Skip to content

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

Single Adults, Part 1

Dr. James Dobson welcomes psychologists Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend to explore the unique challenges facing unmarried adults.

Read More
Broadcasts

The Path of Endurance

On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson shares a timeless message from the late Elisabeth Elliot Gren about finding purpose through pain.

Read More
Blogs

Women Want to Experience Closeness Before Intimacy

Question: Dr. Dobson, my wife will not respond to me sexually unless the circumstances are just right. It isn't enough for us to enjoy each other physically. I have to talk to and spend time with her before we even go to bed, or else she is disinterested. Are other women like this?

Read More
Broadcasts

Building a Safe Haven in Marriage, Part 2

Are you and your spouse trapped in the patterns of conflict? Today on Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson welcomes Dr. Arch Hart and his daughter, Dr. Sharon May, to discuss their book, Safe Haven Marriage. They'll share practical insights for breaking free from destructive cycles and building the kind of relationship you long for.

Read More
Broadcasts

Building a Safe Haven in Marriage, Part 1

Conflict is inevitable in marriage, but how you handle it makes all the difference. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson welcomes Dr. Arch Hart and his daughter, Dr. Sharon May, to discuss their book, Safe Haven Marriage. They’ll share powerful insights about creating emotional safety, rebuilding trust, and developing the kind of relationship you want to come home to. Learn how to fight fairly and reconnect after conflict.

Read More
Broadcasts

Living Without Limits

Today on Family Talk, special guest Vince Everett Ellison describes his powerful journey from sharecropper's son to outspoken truth-teller. He'll challenge conventional narratives with biblical insights about freedom, personal responsibility, and authentic brotherhood in Christ. You won't want to miss this remarkable story of growing up in the Jim Crow South and discovering unity across racial lines.

Read More
Broadcasts

Up Close and Personal with Zig, Part 2

What happens when we come to our final moments? Few people spoke about faith and eternity with more clarity than the legendary Zig Ziglar. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson shares a touching conversation with his late friend, exploring Zig’s powerful encounters with angels, his daughter’s journey to faith, and Zig’s unwavering trust in God’s perfect timing.

Read More
Broadcasts

Up Close and Personal with Zig, Part 1

An incredibly wise man once taught that true success means having balance across all areas of life. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson and the late Zig Ziglar have an intimate conversation about faith, family, and perseverance. Zig shares how his mother’s wisdom and unwavering Christian faith shaped his journey to becoming America’s premier motivator.

Read More
Broadcasts

Making Marriage Last

What’s the secret to making love last a lifetime? On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson welcomes marriage expert Dr. Scott Stanley to share powerful insights from his research on lasting relationships. They’ll explore the crucial difference between dedication and constraint in marriage, and explain why commitment is the foundation for building trust.

Read More
Broadcasts

Memories of Ronald Reagan

Today on Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson shares personal memories from his time with President Ronald Reagan, including a surprising encounter at the inaugural ball and meaningful conversations in the Cabinet Room. You’ll hear touching stories about Reagan’s passion for family values and his lasting impact on American policy.

Read More
Showing Slide 1 of 11