Always Hope

In this episode, Dr. Mario Sacasa sits down with Mary Bruno, author of Missing Pieces: Perspectives on Sex for Catholic Women, to explore the realities of intimacy in marriage. Mary opens up about her personal journey with vaginismus and endometriosis, shedding light on the challenges newlyweds face in building emotional and physical connection. They discuss setting realistic expectations for the wedding night, the importance of open communication, and practical tips for navigating intimacy challenges. Whether you're newly engaged or have been married for years, this conversation offers hope, insights, and actionable advice to deepen your relationship. Don't miss this candid and heartfelt discussion!

Purchase Mary’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Pieces-Female-Perspectives-Catholic/dp/B0D3B5WDY1/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.um5QYaZZYPygzeviQ3-x7576QCSruBRGQY75ZAUxPl2IGkILLK4E1HHXNrLGRwjQSwJHclwjrsivpNd7KQvDuAP2CvE37UgbcEVgoWJZZGabxRFuV0ejwA_NOmXAowvNYJ_0eWSTzfMG_ltru_1H7y0tMINKQQNF9qkSsT8JReU.hfRqxPc5HBAp-36-dIN-wKn27P2ghsVKbXCwBgkRNdI&dib_tag=se&keywords=missing+pieces+female+perspectives&qid=1732114680&sr=8-1

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

See the links below to offer financial assistance:

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Charities Hurricane Helen Donations Page:

https://giving.classy.org/campaign/624511/donate

Diocese of St. Petersburg Hurricane Relief Fund:

https://www.givecentral.org/appeals-form-registration/acp5f44220f014e0/user/guest

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

In this episode, Dr. Mario Sacasa, LMFT speaks directly to men about how to approach dating with confidence and tact. Through years of working with Catholic singles, Dr. Sacasa has seen a common struggle: good, faithful men often feel intimidated or unsure about how to talk to women in a way that feels natural. So, today he is sharing a simple, three-step approach to help you start conversations, keep them going, and ultimately ask someone out—without cheesy pickup lines or awkward moments. Whether you're a seasoned dater or just starting out, this episode is all about building the skills to make meaningful connections and find the courage to take that next step!

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

See the links below to offer financial assistance:

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Charities Hurricane Helen Donations Page:

https://giving.classy.org/campaign/624511/donate

Diocese of St. Petersburg Hurricane Relief Fund:

https://www.givecentral.org/appeals-form-registration/acp5f44220f014e0/user/guest

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

What if Margaret Sanger (Founder of Planned Parenthood) and St. John Paul II (Papal Juggernuat) sat down and debated their divergent ideas about personal freedom, choice, and women's dignity? That's the provocative question posed by today's guest, Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio, theologian and bioethicist. 

We unpack Sanger’s drive and reasoning, the birth control movement, and why she’s such a divisive figure (e.g. racism and eugenics). Then, we look at John Paul II’s powerful alternative: a view of freedom rooted in dignity, mutual respect, and honoring the differences between men and women. Together, we imagine what a “third way” in sex education could look like—one that blends awareness of our bodies with the values of respect and responsibility.

Now that the election is over, it's important to maintain a spirit of dialogue with those who disagree with over values and that's the aim of this episode. This conversation will leave you rethinking what true freedom means for women and men today!

Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio

Instagram: @dr.sarahdennylorio

See the links below to offer financial assistance:

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Charities Hurricane Helen Donations Page:

https://giving.classy.org/campaign/624511/donate

Diocese of St. Petersburg Hurricane Relief Fund:

https://www.givecentral.org/appeals-form-registration/acp5f44220f014e0/user/guest

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

With Halloween just around the corner, let’s talk about humorously frightening online dating experiences. In this episode, I sit down with Maria Mitchell, the mind behind the hilarious Instagram account "Catholic Dating Nightmares." We dive into the wild world of Catholic dating, where unrealistic expectations and cringe-worthy profiles meet the need for humor and hope. Maria shares the story of how her Instagram started as a joke with friends and quickly became a community of people laughing through their dating struggles. (Laugh or cry right?) Not only does she share some highlights of her feed, but we also get into very clear practical advice about how to “market” yourself on dating apps, best practices for first dates, and knowing when to pull back from the dating scene should it become too discouraging. If you’re navigating the ups and downs of modern dating (or just need a good laugh), you won’t want to miss this one!

Catholic Dating Nightmares

Instagram: @catholicdatingnightmares

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

See the links below to offer financial assistance:

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Charities Hurricane Helen Donations Page:

https://giving.classy.org/campaign/624511/donate

Diocese of St. Petersburg Hurricane Relief Fund:

https://www.givecentral.org/appeals-form-registration/acp5f44220f014e0/user/guest

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

In this solo episode of the Always Hope Podcast, I dive into a question I often hear: "When should I seek counseling, and when is it time to consider medication?" As a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience, I want to provide you with practical guidance on this important topic. We'll explore the differences between depression and anxiety, how to recognize when you're feeling "stuck," and what it means to draw on your natural resources like community support, exercise, and prayer. But what happens when those aren’t enough? I'll walk you through the benefits of professional counseling and how medication can play a role in your healing journey—without being the whole answer. If you've ever wondered if it's time to take that next step in caring for your mental health or just need a bit of hope and encouragement, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let’s tackle these challenges together with faith, wisdom, and a balanced approach to finding peace.

Buy Overcoming Stress and Anxiety:

www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

Use coupon code Sacasa25 to get 25% off!

See the links below to offer financial assistance:

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Charities Hurricane Helen Donations Page

Diocese of St. Petersburg Hurricane Relief Fund

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

I consider Catholicism to be a reasonable faith. One that doesn’t exist in extremes and by doing so can speak to all sides of an issue. And yes, that includes modern feminist theory.  

So today, I sit down with Dr. Kevin Stuart to discuss the creation of a new Catholic Women's and Gender Studies program at the University of St. Thomas. We dive into the tension between traditional Catholic views and the secular discourse on gender studies. Dr. Stuart explains the goals of the program, which integrates faith, scientific literature, and a Catholic perspective on feminism, gender, and the role of women in society. Rather, than outright rejecting feminism, they are engaging in intellectual dialogue with its leading theorists.

We further discuss why this program exists, the appropriate use of the term ‘gender,’ how technology has changed the landscape for male-female relations, and what we can to do continue pushing against a utilitarian/transactional view of sexuality.

Websites Mentions in the Show:

University of St. Thomas Center for Faith and Culture

See the links below to offer financial assistance:

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Charities Hurricane Helen Donations Page

Diocese of St. Petersburg Hurricane Relief Fund

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

We all know what it feels like to be drowning under a pile of work or overwhelmed by difficulties beyond our control. Those moments when our emotions become overwhelming, and we lose a reference point to keep us stable.

That feeling of being out-of-control is encapsulated by the symbolism of water in scripture, and that’s what we are diving into in today’s episode. Through stories from the Old and New Testaments, Dr. Mario Sacasa explores how faith can guide us through life's storms. See how these biblical images offer us hope, comfort, and a path forward through God’s grace.

Mario emphasizes the importance of trust as a developmental milestone and explains how spiritual truths can anchor our emotional well-being. He also reflects on how faith helps us navigate suffering, chaos, and uncertainty, offering a firm foundation in God's presence.

The episode closes with an invitation to prayer for communities affected by Hurricane Helene, and ways to support relief efforts for those impacted by natural disasters.

See the links below to offer financial assistance:

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Charities Hurricane Helen Donations Page

Diocese of St. Petersburg Hurricane Relief Fund

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

Why do most people feel like the dating scene has become a dumpster fire? What are the unique challenges faced by Catholic young adults? What is the #1 complaint by women? What is the #1 complaint by men? And what can we do make this whole things a little more enjoyable?

Joining me on the show is Rachel Hoover Canto, author of the book “Pretty Good Catholic: How to find, date, and marry someone who shares your faith.” We have a wonderful conversation where we discuss ways men can round out their interests beyond just Catholic things, the importance of meeting people, the value of non-exclusive dating, ways that women can show their interest, and how to start a conversation with people you are attracted to.

Pretty Good Catholic book link

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

Have you ever tried pursuing a dream only for it to blow up in your face? Have you followed God's call only to encounter hardships beyond anything you could have previously imagined? What do you do afterward? How do you pick up the pieces and keep going? That's what we are unpacking in today's episode of Always Hope.

In today's show, I explore why God allows us to fail, offer four steps for responding to failure, discuss mindset shifts that need to happen, and encourage you to begin again.

This is my first video episode, too. Check it out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LO0pvZaIGgw

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

Have you struggled discerning God's plan for your life? Not sure how your emotional health impacts discernment? Do you know if you are healthy enough to start a relationship? If that's you, then stay tuned becuase you are going to get some great recommendations in this conversation.

Joining me on the pod today is Sr Josephine Garrett, licensed profressional counselor and all around super-mega-dope nun. In this episode, Sister shares her vocation story, we discuss some of the errors we’ve heard in young people’s discernment questioning, define basic principles of what is healthy enough, discuss qualities in life that aid good discernment, and share things that get in the way.

It's a lively conversation, where we share great stories and offer practical principles to help you grow in your capacity to discern God’s will. Don't miss it!

This is my final repost episode. I've been working hard behind the scenes these past couple of months and next week will launch the first episode post Willwoods. Thank you for the prayers and support. I'm looking forward to sharing the new things that are coming and continually serving you through Always Hope. 

Learn more about the podcast and the work I offer by visiting: www.drmariosacasa.com

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