Being Human

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  

Dr. Bryan Violette, a thoughtful psychologist, shares profound insights on why we often feel exhausted even after vacations. He discusses how our culture misrepresents rest as weakness and why we must reclaim true leisure. The conversation explores the detrimental impact of screen time on creativity and mental health. Bryan emphasizes the importance of boredom in sparking creativity and the necessity of structured time away from devices to foster personal growth. Tune in for a transformative perspective on rest and rejuvenation.

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