Marriage Unhindered

Doug explores modern relationships from every angle—from the dangers of creating an AI soulmate to offering practical dating advice for those seeking a real human connection. PLUS: The Friday rant.   Listener questions and comments: Tracey - Monica said that people with personality disorders have trouble with relationships. Could you expand on that a little? It speaks to our daughter and we want to know how to approach her. (23:35) Victor - We deal with AI cases in law enforcement and lots of it leads to self-harm and even suicide. (35:51) Danielle - I have a relative who has taken a half million dollars from her husband and hid it from the IRS. He is saying he didn’t know anything about it. They want help. What should I do? (42:03)

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to continue their discussion on how parents unknowingly harm their relationship with their adult children.   Listener questions and comments: Carolyn - What do you do when your child is in a same sex relationship and looking at marriage? (18:43) William - I have a daughter getting involved with a man who thinks he is a woman. She has threatened to cut us off. (27:41) Julie - I prefer to have birthday parties one on one with my daughters and so I like to leave their spouse behind sometimes. (39:28)

Steven Hemler joins Doug to discuss his book - The Busy Parent's Guide to the Catholic Faith: Short Answers to the Big Questions. They unpack the scientific proof for God, stages of faith, and bringing adult children back to the faith.   Listener questions and comments: Ed - I have been reading Fr. Spitzer’s book 'Faith, Science, and Reason' and it is really great on this topic. (29:06) Mary - My son is not receptive to the faith and he is an engineer. He says he is an atheist. What can I do to bring him back? (39:24)   Resources:   The Busy Parent's Guide to the Catholic Faith: Short Answers to the Big Questions https://bit.ly/4wON1UM   The Reality of God: The Layman's Guide to Scientific Evidence for a Creator https://bit.ly/4bF5lr1

Doug discusses forgiveness after the discovery of a secret pornography addiction. He also shares the journey of rebuilding a marriage that was nearly destroyed by years of alcoholism.   Listener questions and comments: Carol - I have two friends who are married 30 years and the man called me crying because his wife had an affair for 3 months. She wants to go on a Retrouvaille weekend but he thinks it’s too soon. (37:07) Angela - Our daughter is gay, estranged and had a second IVF baby. We haven’t been able to meet him. What should we do? (44:06) Pete - I have seen couples go right to Retrouvaille and it is life changing. (47:08) Constantine - We were married outside of the Church and I treated my wife badly. She divorced me but when we reconnected a couple years later, we discussed reconciliation. (48:53)   Resources:   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/   The Forgiveness Institute https://internationalforgiveness.com/   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/   Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/   Dr. John Gottman https://www.gottman.com/   Retrouvaille https://helpourmarriage.org/  

Doug explores lessons on marriage from the saints. Yesterday, the Church celebrated the feast of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin. Today, we commemorate the feast of Saint Henry II and his wife, Saint Cunigunde. Doug also examines what can be learned from Blessed Charles of Austria and his witness to married life.   Listener questions and comments: Amy - You can surprise your spouse with a Mass said in their name. You can leave little notes. (30:25)   Resources: 5 things we can learn from Blessed Charles of Austria and his wife Zita The primary goal of marriage is to get your spouse to heaven. Entrust your marriage to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. After the wedding day it’s not only ‘me’ but ‘we’. They continually fan the flame of love. Love each other with a love that endures through hardship.   8 Ways to say I love you without saying the words ‘I love you’ I admire how you handle tough situations. Your perspective always gives me a new way of looking at things. You have such a calming presence. I really trust your judgement on this. You are so easy to talk to. I love the way you’re so passionate about your interests You have a knack for making people feel included. I’m grateful for your honesty even when it’s hard.

Doug answers listener questions about contraception, intimacy, and openness to life in today's mailbag. He also tackles questions about past trauma and prudence in family planning and closes the show with the Friday Rant on no-fault divorce. Listener questions and comments: Marie – My husband and I discovered a beautiful way to have date nights while traveling in Italy. May I share our experience? (29:20) Charlie – Is it a mortal sin for an elderly couple with health issues to have marital relations if they are no longer able to conceive? (39:30)

What happens when a seemingly perfect marriage ends in divorce? Doug shares a case study from Impossible Marriages Redeemed by Leila Miller, discussing the impact of selfishness on a marriage and how daily prayer can save your marriage. He also continues his commentary on the 5:1 ratio you need to practice to keep love alive. [ENCORE]   Impossible Marriages Redeemed https://www.leilamiller.net/impossiblemarriagesredeemedpdf

Doug discusses the writings of Arthur Brooks as he talks about death, emotional distress and attractiveness.   3:43-On Death  and How it Relates to Happiness 12:47- On Emotional Distress 24:15 Leah-What are your thoughts are for having a dating relationships with someone who has an eating disorder that is undiagnosed and untreated? 36:43 Deedee-Regarding Arthur Brooks. I remember seeing him on Oprah. I remember he said happiness is not a destination but a direction. Can you expound on that? Is this true? 40:49- On  what women and men find attractive in each other.   https://www.arthurbrooks.com/ https://www.arthurbrooks.com/blog-posts/why-contemplating-your-death-might-make-you-happier  

Doug answers numerous questions from emailers ranging from non practicing son coming home with his family; how to live with an alcoholic spouse and fatherly relationship compared to God the father relationship 3:45-How to handle a son who got married outside the Church and wants to bring his family home for a visit 12:14-How to live with an alcoholic spouse  24:44 Susan-I have a friend who was married in city hall. She and her spouse are Catholic. Do they have the same obligation to stay in that marriage as Catholics who marry in the Church? 28:20 Catherine -Our son was married outside the church and we didn't attend his wedding. He left the faith. Was it wrong for us not to go? 39:07-How does one's relationship with her earthly father affect how she views God the father.   44:41- Kate-Our son married outside the Church 17 years ago. We did attend the wedding and embraced her. 6 years into the marriage she converted and became devout. 47:23-Should we break the family up if our child is not practicing the faith and wants to get married outside the Church?

Adam Lane Smith joins Doug as they talk about exploring how to form secure attachment bonds with your spouse, children and friends.  Ben--My biggest challenge is coming to my wife and she turns things on me. I don't want things to blow up but they always do.  How do I prevent that?  (26:09) Gene-My wife ignores me and I'm avoidant because it always leads to an argument. (30:06) Mary-My husband has become very distant in the last couple years. Last night he said we don't want to married anymore. (38:51)

What do you do when your future father-in-law is getting in between you and your fiancé? Should you talk to your daughter about concerns you have with her 11-year-old? Should you be concerned that your daughter is dating a single dad? Doug goes to the mail bag.   Listener questions and comments: Brenda - I am a single mother and I think that it takes a lot of discernment. It’s hard because my son’s feelings matter as well if he gets attached to a guy and I break up. (19:56)   Resources: Prior Propper Planning is Critical https://relevantradio.com/2026/07/prior-propper-planning-is-critical/

Doug shares tips for surviving the 4th of July picnic with family while avoiding arguments.   Listener questions and comments: Doug - At the family functions there is an emphasis on the drinking during the 4th. I can’t drink because my dad is an alcoholic so I want to know what I should do. (29:27) Jane - My son in law's father died from alcohol and I find that he drinks too much. What should I do? Should I say something? (38:42) Julie - For the 4th I always use leading questions like you do in the beginning of your show that are not threatening at the dinner table. (44:23) Judy - My husband was an alcoholic and I want to say having beer and wine around isn’t the solution if the problem is hard stuff. But prayer is the best thing to do. (46:16)   Resources: Reasons we argue at family gatherings Family knows where the hot buttons are We tend to regress when we are around family Holidays are loaded with expectations The weather adds fuel to the fire   8 tips to avoid unnecessary arguments Decide before you arrive, what person you want to be Know your triggers – What topics usually get you hooked? Stop trying to change people at the picnic table Use some short boundary statements Lower the temperature instead of raising it Change the topic Change the setting Come up with a code word for you and your spouse to use

Are you a victim of a no-fault divorce? Today, Mary Bowan joins Doug to discuss her efforts to overturn the no-fault divorce law in Texas.   Listener questions and comments: Patrick - I went through a no-fault divorce and my wife threatened to say 'cruel and unusual punishment' which just means she is mean to me. (23:46) Karen - This happened to me and they called it irreconcilable differences. It feels like your spouse and court are against you. It’s been 22 years and you feel like you made a mistake. (36:07) Steve - I want to support and let’s get this done in Texas! (38:00) Stan - I went through one and I want to tell you that this should be a class lawsuit. I don’t know how you can do this on your own. (39:06) Frank - What hope do you have for people who are happily married what signs should we look for to prevent this? (41:00) Tony - My wife alienated my daughter from me and would turn my kids against me and now my kids are getting divorced. I am a stander as well. (45:33)   Resources: https://www.texasnofault.com/

Should you change your name after a divorce? What do you do when your wife has a chronic, incurable illness, and most of the responsibilities at home fall on you and your children? How do you cope when your wife feels guilty and worries about the burden placed on you? Do struggles with pornography make it difficult to give full consent to marriage? Doug goes to the mailbag answering these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments: Pete - My friend is so hurt from his separation that he is withdrawing from everything in his life. What do we do? (9:34) Ronda - Regarding a name change after divorced, you should do what makes you feel more comfortable. (13:44) Rose - I kept my name after the divorce because I wanted to have the same name as my kids. (17:02) Jeff - My wife had an ex-husband and had kids with me and now they have the old husband’s name. It’s a mess. (22:46) Mary - I kept mine because I am a stander and we are still married in the eyes of God. (25:24) Sarina - My mom changed her name and that’s how I met my husband. (38:05) Mary - It’s important to realize that marriage is sacrificial and it doesn’t always lead to happiness (39:48) Angelica - I was married for 16 years and I took my name back because my in laws didn’t like me. I didn’t think it was fair and I explained it to my son. (41:49)   Resources:   https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/13/2026-09479/excepted-fertility-benefits?mc_cid=583286c936#open-comment   It’s Your Turn Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urgp4IiOXDk   Reclaimed: Win the War of Freedom, Self-Mastery, and Holy Purity https://scepterpublishers.org/products/reclaimed-win-the-war-of-freedom-self-mastery-and-holy-purity?srsltid=AfmBOorMA4RbYh_WzayDVdBX3vpx7hGA7-OpnEEYKLuUlxpeZ4EPp1lp&variant=46653355524273

Relationship coach Rose Sweet joins Doug to discuss the foundations of good marriages.   Listener questions and comments: Denise - My boyfriend’s best friend is a concern to me. He wants me to meet her and her husband. I feel weird about it. (9:38) Shirley - My daughter is 'Christian' but has a second marriage. The kid from the first marriage still lives at home at 34. Is my daughter putting her kids before her husband? (19:07) LeeAnn - I was in a friendship with a guy but then he got married and I took the hint and distanced myself from him. (25:55)   Resources: Rules for relationships Listen Lead Love Let go   Rose Sweet https://rosesweet.com/

You be the therapist as Doug shares the stories of two couples—one celebrating 30 years of marriage and the other just beginning their journey as newlyweds.   Listener questions and comments: Joe - My wife has decided to leave the Church and had a sterilization without my consent. What do I do? (5:02) Mary - Comment for Joe: His wife did what she did because she felt like she had no control over her pain. She needs to feel like she is in control. (16:57) Joe - Is it a bad idea to elope? I want it to be valid but I want my parents not to know. (20:58) Mary - Comment: if I had ever met a man like Doug, I would be happily married but I should have never got married. My husband is dead but he was a pain in the butt. (34:34) David - For the 30-year marriage one of them or both have given up hope on communicating with each other. There needs to be a safe place to go where they can share the pain and get through it. (39:57) Jennifer - For the younger couple they need to sit down and have a clear goal about what they are doing to get out of the house and maybe doing more things that get them out of the house. (43:39)   Resources:   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/   Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/

Does self-love harm a marriage? Do you struggle with the idea or think that marriage is all about selfless service? Today, Doug looks at self-love in marriage through the lens of Luke 10:27 and Matthew 5:44.   Listener questions and comments: Anne - I agree with you and I would add that respect for yourself is respecting God because he made us out of love. (9:13) Deedee - What does it mean to be made in the image and likeness of God? (37:42) Ron - I have some examples of how I help myself when my wife starts to become my enemy. I also loved that litany. (39:56)   Resources: Litany of Self-Love https://www.thefaceofmercy.org/blog/litany-of-self-love   Showing unconditional love Smile when you don’t feel like it Say a kind word Give a compliment every day Refrain from criticism or harsh words Serve your spouse without announcing it Apologize quickly Forgive immediately Pray for your spouse every day   5 elements to a good apology Regret Rational Responsibility Repentance Repair

Catherine DiNuzzo joins Doug to discuss anxiety from a Catholic perspective. They define good vs bad anxiety, the problem of guilt and how to manage anxiety as a Catholic.   Listener questions and comments: Jasmine - How do I fight my mind that triggers anxiety even if I’m doing okay? (10:19) Rose - I get anxiety around my kids but I don’t want to share with my kids. What do I say? (35:21) Judy - I have had anxiety when other people are driving. What should I do? (39:59)   Resources: Sacred Heart Mental Wellness https://www.sacredheartmentalwellness.com/

Did you have doubts before you got married? Did you worry that divorce was a possibility? Today, Doug shares another case study of an impossible marriage that was redeemed.   Listener question and comments: Jenny - I am struggling in my marriage with my husband’s anger issues and his unwillingness to work. (13:05) Joe - Comment: I want to say that we as men need to get it together and provide! (23:18)   Resources: Impossible Marriages Redeemed https://www.amazon.com/Impossible-Marriages-Redeemed-Didnt-Middle/dp/0997989327

In honor of Father’s Day, Doug pays tribute to the women who made us fathers.   Listener questions and comments: Christine - I had the most optimistic father of all time. He used to say 'when you come from nothing, you appreciate everything'. (23:28) Constantine - My mother was not supposed to make it in childbirth and neither was I but I lived and she did too. I was able to tell my dad I loved him on the day of his death. (28:06) Caesar - I grew up in a Catholic family and my dad was sure we were brought up as good Catholic men. (4:34)   Resources:   Pope Leo’s advice to fathers “Don’t be afraid of this adventure” “It takes courage to choose life” “Your kids are not yours to keep. You are raising saints for the kingdom”

Mark Swartzberg joins Doug to discuss his conversion to the Catholic Church, family life, and his journey to Relevant Radio.   Listener questions and comments: Brian - What are the specifics on the validity of the marriage and sacramentality of marrying a non-Catholic? (40:32)

Fr. Peter Armenio joins Doug to discuss marriage and spousal love from his book Highlights of the Catholic Faith.   Listener questions and comments: Josephina - I went to confession and I was able to apologize to my husband. It opened up the world of forgiveness. (19:55) Deedee - I have been married twice and both men are deceased. What is the Catholic position on getting married a third time? (37:24) Walter - The world we live in is so materialistic and disposable. It’s also happened in marriages. People use their spouse and then throw them away. (38:51) Angel - I was on a few weeks ago talking about my fiancé who is a general oversees and he has issues that are getting worse. What do I do? (44:30)   Resources: Highlights of the Catholic Faith https://scepterpublishers.org/products/highlights-of-the-catholic-faith?srsltid=AfmBOop9iajSrMyZXnB-F1IOgNAr4ds-bYR_aYazTW52vhQd5KlqrQkp

What do dads really need on Father’s Day? Doug offers seven powerful reminders of how love, respect, and gratitude can make a father feel seen and valued.   Resources: The Bible and Marriage: The Two Shall Become One Flesh (A Catholic Biblical Theology of the Sacraments) https://stpaulcenter.com/store/the-bible-and-marriage-the-two-shall-become-one-flesh-a-catholic-biblical-theology-of-the-sacraments   Marriage Tune-Up: https://www.marriageunhindered.com/   What dads really need on Father’s Day I love watching you be a father. I love the way you show up even when it’s hard. You make this family better in ways you don’t even realize. I trust your judgement as a father. You teach our kids things I never could. I’m proud of the man you’ve become. I still choose you every day.

Doug discusses how married people are living their best lives and how married women are increasingly the happiest women.   Listener questions and comments: Denise - My boyfriend has stopped talking to other women but he has a friend who is a woman. She is married but he doesn't want to hurt the friendship. It bothers me. (10:34) Dana - It seems like Catholicism encourages marriage when Paul advises against it. Why? (21:00) Rita - I am in a relationship with a man after being widowed. I want to get married but he won’t move forward with it. Should we go to therapy? (25:49) Adela - I have seen two instances where the men have left their fiancés for their best friends. (30:24) Ann - I know a man who adopted some children and now has a problem with them and doesn’t want to live with them. (35:35) Regina - the context of Paul’s writing is that Paul believed that the second coming would be within the year or two so it wasn’t worth having kids because we have so little time. (42:27) Danielle - I am married and we are both Catholic and I am still learning about the faith and he has abused me so I am asking about a divorce. He wants to go to therapy. What do I do? (44:17)

Doug unpacks the 5 attachment needs every married person has. PLUS: The Friday rant!   Listener questions and comments: Liza - My daughter is 28, lives at home and will never help me with any chores. Her father won’t make her help and she ignores me. (37:36)   Resources:   5 attachment needs in marriage To be seen, known, heard and understood To feel safe and secure To be comforted, soothed and reassured To be cherished, rejoiced and delighted To believe that my spouse wills my good

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to discuss ways parents lose their children without realizing it.   Listener questions and comments: Lucy - I have an 18-year-old and 20-year-old and I caught them drinking. What do I do? (8:44) Monica - My children have cut me off because of a divorce. They are influenced by their father on this. (19:42) Shirley - Comment about drinking: you can't forget that the parents are responsible as the parents and could get sued or get in trouble. (25:32) Akilah - I have a 19-year-old and when she turned 18 she decided that she would leave the house whenever, and she would ignore curfews. But she still lives at home when she is back from college. What should I do? (36:11) Sherry - I have two sons who are 33 and 36 and we are in the process of trying to sell the farm to one of them and the other isn’t happy. What should we do? (43:50)   Resources: Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus https://relevantradio.com/2026/06/prayer-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/   Ways parents lose their children without realizing it. They guilt their kids into staying close They turn every conversation into a criticism

Doug continues his discussion on childhood attachment wounds and how they can negatively impact your marriage. Today, he looks at anxious and disorganized attachment strategies.   Listener questions and comments: John - My wife doesn't like talking about difficult topics and she just wants me to listen but I want to fix. its effecting our communication. (24:20) Angel - My fiancé was an orphan raised by his uncle and was very spoiled. He has a very entitled attitude. What should I do? (26:31)   Resources: Impact of Attachment Styles (Part 1) https://relevantradio.com/2026/06/impact-of-attachment-styles/   Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/     Signs of an anxious attachment style Tendency to be very clingy Highly sensitive to criticism Need for approval from others Tendency to be very jealous Hard time being alone Tendency for having low self esteem Feel unworthy of love Intense fear of rejection   Signs of a disorganized attachment style Fear of rejection Difficulty regulating emotions Contradictory behavior High level of anxiety Substance abuse and self-harm Unpredictable and confusing behavior in relationships Perceive spouses to be unpredictable

Doug begins Part 1 of looking into childhood attachment wounds and how they can negatively impact your marriage.   Listener questions and comments: Natalie - How can I create a secure attachment style in friendship? (38:29) Julia - What is advice for a couple when one of them has problems and they blame the other? (46:58)   Resources: Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/   Secure attachment style Ability to regulate your emotions Easily trust others Effective communication skills The ability to seek emotional support You are comfortable being alone Comfortable in close relationships Ability to self-reflect Easy to connect with Ability to manage conflict well High self-esteem Ability to be emotionally available   Avoidant attachment style Persistently avoid emotional or physical intimacy Strong sense of independence Uncomfortable expressing your feelings Tendency to be dismissive of others Difficulty trusting others Tend to be threatened by people getting to close Spend more time alone They believe they don’t need others Tendency to have commitment issues

Deacon Patrick Conley joins Doug to discuss his faith journey that led him to the Deaconate. Doug also goes to the mailbag. What can a couple do if the husband is no longer physically able to fulfill his role in the bedroom?   Listener questions and comments:   Joan – Congratulations to Deacon Patrick Conley! (9:12)   Resources: NaPro Technology https://naprotechnology.com/

Doug continues his discussion on how cognitive distortions harm marriages. He also shares how to not resent a husband for spending too much time at work. Plus: The Friday rant!   Listener questions and comments: Michael - My wife’s therapist confirmed that my wife’s feelings were reality even when it wasn’t the truth and I had to fight him on that. (16:50) David - I am civilly divorced but married in the Church. I am wondering if the marriage was valid or not from the beginning. (22:04)   Resources: Cognitive Distortions in Marriage https://relevantradio.com/2026/06/cognitive-distortions-in-marriage/   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/marriage-tune-up

Have you and your spouse ever disagreed about money? Today, Doug is joined by Kevin Smith to discuss practical money management strategies. Kevin shares tips for creating and sticking to a budget, and explains the difference between good debt and bad debt—and how understanding that distinction can help you make smarter financial decisions.   Listener questions and comments: Deedee - My daughter recently graduated and she has federal loans but she can’t find a job. If she has to file for bankruptcy, how does this impact the federal loan? (45:08)   Resources: Kevin Smith https://ethoslogosinvestments.com/

Fr. Carter Griffin joins Doug to discuss his book Forming Families, Forming Saints. Together, they explore how human and spiritual formation help cultivate virtue and shape families into communities of faith, fostering the growth of future saints.   Listener questions and comments: Len - I just bought the book! Lots of wisdom. I will order 8 more! (37:39)   Resources: Forming Families, Forming Saints https://stpaulcenter.com/store/forming-families-forming-saints

Mike and Alicia Hernon from the Messy Family Project join Doug discussing how to handle the chaos of family life.   Listener questions and comments:   Cindy - My boyfriend and I have been dating for a year and we are talking about money. My concern is that he isn’t 100% open to support me. Should it be 50/50? (8:39) Jean - We have been married 60 years and We share the money. (22:10) Jack - I am 62 and my daughter is 22. I am seeing some similarities between what I did with my ex-wife. How involved with this should I be? (38:01)   Resources:   Sacred Heart of Jesus by Pompeo Batoni https://relevantradio.store/products/sacredheart   Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/   Messy Family Project https://messyfamilyproject.org/

Doug discusses how cognitive distortions can harm marriage. Listener questions and comments: Teresa - I have been married for 36 years and after living with this for so long we had to get different living situations. (19:24)   11 Cognitive distortions Filtering Discounting the positive Over generalization Jumping to conclusions Catastrophizing Personalization Fallacies The blame game “Should” statements Emotional reasoning Always being right

What should you do if your spouse always says no to marital intimacy? What if there is conflict about abstaining from intimacy to avoid sin? Doug goes to the mailbag, answering these questions and more.     Listener questions and Comments: Ray - I am seeing the biggest hindrance in marriage being unrealistic expectations. (21:57)

Doug discusses suffering in marriage.   Listener questions and comments: Jennifer - How much suffering is too much? (8:44) Candy - I have been married for 40 years. My husband goes into funks and won’t talk to me for a day or up to 3 months. I start getting upset and I don’t know what to do. (19:37) Elaine - I was divorced in 1991, and he was having an affair with his secretary since 1989. It was awful and I wanted to save the marriage, but I had lost to this woman. I wonder what would have happened if I had stuck around. (27:46) Rocco - Mary at the Wedding of Cana might have said what she said to the servants because of her perspective as a married woman. She was invested in the wedding going well and starting the marriage off well. (34:51) Mike - I suffer from depression myself and one thing I find is that medication helps. Prayer life will also help. (37:41) Deedee - What is the difference between the 6th and 9th commandments? Which is worse? (41:45) Anthony - My wife revealed trauma from her childhood (incest and rape) and she told me ten years after we got married. We divorced because of it. She kept this from me before marriage. (44:09)   Resources:   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/   Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/

Doug shares 10 practical habits that can help couples build a happy and successful marriage. The conversation also touches on infidelity, hoarding, forgiveness, and mental health struggles that can impact relationships. Resources: https://internationalforgiveness.com/  https://www.internationalhoardingalliance.org/   https://www.nami.org/  

Doug looks at the marriage of Al and Lisa Robertson from Duck Dynasty and their journey through infidelity and reconciliation. Listeners also share stories of addiction, emotional affairs, and fighting to save a sacramental marriage. Listener questions and comments: Ron – How should I guide my son after his arrest for drug-related charges? Al – My sister and brother-in-law survived infidelity, and I encouraged her to keep fighting for their sacramental marriage. Supporting her gave her hope to work through it. Caller – My husband had an emotional relationship with a coworker, and even though we stayed married, the doubts still linger in the back of my mind. Resources:  St. Mark Ji Tianxiang: opium addict, martyr and saint--Aleteia https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/news/how-duck-dynasty-star-al-robertson-s-wife-regained-his-trust-after-affair-i-changed-the-way-i-dressed-talked/ar-AA23iEfE

Is money causing stress in your marriage? Today, Doug is joined by Preston Allex to talk through practical ways to manage family finances. They cover why creating a family budget matters and how to support college-aged kids as they transition into independence. They also share the value of Catholic Legacy: Faithful planning for a peaceful tomorrow.   Listener questions and comments: Tony - My wife and I have a big family, and we have no credit card or debt, but also no savings. We rely on divine providence, hoping everything works out month to month, but it’s getting old. What do we do? (18:26) Kathy - My husband and I paid our kids’ deposit and a month's rent to help them launch. (29:49)   Resources: Catholic Legacy https://catholiclegacy.com/  

Doug discusses forgiveness. He also shares how to make the perfect apology and give the perfect compliment.   Listener questions and comments: Deedee - I like the idea of being specific with compliments. It shouldn’t be just in marriage but all your friendships. (38:56) Jeff - What you just went through and outlined for couples, could you also apply this to singles? Is the Christian life best lived in community? (43:01)   Resources:   Lovemaking: How to Talk about Sex with Your Spouse - A Guide for Everyday Catholics https://www.amazon.com/Lovemaking-Talk-about-Your-Spouse/dp/164680371X   God’s plan for your marriage https://godsplanforyourmarriagebook.com/   Holy Sex https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Sex-Toe-Curling-Mind-Blowing-Infallible/dp/0824524713   Making a good apology Acknowledge the offense Express remorse Make amends   Giving an effective compliment Be specific Name a particular virtue Tell your spouse why it mattered A good compliment should be timely It’s all about them not about you

What should you do if your Mother’s Day was a bust? What should you do if after 35 years there is no love left and you wish you had never married your husband? Doug goes to the mailbag answering these questions and more.   Listener question and comments: Chris - My wife says I don’t speak to her kindly. She will ask me to explain something and I won’t be super nice, I guess. (24:28) Felipe - I have recently been introduced to Agape Love and it completely changed my outlook of marriage. (27:28)   Resources:   The Forgiveness Institute https://internationalforgiveness.com/

Are you in a difficult marriage? Are the people around you encouraging you to get a divorce? Today, Leila Miller joins Doug to discuss fidelity to your marriage vows even when it’s difficult.   Listener questions and comments: Joe - I have a friend who is considering annulment. What should I say to him? (19:11) Vinnie - America is a throw-a-way culture so it encourages this problem. (29:09) Annie - Fr. John Hardon and marriage (31:02) Marci - I was married and I got a divorce and then we got remarried and I wonder which marriage is the valid one. (38:51) Rita - The basis of psychological reasons is overused but I think it’s still a valid argument. Sometimes it really prevents you from fulfilling your vows. (44:10)   Resources:   Leila Miller https://www.leilamiller.net/   Impossible Marriages Redeemed https://www.amazon.com/dp/0997989327/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_U_Co5EEb40NF6EJ?fbclid=IwAR28wrf8nNEkRoZwVENtRanjxAEuY7Xah8PuqKvUweuM7aNWcTwddgVg-CM   Divorce, annul, move on? Let's return to the mind of the Church https://www.leilamiller.net/blog/2020/3/24/impossible-marriages-redeemed-the-introduction   God’s Plan for your Marriage https://godsplanforyourmarriagebook.com/   Marriage Problems by Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk_5qNVfeYA

April Readlinger, Executive Director of Cana Vox joins Doug to discuss Courageous Conversations: Tips for Talking to Kids About Sexual Identity and Attraction.   Listener questions and comments: Joseph - My daughter thinks she’s a boy. She is 27. (46:00)   Resources: Cana Vox https://canavox.com/   Courageous Conversations: Tips for Talking to Kids About Sexual Identity and Attraction https://www.amazon.com/Courageous-Conversations-Identity-Attraction-Parenting/dp/B0FGZG5H5P

Doug finishes discussing Ephesians 5:25. He also discusses gratitude and forgiveness.    Listener questions and comments:   Michelle - My daughter died a few years ago from cancer. My husband has treated me terribly since she died. He's even called girlfriends from high school. It's hard to live like this. What am I to do? I need some help dealing with this. (37:33) Mary - How do you get over a broken heart from your husband's porn and social media addiction? He lusts over much younger women. (44:10)   Resources: The Forgiveness Institute https://internationalforgiveness.com/

Doug continues his discussion on suffering in marriage. He also talks about St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and a husband’s obligation to love his wife as Christ loved the Church.   Listener questions and comments: Rocky - Is there a resource for mothers who are dealing with stress? We have kids ages 2-6. (20:25) Nick - In our vows we say “until death do us part.” Is marriage the only sacrament with an expiration date? (27:59)   Resources:   The Cana Rosary https://www.amazon.com/Cana-Rosary-Couples-Prayer/dp/1502392232  

Emily Jaminet joins Doug to discuss enthroning our homes to the Sacred Heart.   Listener questions and comments: Mary – I would like to share the power of the First Friday Devotion and how it's been influential in my faith. (32:17)   Resources: Image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Pompeo Batoni https://relevantradio.store/products/sacredheart   Home Enthronement to the Sacred Heart https://welcomehisheart.com/   Emily Jaminet https://www.emilyjaminet.com/

Are you divorced and dealing the painful aftermath? Carolyn Klicka joins Doug to discuss Abounding Joy Ministry and healing after divorce.   Patty - I was divorced and I feel like the Church hasn’t helped divorcees who feel stuck by these processes. It’s given me PTSD. (28:10) Walt - I have an aunt who married a man with PTSD and she knew, but she stayed with him. I feel that people give in too easily. (43:03)   Resources: Abounding Joy Ministry https://www.aboundingjoyministry.com/

Damon Owens joins Doug for a conversation about the growing crisis facing marriage in today’s society and culture. Together, they discuss the importance of strengthening Catholic marriages by forming and supporting spouses as they navigate the daily challenges of married life.   Joanna - Is it wrong to tell my kids that I hope they marry Catholic spouses? I want them to love who they are supposed to be with. (18:15)   Resources:   Communio https://communio.org/parish/   Development Coach Melanie Owens https://paperbell.me/melanieowenscoaching   Joyful Ever After https://www.joyfuleverafter.org/  

Kathleen Beckman joins Doug for a conversation about the demonic influence in the family as she also talks about her book, "A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare". Walt-If belief in Universal Salvation leads to demonic influence (38:37) Anne-Is married to a Hindu and is wondering if that could lead to evil spirits (42:35) Sources: https://kathleenbeckman.com/ Foundation of Prayer for Priests: https://www.foundationforpriests.org/

Dr. Tom Zimmer joins Doug for a conversation about motivation in family life and how it shapes behavior and relationships. They explore the principles of behaviorism, including the use of rewards and punishments, and discuss how positive influences can encourage growth, healthy habits, and stronger family connections.   Listener questions and comments: John - My 15-year-old daughter loves art. I taught her and she is now better than me. Influence is so important! (39:54)   Resources:   Wyoming Catholic College https://wyomingcatholic.edu/   COR Expeditions https://www.corexpeditions.org/