Being Human

Exploring the importance of integration in societal matters and the APA's stance on gender identity. Critique of APA policy and advocating for a holistic approach. Emphasizing the unity of body and personhood in understanding gender dysphoria. Discussing the need for compassionate care and hope in confronting societal challenges.

Welcome to Episode 172 of the Being Human Podcast: A Journey through Faith and Music with John Michael Talbot In this episode, Dr. Greg had a conversation with John Michael Talbot, a Catholic author, musician and the founder of Brothers and Sisters of Charity. He shares his inspiring conversion to Catholicism, and the impact of his faith on his music. They discuss the importance of the mystical and contemplative dimension in his life, emphasizing the need for artists to go deep in prayer and trust in Divine Providence. They also reflect on the challenges of community and individualism in today's world. Despite the uncertainties of the future, he encourages us all to remain faithful and to trust in God's plan.   Discussed in the episode: How John experienced pivotal moments in his life that led to his conversion and his search for deeper spiritual truths, mysticism, contemplative prayer and the early Church Fathers John’s story of conversion to Catholicism and the profound impact it had on his life and music Understanding how contemplative prayer influences artistic expression and how true art arises from a deep union with God John’s advice to artists to “mine the gold” of God’s special gift to them and “do well what you do well” Recounting John’s life-changing mystical experience during a period of illness, where he encountered God’s forgiveness and mercy in a profound way Exploring the challenges of individualism and the impact of technology in Western society and the importance of fostering authentic community grounded in love and faith Reflections on navigating the uncertainties of the future with faith and trust in God’s providence, and emphasizing the importance of staying faithful   Resources mentioned or relevant:  Summit of Integration Event John Michael Talbot’s Official Website John Michael Talbot’s Youtube Channel John Michael Talbot’s Books Little Portion Hermitage and Monastery   Need help? Schedule a free consultation call with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Learn more about our CPMAP Certification! Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, for encouragement on your journey of becoming the best human you can be; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available;  Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, courses, prayer resources, and more;  Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE’s - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow us on Instagram: @catholicpsych.  Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!  

Welcome to Episode 171 of the Being Human Podcast: Catholic Mindfulness on College Campus In this episode, the last of our six-part series for Lent, I had a conversation with Lily McGibbon – a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame (and granddaughter of Paul Vitz!) - to discuss the integration of Catholicism with psychology and mindfulness.  Lily shares her perspective on the topics of mental health and gender ideology at Notre Dame as well as the changing attitudes towards marriage and relationships among college students. We also explore the relevance of incorporating Catholic mindfulness into daily life.    Discussed in the episode: Exploring how the integration of Catholicism with psychology and mindfulness in gaining traction on college campuses nowadays A discussion on how exposure to diverse perspectives and challenging environments can lead to personal growth and deeper understanding of one’s faith Reflections on how attitudes towards marriage and relationships vary among college students, with some prioritizing career aspirations Understanding that Catholic mindfulness often combines elements of Eastern philosophy and Catholic theology, emphasizing the importance of being present and filling oneself with grace and goodness Discussion on how Catholicism is often misunderstood as unsympathetic towards mental health issues, and reflections on how Catholic faith actually does provide guidance and support in dealing with anxiety and depression Understanding how faith plays a crucial role in mental life and how an active prayer life can provide support and understanding in how we receive God’s guidance and navigate the busyness of daily life An emphasis on how adapting to changing circumstances and being present in the current moment is an important aspect of living a faithful life   Resources mentioned or relevant:  The Mindful Catholic: Finding God One Moment At A Time by Dr. Greg Bottaro Episode 134: Catholic Mindfulness: Why It's Not Only Okay But Encouraged for Catholics to Practice Buddhist vs Catholic Mindfulness Is Mindfulness New Age? Catholic Mindfulness Is Not Centering Prayer The Catholic Guide to Mindfulness, or, Coffee - Satan’s Drink You’re No Angel, but Neither Am I   Need help? Schedule a free consultation call with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Learn more about our CPMAP Certification! Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, for encouragement on your journey of becoming the best human you can be; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available;  Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, courses, prayer resources, and more;  Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE’s - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow us on Instagram: @catholicpsych.  Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Exploring practical mindfulness in daily life through personal anecdotes and challenges like balancing responsibilities and parenting dilemmas. Emphasizing the importance of mindset flexibility and prioritizing tasks like homeschooling for peace. Reflecting on adapting to changing circumstances with a positive approach and embracing the unpredictability of daily schedules with mindfulness.

The podcast explores the power of mindfulness in breaking unhealthy mental habits by understanding interpretations of events and using the ABC model. It discusses how mindfulness promotes awareness, counters negative thoughts, and fosters personal growth. The chapters delve into Catholic mindfulness, present awareness, managing intrusive thoughts, and surrendering to divine presence.

Explore the dimensions of Catholic mindfulness with Dr. Bryan Violette. Discover the power of mindfulness in achieving goals and increasing performance. Reflect on the challenges of focus and being present in the moment. Dive into the spiritual aspect of mindfulness and deepening trust in Divine providence.

Welcome to Episode 167 of the Being Human Podcast: Mindful Birthing and Other Stories with My Wife In this episode, the second video of our six-part series on The Mindful Catholic, I had a meaningful conversation with my wife, Barbra Bottaro. We discuss the basics of mindfulness in the home and how we can use this in our daily lives. She shares with us the beautiful story of how one of our kids was born at home with the use of mindfulness and how transformative it can be when we learn how to truly be in the present moment. We unpack the dimensions of Catholic mindfulness and explore its practical and real-life applications. We also highlight the power of mindful and intentional living amidst challenges and joys and how this can powerfully change the way we journey through life.   Discussed in the episode: How mindfulness played a pivotal role in Barbra’s journey through an unmedicated home birth with their fourth child, and how she found strength during moments of her intense labor despite her struggles with anxiety as she was able to fully align her intentions to God's will through the practice of being in the present moment The importance of intentional living and its transformative impact in our faith journey How mindfulness can serve as a powerful tool in enabling us to make better decisions and to handle difficult situations with clarity, character, and virtue Understanding how mindfulness techniques can help us in managing feelings of overwhelm, stress, and anxiety, allowing us to better navigate through the complexities of daily life The concept of the "doing mind" versus the "being mind" and how it influences our perception and response to challenges How we often add unnecessary layers of anxiety and stress to our life struggles and how learning to strip away these layers through mindfulness can help us attain a sense of peace and empowerment  Exploring practical examples that illustrate how stepping back with mindfulness can increase our productivity, efficiency and mental clarity    Resources mentioned or relevant:  The Mindful Catholic: Finding God One Moment At A Time by Dr. Greg Bottaro Episode 134: Catholic Mindfulness: Why It's Not Only Okay But Encouraged for Catholics to Practice Buddhist vs Catholic Mindfulness Is Mindfulness New Age? Catholic Mindfulness Is Not Centering Prayer The Catholic Guide to Mindfulness, or, Coffee - Satan’s Drink You’re No Angel, but Neither Am I   Need help?  Schedule a free consultation call with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Learn more about our CPMAP Certification! Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, for encouragement on your journey of becoming the best human you can be; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available;  Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, courses, prayer resources, and more;  Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE’s - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow us on Instagram: @catholicpsych.  Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings. For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show! If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!

Dr. Greg discusses the intersection of spirituality and psychology, emphasizing the benefits of Catholic mindfulness in deepening our connection with God. Topics include integrating mindfulness with Catholic values, the developmental nature of spirituality, and empowering spiritual growth through mindfulness-based techniques.

Welcome to Episode 165 of the Being Human Podcast: Understanding the Past to Navigate the Present with Fr. Sam Kachuba In this episode, Dr. Greg had the opportunity to talk to Father Sam Kachuba, a pastor, a podcaster and one of our Partner Mentors at CatholicPsych. They delve into the historical and philosophical underpinnings of societal shifts and their impact on the Church. From the countercultural movements of the 1960s, to the challenges of navigating cultural shifts posed by communism and the breakdown of traditional family structures, Father Sam emphasizes the need for the Church to adapt and communicate effectively in a changing world. They also discuss the need for clear, compassionate communication grounded on Catholic principles, the importance of human formation, renewal, and the call to deepen our faith and prayer life.    Discussed in the Episode: The historical context of societal shifts, their impact on the Church and how human formation and the ability to adapt to cultural changes is essential.  Insights on the misuse of language and its influence on societal perceptions and why there is a need for clear, compassionate communication grounded on Catholic principles. Understanding the concepts of subsidiarity and solidarity in fostering community responsibility, and the relevance of recognizing the interconnectedness of individuals while respecting the autonomy of families and communities. The decline of philosophy and theology education and the lack of cohesion and direction in Catholic schools, and how this has created a huge impact on students’ understanding of language, philosophy, and theology. A discussion on the loss of liturgical sensibility and tradition in Catholic worship and the urgent need for a balanced approach to liturgical renewal. The importance of strong leadership and authority and the Church and the call for a renewal of human formation and spiritual direction within the Church. An invitation to exemplify the life and ministry of Saint John Paul II as a model of authentic witness, and the call to integrate truth, love, and mission in Church leadership. The importance of authentic encounters and relationships in the journey of holiness, and the call to embrace the invitation of Lent to recalibrate, strip away false idols, and deepen our faith and prayer life.   Resources mentioned or relevant:  Connect with Father Sam Kachuba The Tangent Podcast on Veritas Catholic Network Roar Like the Lamb Podcast Lenten Program Sign Up Need help? Schedule a free consultation call with someone on our team to discuss how we can support you; Learn more about our CPMAP Certification! Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, for encouragement on your journey of becoming the best human you can be; Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resourceswe have available; Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, the Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat, courses, prayer resources, and more; Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE’s - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more! Follow us on Instagram: @catholicpsych. Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!   Rate, review, and subscribe Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends. Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.  For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show!  If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!    

Exploring the discontent in the Church, historical roots of the lack of formation on human sexuality, emotional divide among priests and bishops, reintegrating faith and trust, seeking peace in God's love, and challenges and cover-ups in the Church hierarchy.