Men today are searching for identity, purpose, and real freedom—but so many feel stuck, especially when it comes to breaking free from pornography. In this episode, Dr. Greg sits down with Nick Clune, a CPMAP graduate, to talk about his journey, what men really need, and how true masculinity leads to lasting freedom. Discussed in this episode: The deep need for fatherly guidance in developing true masculinity; The struggles men face in finding affirmation and purpose; How Nick’s relationship wit...
Jan 14, 2025•50 min•Ep. 209
Start the New Year with renewal, not resolutions! In this episode, we dive into a powerful exercise to unlock hidden patterns in your unconscious, deepen self-awareness, and align your growth with God’s plan for your life. Tune in and discover a new way to set the tone for a year of transformation. Discussed in this episode: A fresh perspective on the New Year—renewal, not resolutions; How self-reflection helps us grow in holiness; Unlocking the unconscious to discover what’s hidden within; Usin...
Jan 07, 2025•26 min•Ep. 208
Are you dreaming big enough? In this episode, uncover what’s holding you back from becoming the best version of yourself. Through practical insights on self-awareness, inner freedom, and embracing mistakes as stepping stones for growth, discover how to unlock your full potential and share the unique gift only you can offer to the world. Discussed in this episode: The importance of dreaming big and why most people dream too small; How childhood dreams of greatness get suppressed by societal expec...
Dec 31, 2024•30 min•Ep. 207
Discover how understanding God’s love can transform your ability to heal and forgive—even amidst the deepest wounds. Explore the profound connection between psychology and spirituality, and unlock the secret to forgiveness through the trauma-informed lens of Divine Mercy. Discussed in this episode: The concept of Trauma-Informed Divine Mercy and its impact on forgiveness; The relationship between psychological and spiritual paths to forgiveness; Why forgiveness requires uncovering buried wounds;...
Dec 24, 2024•24 min•Ep. 206
Discover the profound connection between God’s mercy and justice. We often think of them as opposites, but what if they’re not? Explore how this truth transforms your understanding of God’s love and deepens your capacity to receive His mercy. (Divine Mercy mini series, part 1 of 2) Discussed in this episode: Why this may be the most important topic ever discussed on the Being Human podcast; The surprising truth: mercy and justice are not opposites but inseparable; Why God is never angry with us,...
Dec 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 205
This week, Dr. Greg explores what it really means to follow Christ by starting with compassion—towards ourselves. Discover a fresh approach to self-compassion by embracing every part of who you are—even the inner critic. Discussed in this episode: The surprising connection between self-compassion and following Christ; The cultural misunderstanding of self-compassion as selfishness or pride; The "mono-mind" theory vs. the emerging "multi-mind" model of personality; How sub-personalities affect ou...
Dec 10, 2024•34 min•Ep. 204
Gender confusion in today’s culture might seem like a curveball, but in this episode, Dr. Greg explores the unexpected opportunity it provides for the Church—and for each of us—to deepen our understanding of what it truly means to be man and woman. Discussed in this episode: Why understanding complementarity is key to healing personal and cultural wounds; How the relationship between man and woman provides access to the face of God; Why healing the wounds between men and women is essential for r...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 203
Since the Fall, the differences between men and women have been a source of tension and conflict, shaped by how we interpret the other through our own perspective. But this very tension is a pathway to holiness—a chance to discover the gift, beauty, and wonder of the other. In this episode, we lay the foundation for understanding the masculine and feminine genius so we can go deeper into gender complementarity as part of God’s plan. Discussed in this episode: The surprising connection between ma...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 202
This week, Dr. Greg is joined by his wife, Barbra, to explore the often-misunderstood concept of mutual submission in marriage. Together, they share how they navigate leading their family—the joys, the messiness, and everything in between. Don’t miss this candid discussion tackling the question: “Is Leadership of the Family a Man’s Job?” Discussed in this episode: Dr. Greg and Barbra Bottaro’s candid discussion on mutual submission in marriage; Common misunderstandings about leadership roles in ...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 201
In celebration of the 200th episode, Dr. Greg shares exclusive audio from his recent keynote at Franciscan University’s Man and Woman conference. Dive into a fresh look at gender complementarity through the lens of John Paul II’s teachings, exploring the masculine and feminine genius, insights from marital therapy, and what it means to live fully in our God-given identity. Join Dr. Greg for this special milestone episode—a journey to create and a gift to share. Discussed in this episode: Dr. Gre...
Nov 12, 2024•42 min•Ep. 200
Dr. Greg dives into a captivating conversation with leadership expert Alexandre Havard (calling in from Moscow!) about the '3 Spiritual Diseases'—rationalism, sentimentalism, and voluntarism—that could be influencing your life in hidden ways. Are you unknowingly living as a 'partial human being'? Tune in to learn how to avoid these traps - and discover what it takes to reclaim true wholeness. Discussed in this episode: The 3 spiritual diseases plaguing our culture – and why they matter; How rati...
Nov 05, 2024•56 min•Ep. 199
Bishop James Conley shares his raw and personal journey of battling anxiety and depression as a Church leader. He reveals the trap of “just try harder” and emphasizes that true healing comes only by breaking free from self-reliance. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to keep pushing through, this episode will challenge and encourage you to embrace authentic healing. Discussed in this episode: Bishop James Conley’s personal journey with anxiety, depression, and PTSD; The surprising decision to take...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 198
Do you know the limitations of St. Thomas Aquinas’ “pre-microscope” view on gender, and how it is still influencing the Church today? In this special episode on the feast of Pope St. John Paul II, Dr. Greg unpacks why JP2’s teachings on gender, identity, and what it means to be human are exactly what the Church—and the world—needs right now. Discussed in this episode: The limitations of Aquinas’ “pre-microscope” view on gender and how it still influences erroneous views of gender roles; The “tru...
Oct 22, 2024•40 min•Ep. 197
In today’s episode, Dr. Greg and Fr. Louis Merosne dive into a powerful conversation on what it truly takes to live a holy life. They get real and vulnerable, peeling back layers on what it means to draw close to God—and what often holds us back. Discussed in this episode: A new approach to the Being Human podcast; Bringing together psychological concepts with spiritual concepts through the lens of the liturgy; What the story of the Rich Young Man reveals about our relationship with God; How to ...
Oct 15, 2024•41 min•Ep. 196
In this special live-recorded episode from Australia, Dr. Greg and his guests explore the rich intersection of faith and mental health. Joined by spiritual director Katherine Stone, MGL, and CatholicPsych’s International Programs Director, Shawn van der Linden, the discussion weaves together personal stories, cultural insights, and thoughtful audience questions. Tune in to hear what Americans and Australians can learn from each other and gain a fresh perspective on faith’s role in mental health....
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 195
In today’s episode, Dr. Greg interviews Jack Beers—an amazing husband, father, and graduate of the CPMAP program. They chat about his journey from being a leader in mass evangelization to following his true calling in mentorship. Jack opens up about how the CPMAP program brought him closer to God, strengthened his family connections, and made him even better at what he loves—helping others. Discussed in this episode: Introduction to Jack Beers and his background with Dynamic Catholic; Jack’s jou...
Oct 01, 2024•59 min•Ep. 194
In this episode, Dr. Greg interviews Mary Sutarik, a graduate of the CatholicPsych certification program. Mary shares her journey from being a FOCUS missionary on college campuses to becoming a certified Catholic Mentor. They discuss the challenges she faced and the transformation she experienced through the program — and her work to now bring that transformation to others. Discussed in this episode: Mary's background as a FOCUS missionary and how it shaped her journey; The mental health struggl...
Sep 24, 2024•40 min•Ep. 193
In today’s episode, Dr. Greg interviews Bobby Angel about his experience of the CPMAP certification program and how it has transformed his ministry. They discuss Bobby's journey through the program, the personal growth he underwent, and his amazing work to support ministry leaders through retreats focused on rest and integration. Discussed in this episode: The challenges faced by people in ministry roles; Bobby's initial skepticism about the CPMAP program; The personal growth Bobby experienced d...
Sep 17, 2024•46 min•Ep. 192
In this episode, Dr. Greg interviews Julie Xistris, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about her journey through the CPMAP certification program. Julie shares her struggles with integrating her Catholic faith into her therapy practice and how the CatholicPsych training program provided her with the tools and freedom to align her work with her vocation. Discussed in this episode: The hidden struggles and pressures Catholic therapists face in a secular world; The challenges of integrating f...
Sep 10, 2024•43 min•Ep. 191
In today’s episode, Dr. Greg begins a series highlighting the experiences of graduates from the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP) certification program. He interviews Johnna Sullivan, one of the original pilot students, who shares her journey through the program and her current work as a Certified Mentor. Discussed in this episode: Johnna’s journey from missionary work to becoming a Certified Mentor; How CPMAP helped Johnna access and fulfill long-buried dreams; Johnna’s struggl...
Sep 03, 2024•40 min•Ep. 190
Welcome to Episode 189 of the Being Human Podcast: Social Sabbatical: Join Our 31-Day Summer Challenge for Personal Growth! In this short episode, Dr. Greg introduces a 31-day social media fast challenge, inspired by his experiences as a Franciscan friar. He explains the importance of interior silence and invites listeners to join him and the CatholicPsych team in this social sabbatical. Discussed in this episode: Insights from Dr. Greg’s time as a Franciscan friar, including the cadence of pray...
Jul 30, 2024•15 min•Ep. 189
What does “offer it up” really mean? What is the Christocentric take on trauma? What does a holy and healthy life look like? In this mailbag episode, join us for a lively Q&A show where we answer these questions and more! Discussed in this episode: Healing abandonment wounds and overcoming negative psychological effects of being adopted; Adoption in the light of the Holy Family (we’re all adopted!); Every parent-child relationship involves being wounded, even with the greatest of parents; Th...
Jul 23, 2024•58 min•Ep. 188
Let’s go beyond pop psychology and explore the path to authentic human flourishing! In this episode, Dr. Greg explains how to distinguish between good psychology and pop psychology. Also, find out why “attachment parenting” actually creates self-sabotaging anxiety. Discussed in this episode: How to distinguish between good psychology and pop psychology, and why that matters for human flourishing; Dangers and benefits of pop psychology; Most theories of the entire world of psychology are either a...
Jul 16, 2024•58 min•Ep. 187
In this special episode of the Being Human podcast, join Dr. Greg and Father Louis Merosne as they delve into the often-overlooked crises in Haiti, exploring the profound lessons for both Americans and Haitians, and opening up Christ’s call to stay close to the poor. Discussed in this episode: Haitian News Edition of The CatholicPsych Show What Haitians can learn from Americans, and what Americans can learn from Haitians The importance of tuning into current events outside the news cycle of main...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 186
In this episode, Dr. Greg interviews Dr. Brad Wilcox, Catholic sociologist, professor and author of Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization. Learn about Dr. Brad’s sociological research on family dynamics, marriage, and parenting across different cultures, and his key findings on what makes families strong. Discussed in this episode: Dr. Brad’s amazing work bringing a foundation of Catholic faith to the world of sociology The connection bet...
Jul 02, 2024•38 min•Ep. 185
What are the “secrets to success” for dating, marriages, and relationships? In this episode, Dr. Greg discusses the profound and practical wisdom in JP2’s book Love and Responsibility. Part 4 of our series on the psychology of Pope John Paul II. Discussed in this episode: Personalistic norm: the most misunderstood principle in marriages and family dynamics A surprising and different way to understand love Dating mistake: Why it is backwards to look for the right person with a list of checkboxes ...
Jun 25, 2024•27 min•Ep. 184
A continuation of our series on the psychology of Pope John Paul II. In this episode, Dr. Greg discusses JP2’s blueprint of the human person and how it is the answer to all the problems we face today. When it comes to transforming our culture, this is the lead domino that will knock over every other domino. Discussed in this episode: What it means to have a blueprint of the human person Every moment of our humanity is impacted by the teachings of Pope John Paul II (JP2) JP2 answers the questions...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 183
A continuation of our series on how the psychology of JP2 is the answer to our modern world gone sideways. In this episode, Dr. Greg Bottaro and philosopher Dr. John Crosby delve deep into the human experience through the lens of Dietrich von Hildebrand and Pope John Paul II. Discussed in this episode: Why a psychology of JP2 is what the world needs to move forward from the mess we’re in What it means to “meet someone where they are” The difference between our conscious and subconscious, and how...
Jun 11, 2024•49 min•Ep. 182
Welcome to Episode 181 of the Being Human Podcast: Harrison Butker’s Anger: Making Sense of Current Events This week, we’re announcing our newest project: a live call-in show during which Dr. Greg Bottaro and Dr. Bryan Violette try to make sense of the latest news headlines. Among other news headlines, this episode includes a discussion of the football commencement speech heard round the world (Harrison Butker’s controversial graduation address at Benedictine College). Discussed in this episode:...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 181
Welcome to Episode 180 of the Being Human Podcast: The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal In this week’s episode, Dr. Greg explores a bold new proposal for a Catholic standard of mental health rooted in the psychology of St. John Paul II. Dr. Greg entreats all Catholic psychologists and therapists to mine the treasures of JP2’s Personalism in order to offer hope, clarity, and healing in an increasingly confused and suffering world. Discussed in this episode: Why St. John Paul II’s psychology is ...
May 28, 2024•40 min•Ep. 180
