Welcome to the Expedition Marriage Podcast! We're glad you're here! We're Chris and Jamie Bailey, and we are Christian counselors and marriage coaches. We're here to help you put God in the center of your marriage by sharing some solid biblical truth, along with some practical marriage tips. So, no matter where you're at in your marriage, start getting excited, because we're here to help you Enjoy the Journey!
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Ep. 164: Dry Seasons in Marriage - How to Navigate the Wilderness Together
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42:30Every marriage walks through dry seasons, times when connection feels absent, emotions run low, and apathy sets in. But a dry season doesn't mean your marriage is dying; it often means God is doing deep, unseen work beneath the surface. In this episode, we're digging into how to recognize, remain in, and receive from the wilderness seasons of marri…
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Ep. 163: Becoming a PhD of Your Spouse: How to Recognize Stress Cues and Respond with Love
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42:22When life gets heavy, stress often shows up in our marriages—not just in words, but in subtle cues, tones, and behaviors. In this episode, Chris and Jamie share why becoming a "PhD of your spouse" is one of the most loving and practical things you can do for your marriage. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why stress "tells" matter and how notici…
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Ep. 162: Letting Go — Trusting God with Your Kids
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1:02:06Letting go isn't easy, especially when it comes to our kids. Whether they're stepping into adulthood, moving far away, or simply living life differently than we expected, this season of release can stir up a mix of emotions: pride, fear, loss, hope, and everything in between. In this raw and heartfelt conversation, we're joined by our friends Brad …
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Remember when you were dating—those extra drives across town, late-night phone calls, sweet notes, and the way you rearranged your whole schedule just to be together? Back then, sacrifice felt natural. But somewhere along the way, many couples lose that intentionality. In this episode, we dive into what it means to rediscover sacrificial love in ma…
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Ep. 160: Just a Little Bit Better: Small Shifts That Move the Needle in Marriage
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39:16Big change isn't always what your marriage needs. In fact, sometimes the most powerful growth comes from the smallest, most consistent choices. In this episode, we talk about how to move the needle forward in your relationship—just 1% at a time—without the pressure of perfection. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why the pressure to fix everythin…
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Ep. 159: When Marriage Hurts: Why Joy Still Matters
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36:48When your marriage is in a painful season, joy might feel like the last thing on your mind. But what if those small, lighthearted moments are not only possible—but essential for healing? In this episode, we're talking about why joy still matters in marriage, even when things hurt. You'll discover how laughter, rest, and simply enjoying each other c…
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Ep. 158: Breaking the Usual Error — How Assumptions Sabotage Your Marriage and What God Says About It
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43:23Have you ever caught yourself assuming you knew what your spouse was thinking or feeling—only to find out you were completely wrong? That's what we call "The Usual Error"—and it's one of the most common causes of conflict, hurt, and disconnection in marriage. In this episode, we'll unpack what the Bible says about making assumptions, why they're bi…
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Ep. 157: When Your Husband Doesn't Share Your Faith — Hope for Spiritually Unequal Marriages
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40:28Marriages Marriage is challenging enough, but when your spouse doesn't share your faith, it can feel like you're walking this journey alone. In this episode, we're diving deep into what it means to be in a spiritually mismatched marriage and how to find hope, peace, and purpose along the way. What You'll Learn in This Episode 1. The Reality of Spir…
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Ep. 156: Curiosity Over Offense — How Staying Spiritually Mature Can Transform Your Marriage
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40:52Have you ever noticed how quickly small misunderstandings can spiral into full-blown conflicts? One simple comment can turn into a wall between you and your spouse if you let offense take over. But spiritual maturity calls us to a different path—one that chooses curiosity, compassion, and connection over pride and defensiveness. In this episode, we…
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Ep. 155: Healing Your Marriage After Chronic Illness
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45:41When chronic illness enters a marriage, it doesn't just affect one person—it touches everything. Routines shift, intimacy changes, energy drops, and even the way you see each other can be altered. In this honest and hope-filled episode, we talk about the silent grief couples carry, the changes they face, and how to begin healing and reconnecting in…
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Ep. 154: When Love Feels Like a Roller Coaster: Understanding the Vacillator in Marriage
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41:18Does your relationship ever feel like it swings from intense connection to deep frustration—and then back again? If so, you may be married to a Vacillator. In today's episode, we're diving into what it's like to live and love with this emotional love style, and how you can find more stability and connection together. 💬 "Being married to a Vacillato…
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Ep. 153: When One of You Can't Say No: Understanding the Pleaser in Marriage
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39:47Does your spouse always say "yes," avoid conflict, or seem overly focused on making everyone else happy—even at their own expense? You may be married to a Pleaser. In this episode, we're unpacking what it really means to be married to a Pleaser—how this love style forms, how it impacts your relationship, and what both of you can do to create deeper…
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Ep. 152: When One of You Shuts Down: Understanding the Avoider in Marriage
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42:07Do you ever feel like you're talking to a wall? Or maybe like you're carrying all the emotional weight in your marriage? If so, you might be married to an Avoider—someone who disconnects emotionally, struggles with vulnerability, and often insists they're "fine" when they're anything but. In today's episode, we're taking a deeper look into what emo…
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Ep. 151: Letting Go of Control: Trusting God with Your Marriage and Your Spouse
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40:48Do you find yourself trying to "fix" your spouse, control the outcome of your marriage, or manage every detail so nothing goes wrong? You're not alone—and you're not broken for feeling that way. But there is a better, more freeing path forward. In this episode, Chris & Jamie unpack why we try to control our marriages, what's really behind that urge…
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Ep. 150: Powerful Emotions Meant to Be Experienced in Your Marriage
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44:02Emotions in marriage aren't the enemy—they're God-given tools meant to stir your heart toward action, deeper intimacy, and meaningful connection. In this episode of Expedition Marriage, Chris & Jamie dive into some common powerful emotions that, when understood and embraced biblically, can strengthen your relationship and reignite passion. You'll d…
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Ep. 149: The Different Decades of Marriage — Every Season Has a Purpose
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45:55Marriage is a lifelong journey that evolves with each decade—and every season comes with both its own challenges and its unique purpose. In this episode, Chris & Jamie walk through the different decades of marriage—from the idealistic 20s to the legacy-filled 70s—and share biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for every stage. Whether you're …
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Ep. 148: How to Use Your Marriage as Your Best Parenting Tool
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45:56When it comes to parenting, most couples focus on discipline strategies, school choices, and managing behavior. But what if one of your most powerful parenting tools isn't a strategy at all—but your marriage itself? In this episode, we'll show you how a Christ-centered, connected marriage naturally overflows into your parenting. The way you love, c…
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Ep. 147: Safe and Sound: How to Co-Regulate in Marriage and Become Each Other's Safe Place
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36:59How to Co-Regulate in Marriage and Become Each Other's Safe Place Ever feel like you and your spouse are constantly missing each other emotionally? In this episode, we're talking about the powerful (but often overlooked) practice of co-regulation—and how it can transform your marriage into a place of emotional safety, healing, and connection. We'll…
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Ep. 146:
Leaving and Cleaving: What It Really Means and Why It Still Matters in Marriage
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35:30You've probably heard the phrase "leave and cleave" at some point—maybe in premarital counseling or during your wedding ceremony—but what does it actually mean in everyday married life? In this episode, we unpack the biblical command to leave and cleave (Genesis 2:24) and explore how it goes far beyond the honeymoon stage. Whether you've been marri…
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⛈️ In This Episode: What's your marriage really built on? In today's episode, Chris and Jamie explore what it means to build a marriage that can withstand life's storms. Drawing from Jesus' words in Matthew 7, they'll help you identify if you've unknowingly been building on shaky ground—and show you how to rebuild on the rock-solid truth of Christ.…
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Ep. 144: Is Your Emotional Bucket Overflowing? How to Recognize and Release Emotional Flooding in Marriage
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42:13Have you ever found yourself snapping, shutting down, or numbing out—and not even sure why? You might be experiencing emotional flooding. In this episode, Chris and Jamie unpack what emotional flooding is, how it silently impacts your marriage, and what you can do to find healthy release instead of letting it explode or bury you. Just like a 10-gal…
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Ep. 143: Is Jesus Just a Guest in Your Marriage?
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40:22Most couples say they're Christians—but is Jesus truly at the center of their marriage, or just a guest? In this episode, Chris and Jamie explore what it really means to orient your life and marriage around Christ, not just in name, but in everyday action. We're unpacking the difference between a marriage that's influenced by Jesus and one that's b…
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Ep. 142: When You're Fighting for Your Marriage Alone
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35:52What do you do when it feels like you're the only one fighting for your marriage? Maybe your spouse is emotionally checked out, spiritually distant, or just seems unwilling to grow alongside you. This episode is for the one carrying the weight, wondering if anything is ever going to change. We want you to know: you are not alone, and your faithfuln…
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Ep 141: Learning to Wait Well. Patience, Faith and God's Timing in Marriage
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33:20Have you ever felt like you're just done waiting for things to get better in your life or marriage? Maybe you've been praying —but nothing seems to be changing. In this episode, we're talking about what to do when your patience runs out and how to restore wonder, faith, and trust in God's timing. You'll discover how to wait well, what scripture tea…
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Ep. 140: When the Past Shows Up Uninvited: Understanding Implicit Memory in Marriage
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35:15Have you ever reacted to your spouse in a way that felt a little too big for the moment? Maybe something small set you off, or a simple disagreement left you feeling anxious, shut down, or angry—and you didn't know why. Chances are, your implicit memory was doing the talking. In this episode, we're diving into what implicit memory is, how it quietl…
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Ep. 139: Out with the Old, In with the New: How to Renew Your Marriage God's Way
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36:57If you're tired of repeating the same arguments, feeling stuck in old habits, or just wondering how to truly grow together as a couple—this episode is for you. We're discussing what it really means to renew your marriage God's way—not just through behavior change, but through heart transformation. Straight from Ephesians 4:22–24, we're walking you …
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Ep. 138: When Fools Rush in: What Proverbs Teaches Us About Conflict
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38:17Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment that you immediately regretted? You're not alone—and you're not without hope. In this episode, we're diving into what it means to respond with wisdom instead of reaction in your marriage—especially during those emotionally charged conversations. We'll walk through several Proverbs that offer pr…
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Ep. 137: Feeling Angry, Anxious, or Discouraged in Your Marriage? Let's Talk About It!
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37:42Have you ever found yourself feeling angry, anxious, or just plain discouraged in your marriage—and then wondered what it really means? In this episode, we're taking a closer look at those tough emotions that show up in marriage and what they're actually trying to tell you. You'll learn how: Anger often signals a blocked goal Anxiety often reflects…
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Ep. 136: Games People Play in Marriage: Breaking Free from Relational Patterns
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37:21Have you ever found yourself stuck in the same frustrating cycle with your spouse—arguing over the same thing, reacting the same way, or saying, "Here we go again…"? You might be caught in one of the "games people play" in relationships. In this episode, we explore some of the unconscious patterns couples fall into and how these games sabotage inti…
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Ep. 135: Is Your Phone Silencing What Matters Most?
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38:23Is Your Phone Silencing What Matters Most? In a world full of dings, buzzes, and endless scrolling, it's easy to slowly drift away from the things that matter most—our connection with God, our closeness with our spouse, and the purpose we were created to live out. In today's episode, we're exploring how the enemy uses everyday distractions, especia…
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Ep. 134: First Things First, How to protect your marriage in life's hard and busy seasons
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33:34When life gets overwhelming—whether it's from busyness, health struggles, or a hard season—it's easy to let your marriage quietly slip to the back burner. In today's episode, we're talking about why putting first things first matters more than ever when you're under pressure. We'll explore the hidden costs of busyness, how to recognize when it's ti…
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Ep. 133: Midlife Marriage Check-In: 5 Questions to Strengthen Your Marriage
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24:51Is your marriage at a midlife crossroads? Tune in to this episode, where we dive into 5 essential questions every couple should ask to strengthen their relationship. From dreaming about your future together to understanding your personal responsibility in your marriage, we're giving you practical steps to keep your marriage strong and thriving. Plu…
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Ep. 132: Boundaries and the Nervous System
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46:43In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Christine Baker, a trauma specialist and somatic therapist, to explore the connection between setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Boundaries are essential for protecting your peace, especially in toxic relationships or challenging situations, but they can be incredibly difficult to esta…
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Ep. 131: Betrayal Trauma and the Nervous System
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44:20In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Christine Baker, a trauma specialist and somatic therapist, to discuss the impact of betrayal trauma on the nervous system. Betrayal can leave us feeling broken and stuck in patterns of fear and hypervigilance, but understanding how our nervous systems respond is the first step toward healing. Dr. Baker explains…
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Ep. 130: Nervous System Regulation in Marriage with Dr. Christine Baker
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49:05In this episode, we're chatting with Dr. Christine Baker, a trauma specialist and somatic therapist, to explore the crucial role that nervous system regulation plays in marriage. Dr. Baker shares her expertise on how understanding and managing our nervous systems can transform the way we connect with our spouses, handle conflict, and build a strong…
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Ep. 129: Freedom from a Mediocre Marriage
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20:33God wants you to have more than a mediocre marriage. He wants you to break free from mediocrity because it does not represent who He is or how He loves His bride, the church. In this episode, we're diving into the dangers of living a lukewarm life as a couple and looking at the example Jesus gives us to follow that will make your marriage thrive. F…
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Ep. 128: Creating an Emotionally Healthy Home
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28:22Is your home emotionally healthy? Would you know how to identify it if it wasn't? On this episode we're sharing some great info to help you determine if the things that go on on your home are producing safety or creating a lack of it. We trust that your goal is to have a home that everyone wants to come back to as a refuge. As the place where every…
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Ep 127: Learning to Embrace Change as a Couple
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21:05Today, we're diving into a topic that every couple encounters: learning to embrace change together. Whether it's a new job, moving to a new city, starting a family, or any other life transition, change is inevitable. But how we handle these changes can make all the difference in our marriages. Join us for an honest and encouraging conversation fill…
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Ep. 126: From Chaos to Commitment: Our Marriage Journey
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29:39Not all marriage counselors start out in healthy marriages, especially when they started before they were counselors and when they were far from God. On this episode we're sharing the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of our marriage story hoping along the way you'll see the goodness of God and the hope of healing. Find our show notes at https:…
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Ep. 125: Handling Disappointment as a Couple
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28:43Have you ever been disappointed as a couple? Is your marriage going how you expected it to go? Have you endured a job loss or a health crisis, or are you dealing with something that you never thought you'd have to? You don't have to let the disappointments of life derail your marriage. Listen in today and let us help you learn how to navigate them …
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Did you know that your mindset can powerfully influence the health of your marriage? It can be the deciding factor in whether your marriage grows stagnant or flourishes. Check out today's episode to find out what your mindset is and how to get it where it needs to be to start thriving in your marriage. Find our show notes at https://expeditionmarri…
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Ep. 123: Hot Take on the Five Love Languages
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23:38Have you ever wondered how important learning your spouse's love language is? In this episode we're sharing about the good and the potential not so good of the Five Love Languages if they're misused. Tune in today if you want to be sure you're using this marriage resource the right way! Don't forget to leave us a review! Get the App to find out you…
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Ep. 122: Reasons to Focus on Yourself in a Struggling Marriage
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26:19On this episode, we explain what we mean about focusing on yourself when you are in a struggling marriage... The end goal of marriage isn't just to stay married. It's to have a healthy, God-honoring marriage that thrives. One of the best ways to do that when your marriage is struggling is to focus on yourself because that's something you can contro…
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Ep. 121: Is Your Marriage Emotionally Exhausting You?
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24:21Some seasons of marriage can be emotionally exhausting, but this exhaustion should never become the norm. Your marriage is designed to add value to your life, not to constantly take from it. In this episode, we're sharing several reasons you might feel emotionally drained in your marriage. Be sure to join us to find out if any of those culprits are…
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Would it surprise you to know that an example of gaslighting can be found in scripture? Just like it does in real life, this example of gaslighting also led to destruction. If you or someone you love is a victim of this form of emotional abuse, you'll want to tune in! Need further help! Check out episode 70 with Dr. David Clarke, Enough is Enough h…
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Ep. 119: Unscripted – Going Deeper on Our Most Popular Instagram Posts
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26:28On this episode, we're bringing our most popular Instagram posts to you. We're going unscripted to talk about what resonated most with couples and take them one step further. Join us to listen and learn today! Ready to get your FREE Customized Date Night Box from Happily (just pay $7.99 shipping) AND to get 25% for all your other Date Night Boxes a…
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Ep. 118: Don't Let These Deathbed Regrets Affect Your Marriage Part 2
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24:12When you get to the end of your life, will you be able to say that you have no regrets when it comes to your marriage? On this episode, we took some of the most common deathbed regrets and discussed how to avoid having them in your marriage. If you want a life and a marriage without regrets, listen in. to part 2 of this series. Find our show notes …
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Ep. 117: Don't Let the Death Bed Regrets Affect your Marriage (Part 1)
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21:19When you get to the end of your life, will you be able to say that you have no regrets when it comes to your marriage? On this episode, we took some of the most common deathbed regrets and discussed how to avoid having them in your marriage. If you want a life and a marriage without regrets, listen in. Find our show notes at https://expeditionmarri…
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Ep. 116: Are you a Peace-Maker or Peace-Keeper
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24:54Do you get unsettled when there's conflict around you or if you know that someone isn't happy with you? What lengths do you go to in order to get the peace to return? And when it does return, is it even real peace at all? In this episode, we're sharing the differences between peace-making and peace-faking. Don't miss this episode if you have a stro…
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Ep. 115: How to Support Your Adult Children During the Holidays and Still Have Joy with Special Guest Pamela Hinkelman
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40:11Are you an empty nest mom or an adult daughter trying to make everyone happy this Christmas? The transition from parenting to developing more of a friendship for an empty nest mom is challenging, especially around the holidays. Traditions have been firmly rooted for years, and now, they're suddenly changing. Holidays don't look like they used to, a…
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