The Art of Relationships Podcast

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with Casey and Meygan Caston, founders of Marriage 365, to explore how small, consistent habits can radically transform a marriage. Drawing from their own near-divorce story and their new book, The Marriage Habit, they discuss how thriving marriages are built not on perfection or big breakthroughs, but on intentional daily practices rooted in curiosity, gratitude, humility, and grace.Throughout the conversation, they unpack several of the ten habits from the book, including the weekly marriage business meeting, scheduling sex, the 60-second blessing, and the power of unsolicited apologies. The discussion highlights how habits reduce conflict, create emotional safety, deepen intimacy, and help couples resist “the drift” that so often happens over time. Listeners will gain practical, research-informed tools they can apply immediately—whether their spouse is fully on board or not.Whether you’re navigating marriage, preparing for marriage, parenting, or even managing roommates and family relationships, this episode offers hope-filled, actionable insights to help you build a more intentional and connected relationship.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fz5lRp7iPc8Resources Mentioned:The Marriage Habit – Casey and Meygan Caston outline 10 simple, research-based habits to help couples move from drifting to thriving. https://amzn.to/4qS18pi365 Connecting Questions for Couples – A practical tool designed to build emotional intimacy through intentional, curiosity-driven conversation. https://amzn.to/49iwBLqMarriage 365 App – A digital resource offering videos, courses, and tools to help couples strengthen their relationship.www.marriage365.com/appConnect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: 👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to support a friend who is hurting—whether they’re grieving a loss, facing illness, walking through heartbreak, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s pressures. They discuss the importance of being present, listening without trying to fix the problem, validating a friend’s experience, and offering practical help in meaningful ways. Throughout the conversation, they share personal stories and real-life examples that highlight what helps—and what can unintentionally hurt—when someone is in pain.This episode provides practical insights and relational tools to help you show up with empathy, compassion, and wisdom, offering real support rather than clichés or quick fixes. Whether you’re navigating relationships with friends, family members, roommates, or others in your life, this conversation will help you care for people well during difficult seasons.Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Y_kbgRSnKNIConnect with Us:Website: https://cmr.biola.edu Facebook: https://facebook.com/biolacmr Instagram: https://instagram.com/biolacmr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights. Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and relational insight. Learn more about their work at https://cmr.biola.edu

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how Christian parents can thoughtfully approach the topic of Santa Claus while keeping Christ at the center of Christmas. They discuss the history and cultural role of Santa, research on child development and imagination, concerns about honesty and trust, and several practical approaches Christian families take. They also offer guidance for building Christ-centered traditions that nurture wonder, generosity, and spiritual formation in children.Whether you're navigating this question with toddlers, teens, grandchildren, or extended family, this episode provides wisdom, reassurance, and practical rhythms to keep Christmas meaningful and Christ-focused.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rxxoxeDb4swConnect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: 👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Alisa Grace sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Willa Williams to unpack how your family of origin shapes the way you love, connect, and relate today. Together, they explore how childhood caregiving environments form your attachment style—secure, avoider, pleaser, or vacillator—and how those patterns often surface in adult relationships, marriages, and even your walk with God.They break down how misinterpretations happen, why couples get stuck in pursue–withdraw cycles, and what to do when your emotional reactions today are rooted in yesterday’s wounds. Most importantly, Willa offers practical tools for growth, healing, and developing a more secure attachment—whether you grew up in a healthy home or a deeply broken one.Whether you're navigating marriage, dating, friendships, or family relationships, this conversation will give you hope, language, and a roadmap to healthier connection.Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/yW2OLLXVJdMResources Mentioned:How We Love — Milan & Kay Yerkovich: A foundational book on adult attachment styles and how childhood wounds shape marriage and communication. https://howwelove.com/shop/how-we-love-book/How We Love Attachment Style Quiz: A free online assessment to help you identify your attachment style and start meaningful conversations with loved ones. https://howwelove.com/love-style-quiz/Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: 👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to teach kids genuine gratitude in a culture that constantly feeds entitlement. They talk about why “me-first” messaging (from social media, advertising, and peer groups) shapes the way kids see themselves, their stuff, and even God’s grace—and how parents can gently push back. Along the way, they share practical ideas like modeling gratitude in everyday frustrations, using dinnertime questions to help kids notice God’s goodness, shifting from “I have to” to “I get to,” and helping kids process disappointment (like missing out on Disneyland) without shaming their feelings. You’ll also hear creative practices—from gratitude walls and journals to serving the less fortunate and writing thank-you notes—that slowly form thankful hearts instead of entitled ones.Whether you’re parenting preschoolers, navigating the teen years, co-parenting, grandparenting, or investing in kids as a teacher, coach, or mentor, this episode offers hopeful, realistic tools to cultivate gratitude in the next generation—and in your own heart.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W2DzkdfquwoResources Mentioned:Going Deeper Together: Spiritual Armor Required – A five-lesson course that helps couples recognize the enemy’s tactics and stand strong together with practical, biblical tools. http://t.ly/iTL9Connect with Us:Website: cmr.biola.eduFacebook: facebook.com/biolacmrInstagram: instagram.com/biolacmrYouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmrJoin the Conversation:Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships: 👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQvAbout the Hosts:Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.