Rephonic
Artwork for Discerning Marriage
Marriage
Theology Of the Body
Faith
Relationships
Intimacy
Discernment
Catholicism
John Paul II
Chastity
Catholic Church
Pornography
Motherhood
Feminism
Christianity
Christian Parenting
Intimacy Before Marriage
Menstrual Cycle
Debt-Free Living
Anxiety
Teenage Dating

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,... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes112Founded6 years ago
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Religion & SpiritualityChristianity

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Artwork for Discerning Marriage

Latest Episodes

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 anyo... more

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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 ... more

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What if the way you’ve been “discerning marriage” is actually keeping you stuck?In this episode, Fr. Ambrose Criste breaks open a radically freeing vision of vocation, relationships, and spiritual warfare. We unpack how to tell the difference between... more

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This Q&A episode with Elizabeth dives into some of the most honest and difficult questions around love, marriage, and personal struggle. From navigating depression while remaining open to life, to the deep ache of unwanted singleness, to breaking fre... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Father Gregory Pine
Priest and Thomist, Dominican House of Studies faculty
Dominican House of Studies
Episode: Falling in Love Every 10 Days + "Spicy" Truth on Divorce + Theology of Heartbreak X Fr. Gregory Pine
Father Ambrose Criste
Canon regular of the Norbertines, guest on the show
Norbertines (St. Michael's Abbey, California)
Episode: Red Flags vs Spiritual Warfare + Not Discerning Marriage + Lower Your Standards (Not Like You Think)
Allison Armstrong
Expert in men's and women's differences; marriage and family therapist
Armasomething? (described as researcher and therapist)
Episode: Men vs Women Is a Lie + The Hidden Language of Men + Why Relationships Fail X Alison Armstrong
Adrian Lawson
Runs the channel Sips with Serra, where he explains and defends the Catholic faith
Sips with Serra
Episode: He Hated Christianity + Navigating Major Moral Disagreements + More Than a Piece of Paper X Sips with Serra
Mike Couchy
Co-creator of Finding Philothea with Claire
Finding Philothea
Episode: Dropping Hankie, Not Standards + Masculine Pursuit + 24 Saint Club X Michael & Claire Couche
Claire Couchy
Co-creator of Finding Philothea and content creator
Finding Philothea
Episode: Dropping Hankie, Not Standards + Masculine Pursuit + 24 Saint Club X Michael & Claire Couche
Mari Wagner
Co-creator of West Coast Catholic and The Ever Be Podcast
West Coast Catholic
Episode: Surrendering Your Vocation + Omelet Man Coffee Date + Kissing Until Commitment X Trey & Mari Wagner
Trey Wagner
Co-creator of West Coast Catholic and The Ever Be Podcast
West Coast Catholic
Episode: Surrendering Your Vocation + Omelet Man Coffee Date + Kissing Until Commitment X Trey & Mari Wagner
Dr. John Bergsma
Former Protestant pastor turned Catholic theologian, author, and professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Episode: Demonic Activity, Confession, Discernment Story & the Future Jubilee | Dr. John Bergsma

Host

Elizabeth Busby
Host of Discerning Marriage

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 176 ratings
  • Discerning marriage review

    This is a lovely podcast for all stages of preparing for marriage. Hearing the talks and stories about different subjects is so helpful to sit and pray about in singlehood.

    P.S. I do miss the longer stories/podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sam7417
    United States2 years ago
  • Told me a lot about myself

    This is my first time writing a review for a podcast and it is literally because this one is so good! There are super profound insights in each episode. I listened to the breakups part 2 and I would give a lot to go back and follow Elizabeth’s advice! Also, thank you for naming out the stages of grief. We all need that. And for being so you and personable!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    -NovenaQueen
    United States4 years ago
  • Colorful Perspectives with Great Talking points

    My boyfriend and I have been listening to an episode a week and talking together about it for over a month now. The episodes are always very engaging and bring up lots of points for further questions between the two of us. 10/10 would recommend.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kbauer56
    United States5 years ago
  • A Great Guide

    This is a fantastic podcast! I listen with my boyfriend frequently and it has been a great guide for our relationship as we discern marriage together. I love how it gives tips for healthy dating and also includes testimonies of other couples. This podcast has led to many fruitful and important conversations in our relationship. Keep up the awesome work :)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cjdubs22
    United States5 years ago
  • Loved several episodes

    Loved Liv Harrison, Mary Lenaburg, and the Hickl’s episodes. Even as a married person this is helpful reminder but a great resource for those discerning a vocation

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hounjh
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate deep, thoughtful conversations with diverse guests.
Engaging faith-based discussions that are practical for dating and marriage.
Positive feedback on actionable, faith-aligned relationship guidance.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Answering "Devil's Advocate" Questions About French Kissing Before Marriage
Q: If engagement is primarily about discernment, not emotional bonding, are we actually sabotaging clarity by encouraging something as intimate as tongue kissing?
Yes, when done in a prudent, pre-engagement context with strong self-mastery and clear boundaries, tongue kissing can be part of discernment, but it requires intentional dating stages and awareness of how intimacy affects future marriage.
Answering "Devil's Advocate" Questions About French Kissing Before Marriage
Q: What would you say to that?
The line of reasoning emphasizes that while some genital activity is reserved for marriage, tongue kissing can be approached with discernment, provided couples have done substantial pre-engagement work and maintain self-control to avoid clouding judgment.
Falling in Love Every 10 Days + "Spicy" Truth on Divorce + Theology of Heartbreak X Fr. Gregory Pine
Q: How does receiving the Eucharist influence readiness for marriage?
Receiving the Eucharist increases the flame of charity, helps you become a better lover within a sacramental framework, strengthens your sense of belonging in the Mystical Body, and supports secure, selfless affection that can form a lasting marital bond.
Falling in Love Every 10 Days + "Spicy" Truth on Divorce + Theology of Heartbreak X Fr. Gregory Pine
Q: What are Aquinas's top three things to look for in a potential spouse?
The top three, as discussed, are grace (being in a state of grace and engaged in sacramental life), virtue (especially chastity and self-mastery to avoid using the spouse for gratification), and the quality of being with someone who is fun and can share in life with lightness and humor, not just seriousness.
Red Flags vs Spiritual Warfare + Not Discerning Marriage + Lower Your Standards (Not Like You Think)
Q: How should someone frame the idea that 'everyone is called to marriage' to reduce anxiety about vocation, including celibacy?
Recognize that while most people are called to marriage by biology, discernment focuses on whether one is called to a higher, supernatural vocation; this framing can reduce anxiety by normalizing the variety of legitimate paths to holiness.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Discerning Marriage

What is Discerning Marriage about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful, faith-centered show that guides singles, engaged couples, and married listeners through marriage discernment, healthy dating, and spiritual formation. Conversations blend theology, psychology, and real-life stories to illuminate boundaries, openness to life, and vocation, with practical tools and resources for growth. Noteworthy is the sustained focus on Catholic teaching applied to everyday relationships, plus the inclusion of diverse guest perspectives—from theologians to relationship experts and faith communities—creating a well-rounded resource for intentional discernment and healthy partnerships.

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Which podcasts are similar to Discerning Marriage?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Discerning Marriage:

1. Ask Christopher West
2. Abiding Together
3. Pints With Aquinas
4. Restore The Glory Podcast
5. The Lila Rose Show

How many episodes of Discerning Marriage are there?

Discerning Marriage launched 6 years ago and published 112 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Discerning Marriage?

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What guests have appeared on Discerning Marriage?

Recent guests on Discerning Marriage include:

1. Father Gregory Pine
2. Father Ambrose Criste
3. Allison Armstrong
4. Adrian Lawson
5. Mike Couchy
6. Claire Couchy
7. Mari Wagner
8. Trey Wagner

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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