Expedition Marriage with Chris & Jamie Bailey

Expedition Marriage with Chris & Jamie Bailey
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Welcome to the Expedition Marriage Podcast! We're glad you're here! We're Chris and Jamie Bailey, and we are Christian counselors and marriage coaches. We're here to help you put God in the center of your marriage by sharing some solid biblical truth, along with some practical marriage tips. So, no matter where you're at in your marriage, start getting excited, because we're here to help you Enjoy the Journey!

  1. 6D AGO

    Ep. 170: Why Christian Couples Stop Talking and How to Fix It

    If your Christian marriage feels more like roommates, it's not just you. Many couples don't stop loving each other even though they slowly stop connecting. In this episode, we explore why Christian couples stop talking, what causes emotional and spiritual distance in marriage, and how seasons like busyness, parenting, health challenges, burnout, and unresolved conflict quietly steal connection. We also share biblical insight and practical steps to help you rebuild intimacy without blame or pressure.   If you're feeling disconnected but still committed, this episode offers hope, clarity, and simple next steps to reconnect emotionally and spiritually.     Get ready to learn:  Why Christian Couples Stop Talking Seasonal & Situational Roadblocks to Connection The Deeper Biblical Issue Beneath Silence How to Reconnect Encouragement for Weary Couples   This episode was sponsored by Tyndale Publishing's One Year Bible. The One Year Bible for Men and Women (NLT)  If you've been wanting a simple, consistent way to grow in God's Word and strengthen the foundation of your faith and marriage, this Bible guides you through the entire Bible in one year with daily readings and devotionals designed for real life.  Purchase or learn more here: https://www.tyndale.com/stories/one-year-bible-for-women-and-men?utm_campaign=18101557-Bibles%20-%20NLT%20One%20Year%20Bible%20for%20Women&utm_source=Expedition%20Marriage%20Podcast&utm_medium=February%202026%20Microsite    🔗 Related episode: Ep. 155 — Chronic Illness in Marriage https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/expedition-marriage-with-chris-jamie-bailey/id1533102376?i=1000729638726 🔗 Related episode: Ep. 130 — Nervous System Regulation in Marriage https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/expedition-marriage-with-chris-jamie-bailey/id1533102376?i=1000668424812

    44 min

  2. FEB 5

    Ep. 169: Do You Feel Special in Your Marriage?

    Most spouses know they're loved. But far fewer actually feel special. In this episode, we talk about the subtle but powerful difference between being loved and being chosen, noticed, and delighted in, and why that distinction matters more than we realize in marriage. We explore how unspoken affection, good intentions, and sacrifices can unintentionally leave a spouse feeling overlooked, even in an otherwise healthy relationships. And we offer practical, biblical ways to help your spouse experience not just love, but intentional care and honor.   This episode is an invitation to slow down, become more aware, and make small shifts that can deeply strengthen your connection.   🧭 Inside the Episode: The difference between feeling loved and feeling special Common, unintentional ways spouses neglect emotional connection Why waiting to express love often diminishes its impact How time, attention, and shared burdens communicate value Why explaining your motivation matters, especially when sacrifices are misunderstood Simple ways to help your spouse feel seen, prioritized, and cherished     🎁 Free Resource: We created a simple, meaningful way to speak life over your spouse that only takes 1 minute! 👉 Download our free 60-Second Blessing Sheet here: https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-169-do-you-feel-special-in-your-marriage It's designed to help you intentionally affirm, encourage, and bless your spouse in under a minute.   ☕ Something We Love:  One small way we slow down and connect is over a warm cup of chai. We love Bhakti chai tea because it's organic, driven by a mission and owned by people we know!   👉 Bhakti Chai Tea on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49P2StX This is an Amazon affiliate link, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share things we genuinely use and love.   Make time for a Chai Chat this week. Cozy up together over a cup of chai and have this conversation: Do you feel loved by me? Do you feel special? What is something I can do to make you feel more special?   Final Encouragement: Feeling special doesn't come from grand gestures. It comes from consistent attention, clear communication, and intentional love.   If this episode encouraged you, we'd be so grateful if you: Shared it with your spouse or a friend Left a review Or subscribed so you don't miss future episodes We're cheering you on as you continue growing together.     — Chris & Jamie Expedition Marriage

    47 min

  3. JAN 29

    Ep. 168: The War Inside Your Marriage - And How to Win It Together

    The War Inside Your Marriage - And How to Win It Together What if the biggest battle in your marriage isn't between you and your spouse?   In this episode, we're unpacking the real war happening inside every marriage, which is the internal battles of pride, self-protection, fear, past wounds, and unmet desires that sabotage connection. Before you get discouraged, know that you can win this war together, and Jesus shows us how. Whether you're feeling disconnected, discouraged, or simply wanting to grow, this episode will give you the clarity and practical tools you need to move toward peace and unity again.   What We Cover in This Episode The Lie Most Couples Believe "If we're fighting this much, maybe we're not right for each other." We break down why conflict doesn't mean incompatibility, it reveals something deeper.   The Real Battle Beneath Every Argument At the heart of almost every fight is the same truth: "I want my way."   The Three Barriers Every Couple Faces We walk through the three sources of marital tension that have nothing to do with whether you married the "right" person: Psychological differences — personality friction Gender differences — designed strengths that feel like irritants Historical wounds — the stories you didn't choose but carry   The Turning Point Every Marriage Needs The shift from Me-first → Christlike love is where healing begins.   How to Respond When You Feel Yourself Shutting Down, Getting Defensive, or Insisting on Your Way We share practical, simple steps to stop escalation and choose connection.   🔥 Key Takeaways Your spouse is not your enemy. The war inside your heart is often louder than the conflict in your home. Marriage doesn't create your struggles, it reveals them so God can heal them. Christlike love is the only way to win the internal war.   📖 Scriptures Mentioned James 4:1 Philippians 2:3–4 Proverbs 18:2 Colossians 3:12–13 Psalm 34:18     Let's Connect! If this episode encouraged you, it would mean the world if you left a review or shared it with another couple who needs hope today.   ✨ Want weekly encouragement for your marriage? Sign up for our newsletter: 👉 expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter     *Disclaimer: The information discussed here is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional. https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-168-the-war-inside-your-marriage-and-how-to-win-it-together/

    45 min

  4. JAN 22

    Ep. 167: A Biblical Playbook for Marriage: Simple Strategies That Change Everything

    A Biblical Playbook for Marriage: Simple Strategies That Change Everything   What if marriage wasn't about winning arguments, but about learning how to play on the same team?   In today's episode, we sit down with Al & Autumn from MarriageTeam to talk about what it really means to have a biblical playbook for marriage. With decades of marriage and ministry experience, they share how God used their own story, messy beginnings, hard lessons, and real growth to shape their passion for helping couples build strong, lasting marriages.   In This Episode, We Cover: • Al & Autumn's marriage story and the early lessons God used to shape their ministry • What a "marriage playbook" really means and why couples need one • How seeing your spouse as a teammate changes everything • The vision behind the Rick & Jane Learn to Be Married book series • Why communication is the first step toward intimacy • Marriage coaching vs. counseling—and why coaching can be so effective • Common misconceptions about anger and healthier, God-honoring ways to handle it • Simple, practical strategies couples can begin using this week   Resources & Next Steps •Check out the Rick & Jane Learn to Be Married series https://rickandjane.com Learn more about marriage coaching or get support through MarriageTeam at: https://marriageteam.org For inquiries or to connect with the Rays directly: alray@rickandjane.com   If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a couple who could use some hope today.

    43 min

  5. JAN 15

    Ep 166: When Your Heart Grieves Before Anything Happens: Understanding Anticipatory Grief in Marriage

    Have you ever felt fear, heaviness, or sadness long before anything "bad" actually happened? There's nothing wrong with and you're not dramatic. But you may be experiencing anticipatory grief, and it impacts marriages far more than couples realize.   In this episode, Chris & Jamie unpack why your heart sometimes grieves before life changes… and how this hidden emotional process can affect connection, communication, and even conflict inside the marriage.   This is one of the most tender, eye-opening conversations you'll hear. Whether you're caring for aging parents, walking through health concerns, navigating infertility, or simply sensing that something in your life or marriage is shifting.   What You'll Learn in This Episode   1. What Anticipatory Grief Actually Is and how it shows up   2. Expected Causes of Anticipatory Grief in Marriage   3. Unexpected Causes Couples Don't Realize Are Grief   4. How Anticipatory Grief Shows Up Between Spouses Many couples think they have a marriage problem — when really, they have a grief problem. Signs include: Irritability Anxiety Emotional shutdown Clinging or control Avoidance Misreading each other's responses We share how this creates friction, especially when men & women process anticipatory grief differently.   5. The Transformational Question: "What am I anticipating?" A grounding tool to help couples move from fear to clarity and compassion. This question helps you uncover: The loss you're imagining What part of your heart feels threatened How your love is showing up as fear Grief becomes a doorway to deeper connection when it's named.   6. Reframing Grief as a Couple: Turning Toward Instead of Away We teach couples how to ask: "Are we fighting because of grief, not each other?" "Are we withdrawing because something scares us?" And how to say: "I'm scared of losing ___." "I'm grieving how things are changing." "I need you with me in this."   7. What Couples Can Actually Do with Anticipatory Grief Practical tools you can use today:   8. A Biblical Perspective on Anticipatory Grief We explore comfort and grounding through Scripture: Psalm 34:18 Matthew 6:34 Romans 8:38–39 1 Peter 5:7 God meets us not only in the losses we face but also in the ones we fear.     ⭐ CTA If this episode helped open your eyes or gave language to something you've been feeling, we'd be SO grateful if you'd leave a review. Click the ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and share how this podcast is helping your marriage. And make sure to follow so you don't miss next week's episode!

    48 min

  6. JAN 8

    Ep. 165: Why You Shouldn't Always Take Our Advice (And How to Let God Lead You in the Timing of Growth)

    In today's episode, we're talking about something a little unexpected coming from two marriage counselors: why you shouldn't always take our advice, or anyone else's, without checking with the Lord first. We live in a world overflowing with sermons, reels, podcasts, coaching, challenges, and self-help. So much of it is helpful… but not all of it is helpful for you, and not all of it is helpful right now. This episode is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and learn how to discern the difference between good advice and God's direction for your particular season.   ⭐ Inside the Episode Jamie's Story: When "Do It Afraid" Went Too Far Jamie shares a pivotal moment in her journey with anxiety and how a sermon quote ("Do it afraid") became her life mantra for a season… until it began overworking her nervous system and pushing her into hypervigilance. It wasn't bad advice; it was just no longer the right advice. That's when God spoke a new word: "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Only the Lord knows what we truly need and exactly when we need it.   ⭐ What Happens When We Treat Advice Like Scripture We unpack why great advice can become harmful when we elevate it above God's timing:   ⭐ Examples of "Good" Marriage Advice That Can Be Bad in the Wrong Season We explore six common marriage principles that are wonderful but not universally timed:   ⭐ What Scripture Says About Being Led by God We walk through passages that remind us God leads personally and seasonally:   ⭐ A Nervous System Perspective Not every push is holy. Not every challenge is healthy. Sometimes "growth" advice puts your body into survival mode.   ⭐ The SIFT Method: How to Discern What's Actually for You A simple 4-step framework to help couples filter advice through prayer and peace:   ⭐ Marriage Application: What This Means for Couples Practical questions to ask one another.   ⭐ Final Encouragement Not all good advice is God's advice for you — but God always has the right word for the right time.   ✨ Stay Connected + Encouraged Every Week If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to keep walking with you. Sign up for our weekly marriage newsletter for devotionals, tools, and Christ-centered encouragement straight to your inbox: 👉 expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter And don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs it. ❤️

    38 min

  7. 12/11/2025

    Ep. 164: Dry Seasons in Marriage - How to Navigate the Wilderness Together

    Every marriage walks through dry seasons, times when connection feels absent, emotions run low, and apathy sets in. But a dry season doesn't mean your marriage is dying; it often means God is doing deep, unseen work beneath the surface. In this episode, we're digging into how to recognize, remain in, and receive from the wilderness seasons of marriage, and how to come out stronger on the other side. Using the story of Jesus' 40 days in the desert and a five-step framework, we'll help you find perspective, peace, and purpose in the desert places.   If your marriage feels weary or disconnected, this episode will remind you that God never wastes the wilderness—and new life can always come from dry ground. 🎧 Listen now and start walking toward renewal—together.     💧 In This Episode, You'll Learn: What a "dry season" in marriage really is, and why it's normal How to tell when you're in one (and what not to do about it!) The five steps to navigate the wilderness season well: What Jesus' own time in the wilderness can teach us about endurance and spiritual growth How God often uses silence, struggle, and stillness to deepen love and faith   🕊️ Key Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 4:1–11 — Jesus led by the Spirit into the wilderness Luke 4:14 — Jesus returns "in the power of the Spirit" James 1:2–4 — Growth through testing produces perseverance Psalm 77:11–12 — "I will remember the deeds of the Lord…"   ❤️ Takeaway Truth: "Dry seasons don't mean dead seasons. They're often where God prepares you for the next good thing He's about to do."   📣 Resources & Next Steps: 💾 Download the free Five Steps to Navigate a Dry Season in Marriage Worksheet: https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-164-dry-seasons-in-marriage-how-to-navigate-the-wilderness-together 🎧 Check us out on YouTube for video episodes on faith-filled marriage growth: https://www.youtube.com/@expeditionmarriage/featured 💌 Join our weekly marriage encouragement emails for practical tips and biblical truth at ExpeditionMarriage.org/subscribe   💬 Connect With Us: Follow along on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest → @ExpeditionMarriage Visit: ExpeditionMarriage.org

    43 min

  8. 12/04/2025

    Ep. 163: Becoming a PhD of Your Spouse: How to Recognize Stress Cues and Respond with Love

    When life gets heavy, stress often shows up in our marriages—not just in words, but in subtle cues, tones, and behaviors. In this episode, Chris and Jamie share why becoming a "PhD of your spouse" is one of the most loving and practical things you can do for your marriage.   💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why stress "tells" matter and how noticing them can prevent unnecessary conflict and deepen empathy (Philippians 2:4). Common stress cues to look for—like withdrawal, red face, clenched jaw, irritability, avoidance, hypervigilance, or the "checked-out" mode on the couch. How to respond with love instead of defensiveness by pausing, checking in gently, and offering support without assumptions (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18). What it means to become a "PhD of your spouse"—studying their patterns, stress responses, and emotional needs so you can build unity instead of division. Practical steps to breathe life into your marriage by identifying stress cues, supporting one another, and shifting from "me vs. you" to "we."   ✨ Key Quotes from the Episode "Marriage thrives when we study one another." "Noticing your spouse's stress cues isn't about fixing them—it's about loving them well."   📖 Scriptures to Reflect On Philippians 2:4 — "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Proverbs 10:19 — "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." Hebrews 12:14 — "Strive for peace with everyone." Romans 12:18 — "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."   🛠️ Free Resource Download our PhD of Your Spouse Stress Cues Worksheet to help you and your spouse talk through your unique stress patterns and how you can support one another. 👉 https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-163-becoming-a-phd-of-your-spouse-how-to-recognize-stress-cues-and-respond-with-love     🎯 Call to Action Leave us a review (like Ilive4him24 did!)—your reviews help more couples find the hope and tools they need. Download your free worksheet and start the conversation this week. Check out Episode 134 with Dr Christine Baker on Nervous System Regulation in Marriage  https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-130-nervous-system-regulation-in-marriage-with-dr-christine-baker/

    42 min
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Welcome to the Expedition Marriage Podcast! We're glad you're here! We're Chris and Jamie Bailey, and we are Christian counselors and marriage coaches. We're here to help you put God in the center of your marriage by sharing some solid biblical truth, along with some practical marriage tips. So, no matter where you're at in your marriage, start getting excited, because we're here to help you Enjoy the Journey!

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