Discerning Marriage

A podcast to help you discover if marriage is God’s will for you!

About the show

Listen to Elizabeth's intro episode here!

Discerning Marriage is a weekly podcast hosted by Elizabeth Busby, MTS, MS, LMFT. She is co-founder with her husband Ross of Discerning Marriage Ministries and the Next Step program. 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.

This podcast is also great for clergy and laypeople who prepare couples for marriage and parents who have teens and adult children who are dating and pursuing marriage!

Elizabeth has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University (whoop!), and she earned a Master's degree in Theological Studies from Ave Maria University, where she wrote her thesis on how St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body can aid in the discernment of a vocation to marriage. Additionally, she holds a Master's degree in Counseling with a focus on marriage and family therapy from Southern Methodist University, and she works as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a passion for helping people fall in love with Jesus and helping people discern and live God’s joyful plan for holy marriages and family life.

Next Step is a parish-based course written for seriously dating couples who want to discern more intentionally with each other. There is a lot of structure in place for people who are discerning a vocation to celibacy, but there isn’t a similar support network for people discerning marriage. Since the majority of the population is called to marriage, there is a glaring need for resources that can be used to help guide this discernment. Elizabeth and her team seek to fill that need with the Next Step program. Learn more here: https://www.discerningmarriage.com/next-step-program.

This podcast is presented by Theology of the Body Institute, which promotes around the world John Paul II's revolutionary teaching on human life and love — the Theology of the Body. Learn more about the Institute's offerings here: https://tobinstitute.org.

Endorsements

"I first met Elizabeth Busby in 2009 when she was a college student working with a TOB ministry at Texas A&M. Now she’s not only a loving wife and mother, but also an accomplished professional counselor bringing John Paul II’s TOB to bear in all she does. She has worked alongside my colleagues and me since 2014 coordinating our network of intercessors and has become a trusted partner in our ministry. We are delighted to be launching her podcast Discerning Marriage under the TOB Institute umbrella. Having already been interviewed by Elizabeth about my own vocational discernment for the show, this podcast is going to be a great gift both for those looking for answers to questions about vocational discernment, and for those who just love hearing how God works in other people’s lives."
Christopher West, Th.D.
President, Theology of the Body Institute

Discerning Marriage on social media

Episodes

  • Masculine Modesty: How Can Men Dress More Modestly?

    August 28th, 2024  |  Season 4  |  12 mins 35 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    Discover how men can embrace modesty in their daily lives while upholding dignity and respect for themselves and others. In this insightful video, Elizabeth explores the often-overlooked topic of masculine modesty and provides practical advice for dressing in a way that upholds the dignity of both men and women. Learn how to make thoughtful choices that reflect your inner values and support the well-being of those around you.

  • Is Fear of Commitment a Red Flag 🚩?

    August 21st, 2024  |  Season 4  |  12 mins 42 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    Elizabeth dives into the topic of commitment—specifically, when fear of commitment is a red flag and when it's a normal and healthy part of relationship discernment. Elizabeth shares insights for those dating, engaged, or contemplating marriage, helping you understand whether your hesitation is a sign to pause or just part of the natural process. Tune in to gain clarity on navigating your relationship journey.

  • Now That the Olympics Ended, What Should Catholics Do?

    August 12th, 2024  |  Season 4  |  10 mins 33 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    Elizabeth reflects on the passion and excitement surrounding the Paris 2024 Olympics and explores how our love for Olympic excellence mirrors our innate desire for eternal victory in Heaven. Whether you watched the Olympics or boycotted them, there's a spark within us all that yearns for greatness. Elizabeth dives deep into why this fire exists and how we can channel it towards achieving spiritual excellence in our daily lives.

  • How to Stir Your Longing for Motherhood

    July 31st, 2024  |  Season 4  |  10 mins 47 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    Elizabeth discusses the challenges many women face in embracing their femininity and the desire for motherhood in today's post-feminist movement era. She offers insightful advice on how to rekindle a longing for motherhood by understanding the intrinsic value of femininity, the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, and the significant role of a woman’s menstrual cycle in shaping her perspective on motherhood. Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below or connect with Elizabeth on Instagram @DiscerningMarriage.

  • 3 Things Catholic Women Find Attractive in a Man.

    July 24th, 2024  |  Season 4  |  4 mins 9 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    In this episode, Elizabeth Busby discusses three key qualities that Christian women find attractive in men. Whether you're single and looking for love or seeking to improve your relationship, these insights can help you become the man that a godly woman desires.

  • Advice for Christians Struggling with Anxiety.

    July 17th, 2024  |  Season 4  |  15 mins 16 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    Join Elizabeth as she provides practical advice on how to manage your anxiety as a Christian.

  • Why You Should Become Friends Before Becoming Spouses | Friendship as the Foundation of Marriage

    July 3rd, 2024  |  Season 4  |  5 mins 53 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    Elizabeth dives into the significance of being friends first in a marriage. She answers a question from Instagram about why friendship is crucial for a healthy and lasting marriage. Drawing from her experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist, she explores insights from John Gottman's research and discusses practical ways to build and maintain a strong friendship with your spouse.

  • As Christians We Need to Talk About Nudity In Films...

    June 29th, 2024  |  Season 4  |  17 mins 9 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    Elizabeth Busby dives into the challenging topic of nudity and gratuitous sexual content in popular films. Elizabeth shares her heartfelt thoughts on how these scenes impact viewers and how to respond from a faith-based perspective. She also discusses the biological and psychological effects of such content and offers guidance on maintaining personal and relational integrity. If you have ever struggled with how to navigate explicit content in movies, this video is for you.

  • Should Women Wear Bikinis?

    June 19th, 2024  |  Season 4  |  12 mins 45 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    Elizabeth delves into the complex topic of modesty, bikinis, and the responsibility of both men and women in upholding dignity. Should women to cover up, or should men be solely responsible for controlling their lustful thoughts?

  • Why You Should Get Out of Debt as a Christian

    June 12th, 2024  |  Season 4  |  7 mins 10 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    Join Elizabeth as she dives deep into the crucial topic of debt and financial freedom from a Christian perspective. Discover why getting out of debt is essential not just for married couples, but for everyone striving for authentic Christian living. Elizabeth shares practical advice, historical insights, and spiritual wisdom to help you align your financial habits with your faith.

  • Should You Be Debt Free In Marriage?

    June 7th, 2024  |  Season 4  |  9 mins 49 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    Elizabeth shares her passionate insights on the importance of being debt-free in marriage. Discover how financial freedom can lead to a healthier, happier marriage and explore practical tips to achieve it.

  • Episode 73: Should You Cancel Your Engagement?

    May 29th, 2024  |  Season 4  |  12 mins 32 secs
    catholic, catholic dating, catholic formation, catholic podcast, catholic women, dating advice, discerning marriage, discernment, family, marriage, marriage and family, vocation, vocational discernment

    Elizabeth addresses if a woman should go through with her wedding despite discovering her fiancé's porn addiction during marriage prep. Elizabeth offers compassionate advice on navigating this difficult situation, exploring the essential aspects of engagement, and the importance of freedom in marriage. If you're facing similar challenges or need guidance on engagement and marriage, this video is for you.