Discerning Marriage

Theology of the Body Institute
  • 4.9 (97)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semimonthly

Discerning Marriage is a weekly podcast hosted by Elizabeth Busby, MTS, MS, LMFT. Regardless of your state in life, you can begin preparing for marriage right now. Whether you are single, dating, seriously dating, engaged, on a break, or grieving a breakup, you can make use of this time for fruitful growth toward becoming a healthy and holy spouse. Intentional discernment of marriage starts today, even if you haven't given or received an engagement ring.

  1. Aug 11

    Don’t Pray at the Bedroom Door + Stop Dating for a Title + Forgiveness Isn’t Forgetting

    What can Hamilton teach us about dating, chastity, suffering, forgiveness, and marriage? Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress joins Elizabeth Busby to explore why discernment is about faithfully taking the next step, not having your entire future figured out. They discuss why marriage is not a finish line, how couples can avoid waiting until temptation becomes overwhelming, and why we should not be scandalized by our own humanity. Drawing from pivotal moments in Hamilton, they also examine how suffering can draw us closer to Christ, why forgiveness does not mean forgetting, and what it means to choose a person, not simply the role they can play in your life. https://godsplaining.org/ Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage: https://rosarypilgrimage.org/join-us-for-the-2026-novena-dominican-rosary-pilgrimage/ Ignite Hope Discerning Marriage Retreat Info 📸 Elizabeth’s Instagram 👩‍❤️‍👨 If you’re seriously dating and thinking about getting engaged, check out our Next Step course to help discern if you’re both ready for engagement. Theology of the Body Institute Resources: 🔥 ⁠3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on the TOB⁠ 💬 Text TOB to (404) 647-7682 ⚡️ ⁠Support us & get access to leading TOB formation⁠ 📚 ⁠Course schedule⁠ 🏔️ ⁠Pilgrimages⁠ 🛍️ ⁠Store⁠

    Don’t Pray at the Bedroom Door + Stop Dating for a Title + Forgiveness Isn’t Forgetting

  2. Jul 28

    Unfaithfulness to Spouse & Annulment + Dating Women Felt Safer + This Moment Changed Everything

    Kim Zember shares the extraordinary story of searching for love everywhere she could find it—same-sex relationships, success, missions, marriage, and even becoming someone she no longer recognized. She opens up about cheating on her husband, living with deep shame, and why none of it brought the peace she longed for. In this conversation with Elizabeth Busby, they explore unwanted singleness, same-sex attraction, healing, the difference between knowing about God and truly encountering Him, why so many people see God as a judge instead of a Father, and how discovering Christ transformed every desire without erasing the struggle.Restless Heart by Kim ZemberKim Zember’s IGKim’s website Ignite Hope Discerning Marriage Retreat Info 📸 Elizabeth’s Instagram 👩‍❤️‍👨 If you’re seriously dating and thinking about getting engaged, check out our Next Step course to help discern if you’re both ready for engagement. Theology of the Body Institute Resources: 🔥 ⁠3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on the TOB⁠ 💬 Text TOB to (404) 647-7682 ⚡️ ⁠Support us & get access to leading TOB formation⁠ 📚 ⁠Course schedule⁠ 🏔️ ⁠Pilgrimages⁠ 🛍️ ⁠Store⁠

    Unfaithfulness to Spouse & Annulment + Dating Women Felt Safer + This Moment Changed Everything

  3. Jul 14

    When You Envy Those Getting Married + Protomartyr for Marriage + Desert of Singleness as Preparation

    What does it actually mean to live for truth when it costs you something? In this conversation, we explore one of the most misunderstood figures in Scripture: John the Baptist. From his courage to confront powerful people to his willingness to die for the sanctity of marriage, his life challenges our understanding of discipleship, masculinity, and holiness. Along the way, we also hear Fr. Sean’s personal story, discuss discerning God's will, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through prayer. Whether you're wrestling with faith, searching for purpose, or wanting to understand why truth matters, this conversation will leave you thinking differently.Get Fr. Sean's "Prophet of Fire" here Ignite Hope Discerning Marriage Retreat Info 📸 Elizabeth’s Instagram 👩‍❤️‍👨 If you’re seriously dating and thinking about getting engaged, check out our Next Step course to help discern if you’re both ready for engagement. Theology of the Body Institute Resources: 🔥 ⁠3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on the TOB⁠ 💬 Text TOB to (404) 647-7682 ⚡️ ⁠Support us & get access to leading TOB formation⁠ 📚 ⁠Course schedule⁠ 🏔️ ⁠Pilgrimages⁠ 🛍️ ⁠Store⁠

    When You Envy Those Getting Married + Protomartyr for Marriage + Desert of Singleness as Preparation

  4. Jun 30

    Why Looks Matter More Than You Think + Why You're Still Single + Marriage Advice Ruining Dating

    What keeps good people single? In this candid conversation, Catholic matchmaker Madigan shares the hard truths she's learned from working with thousands of singles. We discuss unrealistic expectations, dating app culture, ghosting, attraction, self-improvement, and why so many people struggle to find a spouse despite deeply desiring marriage. Madigan also shares her own unexpected love story, practical advice for discerning marriage, and her framework for knowing when you're choosing wisely versus settling. Whether you're single, dating, or helping someone discern their vocation, this episode offers hope, challenge, and a fresh perspective on modern Catholic dating. commitmentism.com/ 📸 Elizabeth’s Instagram 👩‍❤️‍👨 If you’re seriously dating and thinking about getting engaged, check out our Next Step course to help discern if you’re both ready for engagement. Theology of the Body Institute Resources: 🔥 ⁠3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on the TOB⁠ 💬 Text TOB to (404) 647-7682 ⚡️ ⁠Support us & get access to leading TOB formation⁠ 📚 ⁠Course schedule⁠ 🏔️ ⁠Pilgrimages⁠ 🛍️ ⁠Store⁠

    Why Looks Matter More Than You Think + Why You're Still Single + Marriage Advice Ruining Dating

  5. Jun 16

    Why Good Catholics Stay Single + The “I Do” Test + How to Keep Your Kids In the Faith As Adults

    What does it actually take to build a marriage that lasts?In this episode, Dr. Gregory Popcak shares the surprising story of proposing after just two months of dating, how he and his wife Lisa built a 37-year marriage, and why prayer became the foundation of everything they created together. We discuss why so many faithful Catholics struggle to find someone to marry, the difference between piety and genuine devotion, how to identify humility while dating, and the single best predictor of future marital success.We also dive into parenting, why treating children like projects backfires, what causes adult children to drift away from their parents, and the habits shared by families who successfully pass on the faith. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for discerning marriage, building strong relationships, and creating a home where faith truly comes alive.Dr. Gregory Popcak's Website Ignite Hope Discerning Marriage Retreat Info Spotify 📸 Elizabeth’s Instagram 👩‍❤️‍👨 If you’re seriously dating and thinking about getting engaged, check out our Next Step course to help discern if you’re both ready for engagement. Theology of the Body Institute Resources: 🔥 ⁠3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on the TOB⁠ 💬 Text TOB to (404) 647-7682 ⚡️ ⁠Support us & get access to leading TOB formation⁠ 📚 ⁠Course schedule⁠ 🏔️ ⁠Pilgrimages⁠ 🛍️ ⁠Store⁠

    Why Good Catholics Stay Single + The “I Do” Test + How to Keep Your Kids In the Faith As Adults

  6. Jun 2

    Should You Pursue Him First? + Men Who Aren’t Ready to Date + The Problem With “Trust Your Feelings”

    What do you do when you keep making eye contact with someone at Mass… but he never talks to you? Should you wait for someone who “isn’t ready yet”? Can you discern marriage and religious life at the same time? And how do you know if the peace you feel in a relationship is actually from God — or just emotions? In this Q&A episode, we dive into modern Catholic dating, discernment, masculinity, red flags, vocation anxiety, spiritual clarity, pornography, confession, desire, and the very real fear of making the wrong life decision. This conversation is honest, practical, deeply personal, and full of the kind of advice most people are too afraid to say out loud. Ignite Hope Discerning Marriage Retreat Info Fr. Ambrose Criste episode link 📸 Elizabeth’s Instagram 👩‍❤️‍👨 If you’re seriously dating and thinking about getting engaged, check out our Next Step course to help discern if you’re both ready for engagement. Theology of the Body Institute Resources: 🔥 ⁠3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on the TOB⁠ 💬 Text TOB to (404) 647-7682 ⚡️ ⁠Support us & get access to leading TOB formation⁠ 📚 ⁠Course schedule⁠ 🏔️ ⁠Pilgrimages⁠

    Should You Pursue Him First? + Men Who Aren’t Ready to Date + The Problem With “Trust Your Feelings”

  7. May 19

    Falling in Love Every 10 Days + "Spicy" Truth on Divorce + Theology of Heartbreak X Fr. Gregory Pine

    In this powerful episode, Father Gregory Pine joins Elizabeth Busby to tackle the "spicy" reality of divorce and the permanence of marriage. They navigate the painful process of discerning a breakup, offering a "home run" of practical advice for anyone currently in the trenches of heartbreak. By exploring Thomistic wisdom and the necessity of "training the tongue," Fr. Gregory reveals how to stop catastrophizing and start "recollecting" your soul during times of loss. Ultimately, this conversation calls you higher—challenging you to look beyond your current relational status and anchor yourself in your "uppercase V vocation": partaking in the eternal bliss of the Trinity. Ignite Hope Discerning Marriage Retreat Info 📸 Elizabeth’s Instagram 👩‍❤️‍👨 If you’re seriously dating and thinking about getting engaged, check out our Next Step course to help discern if you’re both ready for engagement. Theology of the Body Institute Resources: 🔥 ⁠3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on the TOB⁠ 💬 Text TOB to (404) 647-7682 ⚡️ ⁠Support us & get access to leading TOB formation⁠ 📚 ⁠Course schedule⁠ 🏔️ ⁠Pilgrimages⁠ 🛍️ ⁠Store⁠

    Falling in Love Every 10 Days + "Spicy" Truth on Divorce + Theology of Heartbreak X Fr. Gregory Pine

  8. May 8

    Answering "Devil's Advocate" Questions About French Kissing Before Marriage

    In this unscripted “devil’s advocate” Q&A, we respond to real questions challenging Catholic perspectives on dating and physical intimacy—especially kissing during engagement. Is it helping discernment or sabotaging it? Drawing from St. John Paul II and real-world counseling experience, this conversation unpacks the stages of dating, the purpose of engagement, and the difference between emotional bonding and intentional formation. If you’ve ever wondered how far is too far—or how to date with clarity, freedom, and purpose—this episode offers a vision that calls you higher, not just further. Ignite Hope Discerning Marriage Retreat Info 📸 Elizabeth’s Instagram 👩‍❤️‍👨 If you’re seriously dating and thinking about getting engaged, check out our Next Step course to help discern if you’re both ready for engagement. Theology of the Body Institute Resources: 🔥 ⁠3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on the TOB⁠ 💬 Text TOB to (404) 647-7682 ⚡️ ⁠Support us & get access to leading TOB formation⁠ 📚 ⁠Course schedule⁠ 🏔️ ⁠Pilgrimages⁠ 🛍️ ⁠Store⁠

    Answering "Devil's Advocate" Questions About French Kissing Before Marriage
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4.9
out of 5
97 Ratings

About

Discerning Marriage is a weekly podcast hosted by Elizabeth Busby, MTS, MS, LMFT. Regardless of your state in life, you can begin preparing for marriage right now. Whether you are single, dating, seriously dating, engaged, on a break, or grieving a breakup, you can make use of this time for fruitful growth toward becoming a healthy and holy spouse. Intentional discernment of marriage starts today, even if you haven't given or received an engagement ring.

Information

  • Creator
    Theology of the Body Institute
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Theology of the Body Institute
  • Show Website
    Discerning Marriage

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