The Marriage To The Max Podcast

EPISODE 66 – ODD SOX

When sorting laundry, why is there so often a lone sock that ends up without a mate? Such is the world of topics for podcasts. Once in a while we get an idea to discuss, and it’s sort of like an odd sock. It doesn’t really go with anything, and it doesn’t stand on its own to fill out an entire episode. So we’ve come up with a few of those lone ideas and combined them into one complete episode. Like that odd sock, it’s random. But that’s okay. Hope you enjoy it.

EPISODE 65 – HOW TO KILL YOUR MARRIAGE

Sometimes it’s helpful to turn something on its head. Marriage tools can be like that. Instead of talking about what we should be doing to make our marriages better, this episode turns things upside down and discusses what you can do to ensure your marriage spirals downward! In this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement discuss certain patterns that married couples can find themselves in that will guarantee disaster. Listen in on their conversation now.

EPISODE 64 – WHAT WILL THE NEXT 3 YEARS BRING?

Life can certainly throw us some surprises, both good and bad. For some things, we’ll never be completely prepared. But for other things, we can get ready. What will the next 3 years bring in your marriage? Are you desperately waiting for a baby? Or are you counting the days ‘til you’re out of diapers? Do you hear yourself saying things like … “As soon as our kid can drive …” Every marriage life cycle has seasons. Why not talk about what your marriage will look like in 3 years, and put plans in place now to experience a stronger and more intimate relationship then? In this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement give some good advice on how to prepare for the next phase. Listen in on their conversation.

EPISODE 63 – CONTRACT VS. COVENANT

Is marriage really just a contract between two people? “I agree to love you as long as you agree to love me”? Or is it something more? Are we humans capable of staying for the long haul, even when marriage can be utterly challenging? Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement believe that God empowers us, as married couples, to love beyond our limited capacity. Not to stay in marriage because it’s a contract. But because it’s a covenant. Listen in on their conversation.

EPISODE 62 – ROUTINE OF ROMANCE

Can the words “routine” and “romance” go together? They may seem to contradict each other, but in this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement put a new spin on the daily grind. Is it possible to make kindness and affection part of your normal routine? Listen now to find out!

EPISODE 61 – PORNOGRAPHY

In this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement ask therapist Tim Mavergeorge about the topic of pornography and how it can negatively affect marriage. Although internet pornography is easily available and perhaps considered relatively harmless by some, it can cause some serious problems for interpersonal relationships.

EPISODE 60 – THE CONNECTING MARRIAGE

In this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement finish their series on the 3 different types of marriage by describing the crème de la crème … the connecting marriage. This is the place every married couple wants to be. This is the type of relationship we all hope for when we say “I Do”. However, it takes a great deal of work and a huge amount of commitment. But as you’ll hear in this episode, it’s sooooo worth it!

EPISODE 59 – THE COASTING MARRIAGE

In this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement continue unpacking the 3 different types of marriage. In this busy world of careers, parenting, and other demands, couples can easily find themselves coasting in their marriage relationships. But no one wants to be “two ships that pass in the night”. Perhaps you’re moving in the general same direction as your spouse, but marriage requires two people to move toward each other, not just move in parallel lines. Learn how to catch yourself from coasting for too long.

Thank you to Grant Peterson of South Hill Communications and to engineer/musician Grant Supak for bringing their gifts to the posting of this podcast this week.

EPISODE 58 – THE CRISIS MARRIAGE

How do you know if your marriage is in crisis or danger? In this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement discuss the ingredients of a “critical” marriage. Most married couples already know clearly if they are in a crisis situation. But despair is not the only option. If this situation applies to your marriage, learn how to navigate a critical marriage with hope and intentionality

EPISODE 57 – UNDERSTANDING ADDICTIONS (INTERVIEW WITH TIM MAVERGEORGE)

Addictions of one or both spouses can create tremendous challenges for marriage. To move forward as a couple, it is very important for healthy understanding of what addictions actually are and also how to get help. This week, Brett & Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement interview Tim Mavergeorge about various addictions in marriage. Tim is the head of the Houston Center for Christian Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. He and his wife Nancy are also on the Advisory Board of Home Encouragement.