Episode 243: Mercy, Mercy, and More Mercy: The Parent Perspective that Can Change Everything
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
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Episode 242: Raising Faithful Kids in a Fallen World: A Conversation with Raquel Rose
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
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Episode 241: Big God, Little Devil: Rethinking Spiritual Soundbites with Dr. Sean Tobin
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
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Episode 240: The Incorrupt Baby: A Modern-Day Eucharistic Miracle?
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
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Episode 239: Reclaiming Sacred Time: Uncovering the Amazing Story of Black Elk
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
At the CatholicPsych Institute, we're doing something new when it comes to therapy. In the Being Human podcast, Dr. Greg Bottaro, Founder and Director of the CatholicPsych Institute, shares with you his vision for Catholic therapy and a revolutionary approach that is focused, finally, on what it means to be human.
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