As the new year begins, Rusty and Heather invite listeners into a conversation about goals, growth, and the role personal responsibility plays in a thriving marriage. In this first episode of the year, they do something they’ve never done publicly before—share their individual goals for 2026 with each other in real time. Rather than focusing on fixing a spouse or creating rigid, legalistic resolutions, this conversation reframes what intentionality really looks like. Rusty and Heather reflect on how their approach to annual goals has evolved over the years, moving away from pressure and performance and toward clarity, grace, and purposeful direction. They unpack why personal growth is not selfish in marriage, but essential. Using Luke 2:52 as a guiding framework, they explain how Jesus’ growth in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and others continues to shape how they think about goal-setting today. Along the way, they share the books they plan to read in the coming year, offer insight into what’s ahead for The Redeemed Marriage, and encourage listeners to pursue growth with intention. This episode is an invitation to start the year differently—to stop trying to change your spouse, take ownership of your own growth, and discover how personal transformation can lead to deeper connection, freedom, and renewal in marriage in the year ahead. Visit The Redeemed Marriage Website Watch on YouTube Learn about Marriage Coaching Learn about Marriage Intensives Retreat Information

What does real healing look like after betrayal—and who walks with you when the shock wears off and the long road begins? In this episode of The Redeemed Marriage Podcast, Rusty and Heather sit down with Pennye Dees, the woman who stepped into Heather’s life just days after her confession of infidelity. Pennye shares her story, her calling, and why she believes deeply in walking with people patiently, faithfully, and over the long haul. The conversation explores the earliest days after betrayal, what mattered most spiritually and emotionally, and why true healing requires more than quick fixes. Pennye offers wisdom for betraying spouses who want to do the right thing but feel overwhelmed, as well as for betrayed spouses who are trying to discern whether real heart change is taking place. Listeners will gain clarity around questions many couples quietly wrestle with: What does true repentance look like beyond words? How can someone tell if a heart is genuinely turning toward Jesus rather than simply seeking relief from consequences? What signs point to lasting transformation instead of temporary behavior change? The episode also casts vision for the often-overlooked gift of mentoring. Pennye explains why mentors are so critical during seasons of crisis and healing, what they provide that even well-meaning friends or pastors may not, and how to begin seeking that kind of support. For couples in crisis, in recovery, or simply longing for deeper discipleship and accountability, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and a clear reminder that healing was never meant to be done alone. The Redeemed Marriage Website Watch on YouTube    

In this lighthearted and completely unscripted Christmas episode, Rusty and Heather shake things up with a game that was not planned and definitely not rehearsed. Heather presses play on a Christmas song and without warning, Rusty races to guess the title, and then—on the spot—has to turn that song into real, practical marriage advice. No notes. No preparation. Just quick thinking, honest insight, and a lot of laughter. What unfolds is a mix of singing, playful pressure, and surprisingly meaningful moments as familiar Christmas songs spark unexpected conversations about love, connection, and what really matters in marriage. The advice isn’t polished or prepackaged—it’s raw, spontaneous, and rooted in real life. This episode is a reminder that marriage growth doesn’t always have to be heavy to be helpful. Sometimes the best wisdom shows up when guards are down, expectations are low, and joy leads the way. If you’re looking for encouragement, laughs, and a fresh way to think about your marriage during the Christmas season, this one delivers. The Redeemed Marriage Website

The Christmas season is full—but marriage still matters. In this episode, Rusty and Heather take a lighter turn and talk about the importance of intentional fun, laughter, and making memories with your spouse, especially during the busy holiday season. When life feels full, connection doesn’t happen by accident—and sometimes the best thing a marriage needs is simply time to enjoy each other again. They share why creating space for fun dates and shared experiences can strengthen a relationship and highlight their 12 Dates of Christmas resource—simple, meaningful date ideas designed to help couples be intentional and reconnect during the season. They also introduce a playful resource called Missed Call From Santa, a fun way to surprise a spouse or children with a personalized message that brings laughter and joy into the home. For couples feeling stretched thin this Christmas, this episode is an invitation to slow down, be intentional, and choose connection—one date, one laugh, and one memory at a time. 12 MORE! Dates of Christmas FREE Download Missed Call From Santa

In this deeply vulnerable Christmas episode, Rusty and Heather revisit their first holiday season after the affair—only four months into the most painful chapter of their marriage. While Christmas is often portrayed as magical, peaceful, and sentimental, their reality was filled with fear, shame, awkward family gatherings, and the heavy tension of trying to celebrate while still grieving what had been lost. They share what it felt like to navigate meaningful holiday moments while carrying heartbreak, and how the pressure to “hold it together for the kids” made everything even more complicated. Yet woven through the pain is a powerful story of Emmanuel—God with us—showing up in the middle of their brokenness. Rusty and Heather describe how God began the earliest stages of healing during a season that should have felt unbearable, proving that the miracle of Jesus entering a messy world still heals marriages today. They offer encouragement for couples who are simply trying to survive the holidays, reminding listeners that they don’t have to pretend, they don’t have to hide, and they don’t have to wait for the new year to see God move. Hope, healing, and restoration can begin right in the middle of the Christmas season. For more resources or to take a next step toward healing, visit The Redeemed Marriage website: Click HERE Watch episodes, stories, and video content on their YouTube channel: Click HERE

In this follow-up conversation, Rusty and Heather continue their discussion with certified sex therapist Debby Wade as they discuss the real questions couples face when rebuilding intimacy after betrayal. Debby offers clear, compassionate guidance on navigating triggers, creating emotional safety, supporting one another in the healing process, and learning to reconnect without pressure or fear. Her insight helps couples understand what healthy intimacy looks like as trust is restored and hope begins to rise again. Visit The Redeemed Marriage Website Watch on YouTube Visit Debby Wade's Website

In this episode, Rusty and Heather welcome certified therapist Debby Wade for an honest and hope-filled conversation about rebuilding intimacy after betrayal. Debby offers wisdom on the questions couples often struggle to voice—navigating triggers, intrusive thoughts, emotional safety, and the slow process of reconnecting after trust has been broken. Her compassionate insight gives couples practical steps for healing and a clearer understanding of how intimacy can be restored in a healthy, honoring way. The Redeemed Marriage Website Watch on YouTube Debby Wade's Website

There’s a reason certain questions rise to the surface at 2:00 a.m.—the hour when the house is quiet and the worries feel loudest. One of the questions couples wrestle with most in those restless moments is, “When will my spouse ever change?” It’s a question born from disappointment, discouragement, and the fear that nothing will ever be different. In this episode, Rusty and Heather gently turn that question in a new direction. Instead of focusing on what a spouse is or isn’t doing, they explore the deeper truth that genuine transformation in a marriage often begins within the heart that is willing to be changed. When a person stops trying to fix or manage their spouse’s growth and instead comes to God with humility, readiness, and expectation, something shifts. A surrendered heart becomes the doorway to peace, clarity, and spiritual growth—even if the circumstances in the marriage haven’t moved yet. Listeners will hear how preparing one’s own heart creates space for God to work in ways frustration never could. Rusty and Heather describe the difference between waiting for a spouse to become someone new and allowing God to shape one’s own responses, attitudes, and patterns. It’s a hopeful reframe for anyone lying awake at night, exhausted from carrying the weight of change that was never theirs to hold. There’s hope at 2:00 a.m.And it starts with a simple shift:“God, change me first.” Visit our website Watch us on YouTube

We’re continuing our discussion on the questions that keep us awake at 2 a.m.—the ones that every married couple wrestles with at some point, especially those walking through betrayal or trauma. Last week, Heather opened up about her side of the question, “What’s wrong with me?” This week, Rusty shares his own sleepless nights—the nights filled with questions like, “Why wasn’t I enough?” and “What did I do wrong?” In this honest conversation, Rusty talks about the haunting thoughts that come when you feel unworthy, unchosen, or powerless to fix what’s been broken. He shares how learning to recognize and replace those lies became one of the most important parts of his personal healing and the redemption of their marriage. If you’ve ever battled feelings of not being enough—or wondered if your worth could survive what happened—this episode will remind you that shame doesn’t get the final word. The Redeemed Marriage Website The Redeemed Marriage YouTube Channel

We all have those 2 a.m. moments—the questions that swirl in our minds when everything feels quiet but our thoughts are loud. This week, Heather leads the conversation with raw honesty about a question she once wrestled with deeply: “What is wrong with me?” Before her infidelity, she remembers lying awake wondering why she was even entertaining the idea of another life—another marriage—something “different.” She shares what she wishes she could say to you if she could sit in your thoughts during those restless nights, especially in a world where social media constantly whispers, “You deserve more.” After betrayal, that same question turned darker: “How could I have done something so horrific?” Heather opens up about the shame, guilt, and self-condemnation that can feel crushing after failure—and how she learned to hear truth instead of lies in those moments. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, your sanity, or your faith in the middle of the night, this episode is for you. You’re not broken beyond repair. There is hope, even at 2 a.m. The Redeemed Marriage Website The Redeemed Marriage YouTube Channel

It’s 2 a.m. and your mind won’t stop racing. The question that keeps circling is one that hurts the most: Can I ever really trust you again? In this raw and honest conversation, Rusty and Heather open up about their own sleepless nights after betrayal and the long road toward rebuilding trust. They talk about what it felt like to question everything—each other, their reality, even God—and how over time, something new and stronger began to take shape. Theirs isn’t a story of quick fixes or easy forgiveness. It’s a story of slow, steady healing, of learning to depend on God when nothing else felt solid, and discovering that trust can grow back deeper than before. If you’ve ever wondered whether your marriage can truly recover from broken trust, this conversation will meet you right where you are—with honesty, hope, and a reminder that redemption is always possible. The Redeemed Marriage Website Watch and Subscribe on YouTube

What do you do when you’re lying awake at two in the morning, wondering if your marriage can really survive what’s happened? In this episode, Rusty and Heather Bryant open up about the fears, doubts, and late-night questions that come when trust has been broken or when a marriage feels stuck in survival mode. Drawing from their own story of restoration after betrayal, they share the honest emotions of those early, sleepless nights and the hope that grew from believing God wasn’t finished with their marriage. This is a conversation for any couple asking, “Can we really make it?”—a reminder that healing is possible, renewal is real, and your story doesn’t have to end in despair. Whether you’re navigating infidelity, emotional distance, or simply feeling disconnected, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone and that God is still in the business of redeeming marriages. The Redeemed Marriage Website Watch on YouTube

Rusty and Heather take you behind the scenes of their recent marriage retreat in breathtaking Montana — where four couples joined for an intimate, unforgettable experience. Between hiking Glacier National Park, sharing gourmet meals, and deep sessions on teamwork, spiritual intimacy, and communication, God showed up in powerful ways. You’ll hear how community was built through laughter, prayer, and amazing activities together. Rusty and Heather also pull back the curtain on their new book — how it began, the challenges of writing together, and the publishing process. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens at a Redeemed Marriage Retreat, this episode is your front-row seat — and your invitation to join the next one. The Redeemed Marriage Watch on YouTube

In this live episode from beautiful Montana, Rusty and Heather unpack what spiritual leadership in marriage truly looks like—and what it doesn’t. Many couples carry confusion or guilt around who should “lead” spiritually, but God’s design is richer and more personal than cultural stereotypes. Together, Rusty and Heather share how unrealistic expectations can damage unity, how husbands and wives both play vital spiritual roles, and how understanding your unique sacred pathways—the ways you naturally connect with God—can deepen intimacy and spiritual growth in your marriage. Whether you’ve struggled to find rhythm in prayer or felt pressure to “get it right,” this conversation will help you replace pressure with purpose and discover a more authentic way to walk with God together. The Redeemed Marriage WebsiteThe Redeemed Marriage YouTube Channel

Newly engaged or decades in? This candid conversation with Rusty and Heather unpacks one of the most practical skills for a healthy marriage: love your spouse the way they want to be loved—not just how love comes naturally to you. Using the Five Love Languages framework (words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, gifts, and physical touch), they share real-life stories of how needs shift across seasons of life—work changes, parenting, even healing after betrayal—and why sacrificial love breaks the “crazy cycle” of withholding. You’ll learn why men often experience affirmation as respect, how deficits can skew quiz results, and simple daily ways to meet each other’s needs without manipulation or keeping score. Whether you’re dating, newly married, or rebuilding trust, this episode offers clear next steps for connection, communication, and emotional intimacy. Grab a date night, take (or retake) the quiz, and use today’s practical ideas to create more safety, closeness, and fun—one loving choice at a time. The Redeemed Marriage Website Watch on YouTube

Expectations can make or break a marriage—and they’re usually invisible until they collide. In this honest, light-hearted episode, Rusty and Heather share real stories (toilet seats, toothpaste, yard work, and yes…Downton Abbey) to show how unspoken expectations create conflict and how simple conversations create connection. Whether you’re engaged, newly married, or 29 years in, you’ll learn practical ways to name what you want, listen with grace, and renegotiate roles as life changes. Discover how family of origin shapes your assumptions, why “both” is often the healthiest answer for chores and decision-making, and how everyday choices—like going to bed at the same time—build emotional intimacy. Packed with encouragement and practical tools, this episode helps couples replace resentment with teamwork, boundaries, and clear communication. If you’re ready to stop fighting about the trash and start growing together, press play. The Redeemed Marriage Website Watch on YouTube

This week on The Redeemed Marriage Podcast, Rusty and Heather continue their special “Before the Vows” series—an honest, hope-filled look at what every couple needs to know before (and after) saying "I do." In this episode, they discuss the crucial topic of boundaries. While it might not feel like the most romantic subject, it’s one of the most important building blocks of a healthy, lasting marriage. Whether a couple is preparing for marriage or has been walking the journey for years, learning to establish and protect boundaries creates safety, unity, and trust. Rusty and Heather share personal stories and practical wisdom about what it really means to leave and cleave—putting your marriage above extended family ties—and how to navigate relationships with parents and in-laws after the wedding. They also talk about the importance of healthy boundaries with friends of the opposite sex and the intentional effort it takes to protect the private space of a marriage. Visit The Redeemed Marriage Website Watch on YouTube

This week on The Redeemed Marriage Podcast, Rusty and Heather kick off a brand-new series called “Before the Vows.” Inspired by their son’s recent engagement, they share timeless truths that every couple—whether dating, engaged, or married for decades—needs to know. In this episode, they open up about some of the biggest misconceptions couples carry into marriage—like expecting a spouse to “complete you” or assuming they can meet every single need. With plenty of laughter and real-life examples, Rusty and Heather unpack how God is the only one who makes us whole, and how friendships and community play a vital role in a healthy marriage. Their conversation is honest, hopeful, and practical—reminding us that these aren’t just lessons for newlyweds, but truths that continue to shape strong marriages over a lifetime. Whether you’re preparing for marriage, raising kids who are approaching that stage, or looking for fresh reminders to strengthen your current relationship, this conversation is for you. It’s not just premarital advice—it’s marriage wisdom that applies to every season. Visit The Redeemed Marriage Website Watch and Subscribe on YouTube

In the powerful conclusion to their four-part series, Rusty and Heather share the road to redemption after the painful confession that nearly destroyed their marriage. They pick up right where the story left off, walking through the raw and honest moments that followed the revelation—when non-negotiables had to be set, boundaries had to be drawn, and a clear line in the sand was established. They describe the moment of true brokenness that led to real repentance, and how that became the starting point of a long, difficult, but ultimately beautiful journey of healing. This episode highlights what rebuilding trust really looks like, the reality that forgiveness is both a decision and a daily choice, and the intentional work required to lay a new foundation for a marriage. Rusty and Heather also share the practical and spiritual tools that helped them—counseling, mentorship, marriage intensives, and the balance of navigating personal healing while fighting for their relationship. They reveal how God used their deepest pain to create a ministry that now brings hope and direction to couples around the world. For anyone who has ever wondered if a marriage can truly be redeemed after betrayal and heartbreak, this episode is living proof that with God, not only is it possible—but a stronger, more beautiful marriage can rise from the ashes. The Redeemed Marriage Website Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

What happens in the critical hours and days after infidelity comes to light? In this pivotal episode of The Redeemed Marriage Podcast, Rusty and Heather Bryant share the raw aftermath of confession—the fear, chaos, and the moment their private pain became a public reality. Rusty reveals the non-negotiable boundaries he set to give their marriage any chance of survival. Heather opens up about her journey from regret and shame to true, God-led brokenness—the turning point that made redemption possible. Together, they walk through the first, crucial steps toward trust, forgiveness, and healing. This episode is essential for anyone navigating the fragile space between betrayal and restoration. The Redeemed Marriage Website Watch and Subscribe on YouTube