Always Hope

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.

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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.

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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

Are you experiencing loneliness and not quite sure what to do about it? Then this episode will be of great benefit to you.

Today, I welcome Regina Boyd, licensed marriage and family therapist and author of the new book Leaving Loneliness Behind: 5 Keys to Experiencing God’s Love and Building Healthy Connection with Others.

In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation exploring themes of loneliness, the importance of connection, and strategies for developing healthier relationships. It covers a range of topics from setting healthy boundaries to understanding the impact of past experiences on current behavior. Regina also shares insights into her book along with practical advice for fostering meaningful connections in today’s society.

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

Websites mentioned in the show:
“Leaving Loneliness Behind” Book Link
Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation

Do you struggle with scrupulosity or know a loved one who does? If so, this episode will provide great insights and solutions for you.

Today, I welcome Rebecca Martin, editor of the book “Scrupulosity: Heal Your Mind, Unbind Your Soul, and Let God Work.” The book was written by the late Dr. Kevin Vost, who we honor in the show. In this episode, we examine scrupulosity through a moral, spiritual, and psychological lens, offer insights from the saints, detail the difference between temptation and sin, share how growth in the virtues are crucial, and describe therapeutic interventions that aid the process of healing.

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

Websites mentioned in the show:

Scrupulosity: Heal Your Mind, Unbind Your Soul, and Let God Work

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety Course. Use coupon code: Sacasa25

Other episodes to consider:

119 - Eat Healthy. Be Holy. | Dr. Kevin Vost

135 – The Devout Life | Dcn. Matthew Newsome

How often do men and women feel at odds with each other in relationships, dating, marriage, and parenting? What if those differences we there by design and ignoring them only creates more frustration? What if equality didn’t equal sameness?

Joining me on the show to talk about how we can navigate these differences more effectively is Dr. Brett Salkeld, host of the Thinking Faith! Podcast. I love talking with Brett, so grateful to have him back on the show. In today’s episode we discuss the importance of acknowledging the inherent differences between men and women, how that leads to deeper connection and intimacy, and how evolutionary psychology provides some context to these questions. Throughout the episode we share insightful analogies and real-life examples illustrating how these pricniples play out in everyday life.

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

Websites mentioned in the show: 
Thinking Faith! Podcast

How does the decline in marriage impact the decline in faith practice and affiliation? What has contributed to the rise in “none’s”? Can scientific research and inquiry help us understand the connection between marriage and faith?

To have this important conversation, I welcome JP De Gance, founder and president of Communio, which is a nonprofit ministry that trains and equips churches to share the Gospel through the renewal of healthy relationship, marriages, and the family.

In today’s episode, we discuss loneliness in America, marriage and divorce statistics, how the perception of marriage has changed from a cornerstone to capstone venture, how the decline in marriage correlates with the decline in faith practice, how dads play a key role in their children’s faith practice, and strategies that parishes and communities can implement to serve better serve marriage.

Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Websites mentioned in the show:
Communio Nationwide Study on Faith and Relationships

Calling all couples married around 15-20 years! This episode is for you! Today, I welcome Damon Owens, internationally acclaimed speaker and co-founder of Joyful Ever After, to talk about how to thrive in a middle-aged marriage.

We discuss how to overcome long-held resentments and negative patterns of communication with your spouse; how to express unmet needs; the importance of having a supportive community and friends who care about your marriage; maintaining curiosity, wonder, and delight in your spouse; planning intentional moments of connection, date nights, and retreats; and what physical intimacy looks like at this stage of marriage. We share stories throughout and it’s a great episode.

Episode recorded on Oct 13, 2023.

If you find this show helpful, please leave a rating or write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Websites mentioned in the show:
Joyfuleverafter.org

Have you noticed that many debates in our society center around the term “rights”? But what exactly is a right? Is it possible to define it? And should adults make sacrifice for the rights of children?

Today I welcome Katy Faust, the founder of Them Before Us, a global educational and advocacy group on behalf of children’s rights. She offers clarity about the importance of rights being anchored in natural law. This leads us into an in-depth conversation about a wide variety of topics including marriage, the impact of reproductive technologies, adoption, why conservative arguments fall on deaf ears, and what we can do to communicate a better story. We end the episode with a brief conversation about her involvement in Alliance for Responsible Citizenship.

If you find this show helpful, please leave a rating or write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Websites mentioned in the show:

Them Before Us
Clip of Katy’s appearance on Q&A (Australia)
Alliance for Responsible Citizenship