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Dr. James Dobson

Dr. James Dobson was the Founder Chairman of the James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produced his radio program, Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and held 18 honorary doctoral degrees. He also was the author of more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family.

Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years, and on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years in the divisions of child development and medical genetics.

He advised five U.S. presidents and served on eight national commissions.

Dr. Dobson was married to Shirley for just shy of 65 years, and he was the beloved father of two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren.

Content By Dr. James Dobson

Broadcasts

Search and Rescue with a Ground Zero Hero

September 12, 2022

When Muslim terrorists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001, close to 3,000 people lost their lives. As a firefighter working in the debris of the attack, Tom Bowen used his fire hose as a lifeline to navigate through the rubble and wreckage. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Bowen explains that 2,000-degree fires continued to burn underground for months afterwards. As he retrieved and returned the remains of the dead to their families, he inhaled toxic fumes, which led to the development of brain lesions and the need for a large portion of his right lung to be removed. As Tom struggled to put his life back together, he discovered how Jesus is the ultimate lifeline for every believer.

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Videos

Preventing Teen Suicide: Kids in Crisis

September 9, 2022

For various reasons, adolescence can be emotionally difficult for teenagers. Their lack of self-worth can sometimes lead to the tragedy of suicide. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson and Dr. Tim Clinton, President of the American Association of Christian Counselors, alert parents to the warning signs in their teens’ behavior and recommend how best to respond. The key is to connect; talk with your son or daughter, communicate your unconditional love and get the help that he or she needs.

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Broadcasts

Rick Rigsby: The Wisdom of a Third Grade Dropout

September 5, 2022

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child up in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Parents have a crucial obligation and responsibility to impart wisdom and sound advice to their kids. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Rick Rigsby boldly declares that the best wisdom he received was from his father, who was a third grade dropout. Rick was told to show up an hour early, be kind to people and that if he did a job, then do it right. The advice of Rigsby’s father has stayed with Rick to this day.

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Newsletters

What is Happening to America? Can We Stop It?

September 1, 2022

September 2022 Newsletter: What is Happening to America? Can We Stop It?

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Broadcasts

Back from the Brink of Divorce – Part 2

August 30, 2022

To any outside observer, Larry Wright was a success. The Phoenix rock ‘n roll disc jockey had paid for an upscale home, nice cars, and provided a comfortable life for his wife, Sue, and their three kids. But on today’s edition of Family Talk, you’ll hear how Larry and Sue’s marriage almost ended in divorce. After Sue became a Christian, she exemplified 1 Peter 3:1, which challenges wives to win their husbands to Christ by their selfless conduct. Larry’s hardened heart was miraculously softened to God’s redemption, and the once-harsh disciplinarian was transformed into a loving father whose relationship with his children was restored.

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Broadcasts

Back from the Brink of Divorce – Part 1

August 29, 2022

Larry Wright was a hard-charging radio announcer who made it to the top of his profession. However, he was a failure at home. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Larry confessed that he was not attentive to his wife, Sue. After she trusted Christ as her Savior, Larry’s heart was melted by her unconditional love. He eventually stopped trying to find purpose in his bank account and at the bottom of a bottle, and invited Jesus into his heart.

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Broadcasts

Moms in Prayer – Part 2

August 17, 2022

If the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective, how much more potent are the prayers of moms who gather to intercede on behalf of their children? On today’s edition of Family Talk, Fern Nichols and Sally Burke, the founder and president of Moms in Prayer International, continue sharing about their ministry, and urge mothers to walk through the four steps of prayer: praise, silent confession, thanksgiving, and intercession. Matthew 18:20 declares, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

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Broadcasts

Moms in Prayer – Part 1

August 16, 2022

In 1984, Fern Nichols was fearful about sending her two eldest children off to junior high. Realizing that the spiritual warfare would be intense, she asked another mother to pray with her for their kids' protection. That was the humble beginning of Moms in Prayer International, a ministry which now has groups in all 50 states and 140 countries worldwide. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Fern compares the efforts of the four friends in the book of Mark, chapter two, who opened a hole in the roof to get a paralyzed man to Jesus. With the heart behind Moms in Prayer, mothers have a similar desperation and determination to bring their children before Christ in prayer.

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Broadcasts

God’s Direction in My Life Part 2

August 11, 2022

God doesn't speak audibly through a megaphone, but He does guide your life in a still, small voice. Guest retired police officer Bob Vernon encourages listeners to trust that God does indeed order your steps even when He doesn't seem to be moving noticeably.

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Broadcasts

God’s Direction in My Life – Part 1

August 10, 2022

After Bob Vernon gave his life to Christ at the age of twelve, he aspired to discover God's will for his life. On today’s edition of Family Talk, he shares how the Lord revealed to him that he should not become an Air Force pilot, but a Los Angeles police officer instead. There were no angelic appearances or a thunderous heavenly voice from above. Rather, as Proverbs 19:21 proclaims, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Bob learned that the Lord’s will is made manifest through circumstances.

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