Media Mentions
Life-Giving Wounds in the News
Members of the media can contact us to set up interviews, cover a retreat, etc.
November 2024
[Book Review] Emily Dowdell, PsyD, published a book review of our book.
Excerpt: “The ministry’s work—and this book in particular—stands out because it doesn’t merely offer sympathy; it offers a path to healing. It’s about recognizing the deep scars left by divorce and taking intentional steps to heal them, finding peace not in the absence of pain, but in the journey toward wholeness.”
Dowdell, E. (2024, November 26). Life-Giving Wounds and Their New Book for Adult Children of Divorce. Emily Dowdell, PsyD - Catholic Psychologist, Wife, & Mother. https://catholic.dowdell.media/life-giving-wounds/
Thank you so much, Emily!
June 2024
[Journal] Our book won an award!
We are thrilled to announce that our book Life-Giving Wounds: A Catholic Guide to Healing for Adult Children of Divorce or Separation (Ignatius Press, 2023) won third place in the Family Life division of the annual Catholic Media Association Awards!
The judges gave a wonderful and humbling description of the book, calling it,
"A significant contribution addressing a prevalent issue both within and outside the Church, often overlooked. It could be considered the definitive resource for individuals impacted by division in the family."
We are overjoyed every time someone tells us that our book has helped people, given them new insights and hope, etc. - and we pray that its pages can continue to reach adult children of divorce and those who love
Read the announcement on page 84 of The Catholic Journalist’s June 2024 issue here.
January 9, 2024
[Radio] Interviewed on Catholic Connection by Teresa Tomeo.
Bethany was interviewed by Teresa Tomeo, the host of Catholic Connection, a co-production of Ave Maria Radio and EWTN Radio. Bethany spoke about her work with Life-Giving Wounds and about her new book, co-written with her husband, Dan Meola. Listen here.
January 4, 2024
[Podcast] “A Catholic Guide to Healing for Adult Children of Divorce” with Andrew Petiprin from Ignatius Press
Dan and Bethany spoke with Andrew Petiprin of Ignatius Press to discuss their new book, Life-Giving Wounds: A Catholic Guide to Healing for Adult Children of Divorce or Separation, and about the hope they have received through their work with Life-Giving Wounds. Listen here.
December 18, 2023
[Radio] Interview on Bill Martinez Live
Dan was interviewed by Bill Martinez on his show, Bill Martinez Live.
December 12, 2023
[Radio] Interview on The Drew Mariani show on Relevant Radio
Dan and Bethany were interviewed by Drew Mariani on his show on Relevant Radio. They spoke about the mission and ministry of Life-Giving Wounds. Listen to their conversation here.
November 15, 2023
[Podcast] “Navigating Relationship as an Adult Child of Divorce” with Journey to Marriage
Bethany spoke with Raphy and Sara Feolino, founders of Journey to Marriage, about the particular challenges (and opportunities) that adult children of divorce face when entering their own relationships, especially as they get closer to engagement and marriage. Listen here.
August 30, 2023
[Video] “Forever Love”
Dan and Bethany did a sit-down interview with Bridget Richardson of MAX Studios, during a summit about the marriage catechumenate in Houston, June 2023. The conversation touches on healing wounds as part of marriage preparation, the gifts adult children of divorce bring to their marriages, and more. Watch here.
August 29, 2023
[Webinar] “Seeking Healing and Spiritual Growth for People from Divorced or Separated Families”
Dan and Bethany presented a webinar to the Catechetical Institute of the Franciscan University of Steubenville. The webinar can be viewed here and the accompanying slideshow can be accessed here.
July 26, 2023
[Article] “By His Wounds You Have Been Healed”
Life-Giving Wounds was featured in the weekly newsletter of the National Eucharistic Revival, which goes to around 60,000 people. The article includes quotes from several alumni and leaders, as well as co-founder Dan. Read it here.
May 19, 2023
[Video] Interview on EWTN’s News In Depth show
Dr. Daniel Meola and LGW alum/chaplain Fr. John Paul Mary Zeller, MVFA were interviewed by Montse Alvarado about Life-Giving Wounds and healing for adult children of divorce. Watch their conversation here.
April 16, 2023
[Article] “Breaking the Code of Silence on Divorce,” by Joan Frawley Desmond, in National Catholic Register
Writer Joan interviews LGW co-founder Dan and three alumni from the LGW San Francisco chapter in a piece that connects the work LGW is doing with the Lord’s abundant mercy (article released on Divine Mercy Sunday). Read here.
February 28, 2023
[Podcast] Interview with Dr. Greg Bottaro on Being Human (from the Catholic Psych Institute)
In episode 115, “Hope for Adult Children of Divorce,” Dr. Greg Bottaro interviews Dan about Life-Giving Wounds, the common wounds experienced by ACODs, pathways to healing, and SO much more. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
February 2023
[Article] “New ministry explores stories of hurt and healing from adult children of divorce”
By Christina Gray for Catholic San Francisco. Featuring stories from three San Francisco alumni - read it here.
February 17, 2023
[Article] “‘Life-giving’ ministry helps heal wounds of adult children of divorce”
Written by Natalie Hoefer for The Criterion, the paper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis - read it here.
This article also got picked up by Our Sunday Visitor - read that here.
January 28, 2023
[Podcast/Video] “Redeeming the Wounds of Divorce” on the Redeemed Vision podcast
Host Steve Pokorny interviews Dan about how the wounds of divorce can be redeemed, what struggling couples can do (other than divorce), and twelve random fun facts about Dan. You can watch on YouTube here, or download on your favorite podcast service (Redeemed Vision, a podcast of Freedom Coaching).
January 27, 2023
[Article] “Retreat focuses on adults whose parents have divorced” in The Leaven (Diocese of Kansas City, KS)
An article by Joe Bollig about the upcoming February 2023 retreat in Kansas City. Including quotes from past participants and retreat leaders. Read it here.
January 6, 2023
[Article] “Healing ministry offers support to now-adult children of divorce” in the Catholic Advance (Diocese of Wichita)
An article by Dan about Life-Giving Wounds, in advance of two presentations in the Diocese of Wichita (Feb 2023) and a launch retreat (Aug 2023). Read it here.
September 15, 2022
[Podcast] Interview with Dan and Michael Corsini on Restored Ministry’s podcast
In episode 79 of Restored Ministry’s podcast, hosted by Restored founder Joey Pontarelli, Dan and Mike discuss the sacred artwork that Mike created last year for Life-Giving Wounds, called “Let the Children of Divorce Come to Me.” They talk about the role that art and beauty can play in healing, and about the rich symbolism of Mike’s art. Take a listen here.
September 7 and 8, 2022
[Video] Interview with Dan and Bethany on EWTN’s “At Home with Jim and Joy”
LGW founders Dr. Daniel and Bethany Meola filmed a two-part interview with Jim and Joy Pinto, hosts of the EWTN TV show At Home with Jim and Joy. The first part covers the various wounds experienced by adult children of divorce, and the second part looks at the path to healing for ACODs.
September 2, 2022
[Article] “Retreat brings healing to adult children of divorce,” by Eric Girten
A write-up by the family life director of the Diocese of Evansville (IN) about the August 2022 retreat held in collaboration with the Dioceses of Evansville and Owensboro (KY). The article can be read on page 4 of the local Catholic paper, The Message.
April 15, 2022
[Video] Interview with Diocese of Lansing
In preparation for the inaugural Life-Giving Wounds retreat in Michigan, Dan spoke with the Diocese of Lansing’s Director of Communications, David Kerr. Watch the video of their conversation here.
March 31, 2022
[Radio] Interview with Al Kresta on “Kresta in the Afternoon”
Dan spoke with Al Kresta on his popular radio show syndicated by Ave Maria Radio. Listen here.
March 30, 2022
[Article] “Retreat to be held for adult children of divorce”
A write-up in the North Country Catholic newspaper about the June 10-12 retreat in the Diocese of Ogdensburg (NY), featuring comments from local diocesan leaders Steve Tartaglia and Colleen Miner. (See page 4.)
March 1, 2022
[Podcast] “In the Father’s Hands” with MaryKate Grady
MaryKate interviewed co-founder Bethany Meola for her 30-minute podcast, also shared on Catholic radio in Northeast Pennsylvania. You can hear the conversation at this direct link, or find episode 18 of “In the Father’s Hands” from your preferred podcast source.
February 7, 2022
[Article] “New healing ministry supports adult children of divorce,” by Dr. Daniel Meola
An article in the Georgia Bulletin highlighting the ministry in advance of its launch in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
October 18, 2021
[Podcast] Ave Spotlight
Host Chenele Shaw interviews Dan and Bethany for this short-form podcast produced by Ave Maria Press. Episode 63, available here or wherever you get your podcasts.
October 13, 2021
[Video] Interview with Smart Catholics
Dan spoke with Dominic de Souza, founder of Smart Catholics, in a livestreamed interview about healing for adult children of divorce.
October 2021
[Article] “Life-Giving Wounds Ministry Coming to Diocese”
By Danny May, family life director, writes in the Owensboro Diocese magazine, The Western Kentucky Catholic, about launching a Life-Giving Wounds chapter in 2022. (pp. 11-12)
September 17, 2021
By Michelle Boorstein, in the Washington Post. Features Life-Giving Wounds along with other finalist in the OSV Innovation Challenge.
August 30, 2021
[Press Release] “OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation Announces Finalists for 2021 OSV Challenge Showcase”
Life-Giving Wounds was selected as one of 12 finalists (out of 600+ initial applicants) in the 2021 OSV Innovation Challenge, for our project Perfect Love Casts Out Fear.
August 26, 2021
[Video] Featurette by Rome Reports (English and Spanish)
International news outlet Rome Reports featured Life-Giving Wounds and our founders Dan and Bethany in a short video about our ministry. You can watch it here in English and here in Spanish.
August 26, 2021
[Podcast] Interview with Dan on Catholic Servant Podcast
Catholic Servant Podcast host Alexandra Kubebatu interviews Life-Giving Wounds co-founder and president Dan Meola on episode 74, “How spiritual healing is possible for adult children of divorce.” Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at this link.
July 7, 2021
[Podcast] Interview with Mike and Alicia Hernon from Messy Family Project (episode 162)
As part of a date night event, founders of Messy Family Project, Mike and Alicia Hernon, interviewed LGW founders Dan and Bethany. They talked about their own dating and marriage story, why they founded LGW, and most of all how as a couple they together navigate challenges in marriage and parenting that come from Dan’s background as an ACOD. Listen wherever you get your podcast, or find it on the Messy Family Project page.
May 21, 2021
[Video] Interview with Janelle Peregoy from the Diocese of San Diego
Janelle Peregoy, associate director of the San Diego office for Family Life & Spirituality, chatted with founders Dan and Bethany about the aims of Life-Giving Wounds, how healing is possible, and how they stay spiritually nourished while doing this work. Watch the Facebook video here.
April 28, 2021
[Video] Interview with Xavier Ramirez for CTSA: Catholic Television of San Antonio
Founders Dan and Bethany spoke with the television station of the Archdiocese of San Antonio about Life-Giving Wounds. Watch the 5-minute clip here.
April 16, 2021
[Radio] Interview on Son Rise Morning Show
Founder Dan Meola spoke with host Matt Swaim about the current sacred art crowdfunding project to commission artwork specifically for the healing of adult children of divorce. Listen here, starting at 23 minutes.
April 16, 2021
[Article] “Life-Giving Wounds Offers Path to Healing for Adult Children of Divorce,” by Veronica Ambuul
From the Colorado Catholic Herald, the newspaper of the Diocese of Colorado Springs. Discusses the Life-Giving Wounds mission in anticipation of a May 2021 parish talk in Colorado Springs by founders Dan and Bethany. Read more here.
April 11, 2021
[Podcast] “Am I Not Here” - Diocese of Metuchen
Dan and Bethany spoke with Jerry Wutkowski and Tara Smith from the communications office of the Diocese of Metuchen, about Life-Giving Wounds and an April virtual retreat hosted by Metuchen. The podcast episode is available on Google podcasts, Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
March 23, 2021
[Video] Interview with Dr. Christine Bacon of “Breakfast With Bacon”
Life-Giving Wounds founders and directors Dan and Bethany Meola had a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Christine Bacon, an author, host, and relationship expert, about the mission of Life-Giving Wounds and its impact on people. Watch YouTube video here.
March 4, 2021
[Article] “New archdiocesan ministry offers hope and healing for adult children of divorce,” Denver Catholic
A feature article in the Archdiocese of Denver’s Catholic paper about their new ministry dedicated to the healing of children of divorce. The article references Life-Giving Wounds and Restored Ministry, and includes some great quotes from LGW board member and volunteer (and Denver resident) Beth Sri.
February 5, 2021
[Podcast] Interview with Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse on the Dr. J Show
LGW co-founders Dan and Bethany Meola talked with the founder of the Ruth Institute, Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, about the impact divorce has on children and what Life-Giving Wounds is doing to help them heal. It’s a great hour-long conversation that covers a lot of ground. Youtube video available here.
January 21, 2021
[Radio] Catholic Women Now on Iowa Catholic Radio
Co-founder Bethany Meola spoke with hosts Julie Nelson and Christine Macgruder about Life-Giving Wounds, the need for pastoral care for adult children of divorce, and the healing that’s possible with God. Half-hour interview, available here.
September 26, 2020
[Radio/podcast] “Hope and Healing for Adult Children of Divorce or Separation” with T.L. Putnam on Outside the Walls
Co-founders Dan and Bethany spoke with T.L. Putnam for an hour-long conversation about Life-Giving Wounds and the lasting effects of parental divorce, especially on future relationships. The episode aired on radio stations in Iowa and Oklahoma, and is available in on-demand podcast form here.
September 24, 2020
[Radio/podcast] “Help for Adult Children of Divorce” with Fr. Robert McTeigue, SJ, on The Catholic Current
This hour-long conversation first aired on The Station of the Cross, and is also available in on-demand podcast form, here. Fr. McTeigue discussed Life-Giving Wounds with co-director Bethany Meola.
September 22, 2020
[Podcast] “Adult Children of Divorce” with Dr. Mario Sacasa, on Always Hope
Host Dr. Mario Sacasa - a member of the Willwoods “Faith and Marriage” apostolate - interviewed Dr. Daniel Meola about his own background as a child of divorce, the key issues that impact ACODs into the future, and necessary clarifications about the language of “wounds.” Listen here.
September 17, 2020
[Article] “New ministry brings hope and healing to adults with divorced parents,” by Theresa Civantos Barber, Aleteia
An overview of Life-Giving Wounds with quotes by founders and directors Dan and Bethany Meola.
September 12, 2020
[Article] “‘Give Voice to the Pain’: New Catholic Ministry Seeks to Help Adult Children of Divorce” by Mary Farrow, Catholic News Agency
A feature article in CNA describes the origins, purpose, and vision of Life-Giving Wounds. It features the co-founders and directors Dan and Bethany Meola, as well as two alumni of Life-Giving Wounds retreats.
September 3, 2020
[Radio] Bethany Meola on “Walking in Faith” Show, Holy Spirit Radio
Co-founder-director Bethany talked with host Barbara Shinkle about Life-Giving Wounds, focusing on the particular wounds that adult children of divorce face, and why all people of faith should care about this issue. Holy Spirit Radio reaches the greater Philadelphia area. Listen here - select 2020 archive, 9.3.20 show; segment starts at 19:20.
August 31, 2020
[Radio] Bethany Meola on the Wake Up! Show, Catholic Community Radio
Hear co-founder/director Bethany talk about Life-Giving Wounds with the hosts of Wake Up! on Catholic Community Radio, which reaches New Orleans and Baton Rouge. They focused on the retreat: what happens on retreat, what situations are addressed, why the ministry of Life-Giving Wounds matters. Listen here; segment starts at 23:11.
July 22 and 29, 2020
[Radio] Interview segments with Dr. Daniel Meola on the Morning Light show
Dan was interviewed two times on the Morning Light radio show (based in Idaho). He talked about the origins and goals of Life-Giving Wounds, as well as his own personal story as an adult child of divorce. He also addresses the question of whether people from single-parent homes would benefit from the ministry (yes, they would).
July 22: Listen (and watch) here starting at 46 minutes.
July 29: Listen (and watch) here starting at 47 minutes.
July 2, 2020
[Radio] Interview with Dr. Daniel Meola on the Son Rise Morning Show
Dan spoke with host Matt Swaim about the need for the Life-Giving Wounds ministry, connections between one’s parents’ divorce and cohabitation, and more. Listen here starting at 8 minutes, 15 seconds.
May 15, 2020
[Article] ‘Life-Giving Wounds’: Healing for the Children with Divorce (An Interview with Dr. Dan Meola)
Dr. Meola (co-founder and director of Life-Giving Wounds) spoke with Justin McClain, author and blogger for the National Catholic Register, about the origins of Life-Giving Wounds and its mission and goal
January 25, 2020
[Podcast] A Retreat for Adult Children of Divorce (Ep. 09)
The Restored podcast - help for those who love or lead someone with divorced or separated parents - did an interview with Life-Giving Wounds director Dan Meola. Dan discusses his personal story of being an adult child of divorce, the role faith and community played in his healing, how being a child of divorce affects dating and marriage, and the origins of Life-Giving Wounds.
May 1, 2019
[Podcast] Adult Children of Divorce: Part I (Ep. 37) and Part II (Ep. 38)
The USCCB podcast Made for Love - real stories of relationships, love, and marriage - ran two episodes about what it’s like being a child of divorce. Life-Giving Wounds director Dan Meola was on both episodes, along with Beth Sri and LeeAnne Abel.
August 7, 2018
[Article] Divorce through a child’s eyes
By Zoey Maraist, for the Diocese of Arlington’s Catholic newspaper. Several of our team were interviewed in this article, which focuses on the first retreat outside of the DC Archdiocese, in Arlington September 2018.
April 2, 2018
[Article] Retreat fosters healing for adult children of divorce
By Courtney Mares. Great article highlighting the Life-Giving Wounds retreat, with extended comments by director Dr. Daniel Meola.