In this episode of the Impact Marriage Podcast, Allan and Nicole Blain share their journey from their first date to over 33 years of marriage. They discuss the challenges they faced, including financial struggles, health issues, and family crises, and how these experiences shaped their relationship. The couple emphasizes the importance of faith, communication, and community in navigating the ups and downs of marriage. They also introduce their new podcast, aimed at providing practical advice and encouragement for couples seeking to strengthen their relationships.

Sound Bites:

"I viewed Nicole as way out of my league."

"She surprised me, shocked me and said yes."

"We can look back and see how God showed up."

Who are we?

We’re Allan and Nicole Blain — college sweethearts, now married 33 years, parents of six amazing grown kids, and co-leaders of a thriving, purpose-driven business and ministry. We met as student-athletes — she played volleyball, I played baseball — just five days after Nicole’s 19th birthday. We were married one year later, five days after her 20th, on September 12, 1992.

Connect with us:

Website AllanAndNicole.com

Instagram @ImpactMarriagePodcast

YouTube @ImpactMarriagePodcast

TikTok @ImpactMarriagePodcast

Order Allan's book "Life's Hard Succeed Anyway”

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to the Impact Marriage Podcast
• 00:55 The Beginning of Their Love Story
• 09:56 Early Marriage Challenges and Financial Struggles
• 11:47 Faith and Family: The Desire for More Children
• 22:31 Finding Community and Mentorship
• 24:43 A Leap of Faith: Moving to Georgia
• 25:35 The Journey to Expanding Their Family
• 27:56 Family Growth and Life Changes
• 29:18 Career Transitions and Financial Struggles
• 32:36 Health Challenges and Resilience
• 36:47 Navigating Personal Loss and Addiction
• 46:15 A New Direction: Building a Home-Based Business
• 51:47 Launching the Impact Marriage Podcast

Takeaways:

• Authenticity in marriage is crucial for a fulfilling relationship.
• Early challenges can strengthen a marriage if faced together.
• Communication is key in navigating family planning and desires.
• Financial struggles can teach valuable lessons about money management.
• Health issues can impact relationships but can also lead to growth.
• Spiritual growth can transform personal and marital dynamics.
• Navigating family crises requires support and understanding.
• Career changes can lead to discovering true passions and purpose.
• Building a supportive community is essential for marriage.
• Sharing experiences can help others facing similar challenges.

Keywords:

marriage, relationship advice, family, love story, health challenges, personal growth, financial struggles, parenting, podcast, Christian marriage