In this episode of Connected Conversations with Jean and Colin MacKenzie from Holy Union Connect, we’re joined by Steve and Beth Gesinsky, the creative minds behind Catholicism and Coffee. Through their ministry, Steve and Beth invite Catholics to explore morality in movies—whether it’s The Sound of Music, Collateral, A Quiet Place, or Harry Potter. Their courses help viewers engage with films discerningly, drawing out moral lessons and virtue-based insights rooted in Scripture, the Catechism, and the wisdom of the saints.

The Gesinskys share their passion for quality storytelling, their journey from a podcast to books, devotionals, and a growing library of Catholic resources. They discuss the need for authentic, well-made art in a culture that often gets it wrong, and how Catholics can thoughtfully engage with media rather than abandoning it. Whether for a fun family movie night, a small group study, or individual reflection, their courses offer a fresh way to connect faith with popular culture.

You can explore their offerings, including:

• Morality and Movies course: Catholic analysis of 20 films spanning multiple genres
• Books and journals: Devotionals and resources for spiritual growth
• Catholicism and Coffee podcast: Engaging discussions on faith, culture, and current issues
• Blog articles: Commentary on theology, pop culture, and more

📍 Find them online at: www.catholicismandcoffee.com

Steve and Beth are also offering a special discount for our podcast listeners! Use code CCPODCAST at checkout for $10 off any package in their Morality and Movies course. For schools, parishes, or Catholic organizations, reach out to them directly through their website for a custom discount.

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where we’ll continue to explore Catholic marriage, culture, and the spiritual journey of fighting the good fight. In the meantime, visit catholicismandcoffee.com to learn more about Steve and Beth’s work, and don’t forget to connect with us at Holy Union Connect.

Thank You for Listening!

We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more couples looking to strengthen their marriage.

Connect with Us:

📌 Instagram: @holyunionconnect – Follow us for daily inspiration and updates.
📌 Website: www.holyunionconnect.com – Explore our course, Holy UNION Battleplan, and sign up for our free daily meditations.

Got Topic Ideas?

We’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to feature, drop us a message on Instagram or through our website.

Disclaimer:

We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.

In a world where Catholic marriages are under attack, how can couples build a strong, faith-filled union that lasts a lifetime?

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dana Nygaard, we go deeper into the practical and spiritual tools that single and married couples need to cultivate healthy, thriving relationships.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why chastity isn’t just about abstinence—and how it builds trust, respect, and intimacy in relationships.
✅ How men need strong accountability and mentorship to grow in virtue and step into their God-given roles.
✅ The difference between areas for growth and real red flags—and how to discern wisely.
✅ Why emotional intimacy and virtue matter MORE than just chemistry in a relationship.
✅ How a lack of repair and reconciliation is one of the biggest destroyers of Catholic marriages—and how to restore trust and connection.
✅ The danger of settling in marriage, and why your choice of spouse is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.
✅ How Catholic couples can build spiritual and emotional intimacy through regular date nights, prayer, and intentionality.

💡 “Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a daily decision to grow in virtue and choose your spouse over and over again.”

If you’re married and struggling, single and discerning, or just looking for ways to deepen your connection with your spouse, this episode is full of practical wisdom, real-life stories, and timeless truths from the Church.

🎧 If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen to that first!

🔗 Connect with Dana Nygaard:

🌐 Website: www.dananygaard.com
📖 Book: 365 Dates to Renew Your Christian Marriage
📸 Instagram: @dananygaard_lpc

📢 Help us spread the message—subscribe, share, and leave a review!
🔗 Find more Catholic marriage resources at www.holyunionconnect.com.

Thank You for Listening!

We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more couples looking to strengthen their marriage.

Connect with Us:

📌 Instagram: @holyunionconnect – Follow us for daily inspiration and updates.
📌 Website: www.holyunionconnect.com – Explore our course, Holy UNION Battleplan, and sign up for our free daily meditations.

Got Topic Ideas?

We’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to feature, drop us a message on Instagram or through our website.

Disclaimer:

We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.

Are you settling in your dating life? Too many Catholic women enter relationships with men who don’t truly value them—leading to heartache, frustration, or even toxic and abusive marriages. But what if you could learn to date with intention, choose wisely, and avoid the common pitfalls that lead to broken relationships?

In this powerful episode of Connected Conversations, we sit down with Dana Nygaard—renowned Catholic psychotherapist, relationship coach, speaker, and author—to discuss how single Catholic women can prepare for marriage, recognize red flags, and build a strong foundation in faith before saying “I do.”

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ Why so many women settle in relationships—and how to stop!
✔️ The biggest red flags to look out for when dating (and why ignoring them can lead to disaster).
✔️ How to grow in virtue before entering a relationship—and why it’s critical for a holy marriage.
✔️ The role of discernment and faith in dating, and how to trust God’s timing.
✔️ Understanding the difference between “fixer-uppers” and genuine growth in a relationship.
✔️ What modern feminism has done to relationships—and why true charity means holding men accountable.

"Your marriage is meant to be a pathway to heaven—so why wouldn’t you prepare for it with the same dedication as any other lifelong commitment?"

If you’re single, dating, or guiding a loved one through the journey of discernment, this episode is full of practical tools, wisdom from the Church, and real-life strategies to help you choose a spouse wisely.

🎧 Listen now—and don’t miss Part 2, where we dive deeper into chastity, accountability, and what to do if you're struggling in marriage!

🔗 Connect with Dana Nygaard:

🌐 Website: www.dananygaard.com
📖 Book: 365 Dates to Renew Your Christian Marriage
📸 Instagram: @dananygaard_lpc

📢 Help us spread the message! Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend.

Thank You for Listening!

We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more couples looking to strengthen their marriage.

Connect with Us:

📌 Instagram: @holyunionconnect – Follow us for daily inspiration and updates.
📌 Website: www.holyunionconnect.com – Explore our course, Holy UNION Battleplan, and sign up for our free daily meditations.

Got Topic Ideas?

We’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to feature, drop us a message on Instagram or through our website.

Disclaimer:

We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.

In this episode of Connected Conversations with Jean & Colin MacKenzie, we’re joined by Dr. Carron Silva, a Catholic wholeness coach, speaker, and author of With You Always: A Journey with Jesus. Dr. Carron shares her transformative insights into the power of forgiveness in marriage, relationships, and healing from trauma.

We explore:

• The role of the Holy Spirit in true forgiveness.
• Misconceptions about forgiving and forgetting.
• Dr. Carron’s 7D Process for cultivating a heart ready to forgive.
• How unresolved childhood trauma impacts marriage and how to navigate it.
• Cross-cultural marriage dynamics and finding common ground.
• Practical strategies for supporting a spouse in their healing journey.

Dr. Carron reminds us that forgiveness is both a life skill and a spiritual calling, requiring grace, discernment, and intentional action. Her deeply personal stories and evidence-based approaches inspire a fresh look at forgiveness as a path to deeper connection and healing in marriage.

This heartfelt conversation challenges us to trust God as the just judge, lean into our faith, and embrace forgiveness as a transformative gift for ourselves and others.

Don’t miss this incredible episode, packed with wisdom and practical tools for strengthening your marriage and faith.

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Carron Silva at drCarron.com
• Listen to her podcast: Forgiveness is for You on all major platforms.
• Stay tuned for her upcoming 12-week forgiveness course in the new year!

If this episode resonates with you, please share it, subscribe, and leave a review. Visit HolyUnionConnect.com for more resources to strengthen your marriage.

P.S. Our Holy Union Battleplan course relaunches December 7th—join us for six weeks of transformative content that will empower you to defend and fortify your marriage. Details at HolyUnionConnect.com.

Thank You for Listening!

We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more couples looking to strengthen their marriage.

Connect with Us:

📌 Instagram: @holyunionconnect – Follow us for daily inspiration and updates.
📌 Website: www.holyunionconnect.com – Explore our course, Holy UNION Battleplan, and sign up for our free daily meditations.

Got Topic Ideas?

We’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to feature, drop us a message on Instagram or through our website.

Disclaimer:

We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.

In this heartfelt episode of Connected Conversations with Jean & Colin MacKenzie, we sit down with Jessica Barboza, a licensed counselor with expertise in trauma-informed care and a deep commitment to integrating faith into therapy. Jessica’s work at Laetare Health Group focuses on relational and individual healing, and her unique approach helps families and couples navigate the profound challenges of grief and loss.

Jessica sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the grieving process, explaining why it’s not a linear journey but a deeply personal and communal experience. She introduces William Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning, emphasizing the importance of finding enduring connections with our loved ones while reengaging with the world.

We explore how couples and families often experience grief differently, leading to misunderstandings and disconnects, and Jessica offers practical advice for creating moments of resonance and shared meaning. Through her lens as a systemic therapist, she helps us understand how to navigate these differences and strengthen relationships during times of loss.

Jessica also shares how faith and spirituality—especially within the Catholic Church—can provide profound comfort during grief. From the sacraments to rituals like the Mass, she illustrates how the Church’s teachings honor life, death, and the enduring bond with those who have passed.

🔗 Learn more about Jessica Barboza and her work at Laetare Health Group: www.laetarehealth.com

Finally, we discuss how to support children through grief with clarity and compassion and how mourners can communicate their needs to well-meaning friends and family. Jessica reminds us all of the importance of compassion and grace as we navigate life’s challenges.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode filled with insights, practical tips, and faith-centered guidance for anyone coping with grief or supporting loved ones through it.

Next Episode Preview:
Join us next week as we welcome Dr. Carron Silva, founder of DrCarron.com, to explore the transformative power of forgiveness in marriage. We’ll discuss how childhood trauma impacts relationships, the unique challenges of cross-cultural marriages, and how faith can be a cornerstone for healing and growth. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss!

Subscribe, Share & Connect:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from these conversations. Stay connected with us at www.holyunionconnect.com for more resources to strengthen your marriage.

Thank You for Listening!

We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more couples looking to strengthen their marriage.

Connect with Us:

📌 Instagram: @holyunionconnect – Follow us for daily inspiration and updates.
📌 Website: www.holyunionconnect.com – Explore our course, Holy UNION Battleplan, and sign up for our free daily meditations.

Got Topic Ideas?

We’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to feature, drop us a message on Instagram or through our website.

Disclaimer:

We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.

In this episode of Connected Conversations, hosts Jean and Colin MacKenzie sit down with Catherine DiNuzzo, licensed counselor and founder of Sacred Heart Mental Wellness, to explore practical ways Catholic couples can proactively strengthen their mental health. Catherine shares her insights on fostering "mental wellness" from a Catholic perspective, emphasizing the importance of ongoing self-care and self-awareness to build a resilient marriage. Catherine dives into her unique "three-phase" approach to anxiety, using relatable analogies to help couples recognize and address the underlying "holes" that can destabilize their relationships.

Through humorous and heartfelt stories, Catherine reveals how couples can use mental wellness tools—such as deep breathing and grounding practices—to better understand themselves and each other. She also explains how Catholic practices like the Rosary and sacraments offer built-in resources to calm anxieties and deepen faith. Catherine shares her own journey in starting Sacred Heart Mental Wellness and the inspiration behind her book, The Catholic Guide to Anxiety, providing strategies for overcoming mental health challenges together as a couple.

Next episode, join us as we welcome Jessica Barbossa from Laetare Health Group. Jessica will share insights on coping with grief and loss within families and couples, offering practical steps to navigate difficult times with faith and resilience.

Thank You for Listening!

We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more couples looking to strengthen their marriage.

Connect with Us:

📌 Instagram: @holyunionconnect – Follow us for daily inspiration and updates.
📌 Website: www.holyunionconnect.com – Explore our course, Holy UNION Battleplan, and sign up for our free daily meditations.

Got Topic Ideas?

We’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to feature, drop us a message on Instagram or through our website.

Disclaimer:

We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.

In this episode of Connected Conversations with Jean and Colin McKenzie from Holy Union Connect, we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Zepeda, PhD, licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Financial Therapy Texas. Dr. Zepeda shares her unique approach to financial therapy, focusing on how couples can address financial anxiety, compulsive spending, and the emotional impact of money on their relationships.

With a wealth of practical tips, Dr. Zepeda walks through how to develop clarity around your finances, starting with identifying how much your family actually costs per year. She explains the power of vulnerability in financial discussions, how to create discretionary spending plans that work for both partners, and why communication about finances is crucial for a healthy Catholic marriage. Jean and Colin share their own experiences as a military family with seven children, adding personal insights on managing money while maintaining a Christ-centered marriage.

Don't miss this insightful conversation, which highlights how finances are not just about dollars and cents—they’re about trust, love, and living in alignment with your faith. Whether you're dealing with financial anxiety or simply want to improve communication about money in your marriage, this episode will leave you with concrete steps to start today.

Preview of the Next Episode:

Join us next time for a powerful conversation with Catherine DiNuzzo, licensed professional counselor and founder of DiNuzzo Counseling. Catherine will discuss the impact of mental health issues on marriage and offer advice on how to support a spouse who is struggling with mental illness. You won’t want to miss this heartfelt discussion about navigating mental health challenges while maintaining a strong, faith-filled relationship.

Thank You for Listening!

We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more couples looking to strengthen their marriage.

Connect with Us:

📌 Instagram: @holyunionconnect – Follow us for daily inspiration and updates.
📌 Website: www.holyunionconnect.com – Explore our course, Holy UNION Battleplan, and sign up for our free daily meditations.

Got Topic Ideas?

We’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to feature, drop us a message on Instagram or through our website.

Disclaimer:

We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.

Welcome to Connected Conversations with Jean and Colin MacKenzie from Holy Union Connect! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Logan and Jen Lirette, the inspiring couple behind "Surprised by Marriage." Logan and Jen, high school sweethearts married for 15 years, share how their faith and prioritizing each other have allowed them to navigate both the joys and unexpected challenges of marriage, from experiencing loss to celebrating life’s surprises.

They discuss the power of praying together, how embracing the sacraments saved their marriage, and the importance of making time for each other through creative date nights—even when life gets busy. Logan and Jen also talk candidly about how staying spiritually connected through prayer has enriched their intimacy and made their relationship stronger. Their journey is a testament to God’s grace working in unexpected ways.

To find out more about Logan and Jen’s ministry, visit SurprisedByMarriage.com, and follow them on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook at @SurprisedByMarriage.

If you’re looking for encouragement in your marriage, this episode will remind you that every effort you put into your relationship has eternal consequences. Keep fighting the good fight with faith, love, and perseverance!

Next Episode Preview:

Join us next time as we welcome Dr. Stephanie Zepeda, licensed marriage and family therapist and program director of the Family Therapy graduate program at Our Lady of the Lake University in Houston, Texas. Dr. Zepeda, founder of Financial Therapy Texas, will share her expertise on navigating finances in marriage from a Catholic perspective. You won't want to miss her insights on fostering financial harmony with your spouse while staying true to your faith!

Thank You for Listening!

We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more couples looking to strengthen their marriage.

Connect with Us:

📌 Instagram: @holyunionconnect – Follow us for daily inspiration and updates.
📌 Website: www.holyunionconnect.com – Explore our course, Holy UNION Battleplan, and sign up for our free daily meditations.

Got Topic Ideas?

We’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to feature, drop us a message on Instagram or through our website.

Disclaimer:

We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.

In this heartfelt episode of Connected Conversations with Jean & Colin MacKenzie, we sit down with Lisa and Josh Canning as they share their deeply personal journey of navigating mental illness in marriage. Since 2012, they’ve faced the challenges of clinical depression, and today they open up about how these struggles have shaped their relationship, their faith, and their mission to help others through Persevere Together.

Josh reflects on his experience with depression, sharing how it initially brought confusion and shame, and how difficult it was to reconcile his inner turmoil with the appearance of a good life. Lisa candidly discusses her learning curve as a spouse, from initially underestimating the weight of mental illness to growing into a more understanding, supportive partner. Together, they founded Persevere Together, offering support, hope, and practical tools for couples facing similar challenges.

The Cannings emphasize that mental illness is not a simple issue to "get over" but a reality that requires understanding, empathy, and constant communication. They share how their Catholic faith has been central to their journey, helping them to persevere through tough times. Whether it’s the healing power of the sacraments, drawing on the lives of saints who struggled with mental illness, or leaning on a supportive community, they emphasize that faith is key to finding strength.

In this episode, Lisa and Josh share practical insights about mental health in marriage, from communicating openly with your spouse to incorporating regular check-ins and date nights. They remind us that while mental illness may feel isolating, it doesn’t have to be faced alone. With faith, perseverance, and the support of a loving partner, marriage can not only survive but thrive.

Join us for this powerful episode as we explore how marriage, approached with love and faith, can grow stronger in the face of adversity. Whether you're in the midst of a mental health struggle or supporting a spouse, Lisa and Josh’s story offers hope, solidarity, and practical wisdom.

Connect with Lisa and Josh Canning at Persevere Together:

• Instagram: @LisaCanning
• Website: perseveretogether.locals.com
• YouTube: Persevere Together

Stay Tuned for the Next Episode:

Join us next time as we welcome Logan and Jen Lorette, the inspiring couple behind "Surprised by Marriage." Logan and Jen, high school sweethearts married for 15 years, share how they’ve navigated both the joys and unexpected challenges of marriage by keeping God at t

Thank You for Listening!

We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more couples looking to strengthen their marriage.

Connect with Us:

📌 Instagram: @holyunionconnect – Follow us for daily inspiration and updates.
📌 Website: www.holyunionconnect.com – Explore our course, Holy UNION Battleplan, and sign up for our free daily meditations.

Got Topic Ideas?

We’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to feature, drop us a message on Instagram or through our website.

Disclaimer:

We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.

Welcome to the very first episode of Connected Conversations with Jean & Colin MacKenzie from Holy Union Connect! In this episode, we share the inspiration behind starting this podcast and the journey that brought us here. Our goal is to create a space where couples can explore the joys, challenges, and spiritual aspects of Catholic marriage together.

We begin with our own story, recalling our early days of marriage preparation when we listened to a priest’s message on cassette tapes. It was then that we learned our calling was to help each other reach heaven. This realization set the foundation for our marriage and continues to guide us today.

Throughout our journey as a military family, moving across Canada, and seeking faith communities, we’ve faced many challenges. Our faith has been the cornerstone that helped us persevere. We’ve been blessed by the wisdom of older couples and fellow Catholics who shared their experiences with us. Now, we feel called to build a community where we can share these stories, provide encouragement, and explore practical tools to strengthen marriages.

In this episode, we also talk about the mission behind Holy Union Connect. Our course, Holy UNION Blueprint, and other resources like daily reflections were created to help couples grow closer to God and each other. Through this podcast, we hope to continue providing support for couples who may feel alone in their struggles.

We look forward to interviewing guests who have inspiring stories and valuable insights on marriage. These conversations will touch on various topics, helping couples grow in their relationships and faith. We’ll dive into the realities of marriage—the joys, difficulties, and transformative power of God's grace.

Resources Mentioned:

• Holy Union Connect Website: Visit www.holyunionconnect.com to learn more about our Holy UNION Blueprint course and sign up for our free daily meditations.
• Instagram: Follow us at @holyunionconnect for daily inspiration and updates.

Next Episode Preview:

In our next episode, we’ll hear from a couple who have faced mental health struggles in their marriage. They’ll share how their relationship with God helped them persevere and grow in faith. It’s a conversation that promises to be both honest and inspiring. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

Thank You for Listening!

We’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your feedback helps us reach more couples looking to strengthen their marriage.

Connect with Us:

📌 Instagram: @holyunionconnect – Follow us for daily inspiration and updates.
📌 Website: www.holyunionconnect.com – Explore our course, Holy UNION Battleplan, and sign up for our free daily meditations.

Got Topic Ideas?

We’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to feature, drop us a message on Instagram or through our website.

Disclaimer:

We do our best to faithfully adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church in our discussions. However, the views expressed by our guests are their own and may not always fully reflect Church teaching or our personal perspectives. We encourage listeners to always discern through prayer, study, and consultation with trusted Catholic sources.