Always Hope

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 - Introduction00:00:31 - Integrating Faith into Therapy00:06:33 - Navigating Sexuality and Gender Issues00:15:40 - Understanding and Accepting One's Own Story00:16:19 - Addressing the Expectations and Misconceptions00:27:44 - Exploring the Origins of Same-Sex Attraction00:30:49 - Exploring the Causes and Impacts of Opposite-Sex Attraction00:34:45 - The Role of Acceptance and Moving Forward00:47:17 - Addressing Mental Health Concerns within Non-Heterosexual Population00:53:44 - 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.