148: Marriage Ready: Premarital Education Makes A Difference
Podcast Guest: Jeremy Boden
September 29th, 2025
Listen to the Show:
In this Episode
In this episode, Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale welcome back Dr. Jeremy Boden to discuss the brand-new Marriage Ready and Remarriage Ready e-courses created in partnership with the Utah Marriage Commission. Together, they explore why premarital education matters, how couples can access these free research-based resources, and the benefits of being intentional about building strong marriages. Topics include communication, conflict resolution, sexual intimacy, finances, and stepfamily dynamics. Whether you’re preparing for your first marriage or entering a remarriage, this episode highlights practical tools and proven strategies to create lasting, healthy relationships.
“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”
Time Markers
00:03 – Welcome and guest introduction
01:13 – Why premarital education matters
04:09 – Addressing stigma around premarital counseling
07:37 – Utah marriage license discount explained
08:55 – Free resources for all couples
10:54 – Key topics covered in Marriage Ready
12:29 – Course design and interactive structure
15:41 – Research-based benefits of premarital education
16:39 – Additional assessments and tools (RELATE, Ready)
21:01 – Launch of Remarriage Ready course
24:56 – Unique remarriage challenges (stepfamilies, past wounds)
26:59 – Are remarried couples more proactive?
27:23 – Key to stronger marriage connection: repair + positive connections
31:27 – Jeremy’s private practice and “Before We Say I Do” program
34:06 – Takeaways from Jeremy, Liz, and Dave
36:46 – Closing gratitude and resources
Insights
Jeremy's
Consistently strong marriage is absolutely possible—but it doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional, proactive, and consistent effort. Preparing well before marriage and continuing that work throughout the relationship sets the stage for lasting connection and growth. With steady effort, couples can build a great marriage and maintain a deep, resilient bond.
Liz’s
Strong marriages aren’t free of conflict—they thrive because couples repair, reconnect, and keep building together.
Dave’s
While there’s no shortage of generic advice online, the most valuable marriage preparation comes from trusted, research-based resources created by experts. The Utah Marriage Commission and USU Extension have developed free e-courses, webinars, and tools like Marriage Ready and Remarriage Ready that offer proven strategies to help couples build strong relationships. Even if you’re not preparing for marriage yourself, you likely know someone who is—whether a friend, family member, or someone in your community—and sharing these resources can make a real difference. Don’t keep them a secret; spreading this knowledge helps couples start off strong and supports healthier, more connected marriages for the long run.
About Jeremy:
Dr. Jeremy Boden is an associate professor of family science at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, where he teaches courses in romantic relationships, human sexuality, and couples therapy. Jeremy is a licensed marriage and family therapist and maintains a small private practice in Provo, Utah and specializes in couples therapy and premarital counseling. Jeremy has presented research nationally and internationally on family and couple relationships and presented on relationships in local and reginal settings. He is also the owner of the Center for Marriage Preparation and the developer of the comprehensive Before We Say “I Do” premarital program for engaged couples.
Jeremy is married to his beautiful wife, Daria, and they have four children.
For more information on the Before We Say “I Do” comprehensive premarital preparation program, please visit www.centerformarriageprep.com or contact Dr. Boden at jeremysboden@gmail.com
Jeremy's Resources
www.centerformarriageprep.com
jeremysboden@gmail.com
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