"Love should be seen as something which in a sense never ‘is’ but is always only ‘becoming’, and what it becomes depends upon the contribution of both persons and the depth of their commitment.”
~ St. John Paul II

In episode 78 of This Whole Life, hosts Kenna and Pat Millea welcome Dr. Mario Sacasa, a seasoned marriage and family therapist and host of the Always Hope podcast, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about dating well—both before and after marriage. Together, they explore the true purpose of dating, how couples can continue to date within marriage, and the vital role of curiosity, play, and intentional communication as relationships evolve. Dr. Sacasa shares real-world wisdom on navigating the current dating landscape, avoiding common pitfalls, and building healthy relational patterns that last. The hosts also get personal about the challenges and joys in their own families, offering a blend of practical advice and relatable stories. Don’t miss the candid post-show chat, where more authentic, practical insights emerge about integrating faith, mental health, and investing in love for the long haul.

Mario Sacasa, Ph.D. is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has been in practice for over 15 years. Dr. Sacasa is the host of Always Hope, a podcast providing solutions to life’s challenges that are grounded in faith and psychology. He travels the country offering lectures on dating, marriage, sexuality, and the misunderstood virtue of hope. He is the creator of two online courses: Dating Well, which helps young adults navigate the modern dating scene, and Overcoming Stress and Anxiety, which offers clear guidance for beating stress in life. Dr. Sacasa is married to his wife of 22 years, Kristin, with whom he shares the joy parenting their four sons.  

Episode 78 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
15:57: What's the point of dating?
27:10: The common mistakes of dating
40:04: Mentally healthy dating
50:32: Warning signs for departing from dating
59:15: Challenge By Choice
1:05:42: The after-show!

Reflection Questions:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. What has your experience been with dating? What are the blessings and challenges you've known?
3. How is dating different today than it was 20 years ago? What are the specific hardships and opportunities right now?
4. What makes dating difficult after a couple is married? How can they overcome those difficulties?
5. What do you need to focus on in your dating life right now? What changes will you make?

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Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.