Hey everyone! Today, I am announcing the biggest update to the show since its inception: I’m leaving Willwoods and stepping out on my own. I will soon be launching my own platform, allowing me to focus and expand the work of Always Hope and Dating Well. I’m working hard on a new website, Always Hope YouTube channel, weekly episodes, Hope Club Membership, and Dating Well: Mastermind Coaching Groups.   I’m incredibly grateful for my six years at Willwoods and their support of this show, I wouldn’t have gotten this far without them. I will still lead a few marriage retreats a year for them ..read more

The pressures of dating are real! But how do we let them go? Is there a way to date intentionally but without the intensity? This conversation originally appeared on the Thriving in the Space Between podcast, and I am grateful for Maria and Meghan for letting me drop it on my show, too. You may remember them from an episode last year when we talked about dating advice from single women, and we pick up where we left off last time around. In today’s episode, I’m the one answering the questions, not asking them. They fielded questions from the women they serve in their Intentional Single communit ..read more

Happiness is an elusive ideal. What contributes to it? Why does it feel like happiness is a Game of Whac-a-Mole? When we feel it in one place, somewhere else gets misaligned. But how does having faith and living a moral life aid in the quest for achieving happiness? To discuss these questions and more, I welcome Fr. Robert Spitzer, host of Fr. Spitzer’s Universe on EWTN and President of the Magis Center for Faith and Reason, to talk about his new book, “The Four Levels of Happiness: Your Path to Personal Flourishing.” In today’s episode, we discuss how happiness is the fulfillment of desire, b ..read more

Let’s talk about Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini!   In today’s episode, I welcome back Kristen Theriault, spokesperson for Sophia Institute Press, to discuss all things related to Mother Cabrini, including the new Cabrini movie by Angel Studies, and two books by Sophia: The World is Too Small: The Life and Times of Mother Cabrini and The Mother Cabrini Companion: A Spiritual Journey with a Courageous Woman of God.   We discuss the life of Mother Cabrini, what the movie got right and where it took creative liberties, and the critiques to the film. We also dive deep into Mother’s unwaver ..read more

In today’s episode, I welcome back Danny Fitzpatrick to discuss his new book released by Sophia Institute, titled "Restoring the Lord's Day: How Reclaiming Sunday Can Revive Our Human Nature."  We discuss the importance of the Sabbath, how it is crucial for restoring our human nature, and how culture has shifted away from recognizing its significance. We also talk at length about the surprising ways Acedia (slothfulness) manifests in our lives and how it leads to a sadness about Divine goods. We end the episode by offering practical ways of reclaiming the Sabbath in your life and family ..read more

Are you experiencing loneliness and not quite sure what to do about it? Then this episode will be of great benefit to you.   Today, I welcome Regina Boyd, licensed marriage and family therapist and author of the new book Leaving Loneliness Behind: 5 Keys to Experiencing God’s Love and Building Healthy Connection with Others.   In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation exploring themes of loneliness, the importance of connection, and strategies for developing healthier relationships. It covers a range of topics from setting healthy boundaries to understanding the impact of pas ..read more

Do you struggle with scrupulosity or know a loved one who does? If so, this episode will provide great insights and solutions for you.   Today, I welcome Rebecca Martin, editor of the book “Scrupulosity: Heal Your Mind, Unbind Your Soul, and Let God Work.” The book was written by the late Dr. Kevin Vost, who we honor in the show. In this episode, we examine scrupulosity through a moral, spiritual, and psychological lens, offer insights from the saints, detail the difference between temptation and sin, share how growth in the virtues are crucial, and describe therapeutic interventions that ..read more

How often do men and women feel at odds with each other in relationships, dating, marriage, and parenting? What if those differences we there by design and ignoring them only creates more frustration? What if equality didn’t equal sameness?   Joining me on the show to talk about how we can navigate these differences more effectively is Dr. Brett Salkeld, host of the Thinking Faith! Podcast. I love talking with Brett, so grateful to have him back on the show. In today’s episode we discuss the importance of acknowledging the inherent differences between men and women, how that leads to deep ..read more

How does the decline in marriage impact the decline in faith practice and affiliation? What has contributed to the rise in “none’s”? Can scientific research and inquiry help us understand the connection between marriage and faith?   To have this important conversation, I welcome JP De Gance, founder and president of Communio, which is a nonprofit ministry that trains and equips churches to share the Gospel through the renewal of healthy relationship, marriages, and the family.   In today’s episode, we discuss loneliness in America, marriage and divorce statistics, how the perception ..read more

Calling all couples married around 15-20 years! This episode is for you! Today, I welcome Damon Owens, internationally acclaimed speaker and co-founder of Joyful Ever After, to talk about how to thrive in a middle-aged marriage. We discuss how to overcome long-held resentments and negative patterns of communication with your spouse; how to express unmet needs; the importance of having a supportive community and friends who care about your marriage; maintaining curiosity, wonder, and delight in your spouse; planning intentional moments of connection, date nights, and retreats; and what physical ..read more