

Smuggling Hope
Dan Lawson
A podcast designed to bring Catholic Counsel to the Community. Inviting listeners into therapeutic conversations to navigate the current landscape of family, faith, marriage, mental health, and growing cultural concerns. This podcast will benefit anyone who wants to increase in Truth, Freedom, and Love. Change the world, by changing yourself. Smuggle more hope into your life today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 22, 2025 • 46min
Surrendering the Anxious Mind: An Interview with Suzanne Bracci
In this episode of the Smuggling Hope podcast, host Dan speaks with Suzanne Bracci, a Christian life and mindset coach, about the importance of hope, faith, and empowerment in overcoming anxiety and fear. Suzanne shares her journey from traditional mental health practices to incorporating spiritual elements into her coaching, emphasizing the transformative power of scripture and prayer. The conversation explores the challenges women face in today's chaotic world, the significance of surrendering to God, and practical steps for fostering a positive mindset. Suzanne's Resources Below:Suzanne's Website Get Suzanne's resource and reset your anxious mind MINDSET MADE NEW Buy Suzanne's Book Here: HOPE for Struggling CATHOLICS: A Path to Spiritual & Personal Renewal. INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKNEW PODCAST OUT NOW FOR MARRIED COUPLES-START LISTENING!Messy Family Couples Getaway-Travel with Mike and Alicia Hernon to Austria or Bahamas! Sign up here!Start Healing Your Marriage and FamilySave 15% at TAN books use code HEARTSRENEWED15 at checkout click here to shop and save !TOP FREE RESOURCESWANT A BETTER SEX LIFE? Get the Intimacy GuideWANT PEACE AT HOME? Transform Your Family Culture here! Get Dan's Marriage Ebook-6 Maxims of a Remarkable Marriage EbookWHAT WORKS IN MARRIAGE Webinar:Watch this before you call a divorce attorneyChapters00:00 Introduction to Hope and Empowerment06:04 The Journey from Mental Health to Faith-Based Coaching08:00 Understanding the Roots of Fear and Anxiety10:44 The Importance of Scripture in Overcoming Challenges13:12 Women’s Concerns in a Chaotic World15:54 Navigating the Pressure of Being All Things to All People18:14 Finding Hope in Troubling Marriages24:37 The Nature of Marriage and Surrender28:40 Understanding Surrender vs. Giving Up31:26 The Power of Words and Spiritual Influence37:58 Finding Peace Through Scripture and Prayer41:09 Practical Steps for a Positive Mindset

Oct 16, 2025 • 40min
Special Archived Episode: Good Mood Food
Learn how to improve your mood quickly by learning the mechanisms by which what we eat, effects how we think. If you want to look for non-medication ways to alleviate depression and anxiety and improve your overall sense of energy and wellbeing check this episode out. NEW PODCAST OUT NOW FOR MARRIED COUPLES-START LISTENING!Messy Family Couples Getaway-Travel with Mike and Alicia Hernon to Austria or Bahamas! Sign up here!Start Healing Your Marriage and FamilySave 15% at TAN books use code HEARTSRENEWED15 at checkout click here to shop and save !TOP FREE RESOURCESWANT A BETTER SEX LIFE? Get the Intimacy GuideWANT PEACE AT HOME? Transform Your Family Culture here! Get Dan's Marriage Ebook-6 Maxims of a Remarkable Marriage EbookWHAT WORKS IN MARRIAGE Webinar:Watch this before you call a divorce attorney

Oct 7, 2025 • 33min
Special Archived Episode: Taking Back Halloween
What do you want your kids to pretend to be? Every year they dress up as celebrities, monsters, and superheroes. The battle for Halloween is a battle for our children's imagination. Learn how to take back the Halloween Spirit. We all need to start pretending to be Jesus Christ. Sometimes, its the best way to start thinking and acting like Him. Defeat the Darkness by lighting a candle. GO TO heartsrenewed.org and use CODE RENEW1 to try the whole marriage program for $1 for the first 7 days.RESOURCES BELOWIntimacy Guide: https://forms.aweber.com/form/25/71380525.htmFamily Culture: https://forms.aweber.com/form/19/955349019.htmEbook: https://forms.aweber.com/form/31/202341731.htmWebinar: https://forms.aweber.com/form/25/437413425.htmWatch this before you call a divorce attorney: https://forms.aweber.com/form/32/107630932.htmChesterton Academy of BuffaloFind a Chesterton School Near You

Oct 1, 2025 • 57min
Living the Gospel: Loving Your (LGBT)Neighbor: Glenn Stanton and the Uncompromising Love of Christ
In this episode we have a conversation with author and educator, Glenn Stanton, We discuss the delicate balance of grace and truth in the context of LGBTQ+ issues, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual identities and maintaining loving relationships. He addresses common misconceptions about Christianity's stance on sexuality, advocating for a compassionate approach that recognizes the humanity of each person. Stanton encourages parents to maintain open lines of communication with their children, even amidst disagreements about sexual ethics, and highlights the need for Christians to engage with others from a place of love and understanding.Buy Glenn's Book Here! Loving My (LGBT) Neighbor:Being Friends in Grace and TruthFocus on the Family ResourcesNEW PODCAST OUT NOW FOR MARRIED COUPLES-START LISTENING!Messy Family Couples Getaway-Travel with Mike and Alicia Hernon to Austria or Bahamas! Sign up here!Start Healing Your Marriage and FamilySave 15% at TAN books use code HEARTSRENEWED15 at checkout click here to shop and save !TOP FREE RESOURCESWANT A BETTER SEX LIFE? Get the Intimacy GuideWANT PEACE AT HOME? Transform Your Family Culture here! Get Dan's Marriage Ebook-6 Maxims of a Remarkable Marriage EbookWHAT WORKS IN MARRIAGE Webinar:Watch this before you call a divorce attorneyChapters00:00 Introduction to Grace and Truth06:14 The Balance of Grace and Truth08:43 Navigating Accusations of Hate11:43 Engaging with Individuals vs. Topics14:09 The Role of Parents in LGBTQ Conversations33:24 Understanding Parental Expectations in Gender Identity35:04 The Importance of Unconditional Love37:28 Engaging with Accusations Against Christianity39:54 The Nature of God's Love42:41 Living the Gospel in Relationships46:32 The Call to Surrender to Truth49:48 Navigating Fear and Conscience in Society

Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
Forging Men of God: The Righteous Work of Adam Jarosz
In this episode, Dan talks with Leadership Coach and Founder of Righteous Co. Adam Jarosz. They discuss the critical role of men in leadership within the church and the importance of masculinity in fostering faith and community. They explore the challenges men face in responding to their call to action, the need for encouragement and connection with Jesus, and the significance of building strong relationships among men. Work With Adam-Links BelowCoaching and Retreats for Men – https://www.righteousco.com/io-for-menGET A COPY OF HIS BOOK "IRON ORE" – https://www.righteousco.com/product-page/iron-ore-the-journal-of-a-man Follow on Instagram @righteous_co or on YouTube @RighteousCo.NEW PODCAST OUT NOW FOR MARRIED COUPLES-START LISTENING!Messy Family Couples Getaway-Travel with Mike and Alicia Hernon to Austria or Bahamas! Sign up here!Start Healing Your Marriage and FamilySave 15% at TAN books use code HEARTSRENEWED15 at checkout click here to shop and save !TOP FREE RESOURCESWANT A BETTER SEX LIFE? Get the Intimacy GuideWANT PEACE AT HOME? Transform Your Family Culture here! Get Dan's Marriage Ebook-6 Maxims of a Remarkable Marriage EbookWHAT WORKS IN MARRIAGE Webinar:Watch this before you call a divorce attorneyChapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Masculinity02:59 The Call to Action for Men in the Church06:12 Addressing Discouragement in Faith07:46 Reconnecting with Jesus and the Sacraments11:37 The Challenge of Engaging the Disenchanted16:31 The Role of Joy in Faith19:33 The Importance of Male Leadership in Families24:19 The Impact of Masculinity on Church Engagement29:54 The Allure and Dangers of Pornography31:29 Men's Retreat: Nature and Healing Conversations32:41 The Battle for Integrity and Purity34:03 Chastity: The Path to True Masculinity38:43 The Importance of Male Friendships39:16 The Challenge of Building Community44:00 The Value of Deep Fellowship54:15 Healing Through Community and Accountability

Sep 17, 2025 • 57min
How to Win the Culture War: The Wisdom of Dr. Peter Kreeft
In this episode, Dr. Peter Kreeft discusses the pressing issues surrounding the culture war, emphasizing the importance of truth, the dangers of relativism, and the necessity of understanding sin and moral order. He explores the role of suffering in faith, the significance of identity rooted in God, and the impact of living a faithful life in a secular world. NEW PODCAST OUT NOW FOR MARRIED COUPLES-START LISTENING!Messy Family Couples Getaway-Travel with Mike and Alicia Hernon to Austria or Bahamas! Sign up here!Start Healing Your Marriage and FamilySave 15% at TAN books use code HEARTSRENEWED15 at checkout click here to shop and save !TOP FREE RESOURCESWANT A BETTER SEX LIFE? Get the Intimacy GuideWANT PEACE AT HOME? Transform Your Family Culture here! Get Dan's Marriage Ebook-6 Maxims of a Remarkable Marriage EbookWHAT WORKS IN MARRIAGE Webinar:Watch this before you call a divorce attorney

28 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 59min
Exposing the Lie of Hormonal Imbalance: Dr. Jack Kruse and the Biophysics of Optimal Mental Health
Dr. Jack Kruse, a neurosurgeon and health visionary, dives into how our surroundings affect mental health. He discusses the vital role of mitochondria in cognitive function and links modern lifestyles, like excessive screen time, to rising mental health issues. Kruse advocates for sunlight and nature to boost recovery, suggesting that many neurotransmitter deficiencies come from a lack of natural light. He also warns about the limits of pharmaceuticals and emphasizes environmental solutions for lasting mental health benefits.

Sep 2, 2025 • 58min
Call Your Mother: Dr. Peter Howard on Marian Consecration
In this episode, Dr. Peter Howard shares his personal journey of faith, highlighting the pivotal role of Marian devotion in his life. He discusses the significance of consecration to the Blessed Mother and how it serves as a source of comfort and hope in challenging times. RETREAT OPPORTUNITY Go to Ireland with Dr. Howard!Get a copy of Dr. Howard's Book "The Woman:The Mystery of Mary as Mediatrix"Go to heartsrenewed.org to check out all the free resources and full marriage program.Messy Family Couples Getaway-Travel with Mike and Alicia Hernon to Austria or Bahamas! Sign up here!Start Healing Your Marriage and FamilySave 15% at TAN BOOKS use code HEARTSRENEWED15 at checkout click here to shop and save!TOP FREE RESOURCES WANT A BETTER SEX LIFE? Get the Intimacy GuideWANT PEACE AT HOME? Transform Your Family Culture here! Get Dan's Marriage Ebook-6 Maxims of a Remarkable Marriage EbookWHAT WORKS IN MARRIAGE Webinar: Watch this before you call a divorce attorneyChesterton Academy of BuffaloFind a Chesterton School Near YouMezanine Creative Co: Graphic Design for Small Business

Aug 28, 2025 • 49min
Special Archived Episode: Panic Attack Protocols
In this conversation, Dan delves into the complexities of panic attacks, exploring their psychological and physiological underpinnings and offers effective protocols to reduce and extinguish them. Go to heartsrenewed.org to check out all the free resources and full marriage program.Messy Family Couples Getaway-Travel with Mike and Alicia Hernon to Austria or Bahamas! Sign up here!Start Healing Your Marriage and FamilySave 15% at TAN BOOKS use code HEARTSRENEWED15 at checkout click here to shop and save!TOP FREE RESOURCES WANT A BETTER SEX LIFE? Get the Intimacy GuideWANT PEACE AT HOME? Transform Your Family Culture here! Get Dan's Marriage Ebook-6 Maxims of a Remarkable Marriage EbookWHAT WORKS IN MARRIAGE Webinar: Watch this before you call a divorce attorneyChesterton Academy of BuffaloFind a Chesterton School Near YouMezanine Creative Co: Graphic Design for Small BusinessLight box-for light therapy

Aug 19, 2025 • 18min
Outsourcing Our Humanity: Rules to Keep AI From Ruling You
In this episode, Dan explores the profound implications of artificial intelligence on humanity, creativity, and spirituality. He warns against the dangers of over-reliance on AI, emphasizing the importance of struggle, creativity, and human connection. NEW PODCAST OUT NOW FOR MARRIED COUPLES-START LISTENING!Couples Getaway-Travel with Mike and Alicia to Austria or Bahamas! Sign up here! Start Healing Your Marriage and FamilySave 15% at TAN BOOKS use code HEARTSRENEWED15 at checkout click here to shop and save!Messy Family Couples Getaway-Travel with Mike and Alicia Hernon to Austria or Bahamas! Sign up here! Start Healing Your Marriage and FamilySave 15% at TAN BOOKS use code HEARTSRENEWED15 at checkout click here to shop and save!TOP FREE RESOURCES WANT A BETTER SEX LIFE? Get the Intimacy GuideWANT PEACE AT HOME? Transform Your Family Culture here! Get Dan's Marriage Ebook-6 Maxims of a Remarkable Marriage EbookWHAT WORKS IN MARRIAGE Webinar: Watch this before you call a divorce attorneyPODCAST SUPPORTERSChesterton Academy of BuffaloFind a Chesterton School Near YouMezanine Creative Co: Graphic Design for Small Business