In this episode, Chris Grace welcomes licensed counselor and author Debra Fileta to explore why healthy relationships depend on strong people skills. They discuss the common assumption that we’re good with people, the impact of technology and distraction on connection, and how self-awareness, ownership, and intentional conversation can transform our relationships. Debra shares practical insights on going deeper in conversations, recognizing emotional filters, repairing relational ruptures, and focusing on changing your own “ingredients” rather than trying to change others. Whether you're dealing with roommates, spouses, friends, coworkers, or family members, this episode offers valuable advice to improve your relationships and communicate with greater depth and intentionality.

Resources Mentioned:

• People Skills by Debra Fileta — Learn practical relational skills to improve communication, ownership, and connection in every relationship.
  https://amzn.to/48j4wm8
• Debra Fileta — Articles, counseling resources, podcast, and relationship tools.
  https://debrafileta.com
• Talk To Me Podcast — Debra Fileta’s podcast focused on meaningful conversations and healthy relationships.
  https://debrafileta.com/talktome/
  
  

Connect with Us:

• Website: cmr.biola.edu
• Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
• Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
  
  

Join the Conversation:

• Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
• Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
  Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
  👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv

About the Hosts:

Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace’s staff members, Tatum Munivez and Rachel Pestana, explore the challenges of navigating life after college in “The Postgrad Trenches.” They discuss key transitions like moving back home, starting a new job, relocating to a new city, shifting friendships, unmet expectations, and the pressure to have life figured out. Drawing from their own real-life experiences, they provide practical insights and encouragement to help you navigate uncertainty, build new rhythms, process grief, and stay intentional in your relationships during this major life shift.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nNdyZMyPv58

Resources Mentioned:

• CMR Blog on Friendship After Graduation – Practical encouragement on maintaining friendships post-grad (https://cmr.biola.edu/blog/2025/when-life-changes-how-do-friendships-survive)
• CMR Blog on Inviting God Into Your Emotions – Spiritual guidance for processing post-grad transitions (https://cmr.biola.edu/blog/2026/five-reminders-about-god-for-the-graduating-senior)
• Biola CMR Free Relationship Advice – Confidential, biblical, and practical relationship guidance (https://cmr.biola.edu/resources/relationship-advice)

Connect with Us:

• Website: cmr.biola.edu
• Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
• Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr

Join the Conversation:

• Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
• Leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your platform] to help others discover the show.
• Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
• Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv

About the Hosts:

Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace are joined by Amanda Courvoisier, PsyD, to explore what many people were never taught about sex, intimacy, and expectations in relationships. Amanda holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. from the Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University and is an ABCST Sex Therapy Associate under consultation. Together, they discuss the gap between cultural messages and healthy, biblical perspectives on sex, common misconceptions about sexual intimacy, the role of communication and consent, and how expectations around sex can shape dating and marriage.

The conversation offers practical insight for navigating these topics with honesty, clarity, and respect, helping listeners build healthier, more informed relationships rooted in trust and mutual care.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire – A research-based book addressing harmful sexual teachings in Christian culture and offering a healthier framework for intimacy. https://amzn.to/4czstJ6
• Sheet Music by Kevin Leman – A Christian guide to sexual intimacy in marriage that discusses communication, expectations, and connection between spouses. https://amzn.to/4lyrMCl

Connect with Us:

• Website: cmr.biola.edu
• Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
• Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
  
  

Join the Conversation:

• Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.
• Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
• Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships! http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv
  
  

About the Hosts:
Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.