About Intentional Dating: Relationship Goals for Christians
Lost in the wild west of dating? Tired of endless scrolling and not knowing where to find a meaningful relationship that lasts? We hear ya. We tackle all this in Intentional Dating: Relationship Goals for Christians. Come hang with Nick and Aly as they talk to incredible guests on everything from what it means to date differently to attachment styles to navigating the dating apps, all through the lens of intentionality and Christian morality.
We’ve all heard that love is compromise. But is that the real solution to a successful relationship? When it comes to sacrificing for the sake of another, how do you put someone else first without compromising your own values? Notre Dame professor Tim O’Malley shares insights from the issues his students face in young love, and how those struggles translate to universal questions of sacrifice, true friendship, and happiness.
Putting someone else first does mean holding a debt over their head. Sacrificing your own desires does not mean tricking yourself into thinking you’re happy for the sake of some apparent virtue. To discern between the nuances of commitment and true cooperation in relationship, intentionality and communication are key. Tune in to learn how to obtain self-awareness that leads to awareness of another person’s needs, and what key ingredient is the foundation of all true love.
Sponsored by SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ (https://www.sacredspark.app/)
https://www.familytheater.org/ (https://www.familytheater.org/)
Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.
Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.
Theme composed by Adam Jones.
14 May 2026
Are We/Aren't We? | Connor McLaughlin
Dating with intention includes being clear about who you are to another person. The notion of a “situationship” undermines this clarity, causing confusion about what the nature of a relationship really is. On this episode of Intentional Dating, Connor McLaughlin explains the importance of putting a label on the relationship and what question immediately clears up the uncertainty of a situationship.
When you don’t know what you are to someone, you don’t know how to love them or receive love. This uncertainty is part of why an undefined relationship is so harmful. But what if you try to define your relationship with somebody, and it brings it to an end? It turns out, that may ultimately be for your benefit and what you need to proceed with confidence and intentionality.
Start something good with our sponsor, SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ (https://www.sacredspark.app/)
More from Connor: https://practicalsainthood.com/ (https://practicalsainthood.com/)
https://www.familytheater.org/ (https://www.familytheater.org/)
Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.
Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.
Theme composed by Adam Jones.
7 May 2026
Pornography | Michael Gasparro
Pornography has heavily impacted men and women and how we view relationships. While it is necessary to address, the shame surrounding the topic makes it hard to talk about. On this episode of Intentional Dating, therapist Michael Gasparro dives into the psychology behind porn use and how we can fight the negative consequences it has on our dating lives.
Beyond labeling porn as detrimental, Michael explains what is fails to achieve and why it’s important to work through this harmful tendency or addiction. We don’t have to be trapped by the guilt of porn use; rather, it’s more helpful to try to understand why we’re attracted to certain things and how to redirect those attractions.
Start dating differently with SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ (https://www.sacredspark.app/)
Michael's website: https://michaelgasparro.com/ (https://michaelgasparro.com/)
Ethos National: https://www.ethosnational.org/ (https://www.ethosnational.org/)
Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.
Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.
Theme composed by Adam Jones.
30 Apr 2026
Digital Body Language | Sean Afable and Naomi Leanage
An unprecedented amount of people are meeting online, meaning many first impressions are made on social media or an app. In the age of online dating, what’s the right posture to have towards this culture, and how do we make a good first impression and conduct ourselves online? Actor Sean Afable and content creator Naomi Leanage discuss their personal red flags, green flags, and what they perceive to make a good first impression.
While online profiles paint one picture, we’re ultimately preparing for a good in-person impression. A smile may go further than you think in making you approachable. How you dress for your friends may mean something totally different to someone of the opposite sex. And what’s up with guys with fish in their dating profiles? All that and more on this episode of “Intentional Dating.”
Sponsored by SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ (https://www.sacredspark.app/)
Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.
Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.
Theme composed by Adam Jones.
https://www.familytheater.org/ (https://www.familytheater.org/)
23 Apr 2026
Loud Looking: Knowing What You Want (And Don't Want) | Clare McCallan
You’re a few dates in, and something inevitably comes up that is a non-negotiable for you. How do you avoid wasting each other’s time? Clare McCallan weighs in on the concept of “loud looking” and whether it’s a tool that can respect each other’s expectations and boundaries, or too intense of an approach for a first date.
Loud looking, the practice of being upfront about your desirables and non-negotiables, has become more popular as people become more serious about intentional dating. But does this approach just turn dating into a job interview? Can you be forward about your values and morality without ruining your chances with a potential partner? Tune in to hear different takes on this modern dating trend.
Check out our sponsor, SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ (https://www.sacredspark.app/)
More on Clare: http://www.claremccallan.com/#/ (http://www.claremccallan.com/#/)
Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.
Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.
Theme composed by Adam Jones.
https://www.familytheater.org/ (https://www.familytheater.org/)
16 Apr 2026
Putting Yourself Out There | Rose Sweet and Tanner Kalina
Jumping into a relationship can be equally exciting and daunting. What are the rules for entering the dating scene without being too forward? If you’re coming out of a hard breakup, how long should you wait before getting back out there?
Rose Sweet and Tanner Kalina discuss how to send signals without being too forward, how to protect yourself against bonding with someone prematurely, and how to find identity in Christ rather than in a partner. Both bring unique perspectives from their own relationships that offer insight into fostering healthy motivations for seeking a relationship and guarding yourself against the pain of a harmful breakup.
Sponsored by SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ (https://www.sacredspark.app/)
More from our guests:
https://rosesweet.com/ (https://rosesweet.com/)
https://www.tannerkalina.com/ (https://www.tannerkalina.com/)
Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.
Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.
Theme composed by Adam Jones.
https://www.familytheater.org/ (https://www.familytheater.org/)
9 Apr 2026
Help! I'm Still Single! | Madigan Maere and Brendan McCauley
Being single can offer so many great opportunities and freedom…but sometimes it feels like that phase of life overstays its welcome. Brendan McCauley and Matchmaker Madigan Maere dive into the frustrations they hear from people who are ready for relationship, but struggle with the question, “Why am I still single?”
The “seasons of singleness” are not periods of life with any less value than times of relationship. This episode offers practical tips for preparing yourself to date well, and advice for how to be confident in your singleness if the right person hasn’t come along yet.
Put your own matchmaking skills to work with our sponsor, SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ (https://www.sacredspark.app/)
Humanum Project: https://www.humanumproject.org/ (https://www.humanumproject.org/)
CommitmentISM: https://www.commitmentism.com/ (https://www.commitmentism.com/)
Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.
Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.
Theme composed by Adam Jones.
https://www.familytheater.org/ (https://www.familytheater.org/)
26 Mar 2026
Dare to Be Different | Jason Evert
Standing out in a crowd can be daunting, but it might be exactly what you need to find the right person in your life. Speaker and author Jason Evert lays out the importance of being clear with your intentions. That can be scary, and may scare off others…but perhaps it’s best to scare off the ones that aren’t meant to be in your life.
The topics of chastity and exclusivity might often cause eyerolls, but is the pendulum swinging? Are devotion to commitment and safeguarding our boundaries the modern keys to successful dating? All that and more on this episode of Intentional Dating.
Single and Catholic? Check out this episode's sponsor, SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ (https://www.sacredspark.app/)
More from Jason Evert:
https://chastity.com/ (https://chastity.com/)
https://chastity.com/jp2trails/ (https://chastity.com/jp2trails/)
https://chastity.com/podcast/lust-is-boring/ (https://chastity.com/podcast/lust-is-boring/)
Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.
Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.
Theme composed by Adam Jones.
https://www.familytheater.org/ (https://www.familytheater.org/)
19 Mar 2026
Am I Dateable? | Chris Meehan
What does it mean to be dateable? Chris Meehan, a marriage and family therapist, talks through what it means to be the kind of person you would want to date. Psychological development can affect our behavior more than we realize, from reinforced insecurities to childhood trauma. Working through our own story and learning to live in our identity, we can learn what it means to authentically “be yourself” and be ready for relationships.
We discuss questions of masculinity, whether couples really complete each other, the types of attachment styles, and more. By understanding what makes us who we are and reasons behind our habits and emotions, we become better prepared to meet others by meeting ourselves first.
Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.
Executive Produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.
Theme composed by Adam Jones.
https://www.familytheater.org/ (https://www.familytheater.org/)
12 Mar 2026
What Is Dating Differently? | Emily and Daniel Hussem
Modern dating seems to lack any rules or script...so it's time to date differently. Emily Wilson-Hussem and her husband Daniel break down intentionality in dating, dating app hygiene, and how to claim clarity and purpose for your own life when dating seems noncommittal and messy.
Emily and Daniel share their story of commitment in a long-distance relationship that has led to a beautiful family and a ministry of speaking on marriage and relationships. Through their groundbreaking app SacredSpark, they are revolutionizing matchmaking and online dating for Christians in modern day.
Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt.
Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt.
Theme composed by Adam Jones.
Check out SacredSpark here: https://www.sacredspark.app/ (https://www.sacredspark.app/)
Instagram: @emwilss @sacredsparkapp
https://www.familytheater.org/ (https://www.familytheater.org/)
28 Feb 2026
Intentional Dating: Relationship Goals for Christians
| Trailer
Fewer people are dating. More people are meeting online. Rules seem to be nonexistent in the modern dating sphere. And if you’re trying to date with Christian values in mind, the scene can feel even more daunting. Intentional Dating: Relationship Goals for Christians is a new podcast from Family Theater Productions that unpacks the struggles of modern dating and highlights how intentionality can be the key to a successful relationship and happy marriage.
Our hosts Nick and Aly talk to guests like Emily Wilson-Hussem, Jason Evert and other Christian influencers about the quirks of modern dating, navigating the digital age, and how to date differently in today's culture for a meaningful, successful relationship that leads to a happy, holy marriage.
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