Marriage Unhindered
Marriage Unhindered is a sincere exploration of the joys and challenges within the realm of marriage. Hosted by the seasoned Doug Hinderer, this one-hour, caller-based show is scheduled to air Monday through Friday at 5PM CT, and will offer listeners an authentic journey into the complexities of marital relationships.
Four Common Tactics of the Devil (Part 3)
Doug continues his discussion on how the devil tries to destroy your marriage, and shares two very interesting emails: one about a married son going through a divorce who wants to bring his new girlfriend around for the holidays, and another from a wife who wants to help her husband navigate a prolonged period of abstinence due to a difficult pregnancy.
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Listener questions and comments:
Rich - On first email: Invite his wife and children, but NOT him (17:57) Mary - On first email: You can’t always get what you want. It’s a matte...Conflicting Parenting Styles
Monica Hinderer joins Doug to continue their discussion on how children impact marriage. Today they focus on conflicts over parenting styles.
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Listener questions and comments:
Mark - My folks were united but pretty strict, and I rarely saw them disagree about how to raise their children. Maybe being united isn’t always what it seems. (20:27) Pete - As I got older, I began to understand the discipline and sacrifices my parents made for me. That’s what motivated me to step up and work harder. I came from a family of seven kids. (26:18) Joan - My...How the Devil Destroys Marriages
Doug answers a listener’s email about ending a relationship with someone who may have a behavioral disorder, then continues a series on how the devil attacks marriages. He also discusses the Four Horsemen of relationship conflict and when to seek professional help.
Listener questions and comments:
Kim: My 20-year-old son is dealing with a situation similar to the man in the email. What should I do? (17:36)
Maria: My husband and I are separated because we do not get along. He frequently talks to other women, makes new friends, and seeks platonic relationships wi...
Four Common Tactics of the Devil (Part 1)
Doug begins a two-part series on the 4 tactics the devil uses to destroy marriages.
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Listener questions and comments:
Mary - My husband is considering divorce after an affair, saying the other woman gives him “a feeling” he can’t explain. Our hearing is Friday, and I’ve asked him to pause and reconsider, but he’s unsure what to do. (20:48) Sebastian - How can I apply this concept of the devil’s influence to my situation, where my wife and I seem divided in our views of marriage and family life after several years of marriage a...Navigating Infertility
Mary Bruno joins Doug to discuss her book, Twelve Stripes Deep: How Infertility & Other Suffering Delivered My Greatest Joys.
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Resources:
Mary Bruno
https://marygbruno.com/
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NaPro Technology
https://naprotechnology.com/
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FAbM Base
https://fabmbase.org
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Twelve Stripes Deep: How Infertility & Other Suffering Delivered My Greatest Joys
https://bit.ly/47vFyPP
Overcoming Burnout
Dr. Pamela Patnode joins Doug to discuss her book, Beyond Burnout: Learning Balance from the Rule of St. Benedict. They define burnout, discuss the impact of burnout on marriage and share practical solutions.
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Listener questions and comments:
Simon - I struggle with procrastination and when I try to put it off it will make it worse instead of doing it quick. (24:00) Deedee - Did St. Benedict believe in perfect order? (36:11)Â
Resources:
Beyond Burnout: Learning Balance from the Rule of St. Benedict
https://orderosv.com/product/beyond-burnout-learning-balance-from-the-rule-of-st-benedict?ga_re...
Prayer for the Busy Mom
Monica Hinderer joins Doug to continue their conversation about how children impact marriage, focusing on how busy moms can maintain a prayer life while still focusing on raising their children.
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Steve - My son is getting married to his live-in protestant girlfriend and they are not getting married in the Church. Her mother is also a pastor. (12:25) Mary - Find the moments in the day where you can pray even in busy times. (28:35) Kristen - I have 9 kids and I battle this as well. I pray a morning offering just in case I don’t get any...When a spouse won't forgive
Doug shares tips for what to do if your wife refuses to forgive you. He also discusses how faith filled marriages produce the happiest couples.
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Listener questions and comments:
Lucy - We have been married for 5 years but we don’t have children. It gets depressing during the holidays. (3:39) Marie - My ex-husband says that I like to bring up the past. What do I do to talk about this stuff? (10:14) Rachel - Comment for Lucy: I wanted to share Springs in the Desert that helps infertile couples. (16:43) Lydia - I think healing has to...Could devout Catholic be with Lukewarm Believer?
Doug talks about a senior citizen with cancer using contraception. AND could a relationship between a devout churchgoer and lukewarm believer stand a chance?Â
Listener questions and comments:
Mary-Worries about radiation spread in regards to condom use for senior citizen (7:22) Mark-Clarifies about condom use for senior citizen with cancer in regards to bodily fluid (8:31) Mark - Using condoms to prevent genetic defect being passed on to next generation (10:17) Anna-My spouse is refusing to go to mass. Everytime I ask him he puts up a fight and the priest said to make mass a cheerful event rather tha...How much suffering is too much?
Doug discusses the challenges and suffering that can arise in marriage, emphasizing the importance of redemptive suffering and the need to find meaning and purpose in our suffering rather than waste it.
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Listener questions and comments:
Leslie - My husband died of cancer and we didn’t end on a good note. I wonder if he loved me. I need some closure. (19:26) Heidi - I am in a difficult marriage but what helps is to offer up the things that he does to me and then maybe he will suffer less later. (29:50) Mark - Can...Serving your Spouse
Is it possible for a young bride to be happy in serving her husband? Today, Doug shares advice from Alice Von Hildebrand in her book By Love Refined.
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Listener question and comments:
Jean - My son sent me a no-contact text. How do I respond? (4:07) Irene - I'm in a no-contact situation with two of my boys, and it's been going on for four years. It's just heartbreaking and I can't see my grandchildren. (24:20) Elena - My daughter recently got engaged after dating her fiancé for three years. As they began planning their wedding, he...Impact of Children on Marriage
Monica Hinderer joins Doug to discuss how children impact a marriage. They discuss relationship challenges including the effect on intimacy, finances and identity shifts. Â
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Listener questions and comments:
Pete - Having kids gave me a reason to work harder. It was the proudest moment of my life. Having people around to support you is helpful. (13:19) Cindy - My sister has been friends with a guy for three years and recently started dating him. They’re already talking about getting married in December. What are your thoughts? Should they date longer? She no longer practices the...Fighting Pornography Addiction
Steve O’Conner joins Doug to discuss how we can fight pornography use.
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Listener questions and comments:
Mary - From the girlfriend’s side of things what were some things she did to help with your relapse. What were the things that helped him heal before they got married. (21:14)Â
Resources:
Catholics Fight Porn
https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/
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Magdala Ministries
https://www.magdalaministries.org/
Bedroom Manners
Doug discusses what is and is not permissible in the bedroom. He also shares tips for those who feel like giving up on their marriage.
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Listener question and comments:
Matthew - I don't condone coercion but I don't think it should be kept from the other. I wonder if there is a traditional teaching that keeps those two things in harmony. (21:02) Mary - How do I communicate using the 4 four horsemen method. I need help doing it correctly. (38:23) Ron - Can I be forgiven for hurting my wife even when I’ve been to con...Fighting No-Fault Divorce
Mary Bowen joins Doug to give an update on her lawsuit against the Texas no fault divorce law.
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Listener questions and comments:
Ronnie - My parents got a divorce when I was in my 30s and it hurt me. (17:05) Patrick - When you go through divorce, you feel like a criminal. I went through it and it was humiliating. (19:36) John - If you have a marriage partner that has a mental illness (bipolar), how do you work with that in a Catholic marriage? (23:08) Marilyn - My granddaughter wants a divorce. As a grandma, what s...Caring for Parents Under One Roof
Doug shares how to handle the challenges when and elderly parent moves in with you.
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Listener questions and comments:
Matt - I have been married for 20 years. I have a continued pattern of not telling the truth. My wife has had enough. What should I do? (6:22) Addison - We moved in with my father-in-law. He's 86 now. It has been hard, but really beautiful since our son is 8 years old. My biggest advice is to have those memories, and try and have your own time. Sit around the table and have dinner together. (11:51) Rose - M...Toxic Empathy
Monica Hinderer joins Doug to discuss toxic empathy. They also discuss questions on marital infidelity, and healing past wounds.
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Listener questions and comments:
Juan - I have been married for 15 years and my wife thinks I'm cheating. (4:04) Joe - Does marriage counseling help heal past wounds such as infidelity? (18:37) Don - I've experienced toxic empathy and also the other marital issues fueled by toxic empathy. (41:13) Gloria - My husband was unfaithful, but doesn't want to go to counseling. Should I still go to counseling myself? (47:51)Â
Resources:
Monica Hinderer
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Rules for Manliness
Bear Woznick joins Doug to discuss his two books; 12 Rules for Manliness, and Men of Grit and Grace.
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Listener questions and comments:
John - I have family history of the cowboy code! (36:28)Â
Resources:
School of Manliness
https://www.bearschoolofmanliness.com/
Overcoming Grief
Sam Hodges joins Doug to discuss grief. They explore practical ways to support someone who is grieving, how people process grief differently, and what grief can look like in marriage and everyday life. They also take listener calls from people sharing their own experiences with grief.
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Listener questions and comments:
Sophie - My husband is mad at God and got away from his faith. Should I stay with this person? We are both Catholic and didn’t get married in the Church. (22:08) Mare - The best thing I ever did was get involved in a C...Number One Rule for Dating
Doug shares the number one rule in dating and discusses questions that must be answered to really get to know someone well.
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Listener questions and comments:
Leslie - My husband died on April 2nd and we didn’t end on a good note and I don’t have closure. (12:17) Ray - I have noticed that girls will talk very loosely and tell stories about their sex lives. What should we do to address it or ignore. (18:03) Patricia - I am dealing with strife between multiple generations in my family. (22:52)Â
Resources:
Cath...
Conversion, Jealousy, and Purity in Dating
Doug talks with his daughter Emily about seeing the beatification of Bishop Sheen in person. Doug also covers a few listener emails before getting into dating advice, including conversion to Catholicism within a marriage, jealousy in relationships, and navigating purity while dating.
Listener Questions and Comments:
Matt -Â Should I pursue conversion to Catholicism at the expense of my marriage? He has been married for seven years but is being drawn to Catholicism, and his wife is not very happy about it. (11:51) Mark -Â Words of encouragement for Matt. As a CCD teacher married to a Je...Postpartum Depression and Psychosis
Monica and Doug discuss postpartum depression and psychosis, what can be done to treat them, and how to equip children who hear about these difficult cases.
Listener questions and comments:
Celeste: I experienced psychosis two years ago and struggled with a split personality. (11:20) Rose: I experienced postpartum depression and want to share my happy ending. (29:35) Cynthia: I never planned to have children and did not have a maternal instinct. My husband wanted seven children, and after having children, natural births, and breastfeeding for two years each, I became very maternal and developed a strong bond with...When Addiction Hurts Your Marriage
Are you married to someone struggling with an addiction that is damaging your marriage? Doug welcomes Scott Weeman, founder of Catholics in Recovery, to explore the roots of addiction and how people can begin the path toward healing and freedom.
Listener questions and comments:
Charlie – I have been in Al-Anon and found a “Letter to an Alcoholic” especially helpful. I want to share how it helped me. (18:26) Joe – I spent 12 hours on YouTube yesterday and realized I am addicted. How can I break this habit? (26:39) Dawn – I am in a 12-step program and want to share how it has...From Complaints to Connection in Marriage
Doug discusses several marriage topics including: complaining, where to find a good husband, and female breadwinners. He also shares several quotes to strengthen marriage.
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Listener questions and comments:
Robert - My wife and I have been married for 20 years and I have a problem where I lie about small things. (11:18) Jade - I found out my boyfriend is cheating. He says he wants to marry me. Should we continue? (23:28) Mark - Comment: Jade seems like the forgiving type but she can’t trust him until he gives her time to show it. (40:33) Josh - The...Sleep Problems and Marital Stress
Dr. Bobby Jakucs joins Doug to discuss insomnia and nightmares and their impact on marriage.
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Listener questions and comments:
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Monique - I have long days starting at 2 AM and ending at 9 PM so I have a lack of sleep. Is there anything I can do because I am burned out. (11:50) Dave - I am semi-retired. I feel like I am over sleeping. What should I do? (22:05) Joanne - I have a nightmare where someone is chasing me and I scream in my dream but I wake up my husband. (25:16) James - My so...The Possibility of Forgiveness
Doug unpacks a case study of an impossible marriage redeemed. In his story, the wife is shocked to learn that her husband was having an affair with a “friend”. Doug also responds to an email from a man whose wife refuses forgiveness and respect. PLUS: The Friday Rant!
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Listener questions and comments:
Jane - One good way to go about asking a man out is through mutual friends and having a mutual gathering. (33:32)Â
Resources:
Impossible Marriages Redeemed
https://www.leilamiller.net/impossiblemarriagesredeemedpdf
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https://www.ama...
Healing from Pornography and Infidelity
How can pornography destroy a marriage? Should a couple get married in the Church after an 11-year civil marriage? What should you do if your wife is withholding forgiveness? Doug goes to the mailbag answering these questions and more.
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Listener questions and comments:
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John - I have been married for several years and my wife was unfaithful. We separated physically but then got back together. Now there is a separation on my part mentally that I can’t get over. (15:37) Mary Ann - When there is someone dressed immodestly my husband doesn’t dist...A Christian Approach to Mental Health
Special guest Bishop Michael Burbidge joins Doug to discuss his pastoral letter, The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing.
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Listener questions and comments:
Deedee - I have been in a state of spiritual complacency. Is this a spiritual or mental issue? (37:08)Â
Resources:
The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing
https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/2026/01/20/the-divine-physician-and-a-christian-approach-to-mental-health-and-wellbeing/
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El MĂ©dico Divino y un enfoque cristiano de la salud mental y el bienestar.
https://www.arlin...
Loving Him Through Sexual Addiction
Dann and Roxane Aungst join Doug. Roxane discusses her reality during the 25 years of Dann’s sexual addiction.
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Listener questions and comments:
Maria - How do you look at your wife now? How did you overcome these emotions after such a long addiction? (22:43) Susan - Listening to this is very difficult. My daughter's husband was introduced to porn at 10 years old and it destroyed their marriage. She left him and is living with another man. Do you have any advice? (25:32) Yolanda - What you are saying is beautiful but my husband is very proud. It...Gaining Wisdom in Marriage
Doug shares three tips from St. Bernard on gaining wisdom and explores how to apply them to our marriages today.
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Listener questions and comments:
Brian - Somebody came into my life briefly and because of my life issues they left. How do I move on or get them back? (21:52) Jessica - I don’t like the way my daughter dresses or the music she likes. How do I address this tension? (25:49) Noah - I am currently living in Utah and there aren’t many Catholics. What should I do? (33:40) Allen - The Philippines are about...Resources for Faithful Marriages
Dr. Julia Dezelski joins Doug to discuss USCCB resources available for married and dating couples.Â
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Listener questions and comments:
Chris - When I got married, there was very little marriage preparation. This needs to be a bigger emphasis. (22:41) Walt - It seems like in modern culture it seems like children are an add-on and not the focus. Is this being addressed? (31:14) Margy - There is very little available for people getting remarried in the Church and for those who have annulments. (38:25)Â
Resources:
Catechumenal pathways for married life – Free PDF
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Prioritizing Family Over Career
Doug discusses an email from a woman concerned that her husband works excessively and is pressuring her to take on full-time work as well. She worries that this dynamic is harming their marriage and family life. Doug emphasizes the importance of being present for one’s spouse and children and making family a top priority.
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Listener questions and comments:
Josephina - My husband and I are one of the couples who work a lot. I am comparing myself to the lady from the email, but at the same time I am also a workaholic som...United Against the Enemy’s Attacks
Doug discusses why you won’t find Eden here on earth and also tackles emails from couples who are struggling in their marriages.
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Listener questions and comments:
Richard - We have been married for 16 years but every time we go to put the sheets on the bed we end in a fight. (21:19) Alex - We have been separated for a year now and my husband suffers with addiction and infidelity. I just filled divorce today. (26:00) Mary - Comment for Alex: I have a book recommendation for her. 'Marriage 911'. (43:33) Maria - I am Catholic but...Praying For Your Marriage
Dr. Chris Ebberwein joins Doug to discuss his book, The Cana Rosary: A Couple's Prayer.
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Resources:
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The Cana Rosary: A Couple's Prayer
https://www.amazon.com/Cana-Rosary-Couples-Prayer/dp/1502392232
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Marriage Unhindered
https://www.marriageunhindered.com/
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Happy Marriage for Life
https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/
Making Jesus Christ the Center of your Marriage
Fr. Peter Armenio joins Doug to discuss marriage and spousal love from his book Highlights of the Catholic Faith.
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Listener questions and comments:
Josephina - I went to confession, and I was able to apologize to my husband. It opened up the world of forgiveness. (19:55) Deedee - I have been married twice, and both men are deceased. What is the Catholic position on getting married a third time? (37:07) Walter - The world we live in is so materialistic and disposable. It’s also happened in marriages. People use their spouse and then throw them away...Faith, Family & Radio
Mark Swartzberg joins Doug to discuss his conversion to the Catholic Church, family life, and his journey to Relevant Radio.
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Listener questions and comments:
•   Brian - What are the specifics on the validity of the marriage and the sacramentality of marrying a non-Catholic? (40:28)
Overcoming Anxiety
Catherine DiNuzzo joins Doug to discuss anxiety from a Catholic perspective. They define good vs bad anxiety, the problem of guilt, and how to manage anxiety as a Catholic.
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Listener questions and comments:
Jasmine - How do I fight my mind that triggers anxiety even if I’m doing okay? (10:19) Rose - I get anxiety around my kids, but I don’t want to share with my kids. What do I say? (35:21) Judy - I have had anxiety when other people are driving. What should I do? (39:59)Â
Resources:
Sacred Heart...
Standing Against No-fault Divorce
Are you a victim of a no-fault divorce? Today, Mary Bowen joins Doug to discuss her efforts to overturn Texas's no-fault divorce law.
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Listener questions and comments:
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Patrick - I went through a no-fault divorce, and my wife threatened to say 'cruel and unusual punishment,' which means she is mean to me. (23:37) Karen - This happened to me, and they called it irreconcilable differences. It feels like your spouse and court are against you. It’s been 22 years, and you feel like you made a mistake. (35:57) Steve - I want to supp...Rules for Relationships
Relationship coach Rose Sweet joins Doug to discuss the foundations of good marriages.
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Listener questions and comments:
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Denise - My boyfriend’s best friend is a concern to me. He wants me to meet her and her husband. I feel weird about it. (9:20) Shirley - My daughter is 'Christian' but has a second marriage. The kid from the first marriage still lives at home at 34. Is my daughter putting her kids before her husband? (18:46) LeeAnn - I was in a friendship with a guy, but then he got married, and I took the...The Ultimate Marriage Advice
Doug shares the top reasons why people get divorced and gives to ultimate advice to not just avoid divorce, but to have a great marriage.
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Listener questions and comments:
Ellie - Do you have any tips for when we’re struggling with something but don’t communicate it because we’re worried it might seem irrational or unfair to the other person? Sometimes that fear of how it will be perceived can stop us from communicating altogether. (26:28)Â
Resources:
Marriage Unhindered
https://www.marriageunhindered.com/
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Happy M...
