No More Perfect Podcast with Jill Savage
Self-Improvement
About
Join Jill Savage here on the No More Perfect Podcast as she talks about the messy, less-than-perfect, real stuff of life. Featuring hard-earned wisdom, well-known authors and speakers, inspiring messages, and stories of real families that must be told, the No More Perfect Podcast is designed to be both inspirational and practical. An author, speaker, and coach, Jill is the founder and former CEO of Hearts at Home a ministry that served moms for 24 years. She has been featured on Focus on the Family, Family Life Today Radio, and Dr. Gary Chapman’s Building Relationships shows. She is the author or co-author of fourteen books including Professionalizing Motherhood, No More Perfect Moms, No More Perfect Marriages (with her husband Mark), and her most recent release Empty Nest Full Life. All show notes can be found at www.JillSavage.org/podcast Have ideas for subjects you need to hear about or guests you'd love to see? Send all your suggestions to resources@jillsavage.org! Love the show
Episodes
- Tackling Selfishness | Episode 298
Have you ever noticed a tendency in yourself to put your own wants before the needs of others? If we’re honest, that’s not an easy thing to admit. Most people don’t naturally think of themselves as selfish. And yet, when we slow down and t…
- Letting Go of the Emotional Stuff that Keeps You Stuck with Laurie Davies | Episode 297
Laurie Davies joins Jill Savage on the No More Perfect Podcast to discuss emotional accumulation and how it can keep individuals stuck. Davies, author of "Emotional Hoarding," shares insights on identifying emotional hoarding tendencies an…
- The Power of Prayer in Your Marriage with Brad and Heidi Mitchell | Episode 296
Brad and Heidi Mitchell discuss the importance of consistent prayer in marriage, sharing practical tools to help couples start praying together. They address common obstacles like busy schedules and discomfort, drawing from their own exper…
- Marriage Through the Ups and Downs of Life with Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman | Episode 295
Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman discuss their memoir "Still Here," sharing insights from their four-decade marriage, including challenges and restored moments. The episode explores what-not-to-dos in marriage, where true happiness resi…
- Untangling Anger from Your Life | Episode 294
In episode 294 of the No More Perfect Podcast, Jill Savage discusses anger as a common emotion in relationships. The episode covers the consequences of misusing anger, offers practical steps to understand it, and explores taking one's feel…
- Why a Business Leader Mindset is Hurting Your Marriage with Lantz Howard | Episode 293
Lantz Howard, a coach and marriage therapist, explains on the No More Perfect Podcast how the high-achieving, ruthless mindset common in business can harm marriages. He shares insights on why business strategies don't apply at home, the im…
- How To Launch Your Kids Well with Cristina Wright | Episode 292
A mother’s job is to teach her children to not need her anymore. The hardest part of that job is accepting success. We pour our lives into our kids. We sacrifice, lose sleep, and make sure they have everything they need, only to have them…
- The Hard and Holy Journey of Understanding Death with Yvette Maher | Episode 291
Talking about death can be a tender and uncomfortable subject, but our time on earth is temporary. Someday we will all leave this world, and many of us won’t get a warning of when that will occur. While fear may want to push us away from t…
- God Stories from Uganda | Episode 290
Roosters, candy canes, thermometers, and antifungal cream. These are just a few of the ordinary items we saw God use in extraordinary ways during our time in Uganda this February. This journey of our ministry in Africa, which began with an…
- What is a Father Wound—and How Can We Heal It? with Rachelle Starr | Episode 289
A dad is foundational in every person’s life, but not everyone has a solid, stable father figure to rely on. When Mark and I work with couples and individuals in our coaching sessions, we are often able to trace a person’s current challeng…
- 3 Things That Get Confused for Forgiveness with Tim Tedder | Episode 288
Forgiveness. It’s one of the most powerful tools God gives us in marriage. Yet, when infidelity shatters trust, the path forward can feel confusing. What does real forgiveness actually look like? And how do you know if you’re doing it in a…
- The Healing Journey of Marriage After Betrayal with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith | Episode 287
The chaos that betrayal can cause in a marriage is unlike almost anything else we experience as humans. When trust is shattered, everything feels unstable. Questions swirl. Emotions run high. And the path forward can feel confusing and pai…
- Let the Biscuits Burn: Embracing Imperfect Hospitality with Abby Kuykendall | Episode 286
In a culture that is obsessed with perfection, it’s easy to believe that hospitality requires a spotless home, a carefully planned menu, and a seamless itinerary. But the truth is, connection has never required perfection. Sometimes, the m…
- Facing the Fear of Vulnerability | Episode 285
Vulnerability can feel like a high-stakes poker game where your only option is to go “all in” and either win big or lose everything. Many of us carry the painful memories of when opening up has gone wrong in the past, and these can keep us…
- The Power of Surrender with Mary DeMuth | Episode 284
Letting go is hard. It goes against our natural human urge to cling on tightly to the things we care about so we can maintain a sense of control. This internal game of tug-of-war is something we all struggle with. Even if you aren’t a self…
- Recovering from Infidelity and Broken Trust, Pt. 4 | Episode 283
* Note from Mark and Jill: We’re so glad to share that the No More Perfect Podcast is now available on YouTube! Experiencing infidelity or broken trust in your marriage is one of the hardest challenges a couple can face, but that doesn’t m…
- Recovering from Infidelity and Broken Trust, Pt. 3 | Episode 282
* Note from Mark and Jill: We’re so glad to share that the No More Perfect Podcast is now available on YouTube! “Mom, don’t be foolish. He’s just going to do this again.” Broken trust affects more than just your spouse. There’s a ripple ef…
- Recovering from Infidelity and Broken Trust, Pt. 2 | Episode 281
*Note from Mark and Jill: We’re so glad to share that the No More Perfect Podcast is now available on YouTube! We love finding new ways to connect with you, and we hope you enjoy the added experience of watching along as you listen. Have y…
- Recovering from Infidelity and Broken Trust, Pt. 1 | Episode 280
* Note from Mark and Jill: We’re so glad to share that the No More Perfect Podcast is now available on YouTube! We love finding new ways to connect with you, and we hope you enjoy the added experience of watching along as you listen. “Yes,…
- Makeover Your Mornings with Tara Beth Leach | Episode 279
Welcome to the first episode of 2026! As we welcome the new year, a time marked by fresh starts and new routines, it’s the perfect opportunity to talk about making over our mornings! I personally needed this conversation because I am not a…
- Have Yourself a Merry Christmas | Episode 278
Each year around Christmas, we like to do a special episode where we not only celebrate the holiday, but also look back on the last year and all that God has been teaching us. The days and months can often speed by us, and that’s why it’s…
- Love Like Jesus | Episode 277
We love Christmas! It’s our (and especially Mark’s) favorite time of year. Besides the decorations, presents, cheer, and time with family, Christmas marks a very special event. It’s when God sent His son to earth, which was the greatest ex…
- Understanding the Lies that Hold You Back with Gary Thomas | Episode 276
Are you feeling restless today? Dissatisfied? Sometimes, when we’re feeling these unpleasant emotions, we can struggle to identify their source. What you might not realize is that many of those feelings can come from the false beliefs we h…
- How to Avoid the 5 R’s that Destroy Relationships with PeggySue Wells | Episode 275
This week’s episode will look a little bit different, as we are resharing one of our top five episodes of all time with you! With the holiday season beginning, there will be countless opportunities for relationships to be strained. You’ll…
- Preparing for the Holidays | Episode 274
Can you believe that the holidays are just around the corner? We recently got our first snow in Illinois, and it’s got us in the holiday spirit! Along with the merriment and celebrations of this season come various expectations, obligation…
- Finding Breakthrough in Prayer with Dr. Deanna Shrodes | Episode 273
Every one of us knows what it’s like to hold prayers that haven’t been answered. That season of waiting can feel like one of the toughest battles of all. I experienced this myself during my marriage crisis, and I can’t tell you the number…
- How Men Can Transform Their Marriages with Roy Wooten | Episode 272
When we stand at the altar and say “I do,” our eyes are filled with stars. We’re certain we have found happily ever after. After the wedding day, we find out that this marriage stuff is way more complicated than we initially thought. Once…
- The Dog and Cat Marriage | Episode 271
Have you heard about the dog and cat marriage? It might sound like a crazy concept, but it’s one that has helped us not only understand each other, but also help other couples understand how attachment styles are impacting their marriage.…
- Caring for Someone Whose Spouse Has Passed Away with Amy Graves Boyd | Episode 270
One of the most beautiful gifts we can give to others is our presence in their pain. Knowing you are not alone when you are walking through something hard is so important, especially when it involves the death of a spouse. When you lose yo…
- The Next Day Principle | Episode 269
What is the Next Day Principle? It’s a practice that we have not only implemented in our own marriage and family, but it’s also something we recommend to other couples in our coaching all the time. It helps to slow down reactivity, giving…
- Surrendered Sexuality with Dr. Juli Slattery | Episode 268
As Christians, we are often unclear about God’s views on sex and intimacy. It can be a struggle to make sense of our temptations, shame, brokenness, longings, or desires. What is more, Christian churches and families are often divided in t…
- Finding Community in the Midst of Your Pain with Toni Collier | Episode 267
When brokenness strikes, it can feel impossible to know what to say or how to ask for help. Whether that brokenness is due to hard circumstances, an unexpected diagnosis, or the pain of a relationship ending, when we are hurting, all we wa…
- How to Think About Differences Differently | Episode 266
Have you ever met someone who was not at all like you? Maybe their thinking, mannerisms, or outlook was so different from your own that you clashed or struggled to connect with them? The old proverb, “birds of a feather flock together” is…
- I Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen with Kate Strickler | Episode 265
We have all experienced moments when we wanted more than anything to “keep up with the Joneses.” This comparison trap is nothing new—our parents dealt with it, their parents dealt with it, and so on and so forth. The only difference? Fifty…
- The Power of Presence | Episode 264
Unexpected news, traumatic events, and unfortunate but common stressors in life—such as a fender bender or learning that you’ve lost your job—can hit us in unexpected ways. While we may not be able to verbalize exactly how we feel in the m…
- Help for Women Navigating Mismatched Sex Drives with J. Parker | Episode 263
For today’s conversation, we are talking very openly about the physical relationship within marriage. (If you have little ears around, consider listening on headphones or waiting until you are alone.) Many marriage resources presume that t…
- How to Make Connections in a New Group | Episode 262
This is a special episode with just me (Jill)! For this one, I’m opening up about a topic that is very close to my heart. I wanted to share it this time of year because the end of August is when school starts back up, and as such, many gro…
- How to Speak Life to Your Husband with Ann Wilson | Episode 261
Our words have the power to encourage and inspire others. They also have the power to put down, shame, and discourage. In this conversation, we are looking at the power of our words. Joining me for this discussion is someone who has person…
- What Does It Mean to "Hold Space" For Someone? | Episode 260
“What does it mean to hold space for someone?” A listener recently sent us this question—and it’s such a good one. Simply put, holding space means being emotionally and physically present with someone’s feelings—without judging, making it…
- The Neurodivergent Marriage with Shawna Meek | Episode 259
We all know marriage isn’t easy. Bringing together two people with different life experiences, opinions, and family backgrounds takes a whole lot of intentionality, grace, and growth. When neurological differences enter this complex equati…
- Finding Joy in Distractions with Peg Arnold | Episode 258
We live in a world full of distractions. Technology is always with us, pulling our focus away from the present with notifications that ping at all hours of the day and night. On top of that, many of us deal with internal distractions like…
- I'm the Only One Engaging in My Marriage... Help! | Episode 257
We are excited to have another listener-submitted question to discuss! This question really hit home with us because it resonated with obstacles we’ve recently overcome in our own lives. It reminded us of the powerful emotional growth and…
- Making Wise Decisions in Uncertain Times with Katie Reid | Episode 256
Life can be full of uncertainty. Whether it’s moving to a new city, starting a new job, or walking through a difficult time, we don’t always know how things will work out in the end. When that happens, we can feel frozen by fear and unsure…
- What Does It Mean to Push Accountability? | Episode 255
We’re back for another special conversation, this time about the topic of accountability. When most people think of accountability, they imagine someone asking them tough questions—almost like it’s a police interrogation and they’re in the…
- Stronger Than Stress with Barb Roose | Episode 254
Whether you are experiencing a prolonged period of stress or just having a bad day, everyone experiences times of emotional strain. Our jobs can often overwhelm us with pressure-filled deadlines. Our family budget may be tight, which cause…
- Are You Hinting and Hoping? | Episode 253
If you’re listening on the day this releases, then tomorrow (6/25/2025) is our 42nd wedding anniversary! We can’t believe that it’s already been more than four decades since we walked down the aisle to say our “I do’s”. Would you believe t…
- How to Build Connection as a Blended Family with Paul and Jeannette Savage | Episode 252
An estimated 100 million people in the United States have some sort of “step” relationship. This could be a stepchild, a stepparent, or even a stepsibling. These relationships are often part of what’s known as a “blended” family, where ind…
- Moving from Mark 1.0 to Mark 2.0 | Episode 251
We are doing another episode to answer your questions! Last time we did this, a listener asked to hear more about “Jill 1.0”. For this conversation, we have received a question for Mark! Here’s the message that came in via email: Dear Mark…
- Standing for Your Marriage with Jason Carver | Episode 250
If you’re familiar with the journey Mark and I have walked together, then you know that I spent a year “standing for my marriage” while Mark had an affair and separated. ( You can explore more about our story here. ) It was the darkest sea…
- How to Have Less Arguments in Your Marriage | Episode 249
Over the years, we’ve had our fair share of expectations that ended in disappointment—sometimes around big moments like birthdays, and other times over something as simple as how we spend a Saturday. It’s taken us a while to discover that…