Being Human

When faith is used to silence, control, or end conversations, something has gone wrong. In this episode, Dr. Greg exposes spiritual narcissism—the hidden way woundedness disguises itself as holiness and quietly breaks relationships from the inside out.
 
Key Topics:
Why spiritual maturity does not automatically include emotional maturity
How faith can unconsciously be used to shut down dialogue
Why boundaries can be an authentic act of mercy
How real healing requires integration, not just more prayer or effort
How spiritual language can become a shield against vulnerability rather than a path to communion
Why grace perfects nature but does not bypass psychological woundedness
Why marriage is not a chain of command but a mutual gift of self
How authority language can become a warning sign instead of a virtue
Why feeling confused, guilty, or silenced in a "faithful" relationship signals deeper misalignment

Learn More:
Related blog articles: The Problem with the Bishop Scandals
Outlining Narcissistic Personality Disorder
The Two Types of Narcissism

Being Human episodes on Narcissism: Ep. #261: Narcissism and the Terror of Being Ordinary
Ep. #68: "I'm Not Narcissistic, You're Narcissistic!"
Ep. #67: An Antidote to Narcissism
Ep. #21: A Look at Narcissist Personality Disorder

Being Human Ep. #201: Is Leadership of the Family a Man's Job?
Being Human episodes on Parts Work:  Ep. #49: Internal Family Systems & External Family Tensions 
Ep. #47: How to Turn Your Inner Worst Enemies into Your Inner Best Friends

Pastores Dabo Vobis (St. John Paul II) – On human formation as the foundation of spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral growth
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Everyone's talking about narcissism — but most of the conversation is missing what's really going on underneath. In this episode, Dr. Greg uncovers the blind spot driving narcissistic patterns, and why willpower never creates the change that only love can.
 
Key Topics:
Why willpower alone never leads to real change 
How blind spots protect us from unbearable shame 
What "the terror of being ordinary" actually means 
Why patience and sacrifice don't heal narcissism 
And what does create the conditions for change

Learn More:
Being Human episodes on Narcissism: Ep. #21: A Look at Narcissist Personality Disorder
Ep. #67: An Antidote to Narcissism
Ep. #68: "I'm Not Narcissistic, You're Narcissistic!"

Being Human episodes on Parts Work:  Ep. #34: A New Theory! w/a Catholic Lens
Ep. #35: Why Do I Feel Like I Have Conflicting Thoughts? w/ Dr. Peter Malinoski
Ep. #36: A Guided Exercise w/ Dr. Peter Malinoski
Ep. #47: How to Turn Your Inner Worst Enemies into Your Inner Best Friends
Ep. #49: Internal Family Systems & External Family Tensions 

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The tilma is so astonishing that it may have actually distracted us from the deeper story of Guadalupe. In this episode, Dr. Greg and Joseph González uncover the ancient prophecies and cultural preparation that reveal an even bigger plan at work.
 
Key Topics:
Why the tilma may actually distract us from the real Guadalupe story.
How God was preparing the Americas long before the missionaries arrived.
The ancient "flower world" poetry that mirrors Juan Diego's tilma.
What the four-petaled flower over Mary's womb really means.
Why almost 10 million conversions suddenly made sense.
How Guadalupe shows the right way to evangelize a culture.
How archaeology is only now uncovering what God was already doing.
What Guadalupe reveals about how God is working in your life, unseen.

Learn More:
Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy – Dive deeper into the book and additional work by Joseph Julian & Monique González
Being Human Ep. #257 — "This Book Just Changed My Life" – Dr. Greg's first exploration of Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy.
Joseph Julian González on YouTube – Watch more of his reflections, research, and musical explorations into the Flower World tradition.
Misa Azteca (by Joseph González) – The musical work that first opened the door to Joseph's research into Guadalupe and the Flower World.
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The saints aren't waiting to be admired — they're actively trying to help us right now. In this episode, Dr. Greg sits down with Dr. Gerard McNicholas to unpack the psychology of devotion, what a living relationship with the saints can look like, and why the "messiness" that sometimes shows up during consecrations may actually be where God is doing His most personal work.
Key Topics:
Why Dr. Greg says most of us "block" the saints.
How devotion becomes a real relationship instead of just a pious habit.
When consecrations stir up drama—and why that can be a good sign.
The psychology behind spiritual "trends" and jumping into devotions too fast.
How scrupulosity and the "tyranny of the shoulds" hijack your prayer life.
Why St. Joseph and Our Lady want to be part of your daily life.
A simple four-step way to ride out anxiety and spiritual desolation.
How friendship and Ignatian wisdom keep you from panicking in hard seasons.
Why letting the saints "do their job" can change how you suffer.

Learn More:
Being Human Ep. #56: Writing Your Story with God with Dr. Gerard McNicholas
"When Coping Mechanisms Aren't Enough" – Dr. Gerard McNicholas' interview on The Catholic Sinner Show
Catholic Mindfulness Virtual Retreat – An 8-week journey into peace, trust, and deeper relationship with God
The Surrender Novena by Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo – A devotion rooted in surrendering control and trusting Jesus more fully.
Hope and Help for Your Nerves — Dr. Claire Weekes' classic guide on anxiety, panic, and nervous suffering
Summit of Integration – Be the first to hear about event updates and special offers
Consecration to Jesus through Joseph by Dr. Greg Bottaro and Jen Settle – A deep dive into devotion, psychology, and relationship through the Holy Family
Consecration to St. Joseph – Fr. Donald Calloway's guide to rediscovering the fatherhood and mission of Joseph
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Dr. Greg hits record on a Christmas group call with the CatholicPsych Leadership Council, and things immediately go off-script—in the best way. It's a chaotic, joyful, surprisingly deep year-in-review with candid moments, real humanity, and honest conversation about vocation, formation, and the Holy Spirit, plus a few teasers for 2026.


Key Topics:
The unseen personal work behind CatholicPsych's growth this past year
Why real formation often feels disorienting before it feels hopeful
Why integration of faith and psychology can't be fully explained—only experienced
What the Summit revealed that no amount of planning could have predicted
What's emerging next for CatholicPsych as it moves beyond a single voice or brand
Hints about what 2026 will hold (including JP2, pilgrimage, and deeper community)

Learn More:
Summit of Integration 2026 – Be the first to hear updates on CatholicPsych's annual gathering focused on integration, formation, and community. 
Further reading: The Art of Existential Counseling by Fr. Adrian Van Kaam  
The Flight from Woman by Karl Stern 

Pilgrimage to Poland (in the footsteps of St. John Paul II) – Interested in joining? Sign up to receive updates.
Previous episode on Our Lady of Guadalupe: Ep. #257: This Book Just Changed My Life: Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy

Previous episode on St. Thomas Aquinas and women: Ep. #250: Correcting Luther…and Aquinas? Calling Out Disintegration in the Church Dating Back to the Reformation

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