Family Talk - Dr James Dobson

Dr. James Dobson
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Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of Family Talk, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library. Dr. Dobson's flagship program, "Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,300 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions of people each month.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    In the Business of Serving God

    Can success in business and faithfulness to God go hand in hand? On this classic edition of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, Dr. Dobson sits down with respected entrepreneur, former Houston Astros owner and longtime business leader Drayton McLane Jr. for a conversation about faith, family, work ethic and serving God through the opportunities He provides. A Christian Faith Passed Down Through Generations McLane traces his faith back to his childhood in Cameron, Texas, where he was raised by devoted Christian parents and accepted Christ at seven years old. That faith became part of a larger family legacy. McLane's grandfather entered the wholesale grocery business in the late 1800s, his father later joined the company, and Drayton followed in 1959. From one generation to the next, he says the family passed down more than business knowledge. They passed along values of honesty, integrity, responsibility and Christian character. Learning to Work From the Ground Up McLane began working in the family business as a young boy, sweeping floors and stocking inventory during summers. Years later, after completing six years of college, he returned home expecting a management role. Instead, his father assigned him to the overnight shift loading trucks in the warehouse. At first, McLane couldn't understand why his education had earned him a job at the bottom. Eventually, he came to see it as one of his father's greatest gifts. Working alongside employees taught him how the business actually functioned, how to appreciate the people doing difficult jobs and how to become a better leader by understanding the organization from the ground up. Take Responsibility and Make It Right Another lesson from his father was simple: accept responsibility for your decisions. Rather than wasting time assigning blame when something went wrong, McLane was taught to focus on making the situation right — particularly for the customer. That philosophy shaped his approach to business and Christian living: value every person, take ownership of mistakes and look for ways to serve others better. Honesty, Integrity and Christian Principles The McLane family grocery operation grew from a regional Texas distributor into one of America's largest foodservice distribution companies. Through that enormous growth, McLane says the company's mission remained remarkably straightforward: Honesty. Integrity. High Christian principles. He tells Dr. Dobson that businesses do not need complicated mission statements if leaders are willing to do what is right every day and invite employees and customers…

  2. 2d ago

    A Christian Journalist’s Fight Against Secular Ideology, Part 2

    What happens when speaking biblical truth brings a firestorm of criticism? On this edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, Roger Marsh concludes his conversation with award-winning journalist and author Megan Basham, whose bestselling book Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda examines political and financial influences within evangelical institutions. Basham reflects on the intense reaction that followed the book’s release and how her family helped keep that criticism in perspective. At almost the same time the book became a New York Times bestseller, Basham received an advanced-stage cancer diagnosis—an experience she says forced her to trust God’s timing rather than continually defend herself against every critic. The conversation also turns to raising children in an era dominated by social media. Basham explains why she and her husband limited their daughters’ access to phones and social platforms, while intentionally teaching them news literacy, discernment and self-discipline. She discusses the importance of standing for truth without allowing anger, online arguments or the need to respond to every criticism to consume a family. Basham also shares how the teaching of John MacArthur helped reshape her understanding of sin and sanctification after she became a Christian. Looking back on struggles with alcohol and destructive choices earlier in her life, she explains how Scripture challenged the idea that Christians must remain enslaved to old patterns of behavior and gave her confidence in the transforming power of Christ. That experience now shapes how she talks with her daughters about her own past. Rather than glamorizing destructive choices, Basham emphasizes their real consequences, the regrets sin can leave behind and the forgiveness and redemption available through Jesus Christ. Roger and Megan also discuss the current condition of the American church, changes she has observed since Shepherds for Sale was published, and new concerns developing within political and cultural movements on the right. Basham also previews future writing projects, including an investigation into the financial and political forces influencing the Republican establishment and an upcoming historical thriller. The episode is a candid conversation about truth, criticism, parenting, repentance, discernment and learning when to speak—and when to trust God to fight the battle. Resources: Family Talk: A Christian Journalist’s Fight Against Secular Ideology, Part 2 Listen to Part 1 Read Megan Basham at The Daily Wire Shepherds for Sale WORLD Watch Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk provides trusted biblical insight on marriage,…

  3. 3d ago

    A Christian Journalist’s Fight Against Secular Ideology, Part 1

    What happens when political agendas, financial interests and cultural pressure begin influencing the mission of the church? On this edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, host Roger Marsh welcomes journalist and author Megan Basham, reporter for The Daily Wire and author of Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda. In Part 1 of their conversation, Basham explains the unexpected path that led her from covering Hollywood and popular culture to investigating the political, financial and ideological forces she believes are shaping evangelical churches and Christian organizations. She recalls beginning to notice ideas involving critical race theory, DEI and other cultural movements entering Christian workplaces, schools and churches, prompting her to investigate where those influences were coming from. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} Basham also discusses her reporting on former National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins and her concerns about the way influential Christian leaders and organizations responded to government policy during the COVID era. She explains how those investigations ultimately led to the reporting that became Shepherds for Sale. The conversation becomes deeply personal as Megan recounts her own return to Christianity after drifting away from the faith during college. She describes a life marked by partying, alcohol and drug abuse before eventually returning to Christ, and explains why that experience made her especially protective of the gospel and concerned when political or social causes are described as “gospel issues.” :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} For Basham, the central concern is not whether Christians should engage difficult cultural and political questions, but whether those issues begin replacing or obscuring the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. She and Roger also examine one of the major themes of Shepherds for Sale: the financial and organizational relationships that Basham says have allowed secular political groups to influence evangelical institutions. She describes her investigation of organizations such as the Evangelical Immigration Table and explains the distinction between leaders who knowingly accept outside funding and pastors or ministry leaders who may become involved without understanding how their names or endorsements will later be used. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} It is a conversation about truth, discernment, accountability, journalism, politics and the responsibility of Christians to protect the clarity of the gospel in a rapidly changing culture. Learn more about Megan Basham, Shepherds for Sale, and this conversation through the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute at DrJamesDobson.org. Hear more trusted Christian programming on AM 670 KLTT at 670KLTT.com.

  4. 6d ago

    Dr. James Dobson: A Legacy Remembered

    On this special memorial edition of Family Talk, Roger Marsh marks the one-year anniversary of Dr. James Dobson’s passing by revisiting a celebration of his remarkable life and ministry. Recorded at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, Fox News commentator Todd Starnes sits down with Dr. Dobson to look back on 40 years in Christian broadcasting. Dr. Dobson recalls leaving a comfortable career at the USC School of Medicine to begin a small ministry with little more than faith, a two-room office and a calling to strengthen America’s families. He shares the story of the ministry’s early financial struggles, an extraordinary answer to prayer, and the growth of a radio program that would eventually reach thousands of stations and listeners around the world. Dr. Dobson also discusses the importance of Christian engagement in the culture, religious liberty, the sanctity of life and the enduring role of Christian radio. Above all, Dr. Dobson reflects on what he considered the greatest purpose of his ministry: introducing people to Jesus Christ and helping parents pass their faith to the next generation. Learn more about the ministry and Dr. Dobson’s continuing legacy at DrJamesDobson.org or JDFI.org. Listen now as Family Talk remembers a life devoted to faith, family and the Gospel, and celebrates the lasting influence of Dr. James Dobson on Christian broadcasting and families around the world.

  5. Aug 20

    Dr. James Dobson: His Family and Friends Pay Tribute, Part 2

    On today’s edition of Family Talk, experience more from the memorial service honoring Dr. James Dobson, faithful servant of God. You’ll hear moving tributes from his son, Ryan Dobson, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and longtime colleague, Gary Bauer. Discover the legacy of a man who lived with unwavering integrity and pointed everyone toward Jesus Christ. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29?v=20251111

  6. Aug 19

    Dr. James Dobson: His Family and Friends Pay Tribute, Part 1

    On this special edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, the James Dobson Family Institute marks nearly one year since Dr. Dobson went home to be with the Lord on August 21, 2025, by revisiting highlights from his private memorial service held on October 4, 2025. Dr. Dobson’s daughter, Danae Dobson, shares deeply personal memories of her father — not simply as a nationally known Christian leader, but as a devoted husband, father and man of unwavering integrity. She recalls childhood bike rides, his determination to remain available to his family despite a demanding public ministry, and the example he set through honesty, faithfulness and hard work. Danae also recounts the many times her father narrowly survived life-threatening medical emergencies and reflects on the additional decades of ministry God gave him following a major heart attack. One of the most moving moments comes as she retells Dr. Dobson’s experience with basketball legend Pete Maravich, who died suddenly in his arms in 1988. That experience led Dr. Dobson to give his children what became known as the “Be There” message — urging them above all else to remain faithful to Christ so they would one day be reunited in heaven. The program also features Michele Bachmann, a member of the James Dobson Family Institute board of directors, offering a prayer of gratitude for Dr. Dobson’s life and ministry. She closes by reading Psalm 103, Dr. Dobson’s favorite psalm and a passage he frequently included alongside his signature. In this episode: Dr. Dobson’s legacy of faith and integrity, Danae Dobson’s memories of her father, the “Be There” message, Pete Maravich’s final moments, God’s faithfulness through suffering, Psalm 103 and the continuing mission of the James Dobson Family Institute. Learn more about the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute: drjamesdobson.org jdfi.org The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute continues Dr. Dobson’s mission of strengthening marriages, equipping parents, defending the sanctity of human life and sharing biblical truth with future generations.

  7. Aug 18

    Raising Boys: Routine Panic, Part 2

    On today’s classic edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson concludes his insightful discussion from his “Bringing Up Boys” teaching series. If you’re a parent struggling with a rebellious son, you won’t want to miss this program as Dr. Dobson explains how our hectic lifestyles are wreaking havoc on the upbringing of our children, especially for boys. Learn of the hope we have by turning to God’s Word to discover His intentions for how we should parent effectively. On this edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, listeners return to the archives for part two of Dr. James Dobson’s classic presentation based on his bestselling book Bringing Up Boys. Dr. Dobson focuses on what he calls “routine panic” — the breathless, exhausting pace of modern family life that leaves parents with little time or energy for one another and for their children. He argues that boys in particular need stability, supervision, connection and consistent involvement from the adults who love them. Drawing from child-development research discussed in his presentation, Dr. Dobson emphasizes the importance of early bonding between mothers and young children. He also addresses the difficult realities faced by parents who must balance work, finances, childcare and family responsibilities, while encouraging families to seriously consider how their schedules affect their children. Dr. Dobson points to studies he says found strong benefits when families simply spend regular time together — being present in the morning, after school, at dinner and at bedtime, and sharing meals together several times each week. He also reflects on the erosion of community in American life. Families once had more natural opportunities for neighbors, churches, civic groups and extended family to connect, while today schedules, isolation and technology often pull people apart. During the audience Q&A, Dr. Dobson addresses parental trust and supervision, the importance of fathers and other positive male role models, and whether a father can rebuild a relationship with a son after missing important years. His answer offers encouragement: it is never too late to begin building a meaningful bond. The program closes by reminding parents that one of the greatest gifts they can give their sons may simply be their time. In this episode: raising boys, family schedules, parent-child bonding, fathers and sons, working parents, family meals, supervision, male role models, adolescent rebellion, strong-willed boys and building healthy family relationships. Learn more from the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute: JDFI.org DrJamesDobson.org

  8. Aug 17

    Raising Boys: Routine Panic, Part 1

    What does a boy need most from his father—and what happens when that influence is missing? During this special memorial week on Family Talk, Roger Marsh revisits one of Dr. James Dobson’s classic presentations from his bestselling Bringing Up Boys series. In Part 1 of “Raising Boys: Routine Panic,” Dr. Dobson explores the unique bond between fathers and sons and the important role dads play in helping boys develop character, responsibility, confidence and a strong Christian identity. Dr. Dobson begins with a hilarious—and nearly disastrous—story from his own teenage years involving his father’s brand-new 1953 Ford, four ruined shocks and a steering column that eventually gave way. From there, he turns to the serious responsibility fathers have to model manhood for their sons. Dobson discusses four roles he believes fathers should prepare boys to embrace as adults: providing for their families, protecting those entrusted to them, practicing servant leadership and becoming spiritual mentors in the home. He also emphasizes the importance of affection between fathers and sons, encouraging dads to hug their boys, tell them they are loved and make sure they know their father is proud of them. The program concludes with a classic audience Q&A on dating, courtesy, respect and the example young men receive from their own fathers—including one young man’s moving account of seeing his father pray for his children and intentionally disciple his sons to follow Jesus Christ. This broadcast is part of a week commemorating the first anniversary of Dr. Dobson’s passing on August 21, 2025, and celebrating the biblical family principles he spent his life teaching. Free Resource: Parents raising sons can sign up for the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute’s free 10-day Bringing Up Boys email series at DrJamesDobson.org. Support Family Talk: Learn more about the ministry, listen to additional broadcasts or support the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute at JDFI.org. Coming Next: Tune in for Part 2 of Dr. Dobson’s classic presentation, Raising Boys: Routine Panic.

  9. Aug 14

    Crises on Campus: A Christian Student Solution, Part 2

    When College Challenges Their Faith What happens when a young person raised with strong Christian values enters a college culture that may challenge nearly everything they were taught at home? On today’s Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson continues his conversation with Morton Blackwell, founder and president of the Leadership Institute, about the ideological pressures facing conservative and Christian students on America’s college campuses. Blackwell explains why he believes parents should investigate not only a college’s academics and reputation, but also the culture, faculty and philosophical environment their children will encounter. He also shares why conservative students need community, training and encouragement so they don’t feel isolated or pressured to abandon their convictions. The conversation explores the Leadership Institute’s work training young conservatives to organize effectively, Campus Reform’s efforts to expose political bias and abuses on college campuses, and whether America’s university system can ultimately be changed from within. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} Blackwell also offers a broader lesson for Christians and conservatives who want to influence the culture: being convinced that your principles are right is not enough. He argues that effective citizens must also learn how to organize, communicate, recruit, raise support and participate in the political process. As he tells Dr. Dobson, Christians should not withdraw from civic life when the future of their communities and country is at stake. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} Learn more about Morton Blackwell and the Leadership Institute at LeadershipInstitute.org, and follow campus news and reporting at CampusReform.org. More resources from Dr. James Dobson’s Family Institute are available at JDFI.org.

  10. Aug 13

    Crises on Campus: A Christian Student Solution, Part 1

    The battle for the next generation is being fought on college campuses. Dr. James Dobson welcomes longtime friend Morton Blackwell, founder of the Leadership Institute and former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan, for a conversation about the ideological pressures facing Christian and conservative students in higher education. Blackwell explains why he founded the Leadership Institute and how the organization has spent decades training young leaders across the country. He describes what he sees as an increasingly hostile campus culture toward traditional morality, conservative ideas, and Christian beliefs—and why simply ignoring those pressures is not enough. Through Campus Reform, student correspondents, public exposure, legal action, and campus organizing, Blackwell says conservative students have been able to fight back. He shares examples of controversial campus programs being exposed, state lawmakers responding, conservative speakers returning to campuses, and students receiving legal support when their free-speech rights are challenged. The conversation also explores the intense social pressure young adults can experience when they arrive at college. Blackwell warns that students who have been raised with traditional values can quickly find themselves surrounded by a culture that pressures them to conform, making strong preparation, support, and conviction more important than ever. Rather than retreat from the campus, Blackwell argues that Christian and conservative students should organize, speak publicly, document abuses, use the legal protections available to them, and make sure opposing viewpoints are heard.

  • 10 Episodes

About

Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of Family Talk, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library. Dr. Dobson's flagship program, "Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,300 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions of people each month.

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