SmartLoving Conversations

SmartLoving Conversations

By Francine Pirola and Laura CainSociety & CultureRelationshipsParentingKids & Family
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SmartLoving Conversations episodes

  • Pursuing a Lasting Love - SL Insights Ep 2

    Lessons from St. Valentine | A reflection for World Marriage Day 2025

    As we approach World Marriage Day on February 9th, we are reminded of another celebrated figure of marital devotion – St. Valentine. Today, his name evokes thoughts of flowers and romantic dinners.

    Yet St. Valentine’s true legacy speaks to something far more profound: the sacrificial nature of authentic love.

    As a priest in third-century Rome, St. Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree that prohibited young men from marrying so that they would be more readily available for military service. Believing in the sanctity of Christian marriage, he continued to perform weddings in secret.

    When discovered, he was imprisoned and ultimately gave his life to uphold the sacred bond between husband and wife. His martyrdom serves as a powerful reminder that lasting love often demands courage and sacrifice.

    https://smartloving.org/pursuing-a-lasting-love/

    6 min
  • Defending our Hearts - SL Insights Ep 1

    Recently, Byron shared a new idea with Francine. Instead of encouragement, Francine responded with “when will you get time to do that?!” The conversation immediately terminated in gloomy withdrawal. Afterwards we unpacked the discussion. Francine explained that she was trying to protect her heart from future disappointment. Byron revealed how he feared he would be blamed for the strain his work puts on our relationship.

    Sigh. We wish it wasn’t so, but clearly after 30+ years of marriage we are still very much trying to master the art of relationship. In this case we were both reacting defensively. Defensiveness is a self-protective response to a perceived judgement, criticism, rejection, or risk of future disappointment.

    https://smartloving.org/defending-our-hearts/

    6 min
  • Beyond Feelings - Ep 21

    The world of feelings is vitally important to life and relationships. But what does current research and best practice tell us about how to understand them, and orient them for the best outcomes in our relationships?

    53 min
  • The Good the Bad the Ugly of Holiday Traditions - Ep 20

    Whether it's Christmas, Easter, Mothers/Fathers day, birthdays or Thanksgiving… holiday traditions can be a source of blessing or of grief. With our guest we unpack the traditions that have worked - and failed - for us and discussed strategies for being intentional in how we create our family culture.

    49 min
  • Transition to Parenthood - Ep 19

    The transition to parenthood is a challenge for all couples but for a couple that experienced almost a decade of infertility the change from being a married couple with no kids, to parenthood can be a dramatic shift in their identities and relationship. In this podcast Laura and Joseph Cain share their rollercoaster of marriage, infertility and then parenthood.

    45 min
  • Anchored - Ep 18
    In the summer of 2021, Tony Manfredonia, a songwriter, found himself on the brink of destroying his marriage. Lost in the relentless pursuit of career success, he had forsaken the most precious pillars of life: Love, Family, and Faith in God. His album, “ANCHORED”, is a testament to the snares of temptation that threaten to dismantle our bonds and the miraculous strength of faith that can rebuild them.https://smartloving.org/18-anchored/
    50 min
  • Accompanying The Abandoned - Ep 17
    When a marriage breaks down, it’s rarely by mutual agreement. More commonly, one spouse wants to leave and the other wants to rebuild. For the abandoned spouse, it is bewildering, traumatic and distressing. Yet the situation is complicated – both spouses are in pain. How can we, as a community and as individuals accompany the abandoned spouse
    1 hr 3 min
  • Frustrated Marriages - Ep 16
    Frustration, disillusionment, irritation - it's common for spouses to experience a variety of disappointments in marriage. From mild and temporary setbacks, to sustained desolation, spouses are often unsure how to get out of the marital funk. In this episode we explore some key ideas to ease the marital frustration and regain serenity.
    44 min
  • Passing on the Faith - Ep 15
    Passing on the faith to our children is complicated for modern parents. In this episode, Francine explores some strategies and practical tips with young mother, Kiara Black – who also happens to be her daughter!
    1 hr 6 min
  • The "TALK" - Ep 14
    It’s seems that having ‘the sex talk’ with our young tweens is getting more complicated with every generation. For Catholic parents, the presence of cultural forces that contradict our values can feel overwhelming. Join Francine as she explores the topic with puberty education expert Karen Doyle.
    58 min

About SmartLoving Conversations

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A place to discuss all things Catholic marriage! Married life is messy!