Being Human - podcast cover

Being Human

Dr. Gregory Bottarobeinghumancpi.libsyn.com
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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Episodes

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 L...

Aug 12, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 239

Episode 238: The False Promise of AI and Psychedelics: A Catholic Response to Modern Healing

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” ...

Aug 05, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 238

Episode 237: Why Great Lovers—and Saints—Don’t Wait for the Spark

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 differ...

Jul 29, 202535 minEp. 237

Episode 236: How Screens Mimic God: A Solution to Holiness in the Digital World

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 ...

Jul 22, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 236

Episode 235: You're Not Tired: A Conversation with Dr. Bryan about Overstimulation, Creativity, & Rewiring Your Brain for Rest

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 res...

Jul 15, 202553 minEp. 235

Episode 234: How to Do the Hard Thing When You’d Rather Not

Feeling stuck, trapped, or frustrated with yourself? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro unpacks what true interior freedom really means—and why so many of us struggle to experience it. Drawing on Catholic mindfulness, St. John Paul II’s rich teaching on human freedom, and years of clinical experience, Dr. Greg breaks open why we do the things we don’t want to do, how hidden patterns keep us from the good we desire, and what it actually takes to become who God created ...

Jul 08, 202546 minEp. 234

Episode 233: Americanism Is a Heresy?

What if some of our most celebrated American values—independence, grit, innovation—can also be spiritual traps? In 1899, Pope Leo XIII warned about “Americanism,” a heresy that elevates personal effort and autonomy while quietly sidelining grace, humility, and reverence for tradition. In this episode, Dr. Greg explores what the Pope saw coming, and how this heresy still affects our Church and culture today. Key Topics: What Pope Leo XIII meant by “Americanism”—and how this heresy impacts us toda...

Jul 01, 202538 minEp. 233

Episode 232: 3 Steps to Becoming a Good Parent AND More Like the Sacred Heart

What if the key to healing your heart is understanding how Christ’s was formed? In this powerful episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro explores the mystery of the Sacred Heart—not just as a symbol of divine love, but as a fully human heart formed by Mary and Joseph. Through the lens of developmental psychology and Catholic theology, he unpacks what it means for Jesus to be truly human, how we’re shaped by the gaze of our parents, and why your journey to wholeness starts with letting yourself be loved. Wheth...

Jun 24, 202537 minEp. 232

Episode 231: Music as Accompaniment: Matt Maher and a Mission to Heal Through Song

What happens when a platinum-selling musician and a Catholic psychologist sit down to talk about suffering, creativity, and the soul? In this rich and unexpected conversation, Dr. Greg Bottaro welcomes Matt Maher—award-winning worship leader and featured guest for this year’s Summit of Integration—to explore the deep links between music, identity, and healing. Together, they unpack how true art gives voice to the heart, why presence matters more than performance, and how the Church can become a ...

Jun 14, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 231

Episode 230: From the Bar to the Confessional: A beautiful story of conversion with Beth Carrell

What if your deepest wounds could become the very place where God shows up most powerfully? In this honest and hope-filled episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro sits down with CatholicPsych mentor Beth Carrell to explore her incredible journey from teenage motherhood and marital betrayal to healing, restoration, and mission. As Beth shares her personal story—including the heartbreaking loss of her son to suicide—she offers a profound witness to how God’s mercy meets us in our darkest places and draws us int...

Jun 10, 202553 minEp. 230

Episode 229: 5 Ways the Holy Spirit is a Masterclass

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 san...

Jun 03, 202538 minEp. 229

Episode 228: The Joy of Inconvenience: A Conversation with Comedian Tom Shillue

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...

May 27, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 228

Episode 227: Do your lousy best

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, ...

May 20, 202548 minEp. 227

Episode 226: People Ask What on Reddit?

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...

May 13, 202547 minEp. 226

Episode 225: Humilty, Time Travel and Philosphy with Peter Kreeft

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 w...

May 06, 202551 min

Episode 224: From Uganda to Cajun Country: A Personalist Pilgrimage

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 fasc...

Apr 29, 202552 min

Episode 223: When Following God Wrecks Your Plans - In The Best Way!

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 Khym, 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 li...

Apr 22, 202557 minEp. 223

Episode 222: Three Places AI Can Never Go

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 f...

Apr 15, 202533 minEp. 222

Episode 221: Is AI Really More Effective Than Your Therapist?

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 crav...

Apr 08, 202535 minEp. 221

Episode 220: Do Catholic Therapists Just Add a Rosary to the Session?

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 b...

Apr 01, 202555 minEp. 220

Episode 219: A Secular Therapist Asked for My Take

What happens when someone outside the faith asks for your honest take on one of today’s most controversial issues? In this episode, Dr. Greg shares a conversation with secular therapist and podcast host Stephanie Winn, who came with real curiosity: What does Catholic psychology say about gender ideology? Even without sharing the same faith background, Stephanie engages deeply—and the result is a rich dialogue that offers clarity, compassion, and truth. Key Topics: How to speak about gender truth...

Mar 25, 202554 minEp. 219

Episode 218: My Conversation with a Secular Therapist: Unveiling the Blueprint for the Human Person

What happens when a Catholic psychologist and a secular therapist sit down for a conversation? In this compelling discussion, Stephanie Winn (host of You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist ) and Dr. Greg explore the intersection of faith and psychology, offering a bridge between faith and reason. Together, they unpack how a relational understanding of the person can lead to healing and wholeness in a culture grappling with identity and meaning. Key Topics: The five relational marks that shape human ...

Mar 18, 20251 hr 20 minEp. 218

Episode 217: Did You Know There Are 5 Anxiety Languages?

You’ve heard of the 5 Love Languages—now meet the 5 Anxiety Languages! In this episode of Being Human, Dr. Greg Bottaro introduces a groundbreaking way to understand anxiety: The 5 Anxiety Languages. Just like understanding love languages helps us express love, your Anxiety Language reveals how you instinctively process stress, uncertainty, and fear. Which anxiety language do you speak? Tune in to find out. Key Topics: Why anxiety feels different for everyone—and why that matters. The 5 Anxiety ...

Mar 11, 202527 minEp. 217

Episode 216: Breaking the Cycle of Pain: How to Heal from Childhood Wounds

We 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 adu...

Mar 04, 202520 minEp. 216

Episode 215: When Are Parents Toxic? Navigating Toxic Family Relationships

Toxic parents? Difficult family relationships? Can Catholics set boundaries and follow God’s commandment? Is it ever okay to step back from a parent-child relationship? Dr. Greg Bottaro and Noelle Mering explore the balance between honoring parents and protecting mental, emotional, and spiritual health. In a culture where cutting ties is increasingly normalized, does it truly lead to healing? This episode dives into forgiveness, boundaries, and finding peace in difficult family relationships. If...

Feb 25, 202555 minEp. 215

Episode 214: Mental Health & Social Media: How to Start a Digital Detox for the Soul

Feeling overwhelmed by endless scrolling? Discover how a faith-based digital detox can help you reclaim peace of mind. In today's hyperconnected world, our minds are constantly bombarded by notifications, newsfeeds, and endless scrolling. But is social media helping us—or hurting us? Dr. Greg Bottaro sits down with Darnell Miller of MAX Studios to explore the mental, emotional, and spiritual effects of digital overload. Together, they discuss why social media fuels anxiety and comparison, and ho...

Feb 18, 202540 minEp. 214

Episode 213: Are Faith and Psychology at Odds? Unpacking the Biggest Mental Health Questions

Think faith and mental health don’t mix? Think again. In an interview with Oscar Rivera on Ave Spotlight, Dr. Greg breaks down the biggest myths about psychology and Catholicism. Are faith and psychology at odds? Where do we draw the line between normal emotions and real mental health struggles? Can prayer cure anxiety? Is therapy un-Catholic? How do you beat seasonal depression? Tune in for a fresh perspective on faith and mental well-being! Discussed in this episode: The surprising connection ...

Feb 11, 202550 minEp. 213

Episode 212: Take Your Prayer Life to the Next Level: Discover the Secret to Unlocking Your Deepest Capacity

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your spiritual life—doing all the right things but still not feeling closer to God—this episode is for you. Dr. Greg explores the layers of distraction that keep us from deeper prayer, and how to quiet the noise of our own narratives and hear God's voice in the stillness. Discussed in this episode: Why doing all the right things in your spiritual life doesn’t always lead to feeling closer to God; How interior noise and distraction can block us from hearing God's voic...

Feb 04, 202525 minEp. 212

Episode 211: The Growth Myth: Why You Can’t Do It Alone

Think growth is all about grinding harder or going it solo? Think again. In this episode, Dr. Greg dives into the surprising truth about growth: it takes both trusting God and showing up yourself. Tune in for practical tips and a fresh perspective on breaking through plateaus to experience real transformation. Discussed in this episode: The importance of balancing trust in God with personal responsibility in the growth process; Why relying entirely on God or entirely on yourself leads to stagnat...

Jan 28, 202522 minEp. 211

Episode 210: Are You Safe But Stuck? Uncovering Hidden Obstacles Blocking Your Growth

Discover the blind spots and defense mechanisms quietly holding you back from real growth. In this episode, Dr. Greg unpacks tough truths, shares relatable personal stories, and offers practical insights to help you break free and flourish. Discussed in this episode: The importance of growth and development in becoming the best version of yourself; Blind spots and defense mechanisms: how they form and why they hold us back; The role of avoidance in blocking personal growth; Personal insights fro...

Jan 21, 202525 minEp. 210
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