Marriage Unhindered

Doug is joined by marriage therapist Greg Schutte, MSW, LISW-S, for a thoughtful conversation on how to bring gratitude into marriage and into all of our relationships. Together they explore practical ways to cultivate thankfulness, strengthen emotional connection, and build a home grounded in appreciation and grace.   Listener Questions and Comments: (12:47) Mary: Shares that her son and dau...

Dr. Sean Tobin joins Doug to discuss the role the devil plays in disrupting harmony in marriage.   Listener questions and comments Sarah - When I get in fights with my husband, he will say, 'the devil made me do it.' It sounds like a scapegoat to me. (29:10) Deedee - I was married to a man from the Middle East, and I’m Hispanic. Our cultures have different levels of affection. What shou...

Doug responds to letters about a controlling wife and a lazy husband, reflects on the role of shared values in marriage, and considers how men can keep their identity in family life. He also takes on a heartfelt question from a wife supporting her husband through parenting challenges and financial stress.   Listener questions and comments: Bobby – After my divorce, I’ve realized h...

Doug invites author Leila Miller to discuss a powerful and often overlooked reality — the men and women who suffer the pain of divorce yet choose to remain faithful to their vows. Together, they explore stories of hope, steadfast love, and the deeper meaning of commitment even when a marriage ends in separation.   Listener Questions and Comments:   Mary: Shares how her father remai...

Dr. Aaron Kheriaty joins Doug to discuss the Christian meaning of human suffering, especially in marriage. Listener questions and comments: Susan - I have an update on my husband, who left me for his mistress. (21:34) Laurel - I lost my husband to divorce. What should I do with the pain and frustration when I should have helped him years before? (28:52 ) Chris - My wife and I experienced turbulenc...

Damon Owens joins Doug to discuss Communio and the work they are doing with bishops in California to strengthen marriages.     Resources: Damon Owens https://flow.page/damonowens   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/   Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle   Happy Marriage for Life https:...

Dr. Christine Bacon joins Doug to discuss her book -  The Super Couple . PLUS: 6 faulty assumptions of a super marriage.   Listener questions and comments: Kimberly - My husband was in a substance abuse program and I didn't know about it. I found out the hard way. How do I help him from a spouse's point of view. He's not Catholic and he's adamant to divorce me but also wants to be a bett...

Doug opens the mail bag. How can I help a friend whose 60-year-old husband think he’s a woman? When is it ok for me to be angry with my spouse? Is my husband working a lot because he’s trying to avoid me? Doug answers these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments: Penelope - My daughter is trans and I would like to point out the encourage groups through the Church. I...

What does it mean to be joined together in matrimony? What is the difference between natural and sacramental marriage? Fr. Robert Altier joins Doug to tackle these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments: Robert - If the wife concealed the fact that she was infertile, is that grounds for an annulment? (12:22) Susie - We were married by a protestant minister as non-practicing Cat...

Have you ever found yourself focusing on your spouse’s defects? Doug discusses the dog biscuit theory of marriage and shares how to drive out the negativity in a relationship by focusing on what positive behaviors your spouse possesses.   Listener questions and comments: Janet - I have a 30-year-old son who is trying to marry. He had a problem with alcohol and he met somebody who works...

Dr. Stephanie Kafie joins Doug to discuss the health dangers of artificial contraception and the advantages of Natural Family Planning.   Listener questions and comments: Christina - Where does birth control come from? why was it invented? (21:20) Rita - I have been married for 25 years and use NFP. I am getting closer to menopause what are my options? (23:57) Liz - I used NFP to get pregnant...

Doug unpacks the importance of shared passions and interests in a relationship. He shares how finding out what your shared passions and interests are, leads to strong friendship and better marriages.   Listener questions and comments: Chris - When I ask my wife about her day it usually is bland. How do we get past the small talk? (30:10) Anna - My son confessed that he cheated on his wife a f...

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to finish their discussion on how parents can teach good communication skills to give children confidence and self-reliance.   Episode guide Expanding our children’s vocabulary (4:30) Teenage emotions after a divorce (14:52) Practicing gratitude and kind words (21:08) Handling disagreements with respect (30:37)   Listener questions and comments: Adrianna...

Michael Pakaluk joins Doug to discuss the news of the opening of Ruth Pakaluk’s cause for canonization.

Doug unpacks the difference between love and emotional connection. He shares what love is and how to reignite the emotional connection in your marriage through asking open ended questions, showing appreciation, and making a bids for connection.   Listener questions and comments: Suzie - How do I respond to a husband who says 'I'm a guy and I don’t talk about that', and he shuts down. Wh...

Is alcohol having a negative impact on your marriage? Is it difficult to talk to your spouse about their drinking problem? Today, Doug shares how alcohol can harm marriages. He also discusses marital intimacy when age or illness makes intercourse impossible.   5 types of intimacy Spiritual intimacy Emotional intimacy Intellectual intimacy Physical intimacy Recreational/social intimacy

Doug explores the marriages of St. Adelaide and St. Gangulphus and reflects on Our Blessed Mother’s protection of families under the title Mother of Fairest Love . JL Marti joins the conversation to share insight on the beauty and strength of Fairest Love. Resources:   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/   Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle https://relevantradio.s...

Are you concerned about your child's ability to communicate? Monica Hinderer joins Doug as they continue their discussion on how to turn our children into excellent communicators.   Listener questions and comments: Rae - What if the person is talking too much and he just repeats himself and I can never get a word in. He gets offended because 'he wasn't done'. (18:35) Gerrard - When I speak to...

Doug continues to discuss how to strengthen the emotional connection with your spouse. He also tackles the question of what to do if your spouse accuses you of being too religious.   Listener questions and comments: Maryalice - I am meeting guys who are single or divorced and they are not empathetic but very selfish. They just talk about themselves. Before people are married shouldn’t t...

Do you feel as emotionally safe with your spouse today as when you were married? Are you concerned your hearts are drifting apart? Are you afraid to be emotionally vulnerable? Today, Doug unpacks the importance of emotional connection in marriage and how to regain it if you’ve lost it.   Listener questions and comments: Ron - We're having difficulty because my wife doesn't believe in ma...

Doug shares highlights from his Pilgrimage to Rome. He also goes to the mailbag. How can you pass the faith on without coming on too strong? How can you help a married son whose marriage is in trouble but he doesn’t want help? How do you fix communication problems? Doug answers these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments: Gina - My daughter left the Church and she is goi...

What happens if you lose faith in your husband? What do you do if there is physical abuse in your marriage? What do you do when you learn secrets about your spouse's past? Doug answers these questions and more. Plus: The Friday Rant! Listener questions and comments: Rebecca - My husband is going through a midlife crisis and has left the family. What should I do? (20:03) Erica - Why would adul...

Guest host Monica Hinderer is joined by her guest Fr. Joe Hinderer to continue their discussion on the importance of sibling relationships in childhood and beyond. They discuss conflict and how to repair relationships by respecting boundaries and leaving the door open to reconciliation.   Listener questions and comments: Dee - I have a sibling who took money from my mother and I had to fix th...

Guest host   Monica Hinderer is joined by Julie Larkin to discuss inner child work and how to deal with emotional wounds. They share the value of true affirmation and forgiveness, pointing to God’s unconditional love.   Listener questions and comments: Jose - I have been angry at my mother and I find it difficult. She used to treat me with violence. I still live at home at 32. (23:...

Jonathan Marcotte joins Doug to discuss the impact of childhood attachment wounds in marriage.   Listener questions and comments : John - I have an anxiety disorder that upsets my wife, and it causes tension in our marriage. What advice do you have that can help us? (24:09) Maria - Sometimes my husband makes comments that can be demeaning, and I tend to shut down. What should I do? (36:55) &n...