Always Hope

Are young men returning to faith? For decades, religion in America has been declining. But recently something surprising is happening: more men are openly exploring faith, purpose, and spirituality. In this episode, a clinical psychologist who has studied men and religion for over 20 years explains: Why young men are struggling with loneliness and meaning. The cultural forces pushing men away from...

What happens when we are defined by our worst? What does it do to the human heart when we are considered without redemption?  Fr. Dustin Feddon has spent over a decade walking alongside men in maximum-security prisons and on death row. In this episode, he shares the stories that changed him — stories of trauma, responsibility, trust, remorse, and unexpected dignity.  This isn’t a politic...

We talk a lot about masculinity — but far less about how it’s actually formed. In this conversation, we step back from the usual talking points and look at masculinity from the ground up. Drawing on firsthand experience working with men in seminary formation, Dr Mario and Fr Josh Johnson explore what consistently shapes men well, what often gets overemphasized, and what quietly gets overlooked. Th...

Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood—and emotionally challenging—parts of healing. In this episode, Dr. Mario sits down with Dr. Robert Enright, a pioneer in forgiveness research, to unpack what forgiveness truly is, what it is not, and why getting it wrong keeps so many people stuck in pain. Together, they explore forgiveness as a process rather than a feeling, how it differs from excusin...

What does faithfulness really look like for Catholics who experience same-sex attraction? In this episode of the Always Hope Podcast, Dr. Julia Sadusky, a Catholic psychologist, joins us for an honest, compassionate, and deeply grounded conversation about faith, psychology, and human desire. Rather than offering quick fixes or unrealistic promises, this discussion explores how Catholics...

Most people think hope is just wishing for the best. It’s not. Today we explore the real psychology behind hope — how it works, why it matters, and how it can guide you through fear, failure, and uncertainty. We break down the evidence-based tools that help people set better goals, persevere through obstacles, and recover after trauma. A transformative episode for anyone navigating change or uncer...

What if everything you’ve been taught about peace is only half the story? In today’s episode, I break open the real interior process that leads to lasting calm—one rooted in interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, Christian spirituality, and practical emotional regulation. After a year marked by personal struggle, inner wrestling, and unexpected breakthroughs, I’m finally ready to share the...

We all crave peace. But what happens when prayer feels dry, life doesn't match your plans, and discouragement sets in? In this powerful conversation, Fr Timothy Gallagher shares insights from his new book, 'If You Want Peace in This Life,' revealing how the wisdom of Venerable Bruno Lanteri can guide us through our struggles. He emphasizes that temptations are not bad; they are opportunities for g...

  When Fr. Crawford passed away, I didn’t just lose a friend — I lost the man who taught me how to see heaven in the middle of real life. He was the priest’s priest: wise, raw, deeply human, and utterly devoted to prayer. In this episode, I share the lessons that shaped my faith — from the man who showed me that prayer isn’t escape, it’s encounter. You’ll hear his words, his wit, and his...

What happens when you hit a wall and can't find the energy to keep going? That's exactly what I've been grappling with over the past few months. After a challenging summer, I realized I needed to take a step back from the podcast and reassess my journey. I’ve faced disappointments and failures, yet this felt like I was at a crossroads. But through it all, I found a renewed desire to keep pushing f...

If you've ever felt the sting of disappointment in dating or wondered how to break free from a cycle of cynicism and nervousness, this conversation is for you. A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maria and Meghan from "The Intentional Single," and it quickly became one of my most listened-to episodes. Today, I’m thrilled to have them back to dive deep into a topic that so ma...

Is your marriage going through a period of suffering? Maybe it's the relationship that needs some improving, or maybe the hardships of life are weighing you down. Either way, we often turn to prayer as a last resort. And today, I'm going to show why that's a mistake. Today, I'm excited to welcome Doug Hinderer, the voice behind Relevant Radio's "Marriage Unhindered." Doug shares his incredible jou...

Cue Queen, because today we are talking about how to not feel “under pressure” when dating. Join Dr. Mario Sacasa as he welcomes Maria Creitz and Derenys Radich, the creators of the Little Dates Club. This innovative approach aims to make dating less intimidating for Catholic young adults. They share insights on creating low-pressure, fun ways for young adults to connect, emphasizing the importanc...

We have a new Pope! So, let's overreact and overanalyze his opening remarks (because why not?). Today, I break down Pope Leo XIV's opening statement: “Peace be with you.” Why did he focus on those words from the Risen Christ? What does it signal about his papacy? That’s what we are exploring in this episode of Always Hope. In the “Hey Dr. Mario” segment, I answer a listener’s question about naviga...

Anxiety is on the rise in our culture. And while there are a ton of great resources available, how can Catholics find a way forward? Is prayer enough? Should I feel guilty because I don’t trust God enough? What does the science teach about anxiety, its causes, and how to beat it? Joining me on the show are Art Bennett and Dr. Lianna Bennett Haidar, co-authors of the new book “Anxiety: A Catholic G...

Today, I’m focusing on the resurrection of Christ, which is the cornerstone of our faith, providing hope during life's challenges. By anchoring our faith in the resurrection, we can navigate the complexities of life with a renewed perspective. We can embrace both the hardships and the hope that the resurrection offers, it is possible to find peace and purpose even in difficult times! Let us be an...

The term addiction gets thrown around a lot these days. I’m addicted to my screen. I’m addicted to shopping. I’m addicted to potato chips. But what is an addiction? And, more specifically, what classifies as a sex addiction? Not everyone who falls to lust is an addict, but when does it become one? What impact does that type of addiction have on your heart and relationships? And what does recovery...

Despite a having a strong faith, many of us face struggles that can feel overwhelming. The subtle messaging of a prosperity gospel can leave us feeling duped when life doesn't go as planned. It's essential to acknowledge that suffering is a part of life, even for devout Catholics. So, what do we do? We must learn to pick up our crosses and follow Christ, embracing the reality of our circumstances....

Today, I welcome back Dr. Sarah Denny Laurio, bioethicist and speaker, to dive into what modesty really means, the responsibilities of both men and women, and how societal norms have shifted over the years. We explore the tension between personal freedom and the expectations placed on individuals, especially women, in how they present themselves. This conversation is not just about clothing; it's...

In this episode of the Always Hope Podcast, I explore the character of Sam Wilson as he takes up the mantle of Captain America in the new movie: Captain America: Brave New World. While the movie isn’t great, I love seeing a therapist turned into a superhero. I share insights about Sam Wilson desire to do the right thing even when it’s hard, the difficulty of reconciling ideals with reality, and th...

Do you struggle getting dates? Are you sick of apps? Do you struggle knowing how to be able to talk to girls when you even go on dates? Then maybe it’s time to try speed dating. But how? Today, I sit down with Taylor O'Brien, co-founder and CEO of Candid, a Catholic speed dating app. We explore the world of speed dating and how it fills the gap between traditional dating apps and local meetups. Ta...

Can't seem to figure out why you and your spouse argue over that same dumb thing? It's exhausting, isn't it? In today's episode, we're going to talk about why that pattern exists and what we can do to break it. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I understand that couples often fall into repetitive arguments that seem trivial but are rooted in deeper issues. This episode dives into the dy...

Maybe you’ve heard the term but don’t really know what Attachment Theory is. Well, this episode is your introductory masterclass into all things attachment. Joining me on the podcast today is Adam Lane Smith, licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship coach, to dive into everything attachment: we discuss the different attachment styles, how they are shaped, how they impact conflict, w...

Why is it that the things that initially attracted us to our spouse are the same things that drive us crazy? I’ve been married for 22 years and a marriage therapist for 20 and I get it. So today, we are going to breakdown how to embrace those differences and not see them as an obstacle to intimacy. I share some great stories in this episode that make these points super practical.   Tune in to...

Are you a young married couple struggling to learn the essential ingredients for a thriving marriage? As a therapist, I know that we all have great intentions when we get married but may not know exactly how to make our marriage work. In this episode of the Always Hope Podcast, I had the incredible opportunity to chat with Dr. Steve Call, a renowned marriage therapist and author. We have a wonderf...