The Family Podcast

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The Family Podcast

Join Tracy and Bryan Dwyer every week to talk about marriage and parenting and everything that makes for a healthier family. Find resources to continue the conversation with your family, group, or mentor at pursueGOD.org/family.

  1. 3D AGO

    Talking to Kids About Death and Grief

    Tracy discusses best practices for helping children process grief, including modeling healthy mourning, engaging in age-appropriate conversations, and offering comfort through the promise of Heaven. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now --

    27 min

  2. APR 10

    The Seasons of Marriage

    In this episode, Tracy explores the four seasons of marriage—spring, summer, fall, and winter—and how couples can thrive in each one by staying intentional, connected, and rooted in God. Learn how to recognize your current season and respond with wisdom, grace, and faith. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- The Seasons of Marriage: How to Grow Through Every Stage of Life Together Marriage, like nature, has seasons. Each one brings its own beauty—and its own challenges. Recognizing the season you’re in can help you lean into God's plan for your relationship, making your marriage stronger and more fruitful no matter the circumstances. Let’s walk through the four seasons of marriage and explore how to navigate them with purpose and love. Spring: Say "Yes" to Your MarriageSpring is the season of new growth. It’s often filled with young children, rising careers, and a never-ending to-do list. This can make marriage feel more like a project than a partnership. But in this busy season, couples must learn the power of saying “No” to the good so they can say “Yes” to the best—their relationship. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” That includes making intentional space to invest in your spouse. Summer: Embrace the Joy of TogethernessSummer brings warmth, connection, and space to enjoy each other. Maybe the kids are older, or the pressures of early adulthood have passed. This is a great time to intentionally deepen your relationship. Enjoy vacations, long talks, and shared hobbies. But don't get lazy—use this time to keep building a stronger bond. Song of Solomon 2:10 says, “My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.’” Summer is about pursuing your spouse with intentionality. Fall: Prepare for ChangeFall often brings transitions—career shifts, an empty nest, or unexpected loss. Change can be stressful and unsettling. That’s why this season requires grace, communication, and adaptability. It’s easy to turn inward during change, but this is when you need each other the most. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” Trusting God together through change can anchor your marriage. Winter: Fight for Your MarriageWinter is the hardest season. It can bring grief, health issues, financial strain, or emotional distance. These trials are real, but so is God's faithfulness. This is when you fight hardest for your marriage—through prayer, counseling, and a commitment to stay connected even when feelings fade. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.” Winter is not the end—it’s a chance to build resilience and rediscover why you said “I do.” Every marriage goes through seasons. The key is to recognize where you are and respond with grace, truth, and intentionality. With God at...

    23 min

  3. MAR 27

    Tips for Giving Constructive Criticism to Your Teens

    How feedback is given makes all the difference! This episode covers practical do’s and don’ts for correcting with grace, encouraging growth, and keeping communication open with teens. Learn how to balance honesty with kindness and build trust while guiding them toward maturity. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Giving Helpful Feedback to Your TeenAs parents, we want to guide our teens toward maturity, but how we give feedback can make all the difference. The Bible encourages us to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:29), which means balancing honesty with kindness. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you give feedback that builds your teen up instead of tearing them down. The Do’s:Be Kind but Clear – Your words should encourage growth, not just point out flaws. Make sure your feedback is constructive, not critical. (Ephesians 4:29) Give Time to Process – Your teen might not immediately agree with you. Be patient and trust that your words will sink in over time. Keep Earning Trust – Build a relationship where they feel safe to hear your feedback. Spend time with them, listen to their thoughts, and engage in their world. The Don’ts:Don’t Be Passive-Aggressive – Sarcasm or veiled criticism, even if meant as a joke, can create distance instead of growth. Don’t Be a Nag – Constantly pointing out flaws can make your teen tune you out. Pick your battles wisely. Don’t Lecture – Teens often know what you’re going to say before you say it. Instead of a lecture, invite them into the conversation and let them express their perspective. (Proverbs 22:6) Giving helpful feedback is about more than just correcting behavior—it’s about shaping the heart and character of your teen in a way that honors God.

    16 min

  4. MAR 13

    How to Predict a Healthy Marriage

    In this episode, Tracy explores a powerful concept that can shape the way you view your marriage—for better or worse. She discusses Positive and Negative Sentiment Override, a mindset that influences whether you focus on the qualities you love and respect in your spouse or dwell on the things that frustrate or hurt you. Your perspective can either foster a thriving, joyful relationship or lead to a cycle of negativity and despair. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now --

    22 min

  5. FEB 27

    Helping Your Kids with Anxiety

    Anxiety is on the rise among kids, but as parents, we have the opportunity to guide them through it. In this episode, we’ll unpack the common triggers of anxiety, practical ways to help kids cope, and—most importantly—how grounding them in Scripture and God’s truth can bring peace and confidence in the midst of fear. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Anxiety is becoming a growing issue among kids today. More children are struggling with worry, stress, and fear than ever before. The pressures of school, social media, and an unpredictable world make it easy for kids to feel overwhelmed. The statistics are concerning—more than 1 in 10 kids in the U.S. deal with anxiety, and many suffer in silence. As parents, we need to recognize the signs and equip our kids with the tools to manage their anxiety in a healthy way. Signs of Anxiety in ChildrenKids don’t always know how to express what they’re feeling, so anxiety can manifest in different ways. Here are some common signs to watch for: Trouble concentrating – Difficulty focusing on tasks at school or home.Nightmares – Frequent bad dreams, especially around big life changes.Irritability – Becoming easily frustrated or upset over small things.Negative thoughts – Worrying excessively or imagining worst-case scenarios.Physical tension – Restlessness, fidgeting, or clenching fists. Common Triggers of AnxietyAnxiety can stem from different sources, including: Fear of failure – Worrying about measuring up in school, sports, or family expectations.Social concerns – Fear of rejection or not fitting in with peers.Stranger danger – Natural wariness of unfamiliar people or situations.Past trauma – Emotional scars from difficult past experiences. How Parents Can HelpNormalize the FeelingLet your child know it’s okay to feel anxious sometimes.Help them name their feelings so they can better understand and process them.Be careful not to let your own anxiety feed theirs—stay calm and reassuring.Some anxiety is normal, especially during big life changes (new school, loss of a loved one, divorce), but pay close attention if it lasts for months. Encourage Open CommunicationCreate a safe space for your child to talk about their worries.Share your own experiences with anxiety to help them feel less alone.Find moments to connect—sometimes kids open up more during activities they enjoy (e.g., while drawing, playing, or lying on the floor after school). Face Fears GraduallyInstead of avoiding fears, help your child face them step by step.Prep them for stressful situations by talking through what to...

    27 min

  6. FEB 13

    How to Really Listen to Your Spouse

    In this episode, Tracy debunks three common myths about listening and shares four practical keys to becoming a better listener. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- True listening is an active process that involves understanding and empathizing with the speaker, not just hearing the words. It’s about fully engaging with the speaker’s emotions and perspective, which is essential for stronger relationships and better communication. Research shows that women typically engage both hemispheres of the brain when listening, which allows them to pick up on emotional cues, while men tend to use one hemisphere, focusing more on the content. Recognizing these differences can improve communication and understanding between genders. Listening isn’t passive or automatic. It’s an active skill that requires practice and attention. Myths like “good listeners are born” or “listening always requires solutions” can hinder effective communication. Listening to understand and validate feelings is often more important than offering advice or fixing problems. Active listening means giving your full attention, free from distractions, and showing engagement through nonverbal cues like eye contact and nodding. Reflecting on what’s been said helps ensure understanding, and responding thoughtfully with empathy shows respect for the speaker’s perspective. Facts about listening: Listening retention: People typically only remember about 50% of what they hear immediately after a conversation, and less than 25% after 48 hoursOne study finds that 45% of a person’s time awake is engaged in some kind of listening, which amounts to around 7.58 hours per day for US citizens.Each person hears between 20,000 – 30,000 words each day, which on average amounts to around 0.3 – 0.5 words per second during time awake.This totals 20 – 30 words per minute or 1,200 – 1,800 words per hour.In contrast, the average person speaks 16,000 words a day, between 4,000 – 14,000 words less than we hear.Listening to 30 minutes or more of nagging/complaining can negatively affect the brain’s problem-solving skills. Research has shown that women engage both hemispheres of their brain when listening, whereas men typically rely on just one. The Art of Listening: A Key to Stronger Relationships In today's fast-paced world, where we're constantly bombarded with information and distractions, one thing is often overlooked: listening. Genuine listening is more than just hearing words; it's an active process that involves truly understanding, validating, and empathizing with someone else’s perspective. Whether you're talking to your partner, a friend, or a colleague, good listening can strengthen relationships, resolve conflicts, and foster...

    23 min
  7. Is Tithing Biblical or Just a Mormon Thing? - Unveiling Mormonism

    12/30/2024 · BONUS

    Is Tithing Biblical or Just a Mormon Thing? - Unveiling Mormonism

    Tithing isn’t mandated by the New Testament, but Christians should be good stewards of their money by giving regularly, proportionately, and sacrificially. -- The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Tithing, the practice of giving 10% of your income to God, is a topic that Christians still talk about a lot. In the Old Testament, tithing is part of the Mosaic Law, but in the New Testament, people debate its place. Surprisingly, the word “tithe” (or its variations) only shows up four times in the New Testament. Before we dive into the New Testament, let’s quickly look at tithing in the Old Testament to understand what it tells us about the practice. The Nebulous Nature of the Tithe in the Old Testament In the Old Testament, the concept of the tithe is mentioned multiple times, but its exact application and scope were somewhat complex and varied. For example: Levitical Tithe: Numbers 18:21-24 describes a tithe given to the Levites as compensation for their service in the Tabernacle. This tithe was based on agricultural produce and livestock, not monetary income.Festival Tithe: Deuteronomy 14:22-27 outlines a tithe that was set aside for annual festivals. This tithe was consumed by the giver and their household in a celebratory feast before the Lord.Charity Tithe: Deuteronomy 14:28-29 refers to a tithe given every third year to support the poor, including the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow. So, the “tithe” wasn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. It was actually a bunch of different obligations that served different purposes in ancient Israelite society. And guess what? It mostly applied to people who worked in farming, not to everyone who made money or had stuff. This is important to keep in mind when we think about how tithing might work in our modern world. The Four Appearances of the Tithe in the New Testament Now let’s dive into the four references to the tithe in the New Testament. Surprisingly, we never find Jesus or any New Testament author commanding us to tithe. Instead, the tithe serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting what NOT to do when it’s done with the wrong intentions. 1. Matthew 23:23 In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says to the Pharisees: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Jesus acknowledges the Pharisees’ strict tithing, even of garden herbs, but points out that they neglected more important things like justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He doesn’t say tithing is wrong, but he emphasizes the importance of having a pure heart and focusing on the bigger picture of living a godly life. 2. Luke 11:42 Luke’s Gospel includes a parallel to Matthew 23:23, where Jesus says: "Woe to you Pharisees,...

    38 min
  8. Are You Making Room for Jesus? - The PursueGOD Truth Podcast

    11/29/2024 · BONUS

    Are You Making Room for Jesus? - The PursueGOD Truth Podcast

    The innkeeper missed an opportunity to welcome the Savior - not because he was unwilling, but because he was unaware. What about YOU? -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Intro New Series starting today! The Christmas Story from People Who Were Actually ThereThe Innkeeper (today)The ShepherdsThe Wise MenKing HerodBaby Jesus on Christmas EveEvery week we’ll be digging deep on stuff you didn’t knowBut I just want to take a few moments to ask you, Q. Are you making room for Jesus in your life?Maybe you think it’s hard to be focused at Christmas, after all there are:Projects to finish at work, budgets to set for next year, proposals to submit before the end of the year.Family vacations to plan, parties to throw, presents to buy, and kids’ schedules to keep up with. In fact, life can get so busy in December that it’s pretty easy to push Christ out of Christmas.We can spend so much time focusing on all the stuff around Christmas that we fail to make room for Jesus.But here’s what’s amazing, the same thing happened on the very first Christmas.Let me show you what I mean: Luke 2:1, 4-5 (NLT) 1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire…. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. Describe craziness of censusConnect to the busyness of travel during the holidaysCheck out these stats from AAANearly 80 Million Americans Expected to Travel over Thanksgiving (new record)72 million by car6 million by air2 million by “other” (joke)Can you imagine the stress of Joseph and Mary? She was VERY pregnant, worst time to travel Luke 2:6-7 (NLT) 6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. (ESV) because there was no place for them in the inn.This, of course, refers to the famous point in the Christmas story where Mary and Joseph were shooed away by an uncaring, busy, and inattentive innkeeper. As a result, they were forced to find a barn or cave which is where baby Jesus was born.Although this is how the story is typically told, the real story of the first Christmas might have actually been a bit different.The word “inn” is a tricky word to translate.It can refer to a hotel as in the traditional understanding of the story.Or, it can refer to a finished guest room in a home. For example, the same word

    35 min
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Join Tracy and Bryan Dwyer every week to talk about marriage and parenting and everything that makes for a healthier family. Find resources to continue the conversation with your family, group, or mentor at pursueGOD.org/family.

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