In today's episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron interviews Keith Simon, co-author of "Joyful Outsiders" and co-host of the Truth Over Tribe podcast. After 35 years of marriage and raising four children, Keith shares his wisdom on how Christians can positively influence culture without conforming to it. As a pastor in Columbia, Missouri, Keith explains how believers can embrace their role as outsiders in an increasingly post-Christian world, while maintaining joy and unity within the diverse body of Christ.

In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore:

• How Christians have always been outsiders since Genesis 3, and why this role should be embraced rather than resisted
• The six different ways believers can engage culture: as ambassadors, trainers, builders, protesters, advisors, and artists
• Why unity doesn't require uniformity, and how the diversity of gifts within the church strengthens our cultural witness
• The dangers of retreating from, conforming to, or fighting against culture instead of joyfully engaging it
• How parents can raise children who are confident in their faith despite cultural opposition
• The importance of seeing other Christians as teammates rather than competitors, even when approaches differ
• Why Jesus calls us to be "in the world but not of it" and how to navigate this tension
• How focusing on Christ as King brings perspective to political and cultural changes
• Practical ways families can cultivate joy in their faith journey regardless of external circumstances

Whether you're feeling discouraged by cultural shifts, struggling to know how to engage with the world around you, or seeking to raise children with a confident faith, this conversation offers biblical wisdom for approaching life as a joyful outsider.

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Connect with Keith Simon:

• Book: "Joyful Outsiders: Six Ways to Live Like Jesus in a Disorienting Culture" (co-authored with Patrick Miller)
• Website: joyfuloutsiders.com
• Previous Book: "Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant"
• Podcast: Truth Over Tribe and Ten Minute Bible Talks

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

KEY WORDS: Marriage After God, Aaron Smith, Keith Simon, joyful outsiders, Christian engagement, cultural influence, biblical unity, cultural diversity, Christian parenting, faith and culture, body of Christ, Christian witness, biblical perspective, cultural outsiders, church unity, Truth Over Tribe

In today's episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron interviews Arlene Pellicane, author of ten books including her latest, "Making Marriage Easier." After 25 years of marriage and raising three children (two now in college), Arlene shares practical wisdom about cultivating a thriving marriage relationship. Her humorous approach combined with biblical principles offers couples a refreshing perspective on how small, intentional decisions can transform their relationship.

In this insightful conversation, we explore:

• The four core decisions that make marriage easier: playing by the rules, giving thanks, serving one another, and taking fun seriously
• Why addressing small issues before they become "dragons" is essential for marital health
• How to understand your spouse's perspective and find humor in your differences
• The importance of intentionally prioritizing your marriage above parenting
• Practical ways to nurture your relationship while raising children
• Why honest communication about sensitive topics builds trust and intimacy
• How cultivating an attitude of gratitude transforms your marriage perspective
• The value of seeking wisdom from couples with strong marriages
• Simple, specific actions that can lead to significant relational change
• Why humility is the foundation for receiving feedback from your spouse

Whether you're newlyweds learning to navigate life together, parents struggling to find balance, or a couple looking to inject more joy into your relationship, this conversation offers practical wisdom for making marriage not just work, but thrive.

Please subscribe to our channel on YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify and leave us a star rating and review to help us reach new listeners. Your support and feedback mean the world to us!

Connect with Arlene Pellicane:

• Website: makingmarriageeasier.com (get free date night ideas!)
• Book: "Making Marriage Easier"
• Podcast: The Happy Home
• Spokesperson for National Marriage Week, a movement to shift the culture to value marriage once again
• Other Books: "Parents Rising" and "Screen Kids" (co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman)

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

KEY WORDS: Marriage After God, Aaron Smith, Arlene Pellicane, making marriage easier, marriage priorities, family relationships, intentional parenting, gratitude in marriage, marriage communication, marriage humor, serving your spouse, marriage decisions, biblical marriage, marriage boundaries, marriage fun

In today's episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron and Jennifer Smith return together to share powerful insights from their family life. As parents of six children, they discuss their intentional approach to parenting, how they're preparing their children for life's challenges through the Word of God, and the refining process they've experienced in their marriage through recent challenges. They also share exciting news about their new children's books and reflect on seven years of podcast ministry.

In this heartfelt conversation, we explore:

• How setting aside intentional one-on-one time with each child creates space for meaningful spiritual growth
• The power of asking questions instead of only pointing out character issues with our children
• Why preparing our children with the gospel equips them for life's "winter seasons" of hardship
• How Scripture familiarity creates a foundation children can return to in adulthood
• The importance of humility and self-reflection in personal and marriage growth
• Ways that challenges and hardships serve as refining opportunities for couples
• The impact of praying together during emotionally challenging seasons
• How God uses devotional practices to reveal areas where we need to grow

Whether you're a parent seeking practical ways to disciple your children, a couple walking through a refining season, or simply looking for encouragement in your spiritual journey, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and real-life examples for growing together in faith.

Please subscribe to our channel on YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify and leave us a star rating and review to help us reach new listeners. Your support and feedback mean the world to us!

Connect with Aaron and Jennifer Smith:

• New Children's Books: "This is How You Love Your Mommy" and "This is How You Love Your Daddy" (Available on Amazon) https://amzn.to/41fFtfp
• Experiencing God Devotional by Henry Blackaby (Recommended resource)
• https://amzn.to/4klshP5

Follow Marriage After God:

• Instagram: Marriage After God - https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod
• Instagram: Unveiled Wife - https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife
• Instagram: Husband Revolution - https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution

Support this podcast:

• Shop: https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/
• Become a patron: https://marriageaftergod.com/patron

Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025

KEY WORDS: Marriage After God, Aaron Smith, Jennifer Smith, intentional parenting, spiritual disciplines, children's discipleship, marriage refinement, gospel-centered parenting, biblical parenting, marriage challenges, spiritual growth, family devotions, character development, Christian parenting, Bible study