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 us to be. This is an invitation to go deeper than surface-level self-help and begin building the kind of freedom that leads to holiness, health, and real human flourishing.

Key Topics:

• The difference between capacity for freedom and acting in freedom

• Why we do the things we don’t want to do—and can’t do the things we want

• The subconscious patterns that hijack our choices

• Moving from automatic habits to conscious, virtuous action

• How our daily choices shape who we become
  
  

Learn More:

• CatholicPsych Mentorship Program: Get one-on-one support for the areas where you feel stuck. Free consultations available.

• Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat: An 8-week course to bring your faith and your spirituality in line with the way your brain works.

• The Mindful Catholic by Dr. Greg Bottaro

• Letter to Families from Pope John Paul II (1994)

• Discernment of Spirits Course: An 8-week course to learn how to understand what God is saying to you.

• Setting the Stage: Early Plays of St. John Paul II: Featuring “Our God’s Brother” and other plays written by Karol Wojtyła (St. John Paul II).

• Related Being Human episodes:

• • Ep. #228: The Joy of Inconvenience: A Conversation with Comedian Tom Shillue

  • Ep. #175: Rethinking Formation: Preparing Priests for the Future with Fr. Sam Kachuba

  • Ep. #180: The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal

• Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation

• Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment

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. Whether you're a parent, a seeker, or someone longing for deeper integration, this conversation offers a tender, transformative vision of what it means to be fully alive.

Key Topics:

• The psychological and spiritual significance of the Feast of the Sacred Heart
  
  

• How Jesus’s human heart was formed through the love of Mary and Joseph
  
  

• Why mirroring, idealization, and twinship are essential for healthy human development
  
  

• The power of the parental gaze in shaping a child’s sense of worth and identity
  
  

• What it means to let yourself be mothered by Mary and fathered by Joseph
  
  

Learn More:

• Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Fr. John Croiset – The spiritual classic based on the revelations of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque that helped establish the formal devotion to the Sacred Heart.

• Only Jesus by Archbishop Luis María Martínez – A rich spiritual reflection on the mystery of Christ's love and formation, especially through the gaze of Mary.

• The Sanctifier by Archbishop Luis María Martínez – A powerful meditation on the Holy Spirit and His role in the spiritual and emotional formation of the human person.

• Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation

• Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment

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 vital place of accompaniment for those struggling with mental health. Whether you’re an artist, a parent, or someone craving deeper meaning in the mess of life, this episode is for you.

Key Topics:

• The surprising parallels between leading worship and offering therapy
• Why music can reach the heart when words fail—and how it fosters healing
• The importance of presence over performance in both ministry and mental health
• How real art gives people back their voice, even in the midst of suffering
• What it means to live with creative constraints rooted in liturgical beauty
• Matt’s personal journey of faith, trauma, and healing in community
• The dangers of spiritual bypassing and the Church’s call to holistic care
• Why mental health struggles don’t define us—and how language matters
• The value of integration across psychology, spirituality, and artistry
• A preview of Matt’s special role at the upcoming Summit of Integration

Learn More:

• Summit of Integration (June 20–22, 2025): Join us in New Jersey—or virtually—for three powerful days of teaching, music, and community grounded in the Catholic understanding of what it means to be fully human. Learn more and reserve your ticket.
• Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries: Matt serves as an ambassador for this Christian organization offering free small-group resources on faith and mental health—including a Catholic-specific course now available on FORMED. Learn more at sanctuarymentalhealth.org
• The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck
• Healing the Eight Stages of Life by M. Scott Peck
• The Wounded Healer and other works by Henri Nouwen
• The Context of Holiness by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD
• Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation
• Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment
  

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 into deeper union with His Sacred Heart. This conversation is raw, real, and a powerful reminder that no story is beyond redemption.

Key Topics:

• Beth Carrell’s journey from teen motherhood to Catholic conversion

• The healing power of the Sacred Heart in the face of deep suffering

• Rebuilding a marriage after betrayal and civil divorce

• The unique grief and hope following the loss of a child to suicide

• Why authentic healing requires both faith and psychological formation
  

Learn More:

• Summit of Integration (June 20–22, 2025): Join us in New Jersey—or virtually—for three powerful days of teaching, music, and community grounded in the Catholic understanding of what it means to be fully human. Learn more and reserve your ticket.

• Grieving a loss to suicide? Red Bird Ministries offers Christ-centered accompaniment for bereaved families.

• Mentorship with Beth: If you’re navigating a complex family structure or step-parenting dynamic, reach out to Beth Carroll here.

• Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation

• Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment

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 sanctifying you right now.

Key Topics:

• Why the Holy Spirit deserves more than just Pentecost-level attention

• How the Holy Spirit and Our Lady work together to form Christ in us

• The permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every baptized soul

• The real difference between spiritual growth and psychological development

• The role of mindfulness in opening ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s work
  
  

Learn More:

Dive deeper into the themes from today’s episode:

• The Sanctifier by Archbishop Luis Martinez — the powerful spiritual classic Dr. Greg unpacks in this episode.

• Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat — walk through the full eight-week formation with Dr. Greg: catholicpsych.com/virtual-retreat

• Reserve your spot for the 2025 Summit of Integration (June 20–22, virtual + in-person)

• Catch past episodes with Summit speakers here.

• Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation

• Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment

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 fan of Gutfeld, a lover of vintage vinyl, or just hungry for a more integrated life, this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even reconsider your smart fridge.

Key Topics:

• The tension between professionalism, calling, and comfort

• The power of imperfection in both performance and relationship

• The spiritual and psychological cost of convenience culture

• How shared laughter creates connection and healing

• What to expect at the Summit of Integration—and why Tom said yes to hosting it

Learn More:

• Summit of Integration – June 20–22 in Madison, NJ
  Join us in person or virtually for a unique gathering of thought leaders exploring the integration of faith, psychology, and human formation.
  https://catholicpsych.com/summit

• Tom Shillue’s Website
  Find out more about Tom’s work, upcoming shows, and media appearances.
  https://tomshillue.com

• Dr. Greg Bottaro’s Book: The Personalist Cure (Preview)
  Get the 3-chapter sample of Dr. Bottaro’s new book when you register for the Summit in May.

• Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation

• Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment

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, wholeness, and peace. Whether you're weary from striving or just hungry for something more honest and integrated, this episode offers a refreshing breath of grace.

Key Topics:

• Why trying to be “perfectly spiritual” often leads us further from God

• The hidden danger of rejecting our humanity in the name of holiness

• How Jesus reveals the beauty of slowness, patience, and imperfection

• The role of emotions in spiritual life—and why they’re not the enemy

• Why integration (not suppression) is key to authentic healing and holiness
  

Learn More:

• Join us for the 2024 Summit of Integration – June 20–22 in Madison, NJ, featuring Fr. Columba, Peter Kreeft, Jake & Heather Kim, Jennifer Morel, and Matt Maher.

• Spiritual Passages by Fr. Benedict Groeschel – A foundational resource on integrating psychological growth with spiritual maturity.

• Dr. Greg’s Book: “The Personalist Cure” (Coming Soon) – Early chapters available with May ticket purchase to the Summit of Integration.

• Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation

• Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment