Christian Marriage Podcasts - any you listen to?

[WolfGate]

I've listened to quite a few. Many of them had me banging my head in frustration with things like gross generalizations, over-spiritualization/lack of practical application, or a inability to talk openly and comfortably about difficult topics. In the end I settled on three that I listen to regularly. All three do have discussion of married sex as a significant, though not the only, part of their focus. While I was not specifically looking for that, I do think that the hosts ability to discuss sex comfortably, openly and practically carries over into all other sensitive areas as well. All three support sex within the confines of marriage.

These are my 3:
Naked Marriage Podcast - Dave and Ashley Willis. The title is of course a double entendre, but naked in their podcast means being open and transparent with your spouse in all areas. They discuss a wide range of topics that impact marriages including health, emotional, parenting, spiritual and sexual.

One ExtraOrdinary Marriage - Tony and Alisa DeLorenzo - while they are perhaps best known for something I am not interested in, the 30 Day Sex Challenge that was a fad in some churches a decade or so ago, I really like the 6 Pillars of Intimacy model they use which is the foundation for their entire ministry. They break intimacy into 6 broad categories (Emotional, Financial, Spiritual, Recreational, Physical, Sexual) and discuss various aspects such as how every couple will have different levels of desire for each of those and how to approach issues around them.

Sexy Marriage Radio - Dr. Corey Allan and Pam Allen - as the title would imply this is the most sexually focused of the three, yet there is also a lot of good perspective on personal accountability approaches to all kinds of marriage issues. His framework for transparency, being open in discussing difficult issues and being clear in what you want with your spouse - and then maturely handling their response, is really strong IMHO.

Any favorite podcasts you have?

 

[mama2one]

we do not listen to podcasts

however, we recently took a marriage course through a local church

professionally done videos to watch, homework from a book to do as a couple, & met online weekly for couple mos with other couples/mentors

we both learned from course & would like to do again if they have course #2

 

[WolfGate]

we do not listen to podcasts

however, we recently took a marriage course through a local church

professionally done videos to watch, homework from a book to do as a couple, & met online weekly for couple mos with other couples/mentors

we both learned from course & would like to do again if they have course #2

Do you know who created the course? Sounds like it was really good for you two.

 

[mama2one]

book- "The Marriage Course Study Journal"
designed for use with "The Marriage Course DVD Film Series


7 sessions:
Strengthening Connection
Art of Communication
Resolving Conflict
Power of Forgiveness
Impact of Family
Good Sex
Love in Action

AlphaUSA.org/Marriage

 

[Swan7]

The Bible and the Spirit is all hubby and I need.

 

[WolfGate]

The Bible and the Spirit is all hubby and I need.

Might not have been your intent, but your response reads to me a bit haughty. I think it clearly modeled throughout scripture that we are to live in community, supporting and teaching one another as the collective church discerns God's word. Even the great Pastors and leaders of today have those they turn to for perspective, counsel and advice, in person or through books and other media. Acting like there is no need for Christians to listen to others who have greater knowledge in some areas is damaging to the church.

Proverbs 15:22 - Without consultation, plans are frustrated. But with many counselors they succeed.

Proverbs 13:10 - Through insolence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those who receive counsel.

 

[mama2one]

.

 

[Toro]

Might not have been your intent, but your response reads to me a bit haughty. I think it clearly modeled throughout scripture that we are to live in community, supporting and teaching one another as the collective church discerns God's word. Even the great Pastors and leaders of today have those they turn to for perspective, counsel and advice, in person or through books and other media. Acting like there is no need for Christians to listen to others who have greater knowledge in some areas is damaging to the church.

Proverbs 15:22 - Without consultation, plans are frustrated. But with many counselors they succeed.

Proverbs 13:10 - Through insolence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those who receive counsel.

She was saying that far too many Christians seek guidance through man rather than seeking God and keeping Him as the glue for a marriage. Just cause one marriage used a certain method or trick doesnt mean it will work for another. Seek advice from man, you will go the way of man.

That is not haughty regardless of how you feel.

IF you want to be able to love someone more, are you more likely to achieve a heart change through a podcast or through the Spirit?

IF you want to forgive a spouse for a mistake... big or small is any real change more likely to come by way of podcast or by the Spirit?

Etc.

Nothing wrong with listening to others, but if at the beginning of the day and end of the day your guidance, pleas and petitions arent to and from God......What good are a million libraries or podcasts? The changes will at best... be shallow and only lasting for a time.

When my marriage is good it is because He who is in me... because me, lacking Him is selfish and can not rightly serve another in love.

 

[Swan7]

Might not have been your intent, but your response reads to me a bit haughty.

Then why don't you just ask instead of assuming how my tone was? Funny thing about text is this very thought process. It's actually why I don't post much unless I'm guided to. My husband knows me very well and God knows my heart and God knows how exhausting this is for me, and yet I still seek community/family with His people...

 

[WolfGate]

Then why don't you just ask instead of assuming how my tone was? Funny thing about text is this very thought process. It's actually why I don't post much unless I'm guided to. My husband knows me very well and God knows my heart and God knows how exhausting this is for me, and yet I still seek community/family with His people...

Swan7 - I thought I clearly indicated it was my interpretation and therefore I might be incorrect as to your attitude. I never said you were being haughty; I said it read that way to me - which again is about my interpretation and is not an assumption you were being that way.

 

[Swan7]

Swan7 - I thought I clearly indicated it was my interpretation and therefore I might be incorrect as to your attitude. I never said you were being haughty; I said it read that way to me - which again is about my interpretation and is not an assumption you were being that way.

But it was. You didn't ask what I had meant or anything. You said you read it in such a way. That is an assumption. All I'm saying is that you please ask instead of just assuming.

 

[WolfGate]

She was saying that far too many Christians seek guidance through man rather than seeking God and keeping Him as the glue for a marriage. Just cause one marriage used a certain method or trick doesnt mean it will work for another. Seek advice from man, you will go the way of man.

That is not haughty regardless of how you feel.

IF you want to be able to love someone more, are you more likely to achieve a heart change through a podcast or through the Spirit?

IF you want to forgive a spouse for a mistake... big or small is any real change more likely to come by way of podcast or by the Spirit?

Etc.

Nothing wrong with listening to others, but if at the beginning of the day and end of the day your guidance, pleas and petitions arent to and from God......What good are a million libraries or podcasts? The changes will at best... be shallow and only lasting for a time.

When my marriage is good it is because He who is in me... because me, lacking Him is selfish and can not rightly serve another in love.

How do you get all of that from a simple statement "The Bible and the Spirit is all hubby and I need." I don't see your comments in that sentence.

I appreciate your belief above because what you said aligns very well with mine. I also know we are instructed to seek counsel from other believers - which every one of those I referenced are. Would you listen to your pastor's guidance? Are you making an assumption that the people running those podcasts are not believers? One of them is an ordained pastor with vast experience in family ministry. Another has been involved in ministry and is has a doctorate in family counseling. All of them are believers with a biblical view of marriage. I never said and never would say to ignore the bible or the Spirit. I started this post with a suggestion for Christian podcasts that I found helpful and asking if anyone had others to suggest.

 

[WolfGate]

But it was. You didn't ask what I had meant or anything. You said you read it in such a way. That is an assumption. All I'm saying is that you please ask instead of just assuming.

OK, written word can be hard to get nuances for sure. Please accept I was not assuming, but was simply trying to let you know how I read what you said. That's on me. OK?

 

[Toro]

How do you get all of that from a simple statement "The Bible and the Spirit is all hubby and I need." I don't see your comments in that sentence.

I appreciate your belief above because what you said aligns very well with mine. I also know we are instructed to seek counsel from other believers - which every one of those I referenced are. Would you listen to your pastor's guidance? Are you making an assumption that the people running those podcasts are not believers? One of them is an ordained pastor with vast experience in family ministry. Another has been involved in ministry and is has a doctorate in family counseling. All of them are believers with a biblical view of marriage. I never said and never would say to ignore the bible or the Spirit. I started this post with a suggestion for Christian podcasts that I found helpful and asking if anyone had others to suggest.

1) Because I know my wife.
2) Because she didnt put down anyone, she simply stated what is true in the bible, that our hope and our trust should be upon Him.... NOT the wisdom of men

I never made such assumptions about any podcast host, and while experience seems good on paper, NOBODY had a greater understanding of the law and knowledge of God more than the Pharisees, so credentials dont necessarily make a host, member or guest more, or less qualified than another when dealing with having the Holy Spirit and ability to guide by that Spirit. However, IF they lead you to buy their book rather than point you in the direction of the Father and following Christ, I would be suspect as to whom they serve, NOT in judgement of them, but by the fruits of their actions. Anyone worth listening to... will ALWAYS direct you to God, not to the wisdom of men and leaning upon your own understandings.

Paul said Follow me as I follow Christ, ALL ultimately leading us back to Christ, ALWAYS to Christ.

As for would I listen to pastors? That depends on the fruit they bare and to what is said.... IF it is a pastor offering correction to my error, then Yes, I try to be open to that correction for I am incredibly flawed and want to heed correction regardless of the source and how or who God speaks to me through.

As for guidance of "pastors" that I would listen to... they.. offer the same advice... look to God, not to man.

Testimonies of others is good, for we can see what God brought them through, knowing, He can do the same for us. Seeking to be told which way to go, actions to take... etc... no matter how well intended... are taken in error.

IF someone is holding their breath and needs air..... IF I advise the person to breath deeply.... thats great if they are on land, their lungs are filled with air..... IF that person is under water... they die. Only God truly knows where any of us are and it is His wisdom and guidance we should seek... not that of men.

 

[Swan7]

May God bless you, sir.

 

[mama2one]

the marriage course was handled through a local church & the advisors were both couples who have been in ministry to married couples for years
(one for over 10 yrs)

each session started & ended with prayer & we were asked to prayer with & for our spouses

chapters in book had verses from the Bible which related to each chapter topic
however, the Bible does not going into details like the marriage course did so the marriage course was beneficial

the communication method for couples was also useful & not in the Bible anywhere

the chapter on "impact of family" shows how one grew up affects what they bring to marriage
we each grew up differently (yet same on some things) so this also brought insight to us for our marriage

 

[WolfGate]

1) Because I know my wife.

Yes, that would give you an excellent understanding of what was behind her statement.

2) Because she didnt put down anyone, she simply stated what is true in the bible, that our hope and our trust should be upon Him.... NOT the wisdom of men

She has said she was not putting anyone down or being haughty. I believe her

I never made such assumptions about any podcast host, and while experience seems good on paper, NOBODY had a greater understanding of the law and knowledge of God more than the Pharisees, so credentials dont necessarily make a host, member or guest more, or less qualified than another when dealing with having the Holy Spirit and ability to guide by that Spirit. However, IF they lead you to buy their book rather than point you in the direction of the Father and following Christ, I would be suspect as to whom they serve, NOT in judgement of them, but by the fruits of their actions. Anyone worth listening to... will ALWAYS direct you to God, not to the wisdom of men and leaning upon your own understandings.

Paul said Follow me as I follow Christ, ALL ultimately leading us back to Christ, ALWAYS to Christ.

As for would I listen to pastors? That depends on the fruit they bare and to what is said.... IF it is a pastor offering correction to my error, then Yes, I try to be open to that correction for I am incredibly flawed and want to heed correction regardless of the source and how or who God speaks to me through.

As for guidance of "pastors" that I would listen to... they.. offer the same advice... look to God, not to man.

Testimonies of others is good, for we can see what God brought them through, knowing, He can do the same for us. Seeking to be told which way to go, actions to take... etc... no matter how well intended... are taken in error.

IF someone is holding their breath and needs air..... IF I advise the person to breath deeply.... thats great if they are on land, their lungs are filled with air..... IF that person is under water... they die. Only God truly knows where any of us are and it is His wisdom and guidance we should seek... not that of men.

Yes, I agree in general with the principles you state in this post. Everything a person says in advice (counsel) to another believer should always be strained by the receiver through the Bible and through the voice of the Holy Spirit. Still, counsel has value beyond correction because there are many things learned through experience that are not detailed in the Bible. The principles are always biblical, but the steps and methods to take while staying pointed to God can either be discovered by trail and error or by learning from other who walked that path before. That, IMHO, is also part of what is referenced in Proverbs and other verses about counsel.

That was the intention of my OP. Suggesting some resources by believers that are consistent with scripture while also providing practical steps and applications - and asking if there were others people had found valuable.

 

[WolfGate]

May God bless you, sir.

I pray for His blessing on you as well.

 

[mama2one]

there's also nothing in the Bible that I know of about the Love languages

when we did the exercises, I knew husband's top 3 & in order; he did not know my # 1 love language

couples can go for years feeling unloved if a spouse uses their own love language instead of knowing & using their partner's love language

wouldn't even be surprised if that is the cause of some divorces...a spouse feeling unloved

 

[Toro]

Im not against your OP, just answering questions you posed.

There is purpose and good to be found in counsel AND in fellowship. Absolutely.

The problem is FAR too often..... Christians seek knowledge from men more than guidance from God.

There is plenty in life that God says to me that I do not hear because I am too prideful, to quick to anger... etc... but proper fellowship and counsel should ALWAYS be geared towards helping me to hear Him better, not so much in DIY tricks to fixing or improving something.

With respect, I do not believe in "love languages" there is love.... and then there is rhat which man twists to resemble love.

We are not told in the bible "He who hates his brother need to understand his love language better". We are told, IF we do not love our brother(sister) that the love of the Father is not in us.... so ANY language we speak and call love.... is a lie.

We either love.... or we lie.

We either serve... in love.... or... we lie.

These made up terms of love language.. only complicate the issue.

IF I do not serve the Lord my God through Him, into obedience. (Though I will not ever be perfect... always in need of His grace and mercy).. I do not love Him (In not being perfect will never love Him as I should and as He deserves)

IF I can not put my wife before my own flesh serving her needs before my own... as Christ to the church.... then my love is false. God's design in marriage, I serve her flesh, she serves mine, as one flesh, through Him and by Him, as an ultimate service to Him... IF I worry of her and she of me, then I need not be first in my marriage, for I take care of her, she of me... and as such... all that is needed is honesty and truth with God, enabling each to love the other (in service to) as they should as two flawed children of God, walk in honesty with eachother.