Have you ever found yourself stuck in the same frustrating cycle with your spouse—arguing over the same thing, reacting the same way, or saying, “Here we go again…”?

You might be caught in one of the “games people play” in relationships.

In this episode, we explore some of the unconscious patterns couples fall into and how these games sabotage intimacy and connection. We’ll show you how to recognize these patterns, understand the emotional needs beneath them, and shift toward healthier communication.

You’ll walk away with greater self-awareness and biblical insight on how to stop playing games—and start building trust and connection.

https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-136-games-people-play-in-marriage-breaking-free-from-relational-patterns/

🧠 Key Topics Covered:

• What “relational games” are and how they show up in marriage
• The emotional payoffs that keep us repeating unhealthy patterns
• Practical steps to move from reaction to restoration
• What Scripture teaches about honest, grace-filled communication

📖 Scriptures to Reflect On:

• Ephesians 4:25 – “Speak the truth in love…”
• Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath…”
• Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens…”
• James 1:19 – “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

🎧 Ready to Break the Cycle?

If you and your spouse find yourselves stuck in the same arguments or disconnected because of poor communication, it may be time to hit pause and start fresh. The L.O.V.E. Your Way Through Conflict Course is a powerful, Christ-centered resource to help you move from frustration to understanding.

💥 Use code COUPLE50 for 50% off the course!
👉 Start the course here

💌 Stay Connected:

Want more tools and encouragement for your marriage?
📬 Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter
👥 Learn about counseling: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage

Is Your Phone Silencing What Matters Most?

In a world full of dings, buzzes, and endless scrolling, it’s easy to slowly drift away from the things that matter most—our connection with God, our closeness with our spouse, and the purpose we were created to live out. In today’s episode, we’re exploring how the enemy uses everyday distractions, especially our phones, to silence what’s most important.

We’ll unpack how subtle distraction, not outright destruction, is often the tool the enemy uses—and how we can take practical, faith-filled steps to reclaim our attention, intimacy, and spiritual focus.
If you’re craving deeper connection with God and your spouse, and you're ready to quiet the noise, this conversation is for you.

https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-135-is-your-phone-silencing-what-matters-most/

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How the enemy uses distraction as a tool to quietly disconnect us
• The real trade we’ve made—screen time instead of soul time
• How to honestly assess who (or what) has the most access to our attention
• Practical ways to reclaim your focus and intimacy with God and your spouse
• Why stillness is essential for spiritual and relational growth

Helpful Links:

• 💬 Interested in Marriage Counseling or Coaching?
  Inquire about working with us here: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage/
• 📨 Get Weekly Marriage and Faith Encouragement!
  Sign up for our newsletter here: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter-signup/
• 📚 Recommended Resource:
  If you’re looking for a powerful book to help you overcome disconnection in a noisy world, we highly recommend Reconnected by Carlos Whittaker.
  Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/4lVeOOM

Key Quotes from the Episode:

• “The enemy isn’t always loud—sometimes he’s just a ding, a buzz, and a scroll.”
• “We’re not struggling because Jesus stopped speaking—we’re struggling because we’ve stopped listening.”
• “Our phone isn’t evil—but it becomes a trap when it replaces our dependence on Jesus.”

✨ Reflection Questions to Ask the Lord:

• What do You want me/us to say yes to?
• What do You want me/us to say no to?
• How can we protect our marriage during this season?

Thanks for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and tag us. We love hearing how you’re reclaiming your time and connection in this noisy world!

*Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional.

When life gets overwhelming—whether it’s from busyness, health struggles, or a hard season—it’s easy to let your marriage quietly slip to the back burner. In today’s episode, we’re talking about why putting first things first matters more than ever when you're under pressure.

We’ll explore the hidden costs of busyness, how to recognize when it’s time to say "no" to good things to protect the best things, and why you must be intentional about hearing from God in every season. Plus, we’ll share practical steps to help you and your spouse stay connected, even when life feels heavy.

If you’re feeling stretched thin, stressed out, or spiritually distant, this conversation is for you.

📝 Show Notes

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How to recognize when it’s time to reset your priorities
• The importance of getting into a position to hear God's voice
• Biblical encouragement for staying spiritually focused during hard seasons
• Practical steps for putting first things first in your marriage

Helpful Links:

• 💬 Interested in Marriage Counseling or Coaching?
  Inquire about working with us here: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage/
• 📨 Get Encouragement Every Week!
  Sign up for our weekly newsletter packed with marriage tips, faith encouragement, and new resources: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter-signup/

Scriptures Mentioned:

• 2 Corinthians 10:5 — Taking every thought captive
• Romans 12:2 — Renewing your mind
• Ecclesiastes 3:1 — Understanding seasons
• 1 Peter 4:8 — Loving deeply in hard seasons
• John 10:27 — Hearing the voice of the Shepherd

✨ Reflection Questions to Ask the Lord:

• What do You want me/us to say yes to?
• What do You want me/us to say no to?
• How can we protect our marriage during this season?

Thanks for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps us reach more couples who need hope and encouragement!

https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-134-first-things-first

*Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional.