Today’s podcast answers a question from someone who grew up in a fatherless home, and there was also much conflict and upset. As a result of these experiences, the submitter of the question experiences intense fear and stress around members of the opposite gender. Despite having done much work on this, they still struggle. They have also fallen into sexual addiction as a way to cope with the pain and stress associated with this.

Today’s podcast speaks to a request by a listener, to speak on the topic of accountability, specifically in a parish setting. A healthy parish is one that does not tolerate negative or unhealthy behavior. This means being able to have the difficult conversations. Also, the perception that we can sometimes hide our negative behaviors in the church and not have to work on them is also addressed.

Today’s podcast focuses on how to discern the difference between being selfish and selfless, specifically around setting boundaries or anytime we assert ourselves. When it comes to depicting the self as bad, we have to be very careful when speaking in absolutes or in all or nothing language. The reality is, when someone is healing from trauma, there are times when the sense of self has to be focused on as a temporary passage, in order to achieve becoming selfless.

Today’s podcast answers a question from a parent who is in the process of exploring colleges for their teenager. They feel influenced by parents who put pressure on their kids to get into elite schools and yet feel envious of parents who are relaxed and have no need to put pressure on their kids. The submitter of the question asks if there’s a sweet spot or balanced position to have so that they’re not being too lax or putting too much pressure on their kids. Allowing our kids to be who they are, and guiding them according to the gifts and talents God has given them, gives them dignity that protects them from all the things that we fear for them.

Today’s podcast speaks to a topic that is relevant to all the questions that have been submitted. That topic is the reality that awareness is becoming less present in this world. Many people are feeling disillusioned with humanity and existentially alone. However, whether just discouraged with humanity because of the present state of the world or from having suffered from trauma, the presence of humble souls in our lives can be a balm on our soul and have a healing effect on us.

Today’s podcast is a discussion about a subtle mindset that affects so many of us. Without realizing it, we go through our lives in a mindset in which we are always waiting for some future moment when will finally relax and live as God meant for us to live. In the meantime, our present stressors and tasks are perceived as obstacles. We are often waiting for that moment where we feel we will have absolute control, but it never seems to arrive. Learning to pivot and be at peace with the now is the point of discussion.

Today’s podcast answers the question from someone who has been often misunderstood throughout their lives and in their parish, to the point of becoming alienated from their parish. They openly admit they have Asperger’s and are on the developmental spectrum. Today’s podcast discusses what this means for us spiritually, and how to fit it into the spiritual life and also the parish life.

Today’s podcast reflects on one of the reasons why God sometimes feels so distant when we need Him the most during times of stress. The sudden onset of stress or a crisis, trigger many of us in ways that cause us to over function and over control because we suddenly don’t trust anyone or anything. This can cloud out the presence of God in our lives and cause Him to feel very distant, like we cannot connect with Him.

Today’s podcast answers a question from someone seeking advice on how to find long-term success and stability in their relationships. Attachment issues can be a big cause of instability in relationship building. The hypervigilance for any sign of rejection in a relationship can make friendships hard to sustain. Becoming aware of these patterns and having balanced hopes and boundaries in relationships are discussed.

Today’s podcast answers a question from someone who feels completely disconnected from God, specifically His love and forgiveness. Children, when in stressful situations, will often cope by blaming themselves. This can lead to a life of guilt over things they never did wrong. This can often lead to believing and feeling like the love of God is for everyone except us.