The Art of Relationships Podcast

Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships
  • 4.9 (105)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Is it hard to maintain your relationships with everything else you have going on in your life? Chris Grace, Ph.D., and his wife, Alisa Grace, discuss how to build healthy relationships and marriages in The Art of Relationships Podcast. Listen to get practical insights on how to deal with everyday relationship issues, whether it's your roommate, your parents, a friend, or a significant other. The Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships exists to build and sustain healthy relationships and marriages in the church and broader culture by combining the timeless, cross-cultural wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research, insights and tools. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.

  1. 2D AGO

    Your Relationships Are Only as Strong as Your Skills with Debra Fileta

    In this episode, Chris Grace welcomes licensed counselor and author Debra Fileta to explore why healthy relationships depend on strong people skills. They discuss the common assumption that we’re good with people, the impact of technology and distraction on connection, and how self-awareness, ownership, and intentional conversation can transform our relationships. Debra shares practical insights on going deeper in conversations, recognizing emotional filters, repairing relational ruptures, and focusing on changing your own “ingredients” rather than trying to change others. Whether you're dealing with roommates, spouses, friends, coworkers, or family members, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships and communicate with greater depth and intentionality. Resources Mentioned: People Skills by Debra Fileta — Learn practical relational skills to improve communication, ownership, and connection in every relationship. https://amzn.to/48j4wm8Debra Fileta — Articles, counseling resources, podcast, and relationship tools. https://debrafileta.comTalk To Me Podcast — Debra Fileta’s podcast focused on meaningful conversations and healthy relationships. https://debrafileta.com/talktome/ Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights. Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:  👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    45 min

  2. MAR 25

    The Postgrad Trenches

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace’s staff members, Tatum Munivez and Rachel Pestana, explore the challenges of navigating life after college in “The Postgrad Trenches.” They discuss key transitions like moving back home, starting a new job, relocating to a new city, shifting friendships, unmet expectations, and the pressure to have life figured out. Drawing from their own real-life experiences, they provide practical insights and encouragement to help you navigate uncertainty, build new rhythms, process grief, and stay intentional in your relationships during this major life shift.  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nNdyZMyPv58 Resources Mentioned:  CMR Blog on Friendship After Graduation – Practical encouragement on maintaining friendships post-grad (https://cmr.biola.edu/blog/2025/when-life-changes-how-do-friendships-survive) CMR Blog on Inviting God Into Your Emotions – Spiritual guidance for processing post-grad transitions (https://cmr.biola.edu/blog/2026/five-reminders-about-god-for-the-graduating-senior) Biola CMR Free Relationship Advice – Confidential, biblical, and practical relationship guidance (https://cmr.biola.edu/resources/relationship-advice) Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    40 min

  3. MAR 11

    What No One Told You About Sex

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by Amanda Courvoisier, PsyD, to explore what many people were never taught about sex, intimacy, and expectations in relationships. Amanda holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. from the Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University and is an ABCST Sex Therapy Associate under consultation. Together, they discuss the gap between cultural messages and healthy, biblical perspectives on sex, common misconceptions about sexual intimacy, the role of communication and consent, and how expectations around sex can shape dating and marriage.  The conversation offers practical insight for navigating these topics with honesty, clarity, and respect, helping listeners build healthier, more informed relationships rooted in trust and mutual care. Resources Mentioned:  The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire – A research-based book addressing harmful sexual teachings in Christian culture and offering a healthier framework for intimacy. https://amzn.to/4czstJ6Sheet Music by Kevin Leman – A Christian guide to sexual intimacy in marriage that discusses communication, expectations, and connection between spouses. https://amzn.to/4lyrMClConnect with Us:  Website: cmr.biola.edu Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation:  Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show. Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    50 min

  4. FEB 25

    Marriage Doesn’t Have to Be This Hard

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with James and Arlene Pellicane to explore how marriage can actually become easier—not harder—over time. Drawing from 27 years of marriage, ministry, parenting, and hard-won wisdom, they unpack what it looks like to build a relationship that thrives for the long haul. They discuss practical tools for healthy communication (including how to address tone and conflict without defensiveness), what to do when you disagree on big decisions, the importance of servant leadership and mutual submission, and why taking fun seriously is essential for a strong marriage. They also tackle modern challenges like phone distraction, the “still face” phenomenon, and even how AI can subtly interfere with influence and connection in a relationship. Whether you're married, dating, engaged, navigating roommate dynamics, parenting together, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers practical encouragement to help your relationships feel lighter, stronger, and more life-giving. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VPFJW5P_G0Q Resources Mentioned: Making Marriage Easier – Arlene Pellicane A practical, encouraging guide filled with simple habits and mindset shifts that help couples move from surviving marriage to truly enjoying it. https://arlenepellicane.com Happy Home University Coaching – James Pellicane Coaching resources for dads and husbands who want to grow in leadership, connection, and intentional family life. https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/coaching Still Face Experiment (Dr. Edward Tronick) A powerful research study demonstrating how quickly disconnection impacts relationships—and why attentiveness matters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1Jw0-LExyc Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.edu Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show. Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights. Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights grounded in biblical truth. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    55 min

  5. FEB 11

    How Forgiveness Heals What Trauma Breaks with Dr. Matt Williams

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the powerful and often misunderstood topic of forgiveness—and how it differs from reconciliation. Joined by Dr. Matt Williams, professor of New Testament at Biola University, they unpack the biblical, emotional, relational, and spiritual realities of forgiveness and why unforgiveness can become a significant barrier to healing and freedom. They discuss common misconceptions about forgiveness, the impact of trauma and abuse, and why forgiving someone does not always mean reconciling with them. Dr. Williams shares stories from years of counseling students, explains how unforgiveness can become a spiritual foothold for the enemy, and offers a clear, Christ-centered definition of true biblical forgiveness. The conversation also explores the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual consequences of holding onto unforgiveness—and how releasing it leads to peace, restoration, and freedom in Christ. Whether you’re navigating hurt with a spouse, family member, friend, coworker, or someone from your past, this episode offers practical wisdom and hope-filled guidance to help you move forward without minimizing the pain you’ve experienced. Watch on YouTube:  Resources Mentioned: Finding Freedom in Jesus: The 21 Attributes of Your Identity in Christ – A book by Dr. Matt Williams and Dr. J.P. Foster that explores identity in Christ as a foundation for healing, forgiveness, and spiritual freedom. https://amzn.to/4ra83uFForgiving and Reconciling: – A book by Dr. Everett Worthington that explains the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation and introduces the REACH model of forgiveness. https://amzn.to/4r63ql3Boundaries – A practical resource on establishing healthy boundaries, especially important in situations involving abuse, trauma, or unrepentant behavior. https://amzn.to/4ao8Kt3Forgiveness Resource - A practical guide outlining steps to seek and grant forgiveness, four signs you’ve truly forgiven, and three common ways to ruin an apology. https://assets.biola.edu/4396738754672012438/attachment/8cac27f799713c64b2e8014a834f283d/250390_-_CMR_- Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    58 min

  6. JAN 28

    How To Find Your People

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore why we were created for community and why finding meaningful, Christ-centered friendships in adulthood can feel so challenging. They discuss the biblical foundation for friendship, common barriers like unrealistic expectations, fear of vulnerability, life transitions, and past hurts, and what healthy, God-honoring friendships actually look like. Throughout the conversation, they offer practical wisdom on taking initiative, building trust over time, being mutual and intentional, and becoming the kind of friend you’re hoping to find. This episode will help you move beyond surface-level connections and begin cultivating life-giving community rooted in faith, character, and shared values. Whether you’re navigating friendships with coworkers, church community members, fellow parents, classmates, or long-time friends, this episode offers thoughtful guidance to help you build deeper, more sustaining relationships. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L1E--5VSQJs Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who’s longing for deeper connection or community.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical, faith-based guidance for everyday relationships. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    39 min

  7. JAN 14

    The Marriage Habit: 10 Simple Practices to Build a More Intentional, Thriving Relationship

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with Casey and Meygan Caston, founders of Marriage 365, to explore how small, consistent habits can radically transform a marriage. Drawing from their own near-divorce story and their new book, The Marriage Habit, they discuss how thriving marriages are built not on perfection or big breakthroughs, but on intentional daily practices rooted in curiosity, gratitude, humility, and grace. Throughout the conversation, they unpack several of the ten habits from the book, including the weekly marriage business meeting, scheduling sex, the 60-second blessing, and the power of unsolicited apologies. The discussion highlights how habits reduce conflict, create emotional safety, deepen intimacy, and help couples resist “the drift” that so often happens over time. Listeners will gain practical, research-informed tools they can apply immediately—whether their spouse is fully on board or not. Whether you’re navigating marriage, preparing for marriage, parenting, or even managing roommates and family relationships, this episode offers hope-filled, actionable insights to help you build a more intentional and connected relationship. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fz5lRp7iPc8 Resources Mentioned: The Marriage Habit – Casey and Meygan Caston outline 10 simple, research-based habits to help couples move from drifting to thriving. https://amzn.to/4qS18pi365 Connecting Questions for Couples – A practical tool designed to build emotional intimacy through intentional, curiosity-driven conversation. https://amzn.to/49iwBLqMarriage 365 App – A digital resource offering videos, courses, and tools to help couples strengthen their relationship. www.marriage365.com/app Connect with Us: Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights. Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:  👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

    58 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    How to Support a Friend Who is Hurting

    In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to support a friend who is hurting—whether they’re grieving a loss, facing illness, walking through heartbreak, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s pressures. They discuss the importance of being present, listening without trying to fix the problem, validating a friend’s experience, and offering practical help in meaningful ways. Throughout the conversation, they share personal stories and real-life examples that highlight what helps—and what can unintentionally hurt—when someone is in pain. This episode provides practical insights and relational tools to help you show up with empathy, compassion, and wisdom, offering real support rather than clichés or quick fixes. Whether you’re navigating relationships with friends, family members, roommates, or others in your life, this conversation will help you care for people well during difficult seasons. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Y_kbgRSnKNI Connect with Us: Website: https://cmr.biola.edu Facebook: https://facebook.com/biolacmr Instagram: https://instagram.com/biolacmr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr Join the Conversation: Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights. Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv About the Hosts: Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and relational insight. Learn more about their work at https://cmr.biola.edu

    33 min
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4.9
out of 5
105 Ratings

About

Is it hard to maintain your relationships with everything else you have going on in your life? Chris Grace, Ph.D., and his wife, Alisa Grace, discuss how to build healthy relationships and marriages in The Art of Relationships Podcast. Listen to get practical insights on how to deal with everyday relationship issues, whether it's your roommate, your parents, a friend, or a significant other. The Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships exists to build and sustain healthy relationships and marriages in the church and broader culture by combining the timeless, cross-cultural wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research, insights and tools. Learn more at cmr.biola.edu.

Information

  • Creator
    Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    223
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Biola University
  • Show Website
    The Art of Relationships Podcast

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