Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast

Miriam Susan
  • 4.6 (11)
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The Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast is your sanctuary for navigating the stormy seas of toxic relationships with your in-laws. Join your host, a seasoned Catholic wife who's weathered 3 decades of turbulence, as we tackle the tough issues of dealing with your in-laws head-on. Learn how to stand up for yourself, protect your children, and foster a peaceful marriage, even in the face of relentless in-law challenges. Each episode is packed with insights from someone with first-hand experience to help you navigate these tricky waters with grace and resilience.

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 122: The Slow Game: How Toxic Grandparents Chip Away at Your Children Over Time

    In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the subtle but powerful ways toxic grandparents can erode your relationship with your children over time. Drawing from over twenty years of personal experience, she unpacks the “slow game” of micro-moves and loyalty wedges that often go unnoticed but have lasting effects. Listeners will find validation for their concerns and practical wisdom for recognizing damaging patterns, all within the framework of Catholic family values. If you’ve ever doubted your gut about changes in your children after grandparent visits, this episode is for you. Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to the slow game of toxic grandparents00:34 – Defining “toxic”: intention behind the word and scope of the series01:34 – Scriptural reflection from Sirach and the slow emergence of grandparental toxicity02:50 – Recognizing the “long game” and subtle shifts in children’s attitudes04:00 – Micro-moves: the chess analogy and small, cumulative undermining actions05:49 – The impact of a thousand minor slights: why patterns matter06:37 – Are you imagining it? Self-doubt, projection, and trusting your observations07:50 – The “loyalty wedge”: how toxic grandparents quietly split allegiance08:58 – Covert manipulation versus direct undermining—why this is so insidious10:18 – Redirection of authority: children’s innate trust and slow realignment11:54 – Disordered family roles: boundaries, authority, and God’s intended structure13:17 – How to start recognizing and naming patterns of toxic influence15:12 – Confusion and emotional fallout for children when boundaries are enforced16:44 – Collecting evidence: why noticing patterns is not about confrontation17:43 – Real-life examples of subtle grandparent undermining and its effect18:33 – When recurring boundary violations become genuinely toxic18:43 – Returning to Sirach: consistency, manipulation, and spiritual wisdom19:44 – Spotting inconsistent behavior and distinguishing “quirks” from manipulation21:31 – Community invitation: support, affirmation, and boundaries for Catholic wives22:35 – What you can control: boundaries, access, and your response23:28 – The accusation of “withholding grandkids” and reclaiming your role as protector24:33 – Disclaimer and reminder to seek professional support when needed Resources & Links: If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

    25 min

  2. MAY 9

    Episode 121: Are Toxic Grandparents Running Your Parenting Show?

    In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores the challenges of dealing with toxic grandparents who try to overstep their boundaries and influence your parenting decisions. She draws on personal stories and Catholic teaching to help you recognize unhealthy patterns and reclaim your God-given authority as a parent. If you're struggling with in-laws who undermine your rules or make you feel guilty for setting boundaries, this episode will offer practical encouragement and scriptural support. Resources & Links: If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

    30 min

  3. MAY 2

    Episode 120: Why You Keep Letting It Go with Toxic In-Laws

    In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, host Miriam Susan explores why so many Catholic wives continually "let it go" when dealing with toxic in-laws, especially toxic grandparents. Drawing from her own decades of experience and listener questions, Miriam Susan unpacks the confusion that comes from mixed signals and offers practical insights on reclaiming your peace and trusting your instincts. If you often downplay hurtful behavior because of occasional kindness, this episode will help you recognize harmful patterns and encourage you to set healthier boundaries with charity and self-respect. Resources & Links: If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

    22 min

  4. APR 25

    Episode 119: When Keeping the Peace with Toxic Family Costs You Everything

    In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, we explore the hidden costs of maintaining peace with toxic family members. Miriam Susan discusses the importance of prioritizing your own family's well-being and spiritual health over toxic dynamics, offering insights on setting boundaries and reorienting loyalty. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the series on toxic families as idols 2:25 - The high cost of trying to keep peace with toxic family members 3:21 - Scriptural reflection from Galatians on seeking human approval 4:20 - How self-erasure manifests in toxic family dynamics 5:28 - The ripple effect of losing oneself and the false peace it creates 6:17 - The importance of honoring parents without enabling toxic behaviors 7:12 - Practical ways to reflect well on difficult in-laws and set boundaries 8:36 - Is the peace we seek genuine or just an absence of conflict? 10:10 - The treadmill of emotional exhaustion and running in place 11:27 - Recognizing honesty in calling out toxic peacekeeping efforts 12:22 - Patterns of reciprocal relationships with toxic family members 13:23 - Addressing the pattern of favoritism and enmeshment in family culture 14:40 - Redefining loyalty and proper family order in Christ’s design 15:39 - The importance of physical distance and emotional reorientation 16:28 - How to shift loyalty from parents to your spouse and children 17:34 - The challenge of breaking lifelong programming and family cycles 19:04 - Viewing your role as part of divine planning for generational change 20:16 - The reassurance: it’s not about you, but about spiritual warfare 21:20 - Invitation to join the community for support and practical training Resources & Links: If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

    18 min

  5. APR 18

    Episode 118: The Toxic Family That Can't Let Go

    In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, Miriam Susan explores how toxic family dynamics can become an idol, affecting adult children's independence. Discover the spiritual enmeshment and the importance of redefining family roles post-marriage. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: The high toll of trying to keep toxic family peace 02:25 - Biblical guidance: Galatians 1:10 on human versus divine approval 03:21 - How toxic family members shape us into peacekeepers 04:48 - The hidden cost: erasing your genuine self for peace 05:28 - The ripple effects of living small and self-sacrificing 06:42 - How toxic love distorts true charity and kindness 08:10 - The treadmill of exhaustion: running in place for peace 09:40 - Peace vs. the absence of conflict: what's the real goal? 10:57 - The dangers of emotional treadmill and false peace 11:58 - Why shutdown silence isn't a relationship 12:22 - Recognizing patterns of reciprocal unhealthy relationships 13:16 - Navigating loyalty and boundaries with enmeshed in-laws 14:25 - Strategies for physical distancing and reorientation of loyalty 16:28 - God's design: putting your family first after your spiritual calling 17:20 - The need for a new family identity rooted in faith 18:15 - Understanding your husband's programming and how to support his transition 19:34 - Recognizing that the family dynamic preexisted your marriage 21:05 - Community support: joining Catholic Wives Plus Toxic In-Laws for guidance 22:01 - Closing encouragement: breaking cycles, living in God’s purpose Resources & Links: If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

    23 min

  6. APR 11

    Episode 117: Why Leaving Toxic Parents Isn't Just About Moving Out

    Understanding and Breaking Toxic Enmeshment in Family Dynamics Toxic family relationships can deeply influence our spiritual and emotional well-being. In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, Miriam Susan explores how enmeshment and idolatry of family can impact our faith, marriage, and sense of self, offering practical insights rooted in Catholic teaching to help break free. Chapters: 00:00 - Why toxic families become idols and the spiritual dangers involved 00:13 - Introduction to the series and today's focus on toxic family enmeshment 00:43 - Recognizing spiritual enmeshment and the distorted view of family importance 01:12 - Biblical and catechism references on honoring parents and the dangers of manipulation 02:09 - How toxic people twist scripture to control and manipulate 03:09 - The duties of children and respect for even toxic parents 04:07 - Respect vs. earned respect; recognizing toxic patterns 06:12 - Understanding toxic love as control versus God's unconditional love 06:42 - The enmeshment dynamic exemplified through family behaviors 08:10 - How toxic family culture demands loyalty and obedience 09:10 - The psychological toll of enmeshment: living as a perpetual child 10:40 - The importance of protecting your family from toxic influences 12:36 - The spiritual goal of leading loved ones toward salvation and heaven 13:16 - Recognizing and rejecting unhealthy manipulative behaviors 15:10 - Practical steps to create physical and emotional distance 16:28 - Rebuilding identity around your marriage and family as God intends 17:34 - The importance of shifting loyalty and identity in marriage 19:14 - The impact of family programming and the calling to break the cycle 20:39 - Encouragement for women to embrace their God-given roles and potential 21:05 - Invitation to join the Catholic Wives Plus Toxic In-laws community for support and training Resources & Links: If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

    22 min
  7. Episode 116: Is Your Husband's Toxic Family His Idol?

    APR 4

    Episode 116: Is Your Husband's Toxic Family His Idol?

    In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, Miriam Susan explores how toxic family dynamics can become an idol in our lives, especially focusing on how husbands may unconsciously prioritize their family's approval over God's commandments. It offers biblical insights, practical advice, and community support options for women navigating these challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Toxic Family Dynamics 00:56 Understanding Idolatry in Family Relationships 04:31 The Impact of Toxic In-Laws on Decision Making 08:38 Disordered Loyalties in Marriage 12:43 Recognizing Patterns of Toxicity 17:06 The Weight of Family Voices in Decision Making If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

    21 min
  8. Episode 115: Toxic Family Members Need Less Access

    MAR 28

    Episode 115: Toxic Family Members Need Less Access

    In this episode of the Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast, Miriam Susan addresses the challenges of dealing with toxic family members, the importance of boundaries, and how to navigate privacy within a Catholic framework. Miriam Susan offers insights on respecting family roles, understanding guilt versus truth, and practical steps for protecting your marriage and family life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Toxic Family Dynamics 00:40 Understanding Boundaries with Toxic Family Members 05:03 The Role of the Catholic Catechism in Family Relationships 09:22 The Structure of a Properly Ordered Catholic Family 16:56 Navigating Guilt and Responsibility in Family Relationships 21:48 Respect and Boundaries: A Catholic Perspective 32:03 The Importance of Privacy in Marriage 37:18 Conclusion and Invitation to Community Engagement Resources Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 2217 - https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_P51.HTM Father Mike Schmitz on Respect and Family - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVai_DcgZTM&t=179s Desiring Peace Workshop on Privacy - https://desiringpeace.com/workshop If you liked this video, then you’ll love this FREE 5-Day Email Course: https://desiringpeace.com/free-course Tired of feeling like you're the only one who sees the dysfunction of your husband's family? You're not alone, and you're not crazy. Join Catholic Wives + Toxic In-Laws - a supportive community where you can finally speak honestly about your in-law struggles without judgment or being told to "just offer it up." Get validation from women who truly understand, practical boundary strategies rooted in Catholic teaching, and the peace you've been praying for. Founding member pricing is available now. Join us at toxicinlaws.com For a transcript of today's episode, visit https://www.DesiringPeace.com/episodes

    47 min
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4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Catholic Wives with Toxic In-Laws Podcast is your sanctuary for navigating the stormy seas of toxic relationships with your in-laws. Join your host, a seasoned Catholic wife who's weathered 3 decades of turbulence, as we tackle the tough issues of dealing with your in-laws head-on. Learn how to stand up for yourself, protect your children, and foster a peaceful marriage, even in the face of relentless in-law challenges. Each episode is packed with insights from someone with first-hand experience to help you navigate these tricky waters with grace and resilience.

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