Two Become Family with Renzo and Monica Ortega podcast artwork

PODCAST · religion

Two Become Family with Renzo and Monica Ortega

Renzo and Monica share stories, advice, and encouragement for everyday Catholics navigating the human side of a faith-filled marriage. They both bring a voice of joyful solidarity from their experience living in the trenches with a growing family. Their honesty and witness offer hope to couples who want to find confidence in their vocation to marriage through a candid and faithful discussion. Renzo and Monica Ortega are Catholic ministry leaders, podcast hosts, authors, and national speakers. Their latest title, Lovemaking: How to Talk about Sex with Your Spouse was published through Ave Maria Press. They host the popular marriage podcast Two Become Family and speak nationally for the St. John Paul II Foundation’s Together in Holiness conference series. Their testimonies of faith, marriage, and parenting have been featured by the National Catholic Register, the Knights of Columbus, and Augustine Institute. They are coauthors of the ch

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    192. Can Catholics French Kiss Before Marriage?

    Send us Fan MailCan Catholics French kiss before marriage? After Elizabeth Busby’s Theology of the Body Institute answer and Christian B. Wagner’s response, “No, You Can’t Kiss Your Girlfriend,” sparked a Catholic internet debate, Renzo and Monica enter the conversation as a married Catholic couple.Is passionate kissing always sinful outside of marriage? Is arousal the same as lust? And what does chastity actually require from dating and engaged couples who are trying to love one another well?This is a conversation about French kissing before marriage, Catholic dating, Theology of the Body, desire, chastity, and why marriage does not simply make using another person acceptable.Follow us on Instagram @twobecomefamily.Looking for some accompaniment when it comes to talk about sex with your spouse?, Check out our book and order Lovemaking: How to talk about sex with your spouseOur other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenDon't forget to visit https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Support the show

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    191. Is AI Forming Your Family? Magnifica Humanitas and Pope Leo’s Warning for Parents

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Renzo and Monica pause their regular series to talk about Pope Leo’s latest encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, through the lens of marriage and family life.This is not meant to be a full summary of the document. It is an invitation to read it. But as we worked through the encyclical, we kept seeing how much Pope Leo’s reflections on human dignity, artificial intelligence, technology, algorithms, and the attention economy matter for Catholic families.The rebuilding of society starts in the home. The family is where a child first learns who he is, what he is worth, and what it means to be loved. That matters even more in a world where technology is forming imagination, attention, self-worth, and desire.We talk about why parents cannot afford to ignore AI, why filters and blockers are not enough, how the attention economy exploits vulnerability, and why AI can imitate care but can never actually love us.We also discuss how marriage and family life teach our children the difference between a tool and a person, between quick answers and real relationships, and between being managed by technology and being formed in love.To read the full ten points from the encyclical, visit our accompanying article on Substack.Follow us on Instagram @twobecomefamily.Looking for some accompaniment when it comes to talk about sex with your spouse?, Check out our book and order Lovemaking: How to talk about sex with your spouseOur other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenDon't forget to visit https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Support the show

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    190. Your Spouse Was Never Meant to Be Your Happily Ever After

    Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you go into marriage expecting your spouse to make you happy, fix your wounds, or finally give your life the meaning you’ve been looking for?In this episode, we talk about why your spouse was never meant to be your savior. Marriage is not just two people coexisting, splitting chores, raising kids, and trying to stay comfortable. For Catholics, marriage is a sacramental journey toward Jesus. That means romance, joy, friendship, suffering, healing, sacrifice, and grace all belong inside the story.We also talk about the “pictures” we carry into marriage, how shows like Boy Meets World shaped our expectations, why marriage can feel disappointing when our picture is wrong, and why Jesus has to be more than an add-on in marriage formation.Looking for some accompaniment when it comes to talk about sex with your spouse?, Check out our book and order Lovemaking: How to talk about sex with your spouseOur other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenDon't forget to visit https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Support the show

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    189. Why Gen Z Doesn't Think Marriage Matters Anymore

    Send us Fan MailSend share this episode with a priest who walks with couples! Or share it with a young person, engaged couple, or married couple that wishes the Church gave them more guidance. We try walking with couples about sex, that's why we wrote this book to help Order Lovemaking: How to talk about sex with your spouseOur other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenDon't forget to visit https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Support the show

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    188. Why Catholic Marriage Theology Feels Unreachable

    Send us Fan MailOn Tuesday 28 April 2026, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life will hosted a study day asking:"How can the Church form pastors capable of accompanying young people, engaged couples, and spouses so that they live Christian marriage as an authentic experience of faith in a cultural context marked by secularization? Several speakers addressed that question, including Father Andrea Bozzolo, rector of the Pontifical Salesian University."No one invited us, BUT we still wanted to add our two cents on how the Church could do a better job accompanying young people, engaged, couples, and married people.Catholic marriage is not just a beautiful idea. It is a sacrament lived through sex, sacrifice, fertility, exhaustion, money, children, resentment, forgiveness, prayer, and the daily choice to love someone who is also being slowly sanctified by God at the same time. Catholic couples need understanding and guidance, not sentimental language. If the Church wants to really accompany people, they need to shift away from, giving couples a romanticized theology of marriage because, though good and true, it ultimately leaves them feeling alone with the actual work of becoming one flesh.Send share this episode with a priest who walks with couples! Or share it with a young person, engaged couple, or married couple that wishes the Church gave them more guidance. We try walking with couples about sex, that's why we wrote this book to help Order Lovemaking: How to talk about sex with your spouseOur other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenDon't forget to visit https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Support the show

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    187. Why Should the Resurrection Change How Catholics Talk About Sex?

    Send us Fan MailWhy would the Resurrection change how Catholics talk about sex?We got into an online argument about sex, marriage, and what husbands are owed. But the more we talked, the more we realized the real disagreement was deeper than sex. It was about what marriage is, what sexual desire is, and whether how we understood the Resurrection actually changes what we believe our bodies are for.We wrote a Catholic s*x book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    186. Fighting In Front of Your Kids

    Send us Fan MailWe got into an argument in front of our kids and then we talked about it. Let's jump in!We wrote a Catholic s*x book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    185. Unspoken Expectations and Premeditated Resentment

    Send us Fan MailWe are back! Back to conversations on the couch, and today we're talking about how unspoken expectations can become opportunities for future resentment. We share about how we've navigated speaking our minds and how we've worked through our own resentments. We're so happy you're here.We wrote a Catholic s*x book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    184. Ortega Life Update

    Send us Fan MailWe are back! Sort of. Here's a quick life update from us. We will be back with a new episode next week. Please keep us in your prayers!We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    183. Lent - Rupture and Repair

    Send us Fan MailSorry this has come so late! Our family has had to navigate a couple of things so we haven't been able to keep up. Thank you for understanding and your support!We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the showSupport the show

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    182. Lent - Asking for Help

    Send us Fan MailParenting has a way of bringing you to the end of yourself. There are seasons where the noise, the conflict, the exhaustion, and the constant needs of your kids can make you feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water. A lot of parents quietly assume that if things feel this hard, it must mean they’re doing something wrong. But the truth is that family life was never meant to be carried alone.In this episode of our Lenten Series, we talk about what it looks like to ask for help when parenting becomes overwhelming. Not in theory, but in the real, messy moments that every parent eventually faces. We walk through three places parents can turn for help when things feel difficult. First, we talk about going to your spouse and learning to lean on each other instead of trying to carry everything individually. Marriage is meant to be a partnership, and parenting becomes much heavier when we stop asking our spouse to step in with us.Second, we talk about seeking help from people who are just a little further ahead of you in family life. Parents whose kids are a few years older, who have already walked through the season you’re in. They don’t need to be perfect parents to offer wisdom. In fact, some of the most helpful guidance comes from people who have made mistakes and learned along the way. And finally, we talk about therapy—both for parents and for children—and why reaching out for professional help can sometimes be one of the most loving and responsible things you can do for your family.If parenting has felt heavier than you expected lately, this episode is an honest conversation about why asking for help is not weakness. It’s often the very thing that helps a family grow stronger.We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the showSupport the show

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    181. Lent - Missing the Mark

    Send us Fan MailThis is part 3 of our Lenten series, where we’re walking with Catholic parents through the real struggles of family life during the season of repentance, mercy, and renewal.Parenting often feels like a daily examination of conscience. We lose our temper. We forget a commitment. We say the wrong thing, again. Many Catholic parents quietly carry guilt and shame after these moments, fearing that repeated missteps mean they are failing their children or falling short of God’s call.In Missing the Mark, we explore failure, sin, and imperfection through a deeply Catholic lens. Lent reminds us that “missing the mark” is part of the human condition, but it is never the final word. Through humility, repentance, and grace, our failures become invitations to growth rather than sources of despair. If you’ve ever worried about being a “bad parent,” struggled with shame after losing patience, or wondered how holiness is possible in the chaos of family life, this episode is for you.We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    180. Lent - Changing Our Aim

    Send us Fan MailWhy does parenting feel so overwhelming, even when we’re trying to do everything right? In this episode of Two Become Family, we explore how much of our stress, guilt, and burnout as parents comes from aiming at the wrong goal. When success is measured by calm children, good behavior, or having everything under control, everyday family life can quickly feel like failure.“Changing Our Aim” invites Catholic parents to rediscover the virtue of magnanimity, the call to live with a greatness of soul that aims beyond perfectionism and control. Rather than shrinking our expectations out of fear or comparison, magnanimity helps us set our sights on the true goal of parenting: forming hearts for love, virtue, and holiness. Through the lens of Lent, we talk honestly about missing the mark, feeling discouraged, and how re-aiming our hearts allows God’s grace to do the real work.This episode lays the foundation for the entire Lenten series by reframing parenting not as performance, but as participation in God’s slow, faithful work of transformation in family life.In this episode, we discuss:•Catholic parenting during Lent•What magnanimity really means for parents•Why control and perfection increase parental burnout•How changing your aim reduces guilt, shame, and comparison•Raising children with faith, hope, and trust in GodSupport the show

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    179. Lent - Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud

    Send us Fan MailParenting has a way of exposing our limits. The moments we lose our temper, feel overwhelmed by the noise, or realize we don’t have the patience we hoped we would can quickly turn into shame. In this episode, we begin our Lenten journey by reclaiming humility, not as self-condemnation, but as truth. Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s seeing yourself clearly and letting God meet you there.We talk honestly about why parenting feels so personal when we fall short, why our culture equates control with competence, and how humility frees us from the pressure to be perfect. Drawing from real parent struggles, Catholic wisdom, and lived experience, this conversation reframes failure as the starting point of grace,not the end of the story.This episode sets the foundation for the entire series: Lent doesn’t ask parents to try harder, but to lower their defenses, tell the truth, and let God work in the middle of the mess.In this episode:Why feeling overwhelmed doesn’t make you a bad parentHow humility opens the door to grace instead of shameWhat Lent teaches us about letting go of controlHow honest self-assessment leads to freedom, not discouragementSupport the show

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    178. 5 Things to Focus On During Marriage Prep

    Send us Fan MailGetting married is more than planning a wedding — it’s preparing for a lifelong vocation.In this episode, we walk engaged couples through the conversations and habits that build a strong, lasting marriage. From finances and family expectations to conflict resolution and shared life vision, we explore the practical and spiritual foundations every couple needs before saying “I do.”We also discuss how to recognize the difference between genuine discernment and emotional attachment, how to surface hidden concerns before they become future wounds, and why praying together is one of the most powerful ways to stay aligned.In this episode we cover:• The essential pre-marriage conversations• Building a shared vision for your future• Navigating disagreements in a healthy way• Recognizing red flags early• Money, family, and expectations• Creating a meaningful prayer life togetherWhether you’re newly engaged or seriously discerning marriage, this episode will help you prepare not just for a wedding day — but for a lifetime together.Support the show

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    177. The Non-Expert Guide to living with PCOS

    Send us Fan MailLiving with PCOS can feel overwhelming, confusing, and deeply isolating, especially when you’re told to “just lose weight” or given unclear answers about fertility and hormones.In this video, I share the non-expert guide to living with PCOS, from personal experience, research, and walking this journey alongside my spouse.This is not medical advice, but an honest breakdown of what PCOS looks like in everyday life, how it affects marriage and fertility, and what helped us move forward.In this video, you’ll learn: • My personal struggle with PCOS and the emotional toll it took • What PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is and how it shows up in daily life • How PCOS is diagnosed and why it’s often missed or delayed • Why PCOS affects weight gain and weight loss differently • How PCOS impacts marriage, intimacy, and fertility • How couples can navigate PCOS together instead of letting it create distance • Why finding a NaPro / restorative reproductive doctor changed everything • What to do next if you’ve been diagnosed with PCOSIf you’ve ever wondered: • “Why is my body not responding like it should?” • “Is infertility inevitable with PCOS?” • “How do we stay united as a couple through this?” • “What happens after the diagnosis?”This video is for you.Support the show

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    176. Is Marrying Young A Bad Idea? The 5 Questions Every Young Couple Faces

    Send us Fan MailIs marrying young too soon?In this honest conversation, we tackle the 5 core questions every couple faces before tying the knot — from emotional readiness to financial responsibilities and future growth as individuals and partners. Whether you’re in a serious relationship or thinking about the future, this video helps you feel less alone in making such a big decision. 💍🔥 What we cover in this episode:Why this mattersAre we emotionally mature enough?Should we wait to travel or build careers?What if our parents are right?What happens if we change in our 20s?Is it financially responsible to marry young?We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    175. 5 Ways NFP Can Break Your Marriage (And How to Fix It)

    Send us Fan MailCan Natural Family Planning actually damage a marriage?Many couples quietly struggle with NFP — feeling disconnected, frustrated, or even resentful — and wonder if something is wrong with them, their marriage, or the Church’s teaching.In this episode, we respond honestly and pastorally to five of the most common objections to Natural Family Planning and offer practical guidance for couples who want unity, intimacy, and peace — not pressure or guilt.In this episode, we cover:1️⃣ “Feeling that NFP doesn’t really work — it’s too complicated or unreliable.”2️⃣ The emotional and sexual strain caused by long abstinence periods.3️⃣ What to do when spouses disagree on when or why to use NFP.4️⃣ Is NFP basically the same as contraception?5️⃣ How to navigate marriage when one spouse struggles to accept NFP.Rather than defending NFP with theory alone, we focus on how NFP is lived inside real marriages — including communication, sacrifice, desire, resentment, and love. This conversation is especially for couples who feel exhausted by oversimplified answers and want something deeper, more human, and more faithful.If you’re asking: • Why does NFP feel so hard in our marriage? • Is abstinence damaging our intimacy? • Are we using NFP for the right reasons? • How do we stay united when we disagree?— this episode is for you.We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    174. Husbands Don’t Need Sex… But Does Your Marriage?

    Send us Fan MailWhat does every married couple need to understand about sex—especially when conversations online say things like “men don’t need sex”?In this episode, we unpack 5 essential truths about sex in marriage that are often misunderstood, oversimplified, or argued about without enough clarity. While it’s true that no one needs sex to physically survive, reducing sexual intimacy to something optional—or purely personal—can quietly damage a marriage over time.We explore why sexual desire isn’t just about pleasure, release, or pressure, but about desiring the spouse as a whole person. We also address the real fears many people carry into conversations about sex—fear of being used, objectified, or reduced to a body—and why those fears are sometimes justified and sometimes misplaced.Most importantly, we present a vision of marital sexuality that’s bigger than both obligation and autonomy. When rightly understood, male sexual desire can reflect Christ’s self-giving love and pursuit of His Church, transforming sex from a battleground into a place of unity, trust, and mutual gift.In this episode, we cover: • Why men don’t need sex to survive—but marriages do need sexual intimacy • How sexual desire goes beyond pleasure and points toward the spouse as a person • Why the phrase “men don’t need sex” can confuse the lived experience of male sexuality • How fear of being used or objectified shapes misunderstandings about sex • How male desire, properly ordered, can mirror Christ’s love for His ChurchWe wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    173: 5 Lies About Sex That Are Hurting Your Marriage

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we expose 5 modern lies about sex that are quietly destroying marriages, even Christian ones. We dig into why couples experience disconnection, resentment, and confusion around intimacy, not because they don’t love each other, but because they’ve absorbed cultural messages that distort the truth about sex, marriage, and the human person.We’ll break open the myths many couples believe:• that sex is mainly about individual pleasure instead of relational meaning and self-gift• that sex is a “need” you require to feel complete or healthy• that sex is the primary or only form of intimacy in a relationship• that sex becomes optional or unnecessary in a long-term committed marriage• that sexual autonomy and personal desire should be prioritized over unity and harmonyYou’ll learn why these lies lead to loneliness, emotional distance, and frustration between husbands and wives—and what Scripture, Catholic tradition, and real experience reveal about the true purpose of sex: union, vulnerability, communion, and sacrificial love.If you want a richer marital intimacy—not just more frequency—this conversation will challenge the assumptions shaping your expectations. Whether you’re dating, engaged, newly married, or decades into marriage, this episode will help you rediscover sex as a spiritual, emotional, and relational gift—not a commodity, pressure, or performance.We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    172. This one thing changed fertility awareness for us

    Send us Fan MailCheck out the Inito Fertility Monitor and use code MON15 at check out!We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    171. why Catholic parents don't read the bible with their kids

    Send us Fan MailStory of All Stories by Emily Stimpson Chapman and Word on FireWe wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    170. Holiday Boundaries: 10 Ways to Protect Your Peace This Season

    Send us Fan MailWe wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    169. how living in story-mode is quietly destroying your marriage

    Send us Fan MailWe wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    168. becoming better lovers (inspired by Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt)

    Send us Fan MailMentioned in this episode: Inito Monitor use code MON15!We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    167. making meals, building community (with Emily Stimpson Chapman)

    Send us Fan MailBuy Emily’s book: http://stpaulcenter.co/AroundtheCatholicTable use code Monica20 for a discount!We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    166. 6 hidden dangers of kids having smartphones (and our favorite alternative)

    Send us Fan MailWhat are the top 6 reasons we don't give our kids smartphones or personal devices? In today's episode we lay them out and then we give you our *new* favorite alternative!Check out the Gabb Phone 4 use code TWOBECOMEFAMILY at checkout!Read "Anxious Generation" by Jonathan HaidtRead "The Tech Exit" by Clare MorellWe wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    164. the best conflict resolution strategies part 2

    Send us Fan MailWhat are the best ways to resolve conflict in a marriage? In this episode we round out the previous list and give you the TOP 3 ways to revolutionize your conflict resolution. What do you think? Is our list accurate?Mentioned in this episode: Inito Monitor use code MON15!We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    163. manosphere red flags to look out for in your marriage

    Send us Fan MailWe wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Mentioned in this episode: Inito Monitor use code MON15!Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    162. who gives better s3x advice: Catholic couple vs artificial intelligence

    Send us Fan MailWho would give better advice when things aren't ideal in the bedroom? AI or a real Catholic couple? In this episode, we take on ChatGPT and see if AI can actually give good advice to couples who are struggling to connect in the bedroom. Can the authors of Lovemaking give better lovemaking advice?!We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Mentioned in this episode: Inito Monitor use code MON15!Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    161. the truth about NFP that we need to tell newly weds

    Send us Fan MailHere are the 8 things NO ONE told us about NFP when we were newly weds. These 8 points were completely off the top of my head, BUT we believe that they should be told to all couples before they get married and should be part of every NFP conversation with couples who are new to NFP and fertility awareness. Did we miss anything? Learn all about the different methods of NFP and more: https://fabmbase.org/Try the Inito! and use the code MON15 to get a discount with your orderWe wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelSupport the show

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    160. we tried the best & worst conflict resolution strategies here's what we think works

    Send us Fan MailWhat are the best ways to resolve conflict in a marriage? Well we're still figuring that out, but we can at least judge whether or not the most popular strategies you learn in marriage prep work. What do you think? Is our list accurate?We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

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    159. WE'RE BACK! and we spoke to 4000+ people in Rome!

    Send us Fan MailIn our first episode back from Summer break we talk about all the things that kept us busy this Summer. We're so happy to be back with you. Let's jump in!We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Mykolda Odnoroh from PixabaySupport the show

  35. 170

    SUMMER REWIND: Finding Freedom in Christ with Dr. Brueninger

    Send us Fan MailBuy Dr. B's book: Finding Freedom in Christ--We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

  36. 169

    SUMMER REWIND: Interviewing One of Our Mentors, Jen Doherty

    Send us Fan Mail-We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

  37. 168

    SUMMER REWIND: Lessons from the School off Love with Peter and Debra Herbeck

    Send us Fan MailIn today's episode we sit with the Herbecks and discuss how marriage is a School of Love! Let's jump in!-We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

  38. 167

    SUMMER REWIND: Discernment of Spirits For Married Couples with Fr. Tim Gallagher

    Send us Fan MailToday's rewind is our interview with Fr. Timothy Gallagher on his book  Discernment of Spirits in Marriage. Let's jump in!-We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

  39. 166

    SUMMER REWIND: Choosing Forgiveness with Dr. Tim Lock

    Send us Fan MailToday's rewind is our interview with Dr. Tim Lock on his book Choosing Forgiveness . Let's jump in!-We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

  40. 165

    SUMMER REWIND: My Marriage Before Jesus with Laura Phelps

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode we interviewed the now co-host of Hope For Right Now podcast Laura Phelps! This was such a fun interview with our friend Laura and we hope you're blessed by the conversation. Let's jump in!We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

  41. 164

    SUMMER REWIND: Walking with our LGBTQ Family Members with Kim Zember

    Send us Fan MailKim Zember has a brand new podcast with EWTN called "Here I am Stories" were she interviews and shares stories of people coming to know the love of Jesus Listen hereIn this rewind we interviewed her and learned all about here story. She is a blessing to the Church and we are so happy you're able to listen. Let's jump in!_Buy our new book on how to talk about sex with your spouse: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

  42. 163

    SUMMER REWIND: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships with the Swaffords

    Send us Fan MailIn our first rewind of the summer we are sharing one of our favorite interviews with the Swaffords! It's all about heroic virtue and how virtue can change your life and your relationships. Let's jump in!Buy the Swaffords book!Buy our new book on how to talk about sex with your spouse: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

  43. 162

    158. From Maintenance to Mission: Resurrected Marriage Series Part 5

    Send us Fan MailWelcome to part 5 of our new series Resurrected Marriage! In today's episode, we talk about how, as God's grace heals us, we need to respond by moving from maintenance to mission. What is the mission your marriage is living out? We're so happy you're here with us! Let's jump in!Buy our new book on how to talk about sex with your spouse: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

  44. 161

    157. From Temperament to Character: Resurrected Marriage Series Part 4

    Send us Fan MailWelcome to part 4 of our new series Resurrected Marriage!  Let's jump in!Buy our new book on how to talk about sex with your spouse: Order  LOVEMAKING!  - Use code LOVE10Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

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    156. ADHD Diagnosis Is Not a Label

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we apologize profusely for missing yesterday's post and come to you to de-influence and share what's going on in our lives. We hope you enjoy the episode and hop over to our substack to continue the conversation!ADHD Diagnosis is Not a Label on SubstackBuy our new book on how to talk about sex with your spouse: Order  LOVEMAKING!  - Use code LOVE10Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

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    155. Infertility and Unexpected Fruit of Marriage With Mary Bruno

    Send us Fan MailIn today's episode we sit down and chat with Mary Bruno. We are so happy you are here to join us to hear her testimony and witness! Let's jump inThe intimate experiences with suffering and joy Mary shares inspired her to write two books! You can learn more about Missing Pieces: Female Perspectives on Sex for Catholic Women and Holding Space for Joy: A Prayer Companion for Women Struggling with Infertility and read reviews through these links on Amazon. Find her at marygbruno.comBuy our new book on how to talk about sex with your spouse: Order  LOVEMAKING!  - Use code LOVE10Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

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    153. From Fruit to Root: Resurrected Marriage Series Part 2

    Send us Fan MailWelcome to part 2 of our new series Resurrected Marriage! In today's episode, we talk about how grace can allow us to move from tackling the bad fruit in our marriage to tackling the bad roots in our marriage. We're so happy you're here with us for this let's jump in!Buy our new book on how to talk about sex with your spouse: Order  LOVEMAKING!  - Use code LOVE10Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

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    152. From Grit To Grace: Resurrected Marriage Series Part 1

    Send us Fan MailWelcome to part 1 of our new series Resurrected Marriage! In today's episode, we talk about how we can live a in the resurrection by moving from relying on grit to relying on grace. We're so happy you're here with us for this let's jump in!Buy our new book on how to talk about sex with your spouse: Order  LOVEMAKING!  - Use code LOVE10Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

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    151. Lenten Series Part 5: Stewardship of your Time

    Send us Fan MailBuy our new book on how to talk about sex with your spouse: Order  LOVEMAKING!  - Use code LOVE10Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenRead and Subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Learn more about Together in Holiness: https://forlifeandfamily.org/together-in-holiness/SUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing, here are some ways you can support our show:  Support us on Patreon!Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Renzo and Monica share stories, advice, and encouragement for everyday Catholics navigating the human side of a faith-filled marriage. They both bring a voice of joyful solidarity from their experience living in the trenches with a growing family. Their honesty and witness offer hope to couples who want to find confidence in their vocation to marriage through a candid and faithful discussion. Renzo and Monica Ortega are Catholic ministry leaders, podcast hosts, authors, and national speakers. Their latest title, Lovemaking: How to Talk about Sex with Your Spouse was published through Ave Maria Press. They host the popular marriage podcast Two Become Family and speak nationally for the St. John Paul II Foundation’s Together in Holiness conference series. Their testimonies of faith, marriage, and parenting have been featured by the National Catholic Register, the Knights of Columbus, and Augustine Institute. They are coauthors of the ch

HOSTED BY

Renzo and Monica Ortega

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Two Become Family with Renzo and Monica Ortega have?

Two Become Family with Renzo and Monica Ortega currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Two Become Family with Renzo and Monica Ortega about?

Renzo and Monica share stories, advice, and encouragement for everyday Catholics navigating the human side of a faith-filled marriage. They both bring a voice of joyful solidarity from their experience living in the trenches with a growing family. Their honesty and witness offer hope to couples who...

How often does Two Become Family with Renzo and Monica Ortega release new episodes?

Two Become Family with Renzo and Monica Ortega has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Two Become Family with Renzo and Monica Ortega?

You can listen to Two Become Family with Renzo and Monica Ortega on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Two Become Family with Renzo and Monica Ortega?

Two Become Family with Renzo and Monica Ortega is created and hosted by Renzo and Monica Ortega.
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