Episode 216: Breaking the Cycle of Pain: How to Heal from Childhood Wounds
Release Date: 03/04/2025
Episode 229: 5 Ways the Holy Spirit is a Masterclass
Being Human
The Holy Spirit isn’t just a once-a-year topic for Pentecost — He’s meant to be at the center of our daily spiritual life. In this episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro unpacks 5 powerful insights from Archbishop Luis Martinez’s The Sanctifier to help you enter more deeply into the mystery of how the Holy Spirit transforms us. From the Holy Spirit’s permanent dwelling in your soul to His intimate collaboration with Our Lady, this conversation offers a fresh, integrated perspective on how God is actively sanctifying you right now. Key Topics: Why the Holy Spirit deserves more than just...
info_outline
Episode 228: The Joy of Inconvenience: A Conversation with Comedian Tom Shillue
Being Human
What does it take to be funny—and faithful—in today’s culture? In this lively and thought-provoking conversation, Catholic Psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro sits down with comedian and broadcaster Tom Shillue to explore the grit, humility, and creative discipline behind the scenes of stand-up comedy. From resisting comfort in favor of calling, to navigating AI, analog living, and the deeper meaning of being human, Tom shares a rare peek behind the curtain of the entertainment world. Whether you're a fan of Gutfeld, a lover of vintage vinyl, or just hungry for a more integrated life, this...
info_outline
Episode 227: Do your lousy best
Being Human
What if the path to healing isn’t about fixing yourself, but finally letting yourself be loved—right in the mess? In this deeply human and hopeful conversation, Dr. Greg sits down with longtime friend and CFR friar Fr. Columba to explore why our spiritual lives fall apart when we try to be angels instead of humans. Together, they unpack the quiet power of incarnation, what holiness looks like in real life (hint: it’s not clean or quick), and how surrendering to God's pace opens the door to joy, wholeness, and peace. Whether you're weary from striving or just hungry for something more...
info_outline
Episode 226: People Ask What on Reddit?
Being Human
Ever wondered what kind of mental health advice people look for on Reddit? In this refreshingly candid episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro teams up with certified mentor Jack Beers to unpack the internet’s most common (and sometimes surprising) questions about anxiety, therapy, burnout, and more. With humor, wisdom, and a deeply Catholic lens, they dive into real struggles people face every day—and offer practical insights that go far beyond a Reddit thread. Whether you’re curious, confused, or just tired of pop-psych buzzwords, this conversation is for you. Key Topics: The difference...
info_outline
Episode 225: Humilty, Time Travel and Philosphy with Peter Kreeft
Being Human
What happens when one of the greatest living Catholic philosophers takes on the rise of artificial intelligence? In this lively and deeply insightful episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro sits down with Dr. Peter Kreeft to explore what makes us truly human in an age of technology, why analogies and wonder matter more than ever, and how faith, philosophy, and psychology together can help us navigate a world increasingly dominated by machines. Key Topics: Dr. Peter Kreeft’s famous aversion to technology—and why he’s learned to (mostly) make peace with it The surprising connection between...
info_outline
Episode 224: From Uganda to Cajun Country: A Personalist Pilgrimage
Being Human
What if the key to understanding who we are was hidden in cultures all around the world? In this episode, Dr. Greg sits down with theologian Jennifer Morel to uncover how different cultures—along with her own Cajun heritage—offer powerful insights into what it really means to be male and female. Through stories of travel, surprising discoveries, and deep reflections on Catholic anthropology, they dive into why reclaiming the truth of our embodiment matters now more than ever. Whether you're fascinated by theology, culture, or just what it means to be fully human, this conversation will...
info_outline
Episode 223: When Following God Wrecks Your Plans - In The Best Way!
Being Human
What happens when you say yes to God - and it turns your whole life upside down? In this powerful episode, Dr. Greg sits down with Jake and Heather Kim, two of the featured speakers at the upcoming Summit of Integration, to talk about marriage, mission, and radical trust. With honesty, humor, and deep wisdom, they unpack what it means to follow the Holy Spirit through seasons of change, simplicity, and surrender - while staying rooted in love, relationship, and the everyday reality of family life. Whether you're married, discerning, or navigating your own leap of faith, this conversation will...
info_outline
Episode 222: Three Places AI Can Never Go
Being Human
What happens when AI starts to feel like a friend - but isn't one? In this final installment of our AI series, Dr. Greg explores the growing ability of artificial intelligence to mirror human behavior - and why, no matter how convincing it gets, it can never truly love or choose. Drawing from the Catholic tradition and John Paul II’s personalism, we unpack the deep spiritual and psychological truths of freedom and love - and why real relationship can only happen between persons. If you’ve ever felt both amazed and uneasy about the rise of AI, this conversation will challenge and ground you...
info_outline
Episode 221: Is AI Really More Effective Than Your Therapist?
Being Human
In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Greg explores the rising influence of artificial intelligence in therapy and why no machine, no matter how advanced, can truly replicate what it means to be human. Drawing from Pope St. John Paul II’s theology of the person, he explains the irreplaceable dignity of real human connection - and why healing, growth, and love can only happen in relationship with another person. Whether you're fascinated by tech, worried about where it's all headed, or just craving a deeper understanding of what makes us human, this conversation offers a powerful reminder of...
info_outline
Episode 220: Do Catholic Therapists Just Add a Rosary to the Session?
Being Human
What makes therapy Catholic—and is it really just adding a rosary to the session? In this unique episode, Dr. Greg is the one answering the questions, sitting down with college student Lucina Frank who’s wrestling with how to bring her faith into the world of psychology. Their conversation pulls back the curtain on why CatholicPsych’s approach feels so different—because it is—and how it responds to the deep hunger for healing that actually honors both our humanity and our faith. Whether you’ve been skeptical, searching, or simply curious, you’ll walk away seeing therapy—and the...
info_outlineWe all had bad parenting in some way—but now what?
No parent is perfect, and childhood wounds don’t just disappear when we grow up. Whether you struggled with criticism, emotional neglect, control, or a lack of support, those experiences shape your self-worth, relationships, and faith.
In this episode, Catholic psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro explains how faith and psychology help rewire false beliefs, break destructive patterns, and heal childhood wounds.
Key Topics:
-
How bad parenting affects adult relationships & self-worth.
-
The difference between healing and “just forgiving”.
-
How to honor parents while setting healthy boundaries.
-
Rewiring false beliefs about your identity through faith.
-
How to break the cycle and parent differently.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
03:21 – How bad parenting impacts children’s sense of identity
07:00 – Breaking the cycle: Understanding toxic family patterns
11:55 – How faith rewires false beliefs about your identity
13:44 – Learning self-stewardship and true self-care
17:12 – Correcting distortions of value learned from bad parenting
18:47 – Final encouragement to self-stewardship
Learn More:
- Episode 215: When Are Parents Toxic? with Noelle Mering
-
Catholic Mindfulness Program – Dr. Greg Bottaro’s mindfulness approach integrating Catholic faith and psychology.
-
Need support navigating a difficult family relationship? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation.
Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn