Marriage is a lifelong journey that evolves with each decade—and every season comes with both its own challenges and its unique purpose. In this episode, Chris & Jamie walk through the different decades of marriage—from the idealistic 20s to the legacy-filled 70s—and share biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for every stage. Whether you’re dreaming big, building hard, questioning what’s next, or leaving a legacy, this episode will help you embrace your season with grace, faith, and intentionality.

🧭 What You’ll Learn:

• What characterizes each decade of marriage and the purpose within it
• How to strengthen your relationship through every season—from early dreams to late wisdom
• Why your current season matters and how to fully show up for it
• Biblical encouragement and reflection questions for each stage

💡 Episode Highlights:

🧡 The Idealistic Years (20s)
• Time of big dreams, passion, and possibilities
• Don't let others stifle your optimism—dream and plan together

🔨 The Industrious Years (30s)
• The building decade: careers, parenting, responsibilities
• High-stress years—easy to feel like co-workers instead of lovers

🔥 The Intense Years (40s)
• Questions of success, identity, and “Have we done enough?”
• Increased financial and physical stress; watch for resentment

🕊️ The Influential Years (50s & 60s)
• A time of wisdom, mentoring, and dreaming new dreams—together
• Warning: high divorce rate in this age group; stay connected

🌳 The Indelible Years (70s & beyond)
• Storytelling season—your words and life hold deep meaning
• Grandchildren watch how you finish the race

💬 Reflection & Encouragement:

• No season is wasted—each one has a God-given purpose
• Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To everything there is a season…”
• Talk with your spouse: What season are you in? What do you need most from one another right now?

🎯 Call to Action:

• 📥 Download your free resource: Marriage Through the Decades Reflection Guide at https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-149-the-different-decades-of-marriage-every-season-has-a-purpose
• 👥 Share this episode with another couple—especially one in a different season than you
• ⭐ Leave a review if this episode encouraged you—it helps more couples find hope
• 🌐 Visit ExpeditionMarriage.org for more free tools, blog posts, and resources

Closing Reminder:
A great marriage isn’t found—it’s built. One intentional season at a time.
Until next time—keep showing up, keep leaning in, and keep trusting God with your journey.

When it comes to parenting, most couples focus on discipline strategies, school choices, and managing behavior. But what if one of your most powerful parenting tools isn’t a strategy at all—but your marriage itself?

In this episode, we’ll show you how a Christ-centered, connected marriage naturally overflows into your parenting. The way you love, communicate with, and treat your spouse is constantly shaping what your children believe about love, respect, and relationships.

💬 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why your marriage is your greatest influence in your children’s lives
• How unresolved conflict between you and your spouse affects your kids—even when you think they don’t notice
• Why a healthy, grace-filled relationship teaches more than your words ever could
• How to model faith, love, and security in your home without needing to be perfect

📖 Want to Go Deeper?

Check out our YouVersion Bible Reading Plan:
👉 How to Use Your Marriage as Your Best Parenting Tool

This free 5-day plan will help you strengthen your marriage and see it as the gift God designed to bless your children.

📥 Resources:

• Visit expeditionmarriage.org for more marriage and parenting resources.

https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-148-how-to-use-your-marriage-as-your-best-parenting-tool/

🎯 Call to Action:

• After listening, ask each other: “What are our kids learning about relationships from us right now?”
• Share this episode with a couple who needs encouragement in their parenting journey.
• Subscribe and leave a review to help more couples discover Expedition Marriage.

Let’s raise strong children by building strong marriages.

How to Co-Regulate in Marriage and Become Each Other’s Safe Place

Ever feel like you and your spouse are constantly missing each other emotionally?
In this episode, we’re talking about the powerful (but often overlooked) practice of co-regulation—and how it can transform your marriage into a place of emotional safety, healing, and connection.

We'll explore what it means to not just regulate your own emotions but to be a calm, supportive presence for your spouse—and how this reflects the love and comfort of Christ in your marriage.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• ✅ What co-regulation is (and how it’s different from self-regulation)
• 💔 How emotional disconnection and little “t” traumas show up in everyday marriage moments
• 📖 The biblical foundation for becoming a safe place: Galatians 6:2, Proverbs 17:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, Romans 12:10
• 💡 Real-life examples of how co-regulation can show up in your marriage
• 🛠 Practical steps to create emotional safety and healing—without needing to fix everything
• ❤️ Why your tone, presence, and patience may be the most healing tools you have

💬 Quote from the Episode:
"There’s enough loss in the world—let’s not contribute more of it in our homes."

🎯 Call to Action:

1. Try to implement co-regulation into your marriage this week: a soft word, your presence, or a listening ear. Tune yourself into your spouse. Look for ways to show up for them. Be the soft place for them to land in this harsh world.
2. Ask your spouse: “Do you feel emotionally safe with me?”—and truly listen.
3. Share this episode with a friend or couple who could use some emotional connection and support.
4. Visit expeditionmarriage.org for more tools, devotionals, and resources to build a safe and God-honoring marriage.

You don’t have to heal alone—and you weren’t designed to do marriage alone.
Let’s build homes of safety and healing—together.

https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-147-safe-and-sound-how-to-co-regulate-in-marriage-and-become-each-others-safe-place