Your Bold Marriage

Chris & Jamie Johnson
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Weekly

Your Bold Marriage is a weekly podcast for couples who are tired of simply surviving marriage and are ready to build something extraordinary! Hosted by Chris and Jamie Johnson—authors of A Little Book for a Bold Marriage—this show delivers honest conversations, practical tools, and faith-rooted wisdom to help you communicate better, reconnect emotionally, strengthen intimacy, and rediscover joy together. The hosts lean on their 15 years of marriage and parenting experience, and Jamie adds a therapist's perspective as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Each episode tackles real marriage challenges with clarity, hope, and actionable steps you can apply immediately. Marriage is a gift from God—and when you’re willing to invest in it intentionally, a love-filled, deeply fulfilling marriage isn’t just possible… it’s within reach.

  1. 1d ago

    7 Things Happy Couples Do Differently That Strengthens Marriage

    Most couples think happy marriages are about luck, chemistry, or finding the "right" person. They're not. This episode breaks down seven surprisingly practical habits that strong couples do differently—and shows you where you can start building a better marriage today. Chris & Jamie unpack a HuffPost article based on therapist observations, then put each point under the microscope with real-life marriage experience, biblical wisdom, and honest examples from their own relationship. If you've ever looked at another couple and assumed they just got lucky, this conversation will challenge that story fast. You'll discover: Why speaking openly is about safety and trust, not blurting out whatever you thinkHow deeper conversations keep couples from drifting into roommate modeWhat it really means to give your spouse the benefit of the doubtWhy healthy marriages protect individuality instead of erasing itHow gentleness changes conflict, tone, and recovery after an argumentWhat "fighting fairly" looks like when disagreement is unavoidableWhy a builder's mindset creates momentum, vision, and shared purposeThe conversation also gets real about the difference between ordinary conflict and actual danger, why some marriages need more than a podcast, and how resentment, defensiveness, and silence quietly wreck connection over time. If you want a marriage that is stronger and more intentional, this episode gives you a clear framework to work from. Perfect for couples who want more than survival, more than routine, and more than a marriage that just "gets by." If you're ready to build something better together, this one will give you language, perspective, and a challenge you can use tonight. Link to HuffPost article: https://apple.news/A5KEdwLJOTgWjTokBo2x3qw DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests. The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area. Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy. Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage: Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

  2. Oct 6

    Why Do We Keep Having The Same Fight (& Why "We've Tried Everything" Is A Lie)

    Most couples say “we’ve tried everything” when what they really mean is “we’re stuck in the same fight.” Chris and Jamie unpack why that mindset keeps marriages spinning in circles—and what to try instead if you actually want change.  If you’ve been blaming your spouse, waiting for them to go first, or having the same argument over and over, this conversation will challenge you to look at the cycle beneath the conflict. Chris and Jamie break down the difference between fighting each other and fighting the pattern—and why the real issue is usually not the trash, the phone, the chores, or the tone, but the deeper hurt underneath. You’ll discover: Why “I’ll change when you change” can keep a marriage stuckHow to spot the cycle of criticism, defensiveness, withdrawal, and contemptWhat it means to get to the root instead of staying focused on the surface problemHow to repair with real ownership, apology, and less defensivenessWhy consistency matters more than one good conversation, date night, or attemptJamie brings a clinical lens to stepping outside the blame game and identifying the pattern together. Chris adds practical examples from real life and marriage, including how small habits can either escalate conflict or build trust over time. Most marriages don’t fall apart over one big problem. They erode when hurt goes unaddressed, responsibility gets avoided, and both people keep waiting for the other to move first. If you’re tired of repeating the same arguments, this conversation can help you ask better questions and start making different choices.  For couples who feel stuck, spouses frustrated by recurring conflict, and anyone who suspects “we’ve tried everything” might not actually be true yet. DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests. The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area. Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy. Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage: Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

  3. Sep 30

    How To Avoid Divorce — 17 People Reveal What Actually Works

    The biggest marriage mistakes are usually not dramatic betrayals - they are the everyday patterns that slowly erode trust, connection, and peace. Jamie and Chris break down a BuzzFeed list of real-life relationship mistakes and turn it into a practical, honest conversation about what actually strengthens a marriage before resentment takes root.  You’ll discover why respecting a spouse’s no matters, how hidden manipulation shows up in subtle ways, and why unmet expectations around money, sex, and family planning can quietly become one of the fastest paths to bitterness. Jamie and Chris also unpack the danger of trying to change your partner, the truth about financial secrecy, and why scorekeeping in marriage never leads to real victory. They also get into a deeper issue that affects couples at every stage: identity.  What happens when you look to your spouse to complete you, instead of becoming a whole, secure person in Christ first? And why does that matter so much, especially for couples who married young or are still figuring out who they are? Other topics include putting your marriage at the center of your family, knowing when counseling helps, and learning the habit that can save a relationship faster than almost anything else - saying sorry and actually meaning it. Jamie and Chris bring their candid, faith-centered perspective to every topic, blending real-world marriage wisdom with practical next steps you can use right away. If you want a marriage that grows stronger instead of slowly drifting apart, this episode is essential listening. Original BuzzFeed list post found here:  https://www.buzzfeed.com/abbyzinman/relationship-ways-to-avoid-divorce DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests. The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area. Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy. Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage: Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

  4. Sep 22

    Stop Losing Yourself In Marriage And Start Growing Again

    In this episode, Chris & Jamie remind us that marriage is not supposed to erase you. The healthiest relationships make room for two whole people - and when Chris and Jamie say that out loud, they back it up with Scripture, research, and real-life examples from their own marriage. After separate retreats left them both feeling recharged, more confident, and more rooted in who God has called them to be, they use that experience to make a bigger case: growth apart from one another is not a threat to your marriage - it can actually strengthen it.  If you've ever felt guilty for wanting space, growth, or a fresh challenge, this conversation will reframe the way you think about support, identity, and partnership. You'll discover: Why self-expansion theory says couples often feel more satisfied after pursuing growth individuallyHow differentiation helps couples stay close without becoming fused or codependentWhy the word "helper" in Genesis is a word of strength, not diminishmentWhat it looks like to support your spouse's calling without scorekeeping or resentmentPractical ways to start the conversation if one or both of you feel stuck, overextended, or unseen This episode is for couples who want a stronger marriage, but also refuse to lose themselves in the process. If you've been waiting for the "right time" to pursue growth, this is your sign to start the conversation and trust that becoming more of who God made you to be can make your marriage better, too. DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests. The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area. Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy. Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage: Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

  5. Sep 15

    5 Marriage Myths That Quietly Keep You Stuck

    There are five marriage myths are quietly keeping couples stuck, and most people believe at least one of them without realizing the damage it causes.  Chris & Jamie break down the false assumptions that can sabotage connection, delay healing, and turn a good marriage into a merely acceptable one. Drawing from their book and real conversations from marriage counseling, they challenge the idea that loving God automatically equals a healthy marriage, explain why waiting until things are desperate before getting help usually makes everything worse, and unpack the danger of normalizing divorce talk as a casual backup plan.  They also get honest about the lie that marriage will fix loneliness or emotional pain, and why “we’re fine” is often just another way of saying you’ve stopped expecting more. You’ll discover why faith is a foundation, not a finish line, and why biblical truth still has to be applied through communication, wisdom, and intentional effort. If you’ve been settling, avoiding hard conversations, or assuming your marriage should just work because you love God, this episode will challenge that mindset fast. The goal is not just to avoid divorce or survive the week—it’s to build a marriage that is alive, healthy, and worth fighting for. DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests. The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area. Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy. Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage: Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

  6. Sep 8

    3 Marriage Myths About Sex & Cheating Nobody Talks About

    Married couples don’t “just stop having sex,” and avoiding cheating is not the definition of a healthy marriage. Chris and Jamie expose three marriage myths that quietly kill connection, sexual intimacy, and long-term satisfaction - and explain what actually needs to change if you want a thriving marriage, not just surviving one.  They break down the cultural stereotypes around married sex, why declining frequency is usually a signal of something deeper, and why “we’re fine as long as nobody cheats” sets the bar way too low. If sex has become awkward, rare, duty-driven, or emotionally disconnected, this conversation gives you a sharper way to evaluate what’s really happening beneath the surface. You’ll discover: Why the myth that marriage automatically kills your sex life is flat-out misleadingWhy “it’s okay if we don’t have much sex” can hide resentment, disconnection, or even harmWhy mutual pleasure and emotional connection matter far more than performance or obligationWhy a marriage can avoid infidelity and still be deeply unhealthyHow to tell whether your relationship is actually flourishing or just barely holding together Chris & Jamie also push back on some of the worst Christian teaching around sex, explain why God designed intimacy for mutual benefit and pleasure, and challenge couples to ask a better question than “Are we still married?” - namely, “Do we actually love being married to each other?”  Essential listening if you want a more honest, more connected, and more life-giving marriage. If one of these myths sounds uncomfortably familiar, this episode will help you identify it, talk about it, and take a real next step. DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests. The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area. Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy. Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage: Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

  7. Sep 1

    5 Marriage Myths About Kids, Boredom, & Family You Need To Bust

    Truth bombs: Marriage is not supposed to be boring, kids will not fix a struggling relationship, and “at least nobody cheated” is a terrible success metric. If you want a marriage that actually feels alive, this episode is for you. Chris & Jamie keep their marriage myths series going with a straight-talking conversation about the hidden beliefs that quietly drain connection, intimacy, and joy from Christian marriages. They break down the stereotypes people absorb from movies, culture, and even church teaching, then replace them with a better, healthier vision of what marriage can be. You’ll discover: Why boredom in marriage is usually a symptom, not a destinyHow intentional fun and playfulness directly affect marital satisfactionWhy having a baby can intensify a weak marriage instead of saving itHow shared values matter more than shared hobbiesWhy your childhood may influence your marriage, but it does not have to define it Chris and Jamie also challenge the dangerous idea that marriage is only “successful” if it survives without infidelity or divorce. They make the case for something far better: a thriving, connected, mutually satisfying marriage that reflects God’s design instead of merely avoiding disaster.If your relationship feels stuck, routine, or more like roommates than teammates, this conversation will give you language, perspective, and practical next steps. Perfect for couples who want to stop tolerating marriage and start building one they actually love. DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests. The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area. Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy. Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage: Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

  8. Aug 25

    4 Marriage Myths Ruining The Way You Fight & Communicate

    In this episode of Your Bold Marriage Podcast, Chris & Jamie continue the marriage myths series by tackling some of the most common lies couples believe about communication and conflict. They talk about conflict resolution before bed, why your spouse cannot read your mind, why healthy marriages are built on clear and honest communication, and why assuming your partner should just “know” your needs often leads to frustration and resentment. We also unpack the myth that one spouse can change the other. And lastly, one of the biggest ones: that there should be no conflict in a healthy marriage.  Real growth in marriage starts with self-awareness and a willingness to examine your own heart, habits, and reactions first. Instead of trying to reshape your partner into someone else, couples will be encouraged to pursue healthy change within themselves while loving their spouse as they are. Another big topic covered is the idea that you should never go to bed angry. The hosts explain why this verse is often misunderstood, and why the real issue is not unresolved conflict itself, but unresolved anger in your own heart. Sometimes rest, prayer, and a little space bring clarity and lead to a healthier conversation the next day. Finally, Chris & Jamie challenge the myth that good marriages have no fighting. Conflict, when handled with respect, honesty, and humility, can actually strengthen a marriage. The hosts will discuss what healthy conflict looks like, what unhealthy patterns to avoid, and why couples grow stronger when they learn to listen, communicate, and work toward resolution together. Strong marriages are not built on silence, assumption, or control — they are built on truth, self-awareness, healthy communication, and the courage to do conflict well. This is a great episode for those looking to deconstruct lies they may be subconsciously believing. DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling, psychotherapy, medical or legal advice, or individualized couples therapy. Listening to this podcast does not establish a counselor-client relationship with the host or any guests. The views expressed are based on professional experience, research, and personal perspectives and may not apply to every individual or relationship. If you are experiencing significant relationship or mental health concerns, or are in crisis, please seek support from a qualified licensed professional in your area. Any examples, stories, or case discussions have been altered, de-identified, or combined from multiple experiences to protect confidentiality and privacy. Check out these links for more helpful marriage tips and to stay connected to Bold Marriage: Website  | www.aboldmarriage.com Book Link  | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJT2SSVB TikTok  | https://www.tiktok.com/@boldmarriage YouTube  | https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMarriage Instagram  | https://www.instagram.com/boldmarriage Facebook  | https://www.facebook.com/aboldmarriage

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5
out of 5
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About

Your Bold Marriage is a weekly podcast for couples who are tired of simply surviving marriage and are ready to build something extraordinary! Hosted by Chris and Jamie Johnson—authors of A Little Book for a Bold Marriage—this show delivers honest conversations, practical tools, and faith-rooted wisdom to help you communicate better, reconnect emotionally, strengthen intimacy, and rediscover joy together. The hosts lean on their 15 years of marriage and parenting experience, and Jamie adds a therapist's perspective as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Each episode tackles real marriage challenges with clarity, hope, and actionable steps you can apply immediately. Marriage is a gift from God—and when you’re willing to invest in it intentionally, a love-filled, deeply fulfilling marriage isn’t just possible… it’s within reach.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris & Jamie Johnson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chris & Jamie Johnson
  • Show Website
    Your Bold Marriage