Marriage Unhindered

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/

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 unpacks 5 things that couples in good marriages do. He also discusses 12 saints who suffered from mental illness.   5 thing couples in good marriages do They always resolve conflicts They give each other freedom They don’t narrate each other’s feelings They make space for boredom They don’t outsource reassurance

What should you do if your husband suddenly announces he is an atheist? Will sleeping in separate bedrooms ruin your marriage? Doug goes to the mail bag answering these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments:   Sandy - I think that health has a lot to do with marital problems. it can ruin sex and home life. I lost 50 pounds and it helped my relationship. (20:10)   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/

Sarah Bartel, co-founder of Cana Feast, joins Doug to discuss how women can enjoy holy and healthy physical intimacy with their husbands.   Listener questions and comments: Mary - My husband would wake me up in the middle of the night. I would tell him no, but he'd keep insisting. I got to the point that I told him, ‘It feels like you're raping me'. Was it wrong for me to say this? (14:38) John - How would you prioritize your spouse in terms of intimacy when you have a special needs child? (39:40)   Resources: Cana Feast https://canafeast.com/   https://canafeast.com/mydelight-whatsallowed

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to discuss parenting and family relationship.   Listener questions and comments: Ron - It’s my job as a man to lead my wife regardless of how we feal at the time. This is something the younger generation does not understand. My son does not understand. I had to cut him off. (6:07) Maryann - My daughter's friends say she has a personality disorder. She doesn't want to listen to me. How do I help her? (13:08) Maria - Thank you for the show and welcome back Monica! (22:20) Therese - One of my daughters is "married" to a woman and we didn’t go to the wedding. Now they won’t talk to us. What do we do? (22:57) Reba - I am a mother of 4 and the oldest is 14. She is the only daughter and she and I have really hit a brick wall and I don’t want to ruin it. What should I do? (28:52)

If you find yourself becoming a people pleaser, it’s important to recognize the underlying fear of abandonment and the tendency to depend on others for your self-worth. Building a stronger sense of self involves setting boundaries, developing confidence, and learning to validate your own needs instead of constantly seeking approval.   Listener questions and comments: Pam - I tend to be a people pleaser. I say 'I'm sorry' a lot and my son is the same way. I tell him he doesn't have to do that all the time. (6:31) Amy - Your spouse could make you a people pleaser because of their volatile reaction. (20:19) Michael - How come the people pleasers can't get together? I keep being drawn to the same type of person in relationships. It starts out good, but they end up being yellers and screamers. (36:27) Stephanie - I have noticed one of my friends who was adopted is a strong people pleaser. I have an adopted daughter that's a people pleaser as well. How do I help her? (39:13)

Jane VanHouten From Millions of Monicas joins Doug to discuss the national movement of mothers who come together and pray for their children.   Listener questions and comments: Joni - I am a MOM leader in Philly and we met Doug on the pilgrimage. (10:21) Matt - I have a sister who drifted away and is protestant and is now nothing. What do I do? (19:07) Dorothy - 'Send a Philip' that’s my simple prayer when I need something or someone to come along side me. (35:45) Peg - Testimony: We have MOM at our church and we love it. (37:40) Sharon - It is at my church and it’s going well. Thank you so much. (41:48) Eileen - I want to encourage people to set these up! (45:50)   Resources: Millions of Monicas https://millionsofmonicas.com/

Doug offers practical advice for cultivating a peaceful marriage. He highlights the importance of being at peace with God as a way to strengthen the relationship. Practices like daily Mass and regular confession, he explains, help build virtue and guard against behaviors that can lead to divorce.   Listener questions and comments: Deedee – Do we have to love everyone we offer peace to? (44:37)

Doug talks about women and pornography addiction with Rachael Killackey from Magdala Ministries which helps women with pornography addiction.   Resources:  https://www.magdalaministries.org/ What Magdala Ministries does to help with porn addiction (5:27) How Rachael got addicted to porn (9:13) Why women get addicted to porn (13:32) Veronica shares story on viewing porn in her marriage (20:19) Mary shares her story as a recovering porn addict (25:06) Keri on how to deal with daughter in porn industry (29:52) How husbands could help their wives if they have a porn addition (39:45) Margaret shares story of father who was worked in porn industry (47:40) 

Doug is joined by Joe Masek from The Freedom Group to talk about men's struggles with pornography and how to overcome it.  Resources:https://www.thefreedomgroup.co/ Dangers of Pornography (4:21) Samantha shares story of overcoming porn addiction (22:41) AI and Porn (36:47) Helping with Porn addiction (40:13) 

Doug has a conversation with Archbishop Sheen about his TV show “For Better or Worse”.

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 hinderance in marriage being unrealistic expectations. (21:59)

Doug discusses an email from a woman concerned that her husband works excessively and is pressuring her to take on full-time work as well. She worries this dynamic is harming their marriage and family life. Doug emphasizes the importance of being present for one’s spouse and children and making family a top priority.   Listener questions and comments: Josephina - My husband and I are one of the couples who work a lot. I am comparing myself to the lady from the email but at the same time I am also a workaholic sometimes. (19:38) Matt - I work 12-15 hours a day and I am in a courtship right now. I find that if you really love them that sacrifice shouldn’t take that much to make it happen. I want to also say that waiting till marriage is so worth it. (23:39) Richard - My son wants to get married and the issue we come across is his girlfriend is Catholic but she is not practicing. (28:00) Fernando - At what point is doing everything for her happiness not ok if I start suffering? (38:57) Rex - I worked in oil and I was a workaholic. You are touching on a lot of issues I went through. If I could go back, I would spend more time with the family. (45:00)

Doug dives into the mailbag to respond to listeners’ reactions from Monday’s discussion about the challenges young men face in today’s dating world. He explores differing perspectives and digs deeper into what’s shaping these experiences.   Listener questions and comments: Mary - It’s also Paul Revere’s ride tomorrow! (8:46) Mary - My husband and I met and it isn’t a common way that I see people meet. (21:27) Julianna - If kids would get with local communities, churches or civil rights activities they could find someone with the same interests. (23:16) Natalie - We should do more speed dating events and diocese events. (25:13) Ryan - I finally understand the sacrament of Marriage. Growing up I knew the bullet points but I didn’t get what it actually meant. (26:41) Angel - Military bases are a good place to find a husband! (36:00) Nicole - My husband is not Catholic and I am. Our 1-year-old is baptized but I want to draw my husband into the Church. (37:46)   Resources Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/   International Forgiveness Institute https://internationalforgiveness.com/

Are you concerned about how much time you, your spouse or your children spend on screens? Today, Dr. Johann D’Souza joins Doug to discuss the adolescent mental health crisis   Listener questions and comments: Joyce - How are these new screens any different from using a TV for generations as the baby sitter. (20:13) Chris - I am a high school art teacher. I see a big change in kid's depression and they aren’t as social. (27:13) Lucas - I just finished a spiritual retreat without my phone for some time. I wanted to share my experience. (32:07) Rich - We have a big family and we have 13. We limited screen time and gave our kids flip phones. it worked out just fine! (43:54)   Resources: Dr. Johann D’Souza https://www.johanndsouza.com/

Deacon Joe Grote joins Doug to discuss his book Where Have All The Fathers Gone?   Listener questions and comments: Walt - Government policy doesn't help keep fathers in the home. It rewards single parenthood. There should be incentives to keep families together. (18:56) Lisa - I wanted to share how my son is a great boy in spite of losing his father. We need fathers but sometimes when there is no options they can still turn out fine. (22:22) Elaine - I want to share how great my dad was. He had 10 kids and he was a WWII He taught us to love the faith. He was the rock of the family. (25:20) Peter - I think it starts with groundwork before you have the kids. It starts with the desire to be a parent. (37:27) Caesar - I was blessed with my father who was from Mexico. He taught me how to treat women and keep my faith. (43:56)   Resources: Where Have All the Fathers Gone? https://deaconjoegrote.com/   Emil Deacon Joe [email protected]

What should you do if you discover your husband has same-sex attraction? Today, Doug tackles this question and more on Marriage Unhindered.   Listener questions and comments: John - I thought getting married gets you out of the issue of lust, but it can continue in marriage. (21:50) Julie - I have been married to my husband for 25 years and he always uses contraception, but I don’t know how to tell him to stop. (25:59) Susan - If you can’t get through to him you aren’t sinning but it’s on him. (32:58) Tim - We’ve always been too busy for sex, and my wife is too tired because of her shift. (37:34) Josephina - My spouse and I fought because I don’t know if he is still smoking. I found something the other day and I want to know how to approach him so that we don’t fight and we actually see progress. (42:14)   Resources:   Courage International https://couragerc.org/   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/

Doug dives into the frustrations many men face with modern dating and the challenges of building a lasting marriage. He breaks down what often goes wrong and why so many feel stuck or discouraged. Through honest insights and practical advice, Doug offers straightforward dating tips to help young men build confidence, and create meaningful relationships.   Listener questions and comments: Patrick - I need to emphasize the swearing! It’s gotten so bad. (20:39) Tony - I got married at 36 and I wanted to share some advice. It helped when I submitted to God's will. (31:38) Kathy - It’s important to continue the respect your wife even after the marriage. (38:11) Nicole - Where do the women hang out? (39:31) Bill - You can meet a good young woman at a Catholic college. (42:04) Karen - My husband and I were an example to a man who had a kid out of wedlock. He married the girl because of our example. We can help as married people by encouraging these kids. (43:58)

Doug explores how lying affects marriages, how to respond, and ways to foster honesty. Listeners share personal experiences, including insights from a recovered liar and the impact of dementia on a spouse’s truthfulness.   Listener questions and comments: Junior – I am a reformed liar and want to share my perspective. Confession helped me realize you don’t have to lie. (34:20) Paulette – My husband died from dementia and began lying years ago when he couldn’t explain events. I now see his lying as a symptom of the disease. (44:08)   Resources:   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/   Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle   Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/  

Fr. Robert Altier joins Doug to discuss the difference between a civil and sacramental marriage and what happens to the souls of a man and woman when they enter into a sacramental marriage.   Listener questions and comments:   Richard - Does a sacramental marriage require a civil marriage? (13:20) Lisette - Follow up: I closed my husband’s laptop and he pushed me out of the room so I called the cops. What do I do now? (15:44) Jo - My son's wife left him. is it better to seek divorce or to be standers? (32:30) Louanne - If one person thinks the marriage was valid but the other had no intention of keeping it, is the one who thought it was valid obligated to stay? (35:27) Tom - If a spouse dies and you remarry are you united to another soul? (41:49)   Resources: God's Plan For Your Marriage Book https://godsplanforyourmarriagebook.com/

Doug examines a case study about a marriage that had nearly fallen apart but was eventually revived. In this relationship, the couple got engaged after just four months. Although the wife had doubts about the marriage, she reassured herself that even if it didn’t work out, she would at least have children.   Listener questions and comments: Matt - Do you recommend a longer courtship for long distance couples? (36:51) Cecil - My wife left my marriage after her parents died. I am wondering if she was wrong for leaving. Should I look for a divorce after 15 years? (46:32)   Resources:   Impossible Marriages Redeemed https://www.leilamiller.net/impossiblemarriagesredeemedpdf   Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

Sarah Bartel, co-founder of Cana Feast joins Doug to discuss how women can enjoy holy and healthy physical intimacy with their husbands.   Listener questions and comments: Mary - My husband would wake me up at middle of night. I would tell him no, but he'd keep insisting. I got to the point, that I told him, ‘It feels like you're raping me'. Was that wrong for me to say? (15:00) John - How would you prioritize your spouse in terms of intimacy when you have a special needs child? (39:00)   Resources: Cana Feast https://canafeast.com/   https://canafeast.com/mydelight-whatsallowed

Are you worried that your marriage is in danger? Do you feel like you are losing that loving feeling? Today, Doug shares how to resurrect a dead marriage.   Listener questions and comments: Joe - How do we find a way resolve issues without sounding angry and disrespectful in front of kids? (22:45)   Resources:   Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/   The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0553447718   Hold me Tight https://bit.ly/4bWvTVz   Marriage Insurance https://relevantradio.store/products/marriage-insurance-book   God’s plan for your marriage https://bit.ly/4mbkPam   Practical tips to resurrecting your marriage Believe that resurrection is possible and real Put Christ back in the center of your marriage Begin with a brutal but non-defensive honesty Get some help

Doug explores the importance of forgiveness in marriage sharing how to forgive like Jesus did from the cross.   Listener questions and comments: Kathy - I think your book should have been called 'suffering in marriage'. You are very good at talking about this topic. (21:15) Esther - Should I feel shame when I forgive my spouse but people are judging me for forgiving him? (35:46) Dianna - I want to say thank you. Your show is a ministry and it’s just the best. (40:28)   Resources: The Forgiveness Institute https://internationalforgiveness.com/   4 Lessons we can learn from Christ’s passion Our Lord’s Passion shows that love shows up especially when it’s the costliest. Jesus forgives in the middle of being wounded. Christ turned suffering into redemption. It’s the Passion that leads to the Resurrection   Forgiveness Prayers   I forgive you (NAME)___________________ for ____ (name the offense) _______. I ask God to bless you and keep you in His love and peace. (Repeat frequently)                                                                                               I forgive you (NAME)___________________ for ____ (name the offense) _______. I ask God to bless you and keep you in His love and peace. (Repeat frequently) Sweet Jesus, I ask you to also forgive (NAME) for (name the offense). Do not hold this offense against him/her. Look not upon this offense but look rather at his/her virtues and help me to also see those virtues. He/she was created in your image and likeness. See that reflection of yourself in him/her. I ask you to give him/her joy and peace. Keep him/her closely united to You. Sweet Jesus, I thank you for this injury I have suffered at the hands of (name)____________. Help me to unite this suffering with your suffering on the cross. Help me to use this suffering to grow more detached from myself and closer to you. Help me to use this suffering to grow in humility and all virtues. Help me to use this suffering to obtain the forgiveness of my sins and the conversion of all sinners.        

Katy Faust with Them Before Us joins Doug to share how children need to be a priority in our society.   Listener questions and comments: Patrick - Do you think there is a way to get rid of no-fault divorce? (20:41) Mike - It seems like women leave marriage at a higher rate than men. What do you think about this? (25:07) Stephen - Would you cover the verse that mentioned you commit adultery if you get remarried? (33:40) Trinidad - What do you do if you have a relative who cheated? What's my role in this? My cousin is struggling. (38:56)   Resources:   https://thembeforeus.substack.com/   Them Before Us: Why We Need a Global Children's Rights Movement https://www.amazon.com/Them-Before-Us-Childrens-Movement/dp/1642935964   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/

Doug shares how marriage can be a vessel for Christ’s redemptive work.     Resources:   How Christ Saves Souls—with Us: The Mystery of Co-Redemption https://stpaulcenter.com/store/how-christ-saves-souls-with-us-the-mystery-of-co-redemption   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/

Doug shares marriage lessons we can learn from Jesus’ suffering in Gethsemane. He unpacks martyrdom in marriage, white martyrdom and how God uses our sufferings to redeem souls.   Listener questions and comments: Katherine - My Husband will say sometimes 'I just wish I was dead' and I don’t know how to respond. (20:05)

Courtney Brown joins Doug to discuss talking to young children about human sexuality.   Listener questions and comments: Michelle - My mom always said that when a man and woman love each other, they make love. (20:53) Joyce - Love Ed is what we used at our church and it was very good. (23:49) Patrick - How do you explain when people reduce homosexuality to the Idea of 'they just love each other'? (36:48)   Resources: Ruah Woods Institute https://www.ruahwoodsinstitute.org/

Dr. Ed Sri and his wife Beth join Doug to discuss their book - The Good, the Messy, and the Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life.   Listener questions and comments: John - I have a porn addiction that my wife found out about, and it led her to discover inappropriate messages and a past affair. I suffered domestic violence from her this past month, and I'm now in a domestic violence shelter. She's reaching out to me. What do I do? (20:13) Kate - I heard your talk about how significant marriage counseling is. We've tried to go to marriage counseling. How can we address our issues? (25:08) Allison - How do I set boundaries with my in-laws? My husband and I are both converts. (33:51)   Resources:   The Good, the Messy, and the Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life https://bit.ly/4s2XDNa   Dr. Ed Sri https://www.edwardsri.com/   Beth Sri https://borntodothis.org/   Consecration to St. Joseph https://www.amazon.com/Consecration-St-Joseph-Wonders-Spiritual/dp/1596144319   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/   

What should you do when “The Formula” doesn’t work? What should you do when your wife doesn’t do what you ask? Doug goes to the mailbag answering these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments: Mike - What do you think about common law marriage? (16:11) Addison - I am struggling because my husband is stressed at work and our son has special needs. When we try to talk using the formula it starts a bad cycle. (21:35) Greg - Do you have a brief description of narcissistic behavior? (36:23)

Sociologist Dr. Brad Wilcox joins Doug to discuss the state of marriage in the U.S.       Resources: Brad Wilcox https://ifstudies.org/about-us/brad-wilcox

Do the problems in your marriage seem insurmountable? Today, Doug continues his discussion on discouragement and despair in marriage.   Listener questions and comments: Alexander - How do I convince my wife to become Catholic? (3:05) Colby - I want to recommend that Alexander looks into the Byzantine rite of the Catholic Church. (16:47) David - What do you do if you were raised in an all-male family and environment but you need to relate to your wife? (19:42)   Resources:   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/

Doug takes calls from listeners struggling with discouragement, resentment, and distance in long-term marriages. He offers guidance on staying faithful to your vows and finding hope when relationships feel strained. Plus, the Friday rant!    Listener questions and comments: Jennifer – My marriage is in despair after 31 years, and my husband is distant and sleeping separately. How do I stay faithful to my vows when things feel so broken? (07:18) Luara – After 31 years of marriage, I am starting to feel resentment. How do I remember and live out my vows? (19:32) Tom – I am divorced after 13 years of marriage and have tried therapy multiple times. How do I find healing and move forward? (34:25)   Resources: https://spiritualdirection.com/2026/02/01/avoiding-the-trap-of-discouragement https://www.forgivenessinstitutekc.com/ 

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? (19:10) Kathy - My husband and I paid our kids deposit and rent for a month to help them launch. (31:41)   Resources: Catholic Legacy https://catholiclegacy.com/

Doug examines the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the damage they do to a marriage: criticism, contempt stonewalling and defensiveness.   Listener questions and comments: Ray - Can you give the steps of what to do once you meet a girl? (16:37)

What should you do when your spouse won’t quit drinking? How do you pass on the faith to your children when your spouse is resistant?   Listener questions and comments: Stephanie - My husband wants to stop drinking and my son doesn't believe that he will. I've seen my son cry about this. My son has prayed for his father. What should I do? (9:59) Jane - I have two teenage boys. Their dad and my husband is not practicing and they look up to him. What should I do? I go to daily mass. We've been married for twenty years. (28:09) Gregory - My ex-wife is a narcissist. How do I go about living the rest of my life knowing that and remaining in the faith? How do I overcome that? (42:16)

Nathan Bartel, founder of Cana Feast joins Doug to discuss things men need to know about their wives and the marital embrace.   Listener questions and comments: Mary - What should a wife do if the wife is not wanting or willing to have sex so she is in the other bed room for days and days. (33:47)   Resources: Cana Feast https://canafeast.com/ https://canafeast.com/holydesires

Kathy Burkes and Fr. John McNamara join Doug to discuss Project Rachel and post abortion healing.   Julia - So many people pushed me to get an abortion when I was 22 and I didn’t go through with it. I’m so glad I didn’t. (18:12) Walt - When we separate the word ‘mother’ from the term 'woman who had an abortion' we go nowhere. People who have abortions are still mothers. (33:26) Deedee - I had an abortion and was absolved. Is there anything else I need to do? (36:32) Teri - We need to do penance for the reparation of the severity of the sin. Can you talk about that? (43:16)   Resources: Project Rachel Help Line 815-387-3379  Email [email protected]

Doug unpacks a case study about a “stander” from Impossible Marriages Redeemed. A “stander” is a victim of divorce who chooses to continue to live a life faithful to their wedding vows.   Listener questions and comments: Jeannie - We are called to faithfulness, not happiness. (20:40) Jennifer - Thank you for the 'standers' and for what you promote. We can always offer Masses. (21:42) Mary - What is the Church's view on people who leave marriage from abuse? I told my mom to leave her marriage when I was 16. (23:17) Frank - I am now 72 but I was married when I was 23. We split up when my wife had an abortion. We got an annulment. (39:53)   Resources:   Impossible Marriages Redeemed https://www.leilamiller.net/impossiblemarriagesredeemedpdf   The Forgiveness Institute https://internationalforgiveness.com/

Should you get involved to help your parents’ marriage? What can you do if your reversion to the faith is causing more tension in the marriage? Doug answers these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments: Hellen - My husband and I have been married for 42 years and the Holy Spirit finally got a hold of him and he just converted after all this time. (21:54) Jessica - I also witnessed abuse of my father on my mother and we spoke up after he did something. We all gathered up the courage and told him no. He never hurt her again. (36:42)

Doug takes calls from listeners facing difficult family and marriage situations, including divorce, a child marrying outside the faith, and helping a spouse who spirals into worst-case thinking. The conversation also touches on emotional affairs and second marriages outside the Church. Listener questions and comments: Brian – My brother was just served divorce papers and his wife will not explain why. How can I support him during this process? (10:40) Carmel – My 40-year-old daughter is marrying an atheist. Should I attend the wedding? (19:19)   Resources:   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/   Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle   Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

Doug welcomes Jason Craig to discuss the history of adolescence and how modern culture lost the idea of rites of passage for boys. They explore how families can reclaim the path that forms boys into strong, virtuous men.   Listener questions and comments: Joe – As a 55-year-old man, I struggle with how feminism has shaped attitudes toward men and marriage. How can men and women rediscover respect and love for each other in marriage? (31:35) Resources: Jason Craig  https://fraternus.org/   Sword and Spade https://swordandspade.mykajabi.com/   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/   Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle   Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

Doug continues his discussion of St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians on the meaning of love [Encore]   Listener questions and comments: Andrea - My parents have marital problems and I feel like I am getting sucked in. I want to balance helping them without crossing the line into their relationship. (11:12) Jamie - I am a practicing Catholic and my wife is having an affair. She will not go to the priest or counseling. She has used my daughter’s passing against me. (20:37) Marie - My husband and I are having a hard time staying on the same page for buying a house. (34:28) Patsy - Comment for Jamie: We are all praying for him. (40:29) Liz – My husband cheated on me and I had to protect myself financially. (42:20)

    Doug explores how couples can face change, rebuild trust, and recommit to their marriage when relationships feel broken. With guest Greg Schutte, the conversation also looks at forgiveness, the Eucharist, and why some spouses resist change or struggle to remain faithful to their vows.   Listener questions and comments:   Michelle – My husband believes I am the problem in our marriage, and I worry that I may be enabling unhealthy behavior because of his illness. What should I do? (19:49)   Rob – My wife asked for a three-month separation and now wants a divorce. I am trying to encourage her to speak with the Church, but she seems determined to end the marriage. (28:54)     Resources: Greg Schutte Music: Romans https://youtu.be/vauNei2c3IA?si=Qsl96gjSfryADued   Eucharistic Marriage - Greg Schutte https://www.eucharisticmarriage.org/   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/   Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle   Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

Doug explores how conspiracy theories can create division and distrust in marriage and how couples can stay grounded in truth. He also answers a question about dating again after the loss of a spouse. Listener questions and comments: Jo – I am a widow who began dating again, but the relationship ended when he began discerning whether to remain single. Why would someone pull away after things were going well?   Resources:   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/   Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle   Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/