Being Human cover art

Being Human

Being Human

By: Dr. Gregory Bottaro
Listen for free

About this listen

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. Christianity Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality
Episodes
  • Episode 250: Correcting Luther and…Aquinas? Calling Out Disintegration in the Church Dating Back to the Reformation
    Oct 28 2025

    Some Catholics today are repeating Martin Luther's biggest mistake—and they don't even realize it. In this explosive 250th episode, Dr. Greg calls out the disintegration happening in the Church today, names names (including Aquinas), and offers a bold path forward through true integration and unity with Holy Mother Church.

    Key Topics:

    • Why disintegration is the real threat inside the Church today.
    • The subtle ways Catholics today are repeating Luther's biggest mistake.
    • The shocking quote from Aquinas that no one wants to talk about.
    • Why clinging to outdated theology isn't faithfulness—it's fear.
    • What "Reformation spirit" looks like in modern Catholic camps.
    • How a misreading of masculinity and femininity has wounded the Church—and the world.


    Learn More:

    • Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you! Email Dr. Greg at drgreg@catholicpsych.com.
    • Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas – Especially Question 92: The Production of Woman
    • The Catholic Genius of Integrated Masculinity and Femininity – A treatise on gender complementarity by Dr. Greg
    • Let Christmas Correct Aquinas – A blog reflection on how the Incarnation reframes our understanding of Aquinas's view on women.
    • Theology of the Body for Beginners by Christopher West – A clear, accessible introduction to John Paul II's groundbreaking teaching on love, sexuality, and the human person.
    • Ecumenism without Compromise – Talks and writings on ecumenism by Dr. Peter Kreeft
    • Related podcast episodes:
      • Ep. 197 – Correcting Aquinas: JP2's Truth Bomb on Gender and Human Dignity
      • Ep. 200 - Leaked Audio from a Groundbreaking Franciscan University Conference Keynote
    • 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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Episode 249: The Messiest Forgotten Miracle: St. John Paul II and What It Really Means to be a Catholic Therapist
    Oct 21 2025

    You might know St. John Paul II for Theology of the Body—but that's just scratching the surface. In this episode, Dr. Greg shares why JP2's deeper philosophy holds the key to understanding the human person today—especially in a world of AI therapy, psychedelics, and emotional confusion.

    Key Topics:

    • Why relying solely on Aquinas isn't enough for addressing the psychological and spiritual needs of today
    • The philosophical genius of St. John Paul II—and why he's more than just the "Theology of the Body pope"
    • The critical difference between being a therapist who's Catholic and doing authentically Catholic therapy
    • How personalism bridges timeless Church teaching with the complexities of modern life
    • Why understanding subjective experience is essential for Catholic therapists, clergy, and educators
    • How personalism offers a Catholic answer to postmodern relativism without losing objective truth

    Learn More:

    • Theology of the Body for Beginners by Christopher West – A clear, accessible introduction to John Paul II's groundbreaking teaching on love, sexuality, and the human person.
    • Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) – A philosophical deep dive into human dignity, attraction, and the true meaning of love.
    • Related podcast episodes:
      • Ep. 180 – The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal
      • Ep. 183 – The Lead Domino Effect: Transformation Begins with a Blueprint
      • Ep. 197 – Correcting Aquinas: JP2's Truth Bomb on Gender and Human Dignity
      • Ep. 218 – My Conversation with a Secular Therapist: Unveiling the Blueprint of the Human Person
      • Ep. 221 – Is AI Really More Effective Than Your Therapist?
      • Ep. 238 – The False Promise of AI and Psychedelics
    • 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

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Episode 248: The Hard Part About Being Dads and How To Do It Well with Fr. Dave Pivonka
    Oct 14 2025

    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

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.