Marriage Unhindered

Doug takes calls from listeners struggling with discouragement, resentment, and distance in long-term marriages. He offers guidance on staying faithful to your vows and finding hope when relationships feel strained. Plus, the Friday rant!

Listener questions and comments:
Jennifer – My marriage is in despair after 31 years, and my husband is distant and sleeping separately. How do I stay faithful to my vows when things feel so broken? (07:18)
Luara – After 31 years of marriage, I am starting to feel resentment. How do I remember and live out my vows? (19:32)
Tom – I am divorced after 13 years of marriage and have tried therapy multiple times. How do I find healing and move forward? (34:25)

Resources:
https://spiritualdirection.com/2026/02/01/avoiding-the-trap-of-discouragement
https://www.forgivenessinstitutekc.com/

Is money causing stress in your marriage? Today, Doug is joined by Preston Allex to talk through practical ways to manage family finances. They cover why creating a family budget matters and how to support college-aged kids as they transition into independence. They also share the value of Catholic Legacy: Faithful planning for a peaceful tomorrow.

Listener questions and comments:
Tony - My wife and I have a big family and we have no credit card or debt but also no savings. We rely on divine providence hoping everything works out month to month, but it’s getting old. What do we do? (19:10)
Kathy - My husband and I paid our kids deposit and rent for a month to help them launch. (31:41)

Resources:
Catholic Legacy
https://catholiclegacy.com/

Doug examines the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the damage they do to a marriage: criticism, contempt stonewalling and defensiveness.

Listener questions and comments:
Ray - Can you give the steps of what to do once you meet a girl? (16:37)

What should you do when your spouse won’t quit drinking? How do you pass on the faith to your children when your spouse is resistant?

Listener questions and comments:
Stephanie - My husband wants to stop drinking and my son doesn't believe that he will. I've seen my son cry about this. My son has prayed for his father. What should I do? (9:59)
Jane - I have two teenage boys. Their dad and my husband is not practicing and they look up to him. What should I do? I go to daily mass. We've been married for twenty years. (28:09)
Gregory - My ex-wife is a narcissist. How do I go about living the rest of my life knowing that and remaining in the faith? How do I overcome that? (42:16)

Nathan Bartel, founder of Cana Feast joins Doug to discuss things men need to know about their wives and the marital embrace.

Listener questions and comments:
Mary - What should a wife do if the wife is not wanting or willing to have sex so she is in the other bed room for days and days. (33:47)

Resources:
Cana Feast
https://canafeast.com/
https://canafeast.com/holydesires