Always Hope

Latest Episodes:

[REPOST] 051 - Dating in your 30's with Dr. Roy Salgado Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

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 today is Dr. Roy Salgado, counseling professor at the University of Holy Cross, in New Orleans, LA. Roy openly shares his personal experiences of dating in his 30’s, getting married at age 41, and draws upon his counseling knowledge to offer some guidance on the topic.

In today’s episode, we discuss the importance of assessing your priorities and life circumstances, practical ideas on how to find a quality person to date, how your thoughts influence your expectations when dating, ideas for how to properly evaluate the person you are dating, and how to date again following a divorce.

Want to learn how to get a conversation started with a girl you're interested in? Then head over to drmariosacasa.com and download the free Dating Toolkit. It'll teach you what to say to get a wonderful conversation up and running.

Have questions about this episode? DM me on Intsagram @drmariosacasa

[REPOST] 095 – Dr. Brant Pitre on The Introduction to the Spiritual Life Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

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 about his new book “The Introduction to the Spiritual Life.” In today’s episode, we discuss the foundations of prayer, why the Ten Commandments are not just rules but a path of love and growth, why our will is important as we conform to the Will of God, how to know if we are making progress in our spiritual lives, and why growth in virtue is a key sign. But we also talk about the hardships of faith, the uniqueness of this journey, what to do with unanswered prayers, and in-depth reflections on the biblical story of Jacob wrestling the angel and the parable of the persistent widow.

If you find this episode helpful, please leave a rating or write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, share it on the socials, or simply tell a friend about it. Spread the word and the love found on Always Hope.

Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Websites mentioned in the show:
Dr. Brant Pitre’s website
Introduction to the Spiritual Life on Amazon

[REPOST] 040 – Self-Forgiveness with Dr. Everett Worthington Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

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 struggle with self-condemnation, how self-compassion is needed, and the difference between forgiving others vs yourself.

Websites Mentions in Show:
Dr. Everett Worthington’s website
Moving Forward Self-Forgiveness DIY Workbook
Just Mercy book

[REPOST] 076 – Dr. Donald Songy on Attachment Theory and Dating Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

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 meet our needs for “felt security.”

Dr. Mario Sacasa Facebook

Dr. Mario Sacasa Instagram

Websites mentioned in the show:

Donaldsongytherapy.com

[REPOST] 024 – The Risk and Rewards of Free Will with Dr. Tom Neal Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

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 “No.”

I bring back my good friend Dr. Tom Neal, and his patience, as he allows me to wrestle with these deep and troubling questions. Once again, his wisdom shines through in his answers. In this episode, we go after why God gave us free will, how without we could not love, the problem of moral evil, how we are not mere puppets in the hand of capricious God, why we need to cherish this supreme gift endowed on us, and glimpse of what our free will may look like in heaven.

I know I say this with all my episodes, but this truly is another gem of a show. At times, we get philosophical but hang it there, because it is worth it. You’ll walk way cherishing the gift of your freedom.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, share with friends, and hit me up on Facebook or Instagram, @drmariosacasa.

Websites mentioned in the show:
Nealobstat.wordpress.com

[REPOST] 049 – God’s Plan with Fr Timothy Gallagher Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

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 needs to be developed, dealing with perceived failed discernments, and always choosing to “begin again” afterward.

When the show is done, please find me on Facebook or Instagram, @drmariosacasa, to offer your thoughts about today’s episode.

Websites mentioned in the show:
Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s website
Overcoming Spiritual Discouragement Book
Always Hope Episode 25: Spiritual Desolation with Fr Timothy Gallagher.

Episode 151 - Goodbye Willwoods Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

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 Hope YouTube channel, weekly episodes, Hope Club Membership, and Dating Well: Mastermind Coaching Groups. I’m incredibly grateful for my six years at Willwoods and their support of this show, I wouldn’t have gotten this far without them. I will still lead a few marriage retreats a year for them, but it’s time to move forward and take a leap of faith. The show’s about hope, right? Please continue to subscribe to the podcast and follow me on Instagram to stay up-to-date with the changes that are coming. I’ll be leaning on your support to make the show grow. Now more than ever, please leave a review on Apple or rate the show on Spotify. It’s time for Always Hope to fly and I can only do that with your help! Over the next few weeks, you will see a number of reposts from years past. I’ve been doing the show since 2018, so these will feel like brand new episodes. Please enjoy! This will give me some breathing room as I work on the aforementioned enhancements and new offerings. Let us pray and encourage one another! Fr. Walter Ciszek, pray for us! St. Albert the Great, pray for us! Mother Cabrini, pray for us! www.drmariosacasa.com
Mario Sacasa, Ph.D., LMFT
faithandmarriage.org
704-444-0670 Want to learn more about dating?
Check out Dating Well

Episode 150 - Gender Identity, Middle School, and the Theology of the Body | Colin and Aimee MacIver Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

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 contemporary issues faced by today’s youth. Colin and Aimee share insights into the comprehensive overhaul of the curriculum.

In this episode, we examine how JPII’s catechizes answers questions about gender identity even though that wasn’t explicitly mentioned, why this message is still pertinent for today’s youth. The MacIver’s also share from their experiences of sharing this message to youth, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, personal witness, and creating "zones of freedom" where young people feel safe to explore their faith and ask questions without fear of judgment. We also address critiques that the Theology of the Body has an overly romanticized view of human sexuality.

With a focus on meaningful engagement and real-life applicability, this episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about youth ministry. Discover how "Envision Theology of the Body" is helping shape a generation of young people grounded in faith, identity, and purpose.

Tune in now to be inspired and equipped with new tools to support the spiritual growth of middle schoolers.

Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Instagram.

Please leave a rating and write a review!

Websites mentioned in the show:

Envision: Theology of the Body for Middle School

Episode 149 - Dedicated Singlehood | Luanne Zurlo Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

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 vocation, the importance of deep prayer, and how she found peace and joy in her dedicated single life. We also delve into how one's vocation is a personal call from God and the significance of building a deep relationship with Christ. The episode touches on the challenges and blessings of this vocation and offers practical advice for those discerning a similar path. Throughout the conversation we explore the dynamic between vocation and state of life, the importance of trust and humility, and the hope and joy found in embracing God's call.

Have thoughts about this episode? Join the conversation on Instagram.

Please leave a rating and write a review!

Websites mentioned in the show:

Single for A Greater Purpose book

Episode 148 - Letting Go of Dating Pressure May 30, 2024

Show notes

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 remember them from an episode last year when we talked about dating advice from single women, and we pick up where we left off last time around.

In today’s episode, I’m the one answering the questions, not asking them. They fielded questions from the women they serve in their Intentional Single community. So, we have a wide-ranging conversation on balancing dating and marriage intentions, the role of physical attraction, how social media and dating apps impact relationship dynamics, navigating pornography struggles of potential partners, healing from past relationships, how to be vulnerable, and the importance of play in dating.

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