Episode 248: The Hard Part About Being Dads and How To Do It Well with Fr. Dave Pivonka

Oct 14, 2025

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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.
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