Marriage Unhindered

Doug talks about a senior citizen with cancer using contraception.  AND could a relationship between a devout churchgoer and lukewarm believer stand a chance?  Listener questions and comments: Mary-Worries about radiation spread in regards to condom use for senior citizen (7:22) Mark-Clarifies about condom use for senior citizen with cancer in regards to bodily fluid (8:31) Mark - Using...

Doug discusses the challenges and suffering that can arise in marriage, emphasizing the importance of redemptive suffering and the need to find meaning and purpose in our suffering rather than waste it.   Listener questions and comments: Leslie - My husband died of cancer and we didn’t end on a good note. I wonder if he loved me. I need some closure. (19:26) Heidi - I am in a difficult...

Is it possible for a young bride to be happy in serving her husband? Today, Doug shares advice from Alice Von Hildebrand in her book By Love Refined.   Listener question and comments: Jean - My son sent me a no-contact text. How do I respond? (4:07) Irene - I'm in a no-contact situation with two of my boys, and it's been going on for four years. It's just heartbreaking and I can't see my gran...

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to discuss how children impact a marriage. They discuss relationship challenges including the effect on intimacy, finances and identity shifts.     Listener questions and comments: Pete - Having kids gave me a reason to work harder. It was the proudest moment of my life. Having people around to support you is helpful. (13:19) Cindy - My sister has been friends...

Steve O’Conner joins Doug to discuss how we can fight pornography use.   Listener questions and comments: Mary - From the girlfriend’s side of things what were some things she did to help with your relapse. What were the things that helped him heal before they got married. (21:14)   Resources: Catholics Fight Porn https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/   Magdala Ministries...

Doug discusses what is and is not permissible in the bedroom. He also shares tips for those who feel like giving up on their marriage.   Listener question and comments: Matthew - I don't condone coercion but I don't think it should be kept from the other. I wonder if there is a traditional teaching that keeps those two things in harmony. (21:02) Mary - How do I communicate using the 4 four ho...

Mary Bowen joins Doug to give an update on her lawsuit against the Texas no fault divorce law.   Listener questions and comments: Ronnie - My parents got a divorce when I was in my 30s and it hurt me. (17:05) Patrick - When you go through divorce, you feel like a criminal. I went through it and it was humiliating. (19:36) John - If you have a marriage partner that has a mental illness (bipola...

Doug shares how to handle the challenges when and elderly parent moves in with you.   Listener questions and comments: Matt - I have been married for 20 years. I have a continued pattern of not telling the truth. My wife has had enough. What should I do? (6:22) Addison - We moved in with my father-in-law. He's 86 now. It has been hard, but really beautiful since our son is 8 years old. My big...

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to discuss toxic empathy. They also discuss questions on marital infidelity, and healing past wounds.   Listener questions and comments: Juan - I have been married for 15 years and my wife thinks I'm cheating. (4:04) Joe - Does marriage counseling help heal past wounds such as infidelity? (18:37) Don - I've experienced toxic empathy and also the other marital issues...

Bear Woznick joins Doug to discuss his two books; 12 Rules for Manliness, and Men of Grit and Grace.   Listener questions and comments: John - I have family history of the cowboy code! (36:28)   Resources: School of Manliness https://www.bearschoolofmanliness.com/

Sam Hodges joins Doug to discuss grief. They explore practical ways to support someone who is grieving, how people process grief differently, and what grief can look like in marriage and everyday life. They also take listener calls from people sharing their own experiences with grief.   Listener questions and comments: Sophie - My husband is mad at God and got away from his faith. Should I st...

Doug shares the number one rule in dating and discusses questions that must be answered to really get to know someone well.   Listener questions and comments: Leslie - My husband died on April 2nd and we didn’t end on a good note and I don’t have closure. (12:17) Ray - I have noticed that girls will talk very loosely and tell stories about their sex lives. What should we do to add...

Doug talks with his daughter Emily about seeing the beatification of Bishop Sheen in person. Doug also covers a few listener emails before getting into dating advice, including conversion to Catholicism within a marriage, jealousy in relationships, and navigating purity while dating. Listener Questions and Comments: Matt - Should I pursue conversion to Catholicism at the expense of my marriag...

Monica and Doug discuss postpartum depression and psychosis, what can be done to treat them, and how to equip children who hear about these difficult cases. Listener questions and comments: Celeste: I experienced psychosis two years ago and struggled with a split personality. (11:20) Rose: I experienced postpartum depression and want to share my happy ending. (29:35) Cynthia: I never planned to ha...

Are you married to someone struggling with an addiction that is damaging your marriage? Doug welcomes Scott Weeman, founder of Catholics in Recovery, to explore the roots of addiction and how people can begin the path toward healing and freedom. Listener questions and comments: Charlie – I have been in Al-Anon and found a “Letter to an Alcoholic” especially helpful. I want to sha...

Doug discusses several marriage topics including: complaining, where to find a good husband, and female breadwinners. He also shares several quotes to strengthen marriage.   Listener questions and comments: Robert - My wife and I have been married for 20 years and I have a problem where I lie about small things. (11:18) Jade - I found out my boyfriend is cheating. He says he wants to marry me...

Dr. Bobby Jakucs joins Doug to discuss insomnia and nightmares and their impact on marriage.   Listener questions and comments:   Monique - I have long days starting at 2 AM and ending at 9 PM so I have a lack of sleep. Is there anything I can do because I am burned out. (11:50) Dave - I am semi-retired. I feel like I am over sleeping. What should I do? (22:05) Joanne - I have a nightmar...

Doug unpacks a case study of an impossible marriage redeemed. In his story, the wife is shocked to learn that her husband was having an affair with a “friend”. Doug also responds to an email from a man whose wife refuses forgiveness and respect. PLUS: The Friday Rant!   Listener questions and comments: Jane - One good way to go about asking a man out is through mutual friends and...

How can pornography destroy a marriage? Should a couple get married in the Church after an 11-year civil marriage? What should you do if your wife is withholding forgiveness? Doug goes to the mailbag answering these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments:   John - I have been married for several years and my wife was unfaithful. We separated physically but then got back to...

Special guest Bishop Michael Burbidge joins Doug to discuss his pastoral letter,  The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing.   Listener questions and comments: Deedee - I have been in a state of spiritual complacency. Is this a spiritual or mental issue? (37:08)   Resources: The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbei...

Dann and Roxane Aungst join Doug. Roxane discusses her reality during the 25 years of Dann’s sexual addiction.   Listener questions and comments: Maria - How do you look at your wife now? How did you overcome these emotions after such a long addiction? (22:43) Susan - Listening to this is very difficult. My daughter's husband was introduced to porn at 10 years old and it destroyed their...

Doug shares three tips from St. Bernard on gaining wisdom and explores how to apply them to our marriages today.   Listener questions and comments: Brian - Somebody came into my life briefly and because of my life issues they left. How do I move on or get them back? (21:52) Jessica - I don’t like the way my daughter dresses or the music she likes. How do I address this tension? (25:49)...

Dr. Julia Dezelski joins Doug to discuss USCCB resources available for married and dating couples.    Listener questions and comments: Chris - When I got married, there was very little marriage preparation. This needs to be a bigger emphasis. (22:41) Walt - It seems like in modern culture it seems like children are an add-on and not the focus. Is this being addressed? (31:14) M...

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 that 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 a...

Doug discusses why you won’t find Eden here on earth and also tackles emails from couples who are struggling in their marriages.   Listener questions and comments: Richard - We have been married for 16 years but every time we go to put the sheets on the bed we end in a fight. (21:19) Alex - We have been separated for a year now and my husband suffers with addiction and infidelity. I jus...