Breaking Free from Cultural Captivity in Marriage with Dr. John West Ep. 696
Release Date: 09/23/2025
Worth Repeating: How to Make Romance Realistic in Your Marriage
Awesome Marriage Podcast
How’s the romance in your marriage? How does it compare to when you were dating? (… and does that matter?) Romance can fall by the wayside in marriage because it seems like an “extra” that you’ll get around to when you have extra time or money, or if you feel inspired to make a grand gesture. But today Dr. Kim shares several reasons NOT to let that be the case in your marriage. Listen to learn why you need to bring the romance back and HOW to realistically make that happen. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage. Episode highlights...
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Worth Repeating: Deepen the Emotional Intimacy in Your Marriage
Awesome Marriage Podcast
Want better connection with your spouse? One thing we hear a lot from couples is that they don’t feel close to each other or that their relationship feels like it’s missing some depth. That’s why today we’re re-airing this episode from Dr. Kim and Christina that talks all about emotional intimacy and gives you ideas of practical ways to deepen the emotional intimacy in your marriage. We pray this episode is helpful to you and your marriage. Episode highlights include: What is emotional intimacy, and why does it matter? Warning signs you need to grow in...
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Worth Repeating: How To NOT Fight With Your Spouse About Money with Julie Baumgardner
Awesome Marriage Podcast
The Awesome Marriage Podcast is on winter break, and over the next four weeks we’ll be sharing some of our favorite past episodes with you. First up: Finances! No one loves talking finances, but we do think you’ll love today’s conversation with Julie Baumgardner! Julie shares how to get curious about what money means to your spouse, how two spouses’ separate financial backgrounds and “money stories” can stop being a source of tension, and start becoming a shared value. Listen to this episode if you’re ready to get on the same page with your spouse about finances this season...
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More Than Mistletoe: Staying Spiritually Rooted and Emotionally Connected in Your Marriage This Christmas Ep. 707
Awesome Marriage Podcast
The holidays promise joy and togetherness but for many couples, they also bring stress, busyness, and mismatched expectations. In this episode, we’re helping you slow down, reconnect, and approach the season with intention. We talk honestly about why couples often drift spiritually and emotionally in December and offer simple, realistic ways to stay grounded in Christ and connected to each other. From aligning holiday expectations to creating meaningful traditions, you’ll walk away with practical tools to cultivate peace, gratitude, and unity in your marriage. Whether this season feels...
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‘I Do’ Today and Tomorrow and Forever: Staying Intentional with Chelsea Smith Ep. 706
Awesome Marriage Podcast
No matter what season of marriage you’re in, intentionality is essential. It’s what keeps the spark alive, rekindles romance, and helps you withstand the temptations and pressures of everyday life. Chelsea Smith joins me to talk about her new book, “I Do” Today: A 52-Week Guide to the Marriage You’ve Been Waiting For. This conversation will encourage you, inspire you, and challenge you to pursue a marriage marked by purpose, growth, and joy because you were never meant to settle for anything less than an awesome marriage. Episode Takeaways: A healthy sex life is vital for a...
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When Gratitude is Hard Ep. 705
Awesome Marriage Podcast
Gratitude can feel effortless when life and marriage are smooth—but what about when it’s hard? In this episode, we explore how to practice honest gratitude even in seasons of struggle, disappointment, or unmet expectations. From grief and loss to conflict and emotional distance in marriage, we discuss ways couples can rebuild appreciation for each other, lean on God in difficult times, and use gratitude as a tool for hope, healing, and unity. Be encouraged to find thankfulness rooted in faith, not just feelings, even when your heart is hurting. Main Takeaways: Gratitude is challenging in...
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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
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
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
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...
info_outlineIn this episode, Dr. Kim and John West discuss “Stockholm Syndrome Christianity” and how cultural captivity can pull Christians away from biblical truth. They explore the impact of these influences on marriage, from weakened faithfulness to the generational effects of broken promises on children. The conversation highlights the need for intentionality in guarding our hearts, shaping our children’s worldview, and staying rooted in truth. Listeners will be encouraged to build marriages that mutually support, advocate, and thrive in a world that often pulls in the opposite direction.
Episode Highlights:
As believers, what we are consuming directly affects how boldly we live out our faith.
Too many believers aren’t prioritizing biblical truth and their relationships reflect their culture more than their faith.
The church has not been immune to cultural influences.
Culture tells us that feelings trump biblical truth.
Quotes from Today’s Episode:
If you live your life oriented towards God's truth, it's designed for our flourishing.- John West
Every spouse needs to be their partner's biggest advocate.- John West
The impact on kids from broken marriages is traumatic. - John West
If you have a certain feeling, you don't have to act it out. - John West
If you're listening to a never-ending stream of lies, you're going to become very reticent about speaking up or living based on your Christian beliefs.- John West
What I saw in the christian community is a lot of christians being culturally captive. - John West
If you’re a christian, especially in industries, you spend a lot of your life around cultural captors.
Many christians have adopted this secular view that sex isn’t to be reserved for marriage.- John West
If you have a diet in your entertainment consumption for you and your kids, that everyone’s doing it- it’s normalized, it’s going to affect how you live. -John West
It’s really important to be in the world, not of the world. -Dr. Kim
You need to be wise enough and intentional enough to know that putting that stuff inside of you is going to have an impact- and impact your kids.- John West
The number 1 thing is you need to ask yourself- who is really raising your kids?
Couples’ Conversation Guide:
As you reflect on your marriage relationship, where do you see culture influencing you the most?
Are there biblical truths you’ve found harder to live out in today’s world? Why?
Do you believe there are any “outdated” parts of the Bible?
Who or what has the largest influence on your marriage?
Who or what has the largest influence on your children?
Mentioned in this Episode:
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Money issues don’t have to be an issue for your marriage. Check out this free course from Centsei. 4 Budgeting Mistakes Couples Make + How To Fix Them FREE Class 💸
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This month’s resource gives you the opportunity to show your spouse the appreciation they long for: 28 Fill in the Blank Thank You Notes
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Want an opportunity to dig into God’s Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Fight the chaos of culture and keep your marriage grounded in Biblical truth. Check out 5 Marriage Lies to Defeat with Biblical Truth.
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If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !
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Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!
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Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our 28 Fill in the Blank Thank You Note Prompts.