In This Together With Dr. Josh + Christi

Our summer "best of" series continues with one of our most listened to episodes on marriage. In this episode, we discuss some of the deeper reasons behind why it's so difficult to connect with the one we love the most.We also talk about our own marital journey of late and how counseling has helped us work through the baggage, blindness, and busyness of the day. Yes, three "bee's" that can "sting" your marriage. Dad jokes rock.Of course, the conversation includes practical ways we can connect at a deeper, more intimate level with our spouse.Show Notes: To learn more about Winshape Marriage Intensives and Adventures, click here. To learn more about marriage coaching intensives we offer, or to set up a discovery call, click here.

Welcome to part 2 of our "best of" summer series! Last week, we talked about raising our girls. This week, we talk about raising our boys. Our podcast “resident therapist," David Thomas, is back with us, live from Daystar Counseling. He talks with us about what our sons need across the developmental lifespan.In this episode, David breaks down what our boys need in the following age groups:Ages 2-4: The ExplorerAges 5-8: The LoverAges 9-12: The IndividualAges 13-17: The WandererAges 18-22: The WarriorSome of the best nuggets of this interview include:* The biggest hurdle of boys today across the developmental lifespan* Ways that boys self-medicate their pain and why* Why helping boys problem solve and use critical thinking is crucial to their development* The importance of placing your hand on your son's shoulder and addressing him by name* Why boys need less words, not more* Helping our boys navigate video gaming in a healthy wayShow Notes: To purchase the What Am I Feeling? children's book, click here.To lea

Welcome to our "best of" series of the summer! The next two episodes are gold medallion interviews with our podcast "resident therapists." This week, we interview Sissy Goff from Daystar Counseling about what our daughters need. Next week, we interview David Thomas about what our sons need.In this episode, Sissy breaks down what our girls need in the following age groups:Birth-5: The Discovery YearsAges 6-11: The Adventurous YearsAges 12-15: The Narcissistic YearsAges 16-19: The Autonomous YearsSome of the best nuggets of this interview include: * The growing epidemic of anxiety in girls today * The years our daughters seem disinterested in relationship with dad * How dads can press into their daughters * Why daughters tend to be ambivalent with their moms in the narcissistic years * How moms can press into their daughters in these yearsShow Notes: To learn more, click here to purchase Sissy's book, All You Need to Know About Raising Girls.To buy Sissy's latest book, Are My Kids on Track?, click here.To learn

Be prepared to have your idea of how you "do" family flipped upside down. Our friends Jeremy and April Pryor join us this week to talk about multigenerational family teams on mission, a way of leading their family they have been practicing for two decades.In this episode, we talk about: * The difference between the ancient Jewish and modern day Western approach to family * How the West has redefined family to focus on individuals * Why the Western redefinition of family doesn't resonate with most men * How we can practically begin to implement a multigenerational family on mission * An innovative way of implementing the Sabbath into your homeShow Notes: Click here to purchase and learn  more about Homegrown: Cultivating Kids in the Fruit of the SpiritClick here to visit www.familyteams.com to learn more and follow all of the Family Teams podcasts and resources.To sign up for the Family Teams event in October, click here.To follow Family Teams on Instagram, click here.

What if God has more for your marriage than happily after? Could it be that God intended your marriage to have a life-enriching, hope-giving purpose of sharing God's love with a hurting world?In this episode, Aaron and Jennifer Smith, founders of the well-loved UnveiledWife.com and HusbandRevolution.com, share their own marital journey of one in crisis, to one built on Christ's redemptive love. No matter the current condition of your marriage, God still can, and even wants to, use your marriage for His glory.In this episode, Aaron and Jennifer talk with us about: * Their story of marriage in crisis * How God got a hold of Aaron's heart and gave him vision for their marriage * How to practically lay down our lives for our spouse each day * Why our kids learn to interact with others based on how we interact with our spouse * What it means for your marriage to boldly chase after GodShow Notes: To purchase What Am I Feeling? click here.To purchase the Marriage After God book, click here.Follow Aaron and Jennifer

Finding friends once we have children and become "grownups" isn't always easy. Especially for families who move quite often. Especially for moms who long to talk to anyone who can tie her shoes. And especially since it takes time and trust to go deep.This episode came out of one question from our question and discussion episode. Some of the topics we discuss include: * The struggle it is to find friends you connect with * Practical ways to move from acquaintances to friends * The time and vulnerability required to go deep * How to move from authenticity to vulnerability * Christi discusses practical ways for women to find and cultivate friendships with other women * Josh discusses practical ways for men to find and cultivate friendships with other menHere's the question that got it all started:From Jenny: First, I just wanted to say thank you. I am so grateful for you. I found this podcast last week and it has already changed my life. I have two kids, 22 months apart, and my youngest is turning one next month

In this episode, we once again discuss your questions. In particular, this week's discussion points include: * Marriage books to read for non-Christians * Ways to get your spouse to increase more time together and get in sync * Next steps for rebuilding your marriage after it fell apart * How to help our kids navigate adults who lack emotional intelligence / awareness * Whether your child's enneagram type influences how we discipline and disciple themThe Questions:  * From Emily: I really like your podcast and have been feeling this urge to put my husband and I more in sync. He thinks we are great and perfect and that you shouldn't mess with something that's not broken. And we are really great most of the time, but I want more. I want us to be "in this together" more. He is fine with watching TV together at night and calling that quality time, however, we don't say any words to each other. I told him that for my birthday, which is at the end of this month, I want his time. I want to read a book together or so

Sex is the elephant in the room. At some point, every spouse feels the unspoken tension. For many marriages, the elephant grows bigger after our kids enter the family.In this episode, we call out the elephant in the room and provide ways you and your spouse can begin talking about sex with one another in an emotionally safe way. We talk about: * Why sex is so difficult to talk about in the first place * How to communicate about sex if past trauma is influencing physical intimacy in your marriage * What to do if only one spouse is interested in talking about sex * How husbands need to approach the conversation * Helpful ways for wives to approach the conversation * Why the word "duty" should be banished from the conversation altogether * Practical ways to talk about sex in an emotionally safe wayShow Notes: To learn more about marriage coaching, or to set up a free discovery call, click here.To learn more about Onsite Workshops, click here.To learn more about Winshape Marriage Intensives, click here.To find a

Having an emotionally safe marriage doesn't just happen. The way we listen to and communicate with our spouse makes all the difference. But doing so takes practice--and the willingness to be empathetic.In this second episode of our two part series, we talk about the building blocks to having an emotionally safe marriage. In particular, we talk about: * What it means to be empathetic with our spouse * Why labeling emotions makes a difference * A simple way of communicating for deeper connection * Practical strategies you can implement todayShow Notes: To learn more about marriage coaching, or to set up a free discovery call, click here.To learn more about or to purchase Feeling Good Together, by David Burns, click here.For the blogpost, How 15 Minutes is Changing my Marriage, click here. 

So often, couples tell us that communication is their greatest problem. But more than communication, empathy for what's going on within your spouse's heart is even more crucial to connection and intimacy. In fact, our willingness to genuinely show care and concern for our spouse's feelings is where great communication begins.In this episode, we talk about what it takes to have an emotionally safe marriage. In particular, we talk about: * What it means to be "emotionally safe" * What hinders us from being emotionally safe for our spouse * The three decisions you need to make for an emotionally safe marriage * Why blame is the greatest barrier to changeShow Notes: To learn more about marriage coaching, or to set up a free discovery call, click here.To learn more about or to purchase Feeling Good Together, by David Burns, click here.For the blogpost, How 15 Minutes is Changing my Marriage, click here. 

Have you ever been curious about your own family lineage? The marriage that happened you didn't know about? The hobbies passed down through the generations? Or maybe even the relational dynamics that led to addiction?Or what about the reasons you parent the way you do? Why you treat your spouse the way you do?Genograms can reveal so much about our family history. In this episode, we talk about genograms and how they can help us discover more of who we are and where we come from. We also discuss practical ways we can learn from our family history to stop negative generational patterns and embrace the positive ones.Show Notes: Click here to purchase What Am I Feeling? To learn more about genograms or how to create one, click here to download the necessary charts. *Note: You don't need to buy the software on this site.If you'd like to create your own genogram with a third party, you can check out our coaching services by clicking here and setting up a free discovery call.  

Gain insight into two husbands and dads building their family teams. That's what this episode is all about. Josh interviews Jeff Bethke about the state of the American family, how it stands in contrast to biblical fatherhood, and the practical ways we can build a family team.Specifically, we talk about: * What Abraham might be looking for in a dad today and why. * The biblical foundation and mission of family versus how we actually function in the Western world * The intentional steps you can take right now to lead your marriage and family on purpose, not by accident * What a multigenerational family team on mission looks like * How Jeff and his wife Alyssa manage and thrive on social media as a family on missionShow Notes: Click here to visit www.familyteams.com to learn more and follow Jeff's podcasts. You can learn more about and follow Jeff and Alyssa's podcast by clicking here.To purchase What Am I Feeling?, click here. 

We love getting your questions and discussing the topics dear to your heart. In this week's episode, we discuss the following topics and questions: * Kids should be allowed to feel anger, but should we allow our kids to stomp off in their anger? It feels like such a fine line to walk. * When our children don't transition well, or don't want to transition well, from one activity or event to another, what do I do? * As a single mom, how do I compensate for my children not having a father? * I'm emotionally safe for my kids, but my husband is not. Are there extra things I can do? * I'm a foster mom and our kids are transitioning back to their parents. How can I prepare them?The Questions: I have a 4-year-old little girl and 1-year-old twins. I can't wait to get your feelings book. Something you guys mentioned in your Kids Who Can Empathize episode was that we should allow our kids to feel that anger. I think you mentioned allowing your kids to stomp. This may be a ridiculous question, but is stomping always acce

We all seek to find our life purpose. But have you ever thought about your marital purpose? The purpose God has for your marriage? He has one for you--but it may not be for what you think.In this episode, we talk with Ryan and Selena Frederick from Fierce Marriage about how your marriage is designed to bring God glory. But what does that mean? And how can we do that, especially in an age of confusion?Ryan and Selena break down what it means to be transparent in marriage and cover such topics as: * Exposing ourselves to meaningful risk * How to have a "see through" mentality * What it means to be vulnerable with one another * Why self-discovery is crucial for transparency * To be "unoffendable"Show Notes: To order Ryan and Selena's book, Fierce Marriage, click here. To subscribe or listen to The Fierce Marriage Podcast, click here. Sponsor: For FREE downloadable lunch notes and games, or to order Homegrown: Cultivating Kids in the Fruit of the Spirit, click here. 

Sex is our most requested topic lately for the podcast. And the types of questions we receive about sex reveal the power it holds in how well--or not--we connect with our spouse.In this episode, Ryan and Laura Dobson join us to talk about the joys and difficulties of sex in marriage.We discuss: * How to begin talking about sex in your marriage * The power sex has on how well we feel emotionally connected * How to discuss and overcome past hurts to rediscover--or maybe discover for the first time--an enjoyable sex life * Sexual satisfaction and the early years of parenting * What porn does to marital intimacy and some ways to get through it * The spiritual significance of sex in marriageShow Notes:To learn more about marriage or family coaching with the Straubs, click here. To find a Christian counselor in your local area, click here. To find a counselor in your local area, click here.To listen to REBEL Parenting Podcast with Ryan and Laura Dobson, click here.  

Feeling exhausted, or simply tired of going through the motions? The modern world is a machine of a thousand invisible habits, forming us into anxious, busy, and depressed people. The trouble is that our habits are almost invisible to us. In fact, habits form us more than we form them. So what can we do about it?Welcome to The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose in an Age of Distraction. In this week's episode, we interview Justin Whitmel Earley, a mergers and acquisitions lawyer who nearly crashed and burned in his own panicked lifestyle. As a husband and father to four young boys, Justin knew he needed help.In what turned out to be a fateful moment of self-discovery, Justin's compelling story led him to create The Common Rule, four doable daily and four weekly habits designed to help us create new routines and transform frazzled days into lives of love for God and neighbor.Looking for a doable routine for your family that leads to freedom and rest for your soul? This episode is for you.Show Notes: To purchase Th

This episode is a discussion about what we describe as the "art of becoming." Too often we get so focused on the day-to-day sleep, discipline, or behavioral issues with our kids that we lose sight of what really influences who they become.Don't get us wrong, it's not that these day-to-day issues don't matter. However, it's easy to get so lost in the day-to-day, that we neglect who we're becoming.In this episode, we talk about a recent research study that connected more parenting information to increased parenting anxiety and decreased self-confidence. As one article suggests, we get more anxious when we think there is one answer to our parenting problem, and we don't have it.Our hope is that this discussion encourages you to create the spiritual and emotional environment you and your kids need to thrive.Show Notes: Click here to learn more about Homegrown, to watch the video trailer (a must see!) and to receive free downloads for your kids.Click here to purchase the new children's book, What Am I Feeling?Arti

The Bible consistently uses botanical growth to describe our spiritual maturity and how we grow. Applied to us as parents, we want to raise children who love God and share His love with the world. But how do you prepare a spiritual seedling to become fully grown?In this episode, we talk about our new parent Bible study that you can do with your kids to cultivate them in the fruit of the Spirit. But what does this look like, especially at a practical level?This week, we discuss: * What botanical growth looks like * The necessary ingredient for the fruit of the Spirit to grow, is to die to our flesh (Gal. 5:24, John 12:24). * Cultivating kids in the fruit of the Spirit is connected to the spiritual environment of our home * Connection to Jesus (John 15) and a Church community is necessary and important for growth * The practical ways you can cultivate and water your seedlings during the four key times of the day (Deut. 6:7, Proverbs 22:6).Show Notes: Click here to learn more about Homegrown, to watch the video

Our 100th episode! And what better way to celebrate than talking with two amazing humans--Ryan and Laura Dobson--about being emotionally healthy for your family.This is arguably our most raw and vulnerable episode to date. We talk with Ryan and Laura about mental illness, addictions, pornography, and other self-medicators. Even more, we talk about grace and the path to healing. No matter your family history or past mistakes, you have a story you get to live--a story that's being passed on from one generation to the next.Our discussion is all about how we can engage a path of healing and become emotionally healthy for our spouse and kids. Feel like you're messing up a lot? You're not alone. In this episode, you will find grace and a few next steps.Show Notes: Our next Emotionally Safe Marriage Coaching Group begins April 15, 2019. Click here to learn more. Spaces are limited.Check out Ryan and Laura's Podcast Rebel Parenting by clicking here. Check out Winshape Marriage Intensives by clicking here.To learn mor

In this episode, we take your questions and talk about them. This week's questions include the following topics: * What educational apps we would recommend * How to handle a co-parenting situation where you have no control with what's happening in the other home * How to help our kids with bad dreams and night terrors * How to further talk to your kids about Santa, Easter bunny, Tooth Fairy, etc. * Managing a child who craves being social more than we have the energy forThe Questions:  * I am a first grade teacher in public school. I often get asked about educational apps that I would recommend. Knowing what you know about screen time, what is your opinion about using a tablet for educational purposes? * I'm a stepmom of three children who live with their mom 70% of the time. My husband and I do plan to fight for more custody this year. My question relates to how to co-parent with someone who is working from a different worldview. Their mom is more focused on herself and her life than the kids. She frequently