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. 19h ago

    Ep. 191: Your Health Is Worship: Why God Cares About Your Health as a Couple More Than You Think

    Does God actually care about your physical health? Many Christians have unknowingly separated faith from health, believing one is spiritual while the other is merely physical. Former NHL strength coach Justin Roethlingshoefer believes that's one of the greatest misconceptions in the Church today. In this episode, Justin shares how Scripture and science beautifully work together to reveal God's intentional design for the human body. Chris and Jamie also explore how depleted health affects marriage, parenting, ministry, and every other area of life. Topics include: ✔ Why your body is an act of worship ✔ Why identity comes before habits ✔ The enemy's strategy of distraction and depletion ✔ Biblical rhythms for work, rest, and recovery ✔ Why healthy people love others better ✔ Building holy health instead of worldly health   Learn more about Justin and Holy Health:   www.holyhealthbook.com Amazon affiliate link - https://a.co/d/0haUWrBu   Follow Justin on Social media:  https://www.instagram.com/justinroeth?igsh=MTN4NGhtYzh2NmoyYg==  https://www.instagram.com/weareholyhealth?igsh=b3Z2bzBjZGNubGVq 00:00 Meet Justin Roethlingshoefer 01:17 From Extremes to Healing 06:15 Science Meets Scripture 08:09 Living Sacrifice Mindset 11:00 Church Health Crisis 15:22 Enemy Playbook Seven Ds 21:48 Genesis Design Rhythms 26:33 Depletion and Identity 31:41 Values Language Shift 34:50 Stop Saying I Cant 35:19 Cold Pool Integrity Test 37:21 Confidence Through Habits 39:58 Words Shape Identity 41:34 Couples Build Holy Rhythms 42:10 Compromise Cascade Explained 44:47 Marriage Alignment Examples 50:16 Men Discouragement Reset 55:04 Women Boundaries Refill 59:05 Book Launch And Bonuses 01:01:06 Gods Fingerprints In Body 01:04:36 Holy Health 40 And Academy 01:06:50 Final Blessing And Sendoff

  2. Jul 23

    Ep. 190: Can You Master Your Marriage? The Skills Every Couple Needs

    Can marriage really be mastered? Jalen and Cacie Barnes believe it can. In this episode, Chris and Jamie sit down with Christian marriage coaches, speakers, and hosts of The Jalen & Cacie Show to discuss how they went from struggling as newlyweds to developing a framework that has helped countless couples strengthen their marriages. Their story is unique. They didn't enter marriage with obvious baggage or major life trauma. They were committed Christians who still found themselves struggling with communication, trust, intimacy, and unmet expectations from the very beginning. Rather than settling for an unhappy marriage, they chose to learn the skills that create a thriving one. Together, they unpack four foundational pillars that every healthy marriage needs: • Communication that creates unity • Trust that can be rebuilt • Intimacy that goes beyond sex • A shared vision that keeps couples moving in the same direction They also discuss why so many couples remain stuck, how hidden beliefs sabotage marriages, the importance of being teachable, and why conflict can become one of God's greatest tools for growth. Whether your marriage is thriving or struggling, this conversation will encourage you to stop settling and begin intentionally building the marriage God designed for you. Learn more about Jalen & Cacie's challenge: https://jalenandcacie.com/products/master-your-marriage-challenge-general-admissi?promo=EMMYM 00:00 Meet Jalen and Cacie 00:51 How We Became Friends 02:22 Newlywed Struggles Begin 03:45 No Divorce No Misery 05:29 Learning Marriage on YouTube 07:47 Homework and Hunger to Grow 11:09 One Motivated One Settling 14:56 Coachable or Not 18:33 Why Couples Stay Stuck 25:42 Master Your Marriage Challenge 26:45 Pillar One Communication 27:13 Trust Bank and Boundaries 28:16 Intimacy Beyond Sex 32:29 Marriage Reveals Blind Spots 33:36 Spouse as Healing Resource 35:17 Freedom Through Understanding 36:54 Conflict Builds Resilience 37:54 Vision Beats Division 41:53 Holy Spirit as Interpreter 44:06 Husbands Lead With Vision 47:42 Four Day Challenge Results 50:10 Hope and Long Term Growth 52:54 Community Next Steps 54:20 Final Encouragement and Thanks

  3. Jul 16

    Ep 189: How to Build a Marriage That Keeps Getting Better

    Can couples really stay deeply in love after 20 or 30 years of marriage?   According to neuroscience… and more importantly, God, the answer is yes.   In this episode, Chris and Jamie explore fascinating research on couples who have remained happily married for decades.   The not-so surprising part is every one of these habits reflect principles God has already given us in Scripture.   Drawing from their own 32-year marriage, Chris and Jamie honestly discuss where they've succeeded, where they've struggled, and how intentionally living out biblical principles has transformed their relationship over time.   In this episode you'll discover:   • Why novelty strengthens connection • The importance of daily physical touch • How shared rituals create emotional safety • Why gratitude changes your marriage • The power of staying curious about your spouse • Why eye contact and presence matter more than ever • How growing together strengthens lifelong love   If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to stay deeply in love after decades of marriage, this episode offers both hope and practical direction.   God's design for marriage has always worked. Science is simply catching up with these  7 Science-Backed Habits of Couples Who Stay in Love (And the Bible Explained Them First)   00:00 Love That Lasts 00:33 Science Behind Long Love 02:49 Faith And Neuroscience 04:33 Seven Principles Setup 04:53 Seek Novelty Together 09:11 Our Adventure Examples 13:27 Daily Physical Touch 19:40 Touch When Touched Out 21:27 Protect Shared Rituals 22:01 Rhythms And Security 22:24 Biblical Patterns Vs Algorithms 23:26 Shared Bedtime Ritual 24:36 Weekly Check In And Prayer 26:18 Express Gratitude Often 30:12 Curiosity Builds Connection 36:38 Eye Contact Full Presence 40:08 Grow Together In Faith 44:02 Prayer And Practical Handout   Get the 7 Principles For A Marriage That Lasts that was discussed on the podcast from off of the show notes on our website at:  https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-189-how-to-build-a-marriage-that-keeps-getting-better/   Listen to the SING App as discussed on the program - https://sing.theworshipinitiative.com/

  4. Jul 9

    Ep. 188: The Marriage Principle Most Couples Ignore

    Your Marriage Is Growing Something… What Are You Planting? What kind of marriage are you planting today? Most couples focus on the problems they're experiencing right now, but Scripture points us to something much deeper: every marriage is continually sowing seeds that will eventually produce a harvest. In this episode, Chris and Jamie explore the powerful biblical principle of Sowing and Reaping and how it applies to your marriage. They explain why marriages don't become deeply connected—or painfully disconnected—overnight. Instead, they are shaped by thousands of small choices, habits, attitudes, and interactions over time. You'll discover: • The three biblical truths about sowing and reaping • Why neglect is never neutral in marriage • How busyness slowly creates disconnection • The danger of self-protection, resentment, and criticism • Why awareness is one of the greatest gifts you can develop • How to begin planting seeds that lead to connection, trust, and intimacy • Why it's never too late to prepare the soil and start again No matter what your marriage looks like today, God's mercies are new every morning. If you're willing to begin planting different seeds, He can produce a different harvest. This episode offers practical encouragement and biblical hope for couples who want to intentionally build a thriving marriage and a lasting family legacy.   00:00 Planting for Your Future 01:16 Sowing and Reaping Law 03:07 Three Truths of Reaping 04:28 Waiting Through Seasons 07:08 Our Marriage Turnaround 09:39 Clearing the Field First 12:56 Seeds of Neglect 16:03 Self Protection Patterns 17:43 Walls Of Disconnection 18:43 Words That Kill Or Heal 21:00 Hope And Awareness 24:32 Sowing Time Together 26:07 Resentment And Forgiveness 29:24 Sowing Through Tears 31:06 Plant The Tree Now 33:20 Legacy Worth The Work 35:26 Prayer And Next Steps

  5. Jul 2

    Ep. 187: The Window of Tolerance in Marriage: Why Couples Keep Having the Same Fight

    Why do you and your spouse keep having the same argument? Maybe it's not because one of you doesn't care.   Maybe it's because neither of you has the capacity to solve the problem in that moment.   In this episode, Chris and Jamie explain one of the most important concepts they've learned about relationships—the Window of Tolerance.    You'll discover why your nervous system reacts the way it does during conflict, how past experiences shape your reactions today, and how God's design for our brains actually points us toward healthier, safer relationships.   Rather than trying to "win" the argument, you'll learn how to recognize when your body is moving into survival mode and how to return to a place where genuine connection and healing can happen.   Whether you're the spouse who shuts down, gets defensive, becomes anxious, or escalates conflict, this episode will help you understand yourself—and your spouse—with greater compassion and practical hope.   In This Episode What the Window of Tolerance actually is Why your spouse is not your enemy The difference between reacting and responding Fight, flight, and freeze in marriage How childhood shapes adult conflict patterns Why couples repeat the same arguments The importance of emotional safety Co-regulation and helping each other return to calm Biblical wisdom behind nervous system regulation Practical ways to widen your Window of Tolerance   00:00 Fighting Outside Tolerance 01:03 Why We React in Conflict 02:00 Survival Brain vs Spouse 03:04 Pulling Weeds by the Root 04:05 Mint Story No Quick Fix 06:27 Define the Window 08:41 Hyper vs Hypo Arousal 10:55 Our Marriage Patterns 14:46 Get Regulated First 16:39 Bible Wisdom Meets Neuroscience 17:46 Dam Breach and Timeouts 19:28 Co Regulation and Family Roots 20:59 Conflict Feels Like Abandonment 22:46 Nervous Systems Collide 23:15 Childhood Training Grounds 24:23 Survival Skills Become Patterns 26:15 What Shrinks Your Window 27:52 Your Conflict Cycle Example 29:35 Safety Builds Tolerance 31:03 Boat Analogy Co Regulation 34:17 Name It Take a Timeout 35:31 Prayer and Grace Reset 39:55 Mutual Responsibility Plan 43:04 Final Takeaways This Week   Connect with Chris & Jamie at email@expeditionmarriage.org

  6. Jun 25

    Ep. 186: Why So Many Couples End Up Living Like Roommates (And How to Reconnect)

    Most marriages don't fall apart overnight. They drift. Over time, couples can find themselves feeling more like roommates than spouses—sharing a home, raising kids, managing responsibilities, but slowly losing the closeness and connection they once enjoyed. In this episode, Chris and Jamie sit down with Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo of One Extraordinary Marriage to discuss their journey from disconnection, debt, and considering divorce to building a thriving marriage that has helped thousands of couples around the world. Tony and Alisa share how a radical challenge became a turning point in their marriage and how that experience eventually led to the creation of their Six Pillars of Intimacy framework. In this conversation, you'll learn: • The warning signs that your marriage may be drifting into roommate syndrome • Why emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, recreational, and sexual intimacy all matter • How small cracks can reveal opportunities for growth and healing • The difference between physical intimacy and sexual intimacy • Why many couples focus on weaknesses instead of strengths • How to create more connection in every season of marriage • Practical ways to begin rebuilding intimacy and trust If your marriage feels disconnected, discouraged, or stuck, this episode will give you hope and a practical roadmap for moving forward together.     00:00 Meet Tony and Alisa 02:12 How the Podcast Began 04:56 Marriage Struggles and Drift 10:03 Red Flags of Roommates 12:37 Why Six Pillars Matter 16:58 The 60 Day Sex Challenge 24:22 Vulnerability and Ripple Effects 28:00 Start Small With God 28:43 The Touchy Feely Mask 29:37 Six Pillars Explained 31:12 Identity Blocks Growth 34:11 Stages Of Life Touch 36:39 Cracks Become Growth 41:43 Define Intimacy Not Sex 43:21 Quick Pillar Rundown 47:45 Free Quiz And Next Steps 51:30 Six Pillars At Sea 54:20 Final Thanks And Wrap   🔔 Subscribe for more Christian marriage encouragement and practical relationship advice.   📚 Learn more about Tony and Alisa, their book, the assessment, and their offerings: https://oneextraordinarymarriage.com

  7. Jun 18

    Ep. 185: Marriage 2.0? Why God's Design Doesn't Need an Upgrade

    Have we outgrown marriage? A growing movement says yes. Some are calling for a "Marriage 2.0"—a version of marriage that prioritizes personal fulfillment, individual happiness, renewable contracts, and self-preservation over lifelong commitment. It sounds appealing. It even contains pieces of truth. But is it actually better? In this episode, Chris and Jamie examine the growing Marriage 2.0 movement and compare its ideas to God's design for marriage. You'll discover why many modern marriage solutions are actually reactions to unhealthy marriages rather than improvements on God's design, why self-focused relationships often leave people more miserable, and how biblical marriage provides the security, commitment, and growth we were created for. In This Episode: What Marriage 2.0 teaches Why culture keeps reinventing marriage The difference between self-care and self-centeredness Why marriage isn't broken—people are The dangers of conditional commitment The role of sacrifice in healthy relationships Healthy boundaries vs selfish demands Why security matters in marriage God's design for lifelong covenant love Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 16:25 Genesis 2:24 Philippians 2:3-4 Ephesians 5:21-33 Romans 12:2 James 1:22   00:21 Marriage 2.0 Pitch 01:34 Truth Twisted 02:17 Overcorrection Culture 03:05 Sacrifice And Boundaries 05:52 Identity In Christ 06:07 Self Focus Fails 09:07 Two Become One 12:33 Mutual Submission 17:21 Passive Vs Controlling 17:48 Core Claims Breakdown 19:42 Reject Self Erasure 20:52 Growth Not Threat 21:47 Private Over Public 21:51 Private vs Public Marriage 22:14 Healthy Conflict and Boundaries 22:46 Boundaries Not Entitlement 23:52 Stop Enabling Patterns 25:17 Introducing Marriage 2.0 Article 26:29 Debunking Lifespan Claims 30:18 Attraction vs Biblical Love 33:29 Internet Age Marriage Myths 36:01 Self Focus and Divorce Rates 39:20 Contract Marriage Critique 42:39 Anxiety and Need for Security 44:20 Prayer and Closing Resources   Contact us at email@expeditionmarriage.org or find marriage resources at https://expeditionmarriage.org

  8. Jun 11

    Ep. 184: Why Better Is Making You Miserable

    Have you ever noticed that almost every message coming at you today is telling you that something is wrong?   Your body could be better. Your house could be better. Your marriage could be better. Your spouse could be better. You could be better.   The world profits from your discontentment.   In this episode, Chris and Jamie unpack how social media, self-help culture, comparison, and constant self-improvement messaging are robbing us of contentment, gratitude, peace, and joy.   You'll discover why the endless pursuit of "better" often leaves us feeling worse, how these messages affect our marriages, and what Scripture teaches about finding peace in Christ instead of constantly striving for more.   In This Episode: Why social media thrives on making you feel inadequate How comparison steals joy from your marriage The difference between healthy growth and unhealthy obsession Why contentment is becoming a lost spiritual discipline How discontentment affects your nervous system Why acceptance and growth can coexist in marriage What Paul teaches us about contentment from a prison cell How gratitude changes the way we experience our relationships   Resources Mentioned: Get our FREE 60-Second Blessing Exercise - https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-184-contentment-in-marriage-why-better-is-making-you-miserable Work with us: Expedition Marriage Counseling & Coaching - https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage     00:00 Growth vs Discontentment 00:20 Social Media Insecurity 01:41 Doomscrolling Effects 02:14 Self Help Trap 03:25 Better Makes Miserable 04:18 Manufactured Needs 04:55 Brain Seeks Evidence 08:11 Moving Finish Line 09:03 Marriage Comparison Spiral 13:50 Obsessed With Fixing 16:07 Acceptance and ADHD 19:35 Gratitude Focus 20:14 Gratitude Rewires Us 20:35 Why Focus On Suffering 22:09 Negativity Bias And Grace 23:58 Paul On True Contentment 27:47 Peace Over Self Help 29:51 Misusing Philippians 413 31:34 Marriage Acceptance Messages 34:01 Stress Styles And Invitations 36:51 Enemy Steals Contentment 38:46 Prayer Weekly Practice Resource

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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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