What separates couples who feel truly close from those who are just coexisting? In this episode, we're (and by we I mean... me. Just Xan this week) breaking down 7 practical habits that deeply connected couples actually practice. No fluff, no theory, just things you can implement today.

From the High-Low-Buffalo daily check-in to non-sexual physical touch, praying together, the Weekly Marriage Meeting™, expressing specific gratitude, protecting against slow drift, and having a real conflict plan, we're gonna cover it all.

Whether your marriage feels disconnected right now or you're simply looking to go deeper, there's something here for you.

Grab the free Weekly Marriage Meeting™ template at https://onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

Feeling disconnected from your spouse or stuck in the daily grind of work, kids, and responsibilities?

In this episode, we talk about one simple rhythm that has helped our marriage stay intentional: taking a yearly marriage retreat.

You don’t need a fancy vacation, a huge budget, or even overnight childcare to make it happen. A marriage retreat can be as simple as a weekend away, a staycation, or intentionally setting aside time to reconnect and reflect on where your marriage is headed.

In this conversation, we share why we started doing annual marriage retreats, what actually makes them meaningful, and how you can plan one that strengthens your relationship.

We also talk about:

• Why thriving marriages don’t happen by accident

• How to plan a marriage retreat with any budget

• The most important conversations to have during your retreat

• How to align your marriage, faith, and family vision for the future

• Practical ways to reconnect when life feels busy or overwhelming

Whether you’ve been married one year or ten, intentional time together can make a huge difference in building a strong, Christ-centered marriage.

Resources & Links

📥 FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Guide: https://onedegreemarriage.com/meeting

What does it really mean for wives to “submit” to their husbands in Ephesians 5?

In this episode, we unpack one of the most controversial passages in the Bible about marriage: “Wives, submit to your husbands.”

Is submission blind obedience?

Does it mean tolerating sin or abuse?

Is it outdated or oppressive?

Or is it something deeper, and actually freeing?

We explore:

1. What biblical submission is not
2. Why this passage must be read alongside the call for husbands to love like Christ
3. What submission looks like on an ordinary Tuesday
4. How respect, encouragement, and trust play out practically
5. Why submission is ultimately an act of worship to Christ

If you’ve wrestled with this passage (or avoided it altogether) this conversation will help you think biblically, clearly, and courageously about your role in marriage.

📖 Scripture referenced: Ephesians 5:22–33, 1 Peter 3, Genesis 2

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Mentioned in this episode:

March Marriage Challenge

https://onedegreemarriage.com/challenge?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=preroll

Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template

Download the FREE Weekly Marriage Meeting Template at onedegreemarriage.com/meeting