We've all experienced moments (or even prolonged seasons) of discouragement. Sometimes these long seasons of disappointment can morph into a full-blown depression, a mid-life crisis or a myriad of other issues. Dave and Ashley share some personal experiences and Biblical perspective on how to navigate your marriage in a healthy way when either you or your spouse is facing ongoing discouragement.

Was there ever a season in your marriage when you felt closer to your spouse than you feel right now? If so, what changed? In this episode, Dave and Ashley will unpack the reasons why many couples subtly drift apart and they'll share practical ways to rekindle romance, passion, and intimacy in every part of the marriage.

Many couples stay "stuck" in a perpetual cycle of conflict and frustration. Dave and Ashley refer to this cycle as "The F5 Marriage Tornado" and in this episode, they unpack why this unhealthy cycle exists and how to permanently escape it and replace it with healthy communication and peace in the home.

In the midst of Covid-19, there is widespread fear about finances, disease and a myriad of other issues. Even after the current crisis has passed, there will always be potentially fearful factors we must navigate. In this episode, Dave and Ashley talk about God's timeless plan for finding peace in our homes even in the midst of chaotic circumstances.

In this "Part 2" in our addiciton series, Dave and Ashley interview Licensed Sex Therapist and Marriage and Family Therapist Cory Anderson who is also the founder of the Integrity Counselling Group based in San Diego. Cory shares practical tips for couples struggling with addictions related to sex, pornography, substance abuse and a myriad of other issues. His research and clinical expertise provide a pathway toward healing for anyone caught in the cycle of addiction.

In this "Part 1" of a two-part series on addiction issues in marriage, Dave and Ashley interview longtime friends Eric and Kristen Kennedy. Their testimony about overcoming substance abuse and building a strong, blended family is full of hope and practical applications for couples and individuals who are caught in a cycle of drug and/or alcohol dependence.

Every couple (and every individual spouse) has certain "triggers" which can spark a bad mood or an argument. Learning to identify those triggers is the first step toward healthier communication and conflict resolution. In this episode, Dave and Ashley interview Guy and Amber Lia who authored the new book, "Marriage Triggers." This conversation could help every couple learn to navigate "Marriage Triggers" in a healthier way.

One of the most common marriage mistakes occurs when the marriage takes on a parent-child dynamic between spouses instead of treating each other as partners and equals. This authoritative dynamic can happen in a variety of different situations, and some couples fall into it without even realizing it. In this episode, Dave and Ashley discuss how to recognize this negative dynamic and how to replace it with a healthier partnership.

Every marriage faces disagreements because every spouse has his/her own personality, perspective, and preferences. In this episode, Dave and Ashley have an important conversation about the keys to keeping unity and peace in marriage even when the husband and wife have two different preferences. Examples will be shared from small issues like "What to watch on Netflix" to major, life-changing choices like "Whether to have more children" and "Should we make a career change."

Marriage only works when a couple recognizes and respects the God-given "laws" which make a marriage thrive. In this episode, Dave and Ashley interview Jimmy Evans about his new book, "The Four Laws of Love." Jimmy Evans (along with his wife Karen) founded MarriageToday and he is one of the world's leading voices in marriage ministry. This conversation will equip couples with new tools and perspectives to help their marriage grow stronger.

Intimacy has come to be a codeword for "sex." Sex is obviously an important part of marriage, but true intimacy in marriage goes far beyond just what's happening in the bedroom. In this episode, Dave and Ashley explore practical ways to bring more intimacy to your conversations, your daily routine and every aspect of your marriage (including your sex life).

Every couple comes from two different words to a certain extent. Even when both spouses grew up in the same area, cultural differences within each family can create obstacles in a marriage. How do you navigate the compromises and respect each other's differences while finding unity in the marriage? In this episode, Dave and Ashley interview Terry and Keewani Cook who come from two different parts of the world and have navigated some extreme cultural differences to find deeper intimacy. This episode also includes a special offer available at www.Compassion.com/marriage

We all have bad days. In those moments (or seasons) when your spouse is discouraged, frustrated, grumpy or disillusioned, you have a unique opportunity to help bring out his/her best or bring out the worst. We'll address some practical and Biblical principles and communication tactics to change the tone in your marriage from negativity to one of peace and joy.

By popular demand, we're dedicating an entire episode to the many questions we receive related to oral sex. What does the Bible say about it? What if one spouse loves it and one spouse is uncomfortable with it? Join us for an honest, uninhibited conversation about oral sex in marriage.

On this episode of The Naked Marriage Podcast, Dave and Ashley Willis interview special guest Debra Fileta who is a licensed counselor, podcaster, and author of the new book "Love In Every Season." Dave, Ashley, and Debra discuss the shifting dynamics in every season of marriage and how to make healthy adjustments so a couple can overcome the hardships and enjoy the unique opportunities every season brings.

On this episode of The Naked Marriage Podcast, Dave and Ashley Willis explore the importance of finding friends who will strengthen your marriage while distancing yourself from friends who might be harming your marriage. In the Q&A portion of the podcast, Dave and Ashley address a question of "Friends Without Benefits" referring to the dynamic of a sexless marriage and how to rekindle intimacy

On the episode of The Naked Marriage Podcast, Dave and Ashley Willis celebrate the importance of laughter and humor in marriage. Especially in the difficult seasons, it's important to keep a sense of humor and lighten up the tension with playfulness. Dave and Ashley talk about ways to take your marriage very seriously but also enjoying the serious business of fun, joy and laughter in your relationship.

On this episode of The Naked Marriage Podcast, Dave and Ashley Willis explore the difficult dynamics some couples face when they're experiencing grief, loss or disappointment around Christmas. The process of grieving can either bring more division or more unity to a marriage depending on how a couple responds to pain and loss. Dave and Ashley give some practial and Biblical tips for finding strength and unity in seasons of grieving.

On this episode of the Naked Marriage podcast, Dave and Ashley Willis tackle the provocative and often undiscussed topic of sexual fantasies within marriage. They address some common misconceptions about sexual fantasies, healthy and Biblical boundaries for sexual expression, and the God-given freedom couples should enjoy to be creative and playful in the bedroom.

On this episode of The Naked Marriage Podcast, Dave and Ashley Willis discuss the delicate dynamic of navigating a marriage where one spouse wants a divorce. Biblically and practically, Dave and Ashley talk through specific solutions for trying to heal a marriage in crisis while also providing help and perspective to those whose marriages ultimately end in divorce.

On this episode of The Naked Marriage Podcast, Dave and Ashley Willis tackle an intimate question from a listener about fetishes in the bedroom. They discuss the psychological causes of fetishes, the benefits of playfulness in the bedroom and also the potential pitfalls of unhealthy expressions of sexual intimacy in marriage.

On this episode of The Naked Marriage podcast, Dave and Ashley Willis address a rising issue in marriages called Sleep Divorce. Together they discuss why this is becoming more of an issue, the repercussions it can have on your marriage, and some solutions to common causes.

On this episode of The Naked Marriage podcast, Dave and Ashley discuss how marriage, just like a car, can have warning lights to show you that there could be a bigger problem. Learn how to watch for the warning signs in your marriage so it can continue to strengthen and grow.

On this episode of The Naked Marriage podcast, Dave and Ashley Willis discuss the meaning and benefits of marriage. We are surrounded by a culture that no longer believes in the institute of marriage and is asking the question, "why get married?" Knowing the importance and meaning of marriage will strengthen the relationship between you and your spouse.

On this episode of The Naked Marriage podcast, Dave and Ashley Willis talk about the importance of having "the talk" with your kids and how and when to start the conversation. Talking about sex with your children can be difficult, but it is necessary and crucial in today's world.