Why did God give us free will? Think about it. All the poor judgments made by humans, the evils we have committed, the collective sins of history… wouldn’t creation have been better off without free agency? By the end of this show, you’ll know why the answer to that question is an unequivocal “No.”

I bring back my good friend Dr. Tom Neal, and his patience, as he allows me to wrestle with these deep and troubling questions. Once again, his wisdom shines through in his answers. In this episode, we go after why God gave us free will, how without we could not love, the problem of moral evil, how we are not mere puppets in the hand of capricious God, why we need to cherish this supreme gift endowed on us, and glimpse of what our free will may look like in heaven.

I know I say this with all my episodes, but this truly is another gem of a show. At times, we get philosophical but hang it there, because it is worth it. You’ll walk way cherishing the gift of your freedom.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, share with friends, and hit me up on Facebook or Instagram, @drmariosacasa.

Websites mentioned in the show:
Nealobstat.wordpress.com

Dr. Mario Sacasa welcomes back Fr Timothy Gallagher, popular author and sought-after lecturer on the discerning God’s will. In today’s show, they discuss whether or not God has a specific plan for our lives, what freedom do we have to forge our own direction, reframing discernment as a skill that needs to be developed, dealing with perceived failed discernments, and always choosing to “begin again” afterward.

When the show is done, please find me on Facebook or Instagram, @drmariosacasa, to offer your thoughts about today’s episode.

Websites mentioned in the show:
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s website
Overcoming Spiritual Discouragement Book
Always Hope Episode 25: Spiritual Desolation with Fr Timothy Gallagher.

Hey everyone! Today, I am announcing the biggest update to the show since its inception: I’m leaving Willwoods and stepping out on my own. I will soon be launching my own platform, allowing me to focus and expand the work of Always Hope and Dating Well. I’m working hard on a new website, Always Hope YouTube channel, weekly episodes, Hope Club Membership, and Dating Well: Mastermind Coaching Groups.   I’m incredibly grateful for my six years at Willwoods and their support of this show, I wouldn’t have gotten this far without them. I will still lead a few marriage retreats a year for them, but it’s time to move forward and take a leap of faith. The show’s about hope, right?    Please continue to subscribe to the podcast and follow me on Instagram to stay up-to-date with the changes that are coming. I’ll be leaning on your support to make the show grow. Now more than ever, please leave a review on Apple or rate the show on Spotify. It’s time for Always Hope to fly and I can only do that with your help!    Over the next few weeks, you will see a number of reposts from years past. I’ve been doing the show since 2018, so these will feel like brand new episodes. Please enjoy! This will give me some breathing room as I work on the aforementioned enhancements and new offerings.    Let us pray and encourage one another! Fr. Walter Ciszek, pray for us! St. Albert the Great, pray for us! Mother Cabrini, pray for us!   www.drmariosacasa.com  
Mario Sacasa, Ph.D., LMFT
faithandmarriage.org
704-444-0670   Want to learn more about dating?
Check out Dating Well

Join us on the Always Hope Podcast as Dr. Mario sits down with Colin and Aimee MacIver to discuss their groundbreaking program, "Envision Theology of the Body for Middle School." This episode delves into the revitalization of the original Theology of the Body for Teens, tailored to address contemporary issues faced by today’s youth. Colin and Aimee share insights into the comprehensive overhaul of the curriculum.

In this episode, we examine how JPII’s catechizes answers questions about gender identity even though that wasn’t explicitly mentioned, why this message is still pertinent for today’s youth. The MacIver’s also share from their experiences of sharing this message to youth, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, personal witness, and creating "zones of freedom" where young people feel safe to explore their faith and ask questions without fear of judgment. We also address critiques that the Theology of the Body has an overly romanticized view of human sexuality.

With a focus on meaningful engagement and real-life applicability, this episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about youth ministry. Discover how "Envision Theology of the Body" is helping shape a generation of young people grounded in faith, identity, and purpose.

Tune in now to be inspired and equipped with new tools to support the spiritual growth of middle schoolers.

Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Instagram.

Please leave a rating and write a review!

Websites mentioned in the show:

Envision: Theology of the Body for Middle School

In today’s episode, I welcome Luanne Zurlo for an engaging discussion about dedicated singlehood in the Catholic Church. We explore the nuances between dedicated singlehood, consecrated virginity, and the secular world's concept of single life. Luanne shares her personal journey of discerning her vocation, the importance of deep prayer, and how she found peace and joy in her dedicated single life. We also delve into how one's vocation is a personal call from God and the significance of building a deep relationship with Christ. The episode touches on the challenges and blessings of this vocation and offers practical advice for those discerning a similar path. Throughout the conversation we explore the dynamic between vocation and state of life, the importance of trust and humility, and the hope and joy found in embracing God's call.

Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Instagram.

Please leave a rating and write a review!

Websites mentioned in the show:

Single for A Greater Purpose book

The pressures of dating are real! But how do we let them go? Is there a way to date intentionally but without the intensity?

This conversation originally appeared on the Thriving in the Space Between podcast, and I am grateful for Maria and Meghan for letting me drop it on my show, too. You may remember them from an episode last year when we talked about dating advice from single women, and we pick up where we left off last time around.

In today’s episode, I’m the one answering the questions, not asking them. They fielded questions from the women they serve in their Intentional Single community. So, we have a wide-ranging conversation on balancing dating and marriage intentions, the role of physical attraction, how social media and dating apps impact relationship dynamics, navigating pornography struggles of potential partners, healing from past relationships, how to be vulnerable, and the importance of play in dating.

Happiness is an elusive ideal. What contributes to it? Why does it feel like happiness is a Game of Whac-a-Mole? When we feel it in one place, somewhere else gets misaligned. But how does having faith and living a moral life aid in the quest for achieving happiness?

To discuss these questions and more, I welcome Fr. Robert Spitzer, host of Fr. Spitzer’s Universe on EWTN and President of the Magis Center for Faith and Reason, to talk about his new book, “The Four Levels of Happiness: Your Path to Personal Flourishing.”

In today’s episode, we discuss how happiness is the fulfillment of desire, but that there are multiple desires within us, and they are sometimes competing with each other. Which is all part of God’s crazy plan for us. Fr. Spitzer explains his concept of the four levels of happiness and how we can pursue them. We discuss why faith is connected to the highest level of happiness and that living a moral life is integral to the pursuit of happiness.

Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Instagram.

Please leave a rating and write a review!

Websites mentioned in the show:
The Four Levels of Happiness Book
Magis Center for Faith and Reason
Fr. Spitzer’s Universe

Let’s talk about Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini!

 

In today’s episode, I welcome back Kristen Theriault, spokesperson for Sophia Institute Press, to discuss all things related to Mother Cabrini, including the new Cabrini movie by Angel Studies, and two books by Sophia: The World is Too Small: The Life and Times of Mother Cabrini and The Mother Cabrini Companion: A Spiritual Journey with a Courageous Woman of God.

 

We discuss the life of Mother Cabrini, what the movie got right and where it took creative liberties, and the critiques to the film. We also dive deep into Mother’s unwavering faith, her unprecedented apostolic activity, how she expanded her outreach to 67 missions all over the world, and how her active life flowed from her contemplative one. Kristen also shares anecdotes and prayers she learned from Mother Cabrini.

 

Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Instagram.

 

Please leave a rating and write a review!

Websites mentioned in the show:

The World is Too Small: The Life and Times of Mother Cabrini and The Mother Cabrini Companion: A Spiritual Journey with a Courageous Woman of God.

Kristen’s Substack

Episode 35: Who is Walter Ciszek? | John M. DeJak

Episode 121: Psychology and the Cross | Kristen Van Uden

In today’s episode, I welcome back Danny Fitzpatrick to discuss his new book released by Sophia Institute, titled "Restoring the Lord's Day: How Reclaiming Sunday Can Revive Our Human Nature."

 We discuss the importance of the Sabbath, how it is crucial for restoring our human nature, and how culture has shifted away from recognizing its significance. We also talk at length about the surprising ways Acedia (slothfulness) manifests in our lives and how it leads to a sadness about Divine goods. We end the episode by offering practical ways of reclaiming the Sabbath in your life and family. This episode is a call to integrate these principles into daily life, while emphasizing the transformative power of dedicating time to God, especially on Sundays.

Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Instagram.

Further Information:

• For more about Danny Fitzpatrick’s work and his book, “Restoring the Lord’s Day,” visit Sophia Institute Press
• Follow Danny on Instagram: @fitz.the.writer
• Contact Danny via email for further discussion or inquires: [email protected]

As a marriage therapist that integrates my faith into my work, it is often difficult to find resources I can share about marital intimacy that are appropriate for Catholic and Christian couples, because what is generally out there is overly explicit and reductionistic. What can faithful couples do who want to improve their physical intimacy? Listen to this episode and share with their friends.  

 

I’m excited to welcome back to the podcast, Dr. Sarah Bartel, Catholic moral theologian, to discuss her new online course: My Delight for Catholic Wives.

 

This episode is a comprehensive discussion on the topic of enhancing marital intimacy within the context of faith. We focus on common challenges faced by Catholic Christian wives regarding physical intimacy. We discuss the differences between men and women’s anatomies, arousal curves, and experiences of lovemaking. The conversation covers various aspects such as dealing with emotional challenges, physical challenges, misconceptions around 'obligation sex,' and other hinderances to healthy sexual expression in marriage. We cover many practical suggestions for improving intimacy that will help your marriage: the need for transition time, seeing intimacy as an important part of your relationship, the significance of foreplay, and embracing novelty while staying connected to each other.

 

I am giving the caveat that this is a detailed conversation, so you may want to listen to this one with your headphones on. And I strongly encourage that this episode be listened to by folks who are already married or engaged couples preparing for marriage. It’ll help you reclaim joy in the bedroom.

 

Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Instagram.

 

Websites mentioned in the show:

My Delight Course

Embracing Intimacy Guide