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Always Hope episodes

  • 191. Why Young Men are Returning to Faith with Dr. Anthony Isacco

    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 faith.
    • Why influential voices like Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson, and Arthur Brooks are suddenly talking about religion again.
    • Whether a real faith resurgence is actually happening.
    • Is this a cultural shift… or just the beginning?

      Dr. Anthony Isacco is the program director for the MS in Clinical Psychology at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. His research and clinical interests include positive father involvement, religious and spiritual factors to men's health, and working with religious populations such as priests, deacons, seminarians, and women religious. He has published three books on those topics: All In: Breaking Barriers to Discerning the Priesthood (Lambing Press); Religion, Spirituality, and Masculinity: New Insights for Counselors (Routledge); and The Handbook of the Psychology of Fatherhood (Spring Nature).

       Chapters:

      00:00:00 - Introduction

      00:15:47 - The Changing Role Models in Faith

      00:18:10 - The Importance of Faith in Masculinity

      00:28:59 - Personal Observations on Faith Trends

      00:32:33 - Faith and Socioeconomic Status

      00:36:24 - The Intersection of Faith, Knowledge, and Intellectualism

      00:52:36 - The Church's Response to Men's Needs

      01:05:39 - Advice for Those at a Crossroads

      01:08:00 - Final Thoughts and Blessings

       

      St Mary’s Clinical Psychology Program: https://www.smumn.edu/degree/masters/clinical-psychology/

       

      ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

      🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

       

      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

       

      Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

      www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

       

      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.

      1 hr 11 min
    • 190. Life Lessons from Death Row with Fr. Dustin Feddon

      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 political conversation. It’s about shame, relationship, and what it means to see someone as more than the worst thing they’ve done. 

      These are stories from death row — and what they reveal about all of us. 

       

      Fr. Dustin Feddon is a priest of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and the founder/executive director of Joseph House. Fr. Dustin combines his dedication to those on the margins of society with his service to the Church. After spending years visiting the incarcerated in Florida’s massive prison system, he believes that the church has the resources and the community to assist those that are returning back into society from prison. 

       

      Chapters:

      00:00:00 - Introduction and Background

      00:05:30 - First Experiences in Prison Ministry

      00:06:49 - Impact of Prison Ministry on Father Dustin

      00:13:39 - Returning to Seminary with a New Focus

      00:24:55 - Encountering the Harsh Realities of Solitary Confinement

      00:31:21 - Establishing Joseph House

      00:46:35 - The Concept of Irredeemability and Its Impact

      00:58:28 - The Story of Daryl: Accompanying Men at Their Execution

      01:02:45 - The Execution of Daryl: A Witness's Perspective

      01:18:59 - Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

       

      Joseph House: https://www.josephhouseus.org

       More Than Halfway Home Book: https://www.josephhouseus.org/more-than-half-way-home

       

      ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

      🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

       

      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

       

      Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

      www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

       

      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.

      1 hr 28 min
    • 189. The Missing Foundation in Masculine Formation with Fr. Josh Johnson

      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. The patterns that emerge aren’t limited to young men or religious settings — they show up across the board.

      Whether you're a seminarian, a priest, or just a dude looking to grow in your understanding of masculinity, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice. Join us as we explore how to embrace true masculinity and foster deeper connections with ourselves and others.

      Fr. Josh Johnson is a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. He is the pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and director of the Propaedeutic Program for Baton Rouge seminarians. He travels widely as a speaker at conferences, retreats, and youth events, and was one of 3 MCs at the historic National Eucharistic Congress in 2024. He is well-known for his popular podcast Ask Father Josh as well as his Q&A videos on Ascension Presents. He is the author of several books including On Earth as It Is in Heaven: Restoring God’s Vision for Race and Discipleship.

       Chapters:

      00:00:00 - Introduction

      00:15:20 - The Importance of Vulnerability and Boundaries in Seminary Formation

      00:17:35 - Learning and Adapting in the First Year of Formation

      00:19:45 - Observations and Surprises in the House of Formation

      00:30:58 - Adapting to Individual Needs and Challenges in Formation

      00:46:18 - Addressing Distrust within the Seminary and Priesthood

      00:49:55 - The Importance of Creating Structure and Trust in Relationships

      00:56:02 - The Challenge of Creating Personal Structure and Maintaining Relationships

      01:01:14 - The Importance of Perseverance and Grit

      01:04:30 - The Simplicity of Faith and the Challenges of Returning to Basics

       

      Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church: https://sacredheartbr.org

       Every Word Scripture Journal: https://everyword.press/products/on-every-word-scripture-journal

       ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

      🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

       

      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

       

      Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

      www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

       

      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.

      1 hr 14 min
    • 188. Why Forgiveness Feels Impossible For Most People with Dr. Robert Enright

      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 excusing or forgetting, and why it has profound emotional, psychological, and spiritual impact. Rooted in both clinical psychology and a Christian understanding of suffering and redemption, this conversation offers a clear and hopeful path toward freedom, healing, and unity in Christ. 

      Professor Robert Enright is a licensed psychologist and holds the Aristotelian Professorship in Forgiveness Science, Human Development Area, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has pioneered the scientific study of forgiveness, which now claims over 1,000 researchers worldwide. He teaches courses in moral development with an emphasis on the psychology of forgiveness. He is a popular speaker on the moral development of forgiveness, with his work appearing in such outlets as Time magazine, the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and ABC’s 20/20.  

      Chapters:

      00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction

      00:06:22 - The Controversy and Challenges of Studying Forgiveness

      00:08:52 - Understanding Forgiveness in the Context of Christianity

      00:18:15 - The Importance of Distinguishing Forgiveness and Reconciliation

      00:22:10 - Introduction to Dr. Enright's Model of Forgiveness

      00:33:12 - The Role of Compassion and Suffering in Forgiveness

      00:34:18 - The Fulfillment of Forgiveness as a Moral Virtue

      00:37:30 - The Impact of Forgiveness on Psychological Health: Case Studies

      00:43:03 - The Process and Importance of Self-Forgiveness

      00:51:10 - The Role of Self-Forgiveness in Spiritual Warfare

       

      Forgiveness as Unity in Christ Book Link: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/forgiving-as-unity-with-christ/

      Salvifici Dolores John Paul II: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1984/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_salvifici-doloris.html

      Every Word Scripture Journal: https://everyword.press/products/on-every-word-scripture-journal

      ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

      🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

       

      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

       

      Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

      www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

       

      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.

      1 hr 1 min
    • 187. Catholic Psychologist Explains Same-Sex Attraction Honestly with Dr. Julia Sadusky

      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 can move beyond shame, confusion, and false expectations — and toward a more peaceful, integrated life.

      We talk about:

      • Why prayer isn’t a “fix” for every struggle — and why that doesn’t mean prayer has failed
      • What psychology actually says about same-sex attraction
      • The difference between acceptance and approval
      • Why chasing “change” can sometimes block real healing
      • How the Church quietly offers a much more hopeful vision than most people realize
      • This conversation is especially for:

        • Catholics navigating same-sex attraction
        • Parents trying to support a loved one faithfully
        • Priests, therapists, and ministry leaders
        • Anyone tired of polarized or simplistic answers
        • If you’ve ever felt caught between faith and lived experience, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and hope rooted in truth

           

          Julia Sadusky (PsyD, Regent University) is an author, speaker, and licensed psychologist. She owns Lux Counseling and Consulting in Littleton, CO., where she offers individual, family, and couples therapy in addition to consultations for individuals and families around sexuality and gender. She also serves as a ministry educator, offering trainings and consultations to counseling centers and faith-based institutions on sexuality, gender identity, mental health, trauma-informed care, and the intersection of sexuality, gender, and theology. Other areas of focus include work with those experiencing complex trauma and eating disorders.

           She can be reached at: https://www.juliasadusky.com

          Chapters:

          00:00:00 - Introduction
          00:00:31 - Integrating Faith into Therapy
          00:06:33 - Navigating Sexuality and Gender Issues
          00:15:40 - Understanding and Accepting One's Own Story
          00:16:19 - Addressing the Expectations and Misconceptions
          00:27:44 - Exploring the Origins of Same-Sex Attraction
          00:30:49 - Exploring the Causes and Impacts of Opposite-Sex Attraction
          00:34:45 - The Role of Acceptance and Moving Forward
          00:47:17 - Addressing Mental Health Concerns within Non-Heterosexual Population
          00:53:44 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information

          Why I Don’t Do Reintegrative Therapy as a Catholic Therapist: https://youtu.be/_gZSRet4xR8?si=4fRS5EF327a9Uqho

           

          ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

          🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

           

          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

           

          Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

          www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

           

          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.

          57 min
        • 186. The Psychology of Hope: Moving Forward Through Uncertainty with Dr. Matthew Gallagher

          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 uncertainty. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or low on motivation, this episode will give you a clearer path forward.

          Dr. Matthew Gallagher is a professor of Clinical Psychology at the Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics at the University of Houston. He is one of the leading researchers of the psychology of hope. His research interests include: Transdiagnostic treatments (e.g. the Unified Protocol) for PTSD and anxiety disorders, mechanisms of change of empirically supported treatments, and how positive thinking (e.g., hope, optimism, self-efficacy) promotes well-being and provides resilience to PTSD and other anxiety disorders. He can be reached at: [email protected]

          Chapters:

          00:00:58 - Defining Hope

          00:16:07 - Understanding Hope as a Virtue

          00:17:30 - Different Conceptualizations of Hope

          00:28:47 - Encouraging Active Pursuit of Goals

          00:33:05 - Limitations of Viewing Hope Through Goals

          00:37:51 - Hope, Trauma, and Recovery

          00:51:14 - Incorporating Faith and Spirituality in Hope

           

          🕯️Let There Be Peace Advent Virtual Retreat: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/advent2025

          ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

          🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

          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

          Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights! www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

           

          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.

          1 hr 4 min
        • 185. Why Your Idea of Peace Might Be Completely Wrong

          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 three-part framework that has helped me find genuine interior stability: Awareness, Attachment, and Abandonment. This episode goes far deeper than “self-care.” It’s about the interior shifts that actually allow you to face stress, suffering, uncertainty, and longing with courage.

          If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your head, anxious about the future, or spiritually dry, this episode will give you a grounded and hope-filled pathway forward.

           Chapters:

          00:00:00 - Introduction

          00:01:50 - 3 A's to Understanding Peace:

          00:05:56 - Awareness

          00:11:38 - Attachment

          00:21:10 - Attachment System and Emotional Balance

          00:27:09 - Abandonment and Divine Providence

          00:34:57 - Finding Peace Amidst Life's Challenges

           

           

          🙏 Join the Advent Virtual Retreat: Let There Be Peace

          If this episode resonates with you, don’t miss the upcoming 3-part Advent retreat with Dr. Tom Neal and me, where we dig even deeper into:

          ✔ What Christian tradition teaches about inner peace
          ✔ The eight “principal thoughts” that disrupt peace
          ✔ How to grow in hope, trust, and holy abandonment
          ✔ Practical tools to cultivate interior calm during Advent

          👉 Register here: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/advent2025

           

          ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

          📝 Complete a survey to help me build Always Hope Together, my online community for this show: https://forms.gle/YpnfV8bS8R1ekzpR6

          🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

           

           

          Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

          www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

           

          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.

          39 min
        • 184. Stop Letting Discouragement Control Your Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher

          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 growth and virtue. Father Gallagher encourages us to embrace our circumstances and find peace, even amidst challenges. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Remember, it's never too late to begin again, and peace is always within reach. Join us on this journey towards understanding and embracing the peace we all long for. 

          #peace  #discouragement  #faith  #growth

          Chapters:

          00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Presentation

          00:00:42 - Discussion on the Influence of Venerable Bruno Lantieri

          00:16:33 - Finding Peace in Life: Venerable Bruno's Teachings

          00:30:59 - Venerable Bruno's Persecution and Exile

          00:34:22 - Venerable Bruno's Return and Achievements

          00:39:11 - Discussion on Jansenism

          00:44:27 - Venerable Bruno's Approach to Temptations

          00:45:25 - Understanding the Three Stages of the Spiritual Life

          01:00:29 - Exploring Alternative Narratives in Therapy

          01:03:39 - Venerable Bruno's Final Year and Legacy

           

          Ignatian Discernment Institute: https://www.discernment.institute

           

          Let There Be Peace Advent Virtual Retreat: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/advent2025

           

          ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

          📝 Complete a survey to help me build Always Hope Together, my online community for this show: https://forms.gle/YpnfV8bS8R1ekzpR6

          🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

           

          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

           

          Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

          www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

           

          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.

          1 hr 12 min
        • 183. The Priest Who Changed How I See God

           

          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 wisdom — including the phrase that changed my entire understanding of the spiritual life: “All the way to heaven is heaven.”

          What if heaven isn’t somewhere we go, but something we start to see — right here, right now?

          Listen in to discover:

          • The one truth that anchored me through every hardship

          • The spiritual habit most people get wrong

          • How to find peace in the middle of pain — not after it

            This episode isn’t just a tribute. It’s an invitation to see your own life differently.

             

            Chapters:

            00:00:00 - Introduction and Tribute to Monsignor Slade Crawford

            00:00:47 - Personal Relationship with Monsignor Crawford

            00:05:20 - Monsignor Crawford's Life and Legacy

            00:12:39 - Wedding Homily Playback

            00:32:00 - Closing Remarks

             

            Fr. Crawford Obituary: https://www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Monsignor-C-Slade-Crawford?obId=45958356

             

            ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

            📝 Complete a survey to help me build Always Hope Together, my online community for this show: https://forms.gle/YpnfV8bS8R1ekzpR6

            🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

             

            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

             

            Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

            www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

             

            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.

            #faith #loss #wisdom #prayer #inspiration

            34 min
          • 182. Life is Hard Even For Believers (and the Future of Always Hope)

            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 forward. I’m excited to share my plans for the podcast and how I want to create a deeper connection with you, my listeners. Together, we can navigate the ups and downs of life, and I want to hear your thoughts on how we can grow as a community. Let’s embark on this journey together and find hope in the process! 

            #journey #hope #community #struggle #podcast

            Chapters:

            00:00:00 - Introduction and Apology

            00:01:12 - Struggles and Difficulties

            00:10:20 - The Purpose of Always Hope

            00:16:29 - Changes to the Podcast Format

            00:20:16 - Introducing a Weekly Newsletter

            00:22:18 - Planning a Paid Community

            00:25:31 - Long-Term Plans

             

            ✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

            📝 Complete a survey to help me build Always Hope Together, my online community for this show: https://forms.gle/YpnfV8bS8R1ekzpR6

            🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

             

            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

             

            Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

            www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

             

            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.

            31 min

          About Always Hope

          From the publisher's feed

          Always Hope provides solutions to a better life that are anchored in faith and psychological science. Dr. Mario Sacasa, LMFT, brings his years of counseling experience to the table and welcomes experts and friends to tackle challenging topics related to dating, marriage, and uncertainty in life. Started in 2018, the show has garnered a worldwide audience and is one the best podcasts that blends Catholicism with mental health and personal development. New episodes drop every other Wednesday.

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