Connection. Connection can feel like a marriage buzzword—being the center of so many marriage questions and pieces of advice. How do we stay “connected?” Make sure you and your spouse are “connecting.” Keep your marriage “connection” strong. Tune into today’s episode with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley. They are the cohosts of the podcast, “Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage,” a Focus on the Family original, and they’ve been married for over 30 years. They talk with Marlee Arnold about this buzzword—connection—and how it is achievable for your marriage. Additionally, with only a high school senior left at home and the empty nest years rapidly approaching, they provide wisdom related to preparing for this new season of marriage and talk about “how soon is ‘too soon’ to prepare.” It’s a great, practical, down-to-earth conversation you don’t want to miss.
Connection. Connection can feel like a marriage buzzword—being the center of so many marriage questions and pieces of advice. How do we stay “connected?” Make sure you and your spouse are “connecting.” Keep your marriage “connection” strong. Tune into today’s episode with Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley. They are the cohosts of the podcast, “Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage,” a Focus on the Family original, and they’ve been married for over 30 years. They talk with Marlee Arnold about this buzzword—connection—and how it is achievable for your marriage. Additionally, with only a high school senior left at home and the empty nest years rapidly approaching, they provide wisdom related to preparing for this new season of marriage and talk about “how soon is ‘too soon’ to prepare.” It’s a great, practical, down-to-earth conversation you don’t want to miss.
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Time Stamps:
(1:30) Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley’s background
(3:17) 1-2 things that are top of mind when you think about “connection as a couple”
(9:30) 1-2 personal examples of how the Smalleys have done well staying connected
(17:16) How have the Smalleys been preparing for the empty nest phase that is approaching
(32:10) How soon is “too soon” to be thinking about the empty nest
(39:56) How to approach the empty nest phase of marriage and the caring for aging parents phase of marriage well, simultaneously
(45:55) One key takeaway from this conversation
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Links:
Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage https://podcasts.focusonthefamily.com/show/crazy-little-thing-called-marriage/
Focus Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/focusmarriage/
Smalley Marriage https://www.smalleymarriage.com/
Focus on the Family https://www.focusonthefamily.com/
Vision for Your Marriage WinShape Marriage Retreat April 17 – 19, 2026 https://marriage.winshape.org/retreat/vision-for-your-marriage-april-2026/
“Learn How To Make a Daily Difference in Your Marriage” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/learn-how-to-make-a-simple-daily-difference-in-your-marriage/
“Marriage Expectations” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/marriage-expectations/
“25 Ideas: How To Reconnect With Your Spouse” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/25-things-to-do-to-reconnect-with-your-spouse/
“What To Talk About With Your Spouse To Reconnect” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/what-to-talk-about-with-your-spouse-to-reconnect/
“How To Find a Marriage Counselor” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-find-a-marriage-counselor/
WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/
WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/
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Relevant Episodes:
The Secret Ingredient To Staying Connected https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdK9Mm-Qo4o&t=432s
The Truth Behind Marriage Expectations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRc-G7VGnRo