In this Marriage Unhindered episode, guest host Monica Hinderer, a licensed clinical professional counselor, is joined by her brother, Fr. Joe Hinderer, to talk about one of the most formative – and sometimes overlooked – relationships in our lives: the bond between siblings. With warmth, laughter, and genuine affection, the two reflect on what it was like growing up in a family of nine children and how their parents instilled in them the value of unity, forgiveness, and faith-filled friendship.

Monica and Fr. Joe share personal stories from childhood, like the family rule that you couldn’t play with friends until you made peace with your siblings – a lesson that taught them that reconciliation and love come before comfort or convenience. Drawing from both psychology and pastoral ministry, they show how these small but intentional practices created deep trust and resilience that still hold their family together today.

Backed by new 2025 studies, Monica mentions how strong sibling relationships in adolescence lead to greater emotional well-being and lower rates of anxiety and depression later in life. Fr. Joe, reflecting on his ministry in hospitals and confessionals, shares moving moments of people longing to repair broken family ties before it’s too late. Together, they remind you that the family is “the first school of love,” as St. John Paul II taught – and that our siblings often become the ones who help us practice mercy, patience, and humility in real, concrete ways.

This heart-to-heart conversation is equal parts touching and practical. It offers encouragement for parents hoping to raise close-knit children and for adults who desire to heal old wounds or reconnect with family. The message is clear: no matter how much time has passed, it’s never too late to reach out and begin again.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

In this&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/2025/10/cultivating-strong-sibling-bonds/">Marriage Unhindered episode</a>, guest host Monica Hinderer, a licensed clinical professional counselor, is joined by her brother, Fr. Joe Hinderer, to talk about one of the most formative &ndash; and sometimes overlooked &ndash; relationships in our lives: the bond between siblings. With warmth, laughter, and genuine affection, the two reflect on what it was like growing up in a family of nine children and how their parents instilled in them the value of unity, forgiveness, and faith-filled friendship.
Monica and Fr. Joe share personal stories from childhood, like the family rule that you couldn&rsquo;t play with friends until you made peace with your siblings &ndash; a lesson that taught them that reconciliation and love come before comfort or convenience. Drawing from both psychology and pastoral ministry, they show how these small but intentional practices created deep trust and resilience that still hold their family together today.
Backed by new 2025 studies, Monica mentions how strong sibling relationships in adolescence lead to greater emotional well-being and lower rates of anxiety and depression later in life. Fr. Joe, reflecting on his ministry in hospitals and confessionals, shares moving moments of people longing to repair broken family ties before it&rsquo;s too late. Together, they remind you that the family is &ldquo;the first school of love,&rdquo; as St. John Paul II taught &ndash; and that our siblings often become the ones who help us practice mercy, patience, and humility in real, concrete ways.
This heart-to-heart conversation is equal parts touching and practical. It offers encouragement for parents hoping to raise close-knit children and for adults who desire to heal old wounds or reconnect with family. The message is clear: no matter how much time has passed, it&rsquo;s never too late to reach out and begin again.
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The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.