Ep. 136 - Christian Marriage Advice: How to Repair, Reconnect & Grow Together // Debra Fileta

Why do so many Christian marriages struggle even when both spouses truly love each other? Homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with licensed professional counselor Debra Fileta to talk about her new book, Relationship Skills , and the four seasons every marriage passes through. Healthy marriages aren't found — they're built. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download In this episode, you'll learn: Why Christian marriages struggle from a lack of skill, not a lack of love The difference between a difficult, dysfunctional, and toxic relationship — and when to get professional help The four seasons of marriage: spring, summer, fall, and winter Why the goal of Christian marriage isn't just longevity — it's transformation How to change old patterns by starting with what you bring to the table The 90-second hack for building emotional intimacy in marriage How to apologize to your spouse in 3 steps: own it, validate, and share your plan for change Why marriage repair after conflict can make you stronger — and why there's hope even in winter Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial 👉 Get 50% Off LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings Resources mentioned: Relationship Skills by Debra Fileta — Debra's newest book on the four seasons of relationships People Skills by Debra Fileta — a great relationship-skills book for homeschool families Relationship Skills Quiz — free quiz to find which skills your relationship needs in this season Talk To Me: The Debra Fileta Podcast Debra Fileta Counselors Network — faith-forward, clinically trained counselors The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers Thrive Homeschool Community About our guest: Debra Fileta is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of ten books, including RESET, Soul Care, and her newest book, Relationship Skills. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me, where she facilitates on-air, authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. 👉 DebraFileta.com 👉 @DebraFileta on Instagram Connect with Christy-Faith: Instagram: @christy_faith_ TikTok: @christy_faith Website: christy-faith.com Book: Homeschool Rising 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! (00:00) - Introduction (01:07) - Why the Church Is Ready to Talk About Mental Health (03:00) - Healthy Marriages Aren't Found, They're Built (05:13) - Difficult vs. Toxic Relationships: An Important Disclaimer (08:34) - Is He a Narcissist? When to Get Professional Help (11:03) - The Four Seasons of Marriage (15:44) - What Does God Want for Our Marriages? (23:38) - Spring: Planting New Seeds in Your Marriage (26:55) - Why Change Starts With You (29:03) - Summer: The Emotional Intimacy Gap (31:08) - The 90-Second Connection Hack (37:08) - Fall: Vulnerability and What Not to Hide From Your Spouse (42:03) - Rupture and Repair After Conflict (43:18) - How to