Have 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 an uncertain or insecure goal
• Depression may indicate you’re chasing an impossible goal

These emotions aren’t random or shameful—they’re invitations to examine your expectations, bring your desires before God, and lean into trust instead of control.

Through biblical truth and real-life examples, we’ll help you identify what’s really going on beneath the surface so you can respond productively, not just react in frustration.

📖 Scriptures Mentioned:

• James 4:1–2
• Ephesians 4:26–27
• Philippians 4:6–7
• Isaiah 26:3
• Proverbs 13:12
• Matthew 11:28
• Psalm 37:4–5
• 2 Corinthians 10:5

💬 Key Takeaways:

• Your emotions are signals, not enemies
• Unmet expectations often fuel conflict in marriage
• God wants to meet you in your emotional pain—not condemn you for it
• Surrendering unrealistic or uncontrollable goals leads to peace and connection

🛠️ Don’t Miss This Free Resource:

Grab our printable handout, “What Your Emotions Are Telling You in Marriage,” and start processing what you're feeling and why—together.

👉 Download it here: [INSERT LINK TO HANDOUT] Printable saved under “Emotions” handout.

💌 Stay Connected:

Need more support in your marriage?
👉 Learn more about counseling: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage
👉 Sign up for our weekly encouragement email: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter

*Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional.

Have 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 intimacy and connection. We’ll show you how to recognize these patterns, understand the emotional needs beneath them, and shift toward healthier communication.

You’ll walk away with greater self-awareness and biblical insight on how to stop playing games—and start building trust and connection.

https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-136-games-people-play-in-marriage-breaking-free-from-relational-patterns/

🧠 Key Topics Covered:

• What “relational games” are and how they show up in marriage
• The emotional payoffs that keep us repeating unhealthy patterns
• Practical steps to move from reaction to restoration
• What Scripture teaches about honest, grace-filled communication

📖 Scriptures to Reflect On:

• Ephesians 4:25 – “Speak the truth in love…”
• Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath…”
• Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens…”
• James 1:19 – “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

🎧 Ready to Break the Cycle?

If you and your spouse find yourselves stuck in the same arguments or disconnected because of poor communication, it may be time to hit pause and start fresh. The L.O.V.E. Your Way Through Conflict Course is a powerful, Christ-centered resource to help you move from frustration to understanding.

💥 Use code COUPLE50 for 50% off the course!
👉 Start the course here

💌 Stay Connected:

Want more tools and encouragement for your marriage?
📬 Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter
👥 Learn about counseling: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage

Is 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, especially our phones, to silence what’s most important.

We’ll unpack how subtle distraction, not outright destruction, is often the tool the enemy uses—and how we can take practical, faith-filled steps to reclaim our attention, intimacy, and spiritual focus.
If you’re craving deeper connection with God and your spouse, and you're ready to quiet the noise, this conversation is for you.

https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-135-is-your-phone-silencing-what-matters-most/

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How the enemy uses distraction as a tool to quietly disconnect us
• The real trade we’ve made—screen time instead of soul time
• How to honestly assess who (or what) has the most access to our attention
• Practical ways to reclaim your focus and intimacy with God and your spouse
• Why stillness is essential for spiritual and relational growth

Helpful Links:

• 💬 Interested in Marriage Counseling or Coaching?
  Inquire about working with us here: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage/
• 📨 Get Weekly Marriage and Faith Encouragement!
  Sign up for our newsletter here: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter-signup/
• 📚 Recommended Resource:
  If you’re looking for a powerful book to help you overcome disconnection in a noisy world, we highly recommend Reconnected by Carlos Whittaker.
  Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/4lVeOOM

Key Quotes from the Episode:

• “The enemy isn’t always loud—sometimes he’s just a ding, a buzz, and a scroll.”
• “We’re not struggling because Jesus stopped speaking—we’re struggling because we’ve stopped listening.”
• “Our phone isn’t evil—but it becomes a trap when it replaces our dependence on Jesus.”

✨ Reflection Questions to Ask the Lord:

• What do You want me/us to say yes to?
• What do You want me/us to say no to?
• How can we protect our marriage during this season?

Thanks for tuning in!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and tag us. We love hearing how you’re reclaiming your time and connection in this noisy world!

*Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional.

When 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 time to say "no" to good things to protect the best things, and why you must be intentional about hearing from God in every season. Plus, we’ll share practical steps to help you and your spouse stay connected, even when life feels heavy.

If you’re feeling stretched thin, stressed out, or spiritually distant, this conversation is for you.

📝 Show Notes

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How to recognize when it’s time to reset your priorities
• The importance of getting into a position to hear God's voice
• Biblical encouragement for staying spiritually focused during hard seasons
• Practical steps for putting first things first in your marriage

Helpful Links:

• 💬 Interested in Marriage Counseling or Coaching?
  Inquire about working with us here: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage/
• 📨 Get Encouragement Every Week!
  Sign up for our weekly newsletter packed with marriage tips, faith encouragement, and new resources: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter-signup/

Scriptures Mentioned:

• 2 Corinthians 10:5 — Taking every thought captive
• Romans 12:2 — Renewing your mind
• Ecclesiastes 3:1 — Understanding seasons
• 1 Peter 4:8 — Loving deeply in hard seasons
• John 10:27 — Hearing the voice of the Shepherd

✨ Reflection Questions to Ask the Lord:

• What do You want me/us to say yes to?
• What do You want me/us to say no to?
• How can we protect our marriage during this season?

Thanks for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps us reach more couples who need hope and encouragement!

https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-134-first-things-first

*Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional.

Is 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.

Plus, we’re grounding each discussion in scripture, offering a faith-filled approach to navigating this season of life. Whether celebrating your strengths or considering seeking outside help, this episode has wisdom and actionable advice. Don’t miss out—listen now and start your journey towards a more connected, Christ-centered marriage.

Find our show notes and get your Listener's Guide at https://expeditionmarriage.org/post/podcast/ep-133-midlife-marriage-check-in-5-questions-to-strengthen-your-marriage/

Follow us!

https://www.instagram.com/expedition_marriage/

https://pinterest/expedition_marriage.org

LINKS-

What’s Up with this Gray Divorce Trend? https://expeditionmarriage.org/post/podcast/ep-32-whats-up-with-this-gray-divorce-trend/

Work with us for Counseling and Coaching: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage/

Marriage Weekend Reboot Intensive: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriagereboot/

In 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 establish and enforce.

Dr. Baker explains how our nervous systems can become overwhelmed and dysregulated when we fail to set healthy boundaries, leading to stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. She also shares practical advice on how to recognize when your boundaries are being crossed, and how to strengthen your nervous system to confidently enforce them.

Whether you’re struggling to set limits with a toxic person or trying to maintain your well-being in a difficult relationship, this episode offers the tools and insights you need to reclaim your peace and protect your mental and emotional health. Tune in for a conversation that will empower you to build stronger boundaries and a more resilient nervous system.

Find our show notes at https://expeditionmarriage.org/post/podcast/ep-132-boundaries-and-the-nervous-system/

Follow us!

https://www.instagram.com/expedition_marriage/

https://pinterest/expedition_marriage.org

LINKS-

DISCOUNT ➡️ Join Dr. Baker’s Somatic Wellness Collective: Somatic Wellness Collective for $20 off using our code EXPEDITIONPOD- http://somatic-wellness-collective.teachable.com/p/somatic-wellness-collective

Find her private practice here: - https://wayfarecounseling.com

Grab some FREEBIES:

FANOS Couples Check-in: https://expeditionmarriage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FANOS-Couples-Check-In.pdf

Free Nervous System Tracker Workbook: https://drcbtherapy.myflodesk.com/nstracker

Free Collaborative Calm Cards: https://drcbtherapy.myflodesk.com/cccfreebie

Free iPhone Screensavers: https://drcbtherapy.myflodesk.com/iphonefreebie

In 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 the science behind these responses and offers practical strategies to calm and restore the nervous system, helping you move from survival mode to a place of peace. Whether you’re dealing with betrayal or supporting someone who is, this conversation provides the tools and insights needed to begin the journey toward healing and renewal.

Find our show notes at https://expeditionmarriage.org/post/podcast/ep-131-betrayal-trauma-and-the-nervous-system/

Follow us!

https://www.instagram.com/expedition_marriage/

https://pinterest/expedition_marriage.org

LINK-

DISCOUNT ➡️ Join Dr. Baker’s Somatic Wellness Collective: Somatic Wellness Collective for $20 off using our code EXPEDITIONPOD- http://somatic-wellness-collective.teachable.com/p/somatic-wellness-collective

Find her private practice here: - https://wayfarecounseling.com

Grab some FREEBIES:

FANOS Couples Check-in: https://expeditionmarriage.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FANOS-Couples-Check-In.pdf

Free Nervous System Tracker Workbook: https://drcbtherapy.myflodesk.com/nstracker

Free Collaborative Calm Cards: https://drcbtherapy.myflodesk.com/cccfreebie

Free iPhone Screensavers: https://drcbtherapy.myflodesk.com/iphonefreebie

In 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 stronger, more resilient relationship.

We’ll dive into practical strategies for recognizing signs of dysregulation in yourself and your partner, and learn how to create a more balanced and healthy marriage. Whether you’re navigating stress, conflict, or simply seeking deeper connection, this episode will give you the tools you need to help you and your spouse thrive together.

Tune in to discover how a well-regulated nervous system can be the key to a healthier, happier marriage!

Find our show notes at https://expeditionmarriage.org/post/podcast/ep-130-nervous-system-regulation-in-marriage-with-dr-christine-baker

Follow us!

https://www.instagram.com/expedition_marriage/

https://pinterest/expedition_marriage.org

Find Dr Christine Baker at https://wayfarecounseling.com/providers/christine-baker/

Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/drcbtherapy/

Get the FREE Collaborative Calm Cards for Couples https://drcbtherapy.myflodesk.com/cccfreebie

DISCOUNT ➡️ Join Dr. Baker’s Somatic Wellness Collective: Somatic Wellness Collective for $20 off using our code EXPEDITIONPOD- http://somatic-wellness-collective.teachable.com/p/somatic-wellness-collective