Tools for Marriage

Trevor and Laura Black
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Biweekly

Looking for powerful tools to strengthen your relationship and set your marriage on a firm foundation? You're in the right place! Passionate marriage coaches, Trevor & Laura Black, use humor, stories, interviews, and Biblical wisdom to help you build a thriving marriage.

  1. Aug 11

    E19 - Abuse, Healing & Hope with Beauty From Ashes | Tools for Marriage

    E19 - Abuse, Healing & Hope with Beauty From Ashes | Tools for MarriageIn this important conversation, we sit down with Debby Mylar, MS, MAC, Co-Founder & Director, and Lori Smithson, Program & Development Director of Beauty From Ashes Ministries to talk about the difficult line between normal marital conflict and abuse. Debby and Lori share their experience walking alongside women impacted by domestic oppression and abuse, helping them recognize unhealthy patterns and find a path toward safety, healing, and hope.We also explore abuse through a Christian lens—including misconceptions around submission, forgiveness, reconciliation, and marriage counseling—and discuss how friends, family members, and churches can respond well. Whether you’re struggling in your own relationship or want to better support someone you love, this conversation offers practical wisdom, compassion, and the reminder that there is hope even in the hardest circumstances.Chapters:0:00:00 - When Marriage Conflict Becomes Abuse0:02:10 - The Story Behind Beauty from Ashes Ministries0:05:35 - From a Local Support Group to a Worldwide Ministry0:08:40 - Walking with Women from Confusion to Healing0:13:00 - How Common Is Domestic Abuse?0:17:45 - Conflict vs. Abuse: Recognizing the Difference0:20:00 - Why Traditional Marriage Counseling Can Make Abuse Worse0:24:00 - Helping Both Survivors and Oppressors Find Healing0:29:30 - Christian Misconceptions About Submission & Forgiveness0:35:30 - How God Brings Healing and Restoration After Abuse0:37:00 - What Family & Friends Can Do When They Suspect Abuse0:39:30 - Spiritual Abuse & the Weaponization of Scripture0:42:00 - Red Flags to Watch for Before Marriage0:44:40 - Hope for Someone Who Feels Trapped0:46:20 - How Beauty from Ashes Helps—and How You Can Get InvolvedShow Notes:When Home Hurts: A Guide for Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your Churchby Jeremy Pierre and Greg Wilson - https://www.amazon.com/When-Home-Hurts-Responding-Domestic/dp/1527107221/Phone number is eight oh one three nine six zero zero eight ninewebsite: beautyfromashesministries.org

  2. Apr 6

    E18 - Trevor's Parents' Story and Letting the Lord Lead

    E18 - Trevor's Parents' Story and Letting the Lord Lead | Tools for MarriageIn this heartfelt episode of Tools for Marriage, Trevor and Laura sit down with Trevor’s parents, Brent and Darene, to hear the stories, lessons, and hard-won wisdom that come from 59 years of marriage. From a honeymoon that cost just $6 to building a life marked by faith, family, perseverance, and love, this conversation is full of humor, honesty, and timeless encouragement.They talk about learning to navigate life as opposites, how to handle money without letting it divide your marriage, why loving your spouse well is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children, and how commitment carries a couple through both joyful and difficult seasons. They also share stories from raising their family, career moves, and the faith that shaped their journey together.Whether you’re newly married, preparing for marriage, or decades in, this episode offers practical wisdom and a beautiful reminder that love is not just a feeling — it’s a decision, lived out over time.Chapters:(0:00) Welcome to Tools for Marriage + Meet Brent & Darene(1:33) Opposites in Marriage: Adventure vs. A Plan(2:59) The $6 Honeymoon Story(6:15) The 25th Anniversary Surprise Recreated(16:13) Marriage Advice: Love Is a Decision(18:03) Handling Money Without Letting It Divide You(22:26) Best Thing for Kids: Love Their Mother(26:22) Raising Three Boys and Family Life Stories(29:09) Brent’s Engineering Career and the Move to Pennsylvania(51:06) Faith Journey, Moving to Salt Lake, Gideons, and LegacyShow notes:The Gideons International: https://gideons.org/

  3. Feb 10

    E17 - Looking Back (Season 1), Looking Forward (Season 2)

    Season 2 Episode 17: Looking Back (Season 1), Looking Forward (Season 2) | Tools for Marriage Tools for Marriage: https://toolsformarriage.com Are you looking for practical ways to build a stronger, more resilient marriage? Join Trevor and Laura in this special transition episode of the Tools for Marriage podcast as they celebrate the wrap-up of Season 1 and share an exciting look ahead at Season 2! In this episode, we reflect on the "master class" of wisdom shared by our incredible Season 1 guests—from first responders and ministry leaders to marriage authors. We dive into the most impactful "tools" we’ve learned so far. Whether you are on the cusp of marriage or have been together for decades, these tangible, Christ-centered tools are designed to help your relationship flourish. Stick around until the end to hear what’s coming in Season 2 as we continue our mission to provide the skills every couple needs but few are taught. What you’ll learn in this video: ✅ Why we started the Tools for Marriage podcast. ✅ The concept of "Radical Obedience" in a relationship. ✅ Highlights from our most popular Season 1 interviews. ✅ A sneak peek at the topics and guests coming in Season 2! Subscribe for more practical marriage tools and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Season 2! Chapters: (0:00:00) - Introduction to Season 2 (0:01:04) - The Accidental Podcast: How It All Began (0:02:25) - The Technical Learning Curve and Home Studio Challenges (0:04:05) - The Mission: Reaching Beyond One-on-One Counseling (0:05:27) - Radical Obedience and Choosing Yearly Words (0:07:23) - The Philosophy Behind "Tools for Marriage" (0:08:45) - Learning in Reverse: Avoiding Relationship Potholes (0:09:49) - Communication Trap: The Myth of Mind Reading (Episode 1 - Trevor & Laura Black) (0:10:47) - Defining Your Terms and Avoiding Assumptions (0:12:37) - Intentional Connection: Couch Time and Walk-and-Talks (0:14:11) - Supporting First Responder Marriages (Episode 2 - Mark & Annette Manley) (0:16:42) - Personality Assessments and Ministry (Episode 5 - Brian & Linda Seitz) (0:18:39) - The Power of the Tongue & Developing Curiosity (Episode 8 - Trevor & Laura Black) (0:20:59) - Loving One Another Well & The “F” Word (Feelings), Feelings Wheel (Episode 4 - Kelly DuPée) (0:24:01) - Fix vs. Listen & The Love Languages (Episode 6 - DC and Cookie Currier) (0:26:44) - The 1st year of marriage & Premarital Counseling (Episode 7 - Max & McKenzie Walls) (0:29:01) - Bucket List & Savor and Gratitude & How They Met (Episode 9 - Ron & Nancy Anderson - Part 1) (0:30:22) - Restoration or Reconciliation from Infidelity (Episode 10 - Ron & Nancy Anderson - Part 2) (0:32:55) - Meeting comedian Robert G. Lee on set (Episode 11 - Robert G & Anne Lee) (0:35:06) - Prayer & Following the Holy Spirit (Episode 12 - Keith & Megan Peeler) (0:36:45) - In Sickness and In Health (Episode 13 - Chris & Sheryl Solberg) (0:38:10) - Peregrine & Lasagna Love (Episode 14 - Craig & Beryl Glass) (0:39:40) - Humility and Reconciliation (Episode 15 - Eric Heard) (0:42:00) - How We Love & Counseling (Episode 16 - Bagwell) (0:43:26) - Sneak Peek: What to Expect in Season 2 (0:44:43) - Closing Thoughts and Community Connection #marriageadvice #RelationshipTools #ToolsForMarriage #ChristianMarriage #CommunicationSkills #MarriagePodcast #Season2Launch #strongertogether

  4. 12/10/2025

    E16 - Darren Bagwell Marriage & Family Therapist Shares Insights on a Strong and Healthy Marriage

    Episode 16 - Darren Bagwell Marriage & Family Therapist Shares Insights on a Strong and Healthy Marriage | Tools for Marriage Join us for an insightful conversation with licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Darren Bagwell, as he shares his personal journey and professional wisdom on healing attachment wounds and moving toward secure connection in marriage. Darren unveils the critical role of your "Attachment Imprint," explaining why the high-achieving "Golden Child" identity often fails in partnership, and how the Anxious Pleaser pattern emerges. You’ll learn tangible, compassionate steps to integrate your Inner Child, utilize the Comfort Circle for safety and attunement, and embrace the 3 R's framework (Recover, Repair, and Reconnect) to transform conflict into deeper intimacy. This episode is a must-listen for any couple ready to stop managing surface-level conflict and start building a marriage defined by lasting security and heartfelt understanding. Chapters: (0:00:00) Welcome & Meet Darren Bagwell: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (0:01:06) From Sociology to Diamond Sales: The Winding Path to MFT (0:05:09) The Pivot to Counseling: Grad School, MFT, and the EMDR Approach (0:07:10) Trauma is What Happens Inside: The Origin of the "Attachment Imprint" (0:11:10) The Anxious Pleaser & Discovering the How We Love Model (0:15:35) When the "Golden Child" Breaks: Marital Crisis and the Wounds from Childhood (0:21:26) The Inner Child: Why Understanding Your Past is Key to Your Present (0:33:40) The Comfort Circle: A Tool for Safety, Attunement, and Secure Connection (0:42:00) Humility & Ownership: The Two Keys to Moving Through Marital Crisis (0:47:00) Advice for Newlyweds: Marriage as a Process of "Becoming" (0:54:30) The 3 R's Framework: Recover, Repair, and Reconnect Show Notes: Darren Bagwell - https://www.darrenbagwell.com/ Reunion Counseling - https://www.reunioncounseling.com/ The Formation Agency - https://theformationagency.com/ How We Love - https://howwelove.com Tools for Marriage - https://toolsformarriage.com About Darren Bagwell: Darren is passionate about helping you navigate through the complexities of life in order to find the best solution available. Darren has clinical experience working with anxiety, depression, divorce complications, co-parenting, adjustment issues, addiction, trauma, and relational conflict. He enjoys working with individuals that feel stuck or struggling to find their path as well as couples, families and young adults. Darren Bagwell , M.A., LMFT Marriage & Family Counselor https://www.darrenbagwell.com/ 949.274.3816 Darren@relationship180.com 26131 Marguerite Parkway, Suite A Mission Viejo, CA 92692

  5. 11/18/2025

    E15 - 1,358 Weddings, 18 Re-Marriages, and Truths to Transform Your Marriage with Pastor Eric Heard

    Episode 15 - 1,358 Weddings, 18 Re-Marriages, and Truths to Transform Your Marriage with Pastor Eric Heard | Tools for Marriage Description: In this powerful episode of Tools for Marriage, Trevor and Laura sit down with Pastor Eric Heard - a man who has spent over 50 years helping couples prepare, repair, and completely restore their marriages. With more than 1,358 weddings, 18 reconciled remarriages, and decades of working with marriages in crisis, Eric brings wisdom forged through personal pain, biblical truth, and years of pastoral experience. Eric shares openly about his own story of abuse, separation, repentance, and miraculous restoration - and explains the practical tools every couple must master: conflict resolution, emotional connection, protecting covenant, dealing with bitterness, and understanding the spiritual battle behind relational division. Whether you're preparing for marriage, fighting for your marriage, or supporting others in theirs, this episode is filled with transformational insight, humor, authenticity, and real hope. Chapters: (00:00) – Welcome & Introductions Trevor and Laura introduce Pastor Eric Heard and set the stage for the conversation.(01:06) – Eric’s Story: Conversion, Calling & 51 Years of Ministry How Eric came to Christ at 18 and began his journey into pastoral ministry. (03:56) – 1,358 Weddings & a Lifelong Commitment to Couples Eric discusses performing weddings, premarital counseling, and why he uses old-school folders. (05:21) – The Beauty of Reconciliation & 18 Re-Marriages Stories of couples who divorced and later rebuilt their marriage from scratch. (15:10) – Growing Up in Abuse & How Trauma Follows You Into Marriage Eric opens up about childhood abuse, normalized dysfunction, and its impact on early marriage. (21:24) – The Turning Point: Separation, Confession & God Changing His Heart The moment Eric realized his anger and abuse were destroying his marriage — and what he did to change. (37:13) – The Four Cornerstones of Marriage: Permanence, Oneness, Nakedness & Intimacy Eric breaks down the biblical foundation that shapes every healthy marriage. (43:02) – Conflict Resolution Tools That Actually Work The Disneyland Autotopia analogy, mirroring, and why most couples never learned these skills. (48:06) – Teaching Men to Feel & Women to Use Fewer Words Eric explains the feeling wheel, gender differences, and how to communicate more effectively. (56:06) – Protecting the Covenant: Guardrails Against Betrayal Practical boundaries, transparency, and the importance of safeguarding the marriage relationship. Show Notes: Standing Stone Ministry - https://standingstoneministry.org Mariners Church - https://marinerschurch.org How We Love - https://howwelove.com SYMBIS - https://symbis.com Relationship Lifeline - https://relationshiplifeline.org Tools for Marriage - https://toolsformarriage.com @ToolsForMarriage ​

  6. 10/15/2025

    E14 - Smuggling Bibles, Feeding Souls, & Building Legacies — Craig & Beryl Glass

    Episode 14 - Smuggling Bibles, Feeding Souls, & Building Legacies — Craig & Beryl Glass | Tools for Marriage body { font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial; line-height: 1.6; padding: 2rem; max-width: 900px; margin: auto; color: #111; } h1 { font-size: 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; } p.lead { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 1.25rem; } h2 { margin-top: 1.75rem; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; font-size: 1.125rem; } ol.chapters { padding-left: 1.25rem; } ol.chapters li { margin: 0.5rem 0; } .show-notes { margin-top: 1rem; } .show-notes a { word-break: break-all; } .meta { color: #555; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-top: 0.75rem; } Episode 14 - Smuggling Bibles, Feeding Souls, & Building Legacies — Craig & Beryl Glass | Tools for Marriage In this inspiring episode of Tools for Marriage, Trevor and Laura reconnect with Craig and Beryl Glass — a couple whose marriage has been shaped by faith, courage, and a lifetime of service. From smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain to leading men’s ministries and delivering meals through Lasagna Love, their story is a powerful reminder that marriage is both an adventure and a ministry. Listen as they share lessons learned from 49 years together, the importance of compassion and courage in godly manhood, and how small acts of love can ripple across generations. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction and Reconnection (02:05) The Journey of Craig and Beryl Glass (05:09) Early Years of Marriage (08:12) Missionary Adventures in Europe (11:03) The Risks of Bible Smuggling (14:13) Stories from the Field (17:11) The Lasagna Love Initiative (20:04) Peregrine Ministries and Its Mission (23:10) Father-Son Retreats and Their Impact (35:01) The Journey to Manhood (37:58) Creating a Passage to Manhood (40:58) The Blessing Ceremony (43:38) Core Qualities of Masculinity (46:43) The Importance of Fathers (49:37) Advice for Couples (52:32) Navigating Differences in Marriage (56:35) Faith and Ministry Together (59:11) The Impact of Small Acts (01:03:53) You Matter: A Message to Men Show Notes: Peregrine Ministries - https://peregrineministries.org/ Lasagna Love - https://lasagnalove.org/ Tools for Marriage - https://toolsformarriage.com/

  7. 09/24/2025

    E13 - Wit and Wisdom with the Solbergs

    Episode 13: Wit and Wisdom with the Solbergs | Tools for Marriage Podcast Chapters: (0:00:00) Introduction to "Tools for Marriage" Podcast (0:02:07) Chris and Sheryl's Meet-Cute Story (0:03:57) The Spontaneous Pop-Top Engagement (0:07:50) The Pros and Cons of Living Together Before Marriage (0:10:52) Navigating Conflict in the Early Years (0:13:19) Sex and Expectations (0:15:22) The Five Love Languages (0:19:55) The Importance of Communication and Mentorship (0:22:15) Marriage and Raising Children (0:26:06) Staying Connected as an Empty Nest Couple (0:30:26) Advice for Young Couples (0:40:48) Building a Legacy in Your Marriage (0:47:03) Navigating Temptations and Guardrails (0:56:45) Finding Community and a Love for Pickleball (1:02:00) The Power of Partnership and a Lasting Impact Show Notes: SYMBIS - https://www.symbis.com/ 5 Love Languages - https://5lovelanguages.com/

  8. 09/08/2025

    E12 - Praying Your Way to a Stronger Marriage with Keith and Megan Peeler

    Episode 12: Praying Your Way to a Stronger Marriage with Keith and Megan Peeler | Tools for Marriage Podcast Chapters: (00:00) Introduction and Overview of Everfree Ministries (01:54) The Peeler's Marriage Journey (04:20) First Date and Family Dynamics (07:05) The Importance of Communication in Relationships (09:53) Navigating Early Relationship Challenges (12:44) Advice for Young Couples (14:59) The Power of Prayer in Marriage (17:21) Interactive Prayer and Spiritual Connection (21:54) Building Intimacy Through Shared Experiences (24:00) The Power of Prayer in Marriage (25:01) Discovering Deliverance and Inner Healing (26:04) Experiencing Spiritual Warfare (29:54) Understanding Deliverance and Healing (34:04) Navigating Resistance and Pushback (39:04) The Role of Authority in Prayer (44:35) Setting Expectations for Prayer Appointments (47:09) The Power of Spirit-Led Prayer (50:26) Navigating Life's Challenges and God's Guidance (53:01) Understanding Authority in Christ (55:30) The Role of Inner Healing in Physical Health (59:31) The Healing Ministry and Its Challenges (01:04:34) Empowering Women Through Healing and Identity (01:07:10) Multiplying the Impact of Inner Healing Ministry (01:09:01) Closing and Encouragement Show Notes: Everfree 2.0 Launch - November 7, 2025: https://kingdomcreative.mykajabi.com/fund-the-freedom Everfree Prayer Community: https://kingdomcreative.mykajabi.com/everfree-community EverfreeHER: https://www.everfreeprayer.org/everfreeher Everfree Prayer: https://everfreeprayer.org

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Looking for powerful tools to strengthen your relationship and set your marriage on a firm foundation? You're in the right place! Passionate marriage coaches, Trevor & Laura Black, use humor, stories, interviews, and Biblical wisdom to help you build a thriving marriage.

Information

  • Creator
    Trevor and Laura Black
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Trevor and Laura Black
  • Show Website
    Tools for Marriage