Marriage Unhindered

Doug shares how to have a happy marriage according to the advice from 20 older men. Listener questions and comments: Vito - I know the secret: Include the Lord in everything in your marriage. (11:07) Christie - Seriously you need to pray for your spouse and with your spouse. It’s hard to stay mad when you pray with and for them. Also, have two bathrooms if possible. (12:35) Peter - My wife a...

Are you in a marriage that’s broken and you’re not sure what to do about it? Doug shares spiritual direction from St. Pio of Pietrlcina and applies it to married life.  Listener questions and comments: Marie - We have been married for 20 plus years. My husband moved out and he’s angry. He has had an illness and alcohol abuse for the last 17 years. I pray for him but I fear f...

Doug shares the inspiring story of a couple who got back together after their annulment. He unpacks the importance of seeking a deep encounter with God, finding a good 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 for annulment? (19:02)...

Happiness is possible for everyone no matter their circumstances, but how do we achieve it? Doug shares 7 habits that lead to a happy life. Plus: The Friday Rant!   Listener questions and comments: Pete - I think what would keep anyone happy is to keep God in mind. (19:18) Philip - A grateful heart is needed for happiness. (20:28) Gerard - Before we got married we learned how our marriage cou...

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to unpack the emotional problem children develop when they are constantly criticized. Is there a limit to praise and how honest should you be with your children? Doug and Monica discuss.  Listener questions and comments: Frank - I want Doug to know how great his daughter Monica is. (12:09) Colleen - Reactive vs. proactive parenting. is there an in between? (22:12) M...

What should you do when the in-laws are moving in across the street? How should you respond when your husband says something very hurtful? Should you get married because you are pregnant? Doug goes to the mailbag answering these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments: Theresa - I married my husband when we were 5 months pregnant. (25:00) Anne - My husband and I had our first ch...

Dr. Mario Sacasa joins Doug to discuss the challenges of dating in the current culture, and they explore possible solutions. Listener questions and comments: Janelle - I want to offer some encouragement as a single woman to young men. (29:49) Walt - I've been married for 35 years. I met my wife at a pro-life movement. This is a good place to meet. (36:34) Brett - How do you overcome fear in dating...

Do you or your children ever wonder if you can overcome the challenges in today’s culture? How do you know if your child is struggling with hope? Guest host Monica Hinderer shares how to raise hopeful kids. She unpacks the theological virtue of hope and what it looks like to have high hopes.   Listener questions and comments: Frank - I have a mental issue and I always want to try new cu...

Are you frustrated about the state of your marriage and wondering if it is all worth it? In honor of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Doug shares how to carry the matrimonial cross. PLUS: The Friday rant!   Listener questions and comments: Susan - I did see my husband at his lawyer's office and he's using the rosary that I gave him. He's searching but he's still living with mist...

Doug and Monica discuss the childhood trait most predictive of adult success and how parents can nurture it in their kids. They also explore the dangers of smartphones, modeling virtue, and guiding children with honesty. They also reflect on Charlie Kirk’s recent political assassination and the tragedy of 9/11. Listener questions and comments: Carlos – My daughter has left the Church a...

How does a man properly communicate his needs to his wife? Doug continues to unpack what men most want and need from their wives.   Listener questions and comments: Addison - We have a tradition of building of Legos while drinking wine. It’s a great chance to open up. (20:12) Mike - I love my wife but I think my wife has a problem with putting her parents first. (22:57) Joel - My marria...

Doug finishes unpacking traits women admire in their husbands and shares what men most want and need from their wives.   Listener questions and comments: Peter - We should use the marital act to promote intimacy. The bible says we should. (27:26) Chris - My wife has mom guilt so she wants alone time but doesn’t let me leave the house with the kids. (38:34) Breanna - We were married in 2...

Doug unpacks traits women most admire in their husbands. He shares the need for emotional support, showing respect, and the power of building trust.   Listener questions and comments: Reyna - My husband leaves me notes, buys me flowers, and introduces me as one-in-a-trillion. (18:52) Lori - My husband and I would dedicate songs to each other. (29:45) Julia - My husband has started praying the...

Doug shares what to do when your spouse has become just a roommate, and what a wife should do when there is an incident of physical abuse. Doug also gives advice to a man who has discovered his fiancé is using contraception. Listener questions and comments: Vicki - There's a single mom who's been asking for me to help take care of her children at our house. I'm starting to get uncomfortable...

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to continue their discussion on how to teach children the virtue of resilience. They address the idea of the “perfect parent” sharing the impact of acknowledging our imperfections as parents, learning from mistakes, and modeling resilience and accountability for our children. Listener questions and comments: Maria - I'm a mother of a 2-year-old. The doctor sa...

What does it take to have a happy marriage? What can take away from a happy marriage? Today, Doug discusses the virtues that make for a happy marriage. He also shares three tips for a successful marriage. PLUS: The Friday Rant! Listener questions and comments: Tessa - My husband and I started dating in high school. We have been working out together, and it is so much fun.  Jerry - Can those w...

Doug examines a case study of a struggling marriage that found restoration and hope. He also addresses listener questions about infidelity, broken trust, and how to persevere when family pressures strain relationships. Listener questions and comments: Susan – My husband has been with his mistress for five years. I nursed him back to health, but he returned to her, even though we have been ma...

Are you in a relationship and wondering if you are compatible? Doug discusses what couples should know before they tie the knot. He identifies red flags couples ignore that could lead to a difficult marriage or even divorce. PLUS: The Friday Rant! Listener questions and comments: Mark - If you're going to marry someone and you're a Catholic, you should marry another Catholic. You would think that...

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to help parents respond to the Minnesota mass shooting while also facing tough family struggles, including children wrestling with gender identity, strained relationships, and fear after violence. Listener questions and comments: Priya – I fear families may leave this parish after the shooting, and that the priest could lose parishioners. (08:55) David – My a...

Doug reflects on the faith and perseverance of St. Monica, whose prayer brought her prodigal son to sainthood. Its not easy being a parent but looking to the lives of the saints can help us navigate our journeys by following the example of those who came before us.  Listener questions and comments: Theresa – Should I share my inheritance with a non-Catholic grandchild? (14:20) Sharron &...

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 unpacks Pope Leo’s advice on how to move forward with dignity after betrayal. PLUS: Doug shares advice for a wife living with an emotionally abusive husband.   Listener questions and comments: Luz - I have been dating this person online for 4 months and he seemed perfect over the phone but every time we try to get together he comes up with some excuse. (23:46) Jason - Can you elabo...

Have you thought about the impact your motherhood has had on you and your children? Have you ever looked at the parallels between you and the Blessed Mother? Doug unpacks the beauty of motherhood as the Church celebrates the Queenship of Mary. PLUS: A praise of mothers.   Listener questions and comments: Sebastian - My wife and I were married for 67 years and the thing that kept us together w...

Are some emotions bad? What should you do if your child’s emotions are out of control? Monica Hinderer joins Doug sharing the devastating impact of invalidating your child’s emotions. They unpack 6 types of emotional invalidation and share how to validate your child's emotions.   Listener questions and comments: Sue - I have a 27-year-old son who doesn't really talk to me because...

How do you overcome a broken heart? What do you do when your husband is in denial? How do you help adult children who aren’t pulling their weight? Should you make your children play sports? Why is there a decline in intimacy in my marriage? Doug answers these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments: Jessica - Am I doing harm to my son by making him play sports even though...