Expedition Marriage with Chris & Jamie Bailey

Welcome to the Expedition Marriage Podcast! We’re glad you’re here! We're Chris and Jamie Bailey, and we are Christian counselors and marriage coaches. We’re here to help you put God in the center of your marriage by sharing some solid biblical truth, along with some practical marriage tips. So, no matter where you’re at in your marriage, start getting excited, because we’re here to help you Enjoy the Journey!

Ep. 180: Is Technology Rewiring Your Kids? 5 Habits Every Parent Needs Today with Chris McKenna 05/07/2026

Ep 179: Is Technology Replacing Your Spouse? The Rise of False Intimacy in Marriage 04/23/2026

Ep 178: Pivoting in Marriage: The One Skill That Changes Everything 04/16/2026

Ep 178: Pivoting in Marriage: The One Skill That Changes Everything Pivoting in Marriage: The One Skill That Changes Everything Life doesn’t always go as planned, and when it doesn’t, your marriage feels it. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most important (and overlooked) skills in a healthy marriage: learning how to pivot. This week has stretched us in real time—living in an Airbnb while helping care for our grandson after our daughter’s home flooded, navigating disrupted routines, writing deadlines, and even a broken laptop. It’s been a reminder that life rarely asks if it’s a good time. And here’s what we’ve seen: 👉 Most couples don’t struggle because life is hard 👉 They struggle because they don’t know how to adjust when it is We break down how inflexibility creates unnecessary conflict and how learning to pivot can actually bring you closer together in difficult seasons. In this episode, we cover: Why expectations cause tension in stressful seasons What pivoting actually looks like in marriage How to communicate your needs clearly Why grace matters more when life is messy How to stay connected when everything feels off Scripture reminds us in James 1:2–4 that trials are producing something in us, and in Proverbs 16:9 that while we make plans, God directs our steps. Your marriage doesn’t need perfect conditions. It needs flexibility that is anchored in truth. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to pivot well. 👉 Want help navigating a hard season? Learn more about our marriage coaching: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage 00:00 Solutions Not Ammo 00:15 Meet The Pivot 02:06 Why Change Feels Hard 03:45 Triggered Spouse Dynamics 04:26 Trials And Growth 05:57 When Plans Collapse 10:48 Gods Sovereignty Mindset 13:27 Flexibility Versus Stability 15:35 Upstairs Brain Solutions 16:35 Pressure And Deadlines 17:09 Asking For Grace 18:29 Best Buy Blowup 19:41 Repairing After Conflict 20:54 What Pivoting Means 22:36 Storms Will Come 23:36 Reset Expectations 27:04 Resentment Vs Pivoting 28:33 Release Control To God 30:31 Flexibility Anchored In Truth 32:08 Prayer And Sendoff /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/40892430

Ep. 177: Why Blended Family Marriage Feels So Hard (And What Actually Helps) | Ron Deal 04/02/2026

Ep. 177: Why Blended Family Marriage Feels So Hard (And What Actually Helps) | Ron Deal Blended families bring unique challenges into marriage, and if you’re in one, you’ve probably felt it. The tension, complexity, and the emotional weight of trying to make it all work. In this episode, we sit down with Ron Deal, a leading voice in stepfamily ministry, to talk about why blended family marriages can feel so hard, and what actually helps. 00:00 Meet Ron Deal 00:55 How Ron Found Stepfamily Ministry 05:49 Why Blended Families Feel Hard 06:05 COVID Analogy for Blending 10:18 Expectations Kids vs Adults 12:38 Premarital Counseling Mistakes 15:06 Competing Attachments Triangle 18:09 Insiders and Outsiders 21:10 Front Seat Marriage Priority 23:08 Balancing Kids and Spouse 25:07 Wilderness to Promised Land 25:56 Blending Takes Years 26:49 Earning Stepchild Trust 28:11 Parenting Conflicts Surface 29:16 Paralyzed Parent Problem 29:57 Bio Parent Must Lead 32:19 Divide and Conquer Tactics 33:45 No Magic Bullet Mindset 35:11 Resources That Actually Help 37:21 Blended and Blessed Event 41:14 Barna Data Wake Up Call 44:52 Healthy Step Families Redeem 46:48 Redemption and Next Steps We dive into the realities couples face when navigating blended family dynamics and how to build a strong, Christ-centered marriage in the middle of it. We also talk about the upcoming Blended & Blessed® event, designed to equip and encourage stepfamilies with practical, biblical guidance. 🎧 In This Episode: Why blended family marriages are uniquely challenging Common struggles stepfamilies face (that many don’t expect) How past relationships impact your current marriage Navigating loyalty conflicts and family dynamics Practical ways to strengthen your marriage in a stepfamily Biblical encouragement for couples in blended families How the Blended & Blessed® event can help you ❤️ Key Takeaway: Blended family marriage isn’t harder because you’re doing it wrong. It’s harder because it is more complex. But with the right perspective, tools, and support, you can build a strong, connected, Christ-centered marriage. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Blended & Blessed® Event: 👉 Learn more about Ron Deal: 👉 Podcast 👉🏼 Next Steps: If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone navigating a blended family. And don’t forget to leave a review! Your review helps more couples find hope and truth for their marriage. /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/40683245

Ep. 176: When Wives Carry Too Much: Letting Go of Control and Trusting God in Marriage 03/26/2026

Ep. 175: Not Fixing Things Too Fast: Why Emotional Validation Matters in Marriage 03/19/2026

Ep 174: Perimenopause, Menopause & Marriage: How Hormones Affect Your Relationship (With Dr. Gretchen Reis) 03/12/2026

Ep 174: Perimenopause, Menopause & Marriage: How Hormones Affect Your Relationship (With Dr. Gretchen Reis) Hormones don’t just affect your body. They can deeply impact your emotions, energy, communication, and connection in marriage. In this episode of the Expedition Marriage Podcast, Chris and Jamie sit down with Dr. Gretchen Reis, an integrative medicine physician who specializes in hormone health for both women and men. Together they discuss how perimenopause, menopause, and hormone changes can affect mood, anxiety, fatigue, memory, intimacy, and even the way couples relate to one another. Jamie also shares her own personal experience with sudden anxiety, brain fog, and exhaustion during hormonal changes, and how understanding what was happening physically helped bring clarity, compassion, and healing to their marriage. If you or your spouse are approaching midlife, already navigating perimenopause or menopause, or simply want to better understand how hormones affect relationships, this conversation will bring clarity, encouragement, and practical insight. In This Episode We Discuss: • How perimenopause and menopause impact marriage • Why hormone changes can affect mood, anxiety, and emotional connection • The difference between perimenopause and menopause • How husbands can better support their wives during hormonal changes and also learn to understand and deal with their own hormonal shifts. • Why many women feel brain fog, fatigue, or sudden anxiety • The role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatment options • How couples can approach this season with understanding instead of frustration Key Takeaway Hormonal changes are a normal part of life, but when couples understand what is happening physically and emotionally, it can transform confusion into compassion and strengthen connection in marriage. Resources Mentioned Dr. Gretchen Reis — Integrity Wellness MD *Disclaimer: The information discussed here is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained medical or healthcare professional. /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/40405355

Ep. 173: Communication in Marriage: 7 Mistakes Couples Don’t Realize They’re Making 03/05/2026

Ep. 172: Marriage, Autism, and Faith: Raising a child with special needs together 02/26/2026

Ep. 171: Our Trials. His Testimony: Finding Hope and Redemption Through the Hardest Seasons of Our Marriage 02/19/2026

Ep. 170: Why Christian Couples Stop Talking and How to Fix It 02/12/2026

Ep. 169: Do You Feel Special in Your Marriage? 02/05/2026

Ep. 169: Do You Feel Special in Your Marriage? Most spouses know they’re loved. But far fewer actually feel special. In this episode, we talk about the subtle but powerful difference between being loved and being chosen, noticed, and delighted in, and why that distinction matters more than we realize in marriage. We explore how unspoken affection, good intentions, and sacrifices can unintentionally leave a spouse feeling overlooked, even in an otherwise healthy relationships. And we offer practical, biblical ways to help your spouse experience not just love, but intentional care and honor. This episode is an invitation to slow down, become more aware, and make small shifts that can deeply strengthen your connection. 🧭 Inside the Episode: The difference between feeling loved and feeling special Common, unintentional ways spouses neglect emotional connection Why waiting to express love often diminishes its impact How time, attention, and shared burdens communicate value Why explaining your motivation matters, especially when sacrifices are misunderstood Simple ways to help your spouse feel seen, prioritized, and cherished 🎁 Free Resource: We created a simple, meaningful way to speak life over your spouse that only takes 1 minute! 👉 Download our free 60-Second Blessing Sheet here: It’s designed to help you intentionally affirm, encourage, and bless your spouse in under a minute. ☕ Something We Love: One small way we slow down and connect is over a warm cup of chai. We love Bhakti chai tea because it’s organic, driven by a mission and owned by people we know! 👉 Bhakti Chai Tea on Amazon: This is an Amazon affiliate link, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share things we genuinely use and love. Make time for a Chai Chat this week. Cozy up together over a cup of chai and have this conversation: Do you feel loved by me? Do you feel special? What is something I can do to make you feel more special? Final Encouragement: Feeling special doesn’t come from grand gestures. It comes from consistent attention, clear communication, and intentional love. If this episode encouraged you, we’d be so grateful if you: Shared it with your spouse or a friend Left a review Or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes We’re cheering you on as you continue growing together. — Chris & Jamie Expedition Marriage /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/40000805

Ep. 168: The War Inside Your Marriage - And How to Win It Together 01/29/2026

Ep. 168: The War Inside Your Marriage - And How to Win It Together The War Inside Your Marriage - And How to Win It Together What if the biggest battle in your marriage isn’t between you and your spouse? In this episode, we’re unpacking the real war happening inside every marriage, which is the internal battles of pride, self-protection, fear, past wounds, and unmet desires that sabotage connection. Before you get discouraged, know that you can win this war together, and Jesus shows us how. Whether you’re feeling disconnected, discouraged, or simply wanting to grow, this episode will give you the clarity and practical tools you need to move toward peace and unity again. What We Cover in This Episode The Lie Most Couples Believe “If we’re fighting this much, maybe we’re not right for each other.” We break down why conflict doesn’t mean incompatibility, it reveals something deeper. The Real Battle Beneath Every Argument At the heart of almost every fight is the same truth: “I want my way.” The Three Barriers Every Couple Faces We walk through the three sources of marital tension that have nothing to do with whether you married the “right” person: Psychological differences — personality friction Gender differences — designed strengths that feel like irritants Historical wounds — the stories you didn’t choose but carry The Turning Point Every Marriage Needs The shift from Me-first → Christlike love is where healing begins. How to Respond When You Feel Yourself Shutting Down, Getting Defensive, or Insisting on Your Way We share practical, simple steps to stop escalation and choose connection. 🔥 Key Takeaways Your spouse is not your enemy. The war inside your heart is often louder than the conflict in your home. Marriage doesn’t create your struggles, it reveals them so God can heal them. Christlike love is the only way to win the internal war. 📖 Scriptures Mentioned James 4:1 Philippians 2:3–4 Proverbs 18:2 Colossians 3:12–13 Psalm 34:18 Let’s Connect! If this episode encouraged you, it would mean the world if you left a review or shared it with another couple who needs hope today. ✨ Want weekly encouragement for your marriage? Sign up for our newsletter: 👉 expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter *Disclaimer: The information discussed here is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional. /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/39915720

Ep. 167: A Biblical Playbook for Marriage: Simple Strategies That Change Everything 01/22/2026

Ep 166: When Your Heart Grieves Before Anything Happens: Understanding Anticipatory Grief in Marriage 01/15/2026

Ep 166: When Your Heart Grieves Before Anything Happens: Understanding Anticipatory Grief in Marriage Have you ever felt fear, heaviness, or sadness long before anything “bad” actually happened? There’s nothing wrong with and you’re not dramatic. But you may be experiencing anticipatory grief, and it impacts marriages far more than couples realize. In this episode, Chris & Jamie unpack why your heart sometimes grieves before life changes… and how this hidden emotional process can affect connection, communication, and even conflict inside the marriage. This is one of the most tender, eye-opening conversations you’ll hear. Whether you’re caring for aging parents, walking through health concerns, navigating infertility, or simply sensing that something in your life or marriage is shifting. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. What Anticipatory Grief Actually Is and how it shows up 2. Expected Causes of Anticipatory Grief in Marriage 3. Unexpected Causes Couples Don’t Realize Are Grief 4. How Anticipatory Grief Shows Up Between Spouses Many couples think they have a marriage problem — when really, they have a grief problem. Signs include: Irritability Anxiety Emotional shutdown Clinging or control Avoidance Misreading each other’s responses We share how this creates friction, especially when men & women process anticipatory grief differently. 5. The Transformational Question: “What am I anticipating?” A grounding tool to help couples move from fear to clarity and compassion. This question helps you uncover: The loss you're imagining What part of your heart feels threatened How your love is showing up as fear Grief becomes a doorway to deeper connection when it’s named. 6. Reframing Grief as a Couple: Turning Toward Instead of Away We teach couples how to ask: “Are we fighting because of grief, not each other?” “Are we withdrawing because something scares us?” And how to say: “I’m scared of losing ___.” “I’m grieving how things are changing.” “I need you with me in this.” 7. What Couples Can Actually Do with Anticipatory Grief Practical tools you can use today: 8. A Biblical Perspective on Anticipatory Grief We explore comfort and grounding through Scripture: Psalm 34:18 Matthew 6:34 Romans 8:38–39 1 Peter 5:7 God meets us not only in the losses we face but also in the ones we fear. ⭐ CTA If this episode helped open your eyes or gave language to something you’ve been feeling, we’d be SO grateful if you’d leave a review. Click the ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and share how this podcast is helping your marriage. And make sure to follow so you don’t miss next week’s episode! /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/39734555

Ep. 165: Why You Shouldn’t Always Take Our Advice (And How to Let God Lead You in the Timing of Growth) 01/08/2026

Ep. 165: Why You Shouldn’t Always Take Our Advice (And How to Let God Lead You in the Timing of Growth) In today’s episode, we’re talking about something a little unexpected coming from two marriage counselors: why you shouldn’t always take our advice, or anyone else’s, without checking with the Lord first. We live in a world overflowing with sermons, reels, podcasts, coaching, challenges, and self-help. So much of it is helpful… but not all of it is helpful for you, and not all of it is helpful right now. This episode is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and learn how to discern the difference between good advice and God’s direction for your particular season. ⭐ Inside the Episode Jamie’s Story: When “Do It Afraid” Went Too Far Jamie shares a pivotal moment in her journey with anxiety and how a sermon quote (“Do it afraid”) became her life mantra for a season… until it began overworking her nervous system and pushing her into hypervigilance. It wasn’t bad advice; it was just no longer the right advice. That’s when God spoke a new word: “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Only the Lord knows what we truly need and exactly when we need it. ⭐ What Happens When We Treat Advice Like Scripture We unpack why great advice can become harmful when we elevate it above God’s timing: ⭐ Examples of “Good” Marriage Advice That Can Be Bad in the Wrong Season We explore six common marriage principles that are wonderful but not universally timed: ⭐ What Scripture Says About Being Led by God We walk through passages that remind us God leads personally and seasonally: ⭐ A Nervous System Perspective Not every push is holy. Not every challenge is healthy. Sometimes “growth” advice puts your body into survival mode. ⭐ The SIFT Method: How to Discern What’s Actually for You A simple 4-step framework to help couples filter advice through prayer and peace: ⭐ Marriage Application: What This Means for Couples Practical questions to ask one another. ⭐ Final Encouragement Not all good advice is God’s advice for you — but God always has the right word for the right time. ✨ Stay Connected + Encouraged Every Week If this episode encouraged you, we’d love to keep walking with you. Sign up for our weekly marriage newsletter for devotionals, tools, and Christ-centered encouragement straight to your inbox: 👉 And don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs it. ❤️ /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/39654210

Ep. 164: Dry Seasons in Marriage - How to Navigate the Wilderness Together 12/11/2025

Ep. 164: Dry Seasons in Marriage - How to Navigate the Wilderness Together Every marriage walks through dry seasons, times when connection feels absent, emotions run low, and apathy sets in. But a dry season doesn’t mean your marriage is dying; it often means God is doing deep, unseen work beneath the surface. In this episode, we’re digging into how to recognize, remain in, and receive from the wilderness seasons of marriage, and how to come out stronger on the other side. Using the story of Jesus’ 40 days in the desert and a five-step framework, we’ll help you find perspective, peace, and purpose in the desert places. If your marriage feels weary or disconnected, this episode will remind you that God never wastes the wilderness—and new life can always come from dry ground. 🎧 Listen now and start walking toward renewal—together. 💧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What a “dry season” in marriage really is, and why it’s normal How to tell when you’re in one (and what not to do about it!) The five steps to navigate the wilderness season well: What Jesus’ own time in the wilderness can teach us about endurance and spiritual growth How God often uses silence, struggle, and stillness to deepen love and faith 🕊️ Key Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 4:1–11 — Jesus led by the Spirit into the wilderness Luke 4:14 — Jesus returns “in the power of the Spirit” James 1:2–4 — Growth through testing produces perseverance Psalm 77:11–12 — “I will remember the deeds of the Lord…” ❤️ Takeaway Truth: “Dry seasons don’t mean dead seasons. They’re often where God prepares you for the next good thing He’s about to do.” 📣 Resources & Next Steps: 💾 Download the free Five Steps to Navigate a Dry Season in Marriage Worksheet: 🎧 Check us out on YouTube for video episodes on faith-filled marriage growth: 💌 Join our weekly marriage encouragement emails for practical tips and biblical truth at ExpeditionMarriage.org/subscribe 💬 Connect With Us: Follow along on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest → @ExpeditionMarriage Visit: /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/39362050

Ep. 163: Becoming a PhD of Your Spouse: How to Recognize Stress Cues and Respond with Love 12/04/2025

Ep. 163: Becoming a PhD of Your Spouse: How to Recognize Stress Cues and Respond with Love When life gets heavy, stress often shows up in our marriages—not just in words, but in subtle cues, tones, and behaviors. In this episode, Chris and Jamie share why becoming a “PhD of your spouse” is one of the most loving and practical things you can do for your marriage. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why stress “tells” matter and how noticing them can prevent unnecessary conflict and deepen empathy (Philippians 2:4). Common stress cues to look for—like withdrawal, red face, clenched jaw, irritability, avoidance, hypervigilance, or the “checked-out” mode on the couch. How to respond with love instead of defensiveness by pausing, checking in gently, and offering support without assumptions (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18). What it means to become a “PhD of your spouse”—studying their patterns, stress responses, and emotional needs so you can build unity instead of division. Practical steps to breathe life into your marriage by identifying stress cues, supporting one another, and shifting from “me vs. you” to “we.” ✨ Key Quotes from the Episode “Marriage thrives when we study one another.” “Noticing your spouse’s stress cues isn’t about fixing them—it’s about loving them well.” 📖 Scriptures to Reflect On Philippians 2:4 — “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Proverbs 10:19 — “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” Hebrews 12:14 — “Strive for peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 — “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” 🛠️ Free Resource Download our PhD of Your Spouse Stress Cues Worksheet to help you and your spouse talk through your unique stress patterns and how you can support one another. 👉 🎯 Call to Action Leave us a review (like Ilive4him24 did!)—your reviews help more couples find the hope and tools they need. Download your free worksheet and start the conversation this week. Check out Episode 134 with Dr Christine Baker on Nervous System Regulation in Marriage /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/39232510

Ep. 162: Letting Go — Trusting God with Your Kids 11/20/2025

Ep. 161: The Lost Art of Sacrifice 11/13/2025

Ep. 160: Just a Little Bit Better: Small Shifts That Move the Needle in Marriage 11/06/2025

Ep. 159: When Marriage Hurts: Why Joy Still Matters 10/30/2025

Ep. 158: Breaking the Usual Error — How Assumptions Sabotage Your Marriage and What God Says About It 10/23/2025

Ep. 158: Breaking the Usual Error — How Assumptions Sabotage Your Marriage and What God Says About It Have you ever caught yourself assuming you knew what your spouse was thinking or feeling—only to find out you were completely wrong? That’s what we call “The Usual Error”—and it’s one of the most common causes of conflict, hurt, and disconnection in marriage. In this episode, we’ll unpack what the Bible says about making assumptions, why they’re biblically unwise, and how to replace them with curiosity, humility, and God’s wisdom to strengthen your marriage. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. What the Usual Error Is and Why It Hurts Marriage How assumptions create false narratives and unspoken expectations Why acting on unproven beliefs leads to miscommunication 2. Why Making Assumptions Can Be Spiritually Dangerous It’s based on what’s unproven → Leads to wrong conclusions It shows a lack of wisdom → Proverbs 18:2: “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” It causes division → Misunderstandings breed resentment and distance It reflects pride → Assuming we know our spouse’s motives takes God’s place as the only One who sees hearts 3. What the Bible Encourages Instead Practice humility and patience (Ephesians 4:2-3): Bear with one another in love Seek truth and discernment (Philippians 4:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:21): Think on what is true and test everything 4. How to Break the Usual Error in Marriage Practical tools to shift from assumption to understanding: Pause before reacting: “Do I have proof, or am I assuming?” Ask clarifying questions instead of assigning motives Practice reflective listening to ensure you’ve heard your spouse correctly Invite God into the conversation through prayer and patience 5. Encouragement and Hope Marriage is strengthened when you replace assumptions with curiosity and humility. Unity grows when you trust God more than your perceptions, opening the door for deeper connection, grace, and peace. /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/38749745

Ep. 157: When Your Husband Doesn’t Share Your Faith — Hope for Spiritually Unequal Marriages 10/16/2025

Ep. 156: Curiosity Over Offense — How Staying Spiritually Mature Can Transform Your Marriage 10/09/2025

Ep. 156: Curiosity Over Offense — How Staying Spiritually Mature Can Transform Your Marriage Have you ever noticed how quickly small misunderstandings can spiral into full-blown conflicts? One simple comment can turn into a wall between you and your spouse if you let offense take over. But spiritual maturity calls us to a different path—one that chooses curiosity, compassion, and connection over pride and defensiveness. In this episode, we’re unpacking a powerful truth that can change the way you navigate disagreements in your marriage: “You can’t be curious and offended at the same time.” Spiritually mature couples learn to pause, seek understanding, and invite God into their marriage instead of letting emotions rule the moment. When offense leads, division grows—but when curiosity leads, your marriage becomes a place of safety, grace, and deeper intimacy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. How Spiritual Immaturity Shows Up in Marriage Getting defensive when criticized Withdrawing instead of leaning in Avoiding confession and repentance Making self-centered decisions over Christ-centered ones 2. Signs of Spiritual Maturity Being quick to listen and slow to anger (James 1:19) Seeking understanding before responding Choosing forgiveness over grudges Inviting God into conflict and relying on His wisdom 3. “I’ve Just Touched a Wound, But I Did Not Cause It” We’ll discuss why your spouse’s strong reactions may be tied to old wounds—and why you don’t need to deflect, defend, people-please, or withdraw. Instead, you can stay present and curious to create emotional safety. 4. How Curiosity Builds Connection Asking thoughtful questions instead of assuming Creating emotional safety and trust Discovering what’s really happening beneath the surface Resources & Next Steps 📄 Download the free Spiritual Maturity in Marriage Assessment to practice curiosity in your marriage. Includes curiosity question prompts. Episode 140 When the Past Shows up Uninvited in Your Marriage 💬 If you need help navigating conflict and rebuilding connection, visit to learn about our Christ-centered counseling and coaching. /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/38503910

Ep. 155: Healing Your Marriage After Chronic Illness 10/02/2025

Ep. 155: Healing Your Marriage After Chronic Illness When chronic illness enters a marriage, it doesn’t just affect one person—it touches everything. Routines shift, intimacy changes, energy drops, and even the way you see each other can be altered. In this honest and hope-filled episode, we talk about the silent grief couples carry, the changes they face, and how to begin healing and reconnecting in a new, grace-filled way. We even share our own personal story. Whether you’re the one facing health challenges or the one walking alongside, there is hope for restoration—not necessarily of the “before” life, but of connection, intimacy, and partnership in the “now.” What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The unspoken losses chronic illness brings into marriage—and why it’s okay to grieve them How to rebuild connection and intimacy in new and meaningful ways Practical steps for healing together and making space for honest conversations Encouragement and Scripture to remind you that you’re not alone in this journey Key Takeaways & Scriptures: 💬 “When chronic illness enters a marriage, it doesn’t just affect one person—it touches everything. But it doesn’t have to define everything.” 📖 Romans 12:15 – “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” 📖 1 Corinthians 13:7 – “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 📖 Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 – “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Links & Resources: Download the Couples Conversation Worksheet (I)– Use this free guide to start meaningful conversations about healing and connection in your marriage after chronic illness. Check out Jackie Hill Perry’s teaching on In Defence of Hope. We know it will be an ecnouragement for you. Need more support? Visit for coaching, resources, and tools. Share this episode with a friend or couple who’s navigating chronic illness—they need encouragement too! Let’s Connect: If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it. Together, we can spread hope and equip more marriages to thrive—no matter the season they’re in. /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/38409035

Ep. 154: When Love Feels Like a Roller Coaster: Understanding the Vacillator in Marriage 09/25/2025

Ep. 154: When Love Feels Like a Roller Coaster: Understanding the Vacillator in Marriage Does your relationship ever feel like it swings from intense connection to deep frustration—and then back again? If so, you may be married to a Vacillator. In today’s episode, we’re diving into what it’s like to live and love with this emotional love style, and how you can find more stability and connection together. 💬 “Being married to a Vacillator can feel like navigating emotional whiplash—passionate connection one moment, frustration and distance the next.” This episode is all about understanding the why behind the ups and downs—and learning how to build trust and steadiness in a sensitive, emotionally-charged marriage. 🧭 What You’ll Learn: What defines the Vacillator Love Style and where it originates Why Vacillators often feel disappointed or emotionally overwhelmed The impact this love style has on a marriage What a Vacillator truly needs from their spouse How Vacillators themselves can grow emotionally and spiritually 💡 Key Traits of a Vacillator: Craves deep connection, but fears rejection Easily feels hurt or let down by perceived distance Struggles with waiting, emotional regulation, and trust Idealizes, then devalues their spouse when expectations aren’t met 📖 Scriptures Mentioned: Isaiah 30:18 – “The Lord longs to be gracious to you…” 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 – “Love is patient, love is kind… it is not easily angered…” Psalm 62:5–6 – “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence… He only is my rock…” ❤️ 3 Practical Things Vacillators Need: Consistent and Predictable Connection → Small follow-throughs build trust and soothe abandonment fears. Attuned Listening Without Defensiveness → Validation and reflection are more healing than explanation. Grace When They Emotionally Escalate → Compassion in their emotional moments creates safety, not shame. 💬 “Vacillators heal when love stops being unpredictable and starts becoming trustworthy.” 🎯 Take Action: 📤 Share this episode with someone navigating emotional cycles in their marriage 🌐 Visit for biblical tools and counseling • • ⭐️ Leave a review to help others find truth and encouragement /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/38318575

Ep. 153: When One of You Can’t Say No: Understanding the Pleaser in Marriage 09/18/2025

Ep. 153: When One of You Can’t Say No: Understanding the Pleaser in Marriage Does your spouse always say “yes,” avoid conflict, or seem overly focused on making everyone else happy—even at their own expense? You may be married to a Pleaser. In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really means to be married to a Pleaser—how this love style forms, how it impacts your relationship, and what both of you can do to create deeper emotional intimacy. 💬 “Pleasers aren’t trying to be fake—they’re trying to stay safe.” This episode is all about moving from performance to authenticity—and learning to build a marriage where honesty, vulnerability, and mutual care are welcome. 🧭 What You’ll Learn: What drives the Pleaser Love Style Why pleasers often avoid conflict and overextend themselves What it’s like being married to a Pleaser—and the hidden costs of chronic “yes” How to respond with love, not pressure Practical steps for Pleasers to grow in confidence and connection 💡 Key Highlights: Pleasers often come from critical or high-pressure homes and learned to keep the peace by minimizing their needs. Being married to a Pleaser may feel emotionally confusing—because it’s hard to connect with someone who won’t show you their full self. Change is possible when Pleasers feel safe to express, say no, and trust that love isn’t based on performance. 📖 Scriptures Mentioned: Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” Ephesians 4:15 – “Speak the truth in love…” 🎯 Take Action: 💬 Talk with your spouse using these connecting questions: What is one thing I can do for you to help make tomorrow easier? What reactions of mine tend to be stressful to you? Is there an area of your life, even with me, where you feel like you have to walk on eggshells? Why is that? 📤 Share this episode with a friend or couple who may need it. ⭐️ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help other couples find biblical encouragement. 🔗 Visit for more marriage tools and support. 💭 You don’t have to earn love through peacekeeping. Real connection happens when you let yourself be known—and loved—in truth. /episode/index/show/expeditionmarriage/id/38209940

Ep. 152: When One of You Shuts Down: Understanding the Avoider in Marriage 09/11/2025

Ep. 151: Letting Go of Control: Trusting God with Your Marriage and Your Spouse 09/04/2025

Expedition Marriage with Chris & Jamie Bailey

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