Marriage Unhindered

Episodet

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  Finding Love After Loss 23.07.2026 50min

  Doug unpacks the challenges of getting married after the death of your spouse and what to do when it feels like everything is going wrong.   Listener questions and comments: Karen - My spouse has drug and alcohol problems and is not able to get help for himself. I'm exhausted from this. (5:30)   Resources:   Searching for and Maintaining Peace https://bit.ly/4wkqb7F   Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence https://bit.ly/3R7CdC3
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  Healing Hearts & Building Better Men 22.07.2026 50min

  Doug shares practical guidance on how individuals and couples can begin the difficult process of recovering from an affair, rebuilding trust, navigating the emotional challenges, and working toward healing and restoring their relationship. Doug also shares ten classic novels boys should read and unpacks dating advice for men.   Listener questions and comments: Daniel - How do you go about dating a woman in a Catholic way? (30:53) Mary - Comment for Daniel: Treat a woman as a friend. Sometimes it’s hard to not go into everything as a potential date. (37:14) Charlie - Sherlock Holmes, LOTR and Hardy Boys are great books. (38:13) Joseph - You do such a great job with the callers. Keep up the good work! (40:40) Andrew - I decided to stop looking for a girlfriend in college because of my studies but then a week later I met my wife. Don’t give up! (43:22)   Resources: Searching for and Maintaining Peace https://bit.ly/4wkqb7F   Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence https://bit.ly/3R7CdC3
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  Intermittent Explosive Disorder 21.07.2026 50min

  Are you married to someone with an explosive temper? If so, how do you deal with it? Today, Doug unpacks what it’s like to live with someone diagnosed with Intermittent Explosive Disorder.   Listener questions and comments: Joe - My wife has a bad temper. Do you have any helpful suggestions? (20:44) Tilly - I have a 53-year-old nephew who lives at home and he has anger management issues. (48:15)
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  What Happily Married Men Do Well 20.07.2026 50min

  Doug shares 6 things that happily married men do well. He also gives dating advice and unpacks the four types of love.   Listener questions and comments: Steve - My wife doesn’t feel an emotional connection. What should I do? (30:50) Mary - Start by complimenting your spouse and kiss each other for 10 seconds and dance in front of your family. (47:00)   Resources:   6 things happily married men do well You listen to her You express appreciation often You prioritize quality time with her He champions her dreams and supports her growth He takes responsibility and repairs the damage early He embraces evolution and adapts together   Ways to show you are listening Repeat the heart of what she says Ask questions with genuine curiosity You do not immediately defend yourself Your body language says you are present You respond to the emotion, not just the facts You remember what matters later
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  Protecting Relationships from AI 17.07.2026 50min

  Doug explores modern relationships from every angle—from the dangers of creating an AI soulmate to offering practical dating advice for those seeking a real human connection. PLUS: The Friday rant.   Listener questions and comments: Tracey - Monica said that people with personality disorders have trouble with relationships. Could you expand on that a little? It speaks to our daughter and we want to know how to approach her. (23:35) Victor - We deal with AI cases in law enforcement and lots of it leads to self-harm and even suicide. (35:51) Danielle - I have a relative who has taken a half million dollars from her husband and hid it from the IRS. He is saying he didn’t know anything about it. They want help. What should I do? (42:03)
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  Guiding Without Pushing Away 16.07.2026 50min

  Monica Hinderer joins Doug to continue their discussion on how parents unknowingly harm their relationship with their adult children.   Listener questions and comments: Carolyn - What do you do when your child is in a same sex relationship and looking at marriage? (18:43) William - I have a daughter getting involved with a man who thinks he is a woman. She has threatened to cut us off. (27:41) Julie - I prefer to have birthday parties one on one with my daughters and so I like to leave their spouse behind sometimes. (39:28)
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  Helping Children Understand Catholicism 15.07.2026 50min

  Steven Hemler joins Doug to discuss his book - The Busy Parent's Guide to the Catholic Faith: Short Answers to the Big Questions. They unpack the scientific proof for God, stages of faith, and bringing adult children back to the faith.   Listener questions and comments: Ed - I have been reading Fr. Spitzer’s book 'Faith, Science, and Reason' and it is really great on this topic. (29:06) Mary - My son is not receptive to the faith and he is an engineer. He says he is an atheist. What can I do to bring him back? (39:24)   Resources:   The Busy Parent's Guide to the Catholic Faith: Short Answers to the Big Questions https://bit.ly/4wON1UM   The Reality of God: The Layman's Guide to Scientific Evidence for a Creator https://bit.ly/4bF5lr1
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  Finding Freedom and Forgiveness 14.07.2026 50min

  Doug discusses forgiveness after the discovery of a secret pornography addiction. He also shares the journey of rebuilding a marriage that was nearly destroyed by years of alcoholism.   Listener questions and comments: Carol - I have two friends who are married 30 years and the man called me crying because his wife had an affair for 3 months. She wants to go on a Retrouvaille weekend but he thinks it’s too soon. (37:07) Angela - Our daughter is gay, estranged and had a second IVF baby. We haven’t been able to meet him. What should we do? (44:06) Pete - I have seen couples go right to Retrouvaille and it is life changing. (47:08) Constantine - We were married outside of the Church and I treated my wife badly. She divorced me but when we reconnected a couple years later, we discussed reconciliation. (48:53)   Resources:   Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/   The Forgiveness Institute https://internationalforgiveness.com/   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/   Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/   Dr. John Gottman https://www.gottman.com/   Retrouvaille https://helpourmarriage.org/  
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  Holy Examples of Marriage 13.07.2026 50min

  Doug explores lessons on marriage from the saints. Yesterday, the Church celebrated the feast of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin. Today, we commemorate the feast of Saint Henry II and his wife, Saint Cunigunde. Doug also examines what can be learned from Blessed Charles of Austria and his witness to married life.   Listener questions and comments: Amy - You can surprise your spouse with a Mass said in their name. You can leave little notes. (30:25)   Resources: 5 things we can learn from Blessed Charles of Austria and his wife Zita The primary goal of marriage is to get your spouse to heaven. Entrust your marriage to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. After the wedding day it’s not only ‘me’ but ‘we’. They continually fan the flame of love. Love each other with a love that endures through hardship.   8 Ways to say I love you without saying the words ‘I love you’ I admire how you handle tough situations. Your perspective always gives me a new way of looking at things. You have such a calming presence. I really trust your judgement on this. You are so easy to talk to. I love the way you’re so passionate about your interests You have a knack for making people feel included. I’m grateful for your honesty even when it’s hard.
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  Contraception and the Friday Rant 10.07.2026 50min

  Doug answers listener questions about contraception, intimacy, and openness to life in today's mailbag. He also tackles questions about past trauma and prudence in family planning and closes the show with the Friday Rant on no-fault divorce. Listener questions and comments: Marie – My husband and I discovered a beautiful way to have date nights while traveling in Italy. May I share our experience? (29:20) Charlie – Is it a mortal sin for an elderly couple with health issues to have marital relations if they are no longer able to conceive? (39:30)
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  Power of Prayer in Marriage 09.07.2026 50min

  What happens when a seemingly perfect marriage ends in divorce? Doug shares a case study from Impossible Marriages Redeemed by Leila Miller, discussing the impact of selfishness on a marriage and how daily prayer can save your marriage. He also continues his commentary on the 5:1 ratio you need to practice to keep love alive. [ENCORE]   Impossible Marriages Redeemed https://www.leilamiller.net/impossiblemarriagesredeemedpdf
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  On Death, Emotional Distress and Attractiveness 08.07.2026 51min

  Doug discusses the writings of Arthur Brooks as he talks about death, emotional distress and attractiveness.   3:43-On Death  and How it Relates to Happiness 12:47- On Emotional Distress 24:15 Leah-What are your thoughts are for having a dating relationships with someone who has an eating disorder that is undiagnosed and untreated? 36:43 Deedee-Regarding Arthur Brooks. I remember seeing him on Oprah. I remember he said happiness is not a destination but a direction. Can you expound on that? Is this true? 40:49- On  what women and men find attractive in each other.   https://www.arthurbrooks.com/ https://www.arthurbrooks.com/blog-posts/why-contemplating-your-death-might-make-you-happier  
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  How to deal with non-practicing children and other topics 07.07.2026 51min

  Doug answers numerous questions from emailers ranging from non practicing son coming home with his family; how to live with an alcoholic spouse and fatherly relationship compared to God the father relationship 3:45-How to handle a son who got married outside the Church and wants to bring his family home for a visit 12:14-How to live with an alcoholic spouse  24:44 Susan-I have a friend who was married in city hall. She and her spouse are Catholic. Do they have the same obligation to stay in that marriage as Catholics who marry in the Church? 28:20 Catherine -Our son was married outside the church and we didn't attend his wedding. He left the faith. Was it wrong for us not to go? 39:07-How does one's relationship with her earthly father affect how she views God the father.   44:41- Kate-Our son married outside the Church 17 years ago. We did attend the wedding and embraced her. 6 years into the marriage she converted and became devout. 47:23-Should we break the family up if our child is not practicing the faith and wants to get married outside the Church?
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  Attachment Styles 06.07.2026 50min

  Adam Lane Smith joins Doug as they talk about exploring how to form secure attachment bonds with your spouse, children and friends.  Ben--My biggest challenge is coming to my wife and she turns things on me. I don't want things to blow up but they always do.  How do I prevent that?  (26:09) Gene-My wife ignores me and I'm avoidant because it always leads to an argument. (30:06) Mary-My husband has become very distant in the last couple years. Last night he said we don't want to married anymore. (38:51)
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  Relationships Parenting & Perspective 02.07.2026 50min

  What do you do when your future father-in-law is getting in between you and your fiancé? Should you talk to your daughter about concerns you have with her 11-year-old? Should you be concerned that your daughter is dating a single dad? Doug goes to the mail bag.   Listener questions and comments: Brenda - I am a single mother and I think that it takes a lot of discernment. It’s hard because my son’s feelings matter as well if he gets attached to a guy and I break up. (19:56)   Resources: Prior Propper Planning is Critical https://relevantradio.com/2026/07/prior-propper-planning-is-critical/
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  Prior Propper Planning is Critical 01.07.2026 50min

  Doug shares tips for surviving the 4th of July picnic with family while avoiding arguments.   Listener questions and comments: Doug - At the family functions there is an emphasis on the drinking during the 4th. I can’t drink because my dad is an alcoholic so I want to know what I should do. (29:27) Jane - My son in law's father died from alcohol and I find that he drinks too much. What should I do? Should I say something? (38:42) Julie - For the 4th I always use leading questions like you do in the beginning of your show that are not threatening at the dinner table. (44:23) Judy - My husband was an alcoholic and I want to say having beer and wine around isn’t the solution if the problem is hard stuff. But prayer is the best thing to do. (46:16)   Resources: Reasons we argue at family gatherings Family knows where the hot buttons are We tend to regress when we are around family Holidays are loaded with expectations The weather adds fuel to the fire   8 tips to avoid unnecessary arguments Decide before you arrive, what person you want to be Know your triggers – What topics usually get you hooked? Stop trying to change people at the picnic table Use some short boundary statements Lower the temperature instead of raising it Change the topic Change the setting Come up with a code word for you and your spouse to use
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  Standing up against No-fault divorce 01.07.2026 49min

  Are you a victim of a no-fault divorce? Today, Mary Bowan joins Doug to discuss her efforts to overturn the no-fault divorce law in Texas.   Listener questions and comments: Patrick - I went through a no-fault divorce and my wife threatened to say 'cruel and unusual punishment' which just means she is mean to me. (23:46) Karen - This happened to me and they called it irreconcilable differences. It feels like your spouse and court are against you. It’s been 22 years and you feel like you made a mistake. (36:07) Steve - I want to support and let’s get this done in Texas! (38:00) Stan - I went through one and I want to tell you that this should be a class lawsuit. I don’t know how you can do this on your own. (39:06) Frank - What hope do you have for people who are happily married what signs should we look for to prevent this? (41:00) Tony - My wife alienated my daughter from me and would turn my kids against me and now my kids are getting divorced. I am a stander as well. (45:33)   Resources: https://www.texasnofault.com/
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  Should you change your name after divorce? 29.06.2026 50min

  Should you change your name after a divorce? What do you do when your wife has a chronic, incurable illness, and most of the responsibilities at home fall on you and your children? How do you cope when your wife feels guilty and worries about the burden placed on you? Do struggles with pornography make it difficult to give full consent to marriage? Doug goes to the mailbag answering these questions and more.   Listener questions and comments: Pete - My friend is so hurt from his separation that he is withdrawing from everything in his life. What do we do? (9:34) Ronda - Regarding a name change after divorced, you should do what makes you feel more comfortable. (13:44) Rose - I kept my name after the divorce because I wanted to have the same name as my kids. (17:02) Jeff - My wife had an ex-husband and had kids with me and now they have the old husband’s name. It’s a mess. (22:46) Mary - I kept mine because I am a stander and we are still married in the eyes of God. (25:24) Sarina - My mom changed her name and that’s how I met my husband. (38:05) Mary - It’s important to realize that marriage is sacrificial and it doesn’t always lead to happiness (39:48) Angelica - I was married for 16 years and I took my name back because my in laws didn’t like me. I didn’t think it was fair and I explained it to my son. (41:49)   Resources:   https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/13/2026-09479/excepted-fertility-benefits?mc_cid=583286c936#open-comment   It’s Your Turn Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urgp4IiOXDk   Reclaimed: Win the War of Freedom, Self-Mastery, and Holy Purity https://scepterpublishers.org/products/reclaimed-win-the-war-of-freedom-self-mastery-and-holy-purity?srsltid=AfmBOorMA4RbYh_WzayDVdBX3vpx7hGA7-OpnEEYKLuUlxpeZ4EPp1lp&variant=46653355524273
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  Rules for Relationships 26.06.2026 50min

  Relationship coach Rose Sweet joins Doug to discuss the foundations of good marriages.   Listener questions and comments: Denise - My boyfriend’s best friend is a concern to me. He wants me to meet her and her husband. I feel weird about it. (9:38) Shirley - My daughter is 'Christian' but has a second marriage. The kid from the first marriage still lives at home at 34. Is my daughter putting her kids before her husband? (19:07) LeeAnn - I was in a friendship with a guy but then he got married and I took the hint and distanced myself from him. (25:55)   Resources: Rules for relationships Listen Lead Love Let go   Rose Sweet https://rosesweet.com/
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  Marriage Across Different Seasons 25.06.2026 50min

  You be the therapist as Doug shares the stories of two couples—one celebrating 30 years of marriage and the other just beginning their journey as newlyweds.   Listener questions and comments: Joe - My wife has decided to leave the Church and had a sterilization without my consent. What do I do? (5:02) Mary - Comment for Joe: His wife did what she did because she felt like she had no control over her pain. She needs to feel like she is in control. (16:57) Joe - Is it a bad idea to elope? I want it to be valid but I want my parents not to know. (20:58) Mary - Comment: if I had ever met a man like Doug, I would be happily married but I should have never got married. My husband is dead but he was a pain in the butt. (34:34) David - For the 30-year marriage one of them or both have given up hope on communicating with each other. There needs to be a safe place to go where they can share the pain and get through it. (39:57) Jennifer - For the younger couple they need to sit down and have a clear goal about what they are doing to get out of the house and maybe doing more things that get them out of the house. (43:39)   Resources:   Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/   Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/   Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/