A Purpose Driven Marriage Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Is your marriage built to last—or to be left when it no longer meets your expectations?
This week on A Purpose Driven Marriage, we’re unpacking a foundational question:
👉 Are you living out your marriage as a contract… or a covenant?

In a culture that glorifies self-fulfillment and exits at the first sign of discomfort, we’re diving into the difference between the world’s view of marriage and God’s design. Through candid conversation, biblical truth, coaching insights, and real-life reflection, Duane and Nadine walk you through:

• What it means to have a contractual mindset vs. a covenantal mindset

• How contract-thinking leads to insecurity, conditional love, and emotional distance

• What the Bible teaches about covenant love (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5, Malachi 2:14)

• Why covenant love is about giving, not receiving

• How even secular studies—including those from Dr. John Gottman—support the benefits of covenant-style commitment

• How your view of marriage shapes your communication, intimacy, and long-term resilience

• Why covenant marriages don’t just bless the couple—they shape generations

• Contract marriages say: “If you do this, I’ll do that.”
  Covenant marriages say: “Even if you don’t, I’m still here.”

• God's model for marriage is sacrificial, not transactional.

• The covenant mindset provides security, purpose, and spiritual alignment.

• You can shift from self-protection to selfless love—and your marriage will thrive for it.

• 0:00 – Intro: Marriage by God’s Design

• 2:45 – Culture’s Contractual View of Marriage

• 6:15 – “I’ll stay as long as I’m happy” – The Danger of Conditions

• 9:00 – How a contract mindset creates emotional insecurity

• 12:40 – What is a covenant marriage, really?

• 14:00 – God’s blueprint: Ephesians 5 & sacrificial love

• 17:30 – When one spouse is struggling—what covenant commitment looks like

• 20:50 – Even if you’re not a Christian, covenant principles still apply

• 21:45 – Research: Commitment = Relationship Success (Gottman, UVA, JFP)

• 24:00 – “Interested” vs. “Committed” mindsets

• 30:00 – Choosing love rooted in God, not performance

• 32:00 – A marriage that builds legacy for generations

• 34:00 – Listener challenge + closing encouragement

✨ Follow us on Instagram & TikTok (@apurposedrivenmarriage) for daily marriage tips
✨ Want to work together? Book a coaching session at https://apurposedrivenmarriage.com/
✨ Found this helpful? Send it to a friend or leave a review! It seriously means so much 💛

After 26 years of marriage, I’ve learned a lot—about love, family, communication, intimacy, faith, and what it really means to grow through every season together.

In this heartfelt episode, I’m sharing 26 real, honest, and practical tips I’d give to any wife who wants a stronger, more connected, and purpose-driven marriage. Some are serious. Some are funny. All of them are real-life tested and come from lessons I’ve learned as a wife, a mother, and a woman determined to keep building a marriage that thrives.

Whether you’ve been married two years or twenty, there’s something here for you.

✔️ Why your marriage foundation matters more than anything
✔️ The truth about sex and connection after decades together
✔️ How to fight fair and know when to call a timeout
✔️ Why your husband needs to feel respected, appreciated, and desired
✔️ The power of believing the best about your spouse
✔️ How friendship, support, and laughter make all the difference
✔️ And so much more…

💖 This episode is for every wife who’s serious about building a marriage that lasts. And if you’ve got a notebook nearby, you might want to take a few notes!

💌 What’s one tip that’s helped you in your marriage? Hit reply and share—I’d love to hear from you.

✨ Follow us on Instagram & TikTok (@apurposedrivenmarriage) for daily marriage tips
✨ Want to work together? Book a coaching session at https://apurposedrivenmarriage.com/
✨ Found this helpful? Send it to a friend or leave a review! It seriously means so much 💛

What if we told you that one of the secrets to a thriving marriage lies in one simple—but often overlooked—skill? In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, we dive into the transformative power of listening to understand.

Active listening isn’t just a corporate buzzword; it’s a game-changer for relationships. Research shows that couples who prioritize listening experience increased satisfaction, stronger emotional connections, and are less likely to divorce. Tune in as we share personal stories, practical strategies, and proven techniques to help you become a better listener in your marriage.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Difference Between Hearing and Listening to Understand

   • Why your spouse needs more than a quick “I heard you.”
   • How listening to understand builds trust and intimacy.

2. The Science of Listening in Relationships

   • Studies reveal that active listening can increase marital satisfaction by 30%.
   • Emotional attunement: Why it’s key to resolving conflicts.

3. Challenges to Effective Listening

   • Overcoming distractions in our busy lives.
   • Handling defensiveness and keeping emotions in check.

4. Practical Tips to Improve Your Listening Skills Today

   • The “Witnessing” technique to ensure your partner feels heard.
   • Creating designated spaces for undistracted conversations.
   • How to call a respectful “time out” when emotions run high.

🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage.
📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage.
💌 Email us at nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com.

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show!

Does it feel like your communication with your spouse could use a tune-up? In this episode, we tackle five common communication mistakes couples often make—and, more importantly, how to fix them! From poor listening habits to unrealistic expectations, we’re breaking down the barriers to understanding and offering practical solutions to help you and your partner connect on a deeper level. Whether you've been married for decades or are newlyweds, this episode is packed with relatable scenarios, laughter, and actionable insights to strengthen your relationship.

Key Takeaways:

1. Poor Listening: Learn how to listen to understand rather than just respond, and why this skill is the ultimate relationship game-changer.
2. Assuming Mind-Reading Abilities: Discover the importance of clear, direct communication and why your spouse isn’t a psychic!
3. Reacting Emotionally Instead of Responding Thoughtfully: Master the art of pausing before reacting to create a more empathetic and constructive dialogue.
4. Sweeping Issues Under the Rug: Find out how to address conflicts head-on while respecting each other's communication styles.
5. Using Negative Communication Patterns: We dive into Dr. John Gottman’s “Four Horsemen” (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling) and their antidotes to protect your marriage.

Resources Mentioned:

• Communication Style Quiz: [Click here to take the quiz]
• Conflict Style Quiz: [Click here to take the quiz]

🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage.
💌 Email us your favorite memory as a couple, or let us know how this episode resonated with you at nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com.

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show!

Do fights in your relationship leave you feeling disconnected, frustrated, or unsure of how to move forward? You’re not alone! In this episode, we tackle one of the most challenging aspects of any marriage: resolving conflicts in a way that not only heals wounds but strengthens your bond.

We dive into why conflict is a natural part of relationships and how it can become an opportunity to deepen connection. Learn our 5 proven steps to navigate post-fight resolution, from understanding your spouse’s perspective to rebuilding trust and creating a plan to avoid future misunderstandings.

If you’ve ever struggled to truly move past an argument or want to transform conflict into growth, this episode is for you!

1. Why Communication Issues Often Stem from Connection Problems – Discover how addressing disconnection can make communication smoother.

2. The Power of Vulnerability and Empathy – Learn how to validate your spouse’s feelings and uncover the “need behind the need.”

3. 5-Step Framework for Healing After a Fight:

   • Step 1: Share your feelings without blame.
   • Step 2: Describe your realities and perceptions calmly.
   • Step 3: Use empathy and validation to connect.
   • Step 4: Take responsibility for your role in the conflict.
   • Step 5: Plan constructive ways to avoid repeating the same issues.

4. Why Skipping Steps Can Sabotage Trust – Hear why jumping straight to “I’m sorry” without understanding the deeper issue can backfire.

🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage.
💌 Email us your favorite memory as a couple, or let us know how this episode resonated with you at nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com.

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show!

As we close out another year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the journey you and your spouse have traveled together. In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of reminiscing and how looking back on shared memories can actually bring you closer as a couple. Whether it’s revisiting the day you first met, reflecting on challenges you’ve overcome, or celebrating the wins of the past year, reminiscing strengthens your connection and deepens your love.

We’ll explore:

• Why reminiscing is often overlooked but vital for marital happiness.
• How to use shared memories to rebuild intimacy and rekindle your spark.
• Dr. John Gottman’s insights on reminiscing and its impact on emotional connection.
• Practical tips to reflect on your past year together and set the stage for an even stronger future.

Grab a cozy spot, your favorite beverage, and your spouse—let’s reminisce and reconnect!

1. The Science of Reminiscing: Why shared memories improve marital satisfaction and protect against negativity.
2. The Reset Button Effect: How reflecting on your relationship’s “origin story” can reignite love and understanding.
3. Overcoming Challenges Together: Using memories of tough times to foster gratitude, growth, and resilience.
4. Practical Tools for Reflection: Thoughtful questions and exercises to start reminiscing with your spouse today.
5. A Biblical Perspective: How remembering God’s faithfulness in your marriage can guide and inspire your journey forward.

💬 “Reminiscing isn’t just about the past—it’s a way to reconnect in the present and strengthen your bond for the future.”
💬 “When couples reflect on their shared journey, they rediscover their ‘why’ and reignite the love that brought them together in the first place.”

• Set aside time this week to reflect on 2024 with your spouse. Start with questions like, “What was our greatest challenge this year, and how did we grow from it?”
• Try creating an annual end-of-year tradition where you celebrate wins, reflect on lessons, and set goals for the year ahead.
• Keep it simple: Reminiscing doesn’t require a big production. A heartfelt conversation over coffee or a walk down memory lane with old photos can make a huge difference.

🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage.
📲 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage.
💌 Email us your favorite memory as a couple, or let us know how this episode resonated with you at nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com.

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show!

What’s your favorite memory as a couple? Share it on social media and tag us with #MarriageReflections #ReminisceTogether

What if one simple habit could transform your marriage, deepen your connection with your spouse, and bring lasting peace to your relationship? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the life-changing practice of praying together as a couple.

Join us as we explore:
✨ Why praying together strengthens your bond and invites God into your marriage.
✨ The powerful findings from the 1997 Gallup study on prayer and marriage (hint: couples who pray together have a divorce rate of less than 1%!).
✨ Practical tips for starting a prayer routine, even if it feels intimidating or awkward at first.
✨ How prayer fosters intimacy, trust, and unity—even in tough seasons of life.

We also share personal stories from our own marriage, including a season when prayer brought us closer together during one of the hardest times we’ve faced.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep God at the center of your relationship or felt unsure about how to start praying as a couple, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Biblical foundation for praying as a couple.
2. Research-backed benefits of prayer in marriage.
3. Simple, practical steps to start praying together daily.
4. How to overcome common roadblocks to couple prayer.

Resources and References Mentioned:
📖 Scripture Highlights:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – "Pray without ceasing."
• Romans 8:26 – The Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us.

📊 Studies Cited:

• 1997 Gallup study on divorce rates among couples who pray together.
• 2010 Study from University of Texas at San Antonio "The Couple That Prays Together: Race and Ethnicity, Religion, and Relationship Quality Among Working-Age Adults"

💡 Recommended Reading:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear (for building consistent habits).

Challenge of the Week:
Take five minutes this week to pray with your spouse. Whether it’s before bed, in the car, or over coffee, start small and stay consistent. Trust us—it’s worth it!

Connect With Us:
🌐 Visit our website
📸 Follow us on Instagram

Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcasts! It helps us reach more couples and share the message of Christ-centered marriage.

In this festive yet demanding season, the holidays can sometimes bring more stress than joy—especially for couples juggling family dynamics, hosting duties, and endless to-do lists. In this episode, Duane and Nadine share their personal experiences of navigating holiday stress as a couple, offering practical tips and biblical wisdom to help you manage the season without burning out.

Discover how to prioritize your marriage, set realistic expectations, and foster traditions that bring your family closer together. You'll also learn creative ways to handle financial pressures, host without the overwhelm, and stay focused on the true reason for the season: celebrating Christ's birth.

Whether you're hosting a full house or trying to navigate blended family obligations, this episode is packed with tools to help your marriage thrive during the holidays.

1. What is holiday burnout, and how does it affect couples?

   • Common stressors during the holiday season and how to address them.

2. Prioritizing your marriage during busy times:

   • Why scheduling intentional moments with your spouse is essential.
   • How to create "reset time" as a couple—even in a house full of guests.

3. Embracing and creating meaningful traditions:

   • The importance of family-centered traditions and how they strengthen bonds.
   • Practical ideas to make your holidays memorable without added stress.

4. Managing expectations and setting boundaries:

   • How to avoid financial strain with budgeting and gift-giving strategies.
   • Tips for hosting large gatherings without burning out.

5. Remembering the reason for the season:

   • Keeping Christ at the center of your celebrations and teaching your family to focus on faith.

• Join the 12 Days of Christmas Spark Challenge!
  Add fun to your marriage this season with daily prompts to prioritize your relationship. It's not too late to join—sign up here!

• Connect with Us:

  • Instagram: @APurposeDrivenMarriage
  • TikTok: @APurposeDrivenMarriage
  • Website: www.APurposeDrivenMarriage.com

If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a review and share it with a friend who could use some holiday stress relief! Your support means the world to us.

Welcome to another episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage Podcast with your hosts, Duane and Nadine Stewart! Today, we’re diving into an eye-opening and heartfelt discussion about what husbands really want from their wife. Whether you're looking to deepen your connection or gain a better understanding of your spouse, this episode will offer practical wisdom delivered by Duane himself.

1:23 - What Do Husbands Really Want?
Discover the core desires of a husband and how they can transform a marriage when recognized and nurtured.

3:09 - The Need for Respect
Why respect is foundational for husbands and how showing it builds trust and intimacy.

6:24 - Encouragement and Leadership
Explore the ways wives can affirm their husband’s leadership while fostering a supportive dynamic.

11:23 - Desire and Intimacy
Uncover the importance of a husband feeling desired and, ladies, it's not what you think.

16:29 - Allowing Men to Be Men
Learn how to encourage your husband to step into and carry out his role as the man in the relationship

29:21 - Communication Styles and Emotions
Bridge the gap in communication differences and create a space for honest emotional expression.

• Husbands deeply value respect, encouragement, and the freedom to express themselves without judgment.
• Feeling desired and supported empowers men to thrive as husbands and leaders in the home.

✨ Our BLACK FRIDAY SALE is extended for our Podcast Listeners

Get 50% off the Guide to Goal Setting for Christian Couples with BONUS Guide to Creating a Marriage Mission Statement. Click on this link to get our  special Black Friday offer. Hurry because this 50% off offer for our listeners will only be around until December 5th!

👉 Subscribe and leave a review to support our mission of helping couples build thriving, God-centered marriages.

✨ Get your FREE Feelings Word List here

Follow us for more helpful tools, encouragement and resources for your relationship!

A Purpose Driven Marriage Website

Connect with us on Instagram @apurposedrivenmarriage

Follow us on Facebook @apurposedrivenmarriage

To contact Nadine about Relationship Coaching, Premarital Counseling, speaking at your event, or hosting a workshop, email nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com.

Join Duane and Nadine Stewart as they dive deep into the incredible, and transformative impact of gratitude on your marriage. Learn why expressing thankfulness goes beyond politeness—it’s a foundational practice that can strengthen your emotional connection and is the "secret sauce" in most thriving lasting relationships.

In this episode, we explore:
🌟 3 lasting benefits of incorporating gratitude in your marriage.
🌟 The science behind gratitude and its ability to combat negativity and anxiety.
🌟 Practical tips to build habits of thankfulness that can transform your relationship.

Packed with heartfelt stories, biblical wisdom, and actionable advice, this episode will inspire you to reframe your perspective and prioritize gratitude in your marriage. Plus, hear how you can take advantage of our special Black Friday deal on the Goal-Setting Guide for Couples—an essential resource for dreaming big and growing together.

Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Validation in Marriage
00:45 Welcome to Purpose Driven Marriage Podcast
01:26 The Transformative Power of Gratitude
02:29 Timeless Lessons from Elderly Couples
04:43 Overcoming Negative Thought Patterns
06:34 Developing Habits That Build Positivity
08:36 Gratitude as a Key to Emotional Connection
15:38 A Long-Term Perspective on Building a Thriving Marriage
17:14 The Impact of Unkindness and Negative Cycles
17:53 Real-Life Transformation Through Compassion and Gratitude
20:27 How Gratitude Can Be a Game-Changer in Relationships
21:00 Cultivating Joy and Satisfaction Through Thankfulness
22:55 Gratitude as a Tool to Combat Anxiety
29:55 Dream Big Together: The Importance of Setting Goals
31:41 Closing Thoughts and a Sneak Peek at the Next Episode

Don’t Miss Out!
Listen now and start unlocking the power of gratitude to transform your marriage today. 💑

✨ BLACK FRIDAY SALE 

Plus, don’t miss out on our special Black Friday offer exclusively for our podcast listeners. Get 50% off the Guide to Goal Setting for Christian Couples with BONUS Guide to Creating a Marriage Mission Statement. Hurry because this 50% off offer for our listeners will only be around until December 5th!

👉 Subscribe and leave a review to support our mission of helping couples build thriving, God-centered marriages.

Follow us for more helpful tools, encouragement and resources for your relationship!

A Purpose Driven Marriage Website

Connect with us on Instagram @apurposedrivenmarriage

Follow us on Facebook @apurposedrivenmarriage

To contact Nadine about Relationship Coaching, Premarital Counseling, speaking at your event, or hosting a workshop, email nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com.