Episode 75: New Love Languages Welcome to Operation: Thriving Marriage! In this episode, we’re diving into the concept of love languages—one of the most helpful tools for building strong, loving relationships. While Dr. Gary Chapman’s original five love languages have impacted countless marriages, new research shows they might not cover everyone’s …

Listen as Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley discuss the benefits of speaking affirming words to our spouse.Oleh Compass Bible Church

**Episode 74: Combining Accounts; Yes or No? | Operation: Thriving Marriage Podcast** In this episode, Bryon and Jen explore a question often asked during premarital coaching and live events but rarely discussed openly in marriage circles: *Should we combine our bank accounts?* While questions about sex and parenting frequently arise, financial iss…

Listen as Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley discuss the importance of an attractive, Godly character in a spouse.Oleh Compass Bible Church

Episode 73: Being Your Spouse’s Peace - Operation: Thriving Marriage Introduction We recently read an article titled, "Being a Man's Peace," but what does that really mean? Does peace depend on one spouse, or is it something deeper? We’ll break down this idea and see how it aligns—or conflicts—with a biblical understanding of peace. What Does Peace…

**Podcast Episode Notes for "Operation: Thriving Marriage"** **Episode 72: Can I Still Be Friends With My Ex?** **Introduction** - Is it possible or wise to stay friends with an ex? How do different people feel about maintaining such relationships, especially within the context of a marriage? In today’s episode, we’ll dive into these questions, exp…

**Introduction** Welcome to another episode of *Operation: Thriving Marriage*. Today, we're diving into one of the most challenging and divisive topics in Christian marriage—submission. Bryon and Jen explore why submission stirs such strong reactions and what it really means from a biblical perspective. **Why Submission is a Major Issue** Bryon ask…

**Episode 70: Sex After Kids** In this episode of *Operation: Thriving Marriage*, we tackle the challenge of keeping intimacy alive after having children. Sex is essential for a strong marriage, fostering connection, happiness, and intimacy. However, once kids enter the picture, maintaining a healthy sex life can feel nearly impossible. Privacy dis…

In this episode of the Operation: Thriving Marriage Podcast we answer another listener question. In this episode Deanna asked how to deal with the dreaded roommate phase. She says she feels more a roommate than a wife. This is a difficult but common experience for couples especially after 3 - 5 years of marriage. It’s uncomfortable in the moment, b…

In Episode 69 of Operation: Thriving Marriage, we focus on how friendships impact the financial health of a marriage. Jen shares personal stories about how her friends influence her relationship and finances, reflecting Jimmy Evans' insight from XO Marriage that our friends shape our future. We delve into Biblical teachings that highlight the impor…

In this enlightening episode of the Operation: Thriving Marriage podcast, we turn the spotlight on our first guests - our kids! Join us as we dive into the world of marriage from a child's perspective, exploring their candid thoughts, heartfelt observations, and innocent wisdom about what it takes to build a thriving marriage. Our kids share their …

In this episode of the Operation: Thriving Marriage Podcast, we answer a listener question. Megen asked “How to spice things up in marriage without cheating.” Marriages all go through phase in sex and intimacy. There are times when sex is less frequent than one or both of you desire. There are also times when the sex is not as fulfilling as one or …

Welcome to Operation: Thriving Marriage. In today's episode, we address a common marital issue—anger. Often, we blame our spouse for making us angry, creating a cycle of blame and frustration. But here's the truth: it's not our spouse who controls our emotions; it's us. We dive into how to break this harmful cycle by taking responsibility for our f…

Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley suggest that married couples should be open to spending money on the right things. Listen as they discuss the biblically principles behind spending money.Oleh Compass Bible Church

Welcome to Episode 64 of Operation: Thriving Marriage! In this episode, we delve into the topic of Trad Wives, exploring what it means to be a Trad Wife, its roots in nostalgia versus scripture, and its impact on modern marriages. Hosts Bryon and Jen kick off the discussion by questioning the allure of the Trad Wife movement and its representation …

Welcome to Episode 63 of Operation: Thriving Marriage! In this episode, we delve into the delicate balance between criticism and growth within marriage. We explore the concept that holiness, not just happiness, is a key goal. First, we address the challenge posed by criticism, often a significant source of conflict in marriages. How can we navigate…

How can we not let money become a source of contention in marriage? Listen as Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley discuss practical ways to help husband and wife avoid arguing about finances.Oleh Compass Bible Church

Welcome to Operation: Thriving Marriage, where we dive deep into the intricacies of relationships and provide actionable insights to help your marriage flourish. In this episode, we explore the concept of "Relationship Jet Lag."Host Bryon kicks off the conversation with his recent frequent travels, highlighting the stark differences in how couples …

Listen as Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley discuss the topic of money and the anxiety that can often accompany it.Oleh Compass Bible Church

Discover why compromise isn't always the answer in marriage, as we delve into the pitfalls of elevating compromise too high in marital discussions. Join us as we explore real-life examples, biblical perspectives, and practical solutions for resolving conflicts when compromise is not an option. Learn how to identify underlying values, seek guidance,…

Episode 62 of the Operation: Thriving Marriage Podcast – exploring the dynamics of Healthy Competition in relationships. Discover the underlying problem as we explore how competition can lead to conflict in marriages. We discuss how competitive individuals often attach personal value to winning, revealing insecurities that breed negative feelings. …

Welcome to Episode 59 of the Operation: Thriving Marriage podcast - "Chemistry Isn’t Real." No, we're not diving into conspiracy theories, but rather debunking the myth of instant chemistry in relationships. In this episode, we explore how our notions of love have been shaped by fairy tales and romantic comedies, highlighting that love at first sig…

How can we leverage our relationship and companionship with our stress to navigate stressful situations?Oleh Compass Bible Church

It's a question we need to ask ourselves every day. Listen as Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley offer insight on how long we should stay up before retiring to bed each night.Oleh Compass Bible Church

Welcome to Episode 58 of Operation: Thriving Marriage, challenging the negativity surrounding marriages. In this episode, we delve into the abundance of negative articles on marriage, discussing what not to do and how to make things better. Break free from the cycle of negativity. Thriving marriages highlight the positive aspects, such as building …

What can you do if you and your spouse are not on the same page? Listen as Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley explain how married couples can link up and get unified!Oleh Compass Bible Church

Whether they're big or small, problems in a marriage need to be fixed. Listen as Pastor Mark and Bethany offer practical advice on how couples can practically solve their marriage issues.Oleh Compass Bible Church

Welcome to Episode 57 of Operation: Thriving Marriage! In this episode, we explore the crucial distinction between intimacy and sex within a marriage. Join us as we delve into the challenges faced by couples who share deep connections but find passion missing in their relationship. Discover the biblical perspective on the importance of sexual expre…

Join Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley as they discusses some common mistakes newlweds make, and how they can be avoided.Oleh Compass Bible Church

Welcome to Episode 56 of the Operation: Thriving Marriage Podcast - "Listening During Tough Conversations." Join us as we explore the intricate dance of communication in marriage, focusing on the challenging yet crucial skill of effective listening. In our discussion, we address the common notion that listening is often more challenging than expres…

Listen as Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley answer live audience questions during the Thrive Marriage Ministry gathering at Compass Bible Church.Oleh Compass Bible Church

Listen as Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley answer live audience questions during the Thrive Marriage Ministry gathering at Compass Bible Church.Oleh Compass Bible Church

Welcome to Episode 55 of Operation Thriving Marriage! In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of validation in building a thriving marriage. From the importance of validating our spouses in various aspects of life to recognizing and overcoming the pitfalls of invalidation, we explore how positive reinforcement fosters oneness and sp…

Listen as Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley answer live audience questions during the Thrive Marriage Ministry gathering at Compass Bible Church.Oleh Compass Bible Church

Welcome to Episode 54 of the Operation: Thriving Marriage Podcast. In this episode, Bryon and Jen delve into the heart of Christian prayer challenges. Many Christians grapple with guilt surrounding their prayer life, openly admitting to falling short. Bryon and Jen tackle this issue, emphasizing the transformative nature of prayer that extends beyo…

How do you get through times of sickness in the home? Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley offer practical advice on how to deal with the inevitable in your home.Oleh Compass Bible Church

In this episode, counselors Tracy Johnson and Chris Bruno discuss the importance of understanding and discussing sex in a marital relationship. They focus on how past experiences, cultural influences, body image, and personal stories can shape perceptions of sex. They recommend open dialogue within a relationship on these aspects to nurture a sex-p…

Couples feel the weight regularly of financial issues. So, how can we as husbands and wives navigate the challenges associated with rising costs? Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley discuss.Oleh Compass Bible Church

This is our 2 year anniversary episode! In this episode Bryon and Jennifer take listener questions. When is it ok to seek advice outside of the marriage? How do you raise kids when you have different backgrounds, opinions, and traditions? What is the best way to build trust after repeated infidelity? We seem to hear about husbands wanting sex more …

Explore the importance of trust in marriage on this episode of Thrive Marriage Lab. Join Tracy Johnson and Chris Bruno as they delve into premarital conversations, building trust, and addressing betrayal in relationships. Discover valuable insights to strengthen the foundation of your marriage and navigate challenges with resilience. FREE 12 Months…

As Christian parents, what are the things we should be strict about with our children? Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley discuss.Oleh Compass Bible Church

In this interactive talk, Chris Bruno and Tracy Johnson, delve into the top conflicts in marriages, specifically focusing on the challenge of in-law relationships. They explore the often overlooked aspect of loyalty in marriages and discuss the importance of making intentional choices to prioritize the spouse over previous family loyalties. They al…

Discover the real reasons couples fight as Tracy Johnson, a story work coach, and Chris Bruno, a licensed professional counselor, explore the emotions and fears behind conflicts, especially as the wedding day approaches. Uncover the "why" behind relationship issues and learn valuable insights on improving marriage communication. FREE 12 Months of D…

Welcome to Episode 52 of the Operation: Thriving Marriage Podcast, "Happy!" While we often say marriage isn't about happiness, we delve into why it's crucial to prioritize happiness correctly. Unhappiness can lead to dissatisfaction, conflicts, and decreased problem-solving abilities in a marriage. We discuss the problem of declining happiness in t…

In this podcast episode, we explore the significance of individual narratives in a relationship and the importance of understanding your partner's story. Our marriage counselors, Chris Bruno and Tracy Johnson, share valuable insights on how these stories influence your connection and offer guidance for building a strong foundation before walking do…

This is a time of year where many of us are running on fumes. So how can you help your spouse navigate busy, tiring times? Listen as Pastor Mark and Bethany Kelley discuss.Oleh Compass Bible Church

In this episode, Chris Bruno delves into the dynamics of therapeutic separation in marriages. He discusses the cases where couples find success and rekindle their relationships and the situations where separation might not work. FREE 12 Months of Dates: How date nights can lead to connection Subscribe here: www.restory.life/thrive-dates 👉How health…

In this episode of the Thrive Marriage Lab podcast, Chris Bruno delves into the crucial question of when and how to conclude a therapeutic separation in a marriage. Chris emphasizes the importance of having a clear, time-bound plan from the outset and outlines a six-month maximum duration guideline. FREE 12 Months of Dates: How date nights can lead…

In this episode, Chris Bruno discusses a surprising warning sign in marriages – the absence of conflicts. He highlights the importance of addressing ruptures in a relationship through the concept of rupture and repair. Chris emphasizes the value of therapeutic separation as a structured approach to addressing ruptures and facilitating repair for st…

In this episode of the Thrive Marriage Lab, Chris Bruno delves into the topic of therapeutic separation, particularly for Christian couples facing marital challenges. He explores whether therapeutic separation aligns with biblical principles and how it can be a hopeful and restorative process. Chris emphasizes the importance of taking a break to ca…