In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the crucial distinction between healthy and harmful conflict in relationships. They discuss common signs of unhealthy conflict—like harsh startups, criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt—and offer practical strategies to help you de-escalate tension, communicate effectively, and foster greater emotional connection.

They dive into topics such as recognizing emotional flooding, using gentle startups, labeling emotions accurately, taking healthy time-outs, and practicing gratitude and repair after conflict. With Scripture, psychology, and personal stories, they provide a clear roadmap to transform conflict into a tool for growth and deeper understanding.

Whether you're dealing with roommates, coworkers, extended family, close friends, or a spouse, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your communication, regulate emotions, and build lasting relational trust.

Resources Mentioned:

• Understanding Feelings and Emotions in Conflict — Resource that helps couples identify and express their emotions during conflict, using a feelings word list, the Speaker-Listener Technique, and a conflict cycle exercise to promote empathy, clarity, and healthier communication.
• Blue Trust (Colby Gilmore) – Biblically-centered financial planning and investment management for couples and individuals.

Connect with Us:

• Website: cmr.biola.edu
• Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
• Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
  
  

Join the Conversation:

• Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
• Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
  Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
  👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv

About the Hosts:

Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the realities and myths of hustle culture.

They discuss how hustle culture is often glamorized for its promises of success, wealth, and status—but at what cost? They weigh the pros, such as ambition, drive, and new opportunities, against the hidden toll it takes on emotional, physical, and relational health. Through stories from their own lives and others, Chris and Alisa provide practical insights and tips to help you reframe what success means and find a healthier, more balanced way forward.

Whether you're dealing with a spouse, coworkers, roommates, friends, or your own expectations, this episode offers valuable advice to protect your relationships and pursue a purpose-filled life.

Resources Mentioned:

• Blue Trust (Colby Gilmore) – Biblically-centered financial planning and investment management for couples and individuals.

Connect with Us:

• Website: cmr.biola.edu
• Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
• Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
  
  

Join the Conversation:

• Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
• Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
  Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
  👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv

About the Hosts:

Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the parenting approaches of gentle parenting and tough love. They discuss the core principles, benefits, and potential pitfalls of each method—clarifying common misconceptions like equating gentle parenting with permissiveness or tough love with harshness. Through personal stories, practical examples, and thoughtful dialogue, they offer insights to help parents strike a healthy balance between empathy and structure. Whether you're parenting toddlers, teens, or navigating differences with your spouse in your parenting styles, this episode offers valuable advice to help you raise emotionally healthy, respectful, and secure children.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Art of Parenting – FamilyLife
  A six-week online course to help parents develop a clear parenting plan with biblical principles. Great for small groups or individual study.
• Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
  A practical guide to teaching children responsibility and setting healthy boundaries from a biblical perspective.
• Boundaries with Teens by Dr. John Townsend
  Equips parents to establish healthy boundaries with their teenagers while staying connected and supportive.

Connect with Us:

• Website: cmr.biola.edu
• Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
• Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
  
  

Join the Conversation:

• Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
• Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
  Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
  👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv

About the Hosts:

Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.