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Marriage Unhindered

Relevant Radio

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.

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  • 72 episodes
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  • Avg 50 min
  • English

Episodes 72

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  • Yesterday · 50 min

    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. 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 matter of praying about it but you need to protect the feelings of the children. (18:50) Deedee - Are ‘homewreckers’ in league with the devil? (36:30) Santiago - I'm 15 months sober after three years of trying to quit. My wife is pregnant, and I've been trying to go to church tremendously. Addiction is everywhere. (38:20) Resources: Four Common Tactics of the Devil https://spiritualdirection.com/2025/11/16/four-common-tactics-of-the-devil

  • Thursday · 50 min

    Conflicting Parenting Styles

    Monica Hinderer joins Doug to continue their discussion on how children impact marriage. Today they focus on conflicts over parenting styles. 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 husband and I had different parenting styles. Three of our children are gay, and they barely talk to us anymore. I resent my husband because I tried to raise our kids in the faith, but he didn’t share that commitment. Do you think that made a difference? (27:35) Monica - My daughter is overprotective in her parenting. She has two girls, ages 3½ years and 1 month old. (38:48) Julie - For those of us who are remarried in the Church, with children from previous marriages and different parenting styles, navigating family life can be challenging. (42:15) Tom - To help defuse tension between parents, I pray to my guardian angel to help facilitate communication with their guardian angels. (45:14) Resources: Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/ Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/ Monica Hinderer https://www.monicahinderer.com/ Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/ Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/

  • Wednesday · 50 min

    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 with them. (38:03) Resources: The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/ Four Common Tactics of the Devil https://spiritualdirection.com/2025/11/16/four-common-tactics-of-the-devil https://catholictherapists.com/ https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/

  • Tuesday · 50 min

    Four Common Tactics of the Devil (Part 1)

    Doug begins a two-part series on the 4 tactics the devil uses to destroy marriages. 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 and raising five children? (34:39) Nancy – My second husband and I have been married for 31 years; both having come from difficult marriages. A quote by Bonhoeffer about marriage deeply resonated with me, giving me a beautiful sense of its purpose: not just romantic love, but a commitment to responsibility, mutual support, and the greater good of the world. (44:57) Resources: Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/ Four Common Tactics of the Devil https://spiritualdirection.com/2025/11/16/four-common-tactics-of-the-devil 4 ways the devil deceives us The devil deceives us with many false and empty promises. The devil also deceives us by suggesting all sorts of complexities. The devil also seeks to deceive us with “wordsmithing.” The devil also deceives us through the manipulation of data.

  • Monday · 50 min

    Navigating Infertility

    Mary Bruno joins Doug to discuss her book, Twelve Stripes Deep: How Infertility & Other Suffering Delivered My Greatest Joys. Resources: Mary Bruno https://marygbruno.com/ NaPro Technology https://naprotechnology.com/ FAbM Base https://fabmbase.org Twelve Stripes Deep: How Infertility & Other Suffering Delivered My Greatest Joys https://bit.ly/47vFyPP

  • October 16 · 50 min

    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. 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) 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_ref_list_id=taxonomy_3_term_94ga_ref_list_name=Taxonomy%20Term:%20Books

  • October 15 · 50 min

    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. 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 anything else done. (32:43) Mariana - I am a mom of 3 under 4 and I have some advice. (38:48) Resources: Should I Attend THAT Wedding? https://relevantradio.com/2026/10/should-i-attend-that-wedding/

  • October 14 · 50 min

    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. 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 happen sometimes before the problem can be forgotten. (18:51) David - My wife and I have been married for 5 years and we have been dealing with infertility but we bonded in our faith by trusting God. (25:00) Beth - How can I address things that continue to happen. How do you avoid bringing up the past when addressing a current issue. (39:56) Resources: Springs in the Desert https://springsinthedesert.org/ Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/ Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/ Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/ Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/ Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/

  • October 14 · 51 min

    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? 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 than a fight. (21:48) Anna-Husband being alone with another woman (25:02) Mary-I have been married for 40 years but my husband never went to church and we got a dispensation. He is now catholic though! (28:55) Elaine-I think there is a possibility that this is a problem of spiritual loneliness, when only one spouse goes to mass. (33:58) Jo-I am leaving my parent's house to go live at the homeless shelter. I am going through some issue with that relationship and need prayers. Also i just found RR this week. (38:08) Mary-I married a Christan man not catholic. I just want to say we made it work but it would have been a lot easier if he was catholic! (48:09)

  • October 12 · 50 min

    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. 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 you clarify the question about children and offering up suffering. (35:02) Joseph - You gave a great answer when somebody was going through suffering and you suggested that she 'be saintly' and suffer well. (37:00) Lara - I don’t think people realize that when you ask for prayer you are hoping to help someone else in your life. (41:35) Resources: Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/ Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/ Rekindled Hearts https://relevantradio.store/products/rekindled-hearts-book

  • October 10 · 50 min

    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. 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 told her that his fear about her mental health and the possibility of it worsening is greater than his love for her. How can I help her navigate this situation? (30:15) Nancy – I was married and was in a very abusive relationship. I learned later that he was addicted to pornography. (48:00) Resources: STRIVE: 21-Day Porn Detox for Men https://www.covenanteyes.com/strive/ Integrity Restored https://integrityrestored.com/ RECLAIM Sexual Health https://www.reclaimsexualhealth.com/ Road to Purity https://roadtopurity.com/ Catholics Fight Porn https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/

  • October 8 · 50 min

    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. 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 Catholic faith, and they met at a nondenominational church. (20:56) Mark - What is the best advice I can give to a married couple struggling with sleep deprivation? (46:49) Resources Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/ Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/ Monica Hinderer https://www.monicahinderer.com/ Bringing Baby Home https://www.gottman.com/bringing-baby-home-for-parents/

  • October 7 · 50 min

    Fighting Pornography Addiction

    Steve O’Conner joins Doug to discuss how we can fight pornography use. 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) Resources: Catholics Fight Porn https://www.catholicsfightporn.com/ Magdala Ministries https://www.magdalaministries.org/

  • October 6 · 50 min

    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. 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 confession for it. Can I receive or do I have to go back to confession? (46:37)

  • October 5 · 50 min

    Fighting No-Fault Divorce

    Mary Bowen joins Doug to give an update on her lawsuit against the Texas no fault divorce law. 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 should I do? They've been married for 14 years and have 4 boys. (39:32) Don - My wife left me legally and I have tried reaching out to redeem the marriage. It’s been 6 years so what do I do? (44:40) Jose - My wife decided she wants a divorce and she says this is what God wants. (47:40) Resources: Primal Loss https://www.leilamiller.net/primallosspdf

  • October 2 · 50 min

    Caring for Parents Under One Roof

    Doug shares how to handle the challenges when and elderly parent moves in with you. 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 - Mom moved in with me. I feel called by God to take care of my mom. I fell back on that when stressed. My mom is 98 and I am grateful. (21:47) Mary - It was my mother who lived with my whole family and it was a great experience. (26:20) Gina - My mom is in a private home, I only had her for a month. She had bathroom issues, and drove husband crazy. She loves the private home. (29:37) Liz - My mom lived with us and had dementia. My husband and kids helped take care of her. Don't lose that connection with your wife. We are struggling to be back with each other. (34:29) Gloria - Since my mom’s cancer was terminal, we made the decision that I would travel 500 miles to stay with mom and my husband stayed at home. Our son stayed with my husband and our daughter stayed with me. (37:08) Sylvia - When my mom came three months ago, she underwent trauma emotionally, and now is in comfort care. (41:06) Resources Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/ Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/ Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/ Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/ Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/

  • October 1 · 50 min

    Toxic Empathy

    Monica Hinderer joins Doug to discuss toxic empathy. They also discuss questions on marital infidelity, and healing past wounds. 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) Resources: Monica Hinderer https://www.monicahinderer.com/ Marriage Unhindered https://www.marriageunhindered.com/ Happy Marriage for Life https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/ Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/ Catholic Therapists https://catholictherapists.com/ Catholic Psychotherapy https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/

  • September 30 · 50 min

    Rules for Manliness

    Bear Woznick joins Doug to discuss his two books; 12 Rules for Manliness, and Men of Grit and Grace. Listener questions and comments: John - I have family history of the cowboy code! (36:28) Resources: School of Manliness https://www.bearschoolofmanliness.com/

  • September 29 · 50 min

    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. 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 Catholic group for grief. My grief was due to my father not really being my biological father. (31:07) Stephen - I lost my son in 2023 and I feel God and the Church has brought me through this. (37:16) Brian - My daughter was killed several years ago and I am dealing with the pain. I ended up having an affair and almost lost my marriage. (41:36) Judy - I attended grief share and I am now helping run it at my church It helps so many people! (45:56) Resources: GriefShare https://www.griefshare.org/

  • September 28 · 50 min

    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. 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) Resources: Catholic Christianity https://ignatius.com/catholic-christianity-cachp/ Highlights of the Catholic Faith https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948139847?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Why We're Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683570243?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith https://www.amazon.com/dp/0307720519?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

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