How should you relate to a father who abused you emotionally and physically as a child? Does a pornography addiction invalidate a marriage? Doug opens up the mailbag and shares advice on these questions and more. Plus: The Friday rant! Listener questions and comments: Cindy – I’ve been dating a man for three months and […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more

Monica Hinderer joins Doug to continue their conversation on raising happy children. Listener questions and comments: Lori – When my mother disciplined my brothers, instead of getting mad she would cry. It was the worst punishment ever. (17:40) Donna – I have a son who’s older, and making a career choice. I was worried about […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more

What is holding you back from seeing a marriage counselor? Doug shares reasons couples resist marriage counseling and why just about every married couple can benefit from therapy. Listener questions and comments: Deedee – I’ve been using my sister as my therapist and she’s an Atheist. Could you recommend a Catholic group of therapists in […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more

Doug shares reasons why people fall back in love when they get into their 50’s. From maturity and self-awareness to an increase in appreciation and self-confidence Doug encourages listeners to rediscover the spark in marriage through prayer, forgiveness and acts of service. Listener questions and comments: Donna – My husband and I were married for […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more

JL Marti joins Doug to discuss the devotion to Our Lady of Fair Love sharing how her intercession helps heal marriages and broken families. Doug also goes to the mailbag giving marriage advice on words of affirmation, reconciliation in marriage, and building a strong foundation of communication. Resources: Fairest Love Family Project https://www.fairestlovefamilyproject.org/ Marriage Unhindered […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more

Are you worried that you have a child that never seems happy? Monica Hinderer joins Doug to continue their conversation on raising happy children. Listener questions and comments: Mary – How do I respond to my husband when he gives me the cold shoulder and doesn’t respond to me? (13:38) Gabby – I have a […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more

Have you ever wondered why some couples fight so much? Are you looking for ways to avoid conflict? Doug shares tips for breaking the cycle of endless arguments and fighting. He shares that even successful marriages aren’t conflict free, but that these couples are better at managing the conflict and repairing the relationship. Listener questions […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more

Doug unpacks the importance of emotional intelligence in marriage. He defines emotional intelligence, and identifies 5 core components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Doug also explains what to do if your spouse lacks emotional intelligence which includes avoiding sarcasm and sharing how you truly feel. Listener questions and comments: Deedee – I’ve been […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more

Bai Macfarlane joins Doug to discussMary’s Advocates,where she works to reduce unilateral no-fault divorce and support those who have been unjustly abandoned. They unpack the history of no-fault divorce in the United States, Church teaching on divorce, and the challenge of annulments. Listener questions and comments: Joe – How do I get the Church to […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more

Doug shares 9 “pink flags” to pay attention to when dating. Doug discusses how success often depends on what flaws and defects you can live with and speaks to the importance of standing firm with your non-negotiable standards. PLUS: The Friday Rant! Listener questions and comments: Mary – How do you tell as an older […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more

Are you worried that you have an unhappy child? Are you curious how to help a child who is unhappy? Today, Monica Hinderer joins Doug discussing how to raise happy children. Listener questions and comments: Greg – I disagree a little. It doesn’t seem like you had a hard enough stance on when a child […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more

What should a husband do when he discovers his wife is reading sexually explicit books? What should a wife do when her husband stops practicing the faith? Doug tackles these questions and more. Listener questions and comments: Rose – Advice about annulments. Take it at one hour a day. (23:38) Mary Anne – I’ve been […]Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: ... Read more