COMMITTED HEARTS

You Can’t Withdraw From a Relationship You Don’t Invest In

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Are you still investing in your relationship?

In this episode of Committed Hearts, William and Donna Porter talk about why strong relationships do not grow by accident. Just like money, time, effort, attention, and affection must be invested if you expect a return.

From dating your spouse, spending intentional time together, honoring personal time, having meaningful conversations, and keeping the connection alive after raising children, this episode reminds couples that love requires consistent investment.

If your relationship feels distant, empty, or disconnected, it may be time to ask: what have we been depositing?

It is never too late to start investing again.

Welcome to Committed Hearts, a weekly podcast for engaged and married couples who want to build a strong, lasting, and God-centered relationship, without pressure, perfection, or churchy overload.

Hosted by The Porters, pastors, marriage counselors, and partners for more than 25 years, each episode blends real-life stories, faith-shaped wisdom, and practical tools couples can apply right away.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth, delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found, they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If Life Is Changing Your Relationship, This Is for You

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Life changes — and so do relationships.

In this episode of Committed Hearts, William and Donna Porter talk about how to keep loving each other through every season of change. From children, aging parents, health shifts, emotional changes, intimacy changes, menopause, work stress, family responsibilities, and becoming grandparents, marriage requires constant adjustment.

But change does not have to weaken your relationship.

This conversation encourages couples to communicate, extend grace, stay united, and keep their love consistent even when life looks different than it used to.

If your marriage feels different lately, this episode will remind you that you can grow through the changes together.

Life may change, but your love can remain.

Hosted by The Porters, pastors, marriage counselors, and partners for more than 25 years, each episode blends real-life stories, faith-shaped wisdom, and practical tools couples can apply right away.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth, delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found, they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Something Has to Break for This Relationship to Work

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

What if the breaking in your relationship is actually part of the process?

In this episode of Committed Hearts, William and Donna Porter talk about the real process of blending, not just in blended families, but in every relationship where two people are trying to become one.

Whether you are bringing children into a marriage, blending routines and personalities, or simply learning how to live life together, one thing is true:

something has to break before true blending can happen.

This conversation is honest, practical, and full of hope for couples who feel like the process has been messy, loud, painful, or confusing.

In this episode, they talk about:

Why blending is necessary in every marriage
What has to break in order for oneness to happen
How to handle the challenges of blended families
Why consistency, fairness, and order matter
How to work through chaos without giving up
What it takes to move from “me” to “us”

If your relationship feels stretched, challenged, or chaotic right now, this episode will remind you that the process may be hard, but the outcome can still be beautiful.

It may break, but it will blend.

Welcome to Committed Hearts, a weekly podcast for engaged and married couples who want to build a strong, lasting, and God-centered relationship—without pressure, perfection, or churchy overload.

Hosted by The Porters—pastors, marriage counselors, and partners for more than 25 years—each episode blends real-life stories, faith-shaped wisdom, and practical tools couples can apply right away.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When Your Marriage is Not What You Thought It Would Be

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

What do you do when marriage doesn’t feel like what you imagined? In this episode of Committed Hearts, William and Donna Porter talk honestly about the moment every couple faces at some point: “Help… this is not what I thought it was going to be.” Whether it is finances, parenting, daily habits, personality differences, structure vs spontaneity, or the unexpected realities of living life together, marriage has a way of exposing things you never saw coming. In this conversation, they share how those hard moments do not mean your relationship is broken. They may actually be part of the process God uses to grow you, strengthen you, and bring you into something better than what you expected. This episode is for couples who are struggling, adjusting, learning, and trying not to give up. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disappointed, confused, or just plain surprised by marriage, this conversation is for you. You are not the only one. You are not stuck. And it can get better.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If You Feel Disconnected… This Might Be Why

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Committed Hearts Podcast, we talk about a principle that can completely transform your relationship: leaving and cleaving.

Most people think it just means moving out of your parents’ house, but it goes much deeper than that. You can leave physically and still be emotionally, mentally, or even habitually tied to your past.

And that might be the very thing blocking intimacy, connection, and growth in your relationship.

In this conversation, we break down:

Why leaving is more than just physical distance
How outside relationships (family, habits, routines) can affect your marriage
The importance of prioritizing your spouse above everything else
What “cleaving” actually looks like in real life
How to rebuild a connection, even if you don’t feel it right now
Why bonding and intentional time together are essential

Whether you’re newly married, engaged, or years into your relationship… It’s not too late to reset.

💡 Sometimes the breakthrough isn’t finding something new…
It’s finally letting go of what’s holding you back.

💬 Ask yourself: Is there anything I haven’t fully left?
❤️ And as always… keep your hearts committed.

Welcome to Committed Hearts, a weekly podcast for engaged and married couples who want to build a strong, lasting, and God-centered relationship without pressure, perfection, or churchy overload.

Hosted by The Porters pastors, marriage counselors, and partners for more than 25 years, each episode blends real-life stories, faith-shaped wisdom, and practical tools couples can apply right away.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found, they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Stop Comparing Your Marriage: How to Create Your Own Image of Love

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

In a world full of social media highlights and picture-perfect marriages, it’s easy to feel like your relationship doesn’t measure up. On this episode of Committed Hearts, Donna and William Porter break down the dangers of comparison and share how transparency, communication, and intentional action can help you build the marriage God intended for you.

Learn why struggles are necessary, how to create your own image of love, and why protecting your relationship from outside influences can strengthen your bond. Whether you’re married, dating, or preparing for marriage, this episode will give you practical tools and spiritual guidance to stop comparing, start growing, and truly celebrate the love you share.

Tune in and discover how to create a marriage that’s uniquely yours—without comparison, without regret, just committed hearts.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

You Can Fix This Starting Today: Affair-Proof Your Marriage

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Committed Hearts Podcast, we dive into a real and honest conversation about how to protect and strengthen your marriage in a world full of distractions.

Affairs don’t just happen overnight—they often start with small compromises, lack of boundaries, and unmet needs. But the good news? You have the power to create a relationship that’s so strong, fulfilling, and intentional that there’s no desire to look outside.

We talk about:

Setting boundaries that actually protect your relationship
Why you should never “test your discipline”
How to create an atmosphere your spouse wants to come home to
The importance of meeting each other’s needs emotionally and physically
Keeping things fun, fresh, and exciting inside your marriage
Why “the grass isn’t greener” (and what to do instead)

No matter where your relationship is right now, you can make a shift today.

This is your reminder:
You don’t need an outsider to fix what can be built stronger on the inside.

💬 If this spoke to you, share it with someone who needs it.
❤️ And as always… keep your heart committed.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

You Think You’re Being Romantic… But Are You?

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Is romance missing in your relationship… and you don’t even realize it?

In this episode of the Committed Hearts Podcast, Donna and William Porter have a real, honest conversation about why romance often fades—and how couples can bring it back in a meaningful way.

Many couples believe they’re being romantic… but never stop to ask if it actually feels that way to their partner.

💡 In this episode, we talk about:

Why your definition of romance might be completely different from your partner’s
The small things that make a BIG difference in relationships
How to keep your relationship fresh, fun, and exciting
Why intentional romance matters at every stage of marriage
Simple ways to bring the spark back—starting today

Whether you’ve been together for years or you’re just starting your journey, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you show love and connection.

✨ Romance isn’t optional—it’s required.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to keep your relationship strong, exciting, and deeply connected.

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more relationship conversations that strengthen your heart and your home.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Stop Avoiding Conflict in Your Marriage! (Do This Instead)

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Conflict is inevitable in marriage — but how you handle it determines whether your relationship grows stronger or slowly breaks down. In this episode of Committed Hearts, William and Donna Porter talk about why avoiding conflict actually makes things worse and how couples can learn to confront issues in a healthy way. They share practical wisdom about creating a conflict plan, staying current instead of letting problems pile up, listening to understand instead of trying to win, and why forgiveness must be a foundation of every strong marriage. You’ll also hear powerful insights about when to bring in a mediator, how to keep peace in your home, and why resolving conflict together can strengthen your relationship instead of damaging it. If you want a healthier marriage and better communication with your spouse, this episode will give you tools you can start using today. Remember: Peace is more valuable than winning an argument.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Matters of the Mouth: How Your Words Can Build or Break Your Marriage

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Are your words building your marriage — or quietly tearing it down?

In this powerful episode of Men At Heart Podcast, William and Donna Porter dive deep into “Matters of the Mouth” — how tone, timing, attitude, and delivery shape your marriage more than you think.

It’s not just what you say…
It’s how you say it.
And even more importantly — when you say it.

From Ephesians 4:29 to real-life moments (including a Walmart parking lot wake-up call), this conversation unpacks:

• How tone can change everything
• Why timing is critical in hard conversations
• The power of apology in marriage
• How to speak truth without creating tension
• Why your spouse must feel safe hearing you
• Creating a peaceful atmosphere at home

Marriage is a beautiful opportunity for growth — but growth requires awareness and intentional communication.

If you want a sweeter marriage, a peaceful home, and better connection with your spouse, this episode is for you.

❤️ Keep your hearts committed.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Help… We’re Different! How Opposites Can Strengthen Your Marriage

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Your Marriage Needs Maintenance — Or the Fire Goes Out

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:01:02 +0000

Marriage doesn’t stay strong by accident — it requires intentional maintenance. In this episode of Committed Hearts, William and Donna Porter dive into the powerful truth that saying “I do” is only the beginning. Just like a fire needs fuel and a car needs regular upkeep, a thriving marriage requires consistent attention, intentional actions, and ongoing investment. Using practical analogies like maintaining a fireplace, servicing a vehicle, and creating a “planned maintenance schedule,” this episode offers real-life wisdom to help couples keep their connection strong, passionate, and growing. You’ll discover: ❤️ Why intentional actions keep love alive long-term ❤️ How “marriage maintenance” prevents emotional breakdowns ❤️ Practical ways to keep dating your spouse after marriage ❤️ Why couples often stop doing what worked at the beginning — and how to restart ❤️ The importance of planning time together and protecting connection Whether you feel like your relationship is thriving or needs a reset, this conversation will inspire you to take small, consistent steps that keep your marriage strong and your love burning. Committed Hearts — intentional love, practical wisdom, and faith-centered relationships.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Actions Speak Louder: Why Saying “I Love You” Isn’t Enough

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:47:10 +0000

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

You say “I love you”… but can your spouse actually see it? In this episode of Committed Hearts, William and Donna Porter explore why actions speak louder than words in marriage. While saying “I love you” is important, true connection comes when love is demonstrated through daily choices, intentional actions, and genuine care. In this conversation, you’ll learn: ❤️ How to move from saying love to showing love ❤️ Simple daily actions that make your spouse feel valued ❤️ The power of observation and understanding love languages ❤️ Loving intentionally — even during disagreements ❤️ Why consistency builds emotional safety and intimacy

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When You Don’t Like Your Spouse: How to Keep Love Strong

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What do you do when you love your spouse… but you don’t like what they’re doing?

In this episode of Committed Hearts, William and Donna Porter get real about the “dislike list”—those moments, habits, tones, and pet peeves that can frustrate you in marriage if you let them grow. They share a practical mindset shift that helps couples protect love during frustrating seasons: stop magnifying the dislike, and build your “love list” on purpose.

You’ll learn how to:

Keep dislikes from becoming resentment
Handle conflict without avoiding it
Shrink the “dislike list” through maturity and communication
Use appreciation and affirmations to change the atmosphere in your home
Apply the “3 positives for every 1 negative” principle
Celebrate small steps and keep love at the forefront

If you’ve ever thought, “Why does that bother me so much?”—this episode will give you tools to respond with wisdom, stay committed, and grow stronger together.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Boundaries in Marriage: Protect Your Relationship Without Pushing Each Other Away | Committed Hearts

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Boundaries aren’t about building walls—they’re about building a healthy, lasting marriage.

In this episode of Committed Hearts, we dive into what boundaries really look like in marriage and why they’re essential for trust, respect, and emotional safety. Many couples struggle with boundaries—whether it’s with family, friends, communication, or personal space—but learning how to set them with love can transform your relationship.

We talk about:

Why boundaries strengthen love instead of weakening it
How to set boundaries without conflict or control
Common boundary mistakes couples make
How faith and commitment guide healthy limits
Practical ways to protect your marriage while staying connected

Whether you’re engaged, newly married, or decades in, this conversation will help you create a stronger foundation and a healthier partnership.

Intentional love. Practical wisdom. Committed hearts.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Stop Parenting Your Spouse: The Perspective That Changes Everything

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

What if the biggest shift your marriage needs is a change in perspective?

In this episode of Committed Hearts, we talk about how seeing your spouse as God’s son or daughter changes the way you speak, listen, handle conflict, and show love. When perspective shifts, everything else follows—communication, respect, patience, and connection.

We discuss:

Why treating your spouse like a parent damages intimacy
How paying attention builds trust and emotional safety
The power of agreement over control
Why love is bold, intentional, and learned over time
How honoring God starts with how you honor your spouse

This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply encouraging for couples who want more than just staying married—they want a great marriage.

No perfection. No pressure. Just intentional love and committed hearts.

You’ll hear honest conversations about communication, connection, conflict, intimacy, and spiritual growth—delivered with grace, humor, and zero judgment.

Whether you're newly engaged or decades into marriage, Committed Hearts will encourage you, challenge you, and help you grow together emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.

Because great marriages aren’t found—they’re intentionally built, one committed heart at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Our Story: How We Built a Marriage with Love & Intentionality

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Committed Hearts, a podcast for engaged and married couples who want a stronger, more connected, and more intentional relationship—without the pressure, the clichés, or the churchy tone. Just real talk, real tools, and real love.

In this very first episode, we’re sharing our story—how we met, fell in love, built a marriage rooted in commitment, faith, and friendship, and how we’ve learned (and keep learning) to put God at the center in a way that feels natural, not forced.

We open up about:

The unexpected parts of our love story
Seasons that stretched us and seasons that strengthened us
How we learned to communicate, forgive, and grow together
Why we believe God-centered relationships don’t have to be complicated
What Committed Hearts will bring you each week—practical tools, honest conversations, and encouragement you can apply right away

Whether you’re dating, engaged, newly married, or decades in, this episode sets the tone for the journey we’ll be taking together: authentic, relational, faith-aware, and deeply practical.

Join us as we share where it all began—and how you can build (or rebuild) a marriage that lasts.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.