Being Human

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 respon...

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...

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 tru...

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-re...

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...

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...

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 su...

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 "...

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...

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 co...

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 can...

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 s...

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.   Di...

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: Bisho...

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'...

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 o...

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...

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. Discus...

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 epis...

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 minist...

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...

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 becomin...

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. Discuss...

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!...

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;...