Being Human

Life as a parent is anything but simple. In this vulnerable episode, Dr. Greg and Fr. Dave Pivonka talk about the complexity of fatherhood, the wounds we carry, and how our vocation starts to make more sense when we begin to see God as Father—and dare to embrace our own weakness. Key Topics: Dr. Greg’s raw reflection on feeling helpless as a dad—and what happened when he couldn’t hold it all together The words every child longs to hear—and how one moment with his dad changed Fr. Dave’s life What Fr. Dave learned at his father’s deathbed—and why his family started clapping The surprising power of helplessness—and why it’s safe to admit you don’t have it all figured out Why obedience isn’t restrictive—but actually the key to peace for parents How wounds from divorce, absence, or imperfect fathers still shape us today Why God’s Fatherhood isn’t just a metaphor—it’s the foundation of healing Learn More: “My father’s Father” – A Video Series by Fr. Dave Pivonka: A moving exploration of how our human experience of fatherhood affects our view of God the Father—told through Fr. Dave’s personal story. Fr. Dave Pivonka on YouTube: Explore Fr. Dave’s videos and powerful reflections on faith, fatherhood, and the spiritual life. “Overcoming Anxiety and Depression” – In Focus Series: Fr. Dave sits down with Dr. Greg Bottaro for a powerful series on the spiritual and psychological roots of anxiety and depression—and what real healing looks like. Redemptoris Custos by Pope John Paul II: Read the apostolic exhortation On the Person and Mission of Saint Joseph in the Life of Christ and of the Church. Catherine Pakaluk: Learn more about economist and Catholic author Dr. Catherine Pakaluk. Franciscan University of Steubenville: Discover more about the university where Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, serves as president. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

Scrupulosity isn’t just “Catholic guilt gone too far”—it’s a deeply painful form of OCD that can hijack your relationship with God. In this episode, Dr. Greg sits down with Stephanie Muncy, CatholicPsych’s in-house expert (and someone who’s lived it), to unpack what scrupulosity really is, how it distorts the spiritual life, and why the path to healing might look very different than you think. Key Topics: How scrupulosity is actually a debilitating form of OCD The scariest part of scrupulosity? It feels like it’s about God—but it’s really not Why obsessively going to confession or seeking reassurance only makes things worse The true root of scrupulosity isn’t spiritual failure—it’s unhealed anxiety How the need to “get it right” spiritually often masks a deeper wound Why you can’t “logic your way out” of OCD What healing actually looks like—and why it’s not about caring less Why even well-meaning spiritual advice can sometimes make things worse The most powerful thing you can offer someone suffering from scrupulosity Learn More: Blog articles by Stephanie Muncy: How to Settle Anxiety in the Heart and Mind of Someone with OCD The Love that Sets Us Free: A Compassionate Path through OCD Previously on the Being Human Podcast: Ep. #22: A Look at Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Scrupulosity Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat: An 8-week course that brings freedom from anxiety and depression by showing you how to live as if you really believe in a God who loves you. The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Greg Bottaro: A practical guide to finding peace in the present moment through Catholic mindfulness. CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP): Catholic accompaniment training that truly integrates faith and science. Learn more about Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Parts Work: Ep. #160: Healing through Parts Work Ep. #35: Why Do I Feel Like I Have Conflicting Parts? Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

oes following God mean life will be free from suffering? In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Greg reconnects with his longtime friend Stefanie Madden, who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter to a rare neurological disorder. It’s an honest conversation about grief, faith, and the truth that God doesn't promise to take away suffering—but He does promise to be with us in the midst of it. Key Topics: Stefanie's heartbreaking story of losing a child to a rare neurological condition Why the idea that “good Christians don’t suffer” is not only false—but harmful How grief and faith can coexist without canceling each other out How Stefanie learned to carry her pain with God, not apart from Him What does it really mean to say God is with us in suffering? Why Stefanie says she now feels free for the first time in years What a grieving mom wishes she’d done differently Learn More: Baby Brian: A Pilgrim of Hope – Discover the full story of this incorrupt infant, view photos, and sign up for updates as his journey continues to unfold. Previously on Being Human:  Ep. 79: The Weight of Grief with Bri Edwards  A Thousand Pounds – An award-winning book offering strength and hope for parents carrying the unimaginable weight of grief. Lach’s Legacy – Bri Edwards’ nonprofit ministry serving families who have experienced the loss of a child. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What if the real challenge of screen-time isn’t about screens at all? In this episode, Dr. Greg and colleague Teresa Violette explore how digital distractions can interfere with the deeper needs of a child’s development. Instead of fear or guilt over screen use, discover the secret ingredient that helps parents raise confident, connected kids—even in a digital world. Key Topics: Why simply limiting screen time isn’t the full solution—and what to focus on instead The deeper question every parent should ask: What are screens replacing in your child’s life? The overlooked power of parental attunement—and how it shapes your child’s development Why every child needs something different depending on their age, personality, and family dynamics Teresa’s honest, relatable story about summer survival and cutting back on TV at home How screen overuse can quietly erode creativity, connection, and emotional regulation Why perfection isn’t the goal—and how to parent with peace, even when things are messy Learn More: Previous episodes with Teresa Violette: Ep. #102: ADHD and Me Ep. #62: Relationship Q&A with Married Therapists: An Interview with Dr. Bryan and Teresa Violette Blog: Show Me Your Face: Being Present with Your Children Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

How can you raise strong, faith-filled kids when the culture around them pushes everything but virtue? Dr. Ray Guarendi joins Dr. Greg to talk parenting with courage, moral clarity, and a little humor—even when the world tells you you're crazy. Key Topics: Why raising virtuous kids today requires going against the cultural current The difference between parenting in love vs. parenting in fear How to make trustworthiness—not age—the benchmark for giving your child a smartphone What most parents get wrong about discipline (and how to fix it) Why affection from fathers is essential to building influence and obedience How to handle peer influence when other families don’t share your values The long game: how to raise kids who seek God even if they push back now Learn More: Raising Upright Kids in an Upside Down World – A parenting guide by Dr. Ray Guarendi on raising children with virtue in a culture that resists it. Previously on Being Human:  Ep. # 101: Catholic Parenting Amid Cultural Chaos with Dr. Ray Guarendi Visit Dr. Ray Guardendi’s website – Access his full library of books, radio shows, videos, and stay tuned for the upcoming release of Zero-Drama Discipline. The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt’s must-read book on how screen time is reshaping childhood. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

Parenting isn’t all cupcakes and rainbows—especially when you’re nine months pregnant and tripping over toys. In this episode, Dr. Greg sits down with his wife Barbra (just days away from delivering baby #8) for a raw and honest conversation about how the hidden, exhausting moments of family life are actually powerful works of mercy. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing “enough,” this episode will give you a whole new perspective.   Key Topics: Why parenting is one of the most overlooked works of mercy The spiritual significance of everyday parenting struggles What it really means to “do enough” as a Catholic parent How consistency becomes a gift of self to our children Why the feedback loop in parenting feels so different from outside ministry Lessons from daily Mass with young kids (and front-pew survival tactics)   Learn More: Atomic Habits by James Clear – Practical strategies for building better habits and shaping your environment to support your goals. Previous episodes with Barbra Bottaro: Ep. #132: We Didn’t Plan to Have Seven Kids: Accommodating Life Ep. #127: “I’m Gonna Want to Divorce You at Some Point” Ep. #201: Is Leadership of the Family a Man’s Job? Blog: Banana Chips, Motherhood, and Mindfulness Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

This episode dives into one of the hardest questions we face as parents: How do we help our kids stay rooted in the faith when the world is pulling them away? Dr. Greg sits down with Raquel Rose, who’s lived this from every angle—first as a scared college student facing an unexpected pregnancy, later as a school counselor walking with teens through their toughest moments, and now as a Catholic mom of four. She shares real-life wisdom about building trust, opening up honest conversations, and bringing faith into everyday family life. Key Topics: The real reasons kids shut down—and what actually helps them open up Why Raquel was afraid to tell her parents she was pregnant—and what she wishes they had said The moment of grace that changed everything before her scheduled abortion How seeing Jesus in the Eucharist led to healing, hope, and a new path What Raquel learned from years of counseling teens who couldn’t talk to their parents Simple ways parents can build trust and bring faith into everyday family life Learn More: The Little Rose Shop – Explore Raquel’s Catholic toys, books, and tools for faith-filled family life. Sitting Like a Saint – Catholic mindfulness for kids Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

Our world—and especially Catholic social media—is flooded with sensationalized talk about the devil, demonic activity, and spiritual “access points.” But what if that fear-based narrative is actually distracting us from the truth? In this episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro is joined by Dr. Sean Tobin to reframe the conversation around spiritual warfare, demystify deliverance, and remind us of the one truth we often forget: God is bigger. Way bigger. Key Topics: Why obsessing over the devil may actually weaken your spiritual life How Catholic social media is shaping our fears—and not always in a good way What most people misunderstand about deliverance prayer and spiritual authority Why “Dungeons & Dragons” might actually help your spiritual growth The surprising connection between imagination, healing, and holiness How a four-year-old’s fear of demons led to a powerful moment of truth Why the devil is more like a mosquito than a monster (and what that means for your faith)   Learn More: Big God, Little Devil by Dr. Sean Tobin – Explore the book that inspired this conversation. Reframe your understanding of spiritual warfare and reclaim peace through a Christ-centered lens. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – The classic work that helped shift Dr. Tobin from atheism toward a deeper search for truth and meaning. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

Dr. Greg sits down with Bri Edwards to share the stunning story of “Baby Brian,” an infant whose incorrupt body was found decades after burial. Together, they reflect on God’s mercy, the mystery of suffering, and the hope this miracle brings. Key Topics: The incredible discovery of Baby Brian’s incorrupt body 37 years after burial How this mystery challenges our understanding of God’s mercy The Catholic tradition of incorrupt saints—and how this case is different What this story reveals about the dignity of every human life The impact of infant loss on faith, hope, and healing Why hope is central in the face of grief and unanswered questions Learn More: Baby Brian: A Pilgrim of Hope – Explore the full story, view photos, and sign up for updates as this journey unfolds. Podcast: Ep. 79: The Weight of Grief – Listen to Bri Edwards share more of her powerful story. Book: A Thousand Pounds: Finding the Strength to Live and Love Under the Weight of Unbearable Loss – Bri Edwards’ award-winning book offering hope and strength to parents facing unimaginable loss. Lach’s Legacy – Bri’s nonprofit ministry supporting families grieving the death of a child. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What if reclaiming sacred time could heal cultural wounds and renew the Church? Dr. Greg and Deacon Bill White uncover the astonishing story of Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk—a Lakota healer and Catholic catechist whose life invites us to rediscover time, tradition, and faith through a deeply human lens. Key Topics: Why reclaiming sacred time is essential for healing and spiritual renewal The inspiring story of Nicholas Black Elk, Servant of God and Lakota Catholic catechist How traditional Lakota spirituality aligns with the Catholic understanding of creation What “Indian Time” reveals about presence, patience, and the dignity of encounter How Nicholas Black Elk bridged indigenous tradition with the sacraments of the Church Surprising links between the Liturgy of the Hours and Lakota prayer rhythms How healing from trauma is possible through faith, forgiveness, and cultural integration Why the canonization of Black Elk could be a sign of what the Church needs right now Learn More: Walking the Good Red Road - Documentary on Nicholas Black Elk, Diocese of Rapid City Cause for Canonization of Nicholas Black Elk Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

Dr. Greg sits down with Deacon Charlie Echeverry to explore the fascinating crossroads of faith, psychology, and culture—diving into topics like AI, psychedelics, and the deeper rhythms of human formation. Together, they wrestle with the big questions of what it truly means to be human, to suffer, to grow, and to encounter God in a world that’s changing faster than ever. A thought-provoking conversation you won’t want to miss!   Key Topics: The risk of seeking quick fixes without “doing the work” The promises and dangers of psychedelic-assisted therapy Why suffering is essential for growth and authentic healing How technology can both aid and undermine human flourishing What’s really fueling the mental health struggles facing today’s younger generation Finding God’s presence in a rapidly changing, uncertain world Learn More: Podcast: Living the CALL with Deacon Charlie Echeverry Previous podcast episodes about AI: Ep. #208: A Trick to Unlock Hidden Secrets in Your Unconscious (plus how to use ChatGPT to write a letter from your favorite saint!) Ep. #221: Is AI Really More Effective Than Your Therapist? Ep. #222: Three Places AI Can Never Go Blog: You’re No Angel, But Neither Am I - Understanding Cartesian Dualism and how this heresy impacts your life Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat – An 8-week program integrating mindfulness-based stress reduction with Catholic spirituality Theology of the Body: Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West TOB Books and Resources by Jason Evert Theology of the Body Institute Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What really makes for lasting love and deep intimacy—whether in marriage or in our relationship with God? In this episode, Dr. Greg explains why the “spark” isn’t the true measure of a healthy sex life and how intentional, self-giving love leads to deeper joy. Drawing on wisdom from St. John Paul II and modern research, he offers a fresh perspective on love, marriage, and the spiritual life.   Key Topics: Why “the spark” of spontaneous desire isn’t the gold standard for lasting intimacy The difference between desire and pleasure in a healthy sex life What research reveals about spontaneous vs. responsive desire The connection between conjugal love and spiritual growth How anxiety and anticipation can hinder authentic pleasure Practical ways to move from fleeting desire to intentional, self-giving love St. John Paul II’s insights on love, desire, and the human person Learn More: Article on the “Desire Imperative” – a secular perspective on the difference between spontaneous desire (“the spark”) and responsive desire Love and Responsibility by St. John Paul II – timeless wisdom on love, desire, and the human person Blog: Prioritizing Daily Life: The Power of Boundaries – practical ways to create space for prayer and what matters most Podcast Episode #189: Social Sabbatical – learning the rhythm of silence and a deeper cadence of prayer Discernment of Spirits – understanding how to recognize God’s voice in your life Catholic Mindfulness – training your mind for peace Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

What if the very thing keeping you connected is also keeping you from being fully human? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Greg sits down with Andrew Laubacher from Humanality to explore the unseen effects of screen addiction, digital overwhelm, and AI dependence. From the emotional toll of constant connectivity to the transformative power of real-life presence, they dive deep into what it means to reclaim your time, your mind, and your relationships. Whether you're tech-weary or just curious, this episode offers a hopeful, practical invitation to rediscover your humanity in a hyper-digital world.   Key Topics: Andrew’s powerful reversion story—from party culture and atheism to deep faith How addiction to screens, porn, and digital noise disconnects us from reality and self The surprising connection between digital overwhelm and anxiety, depression, and burnout Why reclaiming boredom and silence is essential for creativity and healing How technology can be used intentionally without losing what makes us human   Learn More: Humanality Website – Learn more, start a Village, or join the movement:  Try Humanality’s Digital Detox series on the Hallow app. Books Mentioned: Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman Reclaiming Conversation and Alone Together by Sherry Turkle The Shallows and Superbloom by Nicholas Carr Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam Let the Fire Fall by Fr. Michael Scanlan Intro to Christianity by Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

Feeling worn out—even after vacation? In this episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro and Dr. Bryan Violette dive deep into why real rest is so elusive in our busy, screen-filled lives. We talk candidly about what it actually means to slow down, how boredom unlocks creativity, why scrolling robs us of wonder, and how true leisure isn’t just time off—it’s a way to reclaim freedom and connection with God. Whether you’re planning your next break or desperate for daily sanity, this is an invitation to rethink rest on a profoundly human level.   Key Topics: Why our culture treats rest like weakness—and why that’s wrong The difference between taking time off and actually resting How boredom creates the space needed for real creativity The hidden costs of constant screens and doom-scrolling Structuring vacation time to allow for true leisure Learn More: CatholicPsych Mentorship Program: Get one-on-one support for the areas where you feel stuck. Free consultations available. Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat:  An 8-week course to bring your faith and your spirituality in line with the way your brain works. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

Feeling stuck, trapped, or frustrated with yourself? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro unpacks what true interior freedom really means—and why so many of us struggle to experience it. Drawing on Catholic mindfulness, St. John Paul II’s rich teaching on human freedom, and years of clinical experience, Dr. Greg breaks open why we do the things we don’t want to do, how hidden patterns keep us from the good we desire, and what it actually takes to become who God created us to be. This is an invitation to go deeper than surface-level self-help and begin building the kind of freedom that leads to holiness, health, and real human flourishing.   Key Topics: The difference between capacity for freedom and acting in freedom Why we do the things we don’t want to do—and can’t do the things we want The subconscious patterns that hijack our choices Moving from automatic habits to conscious, virtuous action How our daily choices shape who we become Learn More: CatholicPsych Mentorship Program: Get one-on-one support for the areas where you feel stuck. Free consultations available. Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat:  An 8-week course to bring your faith and your spirituality in line with the way your brain works. The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Greg Bottaro Letter to Families from Pope John Paul II (1994) Discernment of Spirits Course: An 8-week course to learn how to understand what God is saying to you. Setting the Stage: Early Plays of St. John Paul II: Featuring “Our God’s Brother” and other plays written by Karol Wojtyła (St. John Paul II). Related Being Human episodes: Ep. #228: The Joy of Inconvenience: A Conversation with Comedian Tom Shillue Ep. #175: Rethinking Formation: Preparing Priests for the Future with Fr. Sam Kachuba Ep. #180: The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

What if some of our most celebrated American values—independence, grit, innovation—can also be spiritual traps? In 1899, Pope Leo XIII warned about “Americanism,” a heresy that elevates personal effort and autonomy while quietly sidelining grace, humility, and reverence for tradition. In this episode, Dr. Greg explores what the Pope saw coming, and how this heresy still affects our Church and culture today.    Key Topics: What Pope Leo XIII meant by “Americanism”—and how this heresy impacts us today How independence and innovation can be both a gift and a spiritual risk The fine line between healthy revolution and abandoning what’s been rightly passed down Why natural virtue and hard work matter—but only when elevated by grace What American saints reveal about living holiness within a unique cultural spirit How to discern what to keep and what to leave behind in our cultural inheritance Why a mature, integrated Catholic identity is the only path forward in a fragmented world   Learn More: Testem Benevolentiae Nostrae: Concerning New Opinions, Virtue, Nature and Grace, With Regard to Americanism (Pope Leo XIII, 1899): Read the full text Cabrini (2024) – A powerful film about St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s mission and courage: Watch or learn more Related Being Human episodes: Episode 202: Complementarity Without the Competition: Why We Need Each Other Episode 200: Leaked Audio from a Groundbreaking Franciscan University Conference Keynote Episode 151: From Gender Dysphoria to Gender Integration Episode 75: Gender Fluidity or Complementarity? Saints mentioned in this episode: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. John Neumann, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, St. Katharine Drexel, St. Theodora Guérin, St. Isaac Jogues, St. René Goupil, St. Jean de Lalande, St. Damien of Molokai, St. Marianne Cope, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Junípero Serra, and Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials:  Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn

What if the key to healing your heart is understanding how Christ’s was formed? In this powerful episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro explores the mystery of the Sacred Heart—not just as a symbol of divine love, but as a fully human heart formed by Mary and Joseph. Through the lens of developmental psychology and Catholic theology, he unpacks what it means for Jesus to be truly human, how we’re shaped by the gaze of our parents, and why your journey to wholeness starts with letting yourself be loved. Whether you're a parent, a seeker, or someone longing for deeper integration, this conversation offers a tender, transformative vision of what it means to be fully alive.   Key Topics: The psychological and spiritual significance of the Feast of the Sacred Heart How Jesus’s human heart was formed through the love of Mary and Joseph Why mirroring, idealization, and twinship are essential for healthy human development The power of the parental gaze in shaping a child’s sense of worth and identity What it means to let yourself be mothered by Mary and fathered by Joseph Learn More: Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Fr. John Croiset – The spiritual classic based on the revelations of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque that helped establish the formal devotion to the Sacred Heart. Only Jesus by Archbishop Luis María Martínez – A rich spiritual reflection on the mystery of Christ's love and formation, especially through the gaze of Mary. The Sanctifier by Archbishop Luis María Martínez – A powerful meditation on the Holy Spirit and His role in the spiritual and emotional formation of the human person. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What happens when a platinum-selling musician and a Catholic psychologist sit down to talk about suffering, creativity, and the soul? In this rich and unexpected conversation, Dr. Greg Bottaro welcomes Matt Maher—award-winning worship leader and featured guest for this year’s Summit of Integration—to explore the deep links between music, identity, and healing. Together, they unpack how true art gives voice to the heart, why presence matters more than performance, and how the Church can become a vital place of accompaniment for those struggling with mental health. Whether you’re an artist, a parent, or someone craving deeper meaning in the mess of life, this episode is for you. Key Topics: The surprising parallels between leading worship and offering therapy Why music can reach the heart when words fail—and how it fosters healing The importance of presence over performance in both ministry and mental health How real art gives people back their voice, even in the midst of suffering What it means to live with creative constraints rooted in liturgical beauty Matt’s personal journey of faith, trauma, and healing in community The dangers of spiritual bypassing and the Church’s call to holistic care Why mental health struggles don’t define us—and how language matters The value of integration across psychology, spirituality, and artistry A preview of Matt’s special role at the upcoming Summit of Integration   Learn More: Summit of Integration (June 20–22, 2025): Join us in New Jersey—or virtually—for three powerful days of teaching, music, and community grounded in the Catholic understanding of what it means to be fully human. Learn more and reserve your ticket. Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries: Matt serves as an ambassador for this Christian organization offering free small-group resources on faith and mental health—including a Catholic-specific course now available on FORMED. Learn more at sanctuarymentalhealth.org The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck Healing the Eight Stages of Life by M. Scott Peck The Wounded Healer and other works by Henri Nouwen The Context of Holiness by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

What if your deepest wounds could become the very place where God shows up most powerfully? In this honest and hope-filled episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro sits down with CatholicPsych mentor Beth Carrell to explore her incredible journey from teenage motherhood and marital betrayal to healing, restoration, and mission. As Beth shares her personal story—including the heartbreaking loss of her son to suicide—she offers a profound witness to how God’s mercy meets us in our darkest places and draws us into deeper union with His Sacred Heart. This conversation is raw, real, and a powerful reminder that no story is beyond redemption.   Key Topics: Beth Carrell’s journey from teen motherhood to Catholic conversion The healing power of the Sacred Heart in the face of deep suffering Rebuilding a marriage after betrayal and civil divorce The unique grief and hope following the loss of a child to suicide Why authentic healing requires both faith and psychological formation   Learn More: Summit of Integration (June 20–22, 2025): Join us in New Jersey—or virtually—for three powerful days of teaching, music, and community grounded in the Catholic understanding of what it means to be fully human. Learn more and reserve your ticket. Grieving a loss to suicide? Red Bird Ministries offers Christ-centered accompaniment for bereaved families. Mentorship with Beth: If you’re navigating a complex family structure or step-parenting dynamic, reach out to Beth Carroll here. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

The Holy Spirit isn’t just a once-a-year topic for Pentecost — He’s meant to be at the center of our daily spiritual life. In this episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro unpacks 5 powerful insights from Archbishop Luis Martinez’s The Sanctifier to help you enter more deeply into the mystery of how the Holy Spirit transforms us. From the Holy Spirit’s permanent dwelling in your soul to His intimate collaboration with Our Lady, this conversation offers a fresh, integrated perspective on how God is actively sanctifying you right now.   Key Topics: Why the Holy Spirit deserves more than just Pentecost-level attention How the Holy Spirit and Our Lady work together to form Christ in us The permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every baptized soul The real difference between spiritual growth and psychological development The role of mindfulness in opening ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s work Learn More: Dive deeper into the themes from today’s episode: The Sanctifier by Archbishop Luis Martinez — the powerful spiritual classic Dr. Greg unpacks in this episode. Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat — walk through the full eight-week formation with Dr. Greg: catholicpsych.com/virtual-retreat Reserve your spot for the 2025 Summit of Integration (June 20–22, virtual + in-person) Catch past episodes with Summit speakers here. Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn