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Built to Last: What Makes (or Breaks) a Thriving Marriage

Awesome Marriage Podcast

Release Date: 07/08/2025

Spiritual Warfare in the Calm: Staying Alert in the Good Seasons of Marriage Ep. 704 show art Spiritual Warfare in the Calm: Staying Alert in the Good Seasons of Marriage Ep. 704

Awesome Marriage Podcast

When life feels peaceful and marriage is running smoothly, it’s easy to let your guard down—but what if those “good seasons” are actually when spiritual warfare works most subtly? In this episode, Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy talk about how the enemy can creep in through comfort and complacency, why couples should stay spiritually alert even when things feel calm, and how to build rhythms that keep you rooted in God and each other. From prayer and gratitude practices to regular marriage check-ins, we’ll explore how to protect your marriage from drifting and use the good seasons as...

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Spiritual Warfare in the Calm: Staying Alert in the Good Seasons of Marriage Ep. 704 show art Spiritual Warfare in the Calm: Staying Alert in the Good Seasons of Marriage Ep. 704

Awesome Marriage Podcast

When life feels peaceful and marriage is running smoothly, it’s easy to let your guard down—but what if those “good seasons” are actually when spiritual warfare works most subtly? In this episode, Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy talk about how the enemy can creep in through comfort and complacency, why couples should stay spiritually alert even when things feel calm, and how to build rhythms that keep you rooted in God and each other. From prayer and gratitude practices to regular marriage check-ins, we’ll explore how to protect your marriage from drifting and use the good seasons as...

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Gradually, Then Suddenly with Mark Batterson Ep. 703 show art Gradually, Then Suddenly with Mark Batterson Ep. 703

Awesome Marriage Podcast

What if the biggest breakthroughs in your life and marriage don’t happen overnight—but gradually, then suddenly? In this episode, we sit down with bestselling author and pastor Mark Batterson to talk about his new book Gradually, Then Suddenly and how God’s long-game approach shapes everything from our dreams to our relationships. Mark unpacks what it means to play the long game in faith, how to take every thought captive to Christ, and why success—whether in ministry or marriage—always grows at the “speed of a seed.” We’ll also explore how small, intentional choices today can...

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5 Things That Aren't Really Communication Ep. 702 show art 5 Things That Aren't Really Communication Ep. 702

Awesome Marriage Podcast

We all know communication is key to a healthy marriage—but what if what you think is communication… really isn’t? In this solo episode, Dr. Kim unpacks five common habits couples mistake for communication and how these patterns can quietly erode connection over time. Learn how to create safety in your conversations, break unhealthy rhythms from your past, and build new habits that foster real understanding. Because clarity is kind, connection takes intention, and communication is about more than just words—it’s about being truly heard.   Episode Highlights: Communication is the...

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The Mindful Marriage: Breaking Cycles and Building Connection in Christ with Ron Deal Ep.701 show art The Mindful Marriage: Breaking Cycles and Building Connection in Christ with Ron Deal Ep.701

Awesome Marriage Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Kim sits down with Ron Deal to talk about what it really means to build a mindful marriage. Ron shares lessons from his new book, Mindful Marriage, and how restoration therapy helped him and his wife Nan find healing and deeper connection. Together, they explore how faith, self-awareness, and emotional regulation can transform your relationship from the inside out.   Episode Insights: Authenticity is the foundation of lasting happiness. Emotional dysregulation is normal.  Our brains respond to threat, not fairness. Pain cycles drive repeated conflict. Growth and...

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The Power of Praying Together as a Couple and Pursuing Spiritual Growth Together Ep. 70 show art The Power of Praying Together as a Couple and Pursuing Spiritual Growth Together Ep. 70

Awesome Marriage Podcast

700 episodes! What better way than to do this episode with Nancy who has been here with me through all of the seasons and cohosts and guests on the Awesome Marriage podcast. And there is no better topic for us than to talk about how powerful prayer is for your marriage and the daily rhythm of praying together. Nancy initiated praying together on our first night as a married couple and we’ve kept it going ever since. Not only does it serve to protect our marriage, but it serves to grow us each closer to the Lord and one another. Join us as we talk about the power of a praying couple and how...

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Confessions of the Higher Desire Wife with J. Parker Ep. 699 show art Confessions of the Higher Desire Wife with J. Parker Ep. 699

Awesome Marriage Podcast

Mismatched sex drives in marriage? You're not alone—and it's not a problem to fix, but an opportunity to grow together. Most couples (up to 90%!) will experience periods where their sexual desires don't line up perfectly. It's completely normal—and it's a chance to build deeper understanding, communication, and compassion in your relationship. Getting honest about differences means you can meet each other where you are, as a team. This conversation is full of encouragement for the couple (or the spouse) who is feeling the disconnect from the different drives. Join Dr. Kim and J. Parker as...

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How to Rekindle Intimacy & Guarding your Marriage from Emotional Affairs Ep. 698 show art How to Rekindle Intimacy & Guarding your Marriage from Emotional Affairs Ep. 698

Awesome Marriage Podcast

What do you do when intimacy and connection in your marriage start to fade? How can you rekindle the spark, or better yet, keep it burning strong? In this episode, we talk about practical and biblical ways to nurture intimacy in all its forms. When you intentionally protect and prioritize closeness with your spouse, you not only build a marriage you truly enjoy, but you also guard your relationship against the dangers of emotional affairs.   Episode Highlights: Identify the different types of intimacy shared within marriage. The wholeness of your marriage matters. All forms of intimacy...

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How to Rekindle Intimacy & Guarding your Marriage from Emotional Affairs Ep. 698 show art How to Rekindle Intimacy & Guarding your Marriage from Emotional Affairs Ep. 698

Awesome Marriage Podcast

What do you do when intimacy and connection in your marriage start to fade? How can you rekindle the spark, or better yet, keep it burning strong? In this episode, we talk about practical and biblical ways to nurture intimacy in all its forms. When you intentionally protect and prioritize closeness with your spouse, you not only build a marriage you truly enjoy, but you also guard your relationship against the dangers of emotional affairs.   Episode Highlights: Identify the different types of intimacy shared within marriage. The wholeness of your marriage matters. All forms of intimacy...

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Reclaimed: The Story of Healing with Stephanie Boersma Ep. 697 show art Reclaimed: The Story of Healing with Stephanie Boersma Ep. 697

Awesome Marriage Podcast

I’m so thankful for this conversation with Stephanie Broersma about her brand-new resource: Reclaimed: A Course to Guide You Through Betrayal and Infidelity Trauma. This powerful resource is designed for those walking through the trauma of betrayal, offering hope, healing, and a path forward. In our conversation, Stephanie shares how the course helps you stay connected to the Lord in the midst of grief, while also providing practical next steps and long-term rhythms to move toward restoration. She reminds us that your spouse’s decisions do not define your worth and that there is a real...

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Just when you thought you couldn’t love Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy more—this episode takes things to a whole new level. With honesty and heart, they open up about the real journey of their marriage—sharing the intentional choices, tough seasons, and deep faith that carried them through. From early challenges that could have pulled them apart to the daily decisions that drew them closer, their story reflects what’s possible when a couple chooses to build on the foundation of Christ. Their marriage is both relatable and inspiring—a powerful reminder that when God is kept first, a marriage doesn’t just survive—it thrives.

Episode Highlights:

Intentionality is key.

Marriages won't thrive naturally.

Taking ownership and openly communicating are important tools for successful marriages.

 

Quotes from this Episode:

Don’t be negative. 

I think we were in lust not in love.

I think we had to build true love in our marriage.

We’ve learned to build bit by bit.

I thought if I loved you enough everything was going to be ok.

Until you realize how much God loves you as a person you aren’t truly free to love another person.

Divorce isn’t a word in our vocabulary anymore, commitment is!

We realize now what we were missing.

Just getting married doesn’t mean you won’t feel alone. 

 

Questions for Conversation:

  1. What part of Dr. Kim and Nancy’s story felt most relatable or surprising to you? Why?

  2. Have you ever assumed love alone would be enough to fix everything? How has your view of love and commitment changed over time?

  3. Have there been moments where one (or both) of you felt alone in your marriage? What helped reconnect you—or what could help now?

  4. Is “divorce” or emotional withdrawal ever subtly present as an option in your mindset or language? What does it look like to choose commitment every day?

  5. How can you better prioritize keeping God first in your marriage this week?

  6. What’s one thing you want to be intentional about after listening to this episode—together or individually?

 

Mentioned in this episode: