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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

Learning to Embrace Brokenness

No one wants to experience great loss or tragedy. Instead of trusting God when heartbreak comes, we often question why He is allowing our suffering. Today’s edition of Family Talk will address that pain through a conversation between Dr. James Dobson and his guest, Pastor Lon Solomon. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” We pray that you will experience the peace only Jesus can bring as Pastor Solomon reminds us that “suffering has a redeeming purpose in God’s plan for our lives.”

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The Practice of the Presence of Jesus, Part 2

You’ve most likely heard of Joni Eareckson Tada, but for those who have not, at the tender age of 17, she had a diving accident that left her as a quadriplegic. Now at age 74, Joni has faced and overcome so many obstacles, including cancer. God has used her mightily! Today on Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson talks with his dear friend, Joni, about the life and lessons the Lord has taught her. She shares how her diving accident could have been the ruin of her entire existence, but instead, God used that tragedy to begin what she calls, “His greatest use of my life.”

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Broadcasts

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus, Part 1

Today on Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson talks with his dear friend, Joni, about the life lessons the Lord has taught her.

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Broadcasts

Nurturing Grandchildren Through Prayer

Whether your grandchildren live close to you or far away, you can be an active participant in their relationship with God. On today's classic edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson talks with Boone and Peggy Powell to discuss the unique role of grandparents in a child’s life, and how that connection is fostered through prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.”

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Broadcasts

An Attitude of Gratitude

On today's special edition of Family Talk, Pastor Chuck Swindoll, in a timeless sermon on the topic gratitude, reflects on Psalm 103, in which King David expresses thanks to God for pardoning his sin, redeeming his life from the pit, and crowning him with love and compassion. The lyrics of the classic hymn, "It Is Well with My Soul," reveals why we are so grateful. "My sin, not in part but the whole; Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!" That is true redemption indeed!

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Broadcasts

The True Meaning of Thanksgiving

1 Chronicles 16:34 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

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Help for Parents of Prodigal Children, Part 2

Allison Bottke shares practical advice to struggling parents, and encourages moms and dads to develop a plan of action to deal with their rebellious child.

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Broadcasts

Help for Parents of Prodigal Children, Part 1

Allison Bottke shares the story of her own wayward son, and reminds parents to never forget the restorative love of Jesus Christ. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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Broadcasts

Prayer, Peace, and the Presence of God

Adversity in life can sometimes cause our faith to be shaken. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson interviews Dave Butts, the late president of Harvest Prayer Ministries in 2018. Before his passing, Dave opened up about his battle with a rare form of cancer, from which he didn’t recover. Through this difficult journey, he revealed what he learned about fervent prayer and the peace of God.

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Broadcasts

The Kids Are Gone: Now What?, Part 2

How does a marriage shift from being child-focused to partner-focused, and how does communication change when the children leave home? In what ways can you keep fun and friendship in your relationship? On today's classic edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson and guests, Dave and Claudia Arp, continue their discussion about the challenges couples face after their kids have flown the coop.

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