Episode 248: The Hard Part About Being Dads and How To Do It Well with Fr. Dave Pivonka
Life as a parent is anything but simple. In this vulnerable episode, Dr. Greg and Fr. Dave Pivonka talk about the complexity of fatherhood, the wounds we carry, and how our vocation starts to make more sense when we begin to see God as Father—and dare to embrace our own weakness. Key Topics: Dr. Greg’s raw reflection on feeling helpless as a dad—and what happened when he couldn’t hold it all together The words every child longs to hear—and how one moment with his dad changed Fr. Dave’s life What Fr. Dave learned at his father’s deathbed—and why his family started clapping The surprising power of helplessness—and why it’s safe to admit you don’t have it all figured out Why obedience isn’t restrictive—but actually the key to peace for parents How wounds from divorce, absence, or imperfect fathers still shape us today Why God’s Fatherhood isn’t just a metaphor—it’s the foundation of healing Learn More: “My father’s Father” – A Video Series by Fr. Dave Pivonka: A moving exploration of how our human experience of fatherhood affects our view of God the Father—told through Fr. Dave’s personal story. Fr. Dave Pivonka on YouTube: Explore Fr. Dave’s videos and powerful reflections on faith, fatherhood, and the spiritual life. “Overcoming Anxiety and Depression” – In Focus Series: Fr. Dave sits down with Dr. Greg Bottaro for a powerful series on the spiritual and psychological roots of anxiety and depression—and what real healing looks like. Redemptoris Custos by Pope John Paul II: Read the apostolic exhortation On the Person and Mission of Saint Joseph in the Life of Christ and of the Church. Catherine Pakaluk: Learn more about economist and Catholic author Dr. Catherine Pakaluk. Franciscan University of Steubenville: Discover more about the university where Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, serves as president. 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 247: Scrupulosity 101: OCD, Reassurance, and Real Healing
Scrupulosity isn’t just “Catholic guilt gone too far”—it’s a deeply painful form of OCD that can hijack your relationship with God. In this episode, Dr. Greg sits down with Stephanie Muncy, CatholicPsych’s in-house expert (and someone who’s lived it), to unpack what scrupulosity really is, how it distorts the spiritual life, and why the path to healing might look very different than you think. Key Topics: How scrupulosity is actually a debilitating form of OCD The scariest part of scrupulosity? It feels like it’s about God—but it’s really not Why obsessively going to confession or seeking reassurance only makes things worse The true root of scrupulosity isn’t spiritual failure—it’s unhealed anxiety How the need to “get it right” spiritually often masks a deeper wound Why you can’t “logic your way out” of OCD What healing actually looks like—and why it’s not about caring less Why even well-meaning spiritual advice can sometimes make things worse The most powerful thing you can offer someone suffering from scrupulosity Learn More: Blog articles by Stephanie Muncy: How to Settle Anxiety in the Heart and Mind of Someone with OCD The Love that Sets Us Free: A Compassionate Path through OCD Previously on the Being Human Podcast: Ep. #22: A Look at Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Scrupulosity Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat: An 8-week course that brings freedom from anxiety and depression by showing you how to live as if you really believe in a God who loves you. The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Greg Bottaro: A practical guide to finding peace in the present moment through Catholic mindfulness. CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP): Catholic accompaniment training that truly integrates faith and science. Learn more about Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Parts Work: Ep. #160: Healing through Parts Work Ep. #35: Why Do I Feel Like I Have Conflicting Parts? 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 246: Anna’s Story: Finding Grace in the Loss of a Child
oes following God mean life will be free from suffering? In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Greg reconnects with his longtime friend Stefanie Madden, who shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter to a rare neurological disorder. It’s an honest conversation about grief, faith, and the truth that God doesn't promise to take away suffering—but He does promise to be with us in the midst of it. Key Topics: Stefanie's heartbreaking story of losing a child to a rare neurological condition Why the idea that “good Christians don’t suffer” is not only false—but harmful How grief and faith can coexist without canceling each other out How Stefanie learned to carry her pain with God, not apart from Him What does it really mean to say God is with us in suffering? Why Stefanie says she now feels free for the first time in years What a grieving mom wishes she’d done differently Learn More: Baby Brian: A Pilgrim of Hope – Discover the full story of this incorrupt infant, view photos, and sign up for updates as his journey continues to unfold. Previously on Being Human: Ep. 79: The Weight of Grief with Bri Edwards A Thousand Pounds – An award-winning book offering strength and hope for parents carrying the unimaginable weight of grief. Lach’s Legacy – Bri Edwards’ nonprofit ministry serving families who have experienced the loss 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 245: Why Screens Aren't the Problem: Parenting's Secret Ingredient
What if the real challenge of screen-time isn’t about screens at all? In this episode, Dr. Greg and colleague Teresa Violette explore how digital distractions can interfere with the deeper needs of a child’s development. Instead of fear or guilt over screen use, discover the secret ingredient that helps parents raise confident, connected kids—even in a digital world. Key Topics: Why simply limiting screen time isn’t the full solution—and what to focus on instead The deeper question every parent should ask: What are screens replacing in your child’s life? The overlooked power of parental attunement—and how it shapes your child’s development Why every child needs something different depending on their age, personality, and family dynamics Teresa’s honest, relatable story about summer survival and cutting back on TV at home How screen overuse can quietly erode creativity, connection, and emotional regulation Why perfection isn’t the goal—and how to parent with peace, even when things are messy Learn More: Previous episodes with Teresa Violette: Ep. #102: ADHD and Me Ep. #62: Relationship Q&A with Married Therapists: An Interview with Dr. Bryan and Teresa Violette Blog: Show Me Your Face: Being Present with Your Children 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 244: Smartphones, Sleepovers, and Setting Standards: A Playbook for Confident Parenting with Dr. Ray Guarendi
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 building influence and obedience How to handle peer influence when other families don’t share your values The long game: how to raise kids who seek God even if they push back now Learn More: Raising Upright Kids in an Upside Down World – A parenting guide by Dr. Ray Guarendi on raising children with virtue in a culture that resists it. Previously on Being Human: Ep. # 101: Catholic Parenting Amid Cultural Chaos with Dr. Ray Guarendi Visit Dr. Ray Guardendi’s website – Access his full library of books, radio shows, videos, and stay tuned for the upcoming release of Zero-Drama Discipline. The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt’s must-read book on how screen time is reshaping childhood. 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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