Marriage Unhindered

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...

Doug shares 5 things marriage therapists wish couples knew before they got married.   Listener questions and comments: Sarah - How do I build trust with my fiancé after we had something happen that broke it. (3:46)   Resources: Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/   Hold Me Tight https://www.amazo...

Have you suffered a traumatic event in your life or more specifically your marriage? Today on Marriage Unhindered, Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn joins Doug to discuss growing through trauma.   Listener questions and comments: Mary - After suffering physical traumatic injuries how do you deal with doctors who trivialized and dismiss what happened to you? (23:53) Monica - How do I navigate coping toget...

Doug shares the importance of establishing a strong emotional connection in marriage. PLUS: The Friday rant!   Listener questions and comments: Mary - Contraception gets in between a husband and a wife. (8:36) Anita - Everything you are saying are things I've said to my husband. I feel like I've been so distant. (22:43) Lorraine - Would you agree that once the honeymoon is over that you shoul...

Why do break ups happen? How do you live with a hoarder? Can AI improve your marriage? Doug goes to the mailbag answering these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments: Christine - I want to give you a solution: A friend of mine said that they made a very small area and her husband could be messy there. (17:41) Mike - I am a hoarder and I would like to tell you how it is good. (...

Doug shares a case study from  Impossible Marriages Redeemed  by Leila Miller. When getting married, the wife’s backup plan was divorce. After years of arguing and the husband’s alcohol abuse, hope seemed grim.   Listener questions and comments: Ted - My wife filed for divorce about a month ago and I am wondering how to keep her here or if I need to let her go. (35:11) A...

Doug shares 6 New Year’s resolutions to help marriages thrive. He also gives rules for how to limit your teens social media use and screen time.   Listener questions and comments: Tracey - My daughter took my granddaughter’s car. They think she was drunk driving but she was not and now my granddaughter is angry and wants to come live with me. What should I do? (21:59)   Resou...

What are some ways you would like to strengthen your marriage? Today on Marriage Unhindered, Doug shares how to stay focused on God’s love in your marriage. He discusses the importance of growing in virtue as a couple.   Listener questions and comments: Maria - I am struggling because I don’t receive the love and gratitude for all that I do for my family. (19:14) Hugh - My thought...

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? (12:45) Susie - We were married by a protestant minister as non-practicing Cat...