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)
• Kelly - What should you do when you’re not happy in your marriage. My husband changed and doesn’t go to church. He put us in debt and we are political opposites. (34:00)
• Adam - I am a Lutheran and I went to Mass this week. I really liked it and I just want to offer encouragement to people to go to church. It was great to see so many people there. (46:00)

 

Resources:

 

Catholic Therapists

https://catholictherapists.com/

 

Catholic Psychotherapy

https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/

 

Marriage Unhindered

https://www.marriageunhindered.com/

 

Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle

https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle

 

Happy Marriage for Life

https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

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 could be great by keeping God at the center. (38:15)
• Darren - When is a long distant relationship too much? (42:22)

 

Resources:

 

How Christ Saves Souls―with Us: The Mystery of Co-Redemption

https://www.amazon.com/How-Christ-Saves-Souls_with-Co-Redemption-ebook/dp/B09XFPBZW4

 

Marriage Unhindered

https://www.marriageunhindered.com/

 

Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle

https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle

 

Happy Marriage for Life

https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

 

7 habits that lead to a happy life

1. Don’t smoke
2. Watch your drinking
3. Watch you weight
4. Prioritize daily exercise
5. Practice your coping mechanisms now
6. Keep learning
7. Do the work to cultivate long term relationships now

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)
• Maria - I have a grandchild who likes to throw his toys and he won’t listen to us. What do we do? Also my son seems to get upset when I tell him how to parent his child. (30:04)
• Mary - I have a grandson who is 9 and he doesn’t trust himself to do things. How do I encourage him? (37:10)
• Michael - Is there a limit to praise and how honest should you be with your children? (46:12)

 

Resources:

 

Marriage Unhindered

https://www.marriageunhindered.com/

 

Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle

https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle

 

Happy Marriage for Life

https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

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 child before we were married. (28:52)
• Fernando - We have been married for 15 years and are trying to conceive our first child. 36:01)
• Zee - I grew up with my aunts and uncles as neighbors. it has its advantages and disadvantages. (39:26)

 

Resources:

Marriage Unhindered

https://www.marriageunhindered.com/

 

Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle

https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle

 

Happy Marriage for Life

https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

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? What’s a normal way to ask a girl out? (40:03)
• Deborah - What do you think about arranged marriages? (43:20)
• Sarah - Not everyone is meant to find a mate in this world. (45:41)

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 cures but my parents will say 'why bother because your issue is incurable'. (9:07)
• Dan - Hope is a possibility and not a probability of an outcome. (13:45)
• Anne - I always told myself that I had peace in the Lord and in every medical problem. What does relaxation in the Lord do for hope? (23:30)
• Gerard - I just had a near death experience and I came out of it with miracles. I surrendered my whole body and mind to God. I said my goodbyes but I'm ok with God taking or leaving me. (31:20)
• Elena - My daughter is at college and her roommates are disrespectful. She is giving up on being nice and having hope about it. (39:43)
• Elizabeth - How do I help an 11-year-old who struggles with social life and hates school and people. (45:52)

 

Resources:

Catholic Therapists

https://catholictherapists.com/

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 mistress. (21:32)
• Samantha - My husband's health has been suffering. Expectations are sometimes not met. I want to encourage others that sometimes marriage may look different, but God can fulfill us. (26:37)
• Deedee - I have two friends, and their respective spouses both have dementia. When disease enters a sacramental marriage, I think the cross is heavier. (27:59)

 

Resources:

 

Marriage Unhindered

https://www.marriageunhindered.com/

 

Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle

https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle

 

Happy Marriage for Life

https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

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 and wants to marry a non-Catholic outside of it. Should we attend the wedding, and is it okay to spend time with them afterward? (36:56)

 

Resources:

 

Marriage Unhindered

https://www.marriageunhindered.com/

 

Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle

https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle

 

Happy Marriage for Life

https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

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 marriage was in a bad place and your show helped me get better, especially when it comes to using positive language. (39:55)

 

Resources:

 

Marriage Unhindered

https://www.marriageunhindered.com/

 

Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle

https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle

 

Happy Marriage for Life

https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

 

What men want from their wives

1. Appreciation
2. Space for individual growth
3. Emotional intimacy
4. Consistency and reliability
5. Playful companionship
6. Intellectual compatibility
7. Support during challenges
8. Transparency and honesty
9. Sense of adventure
10. Recognition of unique qualities
11. Quality time without distractions

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 2023 and we have started NFP but my husband still requests intimacy. How do I keep him happy while still staying true to Church teaching. (41:53)

 

Resources:

 

Marriage Unhindered

https://www.marriageunhindered.com/

 

Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle

https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle

 

Happy Marriage for Life

https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

 

Traits women most admire in their husbands

1. Emotional support
2. Respect
3. Humor
4. Honesty
5. Dependability
6. Affection
7. Patience
8. Ambition
9. Kindness
10. Shared values
11. Good communication
12. Loyalty
13. Flexibility
14. Support for her independence
15. A sense of responsibility

What men want from their wives

1. Appreciation for their efforts
2. Space for individual growth
3. Emotional intimacy
4. Consistency and reliability