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Welcome to the Expedition Marriage podcast—a place where you can find hope, encouragement, fun, and some practical tips for enjoying the journey of marriage. We are Chris & Jamie Bailey, Christian counselors and marriage coaches, and we’re excited to share with you all that we have learned about marriage, not only from our own marriage, but also as trained professionals.
Ep. 169: Do You Feel Special in Your Marriage?
On the podcast - Do You Feel Special in Your Marriage? Most spouses know they’re loved. But far fewer actually feel special. In this episode,...
Ep. 168 — The War Inside Your Marriage – And How to Win It Together
We’re unpacking the real war happening inside every marriage, which is the internal battles of pride, self-protection, fear, past wounds, and unmet desires that sabotage connection. Before you get discouraged, know that you can win this war together, and Jesus shows us how.
Ep. 167: A Biblical Playbook for Marriage: Simple Strategies That Change Everything
What if marriage wasn’t about winning arguments, but about learning how to play on the same team and having a biblical playbook for marriage?
Ep 166: When Your Heart Grieves Before Anything Happens: Understanding Anticipatory Grief in Marriage
On the podcast - When Your Heart Grieves Before Anything Happens: Understanding Anticipatory Grief in Marriage Have you ever felt fear, heaviness,...
Ep 165: Why You Shouldn’t Always Take Our Advice
On the podcast - Why You Shouldn’t Always Take Our Advice (And How to Let God Lead You in the Timing of Growth) In today’s episode, we’re...
Ep. 164: Dry Seasons in Marriage – How to Navigate the Wilderness Together
Every marriage walks through dry seasons, times when connection feels absent, emotions run low, and apathy sets in. But a dry season doesn’t mean your marriage is dying; it often means God is doing deep, unseen work beneath the surface.
In this episode, we’re digging into how to recognize, remain in, and receive from the wilderness seasons of marriage, and how to come out stronger on the other side. Using the story of Jesus’ 40 days in the desert and a five-step framework, we’ll help you find perspective, peace, and purpose in the desert places.
Ep 163 Becoming a PhD of Your Spouse How to Recognize Stress Cues and Respond with Love
When life gets heavy, stress often shows up in our marriages—not just in words, but in subtle cues, tones, and behaviors. In this episode, Chris and Jamie share why becoming a “PhD of your spouse” is one of the most loving and practical things you can do for your marriage.
Ep. 162: Letting Go — Trusting God with Your Kids
Letting go isn’t easy, especially when it comes to our kids. Whether they’re stepping into adulthood, moving far away, or simply living life differently than we expected, this season of release can stir up a mix of emotions: pride, fear, loss, hope, and everything in between.
Ep. 161: The Lost Art of Sacrifice
In this episode, we dive into what it means to rediscover sacrificial love in marriage—not as a duty, but as a reflection of Christ’s love. From everyday acts of kindness to laying down pride and preferences, we’ll unpack why sacrifice is foundational for intimacy, trust, and unity.
160: Just a Little Bit Better: Small Shifts That Move the Needle in Marriage
Big change isn’t always what your marriage needs. In fact, sometimes the most powerful growth comes from the smallest, most consistent choices. In this episode, we talk about how to move the needle forward in your relationship—just 1% at a time—without the pressure of perfection.
Ep. 159: When Marriage Hurts: Why Joy Still Matters
When your marriage is in a painful season, joy might feel like the last thing on your mind. But what if those small, lighthearted moments are not only possible—but essential for healing? In this episode, we’re talking about why joy still matters in marriage, even when things hurt.
158: Breaking the Usual Error — How Assumptions Sabotage Your Marriage and What God Says About It
Have you ever caught yourself assuming you knew what your spouse was thinking or feeling—only to find out you were completely wrong? That’s what we call “The Usual Error”—and it’s one of the most common causes of conflict, hurt, and disconnection in marriage.
In this episode, we’ll unpack what the Bible says about making assumptions, why they’re biblically unwise, and how to replace them with curiosity, humility, and God’s wisdom to strengthen your marriage.
Ep. 157: When Your Husband Doesn’t Share Your Faith — Hope for Spiritually Unequal Marriages
Marriage is challenging enough, but when your spouse doesn’t share your faith, it can feel like you’re walking this journey alone. In this episode, we’re diving deep into what it means to be in a spiritually unequal marriage and how to find hope, peace, and purpose along the way.
Ep. 156: Curiosity Over Offense – How Staying Spiritually Mature Can Transform Your Marriage
Have you ever noticed how quickly small misunderstandings can spiral into full-blown conflicts? One simple comment can turn into a wall between you and your spouse if you let offense take over. But spiritual maturity calls us to a different path—one that chooses curiosity, compassion, and connection over pride and defensiveness.
Ep. 155: Healing Your Marriage After Chronic Illness
When chronic illness enters a marriage, it doesn’t just affect one person—it touches everything. Routines shift, intimacy changes, energy drops, and even the way you see each other can be altered. In this honest and hope-filled episode, we talk about the silent grief couples carry, the changes they face, and how to begin healing and reconnecting in a new, grace-filled way. We even share our own personal story.
Ep. 154: When Love Feels Like a Roller Coaster: Understanding the Vacillator in Marriage
Does your relationship ever feel like it swings from intense connection to deep frustration—and then back again? If so, you may be married to a Vacillator. In today’s episode, we’re diving into what it’s like to live and love with this emotional love style, and how you can find more stability and connection together.
Ep. 153: When One of You Can’t Say No: Understanding the Pleaser in Marriage
Does your spouse always say “yes,” avoid conflict, or seem overly focused on making everyone else happy—even at their own expense? You may be married to a Pleaser. In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really means to be married to a Pleaser—how this love style forms, how it impacts your relationship, and what both of you can do to create deeper emotional intimacy.
Ep. 152: When One of You Shuts Down: Understanding the Avoider in Marriage
Do you ever feel like you’re talking to a wall? If so, you might be married to an Avoider—someone who disconnects emotionally, struggles with vulnerability, and often insists they’re “fine” when they’re anything but.
Ep. 151: Letting Go of Control: Trusting God with Your Marriage and Your Spouse
We’re unpacking why we try to control our marriages, what’s really behind that urge, and how learning to surrender our grip and trusting God can bring peace. You’ll gain insight, scriptural truth, and practical steps to help you trust God more deeply with your marriage and your spouse.
Ep. 150: Powerful Emotions Meant to Be Experienced in Your Marriage
Powerful emotions in marriage aren’t the enemy—they’re God-given tools meant to stir your heart toward action, deeper intimacy, and meaningful connection. In this episode of Expedition Marriage, Chris & Jamie dive into some common powerful emotions that, when understood and embraced biblically, can strengthen your relationship and reignite passion.
Ep. 149: The Different Decades of Marriage — Every Season Has a Purpose
Chris & Jamie walk through the different decades of marriage—from the idealistic 20s to the legacy-filled 70s—and share biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for every stage.
Ep. 148: How to Use Your Marriage as Your Best Parenting Tool
What if your most powerful and best parenting tool isn’t a strategy at all—but your marriage itself? In this episode, we’ll show you how a Christ-centered, connected marriage naturally overflows into your parenting.
Ep. 147: Safe and Sound: How to Co-Regulate in Marriage and Become Each Other’s Safe Place
In this episode, we’re talking about the powerful (but often overlooked) practice of co-regulation—and how it can transform your marriage into a place of emotional safety, healing, and connection.
Ep. 146: Leaving and Cleaving: What It Really Means and Why It Still Matters in Marriage
We’re unpacking the biblical command of leaving and cleaving (Genesis 2:24) and explore how it goes far beyond the honeymoon stage. Whether you’ve been married one year or twenty, failing to fully “leave” and properly “cleave” can lead to emotional disconnection, blurred boundaries with parents, and lingering tension in your home.
Ep. 145: Storm Proofing Your Marriage
Storm proofing requires building a resilient marriage through a foundation of Jesus. Look at signs of a shaky foundation and practical steps to strengthen your relationship, understanding the importance of spiritual intimacy and connection.
Ep. 144: Is Your Emotional Bucket Overflowing? How to Recognize and Release Emotional Flooding in Marriage
We’re discussing emotional flooding in marriages when our emotional buckets are too full and how that shows up in behaviors like snapping or shutting down. Hosts Chris and Jamie provide insights into identifying signs of emotional overwhelm, practical coping strategies, and the importance of creating a safe space for emotional expression and connection within relationships.
Ep. 143: Is Jesus Just a Guest in Your Marriage?
We’re exploring whether Jesus is truly at the center of your marriages or merely a guest. Get insights on how to ensure your marriage is Christ-centered, including recognizing signs of drift and practical steps for realignment. Individual spiritual growth is important for a united relationship.
Ep. 142: When You’re Fighting for Your Marriage Alone
Feel that you’re fighting for your marriage alone? Feel that your spouse is disengaged? This episode addresses maintaining faith, setting healthy boundaries, and the importance of persistent prayer. Additionally, it introduces 30-day prayer challenges tailored for spouses, emphasizing support and connection through faith.
Ep 141: Learning to Wait Well. Patience, Faith and God’s Timing in Marriage
Do you wait well with patience, faith, and God’s timing for positive changes in life and marriage? Restore wonder and trust amid frustration, and learn practical steps and biblical insights on maintaining hope during challenging seasons while understanding personal growth during these times.
Ep. 140: When the Past Shows Up Uninvited: Understanding Implicit Memory in Marriage
Implicit memory effects marital reactions and dynamics. We explore how unrecognized past experiences influence present relationships, offering biblical encouragement and practical steps for healing and transformation. Listeners are invited to understand their emotional triggers and improve communication for a stronger marital connection.
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*Disclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is meant for entertainment purposes and is not meant to replace counseling or working with a trained healthcare professional.