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

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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

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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.

In this episode, Dr. Mario Sacasa sits down with Mary Bruno, author of Missing Pieces: Perspectives on Sex for Catholic Women, to explore the realities of intimacy in marriage. Mary opens up about her personal journey with vaginismus and endometriosis, shedding light on the challenges newlyweds face in building emotional and physical connection. They discuss setting realistic expectations for the wedding night, the importance of open communication, and practical tips for navigating intimacy challenges. Whether you're newly engaged or have been married for years, this conversation offers hope, insights, and actionable advice to deepen your relationship. Don't miss this candid and heartfelt discussion!

Purchase Mary’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Pieces-Female-Perspectives-Catholic/dp/B0D3B5WDY1/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.um5QYaZZYPygzeviQ3-x7576QCSruBRGQY75ZAUxPl2IGkILLK4E1HHXNrLGRwjQSwJHclwjrsivpNd7KQvDuAP2CvE37UgbcEVgoWJZZGabxRFuV0ejwA_NOmXAowvNYJ_0eWSTzfMG_ltru_1H7y0tMINKQQNF9qkSsT8JReU.hfRqxPc5HBAp-36-dIN-wKn27P2ghsVKbXCwBgkRNdI&dib_tag=se&keywords=missing+pieces+female+perspectives&qid=1732114680&sr=8-1

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, Dr. Mario Sacasa, LMFT speaks directly to men about how to approach dating with confidence and tact. Through years of working with Catholic singles, Dr. Sacasa has seen a common struggle: good, faithful men often feel intimidated or unsure about how to talk to women in a way that feels natural. So, today he is sharing a simple, three-step approach to help you start conversations, keep them going, and ultimately ask someone out—without cheesy pickup lines or awkward moments. Whether you're a seasoned dater or just starting out, this episode is all about building the skills to make meaningful connections and find the courage to take that next step!

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

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.

What if Margaret Sanger (Founder of Planned Parenthood) and St. John Paul II (Papal Juggernuat) sat down and debated their divergent ideas about personal freedom, choice, and women's dignity? That's the provocative question posed by today's guest, Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio, theologian and bioethicist.

We unpack Sanger’s drive and reasoning, the birth control movement, and why she’s such a divisive figure (e.g. racism and eugenics). Then, we look at John Paul II’s powerful alternative: a view of freedom rooted in dignity, mutual respect, and honoring the differences between men and women. Together, we imagine what a “third way” in sex education could look like—one that blends awareness of our bodies with the values of respect and responsibility.

Now that the election is over, it's important to maintain a spirit of dialogue with those who disagree with over values and that's the aim of this episode. This conversation will leave you rethinking what true freedom means for women and men today!

Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio

Instagram: @dr.sarahdennylorio

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

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com/dating-toolkit

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: 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.

With Halloween just around the corner, let’s talk about humorously frightening online dating experiences. In this episode, I sit down with Maria Mitchell, the mind behind the hilarious Instagram account "Catholic Dating Nightmares." We dive into the wild world of Catholic dating, where unrealistic expectations and cringe-worthy profiles meet the need for humor and hope. Maria shares the story of how her Instagram started as a joke with friends and quickly became a community of people laughing through their dating struggles. (Laugh or cry right?) Not only does she share some highlights of her feed, but we also get into very clear practical advice about how to “market” yourself on dating apps, best practices for first dates, and knowing when to pull back from the dating scene should it become too discouraging. If you’re navigating the ups and downs of modern dating (or just need a good laugh), you won’t want to miss this one!

Catholic Dating Nightmares

Instagram: @catholicdatingnightmares

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: 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 solo episode of the Always Hope Podcast, I dive into a question I often hear: "When should I seek counseling, and when is it time to consider medication?" As a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience, I want to provide you with practical guidance on this important topic. We'll explore the differences between depression and anxiety, how to recognize when you're feeling "stuck," and what it means to draw on your natural resources like community support, exercise, and prayer. But what happens when those aren’t enough? I'll walk you through the benefits of professional counseling and how medication can play a role in your healing journey—without being the whole answer. If you've ever wondered if it's time to take that next step in caring for your mental health or just need a bit of hope and encouragement, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let’s tackle these challenges together with faith, wisdom, and a balanced approach to finding peace.

Buy Overcoming Stress and Anxiety:

www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

Use coupon code Sacasa25 to get 25% off!

See the links below to offer financial assistance:

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Charities Hurricane Helen Donations Page

Diocese of St. Petersburg Hurricane Relief Fund

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

Not sure how to start a conversation with a someone you find attractive? Download my free Dating Toolkit at www.drmariosacasa.com

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: 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.