Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast

Episode 136: Saying “I’m Sorry” to Your Toxic In-LawsIn this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the pitfalls of reflexively saying "I'm sorry" to toxic in-laws. Drawing on her personal journey and 30 years of experience, she unpacks why these automatic apologies can backfire and undermine boundaries. Listeners will gain practical encouragement for breaking the habit of false apologies and learn to prioritize honesty and peace with God over people-pleasing. If you struggle with challenging in-law dynamics, this episode offers thoughtful guidance to help you respond with truth and integrity.This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.Resources & Links:If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-courseTired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.comFor a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan breaks down why the phrase "that's not going to work for us" is so powerful when setting boundaries with toxic in-laws. She explores the difference between individual versus unified responses, drawing on her own thirty years of experience navigating these challenging relationships. If you're struggling to communicate boundaries or feel pressure to over-explain, this episode will empower you to claim your autonomy as a Catholic wife—always with charity and wisdom.This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.Resources & Links:If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-courseTired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.comFor a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan dives into why you should avoid telling your toxic in-laws that you might be overreacting. She unpacks how self-doubt and years of conditioning can lead us to minimize our own hurt, and offers practical guidance rooted in faith and personal experience. If you’ve ever second-guessed your reactions or struggled for validation, this episode is filled with encouragement and actionable advice for navigating difficult in-law dynamics.This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.Resources & Links:If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-courseTired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.comFor a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the challenging topic of telling your toxic in-laws "no" and standing firm in your boundaries. Drawing from her decades of personal experience, Miriam Susan unpacks why saying no is not only healthy but also authentically Catholic. If you struggle with guilt or fear when refusing family demands, this episode will equip you with practical advice and spiritual encouragement to respond with clarity and kindness.This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.Resources & Links:If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-courseTired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.comFor a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodesChapters:00:00 – Introduction: Launching the series on "phrases your in-laws don't want to hear" 02:30 – Scriptural foundation: Matthew 5:37 on letting your "yes" be yes and "no" be no 03:06 – Being a "no" person vs. struggling to say no 03:38 – Marriage dynamics: Navigating differing comfort with saying no 05:03 – Family conflict: When saying no upsets in-laws used to hearing yes 06:49 – Enabling and tantrums: How toxic personalities train others to never say no 07:49 – Validating the experience of rehearsing a difficult "no" 08:44 – The anxiety and rehearsal leading up to saying no at family events 09:21 – The danger of overexplaining: How excuses are used against you 11:58 – The weaponization of excuses and the Christian guilt over saying no 12:56 – Overexplaining as fear, not virtue 14:58 – It's not wrong to say no: How reactions reveal family dysfunction 16:08 – Emotional honesty: Why a plain no unsettles enmeshed families 17:08 – Disrupting the web: The ripple effect when you break family patterns 20:10 – The cost of being a cycle breaker: Pushback and misunderstanding 21:45 – Critique of advice urging blind family loyalty over boundaries 23:07 – Don't mistake clarity for ease: No is often met with resistance 23:23 – The struggle of not having your no received 24:24 – Expecting pushback: It isn't un-Catholic to set limits 24:55 – Resource offer: Conversation scripts for difficult in-law talks 25:29 – Gathering community: Invitation to the free women's group

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores why your in-laws don't have to like you—but they do have to respect you. Drawing from her own 30 years of experience navigating toxic family dynamics, Miriam offers practical advice on setting boundaries and seeking respect rather than affection. With scriptural wisdom and relatable stories, this episode empowers Catholic wives to hold the line on dignity and reclaim their peace, even in the face of persistent disrespect.

Episode 131: Your Marriage is Not Your Toxic In-Laws’ Side ProjectIn this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores why your marriage should never be your toxic in-laws' side project. Drawing from her own experience of nearly thirty years navigating difficult family dynamics, she unpacks how outside dysfunction drains energy from your most important relationships. If you feel like your marriage has been pushed to the sidelines by toxic in-law drama, this episode will give you validation, practical strategies, and renewed clarity on where your loyalty and energy truly belong.I mentioned in the recording of this podcast that I would try to share a link to the "Umbrella of Protection" image promoted by the IBLP members, but decided I didn't want to seem as though I was promoting the image itself. So I'm NOT including a link to it, but you can find it online. Be aware that the Catholic Church and Catholic teaching DO NOT follow that model of authority.Interview with Adrian and Shae Misiak: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2u2cpdVrNxEFLY3xK7vZno?si=1X955CbwRUeCWwbxyUCZqw&utm_source=smsThis podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.Resources & Links:If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-courseTired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.comFor a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores how seeking approval from toxic in-laws actually distances you from true peace. Drawing on her own experiences and scripture, she unpacks the exhausting cost of trying to please others who may never accept you. If you find yourself constantly rehearsing conversations or striving for validation, this episode will help you reclaim your energy and remind you where your true worth lies. Tune in for practical encouragement and spiritual perspective on navigating challenging family dynamics.This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.Resources & Links:If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-courseTired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.comFor a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the difficult question: why can’t I forgive my toxic in-laws? Drawing from her own journey and nearly three decades of experience, she breaks down the myths surrounding forgiveness, clarifies the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and addresses the guilt and grief many women feel when dealing with toxic family members. If you’re struggling to move past the pain caused by in-laws, this episode offers practical, faith-based guidance and the validation you’ve been seeking.This podcast is the personal apostolic work of Miriam Susan, a Catholic laywoman and convert. Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws is not an official ministry, apostolate, or publication of the Catholic Church or any diocesan or ecclesiastical body. Nothing shared here should be understood as representing the official teaching authority of the Church. All content reflects the personal experience, faith journey, and perspective of the host alone.Resources & Links:If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-courseTired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.comFor a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the challenges of dealing with toxic grandparents who try to overstep their boundaries and influence your parenting decisions. She draws on personal stories and Catholic teaching to help you recognize unhealthy patterns and reclaim your God-given authority as a parent. If you're struggling with in-laws who undermine your rules or make you feel guilty for setting boundaries, this episode will offer practical encouragement and scriptural support.Resources & Links:If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-courseTired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.comFor a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes