In this episode of The Grounded Union Podcast, Brandon and Caitlyn dive into a topic that many couples struggle with but rarely talk about—spiritual bypassing. They break down how faith can sometimes be used as a shield to avoid addressing deeper relationship problems, leading to emotional disconnection and unresolved conflicts. They share personal stories of navigating addiction, faith, and marital struggles, offering both hard-earned lessons and practical steps for couples looking to build a stronger foundation. If you've ever been told to "just pray about it" when facing real relationship challenges, this episode is a must-listen.

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📍San Diego, CA — In-person & virtual
📅 August 14th & 15th, 2026
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YouTube Show available here

Timestamps & Key Moments:

• 00:00:00 – Welcome & Event Announcements – In-person workshops are happening this year!
• 00:02:00 – Caitlyn’s Story – Caitlyn recounts an Easter Sunday experience that revealed problematic church messaging about purity and temptation.
• 00:05:50 – What Is Spiritual Bypassing? – A breakdown of how faith can sometimes be used to avoid real emotional work.
• 00:07:42 – Our Personal Story – How they used religious beliefs to cope with addiction and relationship struggles—and why it didn’t work.
• 00:14:30 – When Prayer Isn’t Enough – The importance of action alongside faith when facing real marital challenges.
• 00:21:05 – The Wake-Up Call – A pivotal moment that forced them to confront their issues head-on.
• 00:30:20 – Finding a Healthy Balance – How to incorporate spirituality into marriage without avoiding the tough conversations.
• 00:41:10 – Practical Steps for Couples – Actionable advice on how to break free from spiritual bypassing and cultivate a stronger, more authentic relationship.
• 00:50:15 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways – Wrapping up with key lessons and advice for couples struggling with this issue.