The Art of Relationships Podcast

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore what happens when marriages lose passion and shift into what psychologists call companionate love. They discuss the difference between intimacy, commitment, and passion using Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love, why many couples begin to feel more like roommates over time, and the common reasons passion fades—like busyness, lack of curiosity, and taking one another for granted. They also share practical ways to reignite passion, including small behavioral changes, intentional date nights, asking meaningful questions, understanding your spouse’s love language, and creating space for rest and connection. Whether you're dealing with marriage, dating relationships, or long-term commitment, this episode offers practical insights to help you reconnect, rebuild intimacy, and restore passion in your relationship.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jaeq_yvYkJI
Resources Mentioned:
 The Triangular Theory of Love (Robert Sternberg) – A psychological framework explaining love through intimacy, passion, and commitment. 
 Going Deeper Together: Spiritual Armor Required – A course designed to help couples recognize spiritual challenges and strengthen their relationship. http://t.ly/iTL9
 The 5 Love Languages (Gary Chapman) – A tool to help couples understand how they give and receive love. https://amzn.to/4t5pInf
Connect with Us:
 Website: cmr.biola.edu
 Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
 Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
Join 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/bgsuQv
About 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 the psychology of situationships—relationships marked by emotional connection and romantic involvement but lacking clear commitment or definition. They discuss how situationships differ from casual hookups and traditional dating, using Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love to explain how intimacy and passion without commitment can lead to confusion and instability. They also unpack common signs of situationships, why they’ve become more common in modern dating, and the emotional toll they can take.
Throughout the conversation, Chris and Alisa provide practical insights on how to recognize if you’re in a situationship, how to pursue clarity through healthy communication, and why intentionality and commitment are essential for Christ-centered relationships. Whether you're navigating dating, friendships, or trying to discern the direction of a relationship, this episode offers wisdom to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Watch on YouYube: https://youtu.be/tx9VKtvsjW0

Resources Mentioned:
Triangular Theory of Love (Robert Sternberg) – A psychological framework describing love through three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Connect with Us:
Website: cmr.biola.edu
Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr

Join the Conversation:
Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on your 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/bgsuQv

About 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 Grace welcomes licensed counselor and author Debra Fileta to explore why healthy relationships depend on strong people skills. They discuss the common assumption that we’re good with people, the impact of technology and distraction on connection, and how self-awareness, ownership, and intentional conversation can transform our relationships. Debra shares practical insights on going deeper in conversations, recognizing emotional filters, repairing relational ruptures, and focusing on changing your own “ingredients” rather than trying to change others. Whether you're dealing with roommates, spouses, friends, coworkers, or family members, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships and communicate with greater depth and intentionality.

Resources Mentioned:
People Skills by Debra Fileta — Learn practical relational skills to improve communication, ownership, and connection in every relationship.
https://amzn.to/48j4wm8
Debra Fileta — Articles, counseling resources, podcast, and relationship tools.
https://debrafileta.com
Talk To Me Podcast — Debra Fileta’s podcast focused on meaningful conversations and healthy relationships.
https://debrafileta.com/talktome/

Connect with Us:
Website: cmr.biola.edu
Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr

Join 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/bgsuQv

About 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’s staff members, Tatum Munivez and Rachel Pestana, explore the challenges of navigating life after college in “The Postgrad Trenches.” They discuss key transitions like moving back home, starting a new job, relocating to a new city, shifting friendships, unmet expectations, and the pressure to have life figured out. Drawing from their own real-life experiences, they provide practical insights and encouragement to help you navigate uncertainty, build new rhythms, process grief, and stay intentional in your relationships during this major life shift. 
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nNdyZMyPv58
Resources Mentioned:
 CMR Blog on Friendship After Graduation – Practical encouragement on maintaining friendships post-grad (https://cmr.biola.edu/blog/2025/when-life-changes-how-do-friendships-survive)
 CMR Blog on Inviting God Into Your Emotions – Spiritual guidance for processing post-grad transitions (https://cmr.biola.edu/blog/2026/five-reminders-about-god-for-the-graduating-senior)
 Biola CMR Free Relationship Advice – Confidential, biblical, and practical relationship guidance (https://cmr.biola.edu/resources/relationship-advice)

Connect with Us:
Website: cmr.biola.edu
Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr

Join the Conversation:
Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your 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/bgsuQv

About 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 are joined by Amanda Courvoisier, PsyD, to explore what many people were never taught about sex, intimacy, and expectations in relationships. Amanda holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. from the Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University and is an ABCST Sex Therapy Associate under consultation. Together, they discuss the gap between cultural messages and healthy, biblical perspectives on sex, common misconceptions about sexual intimacy, the role of communication and consent, and how expectations around sex can shape dating and marriage. 
The conversation offers practical insight for navigating these topics with honesty, clarity, and respect, helping listeners build healthier, more informed relationships rooted in trust and mutual care.
Resources Mentioned:
 The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire – A research-based book addressing harmful sexual teachings in Christian culture and offering a healthier framework for intimacy. https://amzn.to/4czstJ6
Sheet Music by Kevin Leman – A Christian guide to sexual intimacy in marriage that discusses communication, expectations, and connection between spouses. https://amzn.to/4lyrMCl
Connect with Us:
 Website: cmr.biola.edu
 Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
 Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr

Join the Conversation:
 Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast 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/bgsuQv

About 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.