If you've ever felt the sting of disappointment in dating or wondered how to break free from a cycle of cynicism and nervousness, this conversation is for you.

A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maria and Meghan from "The Intentional Single," and it quickly became one of my most listened-to episodes. Today, I’m thrilled to have them back to dive deep into a topic that so many of us struggle with: the anxiety, pressure, and overwhelming nerves that can come with dating, especially on that first date.

We explore how our goal-oriented culture often programs us to treat dating like a task to be completed. Maria and Meghan offer a refreshing and holistic perspective, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and viewing the person across from you as a gift, not a goal.

We discuss the profound impact that our mindset has on our dating lives, from the stories we tell ourselves to the unconscious beliefs that shape our interactions. You’ll hear about practical tools to manage anxiety in the moment, the power of asking curious, open-ended questions, and how a simple shift in perspective can transform dating from a dreaded chore into an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

So, get ready to be encouraged and equipped. And tackle dating with faith, confidence, and hope! Let's jump into my conversation with Maria and Meghan.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:15:00 - Approaching Dating with a Healthy Mindset

00:21:48 - Overcoming Cynicism and Guardedness

00:27:49 - Understanding Fear in Dating

00:35:03 - Grounding Techniques and Easing Nervousness

00:45:32 - The Importance of Mindset in Dating

00:57:18 - The Role of Gratitude in Dating

01:05:00 - Redefining Success in Dating

01:10:49 - Promoting The Intentional Single

Stay in the know on all things TIS!

Reach out to Maria & Meghan: hello@theintentionalsingle.com

🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

❓Got questions about dating, marriage, sex, or hope? Ask them here and they could get answered on a future episode of Always Hope: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/ask

💚 Want to support the work of Always Hope? buymeacoffee.com/drmariosacasa

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

Is your marriage going through a period of suffering? Maybe it's the relationship that needs some improving, or maybe the hardships of life are weighing you down. Either way, we often turn to prayer as a last resort. And today, I'm going to show why that's a mistake.

Today, I'm excited to welcome Doug Hinderer, the voice behind Relevant Radio's "Marriage Unhindered." Doug shares his incredible journey from a 36-year career in human resources to becoming a marriage therapist and then a radio host, all guided by faith and a willingness to surrender to God's plan. We'll explore themes from his book, Rekindled Hearts, focusing on the redemptive nature of suffering in marriage, the importance of spiritual direction, and practical ways couples can navigate challenges. Get ready for an inspiring discussion on how prayer can transform your relationship and lead to profound growth. Enjoy!

Chapters

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:21 - Doug's Journey: From Human Resources to Radio

00:12:53 - Doug's Book: Rekindled Hearts

00:16:15 - The Redemptive Nature of Suffering in Marriage

00:24:01 - The Role of Emotions in Conflict Resolution

00:31:19 - The Role of Hope and Effort in Saving Marriages

00:38:18 - The Role of Prayer in Marital Union

00:45:57 - Effects of Prayer in Marriage

00:51:36 - Doug's Hope in God's Love

Check out Doug’s show on Relevant Radio: https://relevantradio.com/listen/our-shows/marriage-unhindered/

Purchase his book, Rekindled Hearts: https://scepterpublishers.org/collections/new-releases/products/preorder-rekindled-hearts-a-spiritual-journey-to-marital-healing

Got questions about dating, marriage, sex, or hope? Ask them here and they could get answered on a future episode of Always Hope: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/ask

What to support the work of Always Hope? buymeacoffee.com/drmariosacasa

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

Cue Queen, because today we are talking about how to not feel “under pressure” when dating.

Join Dr. Mario Sacasa as he welcomes Maria Creitz and Derenys Radich, the creators of the Little Dates Club. This innovative approach aims to make dating less intimidating for Catholic young adults. They share insights on creating low-pressure, fun ways for young adults to connect, emphasizing the importance of genuine interaction over the fear of rejection. The Little Dates Club encourages participants to go on multiple 'friendship dates' to build confidence and ease the anxiety surrounding dating. With structured guidelines and a supportive environment, this initiative is helping young adults navigate the complexities of modern dating. Tune in for practical advice and fresh perspectives on finding love in today's world!

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:36 - Origins of Little Dates Club

00:08:00 - The Problem with Modern Dating

00:15:03 - Mechanics of Little Dates Club

00:21:49 - The Importance of Experience in Dating

00:31:23 - The Modern Dating Landscape

00:36:07 - The Success Stories of Little Dates Club

00:42:00 - Tips for Men and Women in Dating

00:48:57 - Replicating the Little Dates Club Model

00:54:51 - The Intention and Impact of Little Dates Club

00:57:33 - What Gives You Hope?

What to learn more about Little Dates Club? Email littledatesclub@gmail.com

Got questions about dating, marriage, sex, or hope? Ask them here and they could get answered on a future episode of Always Hope: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/ask

What to support the work of Always Hope? buymeacoffee.com/drmariosacasa

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.