March 10, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • 1 Timothy 4:12, Galatians 6:2, Proverbs 11:14
The early habits you form in marriage don’t just shape your first year — they set the trajectory for decades to come. In this episode, the More than Roommates team unpacks the foundational patterns that help couples build a marriage that doesn’t drift into “roommate mode,” but instead grows into a lifelong flourishing biblical marriage.
Discussion Questions:
- What kind of marriage do we want to “vote for” with our daily habits?
- Are we consistently praying together? If not, what’s stopping us?
- Who has permission to speak into our marriage?
- Is sex something we are proactively nurturing or just hoping works itself out?
- Do we address conflict quickly, or let things simmer?
- Are there boundaries (work, family, schedule) we need to clarify?
Resources:
- Ready or Knot by Scott Kedersha
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Married Sex by Gary Thomas and Debra Fileta
- Celebration of Sex for Newlyweds by Douglas Rosenau
- https://open.spotify.com/episode/3hykzuvomae03mf9ujporr?si=sgydhyswtlcdjnx4qgiowa
- https://open.spotify.com/episode/0eyjycezppaabdwejydq3d?si=smbtt67-qs2tveposzdneq
- https://open.spotify.com/episode/2b4wt7oqcmazsr5rfxed6q?si=bqsxvplgsbmsc4klehshbq
Episode 362: How to handle the news (feat. Jason Woodruff)
March 9, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
In this episode we talk to Jason Woodruff, founder and editor in chief of The Pour Over, about how to handle the news. Some of us probably consume too much news, while others too little. How do we live informed, but not always outraged. This is an important episode for everyone!
Remain in Christ (Abide)
March 8, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • Colossians 2:6–15
Real faith isn’t just believing in Jesus once, it’s continuing to walk with Him every day. Don’t chase the counterfeits of the world; Jesus has already paid your debt and proved He is enough.
Continue to live your life in Christ
Don’t be captured by counterfeits
Your charges are canceled. Christ’s work is complete.
Life Group Discussion:
What does it practically look like for you to live with Christ, not just for Christ, in your daily life?
When you’ve felt distant from God in the past, what usually caused the drift?
Do you ever feel like you still must “earn” God’s approval? Why do you think that is?
Episode 170- Ditch the Single Mentality in Your Married Reality
March 3, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, John Elmore • Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4–6, James 4:1, Philippians 2:3, Ephesians 5:29
Many of the tensions and conflicts in marriage don’t come from a lack of love—but from living with a single mindset in a married reality. In this episode, the More Than Roommates team unpacks how autonomy, independence, and unchecked habits quietly undermine oneness—and how Scripture calls us to something better.
Discussion Questions:
1- Where do you most see a single mindset show up in our marriage (time, money, body, tech, decisions)?
2- How can I renew my mind around gratitude for my marriage daily?
3- What’s one practical step we could take this week to move toward greater oneness?
Episode 361: Can I be Friends with my Ex?
March 2, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
Break-ups are hard! In this episode we talk about how to handle all of the next steps. Should you reach out to your ex, or ignore them? All of that and more on this episode!
A Life That Has Made Jesus Lord
March 1, 2026 • Nate Hilgenkamp • Colossians 1:24–25
Following Jesus isn’t easy, the climb is real, but it’s worth it because the victory is already won in Christ. The mystery we’ve been searching for isn’t success or status; it’s Christ in you, the hope of glory. And when He lives in you, you don’t just endure the journey, you help others grow, knowing one day it will all be worth it.
Expect the sufferings of Christ in you
Experience the mystery of Christ in you
Extend the maturity of Christ through you
Life Group Discussion:
When has following Jesus cost you something socially, professionally, or personally—and how did you respond?
If you truly believed the power of God lives in you, how would that change your confidence, anxiety, or decision-making?
What fears or excuses keep you from sharing Jesus more openly?
Negative Communication Patterns in Marriage
February 24, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Jeremiah 17:9, Philippians 4:8, 1 Peter 3:7, James 1:19, Proverbs 18:13
In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Andrew unpack four common negative communication patterns that can destroy marriages: withdrawing, escalating, negative interpretation, and invalidation. Through honest stories and biblical wisdom, they help couples identify their patterns, slow down conflict, and pursue Christ-honoring communication.
Discussion Questions:
1. Which W.E.N.I. pattern do you most often fall into—and why do you think that is?
2. What does validation look like practically when one of us is emotional?
3. What boundaries or “pause plans” can we agree on before our next conflict?
Resource:
- https://www.reengage.org/blog/talking-is-easy-communication-is-not
Episode 360: Heal Your Hurting Mind (feat. Craig Groeschel)
February 23, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
We talk with pastor and author, Craig Groeschel, about his own journey to get a healthy mind. Craig experienced work burnout, but found some ways to heal his hurting mind. His insights will help you no matter what season you’re in!
Your Life: By Jesus for Jesus
February 22, 2026 • John Elmore • Colossians 1:15–23
Jesus isn’t just part of your life, He is Lord over all of it: over the universe, over the Church, and over you. If you’ve trusted Him, your life isn’t your own anymore, you were created by Him and bought back for Him. Real freedom begins when you fully surrender.
God the Son Over All
God the Son Over the Church
God the Son Over You
Life Group Discussion:
Where in your life is it easiest to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and where is it hardest (dating, career, money, image, ambitions)?
What gifts, passions, or abilities might God have given you that you’re currently not using for the Church?
If you truly believed you were bought with a price, what would change this week in your habits, relationships, or decisions?
Episode 168- Balancing Two Busy Jobs in Marriage
February 17, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • Colossians 3:23–24, Proverbs 13:12, Matthew 6:21–24, 1 Corinthians 10:31
Busyness with work isn’t just a scheduling problem—it’s often a heart and priority problem that quietly harms marriages. In this episode, Derek, Gabrielle, and unpack how couples with two busy jobs can stay aligned, communicate expectations, and intentionally protect their marriage in demanding seasons.
Discussion Questions:
1- What currently makes our schedules feel most overwhelming, and why?
2- What unspoken expectations do we have about work, availability, or lifestyle?
3- Which priorities might need to be temporarily scaled back to protect our marriage?
4- What would it look like for us to implement daily, weekly, and annual rhythms of connection?
Episode 359: The Way We Date Isn’t Working
February 16, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
In this episode we talk through the major issues young adults have in dating. Are our standards too high? Not high enough? We talk through why things aren’t working and how to fix it!
The Gospel Changes Everything
February 15, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • Colossians 1:1–14
The gospel creates a real before-and-after in our lives, changing what people see on the outside through love, hope, and faith. It transforms us on the inside with new strength and confidence that God is for us. And it moves us into a new Kingdom, where we don’t just act better, we live rescued and changed by Jesus.
The Gospel changes the outside
The Gospel changes the inside
The Gospel changes your Kingdom
Life Group Discussion:
Where do you feel like your actions don’t always match what you say you believe?
When life gets hard, what do you usually run to for strength or control?
What would it practically look like this week to live like you belong to a new Kingdom instead of just trying to be a “better person”?
Episode 167- Make this the Best Valentine's Day Yet
February 10, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Song of Songs 1, Hebrews 3:13
Valentine’s Day can feel commercial, awkward, or unnecessary—but it’s actually a powerful opportunity to fight complacency and intentionally love your spouse. In this episode, the More Than Roommates crew unpacks why celebrating your marriage matters, how simple intentionality can transform connection, and practical ways to make this Valentine’s Day meaningful.
Discussion Questions:
1- What makes you feel most loved on days like Valentine’s Day?
2- When Valentine’s Day approaches, what expectations (spoken or unspoken) do you each carry?
3- What can we do this week to celebrate our marriage?
Resources:
https://www.amazon.com/love-languages-secret-that-lasts/dp/080241270x
Episode 358: Preparing for Marriage (feat. Christian Bevere)
February 9, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
In this episode we get to talk to author, Christian Bevere, about how to wait well for marriage. In your singleness, how can you pray for your spouse while also being content in your current season?
What to do When Desire Drifts
February 8, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • Revelation 2:1–7
JP taught that spiritual drift isn’t usually rebellion but routine, doing the right things while losing real desire for God. Jesus’ message to Ephesus shows the answer isn’t trying harder but repenting and returning to our first love. When we rebuild rhythms that stir our affection for Him, our faith becomes real again.
Discipline without desire leads to drift
Lost love is restored through repentance
Return to rhythms that stir affections
Life Group Discussion:
What spiritual habits do you keep out of routine rather than relationship?
How could admitting drift strengthen your relationship with God instead of producing shame?
What specific practices or environments help you feel closest to God?
Episode 166- Navigating Mental Illness in Marriage
February 3, 2026 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, John Elmore • Ephesians 5:28, Galatians 6:2, 1 Timothy 5:19–23, 1 Peter 5:7
In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and John Elmore to discuss what it looks like to walk faithfully with your spouse through mental illness. With biblical clarity, compassion, and practical wisdom, John shares how he and his wife Laura have navigated OCD, stigma, treatment, and the call to love your spouse as yourself even when it is difficult.
Discussion Questions:
1- When one of us is struggling emotionally or mentally, do we tend to fix, minimize, or walk alongside? How can we grow in being more present?
2- Are there areas where mental or emotional health struggles feel stigmatized or unspoken in our marriage?
3- How do we discern when to show compassion versus when to gently coach one another forward?
4- What fears do we carry about seeking outside help (therapy, medication, counseling)?
Resources:
https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/
Episode 357: How to Be Yourself
February 2, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
Many of us are so prone to changing who we are based on who we’re around. In this episode we talk about how we can stop pretending, and to be who God created us to be!
The Greatest Obstacle to Loving God
February 1, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • 1 John 4:16–19
JP’s sermon taught that many of us struggle to love God because we’re afraid, He’s disappointed in us. But God is love, and His perfect love removes our fear because Jesus already took our punishment. We don’t love God to earn love; we love because we’re already loved.
God is love
Perfect love casts out fears
God loves you
Life Group Discussion:
When you think about God, do you naturally picture love or disappointment? Why?
In what areas of your life do you need to let God’s love replace fear right now?
What helps you remember God’s love when you mess up or feel unworthy?
Episode 165- More Than Parents: Marriage in Different Parenting Seasons
January 27, 2026 • Andrew Owen, Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough • Proverbs 22:6
Parenting introduces new pressures at every stage, but it doesn’t have to pull your marriage apart. In this episode, the MTR Team walk through four major parenting seasons and share how couples can stay united, intentional, and More Than Roommates at every stage.
Discussion Questions:
1- Which parenting season are we currently in, and how is it impacting our marriage right now?
2- Do we feel like we’re truly on the same team—or unintentionally siding with our kids over one another?
3- How do our differences (personality, discipline style, love language) strengthen or strain our marriage?
4- What is one intentional habit we can reintroduce (or start) to protect our marriage in this season?
Episode 356: You Can Love the Bible! (feat. Amanda Bible Williams)
January 26, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp
In this episode we talk to Amanda Bible Williams, one of the founders of She Reads Truth. They have put together a fantastic new resource called “The Bible is for You” that will help everyone love their Bible more. To learn to love the Word of God more, check out this episode!
Authentic Love for God
January 24, 2026 • Jonathan Pokluda • 1 John 5:1–5
When we believe in Jesus, our faith shows up in real ways: we love God’s people, walk in obedience, and live with confidence that Christ has already won the victory. Because of that faith, we don’t just survive the world around us, we live joyfully, grounded in who Jesus is and what He’s done.
We Love His children
We Obey His commands
We are Victorious over creation
We Enjoy faith in Christ
Life Group Discussion:
Who is someone in your life that’s hard to love right now, and what might it look like to love them like Jesus does?
Which of God’s commands do you find easiest to follow—and which feel the hardest right now?
Where do you need to start believing that Jesus has already won, instead of living like you’re trying to win on your own?
What spiritual habits help your faith feel alive and meaningful?
