In this honest Q&A episode, Mike and Alicia answer real questions from listeners about the struggles every couple faces – feeling distant, managing conflict, and staying united when life gets stressful. They talk about what to do when your marriage feels dry or disconnected, how to rebuild emotional intimacy, and how humility, forgiveness, and shared prayer can bring healing. With humor and wisdom from decades of marriage and mentoring, they offer hope for couples who want to grow together, not just stay together.

Couples Discussion Questions

What should I do when my spouse seems emotionally distant? How can we reconnect after a big argument? How do we stay close when life feels overwhelming? What if I'm the only one trying to fix our marriage?

Whether you're newly married or in the thick of family life, this episode will remind you: every marriage has hard seasons, but grace makes growth possible.

We'd love your feedback! Take our 2025 Listener Survey and help us serve families better: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MFP-2025

For more information on this and other topics visit: https://www.messyfamilyproject.org/

Families need to disconnect from the world's pace, be present to one another and break bread together. - Bishop Thomas Olmstead

Why are family dinners so hard — and so important? In our latest Messy Family Podcast episode, we get real about the chaos of mealtime: the cooking, the planning, the juggling schedules, picky eaters, and the endless cleanup. But we also share the good news — it doesn't have to be perfect to matter. Family meals aren't just about food. They're a time to build identity, teach traditions, and give your kids a sense of belonging. Research shows that sharing meals boosts kids' grades, strengthens communication, and protects against depression and risky behaviors. We'll give you practical tips to make family meals doable — even joyful — in the middle of everyday mess. From simple routines to conversation starters and kid-friendly chores, this episode will help you make mealtime your family's "north star." Listen now and rediscover the power of your dinner table!

• Close with: "Those 20 minutes around your table might be the most important minutes of your child's day."

• Recap: Family meals strengthen minds, hearts, and homes

1. Make it a priority

2. Have a routine

3. Use the time to connect

4. Include the kids to make it happen!

• How often does your family sit down together?

• What is one thing we can do to improve our time together?

In this re-release of Episode MFP191, we open up about one of the biggest challenges every couple faces—finding time for each other in the midst of busy family life. After 31 years of marriage, we've learned that love doesn't just grow on its own; it takes intention and effort because although our marriages are always Important, they are rarely Urgent. In this episode, we share our own stories, some laughs, and practical ways to stay connected—whether through daily check-ins, regular date nights, or an occasional weekend away. We also talk about how to make this happen and what to do when you are together to use your time well. When we invest time in our marriage, our whole family benefits. So take a moment, grab your spouse, and listen with us. Let's strengthen our marriages together—because your relationship is worth every minute.

• Marriage is never Urgent, but it is always Important. That means you have to intentionally take time for your spouse

• Marriage is good for people and their mental, emotional, and even physical health.

• We need to give our spouse our time - daily connections, date nights, and extended time away.

• Lack of time together leads to decreased "love tank". A full "love tank" smooths out the rough spots in marriage and makes it easier to ignore the little things.

• You have to be together without the children to renew your marriage and make strong the "couple love" between you which is essential for them.

• You need a community around you to give inspiration and support for your marriage.

• Make boundaries and goals for your time together. Use it wisely!

• When is our daily connection and regular date night?

• What is the best way for us to spend that time together?