Being Human

Explore the hidden dynamics of narcissism as Dr. Greg reveals that willpower alone isn't enough for real change. Delve into the concept of 'the terror of being ordinary,' highlighting the anxiety behind grandiosity and the role of conditional love in shaping narcissistic traits. Greg discusses the importance of understanding blind spots and how relationships serve as mirrors for self-discovery. He emphasizes that healing requires deeper work, not just external support, pointing towards paths of insight and personal growth.

Joseph González, an author and researcher known for his work on Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy, shares insightful revelations about the Guadalupe story. He explains how the tilma may overshadow deeper narratives and discusses the ancient poetry that parallels Juan Diego's account. González connects cultural contexts to modern crises and emphasizes the significance of Nahua spirituality. He illustrates how the flower symbols signify truth and hope, culminating in Guadalupe's powerful role in evangelization and divine providence.

The saints aren't waiting to be admired — they're actively trying to help us right now. In this episode, Dr. Greg sits down with Dr. Gerard McNicholas to unpack the psychology of devotion, what a living relationship with the saints can look like, and why the "messiness" that sometimes shows up during consecrations may actually be where God is doing His most personal work. Key Topics: Why Dr. Greg says most of us "block" the saints. How devotion becomes a real relationship instead of just a pious habit. When consecrations stir up drama—and why that can be a good sign. The psychology behind spiritual "trends" and jumping into devotions too fast. How scrupulosity and the "tyranny of the shoulds" hijack your prayer life. Why St. Joseph and Our Lady want to be part of your daily life. A simple four-step way to ride out anxiety and spiritual desolation. How friendship and Ignatian wisdom keep you from panicking in hard seasons. Why letting the saints "do their job" can change how you suffer. Learn More: Being Human Ep. #56: Writing Your Story with God with Dr. Gerard McNicholas "When Coping Mechanisms Aren't Enough" – Dr. Gerard McNicholas' interview on The Catholic Sinner Show Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat – An 8-week journey into peace, trust, and deeper relationship with God The Surrender Novena by Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo – A devotion rooted in surrendering control and trusting Jesus more fully. Hope and Help for Your Nerves — Dr. Claire Weekes' classic guide on anxiety, panic, and nervous suffering Summit of Integration – Be the first to hear about event updates and special offers Consecration to Jesus through Joseph by Dr. Greg Bottaro and Jen Settle – A deep dive into devotion, psychology, and relationship through the Holy Family Consecration to St. Joseph – Fr. Donald Calloway's guide to rediscovering the fatherhood and mission of Joseph 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 hits record on a Christmas group call with the CatholicPsych Leadership Council, and things immediately go off-script—in the best way. It's a chaotic, joyful, surprisingly deep year-in-review with candid moments, real humanity, and honest conversation about vocation, formation, and the Holy Spirit, plus a few teasers for 2026. Key Topics: The unseen personal work behind CatholicPsych's growth this past year Why real formation often feels disorienting before it feels hopeful Why integration of faith and psychology can't be fully explained—only experienced What the Summit revealed that no amount of planning could have predicted What's emerging next for CatholicPsych as it moves beyond a single voice or brand Hints about what 2026 will hold (including JP2, pilgrimage, and deeper community) Learn More: Summit of Integration 2026 – Be the first to hear updates on CatholicPsych's annual gathering focused on integration, formation, and community. Further reading: The Art of Existential Counseling by Fr. Adrian Van Kaam The Flight from Woman by Karl Stern Pilgrimage to Poland (in the footsteps of St. John Paul II) – Interested in joining? Sign up to receive updates. Previous episode on Our Lady of Guadalupe: Ep. #257: This Book Just Changed My Life: Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy Previous episode on St. Thomas Aquinas and women: Ep. #250: Correcting Luther…and Aquinas? Calling Out Disintegration in the Church Dating Back to the Reformation 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

Joseph Julian González, a composer and author dedicated to indigenous Nahuatl poetry, shares his insights on the transformative story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He discusses the Flower World prophecy and its deep connection to indigenous spirituality. The conversation reveals the dramatic scale of conversions tied to Guadalupe, while also exploring the challenges missionaries faced in understanding cultural nuances. González highlights key motifs from Nahuatl traditions that align with the miraculous events surrounding Juan Diego, emphasizing the rich, prophetic tapestry of faith.

Fr. Colin Lomnitzer, a Diocesan priest from Bridgeport, discusses the profound impact of St. Joseph on Jesus and fatherhood. He delves into how Joseph’s actions challenge generations of wounded fatherhood and offer healing for those struggling with their own experiences. The conversation highlights baptism as a reparenting opportunity and explores Joseph's role in shaping healthy masculinity and emotional support. Fr. Colin emphasizes the importance of mentorship and St. Joseph's exemplary virtues as models for men today.

Kate LeFaivre shares the night everything changed—going to bed a wife and waking up a widow with eight kids, no warning, and a faith that had to carry her through shock. Dr. Greg and Kate explore what happens when the spiritual life meets real loss, and how grace shows up in places we never expect. Key Topics: The night Kate's husband died suddenly and the shock that reshaped her family forever How she navigated telling eight children their father was gone—and the hidden moments she only learned about years later The grief "checklist" she followed for a year…and why she still felt worse The Holy Week moment when Kate heard God speak directly into her despair The long, unexpected journey of becoming "a whole person" again after the death of a spouse How community support (and true, non-taking friendship) carried her through the darkest days What it was really like to consider dating again as a widowed mother of eight The birth of Mosaic Mentorship and why Kate now helps others rebuild beauty from broken pieces Learn More: Connect with Kate LeFaivre — Learn more about Mosaic Mentorship and Kate's work accompanying those carrying heavy grief CanaVox — A resource for understanding and strengthening marriage through research-based reading groups 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

Explore the fine line between love and boundaries in difficult relationships. Learn how the dynamics of interactions often create toxicity rather than labeling individuals. Discover how self-care can be a spiritual practice, enabling you to love better. Gain insights on discerning when to step back and how to navigate family complexities while maintaining grace. Delve into examples from scripture and personal anecdotes that illuminate the path to emotional freedom and healthier connections.

This week, Dr. Greg sits down with Adrian and Shaelyn Misiak to talk about the real-life tension of growing and healing while your family stays the same. Together they unpack how true boundaries flow from inner peace—not control—and how to stay grounded in mercy when old patterns resurface around the holidays. Key Topics: Why trying to control your family's behavior only increases anxiety—and what to do instead. Why "outgrowing your family" doesn't mean you've done anything wrong—and what it actually reveals about your healing. How to stay peaceful when one holiday comment sends you straight back into your old role. The surprising truth: boundaries aren't the solution… they're the result of inner peace. How to remain connected to your family without betraying the growth God is doing in you. How mercy—not distance—creates the safest emotional space when old wounds resurface. What to expect when you're the "different one" in the family…and how to carry that role with peace. Learn More: Living the Third Way Podcast with Adrian & Shaelyn Misiak – Torn between protecting your heart and staying close to the people you love? There's another way — and it starts here. "Living the Third Way" introduces you to a path of healing family dysfunction by restoring order, finding freedom, and discovering joy right in the middle of the messy, beautiful work of family life. Available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and the Podcast App. Want to connect with Adrian and Shaelyn? Visit their website and follow them on Instagram (@adrianandshae). Mercy Audio Exercise (Catholic Mindfulness) – A practice Adrian credits with shifting him toward greater peace, compassion, and freedom. Free download. Past episodes exploring masculinity and femininity: Ep. #200: Leaked Audio from a Groundbreaking Franciscan University Conference Keynote Ep. #197: Correcting Aquinas: JP2's Truth Bomb on Gender and Human Dignity 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 and Fr. Sam Kachuba hit record while walking the streets of Rome, dodging mopeds, eating gelato, and talking Pope St. Leo the Great, AI, and what it really means to be human. What does a 5th-century pope who faced Attila the Hun have to teach us about preserving culture, confronting modern threats, and embracing our humanity in the digital age? Key Topics: Walking the streets of Rome and recording a podcast mid-pilgrimage—interruptions and all How to make a pilgrimage transform your life—not just leave you with photos and memories What happens when we try to "transcend" being human instead of integrating it The rise of AI therapy, and what it reveals about the failures of modern psychology Why relationship—not efficiency—is the core of healing and growth Why protecting culture is part of protecting the dignity of the human person How ancient heresies about Christ's humanity still influence modern spiritual confusion Learn More: Integration Pilgrimages – A new model of pilgrimage that integrates mentorship, reflection, and ongoing formation The Tangent – Podcast by Fr. Sam Kachuba and Matt Sperrazza on Catholicism and culture Connect with Fr. Sam Kachuba – Learn more about Fr. Sam's work to accompany priests and religious Rerum Novarum – Pope Leo XIII's encyclical on capital and labor Humanae Vitae – Pope St. Paul VI's encyclical on the regulation of birth Address of Pope Leo XIV to Digital Missionaries (July 29, 2025) – A call to evangelize the digital continent with wisdom, humility, and human connection Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Corporate Governance (June 19‑20, 2025) – Exploring the Church's role in guiding the future of artificial intelligence Previous episodes with Fr. Sam Kachuba: Ep. 175 – Rethinking Formation: Preparing Priests for the Future Ep. 165 – Understanding the Past to Navigate the Present Ep. 125 – Following the Holy Spirit, Theology of the Body, CatholicPsych…and Other Tangents Previous episodes on artificial intelligence: Ep. 238 – The False Promise of AI and Psychedelics: A Catholic Response to Modern Healing Ep. 222 – Three Places AI Can Never Go Ep. 221 – Is AI Really More Effective Than Your Therapist? 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