How to Rebuild Trust After Betrayal in Your Marriage, with Mark and Jill Savage - Episode 49

September 08, 2026
00:00 52:10
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Rebuilding trust after infidelity—or any serious betrayal—can feel impossible. How do you begin trusting someone again when that trust has been completely shattered?

In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff sit down with longtime friends Mark and Jill Savage, authors, speakers, and marriage coaches who know this journey firsthand. They share the story of the affair that nearly ended their marriage, the moment everything began to change, and the long process of rebuilding what had been broken.

Mark and Jill explain why trust isn't restored with one apology or promise to change. Instead, it comes back through consistent changed behavior over time—what they describe as rebuilding trust "one tablespoon at a time." They share practical examples of what honesty, transparency, accountability, and compassion looked like in their own recovery, as well as the role faith, humility, and grief played in their healing.

For anyone facing infidelity or another serious breach of trust, this conversation offers practical steps for moving forward—and hope that even when a marriage feels beyond repair, the story may not be over yet.

This Episode's Key Topics

  • Mark and Jill Savage's personal story of infidelity and recovery
  • The turning point that began the healing of their marriage
  • Why rebuilding trust requires consistent changed behavior over time
  • The "Trust Bathtub" and rebuilding trust one tablespoon at a time
  • The importance of honesty, transparency, and proactive accountability
  • Taking responsibility for betrayal without shifting blame
  • The role of grief, humility, and faith in the healing process
  • Hope for couples who feel like their marriage may be beyond repair

Resources

Mark and Jill Savage: markandjill.org
No More Perfect Podcast: podcast.nomoreperfect.com
Free Rebuilding Trust Guide: rebuildingtrust.us

Connect with Mark and Jill

Instagram: @jillsavage.author
Facebook: @jillsavage.author

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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Meet Your Host
Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn are best-selling authors, popular speakers, and internationally-renowned social researchers. Nearly twenty years ago, this average couple stumbled over some things they didn’t “get” about each other. They have been using their analytical backgrounds to help other semi-confused couples decode each other ever since.

Both with graduate degrees from Harvard, Shaunti and Jeff are the authors and co-authors of many groundbreaking books, such as For Women Only, For Men Only,  The Kindness Challenge, and When Hurting People Come to Church.

For more from Jeff and Shaunti, visit www.shaunti.com.
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