Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk

As you prepare to celebrate the 246th anniversary of America’s independence on July 4th, will it just be a day off to eat hot dogs and enjoy fireworks? We hope not! On today’s special pre-Independence Day edition of Family Talk, David Barton, founder of Wallbuilders, takes a look at our country’s biblical foundations. For example, in May, 1778, General George Washington told his 11,000 soldiers positioned at Valley Forge in the midst of the Revolutionary War that, “To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”

Today on Family Talk, social researcher Shaunti Feldhahn joins Dr. Tim Clinton for a second installment to further discuss her hallmark “Kindness Challenge.” Shaunti explains that kindness has to be intentional, and it is more than just being polite. When it’s done well, kindness has the power to improve strained relationships and turn difficult marriages around. But it takes practice, and everyone has blind spots when it comes to kindness. Shaunti invites listeners to choose one person in their life, and commit to a thirty-day strategic practice of kindness and grace directed toward that individual. Since 89% of people who participate in the kindness challenge see an improvement in their relationships, it’s definitely worth the effort!

Are you really as nice as you think you are? What does it mean to be kind to others? Today on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton talks with social researcher, speaker, and best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn about her book, "The Kindness Challenge: Thirty Days to Improve Any Relationship". After searching for a singular common denominator in successful relationships, Shaunti discovered that it is, indeed, kindness. But what does “being kind” look like in our daily relationships? First, it means “nixing the negative,” “practicing praise,” and “carrying out kindness.”

On today’s edition of Family talk, hear another day of practical wisdom for those expecting their first baby, or for the parents of a newborn.  Dr. James Dobson continues his discussion with a panel of pediatric doctors. If your baby is colicky, don’t hesitate to ask the grandparents or your close friends to watch the child for a couple of hours so you can take a break. The pediatricians also weigh in on the debate over scheduled feedings versus on-demand feedings, and provide advice on sleep training.

If you’re expecting a child or are the parent of a newborn, you won’t want to miss today’s Family Talk broadcast. As Dr. James Dobson interviews a panel of pediatric doctors, you’ll learn about the importance of breastfeeding, best practices for treating croup, and some of the presumed causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS. Because babies have an insatiable curiosity in their first year, it’s essential to child-proof your home by placing medicines, cleaning products, and other potentially toxic items out of reach.

The Lord has used Dr. James Dobson to help parents dare to discipline, take on their strong willed child, bring up boys and girls according to biblical principles, and manage the heart when love must be tough. But, on today’s edition of Family Talk, radio host Chris Fabry turns the table and interviews Dr. Dobson. We learn how he regrets not having had the opportunity to interview Francis Schaeffer or Billy Graham. He also shares about his transition from Focus on the Family and his memorable interview with serial killer Ted Bundy, who warned parents to protect their kids from pornography.

As a mainstay on Christian radio for over 40 years, Dr. James Dobson has interviewed numerous guests, including presidents, evangelists, counselors and authors. But, on today’s edition of Family Talk, fellow radio host and good friend, Chris Fabry, turns the mic on Dr. Dobson and asks questions of America’s most trusted child psychologist. You’ll discover why he chose radio over TV, what drew him to an interview-style program, and his greatest accomplishments. He also shares the story of his conversion at the tender age of four, along with the power of tears and laughter on radio, and his unchanging message which is grounded in Christ.

In a wave of successive life chapters, Margaret Feinberg battled aggressive cancer, chronic pain and financial hardship. During those trials, she learned that she could either “cling to her crisis or cling to Christ.” On today’s edition of Family Talk, Margaret candidly explains that faith is not the absence of doubt. The thorns in our lives should drive us back to God, Who is our refuge and strength. Contrary to secular claims, we can’t experience transformative faith without sacrifice, suffering, and service. In her book, "More Power To You", Margaret shares that she has learned to pray the simple declaration: “God is good. God is on the throne. Breathe in, breathe out.”

It is important for Christian parents to intentionally pass on the baton of faith to their children. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson delivers a passionate message on the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy. He urges parents not to allow compromise or apathy to seep into their own Christian walk.

As the Supreme Court appears likely to overturn Roe v. Wade, the battle to save pre-born babies will move from Washington, D.C. to the state level government. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America, highlights the ongoing work of her organization, and urges Christians to continue to stand strong in the fight against abortion. Kristan also invites believers to join their campaign for abortion-free cities, and illustrates how we can be mobilized in a “post Roe” America.

“He was my hero!” Those are the words of Dr. James Dobson when describing his own father as he was interviewed by Pastor Ed Young on Father’s Day in 2019. Dr. Dobson concluded that, as a young boy, “I wanted to be like him. I wanted his God for my God, his values for my values.” On today’s special edition of Family Talk, Dr. Dobson and Dr. Young discuss the importance and irreplaceable role of fathers in the home.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19.5 million children, more than 1 in 4, live without a father in the home. When a dad checks out or leaves the home, it's like a bus driver leaving the bus, and the abandoned passengers end up in a ditch. On today’s edition of Family Talk, filmmaker and producer, Stephen Kendrick, gives us hope. The film he made with his two brothers titled "Show Me the Father", features five true stories of wounded dads and broken homes, and how God stepped in and brought forgiveness and restoration. The solution to America’s crippling fatherlessness is to reconnect people to their loving Heavenly Father, and inspire dads to step into their God-given roles, in this moment.

When Christian filmmaker Stephen Kendrick speaks at a men's conference, he asks, “How many of you never heard your father tell you he loved you?” Tragically, half the hands go up. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton and Stephen discuss his recent documentary, "Show Me the Father", that centers on the impact and influence of dads in the home. Stephen explains that there’s a direct connection between a dad’s words and the identity in the heart of his child. Stephen insists that it’s a game-changer when a father loves his child in word and deed, like our Heavenly Father loves us.

On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson, along with married couples Kurt and Olivia Bruner, and Al and Jo Ann Janssen, continue discussing how the Lord should be reflected in marriage. The panel reminds listeners that our relationship to our spouse is an expression of worship and honor in our relationship with the God we serve. Above all else, marriage is a covenant that requires unfaltering commitment.

Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother, and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” On today’s classic edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson, along with married couples Kurt and Olivia Bruner, and Al and Jo Ann Janssen, discuss the Lord’s blueprint for marriage. The author of "The Marriage Masterpiece", Al Janssen makes the comparison that, similar to uncovering the Sistine Chapel’s vibrant beauty after years of being covered by dirt and grime, God’s original vision for marriage has become concealed by the grime of our culture.