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Simply Relational

Darran Crager and Dr. Shelly Crager

Welcome to Simply Relational, the podcast that helps you Elevate Marriages and Equip Parents to lead with faith, wisdom, and purpose. In a world that pulls families in every direction, this show is your reminder to slow down, reconnect, and realign your most important relationships with what matters most.

Hosted by Darran and Shelly Crager, Simply Relational brings real conversations to the table—ones that honor authenticity and guide couples toward stronger communication, deeper emotional connection, and Christ-centered parenting. Each episode blends biblical truths with practical strategies drawn from real life—helping you build a marriage that endures and a home that flourishes.

Whether you’re navigating the early years of parenthood, rediscovering your rhythm as a couple, or working to balance faith and family in modern life, Simply Relational offers teaching, stories, and expert insights to support you every step of the way.

You’ll hear from pastors, family coaches, and parents who have learned hard-won lessons about love, forgiveness, resilience, and joy. Expect heartfelt interviews, actionable guidance, and spiritual encouragement that renews your hope and empowers you to lead your home with grace and confidence.

At its heart, this podcast is more than advice—it’s a movement toward healthier communication, intentional parenting, and faith-filled living. Because when marriages grow stronger, families thrive, and communities are transformed.

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19 episodes
weekly
Avg 23 min
English

Episodes 19

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#19
Tuesday · 19 min
Attitude of Gratitude
Discover practical ways to build lasting habits of gratitude in your family life. Learn how small shifts in mindset can help both kids and adults focus on appreciation every day. Why gratitude is not automatic for children—or adults—and how to develop it as a habit How your daily actions and words model gratefulness for kids Two practical tools: "3 before more" and "notice the ordinary" for teaching thankfulness The difference between being thankful in all circumstances versus for all circumstances Simple ways to help children (and yourself) recognize everyday blessings and shift away from a mindset of scarcity Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#18
October 27 · 23 min
Let go of the Reins
Life can feel overwhelming, and sometimes it’s hard to see a way forward. In this episode, real-life stories and biblical principles provide clarity on what to do in the midst of life’s storms. Common struggles families face and the sense of heaviness that can result A powerful hunting story illustrating the value of letting go of control The importance of trusting a guide—even when the path isn’t visible Biblical verses that offer direction and comfort during tough times Practical advice on faith, taking action, and waiting for the right outcome Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#17
October 20 · 25 min
I'm Bored: The Two Words Every Parent Dreads
Feeling overwhelmed by your kids’ complaints of boredom? Discover why today’s children struggle with downtime and what you can do about it. Explore the impact of structured activities and technology on kids’ creativity and decision-making. Learn why unstructured free play is crucial for child development. Find out how setting clear boundaries for screen time can make a difference. Get practical advice on creating a personalized "boredom bridge" list for your family. Understand the value of stillness and how quiet time benefits both kids and adults. Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#16
October 13 · 18 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#15
October 6 · 21 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#14
September 29 · 28 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#13
September 22 · 29 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#12
September 15 · 22 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#11
September 8 · 20 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#10
September 1 · 29 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#9
August 25 · 26 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#8
August 18 · 18 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com. Parenting Pause download: www.pauseparentingtool.com.
#7
August 11 · 26 min
The Secret To Raising Wise Decision-Makers
Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.
#6
August 4 · 25 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.
#5
July 28 · 27 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.
#4
July 21 · 23 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.
#3
July 14 · 24 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.
#2
July 7 · 21 min
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 Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.
#1
June 30 · 17 min
When Priorities Shift Everything
Kick off your journey to stronger relationships with Dr. Shelly Crager and her husband as they share real-life examples and practical advice. In this episode, learn how your priorities shape your life and discover simple tools for lasting connection. The importance of keeping your relationship priorities in order Real-life stories on balancing marriage, parenting, and personal identity The impact of mentorship and coaching in family life Why your time, energy, and resources reveal your true priorities A practical “stone” of wisdom to apply immediately to your relationships Find out how strong your marriage is. Take our Marriage Quiz at www.cragerministries.com.

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