“Obedience” in marriage is a loaded word—what does it really mean? Are women expected to submit like servants? Is Christian marriage inherently unequal? Or is there something deeper, more beautiful, and profoundly mutual at play?

Today I’m joined by Mary Stanford, who has spent her career unpacking this very paradox. How can a woman “submit” as described in Ephesians 5 and still be a full, free, and equal partner in marriage?

Mary dives into the God-given differences between men and women—how our bodies and dispositions reflect distinct, complementary gifts—and how this complementarity can lead to deep unity and even fruitfulness, both literally and spiritually.

This topic isn’t without controversy. The line between holy submission and enabling harmful dynamics is razor thin. Join the conversation in the comments and help us wrestle with one of the most misunderstood teachings in Scripture.

Obedience Paradox book: https://www.amazon.com/Obedience-Paradox-Finding-Freedom-Marriage/dp/1681926954

Mary's faculty website: https://www.christendom.edu/academics/undergraduate-faculty/mary-stanford/

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A big thanks to our partner, EWTN, the world’s leading Catholic network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/

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00:00:00 - Intro

00:06:39 - Few people have parents as model relationships

00:10:40 - Good Ranchers

00:11:52 - Key successes in Mary’s parent’s marriage

00:19:04 - What did fighting and resolution look like?

00:23:11 - EveryLife

00:24:11 - What is the Obedience Paradox?

00:32:26 - Man as an instrument

00:36:22 - We Heart Nutrition

00:37:20 - What does submission mean?

00:51:01 - The temptation for women

00:54:30 - What are women’s fallen traits?

01:08:38 - Do’s/Don’ts of Biblical Submission

01:27:13 - Final thoughts

Can sexual attraction shift? Can we rewire how past trauma affects us?

Dr. Joseph Nicolosi Jr. explores these questions through Reintegrative Therapy—a trauma-focused, evidence-based approach designed for those experiencing unwanted sexual attractions. Critics label it "conversion therapy," but Nicolosi argues it’s something entirely different.

In this episode, he explains how resolving deep-rooted trauma can sometimes lead to changes in sexual attractions and why this method is so controversial in today’s world. As the son of a pioneering psychologist, Dr. Nicolosi brings decades of clinical insight to a conversation that challenges post-modern cultural taboos and common assumptions.

Dr Nicolosi's website: https://www.reintegrativetherapy.com/

NEW: Join our exclusive Rose Report community! https://lilaroseshow.supercast.com - We'll have BTS footage, ad-free episodes, monthly AMA, and early access to our upcoming guests.

A big thanks to our partner, EWTN, the world’s leading Catholic network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/

Check out our Sponsors:

-Nimi Skincare: The best skincare—and it aligns with your values. Use code LILA for 15% off https://www.nimiskincare.com/discount/LILA?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall-products

-Covenant Eyes: http://covenanteyes.sjv.io/Kjngb9 Sign up to grow in purity and gain traction over sexual addiction: use code “LILA” for a free month!

-EveryLife: https://www.everylife.com Buy diapers from an amazing pro-life diaper company and use code LILA and get 10% off!

00:00 - Intro

00:02:48 - Dr Nicolosi Sr’s Groundbreaking Work

13:39 - Nimi Skin Care

14:45 - Can people shift their attractions and desires?

24:48 - Covenant Eyes

25:52 - Monogamy and Homosexuality

33:23 - EveryLife

34:23 - Causes of SSA

00:46:17 - Temperaments and SSA

00:49:08 - “Unwanted” SSA and Re-wiring the Brain

00:53:02 - APA pretends not to acknowledge the data

00:57:03 - Sexual Ab*se Patterns in patients

01:02:36 - People who therapy didn’t work?

01:06:17 - Trevor Project and Su*cidality

01:14:02 - Supreme Court Case

A disturbing trend is sweeping Gen Z—and it’s making headlines in The New Yorker, The Guardian, Time Magazine, and NPR. It’s called No Contact: young people aren’t just disagreeing with their parents—they’re cutting them off entirely.

In an age where ideological conformity is demanded, even a hint of dissent can be grounds for exile. Radical acceptance is the new litmus test—and conservative parents are failing by default. Instead of sticking with the families who raised them, many are replacing them with “chosen family” that affirms every belief and lifestyle.

Author Noelle Mering is sounding the alarm in her upcoming book, exposing how authoritarian ideas are driving a wedge through families—and how parents can fight back with truth, boundaries and love.

Theology of Home website: https://theologyofhome.com/

Noelle's website: https://www.noellemering.com/

NEW: Join our exclusive Rose Report community! https://lilaroseshow.supercast.com - We'll have BTS footage, ad-free episodes, monthly AMA, and early access to our upcoming guests.

A big thanks to our partner, EWTN, the world’s leading Catholic network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/

Check out our Sponsors:

-Nimi Skincare: The best skincare—and it aligns with your values. Use code FREEDOM for 15% off! https://www.nimiskincare.com/discount/LILA?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall-products

-We Heart Nutrition: https://www.weheartnutrition.com/ Get high quality vitamin supplements for 20% off using the code LILA.

-Seven Weeks Coffee: https://www.sevenweekscoffee.com Buy your pro-life coffee with code LILA and get up to 25% off!

Becket Cook was living what many would call a dream life—working in Hollywood, dating men, and surrounded by celebrities. But beneath the surface, he felt an ache that nothing in that world could satisfy. One day at a café, he noticed a group of young people doing a Bible study and struck up a conversation. That led to an invitation to church—and during that very first visit, the Holy Spirit met him powerfully. In this episode, Becket shares his journey from acting on same-sex attraction to finding true identity, purpose, and peace in Christ. His journey will challenge you, inspire you, and point you back to the One who satisfies.

Becket's channel: ⁨https://youtube.com/@becketcook

NEW: Join our exclusive Rose Report community! https://lilaroseshow.supercast.com - We'll have BTS footage, ad-free episodes, monthly AMA, and early access to our upcoming guests.

A big thanks to our partner, EWTN, the world’s leading Catholic network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/

Check out our Sponsors:

-Seven Weeks Coffee: https://www.sevenweekscoffee.com Buy your pro-life coffee with code LILA and get up to 25% off!

-Good Ranchers: https://go.goodranchers.com/lila Purchase your American Meat Delivered subscription today and get a free add-on of beef, chicken, or salmon! Use code LILA for $40 off!

-Covenant Eyes: http://covenanteyes.sjv.io/Kjngb9 Sign up to grow in purity and gain traction over sexual addiction: use code “LILA” for a free month!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:59 - Becket’s background

00:10:07 - Seven Weeks

00:10:49 - Gay clubs in Dallas

00:13:28 - How did Becket respond to the abuse?

00:23:13 - Covenant Eyes

00:24:22 - What causes SSA?

00:28:30 - How did you interpret the abuse as a kid?

00:31:56 - Good Ranchers

00:33:06 - A woman with a similar story

00:34:35 - Don’t do sleepovers

00:38:45 - Sensitive men and the ‘gaydar’

00:39:43 - I assumed my SSA would go away

00:43:55 - Did you have faith during these years?

00:47:59 - Why is Bible so clear on homosexuality?

00:49:18 - “Jesus never talked about it”

00:51:23 - Gay clubs at 14?!

00:55:50 - Did your parents suspect anything? / Permissive childhoods

01:02:16 - When did you come out as gay?

01:14:38 - His mother’s prayer

01:24:36 - How did the transformation happen?

01:43:52 - Original Sin

01:50:44 - The gift of faith

01:59:19 - Why he doesn’t say ‘gay’

02:02:48 - How did your parents respond?

02:06:09 - Becket’s message for the world today

In today's episode my dear friend Stephanie Gray Connors—renowned pro-life apologist and global speaker—joins me to share the behind-the-scenes story of how she found love at 40 (yes, I played matchmaker!).

Stephanie gets real about the heartache of waiting, the tension between her calling and her longing for marriage, and the unexpected ways God showed up—through deep friendship, purpose-driven work, and eventually, a saintly husband.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late for your dreams, this conversation will remind you: God’s timing is perfect.

Stephanie’s website: https://loveunleasheslife.com/about

NEW: Join our exclusive Rose Report community! https://lilaroseshow.supercast.com - We'll have BTS footage, ad-free episodes, monthly AMA, and early access to our upcoming guests.

A big thanks to our partner, EWTN, the world’s leading Catholic network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/

Check out our Sponsors:

-Good Ranchers: https://go.goodranchers.com/lila Purchase your American Meat Delivered subscription today and get a free add-on of wagyu burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, or bacon for life! Use code LILA for $40 off!

-EveryLife: https://www.everylife.com Buy diapers from an amazing pro-life diaper company and use code LILA and get 10% off!

-Cozy Earth: Better Sleep, Brighter Days - Get the highest quality sleep essentials for 40% OFF at https://cozyearth.com/lila!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:37 - Stephanie’s background

00:10:48 - Cozy Earth

00:11:44 - Career vs Family

00:22:15 - Good Ranchers

00:23:30 - Career vs Family Pt II

00:27:30 - I would cry myself to sleep

00:34:39 - EveryLife

00:35:49 - Friendship and the best moments in my life

00:42:00 - Common Needs

00:44:08 - Being loved vs being recognized

00:45:49 - Singleness in 30s

00:51:01 - 50 y/o who got married

00:55:17 - We idolize many things

01:01:00 - Mad at God

01:03:00 - Holy people get overlooked

01:19:05 - Would you go through it again?

01:20:48 - Are women too picky?

01:22:57 - Stephanie’s book on IVF

Josh Hammer—lawyer, foreign policy expert, and editor-at-large at Newsweek—joins the show to break down the latest escalation in the Middle East, including the U.S. striking Iranian nuclear sites with bunker-busting bombs.

We get into it: U.S. foreign policy, non-interventionism, and the bigger picture Americans need to understand right now. Josh pushes back on the isolationist take—and his arguments are worth hearing.

He also shares a personal account of fleeing Israel with his family as tensions exploded on the ground.

We can't afford to stay uninformed—let’s keep the conversation going.

Josh’s X: https://x.com/josh_hammer?lang=en

Check Out Our Sponsors:

-We Heart Nutrition: https://www.weheartnutrition.com/ Get high quality vitamin supplements for 20% off using the code LILA.

-EveryLife: https://www.everylife.com Buy diapers from an amazing pro-life diaper company and use code LILA and get 10% off!

-Crowd Health: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ The new alternative to health insurance - sign up and use the code "LILA" for a special deal of $99 for your first 3 months!

When Jesus introduced the new blueprint for marriage—no divorce, total monogamy—it stunned the Apostles. His vision was bold, uncompromising, and utterly countercultural. But with the power of the Holy Spirit, it’s not only possible—it’s transformational.

Enter Father Josiah Trenham: Orthodox pastor, husband of 37 years, and father of ten. In this episode, he unpacks the divine design for marriage—why it’s essential for civilization and for sanctifying your soul. You’ll walk away challenged, inspired, and ready to see marriage as a holy mission with eternal impact.

Marriage Conference: https://www.themarriageconference.com/

Patristic Nectar Website/App: https://patristicnectar.org/

Patristic Nectar YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PatristicNectarFilmsNEW:

Join our exclusive Rose Report community! https://lilaroseshow.supercast.com - We'll have BTS footage, ad-free episodes, monthly AMA, and early access to our upcoming guests.

A big thanks to our partner, EWTN, the world’s leading Catholic network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/

Check out our Sponsors:

-Seven Weeks Coffee: https://www.sevenweekscoffee.com Buy your pro-life coffee with code LILA and get up to 25% off!

-We Heart Nutrition: https://www.weheartnutrition.com/ Get high quality vitamin supplements for 20% off using the code LILA.

-Hallow: https://www.hallow.com/lila Enter into prayer more deeply this season with the Hallow App, get 3 months free by using this link to sign up!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:40 - Why Focus on Love and Marriage?

00:09:57 - Seven Weeks Coffee

00:10:40 - What is St John Chrysostom’s vision of marriage?

00:18:43 - Jesus establishing the importance of marriage

00:21:55 - Marriage got completely mangled

00:22:48 - Hallow

00:23:38 - (‘No such thing as Judeo-Christian ethic’

00:30:45 - What did early Christians think about marriage?

00:32:25 - Why was sexual revolution so ‘effective’?

00:42:14 - What about single people?

00:47:39 - The role of contraception in demise of sexual morality

00:52:18 - No Fault Divorce

00:55:06 - Pastoring LGBT people

00:59:03 - Theological understanding of marriage

01:07:44 - Honoring Children

01:09:11 - Eros and Sexual Attraction

01:10:07 - Why should couples have children?

01:22:00 - Be fruitful and multiply

01:24:14 - Natural Family Planning

01:28:40 - Sexual Fasting

What should you really be looking for in a partner—and what’s keeping so many from meeting and marrying the right one? Are we too picky? Can chemistry grow over time? And does early physical contact cloud judgment more than we realize?

Joining Lila for this unfiltered dating roundtable are:

-Alessandra Conti, celebrity matchmaker and co-founder of Matchmakers in the City: https://instagram.com/matchmakeralessandraconti/

-Ryan Bethea, host and producer of The Exorcist Files podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebethea

-Franco Fernandez, Catholic influencer and editor: https://instagram.com/thefrancotv

Together, they tackle the biggest dating pitfalls, what men and women often get wrong, and how faith, personality, and even physical touch play into it all. Plus, Lila shares a glimpse into her own love story—was there instant chemistry, or something deeper?

If you're single—or know someone who is (so, everyone)—this episode is full of insight, laughter, and hard truths you won’t want to miss.

NEW: Join our exclusive Rose Report community! https://lilaroseshow.supercast.com - We'll have BTS footage, ad-free episodes, monthly AMA, and early access to our upcoming guests.

A big thanks to our partner, EWTN, the world’s leading Catholic network! Discover news, entertainment and more at https://www.ewtn.com/

Check out our Sponsors:

-Nimi Skincare: The best skincare—and it aligns with your values. Use code LILA for 15% off! https://www.nimiskincare.com/discount/LILA?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fall-products

-We Heart Nutrition: https://www.weheartnutrition.com/ Get high quality vitamin supplements for 20% off using the code LILA.

-Cozy Earth: Better Sleep, Brighter Days - Get the highest quality sleep essentials for 40% OFF at https://cozyearth.com/lila!

00:00:00 - Intro

00:07:49 - The Problems with Dating: Ryan’s Perspective

00:10:04 - Nimi Skincare

00:11:11 - Effects of P*rnography

00:14:30 - Paradox of choice

00:16:41 - People are self-sabotaging

00:19:09 - What professions do women want?

00:21:58 - Cozy Earth

00:22:55 - Culture worships youth

00:23:42 - Dating someone different than you

00:32:57 - We Heart Nutrition

00:33:55 - Roles of men and women in dating

00:39:40 - Dating apps…traumatic

00:44:05 - Probably wouldn’t have swiped…

00:48:27 - Lila’s first impressions of her husband

00:53:49 - Chaste dating

00:55:31 - Waiting til marriage to kiss

00:58:44 - Oxytocin

01:04:31 - Boundaries

01:16:28 - Pros/Cons of Cuddling

01:23:40 - Enemy hates marriage

01:28:29 - We follow a single, celibate man