Family Talk - Dr James Dobson

Dr. James Dobson
  • 5.0 (2)
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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. 4h ago

    This Isn’t the Story I Wanted

    When Life Isn't the Story You Wanted: Finding God in the Grief Author Nicole Langman joins Roger Marsh to explore hidden grief, painful disappointments, forgiveness, and trusting God through unexpected loss. Grief doesn't always begin with a funeral. Sometimes it comes through a marriage that ends, a relationship that breaks down, a dream that never becomes reality, or a life that looks nothing like the one we imagined. On this episode of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, host Roger Marsh welcomes author, speaker, and social worker Nicole Langman for a deeply personal conversation about recognizing grief, processing disappointment, and discovering God's presence in difficult seasons. Drawing from her book, This Isn't the Story I Wanted: Grieving the Life You Lost and Trusting the God Who Stays, Langman explains why acknowledging loss is an important part of healing and how Christian faith can provide hope when circumstances cannot be changed. Grief Is About More Than Death When people hear the word grief, they often think of losing a loved one. But Langman explains that grief can also follow experiences that fundamentally alter our expectations and relationships. These losses may include: The end of a marriage or a painful betrayal. Infertility, difficult adoption experiences, or unexpected family challenges. Estrangement from adult children or other broken relationships. A serious diagnosis or significant change in physical abilities. Financial hardship, relocation, or the loss of a cherished dream. Langman shares how her marriage of nearly 20 years ended, plunging her into profound grief. When her mother later died from cancer, she noticed a striking difference in how people responded to the two losses. While friends and family often understand how to support someone following a death, they may struggle to recognize the grief accompanying divorce, estrangement, or other life-altering experiences. Recognizing the Difference Between Disappointment and Deep Grief Not every disappointment creates lasting grief. Langman distinguishes between ordinary frustrations and the larger disappointments that reshape a person's understanding of life. A minor inconvenience may fade quickly. But a broken marriage, shattered expectation, or ongoing relational wound can affect how someone views themselves, other people, and even God. Recognizing those deeper losses and giving them a name can be an important first step toward healing. God Was With Joseph in the Pit One of the conversation's most encouraging moments centers on the biblical account of Joseph. Joseph experienced betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and imprisonment before eventually…

  2. 1d ago

    Rebuilding America: Evangelism on Capitol Hill, Part 2

    Reaching America's Leaders for Christ – Part 2 Dr. James Dobson and the Drollingers explore how biblical discipleship, prayer, and Christian leadership can influence government from the inside out. Can a nation experience lasting change without first addressing the hearts of its leaders? On this Election Day edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson continues his conversation with Ralph and Danielle Drollinger, co-founders of Capitol Ministries, about their mission to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ directly to men and women serving in government. Rather than focusing exclusively on political victories or legislative outcomes, the Drollingers believe meaningful transformation begins with biblical teaching, personal discipleship, and a commitment to following Christ. Taking God's Word into the Halls of Government Ralph Drollinger describes how Capitol Ministries developed Bible studies for public servants in the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate, White House Cabinet, and state governments. He also discusses the ministry's international outreach, describing efforts to establish Bible teaching programs in government centers around the world. The central philosophy is straightforward: public servants need more than inspirational messages. They need substantive, consistent instruction in Scripture. Ralph explains that he develops weekly, in-depth Bible studies specifically addressing the spiritual and practical responsibilities of those holding public office. Drawing from the Great Commission and the Apostle Paul's commitment to proclaiming the whole counsel of God, he emphasizes the importance of teaching Scripture faithfully rather than diluting its message for a political audience. Discipleship Before Political Influence Danielle Drollinger discusses her work alongside Ralph, particularly in building relationships with women serving in government and helping them develop spiritually. She stresses that biblical leadership begins with the individual rather than an institution. The couple believes that lasting improvements in government require leaders whose decisions are shaped by a biblical worldview and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For Christians concerned about the direction of their communities and nation, this presents a challenge: Are we investing as much effort in the spiritual lives of our leaders as we do in political campaigns and elections? From Capitol Hill to City Hall One of the conversation's major themes is the importance of reaching leaders at every level of government. Ralph discusses Oaks in Office, a four-volume collection of Bible studies developed to help Christians disciple public servants. His vision extends beyond Washington, D.C., to state legislatures, county governments, and local city councils. He encourages pastors and lay Christians to…

  3. 2d ago

    Rebuilding America: Evangelism on Capitol Hill, Part 1

    Rebuilding America: Bringing Biblical Discipleship to Capitol Hill Dr. James Dobson welcomes Ralph and Danielle Drollinger to discuss their faith journeys and the ministry taking God's Word into government. What if strengthening America's leadership begins not with another political campaign, but with bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ directly to those entrusted with governing? In this classic conversation on Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, Dr. Dobson welcomes Ralph and Danielle Drollinger, co-founders of Capital Ministries, to explore their extraordinary journey of faith, public service, and biblical discipleship. Introduced by Family Talk host Roger Marsh, this first installment reveals how God used two very different backgrounds—professional athletics and public policy—to inspire a ministry focused on the spiritual lives of America's government leaders. A Basketball Memory That Changed Lives Forever Dr. Dobson begins with a remarkable personal story involving Ralph Drollinger and legendary basketball player Pete Maravich. Ralph, a former UCLA basketball standout who played under legendary coach John Wooden, recalls joining Dobson for a recreational basketball game with Maravich in 1988. During that gathering, Maravich suddenly collapsed. Dobson and Drollinger attempted to resuscitate him, but the basketball legend died. The experience left a lasting impression on both men. Ralph reflects on life's fragility and the urgency of living faithfully for Christ, connecting the experience with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19–21 about storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The powerful reminder is that earthly achievements, influence, and possessions cannot compare with the eternal significance of serving God. Danielle Drollinger's Journey From Rebellion to Redemption Danielle shares her personal testimony of coming to Christ as a young woman after a serious illness left her confined to a hospital bed. Raised in a Christian family, she admits that she initially resisted the faith she had been taught. But while reading a Gideon Bible in the hospital, she encountered the account of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Recognizing herself in that biblical story, Danielle surrendered her life to Christ. She describes how her family subsequently helped disciple her, including her grandmother's determination to surround her with biblical teaching. That transformation eventually influenced Danielle's work in public policy, where she served in the California legislature, worked with Dr. Dobson's organization, and later accepted a position connected with the United States Congress. Ralph Drollinger: From UCLA Basketball to Gospel Ministry Ralph describes growing up with limited exposure to church before attending…

  4. 5d ago

    When the Light Finds Us, Part 2

    When the Light Finds Us, Part 2: Faith After 36 Years Judy Henderson and daughter Angel McDonald share an extraordinary journey of wrongful imprisonment, forgiveness, answered prayer, and reunion. Imagine spending 36 years behind bars for a crime you did not commit, never knowing whether you would see freedom again. For Judy Henderson, that nightmare became reality. Yet through decades of separation from her children, rejected appeals, and seemingly impossible circumstances, Judy held tightly to her faith in God. In this moving conclusion to her conversation with Roger Marsh on Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, Judy and her daughter Angel McDonald recount the day their prayers were answered, the remarkable power of forgiveness, and the family bonds that prison could never destroy. Finding Purpose Behind Prison Walls Judy describes how a Christian retreat early in her incarceration transformed her perspective. Rather than surrendering to bitterness, she pursued education, became a certified paralegal, and began helping other incarcerated women navigate the legal system. She also developed programs supporting imprisoned mothers and their children, discovering that even behind bars, God could use her life to make a difference. A Governor's Visit Changes Everything On December 20, 2017, Judy was unexpectedly summoned to a prison visiting room. After years of unsuccessful efforts to secure her release, she assumed another disappointment awaited. Instead, she turned around and found Missouri's governor standing behind her. Her sentence was commuted, and she could finally leave prison. A full pardon followed. Judy's daughter Angel remembers the extraordinary emotion of embracing her mother and walking through the prison doors together after 36 years of waiting. Read Judy's story: When the Light Finds Us — Judy Henderson's Official Website. Choosing Forgiveness Instead of Bitterness One of the most remarkable moments comes when Judy explains how she forgave the prosecutor responsible for her conviction. She continued corresponding with him, and years later he became an advocate for her release. Judy's testimony challenges listeners to consider how forgiveness can free the heart even when circumstances remain unchanged. Scripture for reflection: Romans 8:28 | Ephesians 4:31–32. Remembering the Children Left Behind Angel shares the emotional toll of visiting her mother throughout childhood and adulthood. Judy urges churches and community organizations to remember that children of incarcerated parents suffer consequences of their own. She calls for greater mentorship, educational opportunities, encouragement, and practical support for families separated by incarceration. Their powerful message: Never underestimate…

  5. 6d ago

    When the Light Finds Us, Part 1

    When the Light Finds Us: Judy Henderson's Journey from Prison to Faith Judy Henderson and her daughter Angel share a remarkable testimony of wrongful imprisonment, family heartbreak, and discovering God's love. Imagine losing your freedom, your children, and the life you've worked so hard to build—all because of a crime you insist you never committed. On this edition of Family Talk, host Roger Marsh welcomes Judy Henderson and her daughter, Angel McDonald, for the first installment of an extraordinary story about injustice, a mother's determination, and the transforming power of faith. Judy is the author of When the Light Finds Us: From a Life Sentence to a Life Transformed, a memoir chronicling her wrongful murder conviction, decades of incarceration, and eventual freedom. A Childhood Marked by Abuse Judy's story begins long before her arrest. As the oldest of eight children, she grew up in a home marked by domestic violence. She often tried to shield her younger siblings from her father's abuse. At 17, she was sexually abused by a member of the clergy, further damaging her understanding of faith and trust. Her experiences left her questioning whether Christianity offered the protection and compassion she desperately needed. After marrying young and becoming a mother, Judy found herself in another abusive relationship. Eventually, fearing for her children's safety, she left the marriage and began rebuilding her life. She established a business, moved closer to family, and looked forward to a new beginning. But a relationship with a man named Greg would soon change everything. Convicted of a Crime She Says She Never Committed Judy describes becoming unknowingly involved in events surrounding a murder. She says she had no idea that violence was planned and believed that telling the truth would establish her innocence. Instead, she was convicted of first-degree murder and faced the possibility of spending the rest of her life behind bars. During the interview, Judy raises serious concerns about her legal representation. She explains that she and her co-defendant shared the same attorney, creating what she describes as a conflict of interest that prevented her from fully presenting her account in court. Despite the devastating outcome, Judy refused to fabricate testimony or implicate innocent members of her family. Her account is ultimately one of perseverance through circumstances that appeared impossible to overcome. A Daughter Learns the News Over the Radio One of the most heartbreaking moments comes when Angel…

  6. Oct 28

    Softening a Crusty Heart

    Softening a Crusty Heart: A Soldier's Journey from Pride to Faith Dr. James Dobson shares the extraordinary testimony of Lt. Col. Don Coble, whose encounter with Jesus Christ transformed his marriage, family, and life. He survived combat in Vietnam, rose through the ranks of the United States Army, and built a successful military career. But Lieutenant Colonel Don Coble was losing a battle far closer to home: the struggle against his own pride, anger, alcoholism, and inability to love his family. On this unforgettable edition of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, listeners hear a powerful archival testimony from a hardened soldier whose encounter with Jesus Christ changed everything. Introduced by Dr. Dobson and presented by Roger Marsh, this remarkable account combines humor, heartbreaking honesty, and a compelling message about salvation, forgiveness, and the transforming power of God's love. A Young Man Hardened by Loss Don Coble grew up as one of twelve children in a family that had little material wealth but plenty of love. His father was especially important to him, teaching him practical skills, responsibility, and discipline. When Don was just thirteen, his father died suddenly of a heart attack. The devastating loss left him angry and rebellious. He began getting into trouble, was expelled from school, and eventually entered military service after some pointed encouragement from a local deputy sheriff. The Army provided the discipline and direction Don had been missing. He became a dedicated soldier, advanced through officer training, served in Vietnam, and eventually attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. But professional achievement came at a terrible personal cost. When Career Success Becomes an Idol Don admits that his military career had become the central focus of his life. He worked relentlessly, pursued advancement, and measured his worth through achievement and recognition. Meanwhile, his wife and children received little emotional attention. His drinking, emotional distance, and harsh treatment of his family created a deeply troubled home. His wife eventually reached a point of such despair that she attempted suicide. Don later recognized that the loss of his father had caused him to build a protective emotional wall. Determined never to experience that kind of pain again, he had also shut himself off from genuine love. But God was preparing to break through those defenses. What Will You Do with Jesus Christ? After his wife embraced Christianity, Don reluctantly agreed to attend a church service with his…

  7. Oct 27

    Messy Mourning, Part 2

    Messy Mourning: Finding Hope When Grief Changes Everything Jackie M. Baker shares how faith, friendship and compassionate churches can help families navigate the long journey after losing a child. How do you keep living when life will never be the same? On this edition of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, host Roger Marsh continues his moving conversation with Jackie M. Baker, author of Messy Mourning: Hope for Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child by Suicide. Jackie's son Sebastian died by suicide at age 23 after struggling with mental illness and substance abuse. Nine years later, Jackie shares what she has learned about sorrow, faith, marriage and the importance of remembering a child for the life he lived rather than only how he died. Listener advisory: This conversation includes candid discussion of suicide and its effects on families. Parental discretion is recommended. When the Church Doesn't Know What to Say One of the most important parts of this conversation concerns the way Christian communities respond to mental illness, suicide and the families left behind. Jackie remembers well-meaning believers offering explanations or theological judgments when what she needed most was compassion. Even questions about whether she had prayed enough could compound the shame and guilt already accompanying her grief. She describes how her pastor approached Sebastian's memorial with honesty and tenderness, neither hiding the circumstances of his death nor reducing his life to them. For churches, the lesson is powerful: struggling families need people willing to stay close, listen patiently and continue offering friendship long after the initial tragedy. Learning to Accept Help Jackie credits her husband, Steve, with a simple piece of advice that changed her approach to grieving: when someone offers to help, accept it. Whether a friend offered groceries, yard work or companionship, she gradually learned that receiving support was not weakness. She also recalls mentoring a group of teenage girls at church. When she felt unable to resume their regular Bible studies, her youth pastor encouraged her to let the girls see her grieve. Their meetings became opportunities to share meals, talk and sometimes cry together. That experience illustrates something valuable for both grieving families and those supporting them: genuine relationships do not require us to pretend everything is fine. Faith When the Words Won't Come For Jackie, Scripture remained an anchor even when opening her Bible felt overwhelming. She listened to the Bible while walking, returned…

  8. Oct 26

    Messy Mourning, Part 1

    Messy Mourning: Finding Hope After the Loss of a Child Author Jackie M. Baker shares the story of losing her son Sebastian and the faith, support and compassion that helped her through grief. Content note: This episode contains a sensitive discussion of suicide, mental illness and the death of a child. Listener discretion is advised. How does a parent continue living after losing a child to suicide? Where does faith fit when prayers seem unanswered, grief feels overwhelming and even familiar routines become painful? On this edition of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, host Roger Marsh welcomes author and pediatric nurse practitioner Jackie M. Baker for the first of two conversations about her family's experience and her book, Messy Mourning: Hope for Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child by Suicide. Remembering Sebastian Jackie begins by sharing the story of her marriage to her husband, Steve, whom she met while both were serving in the United States Navy. The couple raised two children, Sebastian and Isabel, in a home centered on Christian faith. Sebastian was an exceptionally bright young man, a national chess champion and a talented soccer player. But as he entered adulthood, his family began noticing significant changes in his behavior and emotional health. Jackie describes his struggles with substance use, mental illness and treatment, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and periods of suicidal thinking. Despite his family's love and efforts to obtain help, Sebastian died by suicide at age 23. Jackie's account reminds listeners that a person's life is far more than the circumstances of their death. When Love Requires Difficult Boundaries Roger and Jackie discuss the difficult decisions parents sometimes face when an adult child is struggling. Jackie recalls seeking counseling, establishing boundaries and trying to balance compassion with the safety and well-being of the household. She also remembers her final conversation with Sebastian, during which they expressed their love for one another. In the aftermath, Jackie wrestled with questions about decisions she had made and whether anything could have changed the outcome. Her experience illustrates the complicated guilt and uncertainty that can accompany suicide bereavement. There is no simple formula for understanding another person's death, and hindsight cannot reveal every factor involved. Faith Doesn't Require Grief to Be Pretty One of the episode's central themes is Jackie's conviction that grief and faith can exist together. She describes turning repeatedly to the Psalms, where believers…

  9. Oct 23

    Courageous Choices, Part 2

    Faith in the Shadow of the Holocaust – Part 2 Holocaust survivor Diet Eman shares her journey through heartbreak, courage, forgiveness, and God's sustaining grace. She risked her life helping Jewish families escape the Nazis, survived imprisonment, and lost the man she planned to marry. Yet Diet Eman's faith endured. In this conclusion to a remarkable two-part conversation on Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, the Dutch resistance hero reflects on suffering, forgiveness, and the presence of God during humanity's darkest hours. Dr. Dobson welcomes Diet Eman, whose experiences in the Dutch resistance are chronicled in her book Things We Couldn't Say. Originally recorded during Diet's lifetime, this interview preserves the testimony of a courageous Christian woman who refused to surrender her convictions even when doing so could have cost her life. A Love Story Interrupted by War Among the most moving moments of the conversation is Diet's recollection of her fiancé, Hein, a fellow resistance leader who was captured by the Nazis and eventually died after imprisonment in several concentration camps. Diet remembers the last day they spent together, riding their bicycles through the Dutch countryside as fruit trees began to blossom. Hein read aloud from John 14, reminding her of Jesus' promise that in His Father's house are many mansions. During that final ride, Diet recalls hearing a voice urging her to look carefully at the man beside her. She did not yet know it would be the last time she would see him alive. Years later, the memory remained vivid, a heartbreaking reminder of the extraordinary personal sacrifices made by those who resisted Nazi occupation. God's Faithfulness Behind Prison Walls Diet describes the constant danger of imprisonment and the precautions necessary to conceal her identity. Using false documents, she had to maintain an invented background while surrounded by prisoners and potential informants. In one remarkable incident, she explains how she narrowly avoided exposure when another prisoner began questioning her about a city where her forged documents claimed she had been born. Diet credits God's providence for providing the information she needed at precisely the right moment. Throughout her experiences, she says her relationship with Jesus Christ sustained her through fear, uncertainty, and overwhelming grief. Forgiveness After the Holocaust One of the conversation's most extraordinary subjects is Diet's return to Germany decades after the war. After speaking publicly about her experiences, she received letters from Germans expressing sorrow and…

  10. Oct 22

    Courageous Choices, Part 1

    Faith Behind Bars: A Holocaust Survivor's Courage Holocaust survivor Diet Eman recounts Nazi imprisonment, unimaginable losses, and the Christian faith that gave her courage to resist evil. She survived Nazi imprisonment, lost loved ones to the horrors of World War II, and still found the strength to forgive. On this unforgettable edition of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, Dutch Holocaust survivor and resistance fighter Diet Eman shares her extraordinary testimony of courage, suffering, and faith in the face of unimaginable evil. In this classic conversation with Dr. James Dobson, Diet recounts her experiences resisting the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, helping Jewish families escape persecution, and enduring the brutal conditions of Nazi incarceration. Her testimony, preserved in her book Things We Couldn't Say, offers a powerful reminder of what ordinary people can accomplish when they refuse to surrender their convictions. Finding Forgiveness After Unimaginable Evil (1:41) Dr. Dobson begins by asking Diet whether she struggled with bitterness toward those responsible for the atrocities she witnessed. Having lost her fiancé, her brother, and numerous family members during the war, Diet admits that hatred initially consumed her. Over time, however, she began considering how Nazi indoctrination shaped an entire generation of German youth. She wondered whether her own life might have taken a different direction had she grown up without Christian teaching on the other side of the Dutch-German border. Reflecting on her friendship with fellow Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom, Diet explains that forgiveness was not immediate. It required time, spiritual reflection, and a willingness to examine her own heart. A Purple Flower in a Concentration Camp (5:01) Amid the suffering of imprisonment, Diet remembers one extraordinary act of compassion. A young fellow prisoner named Antje faced her birthday separated from her husband and surrounded by misery. Diet persuaded an Austrian guard, whom she believed still possessed some humanity, to pick a purple flower outside the camp. Using a hollowed-out potato as a vase and threads pulled from her sock, Diet fashioned a tiny birthday gift and hung it above Antje's sleeping place. The simple gesture offered a moment of beauty and dignity in a place designed to strip prisoners of both. Diet also recounts the devastating psychological effects of the war, including survivor's guilt and the lasting trauma experienced by those who returned home. The Horrors of Nazi Imprisonment (8:12) Diet describes being forced to wash bloodstained clothing belonging to…

  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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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