loader from loading.io

The Road Less Triggered with Dr. Kelly Flanagan Ep. 709

Awesome Marriage Podcast

Release Date: 01/20/2026

Wider Lens: All Things Together: Apprenticeship to Jesus in a Fragmented World with Heath Hardesty show art Wider Lens: All Things Together: Apprenticeship to Jesus in a Fragmented World with Heath Hardesty

Awesome Marriage Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Kim talks with author and pastor Heath Hardesty about his new book, All Things Together. Heath shares how his time apprenticing under his earthly father became a living picture of what it means to be an apprentice of our Heavenly Father. They discuss what it looks like to live as image bearers in a fragmented world, why discipleship is more than “extra credit,” and how God redeems, not erases, our humanity. Together, they unpack how to see with wonder again, order our imagination around Christ, and live a whole, beautiful life that reflects Him.   Episode...

info_outline Is there a Place for Pride in Marriage? Ep. 724 show art Is there a Place for Pride in Marriage? Ep. 724

Awesome Marriage Podcast

We’ve all heard the proverb that pride comes before the fall—but is there a place for pride in our relationships at all? Today, Dr. Kim takes an honest look at pride in marriage: its roots, its power, and its ability to divide even the strongest relationships. You’ll be encouraged to recognize where pride may be creeping in, what it’s actually revealing about your own heart, and practical ways to get it under control. Dr. Kim also addresses how to love and set healthy boundaries with a spouse who is struggling with pride—without enabling, escalating conflict, or losing yourself in...

info_outline Tried and True with Dana Che: What Biblical Marriages Teach Us About Ours Ep. 723 show art Tried and True with Dana Che: What Biblical Marriages Teach Us About Ours Ep. 723

Awesome Marriage Podcast

Marriage has a way of bringing our imperfections to the surface—and if we’re honest, that can feel frustrating, discouraging, and even isolating at times. But what if those struggles aren’t something to hide…what if they’re actually where God’s grace shows up most? In this episode, we’re talking about how the imperfect stories we see throughout Scripture mirror our own and remind us that we’re not alone in the mess. We’ll unpack what it really looks like to build intimacy through vulnerability, why accepting each other’s brokenness matters more than having it all together,...

info_outline Guardrails in Marriage with Jim Ramos Ep. 722 show art Guardrails in Marriage with Jim Ramos Ep. 722

Awesome Marriage Podcast

Most couples are unintentionally at risk of making one decision that can change their marriage forever. Jim Ramos shares the powerful guardrails that protect and strengthen your marriage, drawing from personal stories, biblical wisdom, and decades of ministry experience. His insight will challenge everything you thought you knew about love, trust, and biblical fidelity—showing you how to avoid costly mistakes and build an unbreakable, joy-filled partnership. You’ll discover: Why most problems in marriage boil down to one choice and how guardrails can save you The crucial boundaries...

info_outline Addressing Narcissistic Patterns in Marriage Ep. 721 show art Addressing Narcissistic Patterns in Marriage Ep. 721

Awesome Marriage Podcast

We’ve explored the spectrum of narcissism, now it’s time to dive into what you can do when those patterns show up in your marriage. Dr. Kim shares how to discern when to speak up and when to self-reflect, how to cultivate an atmosphere for healthy conversation, and why boundaries are essential for meaningful connection.   Episode Takeaways: Forgiveness is not pretending something didn’t happen.  Trust has to be built consistently over time.  Being a good christian spouse does not mean absorbing pain.  When you see the same behaviors repeatedly, it’s time to do...

info_outline Wider Lens: Free Me from Me: Escaping the Maze of Self-Centeredness by Embracing a God-Centered Life show art Wider Lens: Free Me from Me: Escaping the Maze of Self-Centeredness by Embracing a God-Centered Life

Awesome Marriage Podcast

Are you caught in a maze and don’t even know it? Today, Dr. Kim is joined by Ryan Wekenman to talk about the maze of self-centeredness we all have to navigate. When we begin living for applause, appreciation, or validation, we can easily drift out of sync with the Lord and into a life focused on serving ourselves—the exact opposite of what God calls us to. In this powerful conversation, Ryan and Dr. Kim challenge us to recognize the pull toward self-focus and invite us to shift our attention back where it belongs: fully on Jesus. We pray this episode encourages you to take the focus off...

info_outline Navigating Bad Days Without Making Them a Bad Marriage Ep. 719 show art Navigating Bad Days Without Making Them a Bad Marriage Ep. 719

Awesome Marriage Podcast

Today, Dr. Kim is joined by his bride, Mrs. Nancy, to talk about the freedom that comes from allowing yourself, your spouse, and your marriage to have a bad day without making it something bigger than it is. They share how they navigate the hard days, avoid the spiral of negative thoughts, and bounce back with grace and compassion toward one another. Your marriage is a gift—be encouraged to let bad days simply be days without letting them erode your view of your marriage.   Episode Highlights: Everyone has bad days. Early warning signs that you're starting to spiral. The danger of...

info_outline Lightbulb Moments in Marriage with Emerson Eggerichs Ep. 718 show art Lightbulb Moments in Marriage with Emerson Eggerichs Ep. 718

Awesome Marriage Podcast

What if your marriage isn’t falling apart, but just missing a key insight? In this powerful conversation, we explore “Light Bulb Moments”- the sudden realizations that can transform a relationship almost instantly. Emerson Eggerichs, author of Light Bulb Moments in Marriage and the bestselling Love and Respect, shares how couples who feel miles apart are often just inches away from breakthrough. You’ll learn how understanding gender differences, taking responsibility for your responses, and applying a faith-centered perspective can lead to deeper connection and lasting change.  ...

info_outline Narcissism, Selfishness, and the Human Heart Ep. 717 show art Narcissism, Selfishness, and the Human Heart Ep. 717

Awesome Marriage Podcast

We are quick to label selfish or defensive behavior as “narcissism,” but what if the issue runs deeper than personality? In this episode, we explore how disordered desires, our need for control, comfort, or validation, shape the way we relate to others and quietly erode connection. This conversation unpacks the difference between healthy self-awareness and self-absorption, why freedom begins when we stop defending ourselves, and how real change doesn’t come from trying harder—but from surrendering deeper. You’ll be challenged to look beneath behavior and consider what your heart is...

info_outline Making Blended Families Work with Ron Deal Ep. 716 show art Making Blended Families Work with Ron Deal Ep. 716

Awesome Marriage Podcast

Blended families are beautiful—but they’re also complex. When two lives, two histories, and often two sets of kids come together, figuring out what “family” looks like can feel overwhelming. From divided loyalties and differing parenting styles to navigating ex-spouses, finances, and faith, blended families face unique challenges that many couples aren’t prepared for. In this episode, we’re joined by Ron Deal, director of FamilyLife Blended and author of The Smart Stepfamily. Ron shares practical wisdom, biblical insight, and deep encouragement for couples navigating stepfamily...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

I’m so thrilled to have Dr. Kelly Flanagan back on the show. Today he is talking about his newest book The Road Less Triggered, focusing on the importance of recognizing and managing emotional triggers in relationships. The work of faith, self awareness, and compassion is vital in our relationships. Dr. Flanagan shares how to stay engaged, remain soft, and practically manage conflict in a way that brings connection to your marriage.



Episode Highlights:

Understanding Triggered Moments in Relationships

Your body is an early warning system

Living in the security of God's unconditional love provides a foundation of safety.

The posture of your heart affects how you receive communication.



Quotes from This Episode:

Most relationship conflict isn't like D-Day—it's more like Groundhog Day. We keep repeating the same patterns until we decide to break the cycle.

The heart of this work is restoring a sense of choice—the power to keep your heart open, even when you're triggered and it feels impossible.

A response is the fruit of self-regulation. A reaction is a failure of self-regulation.

You can't connect if you're protecting. Openness is required for real connection.

Our culture pushes us to blame others, but real progress comes from taking personal responsibility for how we show up.

Until we move out of being triggered and back into connection mode, we'll keep self-sabotaging every attempt to connect.

Becoming a safe environment for the people you love inspires them to open their own hearts—and builds true connection.

Seeing the ways we differ as sources of complementary wisdom, not flaws to be fixed, can revolutionize your relationship.



Questions for Conversation:

  1. Think about a recent moment in your marriage where you felt triggered. What physical or emotional signals did your body give you, and how might noticing these earlier help you respond rather than react?
  2. Consider a way your spouse differs from you that has caused tension. How could reframing that difference as complementary wisdom rather than a flaw shift your approach and deepen your connection?

TRIGGER CHALLENGE: Together, identify one habit or action that makes each of you feel safe and heard. Commit to practicing that habit in your interactions over the next week, then reflect on how it affected your connection.

 

Mentioned in this Episode: