Podcast
One Degree Marriage: a Christian Marriage Podcast
Hosted by Nathaniel & Xan Sibley · EN
A Christian marriage podcast for couples who want to grow. Hosted by Nathaniel and Xan Sibley. A thriving marriage doesn't happen by accident... it's built one intentional choice at a time.
How do we stay connected when life feels busy and disconnected? What rhythms help us handle conflict with grace instead of frustration? How do we grow spiritually together? What does it look like to bring fun, intimacy, and purpose back into our marriage?
On the One Degree Marriage Podcast, Nathaniel and Xan get real about the everyday struggles and joys of marriage. With biblical wisdom and practical tools, we'll help you take small, one-degree shifts that lead to lasting transformation in your relationship.
Grab a seat on our cozy virtual couch and join the conversation. Then take one step today toward the Christ-centered, flourishing marriage you've been longing for.
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Follow along on Instagram @onedegreemarriage!
48episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
No. 134: When Sex Is Difficult: Our Honest Story and What Helped
Nov 1000:58:43Tap to summarizeSex is meant to be a gift, but what happens when it feels confusing, painful, or even like a burden? In this honest conversation, we open up about the first few years of our marriage when sex was really difficult. We share what we learned through trial, tears, and prayer: how to handle mismatched drives, pain, pressure, and the impact of purity culture. You'll hear five practical steps we wish we'd known sooner, and why patient, sacrificial love (and some gentle honesty) changes everything. 🎧 Plus, paid Substack subscribers get this week's bonus: The Honest Intimacy Conversation Guide — a step-by-step tool to start gentle, Christ-centered conversations about sex. RESOURCES MENTIONED: 📚 Books: • The Mingling of Souls — Matt Chandler • The Meaning of Marriage — Tim & Kathy Keller (referenced for context) • Intended for Pleasure — Ed & Gaye Wheat (older book; contains some outdated views) • A Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex — Sheila Wray Gregoire (the "good girl's" title they were recalling) Other: @christiansexeducator — education on biblical, healthy sexuality Mentionables Lingerie— model-free, beautiful lingerie (10% off with ONEDEGREE) Intimately Us app— clean, marriage-focused intimacy app for couples 👉 Download the free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Become a paid Substack subscriber for the bonus guide
Transcribe →No. 133: Steadfast When Your Spouse Isn't Leading & Is Far From God
Oct 2700:35:20Tap to summarizeWhat do you do when your spouse isn't leading, isn't helping with the kids, and is far from Christ? In this conversation, we share six anchors: pray daily for your spouse, pursue personal holiness, "win without a word" through conduct, lead your children spiritually, seek wise care and counsel, and know your biblical freedom without trivializing covenant. Scripture referenced: Ezekiel 36:26; James 1:5 John 15:1–5; Galatians 5:22–23 1 Peter 3:1–2 2 Timothy 1:5; Acts 16:1–3 1 Corinthians 7 (esp. v.15) Links/Resources: ACTS prayer model guide (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) 7-Day Spouse Prayer Challenge (this week's bonus resource for paid Substack Subscribers) Related episode: "When You Feel Like You're the Only One Trying"
Transcribe →No. 132: When You Feel Like You're the Only One Trying
Oct 2100:26:44Tap to summarizeEver feel like you're swimming upstream in your marriage? You're trying to grow spiritually and build healthy rhythms while your spouse just… isn't there? You're not alone. In this episode, we're breaking down how to stay faithful, hopeful, and steadfast when it feels one-sided. Bonus Resource: Subscribers on Substack get access to our new 7-Day Pray-for-Your-Spouse Challenge — a short daily guide to help you pray intentionally and stay hopeful in this season. 👉 SUBSCRIBE AND GET ACCESS TO ALL PODCAST BONUS RESOURCES
Transcribe →No. 131: Spiritual Intimacy in Marriage: How to Grow Together Without Overcomplicating It
Oct 1300:26:21Tap to summarizeWhen it comes to spiritual intimacy, many couples want it, but few know where to start. Between busy schedules, young kids, and never-ending to-do lists, it's easy to relegate your faith as individuals instead of something shared. In this episode, we unpack how to actually grow in spiritual intimacy with your spouse without making it overwhelming or forced. We share three practical ways to build that connection—starting with short, simple prayer, adding a daily Scripture rhythm, and ending with a weekly family devotional that brings it all together. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to invite God into your everyday marriage rhythms, this episode is for you. 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, or share this episode with another couple who wants to grow closer to God together.
Transcribe →No. 130: 5 Biblical Truths That Transform Marriage
Oct 600:50:01Tap to summarizeMany couples know the Bible mentions marriage, but few stop to consider what those passages actually mean for everyday life. In this episode, we unpack five core biblical truths, from reflecting Christ and the church to living on mission together, and explain how they can reshape your relationship. Grab a notebook and join us on the comfy, cozy, virtual couch for a practical, Christ‑centered conversation. 👉 Download our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Step-by-Step Writing Your Marriage Mission Statement 👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily encouragement + practical tips: @onedegreemarriage 👉 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more couples find this show!
Transcribe →No. 129: How to Bring Fun Back Into Your Marriage: 3 Simple Steps for Everyday Lightheartedness
Sep 2900:35:12Tap to summarizeLife can get crowded with work, kids, church and errands, and sometimes the fun in your marriage gets squeezed out. In this episode, we share why date nights and vacations aren't the only solution and offer three practical steps to cultivate fun right where you are. Join us as we chat candidly about seasons of busyness, weekly marriage meetings and simple habits that restore light‑heartedness. 👉 Download our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily encouragement + practical tips: @onedegreemarriage 👉 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more couples find this show!
Transcribe →No. 128: Before "I Do": 3 Things Every Couple Should Do Before Getting Married
Sep 2200:29:26Tap to summarizeWant to prepare for marriage in a way that sets you up for connection, honesty, and a Christ-centered foundation? In this episode, we share three powerful steps every engaged or seriously dating couple should take before saying "I do": pursuing the Lord individually and together, getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations, and pursuing premarital counseling with wise, trusted mentors. Whether you're a few months from the altar or prayerfully discerning the future, these habits will help you step into marriage ready for unity, intimacy, and mission. 👉 Download our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily encouragement + practical tips: @onedegreemarriage 👉 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more couples find this show!
Transcribe →No. 127: How to Live With Mission in Your Marriage
Sep 1500:42:18Tap to summarizeFeel like you're just co-managing calendars and carpool schedules? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into what it means to live "on mission" as a married couple. We'll chat about how cultural norms can distract us from God's design for marriage. We chat: Why a shared mission statement matters How praying together shifts your heart Why weekly marriage meetings are so transformative Looking at examples like Priscilla and Aquila and passages from Genesis and Ephesians, we're reminded that marriage is a picture of Christ and His Church... so why not aim for deeper purpose and eternal impact? If you're ready to move from cohabiting roommates to mission-minded partners, this episode is for you. Get our bonus resource, a worksheet guiding you step-by-step through writing your family's mission statement (and our library of bonus resources), by becoming a paid Substack subscriber for $5/month! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! 👉 Download our free Weekly Marriage Meeting Template 👉 Follow us on Instagram for daily encouragement + practical tips: @onedegreemarriage 👉 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more couples find this show!
Transcribe →No. 108: Is it Sinful Not to Sabbath?
Dec 10, 202400:44:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we dive into the Fourth Commandment and unpack its significance for Christians today. Many Christians would agree that all of God’s commandments are still relevant, except for the Sabbath. But is that the right approach? We’ll explore why God took the Sabbath so seriously, why it’s for our good, and how it was designed to be a gift, not a burden. Plus, we’ll discuss what it looks like to observe the Sabbath today, how it benefits our physical and spiritual health, and why making rest a regular part of our lives is a crucial practice for honoring God. Tune in as we challenge you to establish a Sabbath rhythm in your life and experience the refreshing peace God intended. Grab a seat on the cozy, comfy, virtual couch! Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter with all our faves here!
Transcribe →No. 107: OMG...GD...What's the big deal?
Nov 25, 202400:37:58Tap to summarizeWhat does it mean to truly honor the name of the Lord, and to not use it in vain? In this episode, we dive into the Third Commandment: “Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God.” While many think it simply prohibits phrases like "OMG" and "GD" there’s far more to this command. From understanding the Hebrew word Shav—which conveys emptiness and falsehood—to exploring how we bear God’s name in daily life, we unpack what it means to respect and represent Him faithfully. Join us as we discuss the weight of words, the importance of reverence, and the profound responsibility of carrying God’s name. Grab a seat on the cozy, comfy, virtual couch! Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter with all our faves here!
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