140: Finding Love Through ALS

Podcast Guest: Lisa Valentine Clark

August 4, 2025

140: Lisa

Listen to the Show:

In this Episode

In this heartfelt episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, Lisa Valentine Clark shares the remarkable story of her 25-year marriage to her late husband, Christopher, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2016. Lisa reflects on how humor, loyalty, friendship, and intentional joy sustained them through everyday life, parenting five children, and navigating the devastating challenges of terminal illness—made even more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. With stories of creative connection, unwavering support, and choosing to love “all in,” Lisa offers inspiring lessons for couples facing hardship, those grieving a loss, and anyone wanting to deepen their marriage.

“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”

Time Markers

0:03 – Meeting Lisa – Lisa shares her love story with Christopher.
2:26 – Humor as connection – How laughter shaped their marriage.
6:00 – Facing hard times together – Balancing fun with deep trust.
7:54 – “Window entertainment” during COVID – Creative connection amid hardship.
14:26 – Early marriage lessons – Building a foundation of friendship.
19:19 – Being “all in” – Loving without keeping score.
25:31 – Life after ALS diagnosis – Shifting roles and priorities.
33:34 – Caregiving in crisis – COVID, kids, and faith.
38:15 – Christopher’s generosity – Turning outward despite suffering.
42:36 – 25th anniversary surprise – Love in action, even near the end.
49:17 – Brave love – Choosing deeper connection despite pain.
52:37 – Advice for couples facing illness – Go all in.
54:40 – Finding joy – Recognizing joy in unexpected places.
59:06 – Key to a stronger marriage – Loyalty in friendship.
1:01:09 – Takeaway of the day – Treat love as an intentional gift.

Insights

Lisa

The takeaway is that love—whether romantic, familial, or friendship—is a gift, not something to take for granted. Viewing it as special encourages giving it intentionally in ways others can truly feel. Practicing love in all relationships strengthens connection skills, which can also benefit a marriage. Treating love as a deliberate, meaningful act has the power to positively transform lives.

Liz’s

Even if you consider yourself “all in” on your marriage, there’s always room to deepen loyalty and strengthen the friendship at its core.

Dave’s

In moments of stress, pain, or hardship, our natural instinct is to turn inward—but true love is shown by turning outward, focusing on the needs of others even when we are suffering.

About Lisa:

Lisa Valentine Clark is the executive producer and host of The Lisa Show podcast, and Council of Moms podcast. She works as a freelance writer and actor, including the “real mom” in the viral videos for Chatbooks. She wrote, Real Moms Making It Up As We Go, hosted the tv show “Random Acts,” and headlined the musical improv tv show “Show Offs.” She has starred in movies Stalking Santa, Once I Was a Beehive, and Once I Was Engaged. Lisa is the mother of 5 mostly grown children.

Lisa Resources:

@thelisashow

@yourfunnyvalentine

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