Breaking Free from Cultural Captivity in Marriage with Dr. John West Ep. 696
Release Date: 09/23/2025
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...
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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
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
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
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
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
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...
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.