

Discerning Marriage
Theology of the Body Institute
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 11min
Discernment Story, Homeschooling 8 Kids & Limiting Tech | Brian Holdsworth
Join us in this episode of Discerning Marriage for a deep dive into Brian's discernment story, how he and his beloved wife devote themselves to their eight children and how they have been able to limit technology in today's tech-driven culture. Stay until the end for a very practical discerning marriage advice drawn from Brian's experience as passionate Catholic and committed husband & father.Brian's resources:https://www.youtube.com/@BrianHoldsworthhttps://brianholdsworth.ca/📸 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

Oct 25, 2025 • 55min
The Simplicity of Discernment & Discernment with ADHD | The Simple Catholic - Matt Chicoine
In this conversation, Matt Chicoine shares the story of his marriage, how his upbringing and a neurodivergent mind led him to his wife (twice!), and the profound spiritual conviction that helped him discern the noise from his true calling. Stop complicating your life. Learn the one practical tip that transformed his spiritual life and can instantly ground your discernment today.Matthew's Links:https://thesimplecatholic.blog/https://www.instagram.com/thesimplecatholic/?hl=en📸 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

Oct 10, 2025 • 58min
DISCERNMENT STORY: Mother Natalia
Join Elizabeth & her spiritual mother Mother Natalia from Christ the Bridegroom monastery in this deep and hilarious convo where Mother shares her vocation and discernment story.On The Discerning Marriage Podcast, we walk with you on the journey to discover if marriage is God’s will for you, and if you already know that you’re called to marriage, we want to help you bring glory to God in your vocation.

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 25min
Not All Men Look at Porn, Marrying a Sailor & Vocational Discernment with Eliza & Will Monts
Elizabeth Busby sits down with Eliza from Elizawritesthings & her husband Will Monts to unpack their journey of discernment, marriage, and mission. From the deck of a sailboat to the everyday beauty of fashion and faith, they share why Catholicism is not strange but our most natural way of living, how holiness should be visible in “normal” life, and why the world desperately needs authentic marriages that radiate Christ’s love.Eliza's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizawritesthings/?hl=enEliza's Substack: https://elizawritesthings.substack.com/On The Discerning Marriage Podcast, we accompany you on the journey to discover if marriage is God’s will for you, and if you already know that you’re called to marriage, we want to help you bring glory to God in your vocation.

Sep 13, 2025 • 1h 14min
When She Makes More Money, Infertility, Adoption & Getting Married at 40 with Emily & Chris Chapman
Join Elizabeth for a convo with Emily & Chris Chapman where they'll dive into the topics of raising a family when she's the primary money maker, infertility, adoption & getting married in later years.On The Discerning Marriage Podcast, we accompany you on the journey to discover if marriage is God’s will for you, and if you already know that you’re called to marriage, we want to help you bring glory to God in your vocation.

Aug 27, 2025 • 53min
Longing, the Byzantine Church & Discernment w Mthr. Natalia
Join us for a mystical convo with Mother Natalia from Christ the Bridegroom monastery. They will dive DEEEP into longing, the Byzantine Church, Discernment & Elizabeth's pregnancy.On The Discerning Marriage Podcast, we accompany you on the journey to discover if marriage is God’s will for you, and if you already know that you’re called to marriage, we want to help you bring glory to God in your vocation.You're missing the view! Watch this episode on YouTube

Apr 11, 2025 • 9min
How to Stop Overthinking and Getting Anxious Over EVERYTHING .
Are you constantly second-guessing yourself, replaying conversations, or worrying about what others think? In this episode, Elizabeth Busby, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares practical, faith-based strategies to overcome overthinking and anxiety. Discover the difference between clinical and situational anxiety, how scripture guides us to peace, and what steps you can take today to gain control over your thoughts.
On The Discerning Marriage Podcast, we accompany you on the journey to discover if marriage is God’s will for you, and if you already know that you’re called to marriage, we want to help you bring glory to God in your vocation.
You're missing the view! Watch this episode on YouTube
Try Next Step: A Course for Discerning Marriage
📚 Get Elizabeth's ebook "10 Questions to Ask at the Beginning of Your Relationship" for free
🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body
⚡️ Join our Patron Community! Your monthly gift helps us continue to put out the message of Theology of the Body to the world
📚 Want to attend a course at the Theology of the Body Institute online or in person? Click the link to view our schedule
📍 We might be coming to a city near you! Check out our Made for More event schedule
🛍️ Check out our store!
Learn more about Discerning Marriage Ministries here.
Send a question to host Elizabeth Busby here.

Apr 4, 2025 • 9min
4 Practical Dating Tips for Catholic Dudes. (No. 4 Will Surprise You)
Are you a Catholic man looking to date with purpose? In this episode of Discerning Marriage, Elizabeth Busby shares four essential and practical tips for men who want to pursue a meaningful relationship. From personal hygiene to financial responsibility, integrity, and intentionality in dating—these insights will help you grow as a man and show up well in relationships.
On The Discerning Marriage Podcast, we accompany you on the journey to discover if marriage is God’s will for you, and if you already know that you’re called to marriage, we want to help you bring glory to God in your vocation.
You're missing the view! Watch this episode on YouTube
Try Next Step: A Course for Discerning Marriage
📚 Get Elizabeth's ebook "10 Questions to Ask at the Beginning of Your Relationship" for free
🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body
⚡️ Join our Patron Community! Your monthly gift helps us continue to put out the message of Theology of the Body to the world
📚 Want to attend a course at the Theology of the Body Institute online or in person? Click the link to view our schedule
📍 We might be coming to a city near you! Check out our Made for More event schedule
🛍️ Check out our store!
Learn more about Discerning Marriage Ministries here.
Send a question to host Elizabeth Busby here.

Mar 28, 2025 • 6min
Why Take Marriage Advice from a Celibate Priest?
Can a celibate priest really give good marriage advice? In this episode of Discerning Marriage, Elizabeth Busby breaks down this common question with powerful insights. Drawing from theology, experience, and the wisdom of priests who deeply understand God’s design for marriage, she explains why their counsel is not only valuable but essential.
On The Discerning Marriage Podcast, we accompany you on the journey to discover if marriage is God’s will for you, and if you already know that you’re called to marriage, we want to help you bring glory to God in your vocation.
You're missing the view! Watch this episode on YouTube
Try Next Step: A Course for Discerning Marriage
📚 Get Elizabeth's ebook "10 Questions to Ask at the Beginning of Your Relationship" for free
🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body
⚡️ Join our Patron Community! Your monthly gift helps us continue to put out the message of Theology of the Body to the world
📚 Want to attend a course at the Theology of the Body Institute online or in person? Click the link to view our schedule
📍 We might be coming to a city near you! Check out our Made for More event schedule
🛍️ Check out our store!
Learn more about Discerning Marriage Ministries here.
Send a question to host Elizabeth Busby here.

Mar 21, 2025 • 8min
How to Discern Marriage, Priesthood or Religious Life?
Are you afraid that God might call you to something you don’t want? Fear distorts discernment, but the truth is liberating. In this episode, Elizabeth Busby breaks down how to discern marriage, priesthood, or religious life with clarity and confidence. Learn why fear of celibacy might be holding you back, why desire plays a key role in God’s plan, and how to trust Him fully in your vocation. If you're discerning marriage, check out Next Step, our in-depth course designed to guide you through this process. Watch now and break free from fear!
On The Discerning Marriage Podcast, we accompany you on the journey to discover if marriage is God’s will for you, and if you already know that you’re called to marriage, we want to help you bring glory to God in your vocation.
You're missing the view! Watch this episode on YouTube
Try Next Step: A Course for Discerning Marriage
📚 Get Elizabeth's ebook "10 Questions to Ask at the Beginning of Your Relationship" for free
🔥 Get 3 FREE sessions of our flagship course on Theology of the Body
⚡️ Join our Patron Community! Your monthly gift helps us continue to put out the message of Theology of the Body to the world
📚 Want to attend a course at the Theology of the Body Institute online or in person? Click the link to view our schedule
📍 We might be coming to a city near you! Check out our Made for More event schedule
🛍️ Check out our store!
Learn more about Discerning Marriage Ministries here.
Send a question to host Elizabeth Busby here.


