We’re back in the new year and starting off strong sharing a second marriage story! Despite what you may think, you and your spouse have a marriage story—one worth reflecting on and considering sharing. Be inspired by Phillip and Whitney Gable, a WinShape Marriage Host Couple, as they share their marriage story on today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast. They talk openly and vulnerably about how the Lord captivated each of their hearts, ultimately leading to transformation in their marriage. There isn’t a nice, neat bow at the end of this episode—instead an encouragement that God is still working and still writing their story, even in the present. How is he doing the same for you?

Happy New Year's Eve from WinShape Marriage! Solidify a 2026 goal—become more like Christ. How would this impact your marriage? As you prepare for a new year ahead, listen back to this REPLAY episode, Growing Your Relationship With God and Your Spouse in 2025,—it all still applies for 2026! And, stay tuned for a brand-new episode next week featuring a marriage story you don’t want to miss. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas Eve from WinShape Marriage! If you’ve never listened to our most popular podcast episode, now’s your chance. In lieu of a new episode today, catch this REPLAY episode, How To Love Your Spouse Well, with the one and only Dr. Gary Chapman! We hope this Christmas season has been joyous and peace filled, and we can’t wait to catch you back here in the new year for new episodes.

Marriage expectations—a phrase that can trip couples up from time to time. What does it mean to have marriage expectations? Is this biblical? How do you and your fiancé and/or spouse have healthy conversations around marriage expectations? We dive into these questions and more on today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast. Genee Francis, returning guest and assistant director of content and programming at WinShape Marriage, joins Marlee Arnold. Discussions surrounding marriage expectations don’t have to be difficult. Tune into this episode for enlightening tips on how to navigate this topic in your own relationship.

Are you and your spouse fostering an emotionally safe environment in your marriage and in your home by extension? What does this actually mean? On today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, Dr. Joshua Straub joins Marlee Arnold to unpack this conversation. Dr. Straub is an author, speaker, and podcaster, and he and his wife Christi founded Famous at Home. These two phrases—emotional safety and “being famous at home”—are the focal point of today’s discussion. In short, emotional safety is when you feel like you can be fully yourself without getting shut down or punished for it. So, do you feel that in your marriage you can express yourself without fear or judgement? And are you and your spouse creating space for your children to do the same? Learn how to take one or two practical steps forward in this space by listening to this detailed and enriching conversation.

What does the enneagram have to do with marriage? Jeff and Beth McCord, cofounders of Your Enneagram Coach, join Marlee Arnold on today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast. For those unfamiliar with the enneagram and to serve as a refresher for others, they spend part of the conversation providing an overview of the enneagram and how Your Enneagram Coach began as well as breaking down some of the criticisms of the enneagram. The latter half of the conversation is devoted to how the enneagram can be used as a tool for transformation in marriage. According to the McCords, the enneagram is one avenue to helping you understand why you think and behave the way you do. However, it is the gospel of Jesus Christ that ultimately brings any healing and transformation to yourself and your marriage. Don’t miss this interesting conversation!

In lieu of posting a brand-new episode today ahead of tomorrow’s holiday, we are posting a replay of last year’s Thanksgiving episode. This timely topic, then, is still very timely now. If you’re prepping in the kitchen or cleaning your bathrooms, we hope you’ll enjoy relistening to this episode on building a culture of gratitude in your marriage and family. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at WinShape Marriage!

How do you actually know you’re ready for marriage? What are the biggest red flags you’ve seen in couples that are about to get married? What is something no one tells you about marriage? You guys asked these questions, and we’re answering them in today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast! Jeff and Debby McElroy have been married for over 40 years and have been working with couples for over 30 years. They are well known for their Prepare to Last premarital content and programming, and today they join Marlee Arnold to answer your questions about dating, engagement, and the early years of marriage. Their wisdom and expertise are valuable as they share sentiments like, “Have I done the work to prepare myself to join my life with someone else’s and have something to contribute?” We know you’ll love this Q&A conversation.

When you apologize, what do you typically say or do? When someone apologizes to you, what do you want to hear them say or do? These questions were the basis for Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Jennifer Thomas’ book, “The 5 Apology Languages.” Last season’s episode with Dr. Gary Chapman was well loved by you all, so he’s back on today’s episode to unpack the five apology languages. Just like you are likely to receive love differently than your spouse, you also probably experience apologies differently. Part of the “problem” you’re experiencing during conflict may just be a misunderstanding on how to apologize to one another. Listen to today’s episode with Dr. Chapman to understand this concept. Apologies are essential to long-term healthy relationships, and we want to set you up for success.

Do you know that you and your spouse have a marriage story? Yes, you! You do. And it’s worth reflecting on and considering sharing. On today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, we are trying something a bit different, so stick with us! From week to week, you’ll still hear from marriage experts you know and love, but this season, we will also be sharing four marriage stories. Marlee Arnold sits down with a WinShape Marriage Host Couple who is graciously willing to share their marriage story. In today’s episode, Mike and Lora Roby talk with Marlee about how the Lord has moved in their lives personally to draw them to himself and by default, moved in their marriage and drawing them closer to one another. Their testimony is inspiring—you'll love this episode. Stay tuned for additional marriage stories this season.

Did you know you have between 16,000 and 64,000 thoughts a day?! What if you could begin to change your thoughts in a way that would positively change your marriage? Ted Lowe, Founder of For Us Marriage and author of multiple books including, “Us In Mind: How Changing Your Thoughts Can Change Your Marriage,” joins Rob Philo on today’s episode. Together, they unpack how changing your mindset has no choice but to change your attitude and actions. Before you ever have an attitude or perform an action, you have thoughts that affect them. This illuminating conversation highlights five intentional thoughts that if you begin implementing, you are bound to see a positive effect on your marital satisfaction.

Author, speaker, and podcaster, Katie Bulmer, is known for “help(ing) twenty-somethings understand their worth.” Additionally, she has been married to her husband for over 20 years, and from time to time they serve as a WinShape Marriage Host Couple. Her day-to-day platform combined with her personal marriage experience collides in today’s episode. Katie and Marlee Arnold talk woman to woman about lies young women believe about marriage, what she wishes she could have told herself about marriage before getting married, and current practical rhythms her and her husband implement to stay connected.

Talking with your family about holiday plans can be stressful, to say the least. We know! We recorded this podcast episode last year, but unfortunately, we released it too late. One of the main pieces of advice we heard from couples related to planning for the holidays was, "Talk about holiday schedules early." So, we are dropping this episode again with the hope that it opens the door for conversation with you and your spouse well ahead of the 2025 Christmas season. Check out this REPLAY episode, and then talk with your spouse about your plans with your respective families for the upcoming holidays.

It’s hard to believe it’s mid-October already! Don’t let the last few months of this year pass by without intentionally planning time to connect with your spouse. In today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, cohosts Marlee Arnold and Rob Philo talk through their top 20 fall and Christmas date ideas. Wait...Christmas?! Yes! We want you to start planning for all the fun this season has to offer now. Get out for a solo date night, or bring the whole family along. Will you pack a Christmas picnic, drive to see fall foliage, or go on a hot cocoa testing tour. We can’t wait to hear about your fall and Christmas date adventures!

What if the way you connect with God is totally different than how your spouse does? Is that OK? Rob Philo and Gary Thomas, author and speaker, explore the sacred pathways—nine ways to connect with God. They discuss the differences in each pathway and how every person has a unique wiring, contributing to how they experience and worship God. This affects many couples in their marriage—what if my spouse and I have a different sacred pathway? Does this mean we aren’t compatible? How can we honor our differences and still feel connected to one another and the Lord? This conversation is incredibly enlightening for individuals and couples. Learn more about the sacred pathways from the author of the book himself.

Author and speaker, Bob Goff, kicks off season three of The WinShape Marriage Podcast! Bob Goff’s life is a master class in not taking yourself too seriously, and he shares with Marlee Arnold how he’s followed this in his marriage. There are so many nuggets of wisdom woven throughout the stories he tells about his marriage and family—one-liners like, “Oneness doesn’t mean sameness,” and “I’m not looking for efficiency in my marriage. I'm looking for presence.” If you love Bob Goff and you’re curious about his thoughts on marriage after being married to Sweet Maria for 39 years, tune into the very first episode of season three of The WinShape Marriage Podcast.

Season 3 of The WinShape Marriage Podcast kicks off next Wednesday—don't miss it! We’ve got incredible guests lined up like returning favorites, Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Juli Slattery, and brand-new guests, authors, speakers and marriage experts—Ted Lowe and Gary Thomas. Stay tuned for new episodes dropping every Wednesday and catch up on seasons 1 and 2 while you wait.

Check out our highlight reel for season 2 of The WinShape Marriage Podcast. We’ve loved being a part of your weekly routine through the fall and winter—thank you for engaging with us! As we officially wrap season 2, Rob Philo and Marlee Arnold run through their eight biggest takeaways from this season. With so many amazing guests ranging from Dr. Gary Chapman to most recently Nick Stumbo, it was hard to choose just eight. Tune into today’s episode for a high-level overview of what you might have missed. Then, catch up on any episodes you didn’t listen to when they were first released. We’ll see you later this year for season 3!

What’s the best marriage advice you’ve ever received? In this episode, Rob Philo and Marlee Arnold sit down to reflect on the wisdom, lessons, and practical tips they've learned during their time with WinShape Marriage. From profound spiritual insights to helpful daily reminders, they unpack the life-changing advice that has helped them navigate marriage in the early years.

Did you know 61% of the U.S. population (men and women) say they view pornography and 54% of practicing Christians (men and women) say they view pornography—only a 7% difference—according to the latest research. Additionally, only 11% of practicing Christians say they feel comfortable talking to their pastor about this struggle. Pornography is pervasive among our culture, even those with a Christian worldview. On today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, Rob Philo talks with Nick Stumbo, executive director of Pure Desire, an organization dedicated to providing resources for those struggling with sexual brokenness, addiction, and betrayal. Nick shares his personal testimony with sexual brokenness and redemption. He also breaks down the latest research Pure Desire conducted with Barna Group regarding pornography use. The data is surprising. Tune into this fascinating conversation!