The Art of Relationships Podcast

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with licensed professional counselor and marriage ministry leader Dr. Genee Francis to explore marital drift—the slow, often unnoticed loss of connection that can happen even in strong, committed marriages. They discuss why couples begin to feel emotionally disconnected, how communication struggles can actually point to a deeper loss of intimacy, and how different seasons of lif...

In this episode, Rachel Pestana and Tatum Munivez share what they wish they had known before starting college. Drawing from their own experiences as recent graduates, they offer practical encouragement for navigating one of life's biggest transitions. From building meaningful friendships and navigating dating to handling homesickness, connecting with professors, choosing a major, and growing into adulthood, they provide honest advi...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace answer some of the most common (and most honest) dating questions submitted by attendees at the Biola Couples Conference. From navigating physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries to figuring out compatibility, alone time, conflict, and preparing for marriage, they offer biblical wisdom and practical guidance for every stage of dating.

They discuss how to distinguish healthy attraction from...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace continue their conversation with Tony and Lymari Navarro as they share the powerful second half of their story of healing after infidelity. This episode explores what it actually takes to rebuild trust, restore intimacy, and create a stronger marriage through God's grace.

Tony and Lymari discuss the importance of laying a new foundation rooted in Scripture, embracing the "messy middle" of recov...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with marriage coaches, speakers, and authors Tony and Lymari Navarro to hear the first part of their powerful story of betrayal, broken trust, and the beginning of restoration. Tony and Lymari share how their relationship began, their journey to faith, and the challenges they faced as young believers trying to build a marriage without healthy models or examples.

As their family grew, u...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the do’s and don’ts of breaking up well. They discuss how to end a relationship with honesty, kindness, and maturity, while avoiding common mistakes like ghosting, giving false hope, or staying in unhealthy contact after the breakup. They also share practical guidance for navigating the emotional aftermath, processing grief, and seeking God's wisdom throughout the process.

W...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the psychology behind whirlwind romances: relationships that move quickly with intense passion and early commitment, but often lack deep emotional intimacy. They discuss Robert Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, highlighting how passion and commitment can create the illusion of a strong relationship when intimacy hasn’t had time to develop. 

They unpack key signs of...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore what happens when marriages lose passion and shift into what psychologists call companionate love. They discuss the difference between intimacy, commitment, and passion using Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love, why many couples begin to feel more like roommates over time, and the common reasons passion fades—like busyness, lack of curiosity, and taking one another for gr...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the psychology of situationships—relationships marked by emotional connection and romantic involvement but lacking clear commitment or definition. They discuss how situationships differ from casual hookups and traditional dating, using Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love to explain how intimacy and passion without commitment can lead to confusion and instability. T...

In this episode, Chris Grace welcomes licensed counselor and author Debra Fileta to explore why healthy relationships depend on strong people skills. They discuss the common assumption that we’re good with people, the impact of technology and distraction on connection, and how self-awareness, ownership, and intentional conversation can transform our relationships. Debra shares practical insights on going deeper in conversatio...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace’s staff members, Tatum Munivez and Rachel Pestana, explore the challenges of navigating life after college in “The Postgrad Trenches.” They discuss key transitions like moving back home, starting a new job, relocating to a new city, shifting friendships, unmet expectations, and the pressure to have life figured out. Drawing from their own real-life experiences, they provide p...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by Amanda Courvoisier, PsyD, to explore what many people were never taught about sex, intimacy, and expectations in relationships. Amanda holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. from the Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University and is an ABCST Sex Therapy Associate under consultation. Together, they discuss the gap between cultural messages and healthy, biblical p...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with James and Arlene Pellicane to explore how marriage can actually become easier—not harder—over time. Drawing from 27 years of marriage, ministry, parenting, and hard-won wisdom, they unpack what it looks like to build a relationship that thrives for the long haul.

They discuss practical tools for healthy communication (including how to address tone and conflict without ...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore the powerful and often misunderstood topic of forgiveness—and how it differs from reconciliation. Joined by Dr. Matt Williams, professor of New Testament at Biola University, they unpack the biblical, emotional, relational, and spiritual realities of forgiveness and why unforgiveness can become a significant barrier to healing and freedom.

They discuss common misconceptions about ...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore why we were created for community and why finding meaningful, Christ-centered friendships in adulthood can feel so challenging. They discuss the biblical foundation for friendship, common barriers like unrealistic expectations, fear of vulnerability, life transitions, and past hurts, and what healthy, God-honoring friendships actually look like. Throughout the conversation, they offer ...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace sit down with Casey and Meygan Caston, founders of Marriage 365, to explore how small, consistent habits can radically transform a marriage. Drawing from their own near-divorce story and their new book, The Marriage Habit, they discuss how thriving marriages are built not on perfection or big breakthroughs, but on intentional daily practices rooted in curiosity, gratitude, humility, and grace.

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In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to support a friend who is hurting—whether they’re grieving a loss, facing illness, walking through heartbreak, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s pressures. They discuss the importance of being present, listening without trying to fix the problem, validating a friend’s experience, and offering practical help in meaningful ways. Throughout the conversation, th...

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how Christian parents can thoughtfully approach the topic of Santa Claus while keeping Christ at the center of Christmas. They discuss the history and cultural role of Santa, research on child development and imagination, concerns about honesty and trust, and several practical approaches Christian families take. They also offer guidance for building Christ-centered traditions that nurt...

In this episode, Alisa Grace sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Willa Williams to unpack how your family of origin shapes the way you love, connect, and relate today. Together, they explore how childhood caregiving environments form your attachment style—secure, avoider, pleaser, or vacillator—and how those patterns often surface in adult relationships, marriages, and even your walk with God.

They brea...