

Discerning Marriage
Theology of the Body Institute
Listen to Elizabeth's intro episode here (https://discerningmarriage.fireside.fm/1)!
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 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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 13, 2026 • 52min
The Freedom to Walk Away + Incarnational Speed Dating + Hope for Catholic Singles X Taylor O'Brien
In this engaging discussion, guest Taylor O'Brien, founder of Candid Dating, shares her inspiring journey from a broken engagement to a renewed sense of hope through Eucharistic healing. She highlights the need for modern dating to reclaim meaningful conversations and treat individuals with dignity, rather than as commodities. Taylor discusses how she launched speed-dating events to help Catholic singles connect authentically. With insights into the Candid platform's unique matchmaking approach, listeners gain valuable perspectives on dating intentionally and building real relationships.

Jan 2, 2026 • 1h 19min
Lies That Harden Women + Beauty of the Wedding Night + Family Virtue X Emily & Daniel Hussem
What if the “spicy” parts of marriage were never the point—and the real battle was for your heart? In this episode of Discerning Marriage, Elizabeth sits down with Emily & Daniel to talk spiritual warfare (and Stoneheart), long-distance discernment, why “awkward” is the wrong frame for purity and intimacy, and the practical habits that protect real love—like presence, teamwork, and a home where hearts stay soft.Sacred Spark appEmily Wilson IG📸 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

Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 2min
Meeting When in Seminary + Reality vs. Romance + The Novena That Got Me Engaged X Jackie & Bobby Angel
What happens when you meet “the one” while he’s still discerning the priesthood? Elizabeth Busby sits down with Jackie & Bobby Angel to unpack their wild Theology of the Body Institute meet-cute, the moment “scales fell from my eyes,” and the prayer-story that includes a 54-day novena and a “future husband” journal.Plus: their most bracing dating advice—how to tell “reality vs. romance,” why wasting time is real, and what marriage should feel like when it’s right.👩❤️👨 Fresh Start: A Dating & Discerning Marriage Conference📸 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

4 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 57min
Signal Graces, Lust & the Future of the Church, and God Wants Your Youth | Cameron Riecker
In this engaging discussion, Cameron Riecker, a Catholic commentator and content creator, shares his journey from seminary to marriage. He highlights the importance of discernment and prayer in life choices. The conversation dives into modern challenges like lust and the necessity of active engagement in one's vocation. Cameron also promotes the Zelie dating app for Catholics seeking meaningful connections. With practical advice like praying the rosary, he inspires listeners to embrace their mission and confront cultural assaults on marriage.

Nov 21, 2025 • 59min
Demonic Activity, Confession, Discernment Story & the Future Jubilee | Dr. John Bergsma
Link to book: stpaulcenter.co/Jubilee Link to free companion: stpaulcenter.co/jubileecompanion Instagram accounts: @stpaulcenter @emmausroadpublishing and @john.s.bergsma📸 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

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.


