When Pastor Jimmy Witcher, CEO of XO Marriage, and his wife Kim hit their fifth year of marriage, they had drifted so far apart that Kim planned to leave. But on a 13-hour flight overseas, God met Jimmy with a hard truth – and everything changed. In this episode, the Witchers share how humility, ownership, and turning to God rebuilt their marriage, and the everyday habits that keep them thriving 42 years later: making daily "exclusive relational connection time," treating fun as fuel, and learning to play at marriage instead of just working at it. It's a powerful reminder that no matter how broken things feel, your marriage has a 100% chance of thriving when you do it God's way.

Listener question: My husband is a born-again Christian but refuses to pray with me. We pray at meals with our kids, but never as a couple. I've brought it up several times. We even took a Sunday school class on couples praying together, but nothing has changed. We're in a stressful home and a stressful financial season and working on communication. I grew up in a church family; he didn't. How do I respectfully encourage him to lead us in prayer?

Explore XO Marriage's free digital courses: https://www.xomarriage.com

The Four Laws of Love by Jimmy Evans: https://store.xomarriage.com/collections/books/products/the-four-laws-of-love

Watch Jimmy Evans' marriage teaching: https://www.youtube.com/@XOMarriage

Get the Vision Retreat Guidebook: https://store.xomarriage.com/collections/xo-1/products/vision-retreat-guidebook-establishing-a-yearly-vision-for-your-marriage-family

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Submit your questions to Dave & Ashley: http://nakedmarriagepodcast.com

Download our FREE 31 Day Marriage Devotional: https://bit.ly/3ZxsLZd

We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com

Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry.

Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry.

The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas.

Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Falling out of love isn't real, you've simply stopped making deposits into your relationship's treasury. Start investing in small, consistent acts of love and watch your marriage come alive again.

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We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com

Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry.

Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry.

The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas.

Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Gail Schaar was diagnosed with two different types of breast cancer, she and her husband, Zach, found themselves navigating a season they never expected. In this episode, Zach and Gail share how they walked through the fear and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis together, why Zach learned that being present was sometimes more important than trying to fix things, and how seeking God together brought peace when circumstances felt overwhelming. Gail also shares the story behind her book, I Am Not a Cancer Patient, and what God taught her about refusing to let a diagnosis define her identity.

Listener question: Is it biblically acceptable for a husband and wife to attend different churches? We're in a rural area and churches are far away. My husband was unchurched but is now saved and preparing for baptism. He's happy at our current church, but I feel like I'm just checking a box — there's little structure and teaching. I found a new church with Bible study, visitation, and evangelism, but he won't leave. He says it feels like he's cheating. What should we do?

Learn more about Gail and I Am Not a Cancer Patient: https://gailschaar.com/

Follow Zach & Gail: @gailandzachshow

Get the Vision Retreat Guidebook: https://store.xomarriage.com/collections/xo-1/products/vision-retreat-guidebook-establishing-a-yearly-vision-for-your-marriage-family

__________

Submit your questions to Dave & Ashley: http://nakedmarriagepodcast.com

Download our FREE 31 Day Marriage Devotional: https://bit.ly/3ZxsLZd

We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com

Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry.

Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry.

The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas.

Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When your spouse is struggling, your presence matters far more than your solutions — simply being there and saying nothing is often the most powerful thing you can do. Leaning into God's Word together is where you'll find the true peace that no amount of fixing ever could.

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We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com

Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry.

Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry.

The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas.

Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After both walking through the pain of divorce, Steve and Abi Fort never expected the second-chance love story God had waiting for them. In this episode, they share how they met in a singles class, got engaged at a gas station, and married over a video call with Steve's missionary parents officiating from across the world. Steve and Abby open up about rebuilding after heartbreak, blending a family across two cultures and languages, keeping their friendship at the center of their marriage, and why they now feel called to help other couples through marriage coaching. It's a beautiful reminder that God never wastes our brokenness – He redeems it.
Listener question: My spouse and I get along fine, but it honestly feels more like we're roommates than partners. We split responsibilities, but the spark is gone. Where do we even start to reconnect?

Learn more about the Marriage Coaching Academy: https://xomarriage.com

Get the Vision Retreat Guidebook

Download our FREE 31 Day Marriage Devotional: https://bit.ly/3ZxsLZd

__________

Submit your questions to Dave & Ashley: http://nakedmarriagepodcast.com

Download our FREE 31 Day Marriage Devotional: https://bit.ly/3ZxsLZd

We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com

Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry.

Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry.

The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas.

Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your spouse has started to feel more like a roommate than a partner, you're not alone – this is a normal cycle that most couples face at some point. Protecting time for friendship, shared interests, and honest check-ins can help you and your spouse get back in sync.

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We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com

Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry.

Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry.

The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas.

Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every relationship faces rupture — but the skill of repair is getting lost. Counselor and author Debra Fileta joins Dave and Ashley to talk about her new book People Skills and why loving difficult people well is one of the most important things we can do. She unpacks the rise of "cut-off culture," why we're too quick to label people narcissists, how to set boundaries that actually invite health, and the four levels of conversation that determine whether you feel truly connected in your marriage. Whether it's a spouse, a family member, or a coworker, this episode will help you love the difficult people in your life the way God loves us.

Listener question: I feel like a roommate with my wife! Married 20 years with a 16, 14 and 9 year old and feeling emotionally, spiritually and physically disconnected. I’ve been patient since having kids spending years alone in the bedroom while she nursed, hoping our relationship would strengthen as the kids got older but it hasn’t. We’ve talked a few times and I’ve shared books, podcasts, date night lists but can’t get her to prioritize us. I’m slowly giving up and finding peace in solitude but am worried we’re headed to a place where we can’t come back from, and shared that worry. Any ideas on next steps?

Get Debra's new book, People Skills: https://a.co/d/04U7eXjq

Learn more about Debra Fileta: https://debrafileta.com

Listen to Debra Fileta's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-to-me-the-debra-fileta-podcast/id1417804351

Learn more about Marriage Intensives: https://xomarriage.com

We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com

Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry.

Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry.

The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas.

Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you and your spouse talk every day but still feel distant, the problem isn't the amount of conversation — it's the depth. Learn the four levels of emotional conversation and why staying stuck in small talk is silently starving your marriage of real intimacy.

We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com

Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry.

Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry.

The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas.

Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Married in just seven months and barely surviving their first year, Brad and Marilyn Rhodes went from a marriage that felt like a prison cell to founding Grace Marriage — a ministry equipping churches to disciple couples. They share the spiritual turning point that changed everything, why so many churches leave marriage wide open, and how prioritizing your marriage strengthens your kids, your church, and your walk with God.

Listener question: I feel like I'm growing a lot personally and spiritually, but my spouse doesn't seem interested in that same growth. How do I handle that without feeling resentful or disconnected?

Learn more about Grace Marriage: https://gracemarriage.com

Learn more about Marriage Intensives: https://xomarriage.com

The Grace Marriage by Brad Rhoads: https://a.co/d/0hGb0wPG

Download our FREE 31 Day Marriage Devotional: https://bit.ly/3ZxsLZd

__________

Submit your questions to Dave & Ashley: http://nakedmarriagepodcast.com

Download our FREE 31 Day Marriage Devotional: https://bit.ly/3ZxsLZd

We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com

Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry.

Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry.

The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas.

Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the greatest things you can do for your children is model a healthy, thriving marriage — it shows them what to look forward to and why marriage is worth pursuing. When you prioritize your spouse after God, you're not neglecting your kids; you're giving them the most powerful example they'll ever see.

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We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com

Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry.

Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry.

The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas.

Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lasting intimacy is build on more than physical attraction. Dave and Ashley discuss how friendship, health, commitment, and fun can strengthen your connection, protect your marriage from comparison, and help build a marriage that thrives through every season of life.

Listener Question: My spouse vents to friends or family about our problems instead of talking to me first, and it makes me feel disrespected. How should we set boundaries around that?

9 Days to Great Sex eBook: https://www.daveandashley.com/9-days-...

__________

Submit your questions to Dave & Ashley: http://nakedmarriagepodcast.com

Download our FREE 31 Day Marriage Devotional: https://bit.ly/3ZxsLZd

We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com

Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry.

Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry.

The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas.

Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices