Behind the Mission: How One by One Podcast Defends Marriage and Family

Nick Leyva And Austin Ellis aren't your typical podcast hosts. As the creators of "One by One," they bring unique perspectives to the table. Austin is a couples therapist with years of experience helping marriages in crisis, while Nick has served in church leadership positions working directly with families. After interviewing Monty and Whitney about their journey of marital restoration, Austin and Nick felt compelled to share their own motivations for creating the podcast. What began as professional interest evolved into a spiritual calling to defend marriage during an era of unprecedented divorce rates. Their mission stems from a deeply held belief that the family unit is fundamental to society and worth fighting for, especially as it faces attacks from all sides.

In this behind-the-scenes episode, they open up about their personal journeys, the spiritual promptings that led them to this work, and why they believe their approach—which intentionally crosses boundaries between therapy, spirituality, and religious practice—offers something unique to listeners.

The Spiritual Call to Defend Marriage  

Nick traces his commitment to defending marriage back to April 2024, when he was released from serving in a bishopric position in his church. As he sat down after his release, he describes feeling an unmistakable spiritual prompting—almost an audible voice telling him this was just the beginning of his true ministry. This moment brought him to tears as he instantly understood it meant starting the podcast, organizing events, and writing books focused on strengthening families. The clarity of this calling left no room for doubt about the path ahead.

This spiritual prompting wasn't isolated. Austin shares similar experiences of receiving divine guidance during extended periods of meditation and communion with God. During one particularly meaningful session in Snow Canyon, Austin spent hours in a lava tube in complete darkness, contemplating the pain of couples he'd worked with and seeking inspiration on how to help them find healing. These experiences of seeking divine guidance solidified their conviction that defending marriage was their life's purpose.

Both hosts believe they're part of something much larger than themselves—a movement to gather "an army" of people committed to defending the family. They describe feeling assured there are others both in this life and beyond the veil who share this mission. Rather than seeing themselves as unique or special, they view their podcast as simply one contribution to this larger cause, creating space for others to join in whatever capacity they can serve.

Beyond Traditional Categories  

Austin and Nick intentionally position their work outside the boundaries of any single discipline. They laugh about how they don't quite fit anywhere—therapists find them too spiritual, spiritual healers find them too religious, and some religious circles find their approach too open to outside influences. Rather than seeing this as a drawback, they view it as confirmation they're on the right path, following Christ rather than conforming to human categories.

This approach allows them to draw from multiple disciplines and traditions while maintaining their foundation in covenant relationships. Nick mentions how he was directed away from completing his therapy degree despite being just credits away from finishing. The Lord showed him the credential wasn't necessary for the work he was called to do. Similarly, Austin notes that while his therapy background provides useful skills, when stepping into discipleship, "my degree is irrelevant." Their focus isn't on clinical techniques but on connecting people with divine healing.

The hosts emphasize truth-seeking over methodology. They're willing to explore various approaches and incorporate practices like meditation that might seem unfamiliar to some religious contexts. Nick references President David O. McKay's teaching that meditation is one of the most powerful ways to receive revelation, even more effective than vocal prayer. They believe this openness to finding truth wherever it exists, while maintaining their foundational beliefs, creates a unique space for healing that wouldn't be possible within more rigid frameworks.

Authenticity in Leadership  

One of the most striking aspects of the episode is Austin's vulnerability about his own marriage struggles. Despite being a couples therapist who helps others heal their relationships, he openly acknowledges that his own marriage has been in a difficult place for years and may be ending. Rather than hiding this reality, he shares it as part of his authentic journey, demonstrating that personal perfection isn't required for meaningful service.

Austin reflects on the paradox of being "a super safe therapist for a lot of people" while his wife has struggled to feel safe with him. This honest admission highlights their core belief that everyone is "the one"—the lost sheep Jesus comes to find. They reject the common assumption that we are among the ninety-nine while someone else needs rescuing. Austin notes that his personal struggles have equipped him with insights and compassion he couldn't have gained otherwise, making him more effective in helping others.

Nick affirms Austin's authenticity, noting that he's witnessed Austin at his lowest points but has never seen him "tap out" or abandon his mission. This resilience comes from what Austin describes as "a taste of eternity"—a glimpse of what's possible that makes every effort worthwhile. Even facing the potential end of his marriage, Austin maintains hope and faith that the Lord can either heal their relationship or create something better than he can currently imagine. This modeling of hope amid difficulty forms the foundation of their message to listeners.

The Philosophy of Relationship Perseverance  

Nick introduces the concept of "it takes what it takes" from a book that advocates rejecting both pessimism and optimism in favor of realism. Applied to marriage, this philosophy means committing to do whatever is necessary for however long is necessary to create a healthy relationship. This stands in contrast to the conditional approaches many bring to marriage, where happiness is postponed until some future milestone.

The hosts emphasize that truly valuable endeavors require complete commitment. Nick jokes that he doesn't understand people who adopt a "do this or die" mentality for dropshipping companies or insurance adjustments, but readily embraces that level of commitment for family. He states simply, "I would die for my family," reflecting their belief that family is worth the ultimate sacrifice.

Austin connects this philosophy to their spiritual understanding, noting that "from a gospel perspective, truly it takes everything. The Lord wants all of it, the whole soul." He references the biblical story of Abraham's test, where complete surrender was required. This willingness to give everything becomes not just a relationship strategy but a spiritual path—one that both hosts believe leads to the deepest fulfillment possible, even when the journey involves pain and difficulty.

Ways to Join the Movement  

For those inspired by the One by One mission, there are multiple ways to get involved:

• As someone struggling in marriage - Reach out for help through their programs designed to help couples overcome challenges and reclaim their love

• As a fellow defender of family - Join their team in creating content, speaking at events, or otherwise contributing your unique gifts

• As a supportive listener - Follow, comment, and share their content to help spread their message

• As a spiritual ally - Pray for their work and the families they're trying to reach

• As a financial supporter - Contribute to making their resources more widely available

Their approach is personalized—they listen to individual stories and situations before recommending specific resources or involvement opportunities.

An Invitation to Join the Battle  

The defense of marriage and family isn't just for experts or perfect people—it's for anyone who recognizes the value of these fundamental relationships. As Austin and Nick have demonstrated, even those amid their own struggles can contribute meaningfully to this cause. The invitation extends to everyone: Come join in this work, wherever you are in your journey.

Whether your marriage is currently thriving or facing serious challenges, you can be part of this movement. If you feel a stirring in your soul to defend the family, don't ignore it. As Nick stated, "Come fight with us. We don't know exactly how that works right yet, but we'll figure out a way and a place to put you." Your contribution matters, regardless of your credentials or current circumstances.

Take the first step today. Visit the One by One podcast, listen to their episodes, and consider how you might join this cause. Reach out if your marriage needs support, or if you feel called to support others. Remember that the family isn't just about your immediate relationships—it's about building the foundation for a society that values its most fundamental unit. As Austin and Nick would say, it takes what it takes—and what it takes is all of us, working together, to create the families we're meant to have.