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. 6h ago

    An Immigrant’s Story: From Rebellion to Redemption, Part 2

    No one is ever beyond the reach of God’s love and transforming power. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson sits down with Emeal “EZ” Zwayne, whose path was headed toward destruction from being part of a notorious street gang, but was interrupted by a single night that changed everything. Zwayne shares how grace turned a rebellious teen into president of a worldwide ministry. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29?v=20251111

  2. 1d ago

    An Immigrant’s Story: From Rebellion to Redemption, Part 1

    From a violent street gang to a life devoted to sharing Jesus Christ, E.Z. Zwayne's remarkable testimony proves that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. On this edition of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, Dr. Dobson and Dr. Meg Meeker welcome Emeal "E.Z." Zwayne, president of Living Waters Publications, for an extraordinary conversation about childhood rebellion, gang violence, salvation and the transforming power of the Gospel. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Zwayne shares how a young boy growing up amid Lebanon's civil war eventually became a member of the notorious Crips gang in America—and how one night at a Greg Laurie evangelistic crusade changed everything. A Life Nearly Lost Before It Began Born in Lebanon in 1975, E.Z. reveals that his mother considered ending her pregnancy before a physician refused to authorize the procedure. Years later, his mother shared the story with him during a deeply meaningful conversation about their relationship. As Lebanon descended into civil war, his family endured shortages, violence and uncertainty before immigrating to the United States when E.Z. was approximately four years old. The transition was difficult. His parents struggled with English, while E.Z. faced an unfamiliar culture and school environment. His behavior soon became increasingly rebellious. From a Strong-Willed Child to the Crips Gang Dr. Dobson and Dr. Meeker explore E.Z.'s troubled childhood, including fighting, stealing, vandalism and persistent defiance. By high school, his behavior had escalated dramatically. Although elected freshman class president, he was eventually expelled after repeated misconduct and serious threats. At his next school, E.Z. developed friendships that led him into the Crips street gang. He recounts being violently beaten during his initiation and becoming immersed in a culture of crime, anger and destructive choices. Despite outward popularity and a promising opportunity in the music industry, he describes feeling increasingly empty and hopeless. At one point, his despair became so overwhelming that he attempted to harm himself. August 15, 1991: The Night Everything Changed A childhood friend invited E.Z. to attend a Harvest Crusade featuring evangelist Greg Laurie at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa, California. E.Z. arrived angry and skeptical. Yet as he listened to worship music and heard the Gospel proclaimed, he began to recognize his need for forgiveness. For the first time, he understood that salvation could not be earned through good behavior or religious performance. It was a gift of God's grace through…

  3. 2d ago

    The Missing Messiah

    If Jesus walked into the room today, would you recognize Him—or have you unknowingly created a version of Jesus shaped more by culture and personal preference than Scripture? Pastor and author Mark Moore joins Roger Marsh on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk to discuss his new book with Kyle Idleman, The Missing Messiah: The Jesus We Can No Longer Ignore. Listen now and take a fresh look at what it means to know Jesus not only as Savior, but as Messiah, Lord and King. Many Christians know the name Jesus Christ—but have we forgotten what the title Christ actually means? Mark Moore explains that while “Christ” and “Messiah” both mean “the Anointed One,” modern Christians can easily begin treating “Christ” almost like Jesus’ last name. In the process, we may lose sight of His authority as King and Lord. Drawing from John 17:3, Moore argues that eternal life is not merely something believers receive after death. It begins in knowing God and the Messiah He sent—and that relationship changes how Christians live right now. Have We Created Jesus in Our Own Image? Moore and Marsh examine the tendency to create a comfortable, customized Jesus who meets our needs without challenging our priorities. Moore describes this as a kind of “Build-A-Bear” Christianity: selecting the qualities of Jesus we find comforting while ignoring the Lord who calls us to obedience, sacrifice, service and mission. The problem, he argues, is not simply that Christians may become fans of Jesus. It is that we can construct a Jesus who looks suspiciously like ourselves and then worship that image instead of the Messiah revealed in Scripture. Savior or King? Moore identifies several consequences of seeing Jesus only as Savior rather than Lord. Salvation can become something focused entirely on going to heaven someday rather than walking in obedience to Jesus today. Sin becomes purely personal rather than something that also affects communities. Faith becomes individualized rather than lived within the body of Christ. That individualism, Moore argues, can rob believers of the fellowship, purpose and shared mission God designed for His church. Does Your Jesus Always Agree With You? The conversation also turns to politics and culture. Moore warns against creating a “partisan Jesus” who conveniently agrees with every point in our preferred political platform. Instead, Christians should allow Jesus to challenge their assumptions—including His command to love your enemies. The goal is not to…

  4. 3d ago

    Election Preview, Part 2

    Should Christians sit out elections—or see voting as part of faithful citizenship? Roger Marsh and Gary Bauer make the case that the 2026 midterms demand serious Christian engagement, prayer and participation at the ballot box. On this episode of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, Roger Marsh continues his conversation with Gary Bauer, senior vice president of public policy at the Dr. James Dobson Policy and Culture Center and host of the Defending Faith, Family and Freedom podcast. Their focus is the 2026 midterm election and the responsibility Christians have to engage the public square rather than withdraw from it. Bauer argues that elections are increasingly shaping questions that go far beyond ordinary political disagreement, including abortion, religious liberty, education, sexuality, the role of government and the future direction of the country. Why Christian Participation Matters Marsh and Bauer emphasize that Christians possess both spiritual responsibilities and civic responsibilities. In a constitutional republic, voting gives ordinary citizens a direct role in determining who governs and what values shape public policy. They point to Jesus’ words about rendering “to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” as part of the broader biblical case for responsible citizenship. Bauer warns that when Christians voluntarily abandon the public square, they leave major decisions about life, family, education and freedom to others whose worldview may sharply conflict with biblical convictions. Vote Early and Make Sure Your Vote Counts A major theme of the program is the importance of early voting. Bauer encourages listeners not to assume they can simply wait until Election Day. Illness, weather, emergencies or other unexpected circumstances can interfere with plans, and he argues that Christians who intend to vote should do so as soon as legally and practically possible. The discussion also addresses ongoing concerns about election integrity, mail-in ballots, ballot harvesting and the importance of ensuring that legal votes are counted accurately. Whatever concerns voters may have about the system, Bauer’s message is clear: frustration should never become an excuse not to participate. Faith and the Public Square Marsh and Bauer also push back on the idea that Christian convictions must be separated entirely from political participation. They discuss contemporary political figures who invoke Scripture or Christian language in support of progressive policy positions while criticizing conservative Christians for bringing biblical principles into politics. Bauer argues that Christians should carefully evaluate political claims through…

  5. 4d ago

    Election Preview, Part 1

    As America approaches the 2026 midterm election, Gary Bauer challenges Christians to see voting not simply as politics — but as stewardship of the liberty they have been given. Roger Marsh and Gary Bauer discuss Christian discernment, media influence, religious liberty and why believers cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. Listen now to Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk as Roger Marsh sits down with Gary Bauer, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Culture at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, for a timely conversation about the 2026 midterm election. Bauer begins with Benjamin Franklin’s famous warning about America’s newly created republic: keeping it requires something from each generation. With the United States celebrating its 250th anniversary, Bauer argues that Christians have inherited an extraordinary gift of ordered liberty — and therefore carry a responsibility to preserve it for their children and grandchildren. The discussion turns to Christian discernment in an age of partisan media, incomplete information and competing political narratives. Roger and Gary urge believers not simply to absorb what they hear, but to test claims carefully and remain informed about the people and ideas shaping public policy. That biblical call to discernment echoes Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 10:16 to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Is Voting Part of Christian Stewardship? Bauer asks listeners to consider citizenship as something entrusted to them. Christians in many parts of the world worship under persecution or authoritarian rule; Americans, by contrast, possess the ability to peacefully choose their leaders. For Bauer, failing to use that opportunity is like receiving an extraordinary gift and refusing to care for it. The conversation also reflects the principle found in Proverbs 29:2: the character of those who govern matters to the people they serve. Gary expands on many of these same themes each week through the JDFI podcast Defending Faith, Family, and Freedom, where he examines religious liberty, American culture and public policy from a Christian worldview. “Let’s Roll” — Courage Aboard Flight 93 The episode reaches its most powerful moment as Bauer recalls the passengers aboard United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. After learning that other hijacked aircraft had already been used as weapons, passengers chose to resist. Among them was Todd Beamer, a husband, father and Christian who asked a telephone operator to pray the Lord’s Prayer with him before joining the effort to retake the aircraft. The National…

  6. Oct 2

    Making the Most of Ordinary Days, Part 2

    Busy parents often think that memory-making is one more task on an impossible list. James and Shirley Dobson join Gloria Gaither to share simple ways parents can turn everyday moments with their children into memories that last a lifetime. Listen now. On this edition of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, Dr. Dobson revisits a treasured conversation with his wife, Shirley Dobson, and longtime friend, author and songwriter Gloria Gaither, about their book Making Ordinary Days Extraordinary. Their message to busy parents is simple: some of the moments children remember most are not expensive vacations, elaborate celebrations or carefully planned events. They are the small moments when Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa stopped what they were doing and gave a child their full attention. Shirley and Gloria share practical ideas families can use to create those memories without spending much money or doing extensive planning. They talk about homemade cornstarch clay, collecting soil from family trips, tea parties with stuffed animals, camping under the dining-room table, spontaneous walks, family games and other simple activities that become meaningful because parents and children experience them together. Gloria explains that play is an important part of how children experience and understand the world, while Shirley encourages busy families to intentionally put family time on the calendar when necessary. As Gloria puts it, children may ask for expensive things, but what they truly need most is you — your time, your presence and your attention. The conversation also turns to family traditions and the way seemingly small routines can become lifelong memories. Gloria recalls making a special raspberry cake for her daughter Suzanne's birthday every year, only to later discover that Suzanne had chosen that same raspberry cake for her wedding. Dr. Dobson reflects on raising his own children, Danae and Ryan, and the memories that remain decades later — playing in the sand, bicycle rides, attending church together and the countless ordinary moments that shaped their family. Looking back, he says the accomplishments and responsibilities that once seemed so urgent fade in importance compared with the opportunity parents have to love, teach and spend time with their children while they are young. Gloria also shares a powerful story from a particularly stressful evening at home. Frustrated and overwhelmed with chores, she nearly ignored her young son's request to come outside with him. He finally told her, “You're going to miss it.” She followed him…

  7. Oct 1

    Making the Most of Ordinary Days, Part 1

    Some of the moments children remember most are the simplest ones. Dr. James Dobson, Shirley Dobson and Gloria Gaither reflect on parenting, family traditions and turning ordinary days into meaningful memories. Listen now. On this edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson revisits a heartfelt conversation with his wife, Shirley Dobson, and longtime friend Gloria Gaither about parenting, family memories and the lasting value of the years spent raising children. The discussion looks back on the book Let's Make a Memory, which Shirley and Gloria first wrote in 1983, and its later companion, Making Ordinary Days Extraordinary. What Matters After the Children Grow Up? Looking back on decades of accomplishment, Gloria says awards and professional success pale in comparison with seeing her children grow and raise families of their own. Shirley agrees, describing motherhood as the most important work of her life. She remembers the exhaustion, messes and frustrations of raising young children, while also recalling advice she once received that those demanding years would someday become some of life's most treasured memories. Both women encourage parents who feel overwhelmed by the daily work of raising children to recognize how quickly that season passes. God's Will in the Interruptions Gloria offers one of the conversation's central insights: God's will for our lives may often be found in the interruptions. Rather than viewing interruptions as obstacles to the important things we planned to accomplish, she encourages parents to see a child's request, an unexpected conversation or a neighbor in need as an opportunity through which God may be working. For parents of young children, the interruptions themselves may be part of the assignment God has given them for that particular season of life. Making Memories Without Making Life Complicated Shirley and Gloria explain that meaningful family traditions do not require elaborate plans, expensive trips or artistic talent. Simple experiences can become lasting memories when parents approach them intentionally. They share ideas such as spreading a blanket in the backyard and looking at the stars, turning nature into a conversation about God's creation, planting bulbs and using their spring growth as a spiritual lesson, or surprising a child at school with an unexpected lunch together. These ordinary experiences can become teachable moments that connect everyday family life with biblical truth. The Power of Family Traditions The conversation also explores why repeated traditions matter. Shirley reflects on entering the Dobson family and discovering…

  8. Sep 30

    Holy Sexuality, Part 2

    What defines a person: sexual desires, cultural labels or something deeper? Dr. Christopher Yuan joins Family Talk to argue that Christian identity begins with being created in God’s image and redeemed in Christ — not with sexuality. Yuan also discusses helping parents and teens navigate questions of sexuality with biblical clarity, grace and truth through the Holy Sexuality Project. Listen now for the full conversation. On this edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, Roger Marsh continues his conversation with Dr. Christopher Yuan about biblical sexuality, Christian identity and how parents can help young people navigate a culture increasingly shaped by sexual and gender labels. The previous program traced Yuan’s remarkable journey from drug dealing, prison and an HIV diagnosis to faith in Jesus Christ. This conversation shifts from his testimony to the ministry that grew out of it. Yuan begins with a foundational question: Should sexuality be treated as a defining category of personhood? His answer is no. Yuan argues that Scripture teaches human identity first through creation in the image of God and, for believers, through union with Christ. Sexual desires and temptations may be real, he says, but they should not be elevated into statements about who a person fundamentally is. That distinction matters because, in Yuan’s view, Christians should not make any sinful desire or struggle part of their essential identity. Yuan also challenges language sometimes used within churches to describe Christians who experience same-sex attraction. He argues that labels combining Christian identity with sexual orientation can unintentionally make sexuality appear permanent and foundational rather than something believers bring under the lordship of Christ. For Yuan, the issue goes beyond behavior. Drawing from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5, he emphasizes that Christian discipleship addresses not only outward actions but also inward desires. His concern is that simply telling someone not to act on a desire can fall short of the deeper biblical call to repentance, sanctification and transformation. Yuan describes that transformation using Paul’s language of putting sin to death rather than attempting to redefine or sanctify it. The conversation then turns directly toward parents, youth groups and teenagers. Yuan says young people need clarity because they are hearing competing messages about identity and sexuality from culture, peers, media and sometimes even Christian ministries. He recounts an example involving a church youth group that used material featuring someone identifying as a gay Christian. According to Yuan,…

  9. Sep 29

    Holy Sexuality, Part 1

    What does the Bible actually call Christians to when it comes to sexuality? On this edition of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, host Roger Marsh welcomes author, Bible teacher and speaker Dr. Christopher Yuan for part one of a conversation about holy sexuality, identity in Christ and how parents can disciple their children in a culture filled with competing messages about sex and identity. Yuan brings an unusually personal perspective to the discussion. His teaching is shaped not only by years of biblical study and ministry, but also by his own dramatic journey through addiction, imprisonment, an HIV diagnosis and ultimately conversion to Jesus Christ. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="0"} What Is “Holy Sexuality”? Yuan begins by defining the phrase holy sexuality. Rather than organizing sexuality around the modern categories of heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality, Yuan argues that Scripture presents two biblical paths: Chastity in singleness Faithfulness in marriage For Yuan, that distinction matters because heterosexual desire by itself is not synonymous with holiness. Scripture also condemns sexual sin between men and women. The standard, he argues, is not simply the direction of a person's attraction but whether one's life is ordered according to God's call to holiness. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="1"} The broader principle comes from passages such as 1 Peter 1:15-16, where believers are called to be holy because God is holy. Christopher Yuan's Story Yuan then shares the testimony that shaped his ministry. Raised in a non-Christian family, he says he wrestled with sexuality from a young age and later openly identified as gay while attending dental school. His life increasingly revolved around nightlife, drugs and eventually drug dealing. His parents came to Christian faith during that period, but Yuan initially wanted nothing to do with their beliefs. He remembers rejecting their attempts to reach him and even throwing away a Bible his father gave him. His mother, however, began praying intensely for him. Yuan recounts that she fasted regularly for years and recruited more than 100 people to pray for her son. Eventually federal drug agents arrested Yuan, bringing the life he had been building to an abrupt stop. When he finally called home from jail, he expected anger and condemnation. Instead, his mother's first response was simply to ask whether he was okay. Yuan connects that moment with Romans 2:4, which speaks of God's kindness leading people toward repentance. A Bible in a Jailhouse Trash Can One of the pivotal moments in…

  10. Sep 28

    Ask the Experts: Trusting Scripture

    Christians are called not only to know what they believe, but to understand why they believe it. On this special edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson sits down with a remarkable panel of Christian thinkers and apologists including Lee Strobel, Josh McDowell, Dr. Frank Turek, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Alex McFarland, Dr. David Noebel and Dr. Gary Habermas to examine the historical and intellectual case for Christianity. The discussion begins with the reliability of Scripture. Josh McDowell explains how historians evaluate ancient documents and discusses the manuscript evidence supporting the New Testament, asking two fundamental questions: do the Scriptures available today accurately reflect what was originally written, and can what was written be trusted historically? Lee Strobel then turns to the resurrection of Jesus, discussing the empty tomb, eyewitness testimony and the early Christian creed recorded by the Apostle Paul. Strobel, who approached Christianity as a skeptical journalist, explains why he believes the resurrection provides powerful historical evidence supporting Jesus’ claims. Frank Turek adds what historians call the “principle of embarrassment,” pointing to details in the New Testament that would have been unlikely additions if the writers were attempting to invent a more flattering story about themselves. The panel also examines the relationship between Christianity and science, the uniqueness of Christianity among world religions and the importance of giving young Christians credible answers before they encounter challenges to their faith in high school and college. But apologetics is not treated as purely intellectual. Several panelists emphasize that doubt can also have emotional and relational roots. The conversation explores how relationships within the family — particularly the example parents provide their children — can shape a young person’s understanding of God and willingness to seriously consider the truth claims of Christianity. Dr. Erwin Lutzer also addresses claims popularized by The Da Vinci Code, including assertions about the Council of Nicaea, the deity of Christ and the Gnostic Gospels. He explains why understanding early church history can help Christians respond when fictional or popular accounts are presented as historical fact. The central message is simple: believers should be prepared to give thoughtful answers for the hope they have. Faith does not require abandoning reason. Christians can study the historical evidence, ask difficult questions and help the next generation develop a faith grounded in both truth and relationship. Learn more about Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, listen to additional programs and explore family…

  • 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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