HomeWord with Jim Burns

Marriage isn’t meant to be frictionless—but it is meant to be transformative. Arlene Pellicane joins Dr. Jim Burns to unpack the growing pains of marriage, why the hard seasons can actually make it good, and how relying on the Holy Spirit softens hearts when conflict hits. They explore why communication breakdowns derail most marriages and how shifting from a “serve me” mindset to Christ-like service changes everything. In a cultur...

Paul Taylor—co-founder of Faith, Work & Tech and director of Unify—joins the conversation to unpack how AI is reshaping families, education, and vocation. With a background in engineering from Stanford, a master’s in theology, and nearly two decades of pastoral ministry, Paul offers a grounded, thoughtful perspective on technology that’s now “as ubiquitous as electricity.” He challenges families to think carefully about their c...

Your kids don’t need a perfect parent—just a parent who knows how to follow a perfect God. Dr. Jim Burns is joined by pastor, author, and podcast host Adam Griffin for an honest and hope-filled conversation about the real pressures parents face today. Adam gently dismantles the myth of perfect parenting, reminding us that guilt, shame, and anxiety are not the fruit of walking with God. Instead, our children need to see imperfect pa...

What happens when a marriage looks successful on the outside—but is quietly unraveling behind the scenes? Justin and Trisha Davis, authors, speakers, and founders of Refine Us Ministries, join Dr. Jim Burns to share the raw story of how their marriage nearly ended after ten years—and how God brought real restoration. They open up about pouring everything into ministry while neglecting each other, the devastating impact of an affair...

*Listener discretion is advised: This episode contains discussions of adult themes.

If parents are silent about sex and sexuality, their children will be discipled by the culture. On this episode of HomeWord, Dr. Juli Slattery joins Dr. Jim Burns to talk about how parents can intentionally disciple their kids in biblical sexuality rather than simply providing sex education. Dr. Slattery—wife, mom, clinical psychologist, author, and ...

What if the key to deeper intimacy in marriage isn’t trying harder—but learning to partner better? In Part 2 of this conversation, Dr. Jim Burns is joined again by Kevin Thompson—speaker, author, and married-life pastor at Bayside Church—to unpack what real partnership and intimacy in marriage looks like. They discuss shared responsibility, mutual respect, and why honoring differences actually strengthens the relationship. The conv...

Strong marriages don’t happen by accident—they’re built. In this episode of HomeWord, Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Kevin Thompson—speaker, author, husband, father, and married-life pastor at Bayside Church in California—for an honest conversation about what actually builds a strong marriage. Together, they explore the importance of intentional investment, course-corrections along the way, and why small, daily “micro-connections” ca...

“How do I influence my child who no longer believes in God?” “What do I do when my adult kids won’t let me talk about faith with my grandkids?” These are painful questions—but in this episode, Dr. Jim Burns offers hope and practical guidance. He begins by breaking down the stages of drifting from faith, then shares five key steps for walking with someone who is deconstructing, and explains why love, grace, and steady presence matte...

In this episode of HomeWord, Dr. Jim Burns welcomes back psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Morgan Cutlip. They dive into the true weight of the “mental load” in marriage, unpacking how this hidden burden shapes daily life and breaking down its three layers—physical, mental, and emotional—while highlighting why that final layer tends to fall heaviest on women. Dr. Cutlip offers practical guidance for couples on how to divide r...

Many moms quietly carry the weight of everyone else’s needs — often at the expense of their own. In this episode of HomeWord, Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Dr. Morgan Cutlip, a psychologist, bestselling author, and sought-after relationship expert who is passionate about helping women feel supported and connected in every season of life. Together, they dive into the common guilt moms experience when prioritizing themselves and why t...

Can humor help kids connect with Bible truths? Dr. Jim Burns welcomes back Wayne Rice — co-founder of Youth Specialties, Legacy Coalition member, veteran youth ministry leader, author of over 30 books, and bluegrass enthusiast — for a lively conversation on using humor to teach kids about God’s Word. Wayne shows how laughter can open doors for kids and teens, making Biblical lessons both memorable and meaningful. He shares funny st...

Even from miles away, grandparents can play a powerful role in helping their grandkids grow in faith. Today, Dr. Jim Burns welcomes Wayne Rice — co-founder of Youth Specialties, member of the Legacy Coalition, longtime youth ministry leader, author of over 30 books, and bluegrass enthusiast — for a meaningful conversation on intentional grandparenting. Wayne shares practical ways grandparents can invest spiritually in their grandki...

What does it mean to be an intentional grandparent in today’s world? Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Dr. Dudley Chancey, long-time youth pastor, educator, and founder of the Intergenerational Faith Center at Oklahoma Christian University, for a powerful conversation about building a legacy of love, faith, and values. Dr. Chancey offers encouragement to grandparents who didn’t grow up with a faith foundation—or who are struggling becau...

In this second part of Understanding Your Teen, Dr. Jim Burns dives deeper into how parents can shape their child’s character and responsibility—without crushing their spirit. He shares how to set clear expectations, establish healthy boundaries, and guide your teen toward independence, including practical tools like the ABC’s of ending the homework hassle.

Dr. Burns also unpacks what it means to nurture your child’s faith journey—h...

Do you ever feel confused—or even frustrated—by your teenager’s behavior? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns unpacks why teens act the way they do and how parents can come alongside them with greater understanding. He explains how adolescence is a season of identity formation and that the brain isn’t fully developed until around age 24. Jim reveals how teens shape culture, values, and technology. Parents will learn wh...

Did you know your attachment style can shape—or shake—your closest relationships? In this episode of HomeWord, Dr. Jim Burns talks with Marc and Amy Cameron—founders of How We Love. Marc is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Amy is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Together they unpack the five attachment styles, how they influence connection and conflict, and why two insecure styles can’t a...

Blended families can feel messy and overwhelming, but with patience and grace, those challenges can transform into a thriving, love-filled home. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns talks with speaker, author, and stepfamily expert Laura Petherbridge about the unique challenges and opportunities of stepfamily life. Drawing from her own experience growing up with stepparents and later becoming a stepmom, Laura shares practical, faith-base...

Many parents feel anxious or unequipped to talk about gender and identity with their kids—but Dr. Kathy Koch shows how biblical wisdom and simple, honest conversations can build confidence and discernment. Christian author and speaker Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., joins Dr. Jim Burns for a powerful conversation to equip parents with biblical wisdom and practical tools for guiding their children through today’s ge...

When the kids leave home, it’s easy to feel a mix of sadness, uncertainty, and even excitement. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns unpacks the reality of empty nest syndrome and offers practical steps to help you thrive—not just survive—this new season. With wisdom, humor, and compassion, he shares survey questions to gauge where you’re at emotionally, plus guidance for rekindling passion in your marriage, rediscovering your purpose, a...