PODCAST · religion
Always Hope
by Dr. Mario Sacasa, LMFT
Always Hope provides solutions to a better life that are anchored in faith and psychological science. Dr. Mario Sacasa, LMFT, brings his years of counseling experience to the table and welcomes experts and friends to tackle challenging topics related to dating, marriage, and uncertainty in life. Started in 2018, the show has garnered a worldwide audience and is one the best podcasts that blends Catholicism with mental health and personal development. New episodes drop every other Wednesday. For more information, visit drmariosacasa.com
Episodes
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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...
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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 —...
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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...
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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...
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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.…
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186. The Psychology of Hope: Moving Forward Through Uncertainty with Dr. Matthew Gallagher
Most people think hope is just wishing for the best. It’s not. Today we explore the real psychology behind hope — how it works, why it matters, and how it can guide you through fear, failure, and uncertainty. We break down the evidence-based tools that help people set better goals, persevere...
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185. Why Your Idea of Peace Might Be Completely Wrong
What if everything you’ve been taught about peace is only half the story? In today’s episode, I break open the real interior process that leads to lasting calm—one rooted in interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, Christian spirituality, and practical emotional regulation. After a year...
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184. Stop Letting Discouragement Control Your Life with Fr. Timothy Gallagher
We all crave peace. But what happens when prayer feels dry, life doesn't match your plans, and discouragement sets in? In this powerful conversation, Fr Timothy Gallagher shares insights from his new book, 'If You Want Peace in This Life,' revealing how the wisdom of Venerable Bruno Lanteri can...
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183. The Priest Who Changed How I See God
When Fr. Crawford passed away, I didn’t just lose a friend — I lost the man who taught me how to see heaven in the middle of real life. He was the priest’s priest: wise, raw, deeply human, and utterly devoted to prayer. In this episode, I share the lessons that shaped my faith — from the man who...
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182. Life is Hard Even For Believers (and the Future of Always Hope)
What happens when you hit a wall and can't find the energy to keep going? That's exactly what I've been grappling with over the past few months. After a challenging summer, I realized I needed to take a step back from the podcast and reassess my journey. I’ve faced disappointments and failures…
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181. Reset Your Dating Mindset. | Maria Spears Mumaugh and Megan Elfelt
If you've ever felt the sting of disappointment in dating or wondered how to break free from a cycle of cynicism and nervousness, this conversation is for you. A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maria and Meghan from "The Intentional Single," and it quickly became one of…
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180. Why Prayer Will Transform Your Marriage | Doug Hinderer
Is your marriage going through a period of suffering? Maybe it's the relationship that needs some improving, or maybe the hardships of life are weighing you down. Either way, we often turn to prayer as a last resort. And today, I'm going to show why that's a mistake. Today, I'm excited to welcome...
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179. Easy Ways to Let Go of Dating Pressure | Maria Creitz and Darenys Radich
Cue Queen, because today we are talking about how to not feel “under pressure” when dating. Join Dr. Mario Sacasa as he welcomes Maria Creitz and Derenys Radich, the creators of the Little Dates Club. This innovative approach aims to make dating less intimidating for Catholic young adults. They...
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178. Breaking Down Pope Leo XIV's Opening Statements
We have a new Pope! So, let's overreact and overanalyze his opening remarks (because why not?). Today, I break down Pope Leo XIV's opening statement: “Peace be with you.” Why did he focus on those words from the Risen Christ? What does it signal about his papacy? That’s what we are exploring in...
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177. What Every Catholic Needs to Know About Anxiety | Art Bennett & Dr. Lianna Bennett Haidar
Anxiety is on the rise in our culture. And while there are a ton of great resources available, how can Catholics find a way forward? Is prayer enough? Should I feel guilty because I don’t trust God enough? What does the science teach about anxiety, its causes, and how to beat it? Joining me on…
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176. How the Hope of the Resurrection Changes Everything.
Today, I’m focusing on the resurrection of Christ, which is the cornerstone of our faith, providing hope during life's challenges. By anchoring our faith in the resurrection, we can navigate the complexities of life with a renewed perspective. We can embrace both the hardships and the hope that…
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175. Freedom from Sex Addiction | Fr. Sean Kilcawley
The term addiction gets thrown around a lot these days. I’m addicted to my screen. I’m addicted to shopping. I’m addicted to potato chips. But what is an addiction? And, more specifically, what classifies as a sex addiction? Not everyone who falls to lust is an addict, but when does it become…
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174. Take Up Your Cross: The Key to Peace
Despite a having a strong faith, many of us face struggles that can feel overwhelming. The subtle messaging of a prosperity gospel can leave us feeling duped when life doesn't go as planned. It's essential to acknowledge that suffering is a part of life, even for devout Catholics. So, what do we...
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173. The Line Between Modesty and Freedom | Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio
Today, I welcome back Dr. Sarah Denny Laurio, bioethicist and speaker, to dive into what modesty really means, the responsibilities of both men and women, and how societal norms have shifted over the years. We explore the tension between personal freedom and the expectations placed on…
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172. Captain America and the Pursuit of Ideals
In this episode of the Always Hope Podcast, I explore the character of Sam Wilson as he takes up the mantle of Captain America in the new movie: Captain America: Brave New World. While the movie isn’t great, I love seeing a therapist turned into a superhero. I share insights about Sam Wilson…
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171. Mastering the Art of Speed Dating | Taylor O'Brien
Do you struggle getting dates? Are you sick of apps? Do you struggle knowing how to be able to talk to girls when you even go on dates? Then maybe it’s time to try speed dating. But how? Today, I sit down with Taylor O'Brien, co-founder and CEO of Candid, a Catholic speed dating app. We explore…
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170. Break Your Argument Patterns
Can't seem to figure out why you and your spouse argue over that same dumb thing? It's exhausting, isn't it? In today's episode, we're going to talk about why that pattern exists and what we can do to break it. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I understand that couples often fall into...
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169. Attachment Theory Deep Dive | Adam Lane Smith
Maybe you’ve heard the term but don’t really know what Attachment Theory is. Well, this episode is your introductory masterclass into all things attachment. Joining me on the podcast today is Adam Lane Smith, licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship coach, to dive into everything...
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168. How to Accept Differences in Marriage
Why is it that the things that initially attracted us to our spouse are the same things that drive us crazy? I’ve been married for 22 years and a marriage therapist for 20 and I get it. So today, we are going to breakdown how to embrace those differences and not see them as an obstacle to…
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167. The Importance of Curiosity and Play in Marriage | Dr. Steve Call
Are you a young married couple struggling to learn the essential ingredients for a thriving marriage? As a therapist, I know that we all have great intentions when we get married but may not know exactly how to make our marriage work. In this episode of the Always Hope Podcast, I had the…
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166. Life, Work, and #adulting | Peter Blute
Today I welcome Peter Blute, the executive director of Young Catholic Professionals, to discuss the challenges young professionals face when entering the workforce. Thank you for joining us as we tackle everything from discerning job transitions and building professional skills, to integrating...
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165. Waiting for Long Held Dreams: SEEK and 2025.
In this episode, I take a moment to share my gratitude for your unwavering support over the past six years and celebrate an incredible milestone—speaking at SEEK! Which was just an incredible experience; a culmination of 18 years of hard work and perseverance. This journey has been anything but...
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164: Unlocking the Joy of Belief (Advent Series 3) | Dr. Tom Neal
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…
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163: Discovering Grace in Unexpected Places: It’s A Wonderful Life (Advent Series 2)
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…
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162: How to Accept the Hardships of Life (Advent Series 1) | Steven Hryniewicz
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...
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161: Navigating Intimacy as a Newlywed Couple | Mary Bruno
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...
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160: Ask Her Out: A No-Nonsense Guide for Catholic Men
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...
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159: Margaret Sanger vs. John Paul II: A Battle for Women’s Freedom | Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio
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…
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158: Holy Ghosting: Surviving the Catholic Dating Scene | Maria Mitchell
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…
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157: Getting Unstuck: A Practical Approach to Therapy and Medication
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...
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156: Catholic Feminism and Gender Studies | Dr. Kevin Stuart
I consider Catholicism to be a reasonable faith. One that doesn’t exist in extremes and by doing so can speak to all sides of an issue. And yes, that includes modern feminist theory. So today, I sit down with Dr. Kevin Stuart to discuss the creation of a new Catholic Women's and Gender Studies...
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155. Walking on the Chaotic Waters of Life
We all know what it feels like to be drowning under a pile of work or overwhelmed by difficulties beyond our control. Those moments when our emotions become overwhelming, and we lose a reference point to keep us stable. That feeling of being out-of-control is encapsulated by the symbolism of…
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154. Dating Solutions for Catholic Young Adults
Why do most people feel like the dating scene has become a dumpster fire? What are the unique challenges faced by Catholic young adults? What is the #1 complaint by women? What is the #1 complaint by men? And what can we do make this whole things a little more enjoyable? Joining me on the show is...
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153. The Importance of Failure
Have you ever tried pursuing a dream only for it to blow up in your face? Have you followed God's call only to encounter hardships beyond anything you could have previously imagined? What do you do afterward? How do you pick up the pieces and keep going? That's what we are unpacking in today's...
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[REPOST] 073 - Are you healthy enough to discern a vocation? | Sr Josephine Garrett, CSFN
Have you struggled discerning God's plan for your life? Not sure how your emotional health impacts discernment? Do you know if you are healthy enough to start a relationship? If that's you, then stay tuned becuase you are going to get some great recommendations in this conversation. Joining me on...
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[REPOST] 051 - Dating in your 30's with Dr. Roy Salgado
Dating in your 30’s can be tough. Finding someone who matches your values, that you find attractive, and that is still single is a challenge. What should you be looking for? Where should you be looking? How do you find the balance between pursing career goals and dating? Joining me on the show...
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[REPOST] 095 – Dr. Brant Pitre on The Introduction to the Spiritual Life
How do you know if you are growing in the spiritual life? How do you know if your prayers are doing anything? What are the markers of spiritual growth? Joining me on the show today is Dr. Brant Pitre, Research Professor of Scripture at the Augustine Institute, Graduate School of Theology, to talk...
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[REPOST] 040 – Self-Forgiveness with Dr. Everett Worthington
Dr. Mario Sacasa welcomes Dr. Everett Worthington to the show to talk about the process and mechanisms of self-forgiveness. Dr. Worthington has over 30 years of research on forgiveness and his REACH model is one of the leading models in forgiveness therapies. They discuss the steps to take if you...
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[REPOST] 076 – Dr. Donald Songy on Attachment Theory and Dating
I welcome Dr. Donald Songy to discuss the ways attachment needs impact dating. We start by giving a brief recap of attachment theory (hint: relationships are key to our mental health) and we dive into its application to dating, online dating, and the process of allowing a serious relationship to...
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[REPOST] 024 – The Risk and Rewards of Free Will with Dr. Tom Neal
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…
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[REPOST] 049 – God’s Plan with Fr Timothy Gallagher
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...
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Episode 151 - Goodbye Willwoods
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...
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Episode 150 - Gender Identity, Middle School, and the Theology of the Body | Colin and Aimee MacIver
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...
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Episode 149 - Dedicated Singlehood | Luanne Zurlo
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...
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Episode 148 - Letting Go of Dating Pressure
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Always Hope provides solutions to a better life that are anchored in faith and psychological science. Dr. Mario Sacasa, LMFT, brings his years of counseling experience to the table and welcomes experts and friends to tackle challenging topics related to dating, marriage, and uncertainty in life. Started in 2018, the show has garnered a worldwide audience and is one the best podcasts that blends Catholicism with mental health and personal development. New episodes drop every other Wednesday. For more information, visit drmariosacasa.com
HOSTED BY
Dr. Mario Sacasa, LMFT
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Always Hope have?
Always Hope currently has 200 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Always Hope about?
Always Hope provides solutions to a better life that are anchored in faith and psychological science. Dr. Mario Sacasa, LMFT, brings his years of counseling experience to the table and welcomes experts and friends to tackle challenging topics related to dating, marriage, and uncertainty in life....
How often does Always Hope release new episodes?
Always Hope publishes regularly with 200 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Always Hope?
You can listen to Always Hope on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Always Hope?
Always Hope is created and hosted by Dr. Mario Sacasa, LMFT.
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