Marriage Unhindered

Doug shares practical Lenten tips and explains how the rhythms of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving can strengthen your marriage. Listeners also offer updates, encouragement, and insight into difficult marital situations. Listener questions and comments: Becky – I previously emailed about my husband leaving me and want to share an update. (33:08) Carol – We were guests on Doug’s sh...

Kevin Burke joins Doug to discuss the abortion trauma suffered by the baby's father.   Listener questions and comments: Mary - My husband found out that a previous girlfriend he was sleeping with had an abortion. He brought it up to me after we got married. He doesn't really talk it about it. What should I do? (24:26) Ed - I pray at abortion clinic and one man thanked me, because his gir...

Peter and Theresa Martin join Doug to discuss The Wojtyla Community and Institute. Plus: Day 9 of the novena to Mary, Mother of Fairest Love.   Listener questions and comments: Denise - I'm dating my boyfriend and we're both Catholic. But he's following his ex on Instagram. It makes me uncomfortable, but he said they are just friends.  What do you think? (38:26)   Resources: Fairest...

Drs. Michael and Catherine Pakaluk join Doug to discuss Catholic second marriages.   Listener questions and comments: Steve - We are part of a second marriage retreat and we help with second marriage prep. (23:05) Joanna - I read Catherine's book and I love it! (25:07) Linda - My boyfriend and I both lost our spouses and we have children. I love him but his children just don’t like me....

Mike and Alicia Hernon join Doug to share lessons learned from 10 years of working with couples and families.   Listener questions and comments: Fred - God doesn’t make defective people. He makes different people. (37:45)   Resources: Mike & Alicia Heron https://messyfamilyproject.org/

Dr. John Bergsma joins Doug to explore marriage and the book of Genesis.   Listener questions and comments: Bill - Can you explain the part of Genesis that says 'male and female he created them'? (22:04) Mario - Can you clarify what Myrrh represents? (26:57) Alex - How does the aspect of jealousy factor into the covenant of marriage? (41:21)     Resources: St. Paul Center https://st...

Doug addresses how past trauma, especially from military service, can shape marriage and relationships. Listeners share experiences with PTSD, loss, compassion, and the role of healing and forgiveness. Listener questions and comments: Angel – I was married to a sniper with PTSD who later died, and I am now engaged to a military general. Should we seek therapy now before getting married? (22:...

Doug shares 12 ways to rekindle love in your marriage. Plus: Day 4 of the novena to Mary, Mother of Fairest Love.   Listener questions and comments: Maggie - I have a son whose marriage is struggling. He and his wife have been together for 10 years and the wife recently went back to the work world. She wants a separation. How can I help? (19:39)   12 ways to rekindle the love in your mar...

Doug shares ways to show your spouse unconditional love. Plus: Day 3 of the novena to Mary, Mother of Fairest Love.   Ways to show your spouse unconditional love You prioritize your spouse’s happiness External pressures do not shake your bond Forgiveness is always on the table Celebrate your spouse’s achievements They feel safe being vulnerable Acceptance comes naturally Showing m...

Doug continues to explore the idea of building a strong foundation of communication. Plus: Day 2 of the novena to Mary, Mother of Fairest Love.   Listener questions and comments: Ron - I am the one in the relationship who tends to think my wife is doing bad things. I assume the worst. Would it be better to not respond at all if she is giving me these signals? (34:15)

Doug begins the novena to Mary, Mother of Fairest love. He also shares how to build a strong foundation of communication in your marriage.   Communication techniques Active listening Mindful messaging Taking turns Use “I” statements

Katie Hinderer joins Doug to discuss the Novena to Mary Mother of Fairest Love. Doug also explores the beauty of marriage and those things that can rob us of true joy.   Listener questions and comments: Elyse - What is my responsibility in my daughter’s non-Catholic wedding? (39:49) Vinnie - What do you do when you can’t get over an old girlfriend. (45:48)

Doug shares the impact of alcohol on marriage. Plus: What should you do if your daughter wants to bring her girlfriend home for the weekend? Doug answers this question and more.   Listener questions and comments: Mark - I'm 82 years old, and I’ve been married for 50 years. I'm very religious and my wife ridicules me for that. What should I do? (4:59) Trakina - Can you be in a relationsh...

Are you frustrated with the dating scene? Today on Marriage Unhindered, Taylor O’Brien joins Doug to discuss virtual speed dating.   Listener questions and comments: Bill - I want to get the app and how do I do that? I struggle with loneliness. (26:39) Judy - What are the oldest people you can have on? (29:11)   Resources: Candid Dating https://www.candiddating.net/

Doug shares why New Year’s resolutions generally don’t make it into February. He also discusses Pope Leo’s comments to the Apostolic Tribunal of the Roman Rota regarding declarations of nullity.   Listener questions and comments: Janet - My husband left me after a 40-year marriage and he wanted out. He tore the family up after we had 9 kids. I think there are far too many an...

Emily Jaminet joins Doug discussing the importance of rooting your marriage in the Sacred Heart.     Resources:   Emily Jaminet https://www.emilyjaminet.com/   A Marriage Rooted in the Sacred Heart: Grace, Healing, and Hope https://www.emilyjaminet.com/a-marriage-rooted-in-the-sacred-heart-grace-healing-and-hope/

Doug goes into the mailbag to answer hard questions about emotionally abusive relationships, including how to forgive an abusive parent, support a caregiver being mistreated, and practice self-care while staying married. Listener questions and comments: Mary – Doug’s advice on suffering and conflict led me to swallow my pride and return to confession. (37:16) Mercedes – My boyfri...

Doug returns to the mailbag to tackle tough questions about emotionally abusive family relationships, including forgiveness, boundaries, and seeking counseling. The show closes with the Friday Rant. Listener questions and comments: Art – I’m going through a divorce. What type of counseling should I seek? (10:38) Lenea – I’m facing a situation like the man who doesn’t...

Dr. Mario Sacasa joins Doug for a discussion on therapy. When should you go to therapy, and how do you find a good therapist?   Listener questions and comments:   Don - Critical stress response debriefing: Is that actually helpful as therapy? (10:02) Nicholas - My wife is at home and I work. I am struggling to manage devotions as a new father. (19:11) Patsy - I feel like my husband needs...

Doug goes to the mail bag. How do you deal with the suicide of a family member? If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 for help.   Listener question and comments: John - When someone dies by suicide, family should not blame themselves. There is always help, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is so powerful. (9:05) Amaris - My brother committed suicide on the...

When you got married, how much time did you spend discerning God’s will for you? Today on Marriage Unhindered, Elizabeth Busby joins Doug to discuss marriage discernment.   Listener questions and comments: Bill - Do dating rules apply to all ages? (15:30) Julie - I have a son who is going to be 22 and he is going to be graduating. I am concerned he won’t be able to find a wife soo...

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. (35:37) Paul...

Doug dives into the mailbag to address what to do when a husband is sexting another woman and how couples can navigate fear and conflict around having children. He also tackles communication breakdowns and how to help loved ones facing marital abuse. Listener questions and comments: Addison – We have been married nine years and feel unheard when we try to communicate. Our arguments now seem...

Doug continues to unpack 13 things marriage therapists wish couples knew before they got married.   Listener questions and comments: Don - My wife has told me that I've become jaded because of the gross work I do as a paramedic. I feel like I can't share that stuff with my wife because she shouldn’t be subject to it. She feels alienated. (18:04) Richard - My wife left me for our marriag...

Doug shares the inspiring story of a couple who got back together after their annulment. He emphasizes the importance of seeking a profound encounter with God, as well as finding a skilled therapist. Reconciling takes courage, faith, and trust in God that He will make all things new.   Listener questions and comments: Theresa - My husband was running around with other women. Is that grounds f...