Explore every episode of the podcast One Degree Marriage: Christ-Centered Communication & Habits
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feeling Disconnected From Your Spouse? 7 Simple Habits to Grow Closer (Replay) | 12 oct. 2026 | 00:26:46 | |
Feeling more like roommates than teammates lately? Or maybe things are good, but you know there’s room to go deeper. In this replay of one of our most popular episodes (a rare solo one, since it’s just Xan this time), we walk through 7 practical habits that deeply connected couples actually practice. You don’t have to do all seven. Pick one or two to start this week and watch how those small, one-degree shifts add up. These habits aren’t a checklist to crush. Our hope is that they encourage you to seek the Lord more deeply first, and then to seek deeper connection with your spouse. Resources mentioned:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a couple who might need it, and subscribe so you never miss a one-degree shift. | |||
| 177: How to Lead Like Christ as a Husband | 05 oct. 2026 | 00:48:44 | |
Most husbands have heard that they are the head of the home. Far fewer have been told what kind of head they are supposed to be, and that gap is where a lot of quiet disconnection in a marriage starts. This week we sit down with Ephesians 5 and read it slowly, starting back at verse 18 where the whole thing is anchored: be filled with the Spirit. From there we work through what Paul actually asks of husbands, and it is not enforcement. Paul never tells a husband to make sure his wife submits. He spends three verses on wives and nine on husbands, and every one of those nine points the same direction: sacrificial love, modeled on a Jesus who washed feet and went to the cross. We look at what headship is not, four specific things Ephesians 5 asks husbands to do, and what all of it looks like on an ordinary Tuesday when nobody is watching. We also get honest about our own house, including where each of us is most tempted to lead by control instead of by serving. If you listened to last week's episode on what Ephesians 5 asks of wives, this is the other half of that conversation. | |||
| 176: How to Be a Godly Wife: What Ephesians 5 Really Says About Submission and Respect (Replay) | 28 sept. 2026 | 00:42:00 | |
This week we're bringing back one of our most popular episodes ever. If you're new here, welcome! And if you heard it the first time around, we think it's worth a second listen. What does it really mean for wives to "submit" to their husbands in Ephesians 5? Few verses about marriage cause more tension, confusion, or quiet eye rolls. Is submission blind obedience? Does it mean tolerating sin or abuse? Is it outdated or oppressive? Or is it something deeper, and actually freeing? In this episode, we unpack what the Bible really says about being a godly wife, how submission and respect play out in real life, and why this passage makes no sense unless you read it alongside Christ's call for husbands to love sacrificially. In this episode, we cover:
If you've wrestled with this passage, or avoided it altogether, this conversation will help you think biblically, clearly, and courageously about your role in marriage. Scripture referenced: Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Peter 3, Genesis 2 If this one helped, send it to a friend who has ever wrestled with this passage. Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode, and if you have a minute, leaving a review helps other couples find this Christian marriage podcast. Love you, fam. | |||
| 175: Setting Boundaries With Extended Family Without Starting a War | 21 sept. 2026 | 00:33:33 | |
The holidays are still months away on the calendar and already somebody is asking whose house you are coming to. If that question makes your stomach tighten, you are not the only couple feeling it. This week we are talking about what it actually looks like to set healthy boundaries with in-laws and extended family without blowing up the relationship. We walk through what Genesis 2:24 means by leave and cleave, why leaving your father and mother never cancels the command to honor them, and two of the healthiest in-law relationships in scripture. Then we get practical with five principles for navigating parents, in-laws, aunts, uncles, and everybody else who has an opinion about your marriage. We also talk honestly about the harder situations: what honoring looks like when there is addiction or abuse in the family, how to explain a limited relationship to your kids without tearing anyone down, and how to hold the holidays gently when grief is sitting at the table. Resources mentioned:
Here is your one degree shift: before the end of this month, sit down together and decide your Thanksgiving and Christmas plans out loud. Ask each other which tradition you would actually grieve losing and which one you would not mind letting go. Then tell both families what you decided, together. If this is the Christian marriage podcast conversation you have been avoiding, start with that fifteen minute talk. Share this episode with one couple heading into a tense holiday season, subscribe so you do not miss next week, and if it helped, leave us a review so other couples can find it. | |||
| 174: Family Mission Statement: How to Write One (and Live It) | 14 sept. 2026 | 00:35:55 | |
Most of us never sat down and decided what our family is actually about. We just started living, and somewhere along the way the answer got decided for us by our upbringing, our friend group, or whatever we scrolled past last night. This week we open up our own family mission statement, the six core values underneath it, and the weekly rhythm that keeps them from becoming a pretty sign we never look at. We walk through why we landed on pursue faithfulness, play the long game, and live with open hands, the one line we changed after seven years, and how we score our values one to five in our weekly marriage meeting so we know what to focus on next. If you have never written a family mission statement, or you wrote one at a retreat and have not touched it since, this one is for you. In this episode:
Resources mentioned:
Your one degree shift this week: sit down together, no date night required, and write a rough first draft of your family mission statement and five to seven core values. Let it sit for a couple of weeks before you lock it in. If you already have one, put it in your weekly marriage meeting and start scoring it. If this one helped, send it to one couple who is in a full, loud season and would love a little more intention in it. Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode of the podcast, and if you have a minute, leaving a review helps other couples find this Christian marriage podcast. Love you, fam. | |||
| 173: Venting vs. Inviting: Who Belongs in Your Marriage | 07 sept. 2026 | 00:29:04 | |
You can name the friend you would call if you needed to unload about your spouse. Now name the friend who would hear you out and then gently tell you the part you got wrong. Most of us have the first one. Almost none of us have the second. This week we talk about why your marriage was never meant to be lived privately. You made your vows in front of witnesses for a reason, and somewhere between the reception and real life, most of us quietly decided that our marriage was nobody else's business. We get into the difference between venting and inviting, which is not about what you say so much as what you are actually after. We walk through the three kinds of people worth letting in, the kinds who will do more harm than good, and the exact question that opens the door when you do not have anyone like that yet. We also tell on ourselves a little, because the wise couple twenty years ahead of us is the one thing we are still missing too. In this episode: 00:59 Why the witnesses at your wedding were supposed to be more than an audience 02:48 Highlight reels, and what we found when we got close to the "perfect" marriages 04:14 The two extremes couples swing between, and the middle ground nobody names 05:10 How to tell venting from inviting, by what you walk away feeling 07:07 The one word swap that changes the whole conversation 08:25 The recorded conversation test, a gut check you can run in four seconds 11:33 The three kinds of people worth inviting into your marriage 13:24 Why the couple ahead of you genuinely cannot remember what your season felt like 15:46 The question to ask a trusted friend that opens the door permanently 19:18 Who not to invite in, including the friend you enjoy the most 22:16 The honest part: the mentor couple we still do not have 25:58 This week's one degree shift Here is the one degree shift: sit down together this week and answer two questions out loud. Who is in our marriage right now? And who should be? Then send one text to the couple whose name you both said. If this one named something for you, share it with one couple who needs it, subscribe so you catch next week, and leave a review. It helps other couples find this Christian marriage podcast. | |||
| 172: Mental Load in Marriage: Seeing What Your Spouse Carries | 31 août 2026 | 00:34:20 | |
You emptied the dehumidifier again this morning. You noticed the fridge was bare, rerouted the drive home, and still had dinner on the table by six. Nobody said a word. In episode 172, we're talking about the invisible work of marriage: the mental load, the quiet planning, the tasks your spouse handles that no one sees, including you. This is not a conversation about who does more. It's about learning to see your spouse clearly, and letting that turn into real gratitude and real action. We walk through the 10-minute exercise we recommend to every couple, why comparison ruins it, and how to name your own unseen load without putting your spouse on the defensive. If this one met you where you are, share it with one couple who needs it and leave us a review. | |||
| 171: 10 Ways a Christian Marriage Should Look Different | 24 août 2026 | 00:38:54 | |
Somewhere along the way, marriage advice got very good at one question: is this working for me? Scripture asks a different one. If your marriage belongs to God before it belongs to either of you, almost everything downstream changes, including the things nobody talks about out loud. In this episode we walk through ten ways a Christian marriage should actually look different from the one culture is selling, and we try to be honest about the places it gets uncomfortable. We start with the foundation, that our marriage was never really about us, and then get very practical: why divorce is not in our vocabulary, implicitly or explicitly. Why hedging your bets with separate accounts and a prenup quietly puts an exit on the table. Why we have full access to each other's phones and keep no secrets, even the twenty dollar ones. What it looks like to focus on your own God given role instead of auditing your spouse's. Why your marriage comes before your kids, and why that is a gift to them. How sex stops being a weapon, a reward, or a chore. And why we fight to reconcile instead of fighting to win. This one is a framework episode, so bring a notepad and let one of the ten do its work on you. In this episode:
Pick the one of these ten that made you shift in your seat, and do something about it this week. If this episode named something for you, share it with one couple who needs it, subscribe so you don't miss next week, and leave a review. It helps other couples find this Christian marriage podcast. | |||
| 170: Should Your Spouse Come Before Your Kids? | 17 août 2026 | 00:34:14 | |
It's 9:30 at night. The kids are finally down, the dishes are still out, and this is the first time you have been alone together all day. Nobody is bringing their best self to that moment. So what does it actually look like to prioritize your spouse in a season when you cannot give them the most of your time? In this episode, we start with the why. Scripture describes marriage as the most important earthly relationship you have, and we walk through why that framing changes how you spend the little margin you have. Then we get practical about the season most of you are in: full careers, young kids, tired bodies. We talk about why your calendar will never rank your priorities correctly, why twenty connected minutes beat three distracted hours, and what happens when you stop competing over who is more exhausted. We also work through an honest question one of us asked out loud: wouldn't it be more efficient for each of us to just look out for ourselves? The answer takes us somewhere we did not expect. In this episode:
Resources mentioned: Genesis 2:24, Job 1, John 15:13, Ephesians 5:25, the elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3, Jesse Cole and the Savannah Bananas, and our Free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template, the exact rhythm we describe in this episode. If this one named your season, share it with one couple who is in the thick of it, subscribe so you don't miss next week, and leave a review. It helps other couples find this Christian marriage podcast. | |||
| 169: 7 Daily Marriage Challenges to Try This Week | 10 août 2026 | 00:34:09 | |
Most weeks, your marriage gets whatever energy is left after everything else. What if this week looked a little different? We're walking through seven daily marriage challenges, one for every day of the week, pulled straight from what's live in the One Degree Marriage app. You don't have to start on a Monday. Pick any day, go seven days, and see what shifts. Along the way, we share why we started One Degree in the first place, what the "one degree" philosophy actually means for your marriage, and why we're convinced that small, consistent investments are what lead to a completely different destination years down the road. In this episode:
Resources:
If this episode stirred something good this week, share it with one couple who needs the nudge. Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss a one-degree shift, and leave us a review; it helps more couples find us. | |||
| 168: How to Apologize So It Actually Lands | 03 août 2026 | 00:29:21 | |
We've all said "I'm sorry" and watched it do absolutely nothing: no softening, no reconciliation, just more tension in the room. In this episode, we get honest about the apologies that don't actually work: the quick "let's just move on," the defensive "I'm sorry you feel that way," and the classic apology with an unspoken "but" attached. We also talk about why most of us were never taught to do this well in the first place. We walk through a simple, four-part framework for apologies that actually repair connection instead of just ending the argument: name it, own it, acknowledge the impact, and state the change. It's a small shift in wording and posture, but it changes everything about whether your spouse feels heard or just placated. In this episode:
Grab a seat on the comfy, cozy, virtual leather couch with us for this one. It's practical, a little convicting, and genuinely hopeful about what a well-repaired conflict can do for a marriage. This week's One Degree Shift: Next time you owe an apology, run it through the framework: name it, own it, acknowledge the impact, and voice the repair. No "but." No brushing it under the rug. If this episode named something you needed to hear, share it with a couple who needs it too, and if you're new here, subscribe so you never miss a shift. 💛 Christian marriage podcast, communication in marriage, rebuilding trust, conflict repair | |||
| 167: Why You Should Go to Bed Angry | 27 juil. 2026 | 00:21:33 | |
We've all been there: it's 11:37pm, you're exhausted, and you're still hashing out a fight because somebody said don't go to bed angry. But what if pushing through to "resolution" at midnight is actually making things worse? This week we're unpacking one of the most repeated pieces of marriage advice, Ephesians 4:26's "do not let the sun go down on your anger," and why the literal, deadline version of it can backfire. We walk through what Paul is actually saying in context, why exhaustion turns conflict resolution into surrender instead of repair, and what to do instead when you're both too tired to finish the conversation tonight. In this episode:
Resources: grab our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting. If this reframes something you've believed for years, share it with one couple who needs to hear it, and leave us a review, it helps this Christian marriage podcast reach more couples working on communication and rebuilding trust one degree at a time. | |||
| 166: 4 Things Every Thriving Marriage Needs | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:27:29 | |
Plenty of marriages survive without them. But if you want yours to actually thrive, there are four things worth building on purpose. In this episode, we walk through the four things we believe every thriving marriage needs: a shared faith, deep trust, healthy communication, and genuine fun and friendship. In this episode:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with one couple who needs it — and leave a review to help more couples find this Christian marriage podcast. | |||
| 165: Why "Follow Your Heart" Is Terrible Marriage Advice | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:28:56 | |
"Follow your heart." "Trust your gut." "Do what feels right." We've all heard it, and if we're honest, we've all let it shape how we treat the people we love most. But what happens on the days your heart doesn't feel like loving your spouse? In this episode, we dig into why feelings-based decision making is one of the sneakiest threats to a healthy marriage. We unpack where the "follow your heart" mindset actually comes from (hint: it's not the Bible), why feelings are fragile and easily hijacked by stress, sleep, and hormones, and why 1 Corinthians 13 describes love as a list of actions, not an emotion you catch. This is a Christian marriage podcast conversation about communication in marriage, choosing love over feelings, and rebuilding the habits that quietly shape your connection — one degree at a time. Enjoyed this one? Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and send it to one couple who needs the reminder that love is a choice worth making today. We'd love it if you left a review... it helps more couples find the show. | |||
| 164: Why Date Nights Won't Fix Your Marriage (And What Will) | 06 juil. 2026 | 00:24:15 | |
We've all heard it: "When's the last time you two went on a date?" Like date nights are the magic fix for a marriage that feels stuck. In this episode, we push back on that, and we get real about what actually moves the needle. We talk about why date nights became the default advice for every marriage problem, why they can even backfire if the deeper stuff isn't being addressed, and what we've found actually strengthens our marriage on a weekly basis... no babysitter or budget required. In this episode:
Resources & mentions:
One-degree shift: Start a weekly marriage meeting: even 20 minutes on a Sunday night to talk through highs, lows, faith, finances, and intimacy. It won't cost you anything, and it'll do more for your marriage than any date night could. If this episode gave you something to chew on, share it with a couple you love, and hit subscribe so you don't miss next week's shift. We'd also love it if you left us a review... it helps this show reach more couples. | |||
| 163: Growing Spiritually Together (Even When You Feel Like You're the Only One Trying) | 29 juin 2026 | 00:32:05 | |
Most of us know we should be growing spiritually. We even know we should be encouraging our spouse to do the same. But somewhere between good intentions and real life, it just… doesn't happen. We wait for the right season, the right Bible study, or for them to take the first step. In this episode, we get honest about our own inconsistencies: the prayer ruts, the accountability groups that faded after the babies came, the moments when the spirit is willing but the routine has quietly collapsed. And we walk through four simple, doable ways to pursue your own faith and gently invite your spouse along for the journey. This isn't about pressure or spiritual scorekeeping. It's about small, intentional shifts that create a marriage where faith is lived out loud, together. In this episode:
Resources we mention:
Your one-degree shift this week: Pray for your spouse right now, specifically. Name a burden they're carrying. Ask God to soften both of your hearts. Then ask your spouse what they'd love for you to bring to the Lord on their behalf. If this episode gave you that little nudge you needed, share it with one couple in your life who's trying to grow. And if you haven't yet: subscribe, leave a review, and come find us at onedegreemarriage.com. We're so glad you're here. | |||
| 162: The Hidden Cost of Comparing Your Marriage to Others | 22 juin 2026 | 00:27:55 | |
You scroll past an anniversary post or a friend's date night photo, and the thought slips in: why don't we have that? If that sounds familiar, comparison is quietly costing your marriage more than you realize. In this episode, we get honest about comparison in marriage and why it is such a sneaky threat to contentment. We talk about why social media makes comparing your marriage to other couples easier than any generation before us, how comparison breeds ungratefulness and ungratefulness breeds discontentment, and what the Garden of Eden's blame game reveals about why comparison is really a trust issue. Then we get practical: the real difference between toxic comparison and a healthy desire to grow, and how to curate what we follow so it builds our marriage instead of quietly tearing it down. In this episode:
Resources mentioned: Genesis 3, and our Free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template, a simple rhythm for the "what do we want to cultivate" conversation we talk about here. | |||
| 161: The One Conversation Your Marriage Is Missing | 08 juin 2026 | 00:33:16 | |
You're probably pretty good at the logistics. Who's getting the kids, who's making dinner, who remembered to call the plumber. But when's the last time you and your spouse slowed down long enough to ask: where are we actually going? In this episode, we're talking about the one conversation that tends to get skipped in even the healthiest marriages — casting a vision for your family. Not a financial roadmap or a five-year career plan, but the deeper stuff: What do we want our family to be known for? What culture are we building? Are we actually living out what we say we value? We get into why this conversation stays missing for most couples (spoiler: it's not laziness), what it actually looks like to sit down and do it, and we model it live with our own answers so you can hear how messy and real it can be. In this episode:
The one degree shift: put something on the calendar. Even 20 minutes with a few intentional questions can start shifting the trajectory. Resources mentioned:
If this episode resonated, share it with one couple who you think needs this conversation. And subscribe so you never miss a one-degree shift. | |||
| 160: The Billy Graham Rule: Should Your Marriage Follow It? | 01 juin 2026 | 00:29:11 | |
Every marriage needs guardrails. But does a rule about never being alone with someone of the opposite sex actually protect you, or just give you a false sense of security? In Episode 160, we tackle the Billy Graham Rule head-on: what it is, why it exists, and whether married couples actually need to follow it. We share our honest take while also making clear that "not following the rule" doesn't mean "not guarding your marriage." The real protection, we'd argue, comes from something a lot harder than a policy. Resources & Links:
Share this episode with one couple who's navigating this conversation, then subscribe so you don't miss what's next. | |||
| 159: How to Protect Your Marriage in the Season of Young Kids | 25 mai 2026 | 00:34:33 | |
You're doing the dishes, the diapers, and the 2 a.m. wake-ups—and somewhere in the middle of all of it, your marriage quietly slips to the back of the line. This episode is for every couple in the thick of the littles who still wants to choose each other. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on our own two-under-two season: a colicky second baby, COVID isolation, no family nearby, no meal train, and the constant low hum of "how are we going to get through today." RESOURCES: | |||
| 158: Unequally Yoked: 6 Shifts When Your Spouse Doesn't Believe | 18 mai 2026 | 00:27:36 | |
Some weeks the loneliest seat in the house is the one right next to your spouse. If you love Jesus and they don't (or they used to, and now it's complicated) this episode is for you. Whether your spouse is a non-believer or simply lukewarm in their faith, the conversation walks through six practical, hope-forward practices for staying steady... without slipping into bitterness, pride, or quiet compromise. In this episode:
Resources & mentions: 1 Peter 3:1-2, 2 Timothy 1:5 (Eunice and Lois), Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. If this episode encouraged you, share it with one couple who needs to know they're not the only ones. Subscribe so you don't miss next week's conversation, and leave a review to help more couples find One Degree Marriage. | |||
| 157: 6 Things We Wish We Knew About Sex Before Marriage | 11 mai 2026 | 00:40:19 | |
You said "I do," and then assumed sex would just figure itself out. For a lot of couples, it doesn't. And the silence around that can make you feel like you're the only one struggling. In this episode, we get honest about the first three years of our marriage, when sex felt more like a burden than a blessing, and what we wish someone had told us sooner. We unpack the lingering weight of purity culture, the lie that physical intimacy should "just come naturally," and the small shifts that slowly turned things around. Whether you're a newlywed, engaged and prepping for the marriage bed, or a long-married couple wanting to grow, this conversation offers a hopeful, faith-informed look at what healthy intimacy in a Christian marriage can actually look like, and how to start talking about it without shame. In this episode:
FREE WEEKLY MARRIAGE MEETING TEMPLATE Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 156: How to Communicate About Schedules in Marriage (Without Fighting) | 04 mai 2026 | 00:20:15 | |
Ever been blindsided by something on your spouse's calendar — a meeting, a trip, a last-minute Cubs game — that you swear they never told you about? You're not alone. Most couples default to reactive scheduling, and it costs them more than they realize. In this episode:
If this episode hits home, share it with one couple who keeps getting caught off guard by their own week. Subscribe so you don't miss what's next, leave a quick review to help other couples find the show, and head to onedegreemarriage.com for tools to make your weekly marriage meeting actually stick. | |||
| 155: 5 Ways to Get Out of a Marriage Rut | 27 avr. 2026 | 00:25:04 | |
Your marriage isn't in crisis. There's no betrayal. No big fight. No broken trust. You're both showing up, doing your jobs, putting food on the table, and somewhere along the way, "showing up" quietly turned into "going through the motions." That's a rut. And it's the most common (and most overlooked) season in a marriage. In this episode, we unpack a Yahoo column about a husband whose answer to "I feel unseen" was "but we have a nice house" and why that response is way more common than we'd like to admit. Then they walk through the five small habits they keep coming back to for getting out of a rut: the Weekly Marriage Meeting, the daily high/low/buffalo, praying together, intentionally mixing things up, and outside accountability. A reminder that you can't coast your way to connection, but you can take one small step back toward each other this week. | |||
| 154: Hospitality with a Less-than-Ideal House | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:26:13 | |
What if the secret to deeper friendships, stronger family rhythms, and richer Christian community wasn't a bigger house or a better-cooked meal, but simply opening your door every Friday night? Let's chat about our weekly "Sabbath Kickoff Dinner"—a standing Friday night meal with friends and kids that's become the most anticipated part of our week. We unpack the difference between cultural hospitality (perfect table settings, drinks-in-hand, flawless meals) and biblical hospitality (Mary vs. Martha, authentic fellowship, shared life), and why lowering your expectations is the key to actually getting started. If you've ever thought, "I'd love to host, but our house isn't ready" or "I don't have time for that" — this episode is for you. | |||
| 153: Why Gratitude Is the Secret to a Happier Marriage (And How to Actually Practice It) | 13 avr. 2026 | 00:36:56 | |
In this episode, we're getting honest about one of the sneakiest marriage killers: ungratefulness. We've found in our own marriage, and in the couples we talk to, that the longer you're together, the easier it is to start taking your spouse for granted. The things that once drew you to them? You stop noticing. And the things that bother you? They seem to get louder. In this episode, we talk about:
We wrap with a practical one-degree shift you can try this week: keeping a daily gratitude list specifically about your spouse. Resources mentioned in this episode:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a couple who needs it. And if you haven't already, subscribe so you never miss a new episode! Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 152: How to Out-Serve Your Spouse (And Why Most Marriages Never Get There) | 06 avr. 2026 | 00:37:15 | |
What would your marriage look like if both of you woke up every morning asking, "How can I out-serve my spouse today?" In this episode, we get real about what it actually means to seek to out-serve your spouse, the subtle scoreboard most couples keep, why our flesh resists serving without reciprocation, and how the gospel completely reframes what sacrifice is meant to look like in marriage. In this episode:
📋 Free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template → onedegreeMarriage.com/meeting One Degree Marriage Podcast | Helping couples grow through practical, faith-grounded conversations... one degree at a time. Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 151: 6 Ways Marriage Changes You | 30 mars 2026 | 00:35:22 | |
Marriage will change you — the question is, will it change you for better or worse? In this episode, we get honest about six real ways marriage has shaped, stretched, and sanctified us — the good stuff AND the uncomfortable stuff. From sin being exposed (yes, including the t-shirt drawer debate) to learning that love is a daily choice and not just a feeling, this one's a candid conversation you'll want to share with your spouse. In this episode:
One Degree Shift: Ask your spouse this week — "How can I best serve you this week?" — and then actually do it. 🎁 Free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template → onedegreeMarriage.com/meeting Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 150: Must-Listen Episodes for Your Spring Break Roadtrip | 23 mars 2026 | 00:18:06 | |
Spring break is here, and if you're hitting the road with your spouse, we did the work for you. In this episode, we walk you through our curated road trip playlist straight from the One Degree Marriage podcast: 10 episodes hand-picked to spark real conversation in the car without requiring a single note. From fun and light to deeper listens, we've got your whole drive covered. | |||
| 150: 7 Habits of Deeply Connected Couples (That Anyone Can Start This Week) | 16 mars 2026 | 00:26:46 | |
What separates couples who feel truly close from those who are just coexisting? In this episode, we're (and by we I mean... me. Just Xan this week) breaking down 7 practical habits that deeply connected couples actually practice. No fluff, no theory, just things you can implement today. From the High-Low-Buffalo daily check-in to non-sexual physical touch, praying together, the Weekly Marriage Meeting™, expressing specific gratitude, protecting against slow drift, and having a real conflict plan, we're gonna cover it all. Whether your marriage feels disconnected right now or you're simply looking to go deeper, there's something here for you. Grab the free Weekly Marriage Meeting™ template at https://onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 149: Feeling Disconnected? Why We Do a Yearly Marriage Retreat (And How You Can Too) | 08 mars 2026 | 00:31:03 | |
Feeling disconnected from your spouse or stuck in the daily grind of work, kids, and responsibilities? In this episode, we talk about one simple rhythm that has helped our marriage stay intentional: taking a yearly marriage retreat. You don’t need a fancy vacation, a huge budget, or even overnight childcare to make it happen. A marriage retreat can be as simple as a weekend away, a staycation, or intentionally setting aside time to reconnect and reflect on where your marriage is headed. In this conversation, we share why we started doing annual marriage retreats, what actually makes them meaningful, and how you can plan one that strengthens your relationship. We also talk about: • Why thriving marriages don’t happen by accident • How to plan a marriage retreat with any budget • The most important conversations to have during your retreat • How to align your marriage, faith, and family vision for the future • Practical ways to reconnect when life feels busy or overwhelming Whether you’ve been married one year or ten, intentional time together can make a huge difference in building a strong, Christ-centered marriage. Resources & Links 📥 FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Guide: https://onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 148: How to Be a Godly Wife: What does Ephesians 5 Say to Wives? | 02 mars 2026 | 00:43:25 | |
What does it really mean for wives to “submit” to their husbands in Ephesians 5? In this episode, we unpack one of the most controversial passages in the Bible about marriage: “Wives, submit to your husbands.” Is submission blind obedience? Does it mean tolerating sin or abuse? Is it outdated or oppressive? Or is it something deeper, and actually freeing? We explore:
If you’ve wrestled with this passage (or avoided it altogether) this conversation will help you think biblically, clearly, and courageously about your role in marriage. 📖 Scripture referenced: Ephesians 5:22–33, 1 Peter 3, Genesis 2 k5jLIHDjFaRtJ9pH3hPC Mentioned in this episode: March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 147: How to Be a Godly Husband: What Does Ephesians 5 Say to Husbands? | 23 févr. 2026 | 00:35:27 | |
Ephesians 5 might be one of the most debated passages in marriage conversations, especially when it comes to submission. But what about the calling placed on husbands? In this episode of One Degree Marriage, we unpack what it actually means for husbands to love their wives “as Christ loved the church.” And spoiler alert: the bar is Jesus. We break down:
If you’ve ever wondered what Ephesians 5 looks like on a Tuesday night, this episode is for you. Next week, we’ll tackle the other half of the conversation. Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll | |||
| 146: Strengthening Intimacy in Marriage When You Feel Disconnected | 16 févr. 2026 | 00:32:09 | |
Feeling disconnected in your marriage, even when nothing is “wrong”? In this episode, we talk about the three kinds of intimacy (spiritual, emotional, physical) and why surface-level fixes like date nights don’t work if you don’t address the root. We’ll walk you through the starting point that changes everything: an honest conversation to diagnose what’s actually driving the drift (busyness, unresolved conflict, unmet expectations, stress, trust, spiritual stagnancy). Then we share simple, practical rhythms that rebuild connection over time, including prayer, Weekly Marriage Meetings, and daily check-ins. RESOURCES:
Mentioned in this episode: March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 145: How to Love Your Spouse the Way They Actually Feel Loved | 09 févr. 2026 | 00:25:03 | |
Have you ever gone all out to love your spouse, only to be met with a lukewarm response? You meant well. You put in real effort. And somehow, it still missed the mark. In this episode of One Degree Marriage, we’re talking about what it actually looks like to love your spouse in the way they feel most loved, not just the way that comes naturally to you. Using real-life examples, biblical truth, and practical questions you can ask this week, we unpack why love is meant to be self-giving and sacrificial rather than self-expressive. We discuss love languages, why gratitude and intention both matter, how seasons of life change the way love is received, and why regular check-ins (like a Weekly Marriage Meeting) are key to staying connected. If you want to move from well-intentioned effort to meaningful connection, this episode will help you take that next step. Mentioned in this episode: March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 144: 5 Rules for Healthy Conflict in Marriage (Without Damaging Trust or Connection) | 02 févr. 2026 | 00:27:32 | |
Conflict isn’t the enemy in marriage. How you handle it is. In this episode, we walk through five practical rules for healthy conflict in marriage—rules that help couples stay connected, communicate clearly, and resolve disagreements without damaging trust. We talk about why conflict can actually strengthen your relationship, how subtle habits like “always” and “never” language sabotage communication, and what it looks like to approach hard conversations as teammates instead of opponents. You’ll hear real-life examples from our own marriage, a simple framework for bringing up difficult topics, and why having a conflict plan matters more than you think. If you want better communication, healthier conflict, and a marriage that grows stronger over time, this episode is for you. Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll | |||
| 143: How to Bring Up Hard Conversations Without Starting a Fight | 26 janv. 2026 | 00:27:05 | |
Hard conversations don’t usually fail because of the topic—they fail because of how they start. In this episode, we share a simple, practical framework for bringing up difficult topics in marriage without triggering defensiveness or conflict. Learn how the first minute of a conversation can change everything and how to invite your spouse into connection instead of control. 🔗 Resources Mentioned
Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll | |||
| 142: What's the Purpose of Marriage? How to Not Waste Your Marriage. | 19 janv. 2026 | 00:41:51 | |
What is the biblical purpose of marriage? Is marriage meant for happiness and companionship, or something more? In this episode of the One Degree Podcast, we walk through Ephesians 5 and Genesis 2 to explore what it looks like to not waste your marriage. We unpack servant leadership, biblical submission, and why Scripture calls you to focus on becoming a better spouse rather than wishing for a different one. Ultimately, marriage isn’t just about having a healthy relationship. It’s about becoming faithful followers of Jesus who live on mission together and make disciples... starting in your home. RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Grab your Weekly Marriage Meeting Journal Mentioned in this episode: March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 141: What to Do When Your Spouse Won't Change | 12 janv. 2026 | 00:35:43 | |
It’s easy to read Scripture with your spouse in mind. In marriage, we often approach the Bible looking for what they should change instead of allowing God’s Word to confront us first. But Scripture was never meant to be a tool for managing your spouse’s obedience. It’s meant to shape your own heart. In this episode of the One Degree Marriage Podcast, we talk about why the Bible addresses individuals before relationships, how passages like Ephesians 5 are often misunderstood, and why obedience in marriage isn’t meant to be transactional. We also discuss what faithfulness looks like when your spouse isn’t changing, how to pursue obedience without resentment, and when bringing in wise counsel is both biblical and necessary. This conversation is for Christian couples who want a stronger, healthier marriage but feel stuck focusing on what their spouse isn’t doing instead of what God is calling them to do. In this episode, we cover:
One Degree Shift: This week, read Scripture asking, “How am I being called to obey?” rather than “How should my spouse change?” Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll | |||
| 140: Why You Should Have a Weekly Marriage Meeting | 05 janv. 2026 | 00:35:52 | |
What if one simple habit could dramatically improve communication, reduce conflict, and help your marriage stay spiritually connected, without adding more to your plate? In this episode, we break down the Weekly Marriage Meeting, the one habit we believe has had the biggest long-term impact on our marriage. We explain exactly what a Weekly Marriage Meeting is, why it works when other marriage goals fail, and how this simple rhythm helps couples move from feeling like roommates to feeling deeply connected again. You’ll hear the real structure we use each week, including how we talk about communication, conflict, intimacy, finances, schedules, and spiritual growth.... without awkwardness or overwhelm. Whether you’re newly married or have been married for decades, this episode will help you build intentional connection through small, consistent habits that compound over time. RESOURCES: FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Weekly Marriage Meeting Journal Mentioned in this episode: March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 139: How to Go Deeper in Faith in Marriage (Practical Habits That Actually Stick) | 29 déc. 2025 | 00:46:11 | |
If you and your spouse feel spiritually disconnected, you’re not alone. In this episode, we talk about spiritual intimacy in marriage: what it is, what it looks like in real life, and how to grow it through simple spiritual habits—from prayer, to reading the Bible together—that actually stick. We cover personal vs. shared spiritual disciplines, how habits shape what you love, and what to do if your spouse isn’t on board spiritually. Plus, we share a practical One Degree Shift you can start today to pursue Christ together without trying to change everything overnight. In this episode:
Resources mentioned:
Get our Free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template or go deeper in the habit with a Weekly Marriage Meeting Journal! Mentioned in this episode: March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 138: How to Stop Feeling Like Roommates and Reconnect in Marriage | 22 déc. 2025 | 00:27:55 | |
Do you love your spouse but feel like you’re living parallel lives? In this episode of the One Degree Podcast, we talk about why so many couples feel like roommates in marriage—and how to actually reverse it. We unpack why busyness isn’t the real problem, how lack of intentionality and discipline slowly erodes connection, and what small, repeatable rhythms can help you rebuild emotional intimacy. This isn’t about fixing a “broken” marriage. It’s about helping a good marriage grow into a thriving one. You’ll learn:
If your marriage feels more like a partnership than a relationship, this episode will help you take one small step back toward closeness. Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll | |||
| 137: Kids Discipleship Tools, Home Workouts, and Habits That Stick (What We’re Loving Lately) | 15 déc. 2025 | 00:45:07 | |
Need an easy, cozy listen? This one’s a “just vibes” episode where we share the things we’ve been loving lately, sparked by a listener request from our recent survey. We talk about what’s been surprisingly fruitful for discipling little kids (and why we’ve been obsessed with Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey), the at-home workouts that keep us consistent, leaning into winter instead of fighting it, a dangerously good Aldi chocolate, and the structured Bible studies that have been helping us slow down and actually sit with Scripture. Plus: a quick update on why the Weekly Marriage Meeting Journal™ has been such a game-changer for us in staying consistent through the full meeting, not just the first half. Resources Mentioned:
Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll | |||
| 136: 4 Ways We're Building a Healthier, Christ-Centered Marriage | 01 déc. 2025 | 00:35:00 | |
We're pulling back the curtain and sharing the real areas we're actively working on in our marriage right now. Not from a "we've got it all figured out" place—but from a posture of humility, honesty, and a desire to grow together. We walk through four rhythms we want to strengthen as we head into a new season: • Praying together daily (and why it matters more than we realize) • Actually finishing our weekly marriage meetings—mission statement, core values, and all • Being more intentional about serving in our local church • Slowing down and soaking up this sweet (and chaotic) season with our kids If you want a practical, Christ-centered conversation that feels like friends on the couch figuring out marriage together... this one's for you. Resources Mentioned
Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll | |||
| 135: 5 Keys to Christlike Conflict in Marriage | 17 nov. 2025 | 00:41:49 | |
Conflict is inevitable when two sinful people share a life, a home, and a very full playroom. In this episode, we unpack a real conflict from our Sabbath (yes, we handled it poorly at first) and use it as a springboard to talk through five components of healthy, Christ-centered conflict: soft start-ups, ditching "always/never" language, having a conflict resolution plan, regularly debriefing in a weekly marriage meeting, and humbly apologizing and asking how to better serve each other. If you've ever thought, "We just keep fighting about the same things," this one's for you. Resources Mentioned:
Mentioned in this episode: March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 134: When Sex is Difficult in Marriage: What to Do & Our Honest Story | 10 nov. 2025 | 01:00:18 | |
Sex is meant to be a gift, but what happens when it feels confusing, painful, or even like a burden? In this honest conversation, we open up about the first few years of our marriage when sex was really difficult. We share what we learned through trial, tears, and prayer: how to handle mismatched drives, pain, pressure, and the impact of purity culture. You'll hear five practical steps we wish we'd known sooner, and why patient, sacrificial love (and some gentle honesty) changes everything. 🎧 Plus, paid Substack subscribers get this week's bonus: The Honest Intimacy Conversation Guide — a step-by-step tool to start gentle, Christ-centered conversations about sex. RESOURCES MENTIONED: 📚 Books: • The Mingling of Souls — Matt Chandler • The Meaning of Marriage — Tim & Kathy Keller (referenced for context) • Intended for Pleasure — Ed & Gaye Wheat (older book; contains some outdated views) • A Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex — Sheila Wray Gregoire (the "good girl's" title they were recalling) Other:
👉 Download the free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Become a paid Substack subscriber for the bonus guide Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll | |||
| 133: My Husband Isn't Leading and Is Far From God | 27 oct. 2025 | 00:36:54 | |
What do you do when your spouse isn't leading, isn't helping with the kids, and is far from Christ? In this conversation, we share six anchors: pray daily for your spouse, pursue personal holiness, "win without a word" through conduct, lead your children spiritually, seek wise care and counsel, and know your biblical freedom without trivializing covenant. Scripture referenced:
Links/Resources:
Mentioned in this episode: Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll | |||
| 132: Feel Like the Only One Trying in Your Marriage? | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:28:18 | |
Ever feel like you're swimming upstream in your marriage? You're trying to grow spiritually and build healthy rhythms while your spouse just… isn't there? You're not alone. In this episode, we're breaking down how to stay faithful, hopeful, and steadfast when it feels one-sided. Bonus Resource: Subscribers on Substack get access to our new 7-Day Pray-for-Your-Spouse Challenge — a short daily guide to help you pray intentionally and stay hopeful in this season. 👉 SUBSCRIBE AND GET ACCESS TO ALL PODCAST BONUS RESOURCES Mentioned in this episode: March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 131: How to Grow in Faith Together in Marriage | 14 oct. 2025 | 00:27:55 | |
When it comes to spiritual intimacy, many couples want it, but few know where to start. Between busy schedules, young kids, and never-ending to-do lists, it's easy to relegate your faith as individuals instead of something shared. In this episode, we unpack how to actually grow in spiritual intimacy with your spouse without making it overwhelming or forced. We share three practical ways to build that connection—starting with short, simple prayer, adding a daily Scripture rhythm, and ending with a weekly family devotional that brings it all together. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to invite God into your everyday marriage rhythms, this episode is for you. 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, or share this episode with another couple who wants to grow closer to God together. Mentioned in this episode: March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||
| 130: 5 Biblical Truths That Will Transform Marriage | 06 oct. 2025 | 00:50:52 | |
Many couples know the Bible mentions marriage, but few stop to consider what those passages actually mean for everyday life. In this episode, we unpack five core biblical truths, from reflecting Christ and the church to living on mission together, and explain how they can reshape your relationship. Grab a notebook and join us on the comfy, cozy, virtual couch for a practical, Christ‑centered conversation. 👉 Download our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Step-by-Step Writing Your Marriage Mission Statement 👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily encouragement + practical tips: @onedegreemarriage 👉 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more couples find this show! Mentioned in this episode: March Marriage Challenge https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting | |||