coworkers, extended family, close friends, or a spouse, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your communication, regulate emotions, and build lasting relational trust.
Resources Mentioned:
- Understanding Feelings and Emotions in Conflict — Resource that helps couples identify and express their emotions during conflict, using a feelings word list, the Speaker-Listener Technique, and a conflict cycle exercise to promote empathy, clarity, and healthier communication.
- Blue Trust (Colby Gilmore) – Biblically-centered financial planning and investment management for couples and individuals.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the realities and myths of hustle culture.
They discuss how hustle culture is often glamorized for its promises of success, wealth, and status—but at what cost? They weigh the pros, such as ambition, drive, and new opportunities, against the hidden toll it takes on emotional, physical, and relational health. Through stories from their own lives and others, Chris and Alisa provide practical insights and tips to help you reframe what success means and find a healthier, more balanced way forward.
Whether you're dealing with a spouse, coworkers, roommates, friends, or your own expectations, this episode offers valuable advice to protect your relationships and pursue a purpose-filled life.
Resources Mentioned:
- Blue Trust (Colby Gilmore) – Biblically-centered financial planning and investment management for couples and individuals.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the parenting approaches of gentle parenting and tough love. They discuss the core principles, benefits, and potential pitfalls of each method—clarifying common misconceptions like equating gentle parenting with permissiveness or tough love with harshness. Through personal stories, practical examples, and thoughtful dialogue, they offer insights to help parents strike a healthy balance between empathy and structure. Whether you're parenting toddlers, teens, or navigating differences with your spouse in your parenting styles, this episode offers valuable advice to help you raise emotionally healthy, respectful, and secure children.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Art of Parenting – FamilyLife
A six-week online course to help parents develop a clear parenting plan with biblical principles. Great for small groups or individual study. - Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
A practical guide to teaching children responsibility and setting healthy boundaries from a biblical perspective. - Boundaries with Teens by Dr. John Townsend
Equips parents to establish healthy boundaries with their teenagers while staying connected and supportive.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the hidden cost of chronic busyness and emotional exhaustion—especially the kind that stems from doing too many “good” things. They discuss the symptoms of burnout, how it quietly erodes our most important relationships, and why many Christians struggle to set boundaries out of guilt or obligation. With practical tips for recognizing early signs and creating emotional margin, they invite listeners to evaluate their priorities and build sustainable rhythms of rest. Whether you're juggling responsibilities as a student, parent, spouse, caregiver, or ministry leader, this episode offers valuable insight on how to recover from burnout and rediscover joy and connection.
Resources Mentioned:
- Ezekiel 37:4–5 – A reminder of how God breathes life into dry bones, symbolizing restoration and renewal.
- Proverbs 4:23 – "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life."
- Chariots of Fire – A film referenced when discussing finding life-giving purpose; “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
- Ron Blue Trust – Biblically-centered financial planning mentioned in the sponsor segment. ronblue.com
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to navigate difficult conversations without damaging your relationships. They discuss practical steps for preparing your heart, regulating your emotions, choosing the right time and setting, and using the “affirmation sandwich” method to speak truth with grace. Whether you’re dealing with conflict in a marriage, friendship, workplace, or with a neighbor, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships by fostering trust, clarity, and reconciliation.
Resources Mentioned:
- Speaker-Listener Quick Tip Card – A helpful tool for structuring healthy, two-way communication.
- Navigating a Difficult Conversation Quick Tip Card – A free, practical guide for preparing and having hard conversations.
- Free Relationship Advice – Submit your question and receive confidential, faith-based guidance from CMR’s team.
- Blue Trust – Certified Wealth Strategists – Biblically centered financial planning and investment management. (colby.gilmore@ronblue.com)
Connect with Us:
- Website:cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook:facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram:instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr
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About the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to discern when it might be time to end a dating relationship. They discuss 13 red flags to look out for—ranging from spiritual misalignment and boundary issues to emotional unavailability and unresolved conflict—providing practical insights and tips to help you navigate the dating process with wisdom and faith. Whether you're dealing with dating relationships, or navigating romantic connections post-loss, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships.
Resources Mentioned:
- Ron Blue Trust – Personalized, biblically-centered financial planning and investment management for all income levels: ronblue.com
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to set and maintain healthy boundaries in dating relationships. They discuss the importance of emotional, physical, and spiritual boundaries, how to talk about them early on, and what to do if those boundaries have already been crossed—providing practical insights and tips to help you date with wisdom, clarity, and intentionality. Whether you're dealing with dating relationships, friendships, or mentoring others in their relationships, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships.
Resources Mentioned:
- Too Much, Too Soon: Setting Emotional Boundaries in Dating – A blog by Alisa Grace offering practical wisdom on emotional vulnerability and pacing in relationships.
- Ron Blue Trust – A financial planning resource that offers biblically-based strategies for unity, stewardship, and generosity.
- The Art of Relationships YouTube Channel – Watch helpful videos on emotional bonding, relational psychology, and more.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the highs and lows of college roommate dynamics in “Roommate Horror Stories.” They discuss student stories—ranging from passive-aggressive tension and cleanliness conflicts to emotional dumping and boundary-crossing behaviors—providing practical insights and tips to help you navigate difficult living situations with grace and wisdom. Whether you're dealing with roommates, friends, or even future spouses, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships and set healthy boundaries.
Resources Mentioned:
- Blue Trust – Certified Wealth Strategists – Biblically centered financial planning and investment services for couples seeking financial unity. Contact Colby Gilmore at colby.gilmore@ronblue.com
- Boundaries vs. Ultimatums – with Willa Williams – This previous episode dives deeper into how to set healthy boundaries without crossing into ultimatums.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Alisa Grace sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Willa Williams to unpack the often-confused concepts of boundaries and ultimatums. They explore the difference between making a request, setting a boundary, and issuing an ultimatum—highlighting how tone, intention, and personal responsibility can either build connection or create division in your relationships.
Together, they provide practical tools and real-life examples to help you communicate needs in a healthy way, create emotional safety, and respond maturely when on the receiving end of a boundary. Whether you’re navigating conflict with a spouse, roommate, friend, or coworker, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement to help you grow in both courage and compassion.
Resources Mentioned:
- Speaker-Listener Technique (PDF) – A simple yet powerful communication tool that fosters active listening and mutual understanding in any relationship.
- Blue Trust (Colby Gilmore) – Biblically-centered financial planning and investment management for couples and individuals.
- The Couples Institute – Dr. Ellyn Bader – Professional therapy resources and relationship education.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with Tim Carney, author of Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be. They dive into the challenges of modern parenting, discussing how cultural shifts, over-scheduling, and fear-based parenting have made raising kids more stressful than ever. Tim shares insights on how we can reclaim community-driven parenting, encourage independence in our children, and create a more family-friendly culture.
Whether you're a parent navigating the pressures of modern parenting, a young adult thinking about starting a family, or someone interested in how culture shapes childhood, this episode offers practical insights and hopeful solutions for building stronger families and communities.
Resources Mentioned
📖 Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be – Get the book here
📄 What’s the Ideal Family Size? Somewhere Between 0 and 10 Kids – Read Tim Carney’s Washington Post article (Note: This article may be behind a paywall.) 📊 American Enterprise Institute (AEI) – Research on family, culture, and policy. Visit AEI
Connect with Us🌐 Website: cmr.biola.edu
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Join the Conversation🎙️ Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts / Spotify to help others discover the show.
🔗 Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these insights.
📩 Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Join here
About the HostsChris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they blend biblical wisdom with scholarly research to offer practical advice for everyday relationships. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris Grace and guest co-host Tatum Munivez explore key questions to ask before getting engaged. They discuss essential relationship considerations, including compatibility, handling conflict, emotional safety, and recognizing red and green flags. Through personal insights and real-life examples, they provide practical wisdom to help you navigate the engagement decision with confidence.
Whether you're dating seriously or thinking about the next step, this episode offers valuable advice to build a strong foundation for marriage.
Resources Mentioned:
- 8 Questions to Ask Before Getting Engaged – A guide from the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships.
- Premarital Counseling – Learn how premarital counseling can strengthen your relationship and how to sign up.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Click here.
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace lead the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, combining biblical wisdom with relationship research to help individuals build healthy relationships. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the concept of love languages and how understanding them can transform your relationships. They discuss the five love languages—quality time, words of affirmation, gift-giving, acts of service, and physical touch—popularized by Dr. Gary Chapman. They provide practical insights on how to identify and speak your own love language and those of your loved ones to foster deeper connections.
Whether you're navigating relationships with your spouse, dating partner, family members, friends, or even coworkers, this episode offers valuable advice on how to communicate love effectively and build stronger bonds.
Resources Mentioned:
- The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman – A foundational book on how to express and receive love in a way that is meaningful to your relationships.
- Five Love Languages Online Quiz – Discover your love language and learn how to better connect with those around you.
- Previous Podcast Episode with Dr. Gary Chapman – Listen to Chris and Alisa’s conversation with the author of The 5 Love Languages for more insights.
Connect with Us:
Website: cmr.biola.edu
Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast so you never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from learning about love languages.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Join our email list
About the Hosts:
Dr. Chris Grace and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris Grace explores the complexities of navigating identity and calling, especially in the context of work and relationships with guests Arianna Molloy and Tim Muehlhoff. They discuss how a calling is not just about individual fulfillment but deeply tied to our relationship with God and community. Their conversation touches on understanding work as a calling, avoiding burnout, setting boundaries, and finding rest in God. They provide practical insights and tips for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's demands. Whether you're managing relationships with coworkers, family, or friends, this episode offers valuable advice to help you cultivate a sustainable work-life balance.
Resources Mentioned:
- Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work by Dr. Arianna Molloy – A guide to understanding calling, preventing burnout, and finding meaning in work. Visit Arianna Molloy's website for more resources. Click here to buy her book on Amazon.
- Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas – Explores how individuals connect with God uniquely, offering insights for incorporating rest and worship into daily life. Click here to purchase on Amazon.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: Sign Up
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of expectations in marital intimacy. They welcome special guests Shaunti Feldhahn, an award-winning author and social researcher, and Brian Goins, Senior Director of Strategic Projects at FamilyLife. Together, they delve into the dynamics of initiating and receptive desire, the impact of communication, and practical ways couples can foster understanding and intimacy.
Key Discussion Points:
- The common question of "how often?" and why there's no universal answer.
- The importance of understanding different desire types: initiating, receptive, and resistant.
- How unspoken expectations and lack of communication can lead to frustration and disappointment.
- Practical advice for navigating differences in desire and building stronger connections through communication and empathy.
- Insights from Shaunti and Brian's work, including data-driven strategies for healthy conversations about intimacy.
Resources Mentioned:
- "Secrets of Sex & Marriage" by Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. Michael Sytsma – A book offering eight surprising insights to improve marital intimacy. Learn more and purchase.
- Married with Benefits Podcast – Discussions on intimacy, communication, and expectations in marriage. Listen here.
- FamilyLife’s Instagram – instagram.com/familylifeinsta.
- Shaunti Feldhahn’s Instagram – instagram.com/shauntifeldhahn.
- Axis.org – Tools and resources for parents to have conversations about technology, relationships, and more. Visit Axis.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Subscribe here.
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the challenges and impacts of pornography in relationships and personal lives with special guest Nick Stumbo, Executive Director of Pure Desire. They discuss the pervasive issue of pornography in Christian communities, its mental, relational, and spiritual implications, and the path to freedom through grace-filled healing. Offering insights into breaking cycles of shame and addiction, this episode provides practical tips to help listeners pursue healthy, Christ-centered relationships.
Whether you’re a college student, a married couple, or a leader in the church, this episode offers valuable advice to navigate this challenging topic and find hope, healing, and restoration.
Resources Mentioned:
Free E-Books from Pure Desire
- 5 Steps to Freedom from Pornography - A guide to overcoming struggles with pornography. Download here
- 7 Keys to Understanding Betrayal Trauma - Help for navigating the pain of betrayal. Download here
Books by Nick Stumbo
- Safe - A guide to fostering grace-filled environments that promote healing from sexual struggles and create safe spaces for restoration. Learn more
- Setting Us Free - Nick Stumbo shares his journey to freedom from sexual addiction, offering practical tools and spiritual insights for lasting transformation. Learn more
From the Center for Marriage and Relationships (CMR)
- Sex, Pornography, and Relationship Help - Quick tips on addressing pornography's impact on relationships. Download PDF
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Sign up here
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore managing holiday stress, balancing busyness, expectations, and finding joy. They discuss practical tips for setting realistic expectations, planning ahead, navigating family dynamics, and staying emotionally connected during this busy season. With insights on how to prioritize relationships, manage stress, and align your heart with God's perspective, this episode provides helpful strategies for a more peaceful and meaningful holiday experience. Whether you're navigating relationships with family, friends, or significant others, you'll find valuable advice to improve your connections this holiday season.
Resources Mentioned:
- Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel by Jonathon Gibson - A liturgy for worship through Advent and Epiphany. Amazon Link
- Oh Come, Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp - A devotional to prepare your heart for Christmas. Amazon Link
- The Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Mathis - Reflections on the surprising story of Christmas. Amazon Link
- 10 Bible Verses for Anxiety (Download) - Scriptures to meditate on for peace during stressful times.
- Marriage Conference Information - Learn about upcoming conferences to strengthen your relationships.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the topic of navigating grief and loss during the holidays. They are joined by Dr. Kevin Van Lant, a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in pastoral care and counseling, who provides invaluable insights into the challenges of processing grief during a season traditionally associated with joy and togetherness. They discuss the importance of recognizing and sitting with the pain, offering practical ways to support both yourself and others during difficult times, and how faith plays a transformative role in the grieving process.
Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one or supporting someone in their grief, this episode offers compassionate advice to help you find hope and meaning, even in the midst of sorrow.
Resources Mentioned:
- Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop – A guide to practicing lament as a path toward healing and hope.
- Necessary Losses by Judith Viorst – An exploration of how loss is an inevitable and essential part of personal growth.
- Blue Trust - Biblically centered financial planning and investment management services. Contact Colby Gilmore (colby.gilmore@ronblue.com) for personalized financial advice for all income levels.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Sign up here
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the importance of family traditions, especially during the holiday season. They discuss how traditions create bonding, foster a sense of belonging, and adapt over time as families grow and change. Joined by CMR staff members Jane Locke and Tatum Munivez, they share personal stories and offer practical insights into navigating traditions in the face of life changes like marriage, moving, or loss. Whether you're celebrating with your parents, kids, in-laws, or friends, this episode offers meaningful ways to build relationships and honor the deeper reasons for the season.
Resources Mentioned:
- "23 of the Best Christmas Traditions Ever" Blog - A list of diverse holiday traditions for every life stage, from singles to families with grown children.
- Holiday Resources from the CMR - Insights, Tips, and Tools to Enjoy a Meaningful Holiday Season.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube:www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with special guests Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff, co-authors of End the Stalemate, to tackle the challenge of navigating difficult conversations in a polarized world. Together, they share practical strategies like building relational capital, showing compassion, and knowing when and how to share truth. With personal stories and real-world examples, Chris, Sean, and Tim equip listeners to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue even on divisive topics. Whether you're working through tough discussions with family, friends, or colleagues, this episode offers tools to strengthen relationships while staying true to your convictions.
Resources Mentioned:
- End the Stalemate - A guide to fostering respectful and productive conversations despite deep differences.
- Sean McDowell's YouTube Channel - Demonstrating effective dialogue with people of differing beliefs.
- Blue Trust - Biblically centered financial planning and investment management services. Contact Colby Gilmore (colby.gilmore@ronblue.com) for personalized financial advice for all income levels.
- John Gottman Resources - Expert insights on improving communication and relationships.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Sign up here
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with special guests Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff, co-authors of End the Stalemate, to explore the art of having difficult conversations in today's polarized world. They discuss how to navigate disagreements, the role of contempt in damaging relationships, and the importance of empathy and perspective-taking. Providing practical tips, they help listeners communicate more effectively and maintain healthy relationships, even when faced with differing opinions.
Whether you're navigating tense discussions with family, friends, or colleagues, this episode offers valuable insights to improve your communication and foster understanding.
Resources Mentioned:
- End the Stalemate - A guide to fostering respectful and productive conversations despite deep differences.
- Sean McDowell's YouTube Channel - Demonstrating effective dialogue with people of differing beliefs.
- Blue Trust - Biblically centered financial planning and investment management services. Contact Colby Gilmore (colby.gilmore@ronblue.com) for personalized financial advice for all income levels.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- YouTube: youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! Sign up here
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Alisa Grace and special guest Willa Williams, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discuss the “Top 6 Relationship Killers” that often hinder our closest connections. They explore common destructive habits, such as taking things personally, assuming the worst, and failing to show empathy, offering practical insights to help listeners build stronger, healthier relationships. Whether you're navigating friendships, family dynamics, or romantic partnerships, this episode provides valuable advice to transform your interactions.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller – Explores the principles of speaking truth in love, helping couples build deeper, more authentic relationships.
- Gottman’s Four Horsemen – An overview of harmful behaviors in relationships, with tools for recognizing and replacing these behaviors.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- Twitter: twitter.com/biolacmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are dedicated to helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore rituals for connection—consistent, intentional actions that can help strengthen relationships over time. They discuss how recognizing and responding to bids for attention can prevent couples from drifting apart and highlight simple rituals such as saying goodbye, greeting each other, and spending intentional time together. The Grace's provide practical insights and tips to help you reconnect with your loved ones, making your relationships more fulfilling and connected. Whether you're dealing with significant others, friends, children, or roommates, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships.
Resources Mentioned:
- 32 Questions to Spiritual Intimacy – A guide to fostering deeper spiritual connections with your partner through meaningful conversations.
- Date Night Activity: 32 Questions to Intimacy – An engaging activity for couples to build emotional and spiritual intimacy during date nights.
- 31 Questions to Intimacy for Families – A resource to help families connect on a deeper level.
- 30 Questions to Intimacy with Friends – A guide to deepening your friendships through intentional, meaningful conversations.
- Ronald Blue Trust – A biblically-centered wealth planning service that supports couples in financial unity. Visit ronblue.com for more or contact Colby Gilmore at colby.gilmore@ronblue.com.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- Twitter: twitter.com/biolacmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show.
- Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
- Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore bids for attention—small interactions that can significantly impact the strength of a relationship. They discuss how recognizing and responding to these bids can prevent couples from drifting apart, drawing on research from Drs. John and Julie Gottman. The Grace's provide practical insights and tips to help you stay connected with your partner, emphasizing the power of intentional time together. Whether you're navigating life with a significant other, friends, or even colleagues, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman – A guide to strengthening relationships through understanding key emotional and relational principles.
- Gottman Institute – Learn more about the research behind bids for attention and other relationship dynamics.
- Ronald Blue Trust – A biblically-centered wealth planning service that supports couples in financial unity. Visit ronblue.com for more orcontact Colby Gilmore at colby.gilmore@ronblue.com.
Connect with Us:
- Website: cmr.biola.edu
- Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
- Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
- Twitter: twitter.com/biolacmr
Join the Conversation:
- Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
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About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.
In this week's episode, CMR Co-Directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss how personality impacts our relationships, and offer practical ways we can use personality tools to better understand ourselves and others.
In this week's episode CMR Co-Directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss the role of intent in communication and offer practical ways to assess and adapt not only what we say but why we say it and the impact it has on our relationships.
In today's Valentine's special, Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by ministry leaders and best-selling authors Bill and Pam Farrel to discuss their book, Red Hot Monogamy: Making Your Marriage Sizzle, and uncover the T.I.M.E. needed to invest in marital intimacy. Listen along to hear what long-lasting intimacy looks like and how their acronym can best help you cultivate red hot monogamy.
The answer may surprise you!
In this week's episode, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by marriage ministry leaders and best-selling authors Bill and Pam Farrel to discuss the importance of mentorship and the practical ways everyone can make a difference.
Resources from this week's podcast:
- CMR Resources
- More from Bill and Pam
In this week's podcast, CMR Co-Directors Chris and Alisa Grace teach listeners how to recognize and respond to others’ bids for connection and the relational damage it causes when we ignore them.
In this week's podcast, CMR Co-Directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace address the not-so-glamorous realities that can come with the holiday season and offer practical tips for how to center your family on each other and Christ this Christmas.
In this week's episode Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by Biola colleagues and long-time friends Ken and Trudi Berding as they share their journey from being missionaries in the Middle East to housing and discipling multiple college students each year.
In part two of this two-part series, New Testament expert Dr. Jon Lunde joins Chris and Alisa Grace as they discuss why culture has drifted away from Scriptural values, and offer a Biblical alternative to the three most common (but not the best) options for sex in relationships today.
In part one of this week's two-part podcast, New Testament expert Dr. Jon Lunde joins Chris and Alisa Grace as they discuss why culture has drifted away from Scriptural values, and the three most common (but not the best) options for sex in relationships today.
In part two of this two-part series, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with Dr. Veola Vazquez to talk about her new book, Healing Conversations on Race: Four Key Practices from Scripture and Psychology. Listen as they discuss what it looks like to navigate race relations as a believer.
In part one of a two-part series, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with Dr. Veola Vazquez to talk about her new book, Healing Conversations on Race: Four Key Practices from Scripture and Psychology. Listen as they discuss what it looks like to navigate race relations as a believer.
In today's podcast, CMR Co-Directors Chris and Alisa Grace sit down and go through questions our listeners send in. From date nights and red flags, to establishing trust, this episode is packed with practical advice!
In part two of a two part podcast series, CMR Co-Directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss the key role intimacy plays in friendship and offer the remaining signs to look for to grow your friendships into rock solid relationships
In part one of a two part podcast series, CMR Co-Directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss the key role intimacy plays in friendship and offer five signs to look for to grow your friendships into rock solid relationships.
In today's podcast, co-directors Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with Ashlee Kyser, the newest member of the CMR team, to discuss what it is like transitioning from a student to staff at Biola, and share resources available for students and new graduates.
In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with award winning author and speaker, Gary Thomas, to answer your questions on the role of grief in relationships.
In today's podcast Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by award winning author and speaker, Gary Thomas, to discuss spiritual temperaments for connecting with God. Listen to learn how understanding your temperament and the temperament of those you love can increase intimacy in all your relationships.
In late 2019, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace faced a major crisis. In this podcast, they share their story and the fears and suffering that became their reality.
Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace emphasize the three things that brought them through their most difficult trials.
In today's podcast, award winning author and speaker, Gary Thomas, joins Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace to discuss his new book, Making Your Marriage a Fortress: Strengthening Your Marriage to Withstand Life's Storms.
In today's podcast, Jennifer Jones, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, discusses how to set and keep boundaries and offers helpful instruction for how to respond to boundaries in respect and love.
"When you are in a dark place, it can be a holy place if you are trying to follow God in that dark place." In today's podcast, guest Dr. Clarence Shuler shares his battle with depression, reminding his audience to seek counsel, community, identity rooted in God, and support from their spouses.
The most wonderful time of the year is approaching! As the Christmas season arrives, so can stress about budgets and spending. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace host Biola's senior director of Foundations and Capital Projects, Dr. Rick Bee, to discuss tips for planning and communicating about your Christmas budget. From making sure your spouse is on the same page, to navigating spending as a recent grad, today's podcast offers advice for budgeting in all seasons of life.
Is your loved one crying out for help? What signs would you look for? In part two of this two-part series, we (hosts Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace) are joined again by our 19-year-old daughter, Caroline, to share our personal experience as a family navigating Caroline's battle with clinical anxiety. In today's episode, The Grace family offers positive steps for how to support one another and answer the cry for help.
Is your loved one crying out for help? What signs would you look for? In part one of this two-part series, we (hosts Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace) are joined by our 19-year-old daughter, Caroline, to share our personal experience as a family navigating Caroline's battle with clinical anxiety.
Mental health has become a growing topic of concern in our culture- but how do we talk about it?Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss signs of mental health and look to both scripture and science for advice on how to talk about it, and what resources are available to those in need.
Remember when you had your first date?
Scripture is full of commands to remember, because God knows our hearts and wants to build intimacy with us through remembrance. The same is true of our earthly relationships. Reminiscing Scripture is full of commands to remember because God knows our hearts and wants to build intimacy with us through remembering. The same is true of our earthly relationships. Reminiscing over memories with fondness can actually strengthen our relationships!
What makes a husband worthy of your respect? Does he still deserve respect when he makes decisions you don't agree with? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace help women understand God's instruction to be obedient to their husbands and share tips on how to make their husbands feel appreciated.
Should I break up with my partner if they have a porn addiction? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace share ideas on how to bring up the conversation of porn in a dating relationship and if they struggle, how to move forward with that information in your relationship.
How do you deal with jealousy when your partner has best friends of the opposite sex?
How do you know when you’re ready to move from dating to engagement?
If you're getting too intimate in your relationship, how do you stop?
These questions and more are addressed in today's podcast when Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace dive deep into topics of jealousy and insecurity, maturity for advancing relationships, and crossing boundaries in relationships. Their supportive insight guides couples to push aside their physical intmacy and keep God at the center of their relationship.
Trouble navigating boundaries once you're in a relationship? In this week's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace answer your questions about relationships! From confronting self-esteem and setting boundaries, to defining the relationship after you already started dating, this week's podcast is full of wisdom for relationships in all stages!
Does God still work miracles? Where can you see them in your own life? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace, Alisa Grace, and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explore miracles, both big and small and how we can see them better.
In part one of a podcast series, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by former Art of Relationships podcast host and current co-director of The Winsome Conviction Project, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff to talk about his latest book, Eyes to See: Recognizing God's Common Grace in an Unsettled World.
Conflict is inevitable in every relationship, but what types of conflict should you overlook or try to overcome? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace share strategies on when to be accommodating, work through disagreements, or when to seek professional help if emotions get out of hand.
Is your anger abusive towards other people? At what point does it become a problem? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace teach us how to identify triggers and effectively manage anger in our relationships to avoid hurting others.
How do you maintain a strong, intimate relationship when you and your partner both have busy lives? In today's podcast, hosts Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss four common barriers that prevent couples from spending quality time together, and offer practical, fun solutions to overcoming them!
Do you have friends in your life that leave you emotionally drained and burdened? Do those encounters leave you empty instead of fulfilled? Do you regularly have to endure their drama? In today’s podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace share tools to evaluate those relationships and offer effective approaches to those conversations in the future.
Can small, every day courtesies really make a difference in a relationship? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace share how simple acts of kindness can bring results you might not be expecting.
Are you single but want to be in a relationship? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace meet with Laura Austin, the dating coach behind "Hey Mrs. Austin", to discuss how patience and proactivity work together to have a dating relationship in God's timing. Learn how to prepare yourself for dating through prayer and meeting new people, outline dating goals for what you want in a relationship, and change your mindset to be open to discerning God's will in dating!
In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace dig deep into questions of faithfulness in regards to the topics of commitment issues, pornography, and drifting apart in relationships. They remind us that love is not enough for a relationship and suggest tips on when to pursue a relationship or when to back away from one.
In today’s podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace walk through an example of a relationship conflict and discuss the benefits of using the Speaker Listener strategy to emphasize the message of listening to understand.
Are you constantly on your phone when you’re with other people? Your friends? Your spouse? Your kids? In today’s short, but powerful podcast, learn the critical impact that constantly being on your phone can have on your relationships and some easy tips for being present when you're present!
How do you know if your spouse is cheating or not? Do you need to have their password in order to feel more secure in your relationship? In this podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and his wife Alisa unpack when it's ok to share personal information, and remind us that successful relationships are built on trust and transparency.
You may have just experienced some difficulties over the holidays, especially if you have recently been married. How do you, as a newlywed couple, establish your own holiday traditions? In today's episode, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace give helpful tips and encouragement on setting boundaries and dealing with difficult expectations during the holidays.
Are you settling for someone just to avoid loneliness? It's cuffing season, and sometimes that means feeling desperate for any human connection. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss loneliness, finding friendship, and developing deeper emotional connections.
What is cancel culture? How should Christians respond to the cancel culture in our society today? In this week's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace answer these two questions and offer insights on how Christians combat cancel culture with biblical humility, love, and care.
What does a Christian marriage look like? Is it honesty, humility, transparency? In this week's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff invite special guest speakers, Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, the owner of In-N-Out, and her husband Sean to talk about trials, transparency, ministry, and healing within their Christian marriage.
We're bringing back one of our most popular episodes this week where Chris and Tim answer your questions about how to handle jealousy in dating relationships, the role friendships play in a happy marriage, and tools for healthy conflict resolution.
Karrie Garcia has lived a life of extreme moments. Raised as the daughter of a pastor, she began drinking at age 13, was addicted to meth at age 14, and continued to use the drug until age 19. In this podcast episode, she shares how God showed up to restore the life she had built.
What is emotional intimacy and how do we create it? Emotional intimacy is the confidence that one can be emotionally vulnerable and still find acceptance, understanding, and support. In today's episode, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace share four key components of emotional intimacy: safety, longevity, affection, and communication.
How do you safely open up to someone without crossing emotional boundaries? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace discuss the value of setting emotional boundaries in any relationship, giving practical examples of how that might look in your life.
Do you feel like your emotions control you or do you control your emotions? Emotions are complex and sometimes difficult to identify. But your emotions are important to building any intimate and healthy relationship. In today's episode, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace talk through the need for identifying, labeling and understanding your emotions.
How do you know if you're dating the wrong person? Is it a gut feeling, or do you wait for the warning signs? In this week's podcast, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace talk through what it means to be in a relationship that isn't going well.
Maybe you're dating someone and you want to know, is this going well? In today's episode, Chris and Alisa Grace dive into five signs of healthy dating and give helpful tips to assess whether the person you're dating is right for you.
Trying to get out of the friend zone? Looking for that spark? Ready to dive into dating again? In today's episode, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace talk through the dealbreakers and the dealmakers of dating and offer helpful tips for those looking for a relationship.
Whether you are newlywed or have been married for over 20 years, it's time for a date night. Dating allows couples to cultivate an intimate marriage that thrives and brings glory to God. In this week's episode, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace talk about dating in marriage and how to make your spouse a priority.
How do you know you're ready for a relationship? How do you know you're in love if you've never been in love before? In today's episode, Chris and Tim tackle your pressing questions and share their insights on attraction, singleness, and being in love.
There are times during conflict when our strong convictions can cause us to lose our relationships. Conflict is universal - we all face conflict at some point. But, are we managing the issues that divide us in a way that actually makes our relationships healthier? In this week's episode, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff talk about how to disagree well in our relationships and within the church with Winsome Conviction.
It's hard to get out of the "red zone", or even recognize when your relationship is in it. In today's episode, OC United Director of the Domestic Abuse Initiative, Donna Mroz, talks Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff through the telltale signs of abuse and support for those seeking help.
How do you create a future together in a marriage when your goals may be different? What are healthy ways to deal with conflict? In this week’s episode, Chris and Tim answer your questions, and share valuable tips on strong communication climates, working in synchrony, and building Christ-centered relationships.
How are you going to respond to this shocking news? In this week’s Art of Relationships podcast episode, Chris and Tim discuss how responding with warmth, love, and patience can reinforce respect and acceptance in your relationship with your children. Diving deeper, they talk about the power of childlike love, faith, and affection to draw people closer to Jesus.
In this week's episode, Chris and Tim discuss how the subconscious "subtitles" in a conversation can reinforce a negative view of your partner and your marriage. Drawing on wisdom from John Gottman's book, they provide tools to help prevent your internal script from taking on a decidedly negative tone.
In this week's episode, Chris and Tim answer some of yourquestions and share helpful, Christ-centered insights on dating, cohabitation, and more.
Founders of Uniquely Knitted Doug and Jesse Brown continue their conversation from last week with Chris and Tim about the difficulties of infertility and how to face these struggles as a couple.
In this week's episode, Chris and Tim are joined by Doug and Jesse Brown, founders of Uniquely Knitted, a non-profit that supports the infertility community. Through transparency and honesty, they unpack some of the pains, struggles, questions, and life-altering realities that anyone struggling with infertility can face.
In this week's episode, Dr. Greg Smalley from Focus on the Family, Chris, and Tim continue their conversation from last week emphasizing the importance of friendship, communication, and so much more in marriage.
Staying at home has forced a lot of people to spend time with their spouses. This can often result in your significant other feeling more like a roommate rather than a spouse. In this week's episode, Dr. Greg Smalley from Focus on the Family joins Chris and Tim to talk about the importance of being intentional and making small, daily connections with your spouse.
Sabbath has never been more important than it is right now. Between online school, work, church, and Zoom fatigue, we need a reminder to set time aside for rest. Being stuck at home all day doesn't mean we aren't wearing ourselves out. Author Arlene Pellicane returns to talk about rest, Sabbath, and more on today's podcast episode.
How much time do you spend on your phone a day? With everyone working remote, it's likely that you spend more time than usual looking at a screen. Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff invite author Arlene Pellicane to talk about her new book Screen Kids, co-wrote with Gary Chapman. They discuss her approach to smartphones, parenting, screen time, and more.
Marriage was not designed to be done alone. Chris and Tim invite Jackie and Stephana Bledosoe to discuss the importance of surrounding your marriage with a community of believers who can pray with you, encourage you, and be honest with you and your spouse.
Depression and anxiety are real issues. God has given us tools and the grace to overcome these things. Chris and Tim invite Debra Fileta, author of True Love Dates, to discuss the spiritual and physiological aspects of mental illness, the stigmas surrounding antidepressants and other medications, and God's common grace that represents His faithfulness to us.
How do we show love and kindness to others in a time when our culture is so polarized? Chris and Tim invite Bob Lepine, author of Love Like You Mean It: The Heart of a Marriage that Honors God, to discuss the power behind 1 Corinthians 13, proactively serving others, and letting the Holy Spirit work through active pursuit of love.
American culture has turned God's plan for marriage upside down. From Hollywood film to social media, a committed relationship has been redefined from God's original plan. Chris and Tim invite guest speaker Bob Lepine from FamilyLife Todayto talk about what marriage looks like in counterculture and how to share that message with the rest of the world.
What does it mean to “let the Holy Spirit guide your marriage”? What do you do if you're too afraid to be vulnerable with your spouse? In this episode, Chris and Tim not only unpack these ideas, but also provide practical insight on difficult questions about constructive feedback, infatuation with what we do not have, and more.
Spiritual warfare and marriage. At first glance, these two things may not seem to overlap, but what if they did? What would that look like? In this episode, we discuss the fact that marriages are indeed a target of spiritual warfare but it probably looks much different than you would imagine! Take a listen!
COVID-19 has changed almost everything about relationships in 2020. Stay 6 feet apart, don't gather in groups, and work from home. On this week's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss the social tension and division created by the pandemic. They answer listener questions about masks, how to respond when friends and family have differing opinions on social distancing, and confronting marital issues. If you have a question you'd like us to answer in one of our upcoming podcasts, you can ask us here!
Chris and Tim pick up where they left off in last week's episode about regrets. They talk about if men or women statistically have more regrets, sacrificing family life on the altar of career success, and more.
How do you deal with regrets in your marriage? In this week's Art of Relationships episode, Chris and Tim talk about affairs, missed opportunities, emotional absence, and more.
Conflict is inevitable in any close relationship, but there is cause for concern when reoccurring issues foster conflict in marriages. If not addressed, recurring conflicts caused by marital “affairs,” will lead to a decrease in emotional connection, trust and intimacy. Listen to this episode for strategies to help you protect your marriage.
Chris and Tim got together over Zoom this week to answer listener questions on the Art of Relationships podcast. Today’s topic covers accountability partners: is it okay to be accountability partners with the person you are dating? What is the line between authenticity and oversharing?
How do you talk about divisive issues with people that disagree with you? Chris and Tim got together this week to talk about healthy tactics that facilitate healthy conversation on controversial topics.
Chris and Tim answer listener questions about infatuation, love at first sight, finances, and more on this week's Art of Relationships podcast episode.
Chris and Tim answer listener questions about divorce, dating, compatibility, and more!
Chris Grace and Tim Muhelhoff sit down this week to answer our listeners' questions about spiritual maturity, finances, family, and more!
What do personality tests really say about us? From the ever popular Enneagram, to Meyers-Briggs, to StrengthsFinder, the possibilities for self actualization and discovery seem endless. Chris and Tim present personality tests as a tool to use in all relationships for better understanding and empathy, while still leaving room for personal growth and development.
What makes a conversation turn sideways? Why do words have the ability to hold power over us? Believe it or not, our perceptions have a lot to do with it. In this episode, Tim and Chris dive deeper into how our perceptions of ourselves affect relationships.
Whether we like it or not, our reality is based on our perceptions. In this episode, Chris and Tim explore how perceptions shape our relationships and how to discern when they can help or hinder healthy connection with others.
We often focus on negative aspects to avoid when evaluating relationships. But what makes a good relationship? In this episode, Tim and Chris discuss a few indicators of healthy relationships.
Words matter, and unfortunately, negative words are often the ones that stick with us. Proverbs 18:21 says, "life and death are in the power of the tongue." In this episode, Chris and Tim explore negative biases, where they come from, how they impact relationships, and how to deal with them.
Doesn’t it make sense to save money by living together before marriage? According to research, cohabitation actually has negative consequences on the longevity of the relationship. In this episode, we share fascinating insights on the differences between couples who are cohabitating and couples who are married.
When we find someone who is compatible with us, we most likely find that person more attractive, develop greater intimacy and connection, and establish a solid friendship. It is clear that compatibility matters – so what are the types of compatibility that are most important to determining relational health and success? In this podcast, we explore three types of core compatibility and what they mean for our relationships.
What counts as a date-night? How do I balance my relationship with the rest of life's demands? In this episode of the podcast, we continue the conversation with Dr. Bradford Wilcox, Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia. He points to some research and advice on the benefit of making small investments in your marriage. As a father of nine children, he has learned quite a few lessons on this topic personally.
In the majority of Western culture, the idea of spiritual warfare is not talked about often. In the context of marriage, most couples tend to under-emphasize spiritual warfare in their relationship rather than over-emphasizing it. Why is that? When you take a step back and look at our world, it is easy to see that something is wrong. It can feel that there is a war going on and we are caught in the cross-fire. In your relationship, how can you tell if there is a spiritual attack going on? Are there signs that are universal?
In a world that says you have to have it all, how should we respond? More importantly, how do we develop an attitude of contentment? In this podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explain how to foster contentment and joy in an age of discontent.
Friends with benefits, living together, cohabitation, and sexual freedom are all part of the culture we live in. As Christians who are called to live differently, what does healthy sexuality look like? In this episode of The Art of Relationships, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss the ingredients that make up healthy sexuality.
Sex is talked about in a lot of different ways in our culture today and Christian culture is no exception. A biblical perspective of sex is unique and does not often get much attention. How should married couples think about sex? What are some of the things to be aware of in sex? In this podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff begin to unpack how important it can be to talk about sex in the context of marriage.
Friendships are supposed to be life-giving, but what happens when they are not? What can you look for in friendships that bring the opposite? In this podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss how to identify and deal with toxic friendships.
When you haven't had a model for what a healthy relationship looks like, where do you turn? We talk with Mike and Stephanie Anderson as they describe their story. Growing up in a home without a solid model of marriage, Mike had doubts about marriage being worth investing in. Where he learned to appreciate marriage may surprise you!
When a person wants to change something about their life, how should they be motivated? Often, fear motivates a person to try to change their behavior or cover their actions so no one sees it. What would acceptance and love do for that person? In this podcast episode, we continue our conversation with Karrie Garcia the work she has done with addicts or those tempted with adultery or those caught in shame.
"If you're not fighting in a relationship, then someone's lying. Someone's not telling the truth because you're taking a passive stance...There is a huge difference between selflessness and passivity. A lot of times in the name of selflessness, we're just like 'Well, I'm not going to bring it up. I'm not going to say what I need. I'm not going to talk through this.' That's not selflessness, that's conflict avoiding."
Today we continue the conversation with author Debra Fileta on how intentionally couples need to continually choose marriage rather than choosing to focus on personal happiness.
First dates, love notes, romance, there are so many different approaches to how it should be done. Christians are often told to avoid the hookup culture that is so common today, but beyond that, what should they do?
"We're talking about gritty, person to person intimacy of two people who know each other better than anyone else on the planet, and they still remain committed and in love with one another."
Dennis Rainey had a vision to help equip engaged and newly married couples around him. He felt the need struggling relationships had for tools and felt God call him to help mentor them. Fast forward 40 years and FamilyLife Conferences have reached hundreds of thousands of couples who want to set a strong foundation for their relationship. We got to talk about how marriage is changing and struggles that many couples find themselves in.
“It's an important distinction to make, that the parts of us are not bad. Just like you have arms and legs, parts of your soul aren't bad. You want them, and they can work for you. The problem is if they become extreme, or if they take you over and you're not being led by the Holy Spirit.”
Anger, shame, sadness, envy, criticism. When you feel these emotions build up inside you, what is your gut instinct? What if those emotions are trying to tell you something about what is important to you? What if they are coming from a place that needs your attention? On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Kim Miller, MTh, LMFT, and author of Boundaries For Your Soul. She explains that our emotions can tell us a lot about ourselves...if we will just listen!
"So, if my son has a bad game am I just going to go throttle on him and lay on more after the game. That's not what he needs to hear. He kind of needs to hear the 'I love you no matter what.' That's important to show like 'I love you when you do well' and 'I love you when you do bad' because my love is not indicative of your results. That is really important for a child to hear that. Like, 'I love you no matter what, okay?'
Tune in as we continue the conversation with the Angels and Dodgers chaplains as they discuss how to parent their own kids in the midst of a performance-driven culture.
When you think "baseball", does your mind show you images of the World Series, home runs, hot dogs, loaded bases, and mascots? What about the personal side of a baseball team? Where do they get emotional and spiritual support? In today's podcast, the LA Dodgers chaplain Brandon Cash and LA Angels chaplain Jack Grogger take us inside the innings as we kickstart our new Freeway Series!
"We want to fix it. We do want to provide answers. There's a fear when we hear somebody start to question God and we feel like we've got to fix that for them right away..."
We continue the conversation with Dr. Ed Uszynski in this podcast episode. After a car accident that severely injured his leg, as well as the death of a close friend and the loss of a friend's grandson, Ed reflects with us on what he needs most in the dark moments following a tragedy.
"Marriage has fallen on hard times in our culture. It doesn't get held up as something admirable and something that gets handed down to the next generation. So I feel like people are more and more on their own trying to figure it out for themselves."
In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff talk with Dr. Ed Uszynski, contributing author to Athletes in Action and speaker for FamilyLife. Marriage is changing and more people start marriage without the tools to succeed. How is that showing up in those relationships? Listen to hear this discussion!
"We want to connect with a marriage counselor, but there aren't any near us?" "My friend is making some bad decisions! What do I do?" What do you think? How would you respond to these? These are just some of the questions we get to answer on today's podcast. These situations are ones that listeners have submitted to us and we love taking time to answer them. Listen as Dr. Grace and Dr. Muehlhoff share their thoughts on these situations and others.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn. The list can go on and on. Social media sites can be found just about anywhere you look. So often we talk about the negative impacts social media can have on relationships but rarely do we flesh out what those are. And even more rarely do we ever consider benefits that social media can bring to our relationships. How has social media impacted your relationships?
"We see our marriage as kind of a tag-team. During certain times, I could be there for him and take a lot of slack. And then he was very happy to tag-team me, to help with when I went to school." In this podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff continue their conversation with Mandy Catto on the strain placed on marriage when one person takes on extra responsibilities like graduate school or changing careers and how things like spiritual formation can be vital to your relationship.
"So we had our first date shortly after that camp. I proposed to him during that first date. So there you go...I do remember he dropped his fork back into his plate at that particular moment. So we didn't really talk about it again." Please allow us to introduce you to Mandy Catto. She will be a more regular voice here on the Art of Relationships podcast, as you will hear. In this podcast, we talk about how she met and married her husband, her journey from Scotland to Southern California, her thoughts on American dating culture, and the American church compared to the Scottish church.
"I grew up watching my parents argue, and I just made a note to self when I got married, we wouldn't have any conflict. We're just not doing it..."
How do you handle difficult conversations? Do you jump right in or avoid them at all costs? How you say what's on your mind is incredibly important. It can require a lot of discernment to know when and how to have these conversations. In this episode, we break down some things to think about before jumping in. Take a listen!
Breaking up over twitter? Telling them something really important in a text? Does it really make a difference how you do it? Most of us would share a resounding yes, but how what are the rules? In this podcast episode, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff share thoughts about the way you communicate having a huge impact on the message that the person hears you sharing.
What happens when she says "I don't love you anymore?" In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff continue the conversation with former Detroit Lions chaplain, Dave Wilson. When his wife shared that with him on the night of their tenth anniversary, they had to reevaluate their relationship and where they were headed. How did they go from this place to now leading marriage ministries? Listen and find out!
"At one point I sat down with God to pray that I would die so that I could get out of my marriage to my wife." In this podcast, former NFL Chaplain for the Detroit Lions Dave Wilson sits down with Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff to share his story. Dave is currently one of the lead pastors of Kensington Church in Troy, Michigan. He walks us through how his marriage has grown from its rocky start. How did he grow from that low point to now leading marriage conferences around the country? Take a listen!
When life changes bring uncertainty and fear into your relationship, what do you do? What about when your job is threatened? Or your spouse has a chronic illness? For Nickelodeon producer and animator Butch Hartman and his wife Juliann, that is exactly what happened in their marriage. Five different times the Fairly OddParents was threatened to be canceled. Juliann struggled with depression for eight years. Listen to what they learned about fear and commitment to their relationship through the hard times.
Does the name Butch Hartman sound familiar? What about the FairlyOdd Parents? In this episode of our podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff talk with Butch Hartman, the creator, producer, and lead animator of The FairlyOdd Parents, an animated television series that aired on Nickelodeon for over 20 years! He and his wife Juliann share the story of how they met, how they got started in the entertainment world, and how they had to learn to fight for their marriage in the midst of the demands of their careers.
Revisiting the topic of spiritual warfare, we focus on prayer being a powerful tool to fight for your marriage. Focusing specifically on the Lord's Prayer, we break down each piece and talk through the authority it gives to believers and to marriage relationships. What does it mean that we are called to pray to "our Father?" What does it mean to keep His name holy?
In-N-Out is a recognized name in the U.S. and is associated with delicious hamburgers and iconic palm trees. In this podcast episode, In-N-Out owner and operator Lynsi Snyder shares some of the wisdom she has learned over the years about prioritizing family over work and finding support in the difficult times in your marriage. With a company valued at $1.3 billion, she has had to learn these lessons in a very unique environment yet shares them with a clarity that anyone in relationships can connect with.
This is the third episode in our series on spiritual warfare in marriage. There is a spiritual component to any relationship and marriage is no exception. Once we start to recognize the signs of spiritual attack, what can be done to fight for the marriage? What can be done to guard the relationship? Listen to this episode and find out these practical tips!
Casual dating. Gratitude. Doubts about your dating relationship. These are some of the many topics that listeners are submitting to us. On this episode of the podcast, we explore some of these topics and answer questions that come up often when considering healthy relationships. Take a listen!
In this episode of the podcast, we continue the conversation with Dr. Bradford Wilcox, Director of the National Marriage Project at University of Virginia and contributing scholar to Institute for Family Studies. He points to some research on how important fathers are to their children, how playtime builds a connection with parents from their children, and how faith is passed down from parent to child.
From some of the research, children who are born to cohabiting parents are 90% more likely to see their mom and dad break up by the time they turn 12. The data is painting a picture of cohabitation that isn't talked about. What do you think about these statistics?
When a divorce takes place, does it really affect the people around you? Are the children in the family really affected? In this podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff continue their discussion on divorce and some of the ways that a divorce affects more than just the couple involved. If Christians believe that marriage is a covenant, this life-long commitment, how should those marriages look different?
When you get married, is it really till death do you part? When a marriage starts to go sideways and divorce starts to become a topic of conversation, what do you do? From a Christian perspective, there are very specific instructions on how this can play out. That is the topic of this podcast episode! Join Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff as they share their thoughts and some research on this topic of divorce.
A break up can be a tough thing to go through. A lot of pain and healing ensues, even if the break up is handled well. What are some of the common ways that a break up is not handled well? Does the person leave the door open for a future relationship out of compassion? What about a person who does not clearly communicate that the relationship is over and just "disappears?" These issues and more are the topics of this podcast episode! Have you ever experienced these before?
If a person in your life has opened up to an addiction to pornography, it can be devastating. When they begin to make the climb back, how do they go about rebuilding the trust of the people close to them? This is the topic of this podcast episode. Dr. Tim Muehlhoff and Dr. Chris Grace explore some ways that they can regain your trust and ways that you can learn to give them that trust.
Continuing their series on sexuality focusing on pornography, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explore how to respond when pornography has become part of your life. For the one using pornography or one close to someone using pornography, part of what we believe as Christians is that there is a spiritual component to our lives. How do we engage spiritually in addiction or pornography use? What do you think?
Take a look at some startling facts: of all the data transferred across the Internet, 35% is pornographic. Porn sites get more visitors each month than Netflix, Amazon, and Twitter combined. The porn industry has an annual expected global revenue of over $100 billion. With these statistics, what do we do? What should we be aware of in raising children? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss pornography and it's effect on our culture.
Friends with benefits, living together, cohabitation, and sexual freedom are all part of the culture we live in. As Christians who are called to live differently, what does healthy sexuality look like? In this episode of The Art of Relationships, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss the ingredients that make up healthy sexuality.
Sex is talked about in a lot of different ways in our culture today and Christian culture is no exception. A biblical perspective of sex is unique and does not often get much attention. How should married couples think about sex? What are some of the things to be aware of in sex? In this podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff begin to unpack how important it can be to talk about sex in the context of marriage.
When someone does something that consistently bothers you, can you talk about the issue with them? Does the conversation tend to spiral down into a harsh back-and-forth? In this podcast, psychologist Dr. Chris Grace and communication expert Dr. Tim Muehlhoff talk about key ways you can slow down these tense conversations and communicate how you feel without the conversation disintegrating.
When you enter an argument or a discussion with someone, what is happening as you are trying to convince them of your perspective? When you really do believe that you are right, how do you convince them? Today, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff and Dr. Chris Grace offer answers from psychology and communication theory.
When your dream of playing basketball is lost over a broken knee, where do you find hope? When you experience someone in your life coming down with cancer, what keeps your head up? In this podcast today, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff and Dr. Chris Grace talk about how deeply we can feel disappointment and how we might combat that with gratitude.
This is a special episode of our Art of Relationships podcast. Both recorded and filmed on Facebook Live during this past Valentine's Day, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff and Dr. Chris Grace recorded their thoughts on "The Real News about Fake Love." They share insight into how to tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships and real versus fake love. Watch the video accompanied with the podcast to see how the two of them interact! Listen as they take questions from their viewers!
Have you noticed? The culture around us pushes an idea that we should never settle for something we have, always trying to reach out for something bigger or better, newer or more intriguing. Today Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explain how taking time to be grateful for what you have can be a way to fight discontent. See if any of their tips resonate with you!
Have you ever seen a child imitate their parent? Or their friends? After looking at some research studies, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explain that we never really grow out of that. Are you aware of the things that influence you and how they impact your behavior? Are you aware of who is imitating you?Tune in to this discussion and hear to learn how much you might be influenced by what is happening around you!
Continuing their discussion of influence and it's role in relationships, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff turn their focus to marriage. In marriage, what role does influence play? How much influence should there be in decision making? How does your spouse express their opinions and desires? Do you have the chance to express yours? Listen as they discuss influence. Does it spark any thoughts on your own relationship? Share with us!
How important is it to be able to influence the decisions or direction in your relationships? A vital part of relationships is listening to each other. But, if your opinions or thoughts do not impact another person, is that something that should be addressed? Today, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff and Dr. Chris Grace talk through when you are not able to influence people close to you and what that might mean in your relationships.
What influences you? Are you drawn to certain personalities over others? Do you trust people instinctively, even if you have just met them? Where does the ability to influence others come from? Today, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff talk through the power of influence in our lives.
Friendship can be a strong source of joy and encouragement in your life, both same-sex and opposite-sex friendships. However, when you marry, there are different perspectives on whether or not those close friendships of the opposite-sex should continue. Listen as Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff approach this issue from different perspectives. Which side of the issue do you find yourself on?
Friendships come and go, but what are the signs of a long-lasting, healthy friendship? Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss the signs of a healthy friendship in today's Art of Relationships Podcast.
Friendships are supposed to be life-giving, but what happens when they are not? What can you look for in friendships that bring the opposite? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss how to identify and deal with toxic friendships.
We all long for meaningful friendships, but how do you know if a friendship is emotionally safe? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss what emotionally safe, deep and genuine friendships look like and how to cultivate healthy friendships.
Research has shown that friendships are truly life-giving, and are directly tied to our quality of life. Today, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss how to cultivate, nurture, and navigate friendships in the age of technology, and how friendships affect our self-perception.
Infertility treatments. End-of-life issues. Are questions about morals and ethics important in marriage? You bet they are! So before a crisis occurs in your family, it is vital to have a conversation with your spouse about these kinds of difficult issues. In today's podcast, Dr. Scott B. Rae, an expert on ethics and morality, joins our hosts, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff, to discuss how, why and when to have these difficult conversations within the context of marriage.
You can bet your bottom dollar that the issue of money will come up in a seriously dating, engaged, or marriage relationship. How do you approach such a tricky subject with truth and love? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss the topic of finances within the context of engagement and marriage.
How do you handle financial stress in marriage? How do you set boundaries in a blended marriage? What do you do if only one person in the marriage wants to stay in it? In today's Art of Relationships podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff answer your questions about marriage.
How do you handle conflict with your spouse? What do you do when your spouse has a significant illness? And the biggest question of all, what is the purpose of marriage? In today's podcast, Dr. Christ Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff answer your questions about marriage with humor and common sense advice. Tune in to hear your questions and more answered, on the Art of Relationships.
When dating, questions about marriage, conflicts about social media, and many other issues can start to rise. How you handle these questions and conflicts inevitably shape your relationship. Today, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff tackle these questions within the context of dating. Tune in to hear your questions, answered.
How do I know if I am dating the right person? Should relatively minor things like cleanliness affect a relationship? Has God chosen one specific person for me to marry? What if I choose wrong? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff answer your questions about dating, God's will, and more on the Art of Relationships.
In a time when it seems everyone is on their cell phone, it is important to understand the significant influence that technology has on us. Research has shown that people feel more connected to others simply because of their smartphones. Yet, with the use of smartphones and other technologies on the rise, we also need to create healthy boundaries and balance when it comes to our relationships. Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss common sense ways to find this balance in the age of constant connection.
We are in the age of constant connection. It's not that technology is bad, the problem is that the poor use of it can negatively impact our relationships. While technology makes it easier to connect with those who are far from us, if not used wisely, it can also make it more difficult for us to stay connected with those who are near to us. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss the pros and cons of current technology and how they influence our relationships.
Relationships are hard work, and parenting is certainly no exception. Child psychologists say that ages newborn to six are extremely formative in a child's self-identity, making it critical to establish a healthy parenting philosophy early on. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explore the different seasons of parenting styles and offer practical ways to foster healthy relationships with your children.
Relationships are hard work, and parenting is certainly no exception. Child psychologists say that ages zero to six are extremely formative in a child's self-identity, making it critical to establish a healthy parenting philosophy early on. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff break down results from a classic Harvard case study that explores the relationship between parenting and a child's development.
As discussed in our previous podcast, calling a "relational truce" means designating a period of time where you agree not to talk about the issue that is causing conflict. While it can be beneficial to a relationship, there can also be negative consequences to this method of conflict resolution. In today's podcast Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff continue their discussion on relational truces, specifically focusing on how to avoid pitfalls of these truces.
Establishing and cultivating a healthy "relationship climate" can be hard work, especially in the midst of a disagreement. When couples get caught up in the heat of the moment, they can make mistakes that hurt the climate of their relationship. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explore Proverbs to discuss the concept of a "relational truce" and how to apply it when working through conflict within a marriage.
In a world that condones and even encourages the hookup culture, dating for Christians can either become a taboo subject or avoided altogether if not approached with the intent to marry. These two opposite extremes make dating a very confusing subject, especially if you don't belong in either category. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Debra Fileta again, author of True Love Dates: Your Indispensable Guide To Finding the Love of Your Life, to discuss how to navigate relationships well from a healthy Christian perspective.
In a world that condones and even encourages the hookup culture, dating for Christians can either become a taboo subject or avoided altogether if not approached with the intent to marry. These two opposite extremes make dating a very confusing subject, especially if you don't belong in either category. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Debra Fileta, author of True Love Dates: Your Indispensable Guide To Finding the Love of Your Life, to discuss how Christians can reclaim the concept of casual dating and pursue each other in a God-honoring way.
It can be easy for a couple to slip into the mindset of their partner being there to make them happy, all the while losing focus on God's intended purpose for their relationship. What are some ways to re-focus this mindset and instill the biblical truth that marriage primarily is a means of glorifying God? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Bryan Loritts, lead pastor of Abundant Life Church in Silicon Valley to explore this topic based on Pastor Loritt's new book, "Saving The Saved: How Jesus Saves Us from Try-Harder Christianity into Performance-Free Love."
We know life was never meant to be a holy hustle, but often times it can be easy for Christians to slip into a white-knuckling mentality to try and earn God's love. If this try-harder attitude inevitably taints our relationship with God, what are some practical ways to rely on God's grace instead of our performance? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Bryan Loritts, lead pastor of Abundant Life Church in Silicon Valley, to discuss his newly released book on this very topic, "Saving The Saved: How Jesus Saves Us from Try-Harder Christianity into Performance-Free Love."
Many working components contribute to a healthy relationship, yet the emotional side of love can be confusing. In today's episode, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the best-selling book, The Five Love Languages, and discuss practical ways to communicate love on an emotional level so our relationships can flourish.
Did you know that research shows listening is the most important communication skill for interpersonal relationships and establishing a career? Yet in our fast-paced, high-tech world, it can be a challenge to listen well. In part 2 of this series, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff continue their discussion on the importance of listening and explore practical ways of setting aside time to listen to one another.
Research shows listening is the most important communication skill for interpersonal relationships and establishing a career. Yet in our fast-paced, high-tech world, it can be a challenge to listen well. In part 1 of this series, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff identify common obstacles that prevent us from listening well.
Why did God design marriage? What can we learn about the character of God and His perfect love through a marriage relationship surrendered to Him? In this episode, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff take a deeper look at God’s purpose for marriage as they discuss insights from Gary Thomas, author of Sacred Marriage.
For many people, there seems to be an inherent stress that comes with the holiday season. From hosting family gatherings to encountering various family members, there are a variety of factors that add to the tension of it all. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff share practical advice on how to navigate the stress of the holiday season in a way that honors God and blesses those around you.
In light of today's divorce rate, one of the biggest questions couples will ask before saying, "I do," is how can they be sure they're marrying the right person and if their love is the kind that will last a lifetime? In this second episode of "How To Marry with Confidence", Drs. Paul and Virginia Friesen continue to discuss their book, Before You Save the Date: 21 Questions to Help You Marry with Confidence.
In light of today's divorce rate, one of the biggest questions couples will ask before saying, "I do" is how can they be sure they're marrying the right person and if their love is the kind that will last a lifetime? In this episode, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with the experts, Drs. Paul and Virginia Friesen, and discuss their book Before You Save the Date: 21 Questions to Help You Marry with Confidence.
Because dating is filled with ambiguity, and the tension between strong feelings and the reality of not being married, people can often move too fast towards marriage or end up destroying the relationship. In a Christian culture that often over-spiritualizes dating, where can you go to get sound advice about dating? In this episode, we talk about how to navigate dating well.
If you want to know what makes relationships thrive and what tears them apart, learn from John Gottman, one of the leading marital researchers in the world. In this episode, we’ll continue sharing some of his best research-based tips for happy and healthy marriages.
Today’s episode dives into a discussion about one of the leading marital researchers in the world – John Gottman. We’ve highlighted some of his best research-based tips for happy and healthy marriages and relationships, including the 5:1 ratio, the magic of 5 hours, love maps, and more!
Conflict is inevitable in any close relationship, but there is cause for concern when reoccurring issues foster conflict in marriages. If not addressed, recurring conflicts caused by marital “affairs,” will lead to a decrease in emotional connection, trust and intimacy. Listen to this episode to learn strategies that will help you protect your marriage.
If you have kids, your schedule is most likely filled to the brim with extracurricular activities and sports, and your family is pulled in ten million different directions. Our podcast guests Dave and Ann Wilson of Kensington Church in Detroit, Michigan, share their strategies for determining priorities and developing a mission for raising their kids.
This episode features guests Dave and Ann Wilson of Kensington Church in Detroit, Michigan. Dave and Ann are incredibly transparent and share about how they started dating and also some of the difficulties they had to overcome in their marriage. If you're getting serious in a dating relationship, don't miss their advice on spiritual compatibility. Listen to hear their story and gain insights on how to protect your marriage whether you are in full-time ministry or not.
Most Americans will say that forgiveness is important, but when you have something to forgive, it becomes really difficult to do. The way in which you give and extend forgiveness can really shape a relationship. In this podcast, we explore what forgiveness is and isn't, and take you through the process of dealing with deep hurts.
When someone says or does something that drives you crazy, you may be dealing with a hot button issue. In this episode, we discuss insights to help you identify the deeper emotions that get triggered from hot button issues, understand why the issue is so important to you and learn how to resolve the conflict well.
In the last episode, we explored the cultural trends of "hurry sickness" and "affluenza" and their impact on relationships. This week, we discuss 2 more cultural trends that result in highly unrealistic expectations for marriage. Listen to gain practical tips on how to overcome these cultural challenges.
Culture is the backdrop by which we do relationships. For the next 2 podcasts, we're going to tackle what we think are the 4 biggest cultural factors that tend to impact our marriages, families, kids and everybody. Listen to discover how culture influences your quality of interpersonal communication as well as your levels of satisfaction within relationships.
In the last episode, we discovered that marital love must be grounded in friendship, that the ultimate expression of love is unselfishness, and that sexual desire practiced before marriage clouds the ability to evaluate a relationship. Today we continue to discuss three more observations about marital love.
Culture tells us that love is ambiguous or flimsy or can change, and most people fear that their love isn't going to last. Learning how to define what love is, is extremely important, especially if you're moving toward a lasting commitment in marriage. In this episode we discuss criteria for marital love that are crucial for lifelong commitment.