The Art of Relationships Podcast

Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships
  • 4.9 (105)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Is it hard to maintain your relationships with everything else you have going on in your life? Chris Grace, Ph.D., and his wife, Alisa Grace, discuss how to build healthy relationships and marriages in The Art of Relationships Podcast. Listen to get practical insights on how to deal with everyday relationship issues, whether it's your roommate, your parents, a friend, or a significant other. The Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships exists to build and sustain healthy relationships and marriages in the church and broader culture by combining the timeless, cross-cultural wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research, insights and tools. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.

  1. 4d ago

    When Trust Was Rebuilt: Tony & Lymari's Recovery Story (Part 2)

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace continue their conversation with Tony and Lymari Navarro as they share the powerful second half of their story of healing after infidelity. This episode explores what it actually takes to rebuild trust, restore intimacy, and create a stronger marriage through God's grace. Tony and Lymari discuss the importance of laying a new foundation rooted in Scripture, embracing the "messy middle" of recovery, finding the right support, celebrating small victories, and choosing perseverance when healing feels slow. They also share practical encouragement for couples navigating broken trust, reminding listeners that restoration isn't about returning to what once was—it's about allowing God to build something entirely new. Whether you're walking through betrayal, supporting a friend in crisis, strengthening your own marriage, or simply wanting to build healthier relationships, this episode offers biblical wisdom and practical hope for the journey. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3AOwkiFfIDA Resources Mentioned From Ruin to Renewal: Tony and Lymari Navarro share their personal story of rebuilding their marriage after infidelity while discovering God's power to restore what was broken. https://shop.familylife.com/product/from-ruin-to-renewal/Weekend to Remember® Marriage Getaway: The marriage conference that became a turning point in Tony and Lymari's restoration journey, providing biblical tools and practical guidance for building a healthy marriage. https://www.familylife.com/weekend-to-remember/Home with the Navarros: Marriage coaching, speaking information, resources, and encouragement from Tony and Lymari Navarro. https://www.tonyandlymarinavarro.com/Tony & Lymari Navarro on Instagram: Follow their ongoing ministry, marriage encouragement, and family life content. https://www.instagram.com/tonyandlymarinavarro Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast so you never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who needs hope that healing and restoration are possible.Sign up for weekly relationship resources and encouragement from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.

    31 min

  2. Jun 17

    When Trust Was Broken: Tony & Lymari's Infidelity Story (Part 1)

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with marriage coaches, speakers, and authors Tony and Lymari Navarro to hear the first part of their powerful story of betrayal, broken trust, and the beginning of restoration. Tony and Lymari share how their relationship began, their journey to faith, and the challenges they faced as young believers trying to build a marriage without healthy models or examples. As their family grew, unresolved wounds, unhealthy communication patterns, and emotional distance created cracks beneath the surface of their marriage. When Lymari received a phone call revealing Tony's infidelity, everything came crashing down. Together, they candidly discuss the devastating impact of betrayal, the role of wise counsel during a crisis, the tension between justice and grace, and how God met them in the midst of their deepest pain. Whether you're walking through betrayal, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to build a stronger marriage, this episode offers honest encouragement and biblical wisdom about forgiveness, grace, and the first steps toward healing. Watch on YouTube: Resources Mentioned: From Ruin to Renewal – Tony and Lymari Navarro's story of rebuilding their marriage after infidelity and discovering God's power to restore what was broken. https://shop.familylife.com/product/from-ruin-to-renewal/ Home with the Navarros – Marriage resources, coaching, speaking information, and encouragement from Tony and Lymari Navarro. https://www.tonyandlymarinavarro.com/ Tony & Lymari Navarro on Instagram – Follow their ongoing ministry, marriage encouragement, and family life content. https://www.instagram.com/tonyandlymarinavarro Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.edu Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show. Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights. Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    37 min

  3. Jun 3

    The Do’s and Dont’s of Breaking Up

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the do’s and don’ts of breaking up well. They discuss how to end a relationship with honesty, kindness, and maturity, while avoiding common mistakes like ghosting, giving false hope, or staying in unhealthy contact after the breakup. They also share practical guidance for navigating the emotional aftermath, processing grief, and seeking God's wisdom throughout the process. Whether you're considering a breakup, recovering from one, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical tools to help you move forward in a healthy way. Want advice on your breakup? We can help! cmr.biola.edu/resources/relationship-advice Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gs6MUpHp8bs Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on your platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    37 min

  4. May 20

    The Psychology of Whirlwind Romances

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the psychology behind whirlwind romances: relationships that move quickly with intense passion and early commitment, but often lack deep emotional intimacy. They discuss Robert Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, highlighting how passion and commitment can create the illusion of a strong relationship when intimacy hasn’t had time to develop.  They unpack key signs of a whirlwind romance, like instant chemistry, rapid emotional closeness, constant communication, and early talk of a future together. The episode also dives into the role of brain chemistry (dopamine and oxytocin) that can make these relationships feel deeper than they actually are. Chris and Alisa offer practical wisdom on why intensity doesn’t equal intimacy, the risks of moving too fast, and how to slow things down by setting boundaries, building friendship, and developing a solid foundation over time.  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-4R0GWVsk0M Resources Mentioned: Triangular Theory of Love – Framework by Robert Sternberg explaining love through intimacy, passion, and commitment. Connect with Us:  Website: cmr.biola.edu Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:  Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show. Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights. Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    38 min

  5. May 6

    Marriage Without Passion: The Psychology of Companionate Love

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore what happens when marriages lose passion and shift into what psychologists call companionate love. They discuss the difference between intimacy, commitment, and passion using Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love, why many couples begin to feel more like roommates over time, and the common reasons passion fades—like busyness, lack of curiosity, and taking one another for granted. They also share practical ways to reignite passion, including small behavioral changes, intentional date nights, asking meaningful questions, understanding your spouse’s love language, and creating space for rest and connection. Whether you're dealing with marriage, dating relationships, or long-term commitment, this episode offers practical insights to help you reconnect, rebuild intimacy, and restore passion in your relationship. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jaeq_yvYkJI Resources Mentioned:  The Triangular Theory of Love (Robert Sternberg) – A psychological framework explaining love through intimacy, passion, and commitment.  Going Deeper Together: Spiritual Armor Required – A course designed to help couples recognize spiritual challenges and strengthen their relationship. http://t.ly/iTL9 The 5 Love Languages (Gary Chapman) – A tool to help couples understand how they give and receive love. https://amzn.to/4t5pInfConnect with Us:  Website: cmr.biola.edu Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:  Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show. Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights. Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    33 min

  6. Apr 22

    The Psychology of Situationships

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the psychology of situationships—relationships marked by emotional connection and romantic involvement but lacking clear commitment or definition. They discuss how situationships differ from casual hookups and traditional dating, using Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love to explain how intimacy and passion without commitment can lead to confusion and instability. They also unpack common signs of situationships, why they’ve become more common in modern dating, and the emotional toll they can take. Throughout the conversation, Chris and Alisa provide practical insights on how to recognize if you’re in a situationship, how to pursue clarity through healthy communication, and why intentionality and commitment are essential for Christ-centered relationships. Whether you're navigating dating, friendships, or trying to discern the direction of a relationship, this episode offers wisdom to help you move forward with confidence and clarity. Watch on YouYube: https://youtu.be/tx9VKtvsjW0 Resources Mentioned: Triangular Theory of Love (Robert Sternberg) – A psychological framework describing love through three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on your platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    48 min

  7. Apr 8

    Your Relationships Are Only as Strong as Your Skills with Debra Fileta

    In this episode, Chris Grace welcomes licensed counselor and author Debra Fileta to explore why healthy relationships depend on strong people skills. They discuss the common assumption that we’re good with people, the impact of technology and distraction on connection, and how self-awareness, ownership, and intentional conversation can transform our relationships. Debra shares practical insights on going deeper in conversations, recognizing emotional filters, repairing relational ruptures, and focusing on changing your own “ingredients” rather than trying to change others. Whether you're dealing with roommates, spouses, friends, coworkers, or family members, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships and communicate with greater depth and intentionality. Resources Mentioned: People Skills by Debra Fileta — Learn practical relational skills to improve communication, ownership, and connection in every relationship. https://amzn.to/48j4wm8Debra Fileta — Articles, counseling resources, podcast, and relationship tools. https://debrafileta.comTalk To Me Podcast — Debra Fileta’s podcast focused on meaningful conversations and healthy relationships. https://debrafileta.com/talktome/ Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights. Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:  👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    45 min

  8. Mar 25

    The Postgrad Trenches

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace’s staff members, Tatum Munivez and Rachel Pestana, explore the challenges of navigating life after college in “The Postgrad Trenches.” They discuss key transitions like moving back home, starting a new job, relocating to a new city, shifting friendships, unmet expectations, and the pressure to have life figured out. Drawing from their own real-life experiences, they provide practical insights and encouragement to help you navigate uncertainty, build new rhythms, process grief, and stay intentional in your relationships during this major life shift.  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nNdyZMyPv58 Resources Mentioned:  CMR Blog on Friendship After Graduation – Practical encouragement on maintaining friendships post-grad (https://cmr.biola.edu/blog/2025/when-life-changes-how-do-friendships-survive) CMR Blog on Inviting God Into Your Emotions – Spiritual guidance for processing post-grad transitions (https://cmr.biola.edu/blog/2026/five-reminders-about-god-for-the-graduating-senior) Biola CMR Free Relationship Advice – Confidential, biblical, and practical relationship guidance (https://cmr.biola.edu/resources/relationship-advice) Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    40 min
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4.9
out of 5
105 Ratings

About

Is it hard to maintain your relationships with everything else you have going on in your life? Chris Grace, Ph.D., and his wife, Alisa Grace, discuss how to build healthy relationships and marriages in The Art of Relationships Podcast. Listen to get practical insights on how to deal with everyday relationship issues, whether it's your roommate, your parents, a friend, or a significant other. The Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships exists to build and sustain healthy relationships and marriages in the church and broader culture by combining the timeless, cross-cultural wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research, insights and tools. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.

Information

  • Creator
    Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    229
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Biola University
  • Show Website
    The Art of Relationships Podcast

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