Marriage to the Max Podcast

Life can certainly throw us some surprises, both good and bad. For some things, we’ll never be completely prepared. But for other things, we can get ready. What will the next 3 years bring in your marriage? Are you desperately waiting for a baby? Or are you counting the days ‘til you’re out of diapers? Do you hear yourself saying things like … “As soon as our kid can drive …” Every marriage life cycle has seasons. Why not talk about what your marriage will look like in 3 years, and put plans in place now to experience a stronger and more intimate relationship then? In this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement give some good advice on how to prepare for the next phase. Listen in on their conversation. Episode 64 – What Will the Next 3 Years Bring? by Brett and Kellie Hurst

Is marriage really just a contract between two people? “I agree to love you as long as you agree to love me”? Or is it something more? Are we humans capable of staying for the long haul, even when marriage can be utterly challenging? Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement believe that God empowers us, as married couples, to love beyond our limited capacity. Not to stay in marriage because it’s a contract. But because it’s a covenant. Listen in on their conversation. Episode 63 – Contract vs. Covenant by Brett and Kellie Hurst

Can the words "routine" and "romance" go together? They may seem to contradict each other, but in this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement put a new spin on the daily grind. Is it possible to make kindness and affection part of your normal routine? Listen now to find out! Episode 62 – Routine Of Romance by Brett and Kellie Hurst

In this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement ask therapist Tim Mavergeorge about the topic of pornography and how it can negatively affect marriage. Although internet pornography is easily available and perhaps considered relatively harmless by some, it can cause some serious problems for interpersonal relationships. Episode 61 – Pornography by Brett and Kellie Hurst

In this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement finish their series on the 3 different types of marriage by describing the crème de la crème … the connecting marriage. This is the place every married couple wants to be. This is the type of relationship we all hope for when we say “I Do”. However, it takes a great deal of work and a huge amount of commitment. But as you’ll hear in this episode, it’s sooooo worth it! Episode 60 – The Connecting Marriage by Brett and Kellie Hurst:

In this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement continue unpacking the 3 different types of marriage. In this busy world of careers, parenting, and other demands, couples can easily find themselves coasting in their marriage relationships. But no one wants to be “two ships that pass in the night”. Perhaps you’re moving in the general same direction as your spouse, but marriage requires two people to move toward each other, not just move in parallel lines. Learn how to catch yourself from coasting for too long. Thank you to Grant Peterson of South Hill Communications and to engineer/musician Grant Supak for bringing their gifts to the posting of this podcast this week. Episode 59 – The Coasting Marriage by Brett and Kellie Hurst

How do you know if your marriage is in crisis or danger? In this episode, Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement discuss the ingredients of a “critical” marriage. Most married couples already know clearly if they are in a crisis situation. But despair is not the only option. If this situation applies to your marriage, learn how to navigate a critical marriage with hope and intentionality Episode 58 – The Critical Marriage by Brett and Kellie Hurst

Addictions of one or both spouses can create tremendous challenges for marriage. To move forward as a couple, it is very important for healthy understanding of what addictions actually are and also how to get help. This week, Brett & Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement interview Tim Mavergeorge about various addictions in marriage. Tim is the head of the Houston Center for Christian Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. He and his wife Nancy are also on the Advisory Board of Home Encouragement. Episode 57 – Understanding Addictions (interview With Tim Mavergeorge) by Brett & Kellie Hurst

This week, Brett & Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement discuss how any spouse can bring something positive to a marriage. In fact, since everyone has been created with special gifts, all husbands and wives have the potential to become experts in something. What are your strengths? How might they be further enhanced in order to bring greater strength to your marriage? Thank you to Grant Peterson of South Hill Communications and to engineer/musician Grant Supak for bringing their gifts to the posting of this podcast this week. Episode 56 – Everyone’s An Expert by Brett & Kellie Hurst

This week, we conclude with the part two of John Gottman’s "Four Horseman", referring to four negative characteristics (based on research) that can be deadly to a marriage if not repaired. Brett & Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement discuss on this episode the pitfalls of defensiveness and stonewalling and how they can damage a marriage relationship. Thanks to Grant Peterson of South Hill Communications and to engineer/musician Grant Supak for their assistance with posting Marriage to the Max episodes. Episode 55 – Defensive & Stonewalling by Brett & Kellie Hurst

This week’s topic deals with the first two of John Gottman’s "Four Horseman", referring to four negative characteristics (based on research) that can be deadly to a marriage if not repaired. Brett & Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement discuss how important it is to steer clear of critical and contemptuous remarks in a marriage relationship. Thanks to Grant Peterson of South Hill Communications and to engineer/musician Grant Supak for their assistance with posting Marriage to the Max episodes. Episode #54 – Criticism & Contempt by Brett & Kellie Hurst

Marriage has enough challenges on its own. But what if you are a married couple serving together in ministry? Are there additional obstacles to navigate? This week, Brett & Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement interview Dave & Terri Peterson about the challenges and blessings of marriage and family life while serving in pastoral ministry. They speak from many years of experience. Over a span of 44 years of ministry, Dave Peterson was the senior pastor of several churches across the country, including eighteen years at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston. Special thanks to engineer/musician Grant Supak as well as Grant Peterson of South Hill Communications for their vital assistance in launching each Marriage To The Max episode. Opening and closing theme by Loopsound. Episode #53 – Insights For Ministry Couples (interview With Dave & Terri Peterson) by Brett & Kellie Hurst

It’s a very provocative question….one that could cause a fight! Is there even a definitive answer? This week Brett & Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement attempt to respond to this loaded question. Thanks to Grant Peterson of South Hill Communications and engineer/musician Grant Supak for their assistance with this podcast. Episode 52 – How Much Sex Should A Married Couple Be Having? by Brett & Kellie Hurst

Do you ever get discouraged about your marriage relationship? Over the course of a long life together, that is certainly normal! This week, Brett & Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement discuss two powerful marriage traits, perseverance and optimism. Practiced regularly, these qualities can most definitely help couples keep their relationship on track for the long haul. Thanks to Grant Peterson of South Hill Communications and engineer/musician Grant Supak for keeping us on the air each episode. Opening and closing theme music by Loopsound. Interlude music by Grant Supak. Episode 51 – Two Traits That Can Help Your Marriage by Brett & Kellie Hurst

During this episode, we bring back the polarizing series of “Famous Marriage Quotes”. You either love ‘em or you hate ‘em! At any rate, this week Brett & Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement trade references and comments related to famous and not-so-famous quotes about the institute of marriage. Seriously, we hope you enjoy this format one more time. A special thanks to Grant Peterson of South Hill Communications and to engineer/musician Grant Supak for helping us get this podcast produced and posted. Episode 50 – One More Time With The Marriage Quotes by Brett & Kellie Hurst