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The Science of Lasting Love: What Predicts Marriage Success or Failure

Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

Release Date: 09/16/2025

Extraordinary Sex for Christian Couples show art Extraordinary Sex for Christian Couples

Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

In this candid and “spicy” conversation, Dr. Carol sits down with Matt and Jen Schmidt to explore how couples can have healthy, mature conversations about sex in marriage. Addressing a topic many couples avoid or only discuss in terms of conflict or frustration, this episode expands listeners’ vocabulary, mindset, and comfort in talking openly about intimacy. Together, they unpack both theological and practical perspectives on married sex, discuss common barriers to connection, and offer insights into how couples can move toward greater closeness, understanding, and fulfillment. Drawing...

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AI and the Soul: The Way of Jesus in an Algorithm-Driven Culture show art AI and the Soul: The Way of Jesus in an Algorithm-Driven Culture

Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

In this wrap-up episode to our AI and the Soul series, Dr. Carol explores how algorithms and artificial intelligence are shaping not just our habits but our souls, offering “relationship prescriptions” for navigating the growing influence of digital technology. She examines how the digital world subtly “disciples” us, training us to expect life to be easy, quick, constantly stimulating, and within our control, while real growth, spiritual formation, and the way of Jesus are often slow, difficult, and beyond our control. While emphasizing that AI itself is neither good nor bad, she...

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AI and the Soul: A Psychologist Talks About Loneliness and the Digital World show art AI and the Soul: A Psychologist Talks About Loneliness and the Digital World

Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

In this thought-provoking conversation, Jason VanRuler joins Dr. Carol to explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence on human relationships, intimacy, and spiritual life. Together they examine emerging trends, such as young people forming “relationships” with AI, and discuss what defines genuine connection, including truth, challenge, authenticity, and emotional depth. While AI can offer affirmation, the conversation highlights its limitations as a “yes man” that cannot replace the vulnerability and growth found in real human relationships. They also unpack how technology...

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AI and the Soul: A Pastor Talks About Embodied Faith in a Disembodied Age show art AI and the Soul: A Pastor Talks About Embodied Faith in a Disembodied Age

Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

Christianity has always been an embodied faith—rooted in presence, touch, community, and shared life. But we now live in a world of digital discipleship, online relationships, and increasingly, AI-shaped interactions. What does this mean for the church, for our spiritual formation, and for the kind of community our hearts were made for? In this episode in our series AI and the Soul, Dr. Carol sits down with Jay Kim, pastor and author of Analog Church and Analog Christian, to talk about why physical presence matters more than ever. They discuss how AI and digital tools can...

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AI and the Soul: A Theologian Talks about How AI may be Forming US show art AI and the Soul: A Theologian Talks about How AI may be Forming US

Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

Artificial intelligence is becoming woven into everyday life – our work, our personal lives, even our emotional and spiritual reality. But what does this technology do to us as people made in the image of God? In this first of our series on "AI and the Soul", Dr. Carol talks with Dr. John Dyer, professor, author, and leading thinker on theology and technology, about how our tools shape our souls. You’ll hear why AI is a helpful tool, but also how it quietly forms our desires, habits, and spiritual practices in ways we rarely notice. Together they explore what makes humans unique,...

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What Jesus Really Teaches About Marriage and Divorce show art What Jesus Really Teaches About Marriage and Divorce

Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

In this episode, we take up one of the most painful and frequently asked questions in the church: What about God and divorce? Whether someone is in a miserable marriage, has been left by a spouse, or is carrying the wounds of divorce, this conversation is both challenging and important.  We unpack the biblical meaning of covenant, and why divorce is so devastating—not because it ranks highest on some hierarchy of sins, but because it tears apart something God intended to reflect His faithful love. "God hates divorce” is not condemnation, but is a window into the grief of a Father...

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When Feelings Fade: Keeping a Relationship Alive When Romance Wears Off show art When Feelings Fade: Keeping a Relationship Alive When Romance Wears Off

Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

Today Dr. Carol is joined by Lindsey Maestas, a writer and podcast host known for saying the hard things gently, and for telling the truth about love with honesty, depth, and compassion. Together, we talk about what happens when the feeling of being “in love” begins to fade, and why romance alone is never enough to sustain a relationship. Lindsey shares vulnerable stories about her own marriage, including a season when she was ready to call it quits, and the inner shifts that led her to choose staying, growth, and daily faithfulness instead of walking away. We explore common relational...

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How to Love Authentically show art How to Love Authentically

Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

You've heard of the Five Love Languages. But what's next? In this episode, we’re joined by marriage and family therapist and author Leslie Parrot to explore what it really means to love in ways that are not just well-intended, but deeply felt. Good intentions alone aren’t enough, but empathy and curiosity help bridge the gap between how we express love and how it’s actually received. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and relational wisdom, Leslie offers insight into why a deeper understanding of love languages matters, not as a formula, but as a pathway to deeper connection. ...

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The Story Beneath the Struggle: How a Former Transgender Found Transformation show art The Story Beneath the Struggle: How a Former Transgender Found Transformation

Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

Dr. Linda Seiler decided to follow Jesus in high school, but her sexual and emotional struggles didn’t simply disappear. In this episode, she shares her own story and the insight she’s gained through decades of ministry and trauma-informed care. Now an ordained Assemblies of God minister and Executive Director of ReStory Ministries, Linda helps us explore what was missing in the early years of her faith journey and why sincere belief alone often isn’t enough to bring freedom. We talk candidly about how modern culture frames sexual orientation and gender identity as fixed and...

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Built to Last: Timeless Truths for Your Marriage show art Built to Last: Timeless Truths for Your Marriage

Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

Need some marriage wisdom? Greg Smalley has spent his entire life immersed in conversations about marriage. As the son of the late Gary Smalley—and now Vice President of Marriage and Family Formation at Focus on the Family—Greg has witnessed up close both the beauty and the messiness of intimate relationships. In this conversation, Greg reflects on why he chose to step into this demanding work, what drew him to a calling so intertwined with his family legacy, and how his own 30+ year marriage to Erin has shaped what he teaches today.  We also explore how marriage challenges have...

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More Episodes
What if the difference between a thriving marriage and one headed for divorce could actually be predicted? In this episode, Dr. Carol sits down for part 2 of her conversation with marriage and family therapist Zion Montgomery to explore the groundbreaking research behind the Gottman Method—decades of study that reveal why some couples make it and others don’t. From the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” that signal danger in a relationship, to the surprising myth that conflict means a marriage is doomed, you’ll hear what science has uncovered about the true markers of lasting love.

Together they dig into what this means in real life: what this can say about your own relationship, what tools can help partners move forward, and what hope looks like even in the face of big challenges like addiction, betrayal, or destructive anger. Whether your marriage is struggling or you simply want to strengthen your relationship, this conversation will give you practical insights and encouragement grounded in both research and biblically-based hope.

Check out the two different packages available for the Marriage Healing Kit, and decide which one is right for you.
You can connect with Zion Motgomery on her website.
And if you have questions, Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave a confidential message for her here