Always Hope

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. Taylor shares her personal journey, including her own dating experiences that led her to create Candid, and the pain of a called-off engagement.

We discuss the common fears and misconceptions surrounding speed dating, and how it can be a great way to meet like-minded individuals. Taylor also provides valuable tips for making the most out of speed dating events, including how to approach conversations and managing expectations.

If you're tired of swiping and want to connect with others in a meaningful way, this episode is for you!

 Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:20 - Candid Speed Dating App and Events

00:10:46 - Advice for Unsuccessful Matches

00:14:01 - Tips for Speed Dating

00:22:43 - Taylor Sharing Her Personal Dating Journey

00:32:19 - Dating Pressure and Expectations

00:33:14 - Gender Differences in Dating

00:44:16 - The Importance of First Impressions

00:48:02 - Self-Reflection and Improvement in Dating

00:54:26 – Closing

Download Candid: https://www.candiddating.net

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

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.

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 dynamics of our nervous systems, how they are shaped, and how they influence our interactions with our spouse. 

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:48 - Understanding the Problem

00:01:25 - The Role of the Nervous System

00:05:42 - The Clash of Different Nervous Systems in Marriage

00:08:22 - Breaking the Pattern

00:12:10 - Real Life Application

00:16:04 - The Process of Remapping

00:21:27 - The Goal: Intimacy in Key Relationships

My YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

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.

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, what healing looks like through an attachment lens, and how our styles impact our attachment to God.

Thanks for joining us in this geeked-out conversation about attachment theory and practice.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Attachment Theory

07:20 Breaking Down the Attachment Styles

20:45 Practical Relationship Advice

26:00 Steps Towards Secure Attachment

34:55 Attachment to God

44:18 Conflict Resolution in Different Attachment Styles

Adam Lane Smith’s website: https://adamlanesmith.com

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.

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 learn more about how to navigate these challenges and build a stronger, more collaborative relationship.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Differences in Marriage
01:03 Yes, She’s a Different Person Than You
08:11 Understanding and Appreciating Your Spouse's Perspective
11:29 Practical Tips for Accepting Differences
13:14 Levels of Resentment
17:18 Conclusion: Celebrating Your Spouse's Unique Qualities

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

www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

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.

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 wonderful conversation about his book, A Deep-Rooted Marriage, co-authored with Dr. Dan Allender. Dr. Call detailed what it means to have a marriage with deep roots and emphasized the importance of intentionality in nurturing a healthy and flourishing relationship. He often drew parallels to gardening and beautifully illustrated how tending to the soil of our marriages can lead to a thriving relationship. As someone who’s killed a cactus before, gardening imagery only goes so far.

Dr. Call shared many fascinating insights from his book, including the significance of continuous growth, the courage it takes to be vulnerable in a relationship, the need for play in marriage, and seeing conflict as a means for connection. (Not what you usually think).

Overall, this episode was a treasure trove of insights and encouragement for anyone looking to cultivate a deep-rooted marriage. I hope you find it as enriching and inspiring as I did!

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:05 Where'd the Supersonics Go?
00:10:58 What is a Deep Rooted-Marriage?
00:20:02 Cultivating Curiosity in Marriage
00:25:54 Healing Your Nervous System Through Marriage
00:46:45 Ritual and Play in Marriage
00:59:10 What Gives You Hope? 

Dr Steve Call’s Website: https://www.thereconnectinstitute.com

Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Rooted-Marriage-Cultivating-Intimacy-Healing/dp/1400344468

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.

Today I welcome Peter Blute, the executive director of Young Catholic Professionals, to discuss the challenges young professionals face when entering the workforce.  

Thank you for joining us as we tackle everything from discerning job transitions and building professional skills, to integrating faith into your daily work life. Peter explains the unique role YCP plays in supporting young Catholics by providing them with a community that combines faith, career, and personal development. We also discuss the dynamics of the modern work environment, especially focusing on qualities unique to Gen Z, such as remote work and soft skill development. In this episode, you will discover practical advice and heartfelt wisdom that will help you navigate the complexities of modern work culture, all while staying true to your Catholic faith and calling.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome

02:13 Introduction to Young Catholic Professionals (YCP)

10:43 Navigating Secular Work Environments with Faith

21:57 The Importance of Prayer in Professional Life

32:50 Discernment and Career Decisions

42:45 Understanding Gen Z in the Workforce

59:42 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice for Young Professionals

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, I take a moment to share my gratitude for your unwavering support over the past six years and celebrate an incredible milestone—speaking at SEEK! Which was just an incredible experience; a culmination of 18 years of hard work and perseverance. This journey has been anything but linear, but it's taught me the value of faith, determination, and hope.

As we step into 2025, a year the Holy Father has declared as the Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope, I’m excited to share what's happening with the podcast and how you can be part of these next steps! Thank you for being part of this journey. I’d love your prayers, feedback, and support as we continue to grow. Let’s make 2025 a year of hope together!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

00:36 Journey of Rebuilding

02:15 Speaking at Seek Conference

03:48 Reflecting on 18 Years of Work

06:17 The Purpose of Always Hope

10:40 Call for Support in 2025

15:04 Encouragement for the New Year

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.

For many of us, belief isn’t always easy. Life throws curveballs. Promises don’t pan out the way we thought they would. Secularism raises doubts in our minds. It’s hard to reconcile the joy we sing about this time of year with the struggles we face in our day-to-day lives. But belief doesn’t always start with clarity. Sometimes, it starts in the messiness of life, when everything feels out of alignment. That’s where Christ finds us. That’s the story of Christmas.

And that’s where this episode begins—by looking at faith not as a perfect, clean answer, but as a journey. A journey that’s deeply personal, sometimes hard, but always transformative. Today, I’m sitting down with Dr. Tom Neal, to discuss the origin story of his faith life. Tom is a brilliant mind, a loving soul, someone who has dedicated his life to teaching the gospel, but like all of us, has had a journey. Tom’s story—from questioning faith to experiencing a profound, life-changing encounter with Christ—reminds us that joy and belief can exist, even in the hardest moments.

This is a vulnerable and candid episode about how we encounter Christ and why we still believe amidst hardship. So, sit back and let this story unfold. Because as we reflect on this Advent season, this isn’t just about belief in theory—it’s about what happens when belief meets real life.

As always, please leave questions in the comments.

Full quote from Fr Carlo Carretto: https://nealobstat.wordpress.com/2021/08/19/the-church-broken-so-the-light-can-enter-in/

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:06:08 Tom's Upbringing and Family Life

00:15:53 Tom's Miraculous Encounter with Christ

00:22:03 The Aftermath and a Newfound Faith

00:31:07 Choosing Catholicism

00:38:51 Exploring Other Religions Through a Catholic Lens

00:49:45 Maintaining Belief Amidst Hardship

00:54:05 The Importance of Prayer

00:57:56 Am I a Bad Catholic?

01:02:04 Mario's Journey of Faith

01:13:05 The Intelligibility of the Catholic Faith

01:22:57 Tertullian's Paradox

01:27:33 Fr Carlo Carretto Quote on the Mystery of the Catholic Church

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.

Today, I reflect on the greatest Christmas movie of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life and what it teaches us about hope, healing, and finding meaning in life’s challenges. George Bailey’s story is all of us—navigating dreams, disappointments, and the tension between personal desires and the needs of others. It’s a story of sacrifice, resilience, and ultimately, grace showing up in the most unexpected ways, like misfit second class angels.

This is the second part of my Advent series on Hope and Healing, last week we talked about acceptance (please check out that episode).  This week focuses on the surprising ways God comes to us, which is the central reflection of Advent – the miracle of the incarnation and the reminder that God shocked us all as a baby in the manger.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s reflect together on the gift of Advent, the power of acceptance, and the surprising ways divine providence manifests in our lives.

If you have any questions about this show or topic, please leave them in the comments.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Who is George Bailey?

04:44 The Burden of Responsibility and Choice

10:18 Don't Let Pain Turn You into a Villain

16:15 God is Listening

20:11 Final Encouragement

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.

Well, here we are. Advent. And today’s episode is the beginning of a four-part series on Advent, that will teach how to make this season into one of healing and hope. And we begin our reflections by unpacking the term acceptance. As we enter into Advent, I want to ask: are you struggling with accepting the year that has been? Have things not worked out the way you wanted, and are a little unsure how to surrender it to God?

If so, I’m happy you found this episode. Joining me on the podcast, to help unpack acceptance is Steven Hryniewicz, a skilled practitioner in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT.

Steven and I talk about how ACT encourages us to drop the struggle with difficult thoughts and emotions, giving us the freedom to focus on what truly matters. We examine how ACT can help us embrace psychological flexibility and align our actions with our values. We also dive into how Advent, as a season of both light and darkness, beginnings and ends, mirrors the therapeutic journey of finding meaning and grace in all parts of life—even the painful ones. Whether it’s managing anxiety, processing grief, or finding happiness, this episode offers practical insights and a fresh perspective for the season.

If you’re ready to embrace this Advent with a renewed sense of acceptance, hope, and purpose, then this conversation is for you. Let’s go!

If you have any questions about this show or topic, please leave them in the comments.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to ACT and Advent

00:04:10 What Is ACT?

00:09:50 Redefining Acceptance

00:14:15 Psychological Flexibility in Life and Faith

00:20:45 Solution to Anxiety 00:24:36 Anxiety and the Attachment Response

00:32:38 Uncovering Underlying Emotions

00:39:35 Exploring Pain and Values

00:44:10 Accepting Loneliness

00:50:29 Dropping Anchor Meditation

01:01:46 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Steven's practice: https://paxtherapysolutions.com

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.