About this episode

Pastor Mike Novotny discusses foundational principles for building a lasting marriage with Dr. Carol, focusing on communication, expectations, and vulnerability.

What does take to really build a marriage that thrives, not just survives? In this episode, Pastor Mike Novotny discusses with Dr. Carol the foundational principles for building a lasting and healthy marriage, particularly during the first year of marriage . From issues like faith, communication, sex, finances, chores, in-laws, and more, Mike delves into one of the most common — and most overlooked — sources of conflict in marriage: colliding expectations. Mike also opens up about his struggle with pornography, explaining how embracing vulnerability and living out the principle of confession (James 5:16) brought healing not only to his personal life, but to his marriage as well. Whether you're a newlywed or decades in, this episode is packed with actionable insight and a reminder that marriage isn't a destination you reach on your wedding day; it's a lifelong journey. And the couples who thrive are the ones who keep showing up, keep investing, and keep choosing each other — one intentional day at a time. You can learn more about Pastor Mike Novotny at Time of Grace Ministries , or Facebook , X , or Instagram To order his book, go to Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley

Guest: Pastor Mike Novotny

Topics covered

• marriage
• communication
• faith
• conflict resolution
• vulnerability
• intimacy

Keywords

• marriage
• love
• newlywed
• conflict
• pornography
• healing
• intimacy
• faith

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Time of Grace Ministries

Books & works: Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One

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• The Rise of Artificial "Intimacy": Why Human Connection Still Matters · June 30, 2026 · 53 min
• From Brokeness to Healing: Restoring Your Marriage After Betrayal · June 23, 2026 · 51 min
• How to Build a Blended Family That Works · June 16, 2026 · 45 min

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