Crager Ministries Podcast
Simply
Relational
with Darran (D.L.) and Shelly Crager PhD.
The Simply Relational Podcast is dedicated to helping couples build stronger marriages and equipping parents to lead with confidence. Each episode features honest conversations, practical biblical wisdom, and simple tools drawn from decades of marriage, parenting, ministry, and leadership experience.
Three Paths: One Marriage
Discover the three paths marriages typically take and why so many couples grow apart without realizing it. Learn practical steps to assess and strengthen your relationship before it's too late.
The real-life story of couples "having it all together" but feeling empty once the kids leave
The three common trajectories marriages follow: parallel, drifting apart, and growing together
Why many couples unintentionally become roommates or coworkers instead of partners
The importance of daily intentionality and prioritizing your spouse over children and career
Simple action steps to correct your course and safeguard your marriage for the future
The Tug of War in Marriage
Struggling with endless arguments that seem to go nowhere? Discover practical strategies for breaking the cycle and strengthening your marriage.
The "rope" analogy for understanding marital conflict
Step-by-step PAUSE method to manage heated arguments
The importance of separating emotions from the core issue
How to speak truth with grace in your relationship
Techniques for letting go of the past and moving forward together
Don't Pick up the Rope: When your Child says "NO"
Learn how to handle it when your child says "NO" without turning it into a power struggle. This episode gives practical steps to maintain authority and consistency as a parent.
Why a child's "no" often starts power struggles and how to break the pattern
The importance of follow-through as an action, not just more words
When to avoid picking up the "rope" and engaging in tug-of-war battles
How to create consequences and boundaries you can actually control
Practical examples for handling tantrums, disrespect, and persistent refusals
Why Won't My Child Listen: Stop Repeating, Start Following Through
Struggling with kids who don’t listen until you repeat yourself or raise your voice? In this episode, we cut through the noise and show you what really works to get children to follow through the first time.
How to distinguish between "can't" and "won't" when your child doesn't listen
The dangers of accidentally training kids to respond only when you escalate
The simple "ask, pause, act" method for immediate follow-through
Why consistency and calm action matter more than repeated requests or yelling
How to connect consequences directly to behavior—without power struggles or lengthy arguments
Why Won't My Child Listen: When It's not Disobedience
Struggling to get your child to listen? This episode uncovers why your child’s behavior might not be disobedience and what you can do about it.
The real reason kids don’t follow multi-step directions
How “can’t” is different from “won’t” when it comes to listening
Why vague instructions set kids up for failure
The importance of breaking tasks into developmentally appropriate chunks
Practical tips to set your child up for success and avoid morning frustrations
Don't Miss the Warning Sign
Get so focused on your goals that you miss the warning signs? In this episode, we share a real-life mountain climbing story with powerful lessons on determination and wisdom.
The dangers of ignoring critical warning signs in pursuit of a goal
Lessons learned from a harrowing climb on Fool’s Peak
How determination can both drive and endanger you
The importance of wise counsel and preparation
Knowing when to persevere—and when to change direction
When the Drift Reaches the Bedroom
When a marriage starts to drift, the first signs often show up in the bedroom. This episode tackles the real challenges couples face with intimacy and communication.
Why intimacy struggles are often the first warning sign of marital drift
The common disconnect between men's and women's needs in the bedroom
How to break the cycle of misunderstanding and emotional distance
A practical analogy to set realistic expectations for sex in marriage
Why open conversation is the starting point to reconnecting as a couple
Keeping the Momentum: Five Rhythms That Prevent Drift
Rediscover momentum in your marriage with practical, actionable rhythms you can start today. In this episode, we break down the five essential habits that prevent relational drift and strengthen your connection.
How to pursue your spouse daily with small, intentional acts
The difference between meaningful conversation and simple information exchange
Steps to repair before resentment builds, including the 4 Rs of healthy repair
Why laughing often together matters and how to make fun a priority
Ways to pursue Christ together as the foundation for all other rhythms
Warning Signs of Drifing in Your Marriage
Are you missing the warning signs that your marriage is drifting? In this episode, we break down the four key danger zones couples face and how to spot them before it’s too late.
The danger of becoming complacent and letting life distractions take priority over your relationship
The first alarming sign: you stop pursuing each other
How a lack of meaningful conversation signals trouble
The critical mistake of not noticing each other and allowing small issues to pile up
Why failing to repair hurts can create distance you didn't see coming
The Secret To Raising Wise Decision-Makers
Unlock the secret to raising kids who make wise decisions—on their own. This episode breaks down the four practical phases every parent should know.
The shift from protecting kids to preparing them for real-life choices
Why big decisions are built on thousands of small ones
The four developmental phases of parenting and how your role changes
How to transition from directing to coaching your child’s decision-making
Encouragement and practical tips for fostering responsibility and confidence in your kids
Discipline Training Hearts, Not Controlling Behavior
In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of effective, biblical discipline and what it truly means for parents. Get clear answers on common discipline debates and practical tools to guide your children toward strong character.
Why the purpose of discipline matters more than the method (spanking, timeouts, etc)
The difference between biblical and cultural definitions of discipline
How generational approaches to discipline have shifted over time
Understanding and applying consequences that connect to your child's growth
The dangers of frustration-driven punishment and permissive gentle parenting
Parenting Wisdom Why Connection Is the Key to Correction
In this episode of Simply Relational, the focus returns to parenting with practical strategies rooted in biblical principles. Discover actionable steps to improve discipline and strengthen your relationship with your children.
Why cultivating roots is more important than focusing on "fruit" in biblical parenting
The real meaning of "connection before correction" and why it matters
Common discipline pitfalls like yelling and humiliation—and why they don't work
A simple three-step process: pause, connect, correct
How offering acceptable choices empowers children and prevents power struggles
Growing Strong Roots Raising Children Who Bare Good Fruit
Unlock practical biblical wisdom for parenting in today's world. Learn why growing strong roots matters more than perfect apples.
Why parents are overwhelmed by conflicting advice
The apple tree analogy for parenting and what truly matters
The difference between stewardship and ownership of children
How to help kids grow through struggles, not just escape them
The biblical foundation for building resilient, principled kids
From Me to We Building Lasting Connection in Your Marriage
Discover how the baggage you bring into marriage shapes your relationship dynamic. Learn practical tips to move from “me” to “we” for a stronger, more connected partnership.
Why unresolved personal baggage impacts marriages for years
The “marriage suitcase” analogy and what you’re really carrying into your relationship
How family backgrounds influence conflict styles and communication
The danger of focusing on your partner’s flaws instead of strengths
Concrete steps and tools, like the marriage quiz, to help unpack issues and build unity
The Myth of Balance Why Equal Isn't Biblical
Are you struggling to find balance in your relationships? This episode challenges the common myth of balance and reveals a more effective, biblical approach to priorities.
Why the idea of "finding balance" is misleading and damaging.
The importance of establishing order, not equality, in your
relationships.
A practical visual using your hand to remember relationship
priorities.
How misplaced priorities impact marriage, parenting, and personal
well-being.
The scriptural foundation for putting God first and how it changes
everything.
When Priorities Shift Everything
Join and as they share insights from their 36-year marriage, careers, and their writing journey together. Discover how prioritizing relationships and faith has shaped their personal and professional success.
The importance of prioritizing faith and relationships in daily life
Lessons from experience vs. book knowledge in teaching and business
The power of vulnerability and mentorship in marriage
Structuring your life and family for long-term fulfillment
Writing Christian fiction and leadership books from a guide’s perspective
Interested in Hearing More?
Reach out to us today to start your journey to a better, more healthy marriage.
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