{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"240. How to Support Your Spouse Through Every Season of Marriage","description":"In this episode, Chris and Melissa get real about what it means to truly support your spouse\u2014not just when it\u2019s easy, but through every season of life and marriage. Inspired by a listener question, they dive into what support actually looks like when your goals, energy, and responsibilities are constantly shifting. From the early days of raising five kids under nine to their current phase of parenting more independent children, they reflect on how their definition of support has evolved \u2014 and how communication has been the key at every step. Chris shares a powerful mindset shift: that supporting your spouse isn\u2019t just something nice to do, it\u2019s part of the commitment of marriage \u2014 a responsibility to breathe life into each other\u2019s dreams. Melissa opens up about learning to ask for help (and release the guilt around it), while Chris admits the times he didn\u2019t show up as fully as he could have. They talk about everything from balancing business and family life, to handling burnout and travel seasons, to how \u201cleaving each other alone\u201d can sometimes be the best form of support. Through honesty and humor, they show that the healthiest marriages don\u2019t avoid conflict \u2014 they communicate through it. Whether you\u2019re newlyweds or empty nesters, this episode is full of practical wisdom, grace, and laughter. You\u2019ll walk away encouraged to check in with your spouse, redefine what support looks like in your current season, and remember that you\u2019re on the same team \u2014 even when life feels messy. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store\/familybrand familybrand.com\/quiz familybrand.com\/retreats.  Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 \u2013 Welcome + Family Brand Blitz retreat details 02:00 \u2013 Listener question: how do you support your spouse\u2019s goals? 03:00 \u2013 Chris\u2019s shift from \u201cit\u2019s her responsibility\u201d to \u201cit\u2019s my privilege\u201d 05:00 \u2013 How support changes with each season of marriage 07:00 \u2013 Supporting each other through early parenting years 09:00 \u2013 Asking for help and releasing the guilt 11:00 \u2013 The danger of \u201cyou should just know\u201d in marriage 13:00 \u2013 Roping, hobbies, and finding balance in personal passions 15:00 \u2013 Learning to let go of scorekeeping and resentment 17:00 \u2013 Getting clear on what you want instead of complaining 18:00 \u2013 Different definitions of support (even when it\u2019s takeout for dinner!) 20:00 \u2013 Communication as the foundation for support 23:00 \u2013 The power of challenge: pushing your spouse to grow 25:00 \u2013 Melissa calling Chris out on chasing others\u2019 dreams 27:00 \u2013 Investing in each other\u2019s dreams and identities 29:00 \u2013 Navigating travel seasons and defining family goals together 31:00 \u2013 How alignment and communication make everything easier 33:00 \u2013 Why date night is key for staying connected 34:00 \u2013 Support vs. complaining: use your energy for creation, not criticism 35:00 \u2013 Final thoughts and encouragement to support each other better   ","author_name":"Family Brand: Take Back Your Family","author_url":"https:\/\/familybrand.com\/","html":"