Episode 228: The Joy of Inconvenience: A Conversation with Comedian Tom Shillue
Release Date: 05/27/2025
Episode 244: Smartphones, Sleepovers, and Setting Standards: A Playbook for Confident Parenting with Dr. Ray Guarendi
Being Human
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...
info_outline
Episode 243: Mercy, Mercy, and More Mercy: The Parent Perspective that Can Change Everything
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...
info_outline
Episode 242: Raising Faithful Kids in a Fallen World: A Conversation with Raquel Rose
Being Human
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...
info_outline
Episode 241: Big God, Little Devil: Rethinking Spiritual Soundbites with Dr. Sean Tobin
Being Human
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...
info_outline
Episode 240: The Incorrupt Baby: A Modern-Day Eucharistic Miracle?
Being Human
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...
info_outline
Episode 239: Reclaiming Sacred Time: Uncovering the Amazing Story of Black Elk
Being Human
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”...
info_outline
Episode 238: The False Promise of AI and Psychedelics: A Catholic Response to Modern Healing
Being Human
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...
info_outline
Episode 237: Why Great Lovers—and Saints—Don’t Wait for the Spark
Being Human
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...
info_outline
Episode 236: How Screens Mimic God: A Solution to Holiness in the Digital World
Being Human
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...
info_outline
Episode 235: You're Not Tired: A Conversation with Dr. Bryan about Overstimulation, Creativity, & Rewiring Your Brain for Rest
Being Human
Feeling worn out—even after vacation? In this episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro and Dr. Bryan Violette dive deep into why real rest is so elusive in our busy, screen-filled lives. We talk candidly about what it actually means to slow down, how boredom unlocks creativity, why scrolling robs us of wonder, and how true leisure isn’t just time off—it’s a way to reclaim freedom and connection with God. Whether you’re planning your next break or desperate for daily sanity, this is an invitation to rethink rest on a profoundly human level. Key Topics: Why our culture treats rest like...
info_outlineWhat 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 episode will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even reconsider your smart fridge.
Key Topics:
-
The tension between professionalism, calling, and comfort
-
The power of imperfection in both performance and relationship
-
The spiritual and psychological cost of convenience culture
-
How shared laughter creates connection and healing
-
What to expect at the Summit of Integration—and why Tom said yes to hosting it
Learn More:
-
Summit of Integration – June 20–22 in Madison, NJ
Join us in person or virtually for a unique gathering of thought leaders exploring the integration of faith, psychology, and human formation.
https://catholicpsych.com/summit -
Tom Shillue’s Website
Find out more about Tom’s work, upcoming shows, and media appearances.
https://tomshillue.com -
Dr. Greg Bottaro’s Book: The Personalist Cure (Preview)
Get the 3-chapter sample of Dr. Bottaro’s new book when you register for the Summit in May. -
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