Being Human

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