This Whole Life - SoundSage

View Details

What does Captain Jack Sparrow do when he thinks he's dealing with the cartel?

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Someone owes you something, is indebted to you, and you let go of that debt. It's like it's written on an IOU, and you're tearing it up and throwing it to the wind." ~ Kenna Millea

What does real forgiveness actually require, and why isn't "forgive and forget" a Christian idea at all?
Why does it bother you so much more when your spouse or your kid does the exact thing you secretly do too?
Is it even possible to forgive someone who never asks for it, or who's no longer in your life to ask?

In episode 106 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna Millea break down forgiveness, starting with a surprising fact: nowhere in the Gospels does anyone ever ask Jesus for forgiveness point-blank, and yet he forgives constantly. That single detail unlocks the idea at the center of this episode, unilateral forgiveness, the practice of forgiving before someone asks, apologizes, or even realizes they hurt you.

They start with a simple, clarifying definition of forgiveness as canceling a debt, not forgetting it ever happened, then work through what scripture and C.S. Lewis have to say about why forgiveness might be the most disobeyed commandment in Christianity. Kenna introduces a concept from her spiritual director called empathetic repentance, the idea that what actually costs you your peace isn't what the other person did, it's the seed of that same thing already in you.

They close with a real answer to one of the hardest versions of this question: how do you forgive someone who's died, or someone you're no longer in contact with, when you'll never get to tell them?

This episode is for anyone still waiting on an apology that may never come, or anyone who's realized that holding out for one is quietly costing them their own peace.

Episode 106 Show Notes

Reflection Questions

Larry Christensen's sermon on Unilateral Forgiveness

Chapters:

(00:00) - Cold Open
(00:43) - Welcome and What's Harder to Forgive: A Game
(13:09) - Highs and Hards: A Notre Dame Anniversary Trip
(18:19) - Defining Forgiveness: The IOU You Tear Up
(23:36) - What Scripture and C.S. Lewis Say About Forgiveness
(40:41) - Empathetic Repentance: Why Their Sin Bothers You So Much
(49:38) - Unilateral Forgiveness: What Jesus Actually Modeled
(57:22) - Challenge by Choice and Closing Prayer

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

Sometimes it's important to take the road MORE traveled.

But Will Johnson lived to tell the tale.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Day after day after day, you and I would just wake up and feel like we were underwater. Could not get our head above water, could barely breathe." ~ Pat Millea

What does it actually take to survive the "fog of war" years of early parenthood without losing yourself or your marriage?
Why might letting go of your own standards, like a spotless house or a specific parenting method, be the healthiest thing you can do for your family?
What's the one practice Pat and Kenna almost let slip that ended up holding their marriage together?

In episode 105 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna Millea open up their playbook for surviving, and even thriving, in the trenches of early parenthood. Drawing on their own experience raising seven kids, they talk honestly about the season a friend once called "the fog of war," the disorienting, sleep deprived stretch where you can't seem to get your head above water.

From there, they walk through seven hard won practicals: holding firm to your values when everything feels chaotic, finding your own family's "clean spectrum," knowing when to take advice and when to let it roll off your back, outsourcing what you can without guilt, and protecting the handful of moments each day that actually shape your family's culture.

They close with the two habits that quietly hold their marriage together in the middle of it all: going on dates, and praying together daily, even when it's just a Hail Mary before falling asleep.

This episode is for anyone in the thick of parenting little kids who has wondered if they're doing it right, or anyone who remembers that season and wants to look back on it with a little more grace.

Episode 105 Show Notes

Reflection Questions

Chapters:

(00:00) - Cold Open
(00:38) - Welcome, Lightning Round, and Highs and Hards
(17:39) - The Fog of War: Why Early Parenthood Feels Like Survival
(21:05) - Practical 1: Clarify and Hold Your Values
(25:30) - Practicals 2 and 3: Finding Your Clean Spectrum and Filtering Advice
(38:39) - Practicals 4 and 5: Outsourcing and Protecting High-Impact Moments
(47:10) - Practicals 6 and 7: Dates, Prayer, and Staying Connected
(53:12) - Challenge by Choice and Closing Prayer

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

Talking to your teen about sex is so good and important, but it can be vulnerable and uncomfortable.

Trust us... Kenna knows. 😂

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"You, friend, listening to this, watching this right now, you are good. Period." ~ Pat Millea

What's the real difference between failing at something and believing you are a failure?
Why does the world have a vested interest in convincing you your worth is something you have to go earn?
What happens when you build your identity on your mission instead of on your relationship with God?

In episode 104 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna Millea sit with a truth most of us know in our heads but rarely trust in our hearts: you are good, not because of what you do, but because of who made you. Kenna opens up about a moment in spiritual direction that cracked something open for her, realizing that failing has to do with her actions, but shame goes deeper, straight to her sense of being.

They walk through a simple framework from their own spiritual direction called RIM: relationship, identity, and mission, moving clockwise like the rim of a bowl. Relationship with God comes first, identity flows from that relationship, and mission flows from identity. Most of us live it backwards, chasing our mission first and letting our performance tell us who we are, which is exactly how one bad meeting, one lost client, or one hard parenting moment convinces us we're worthless.

Pat shares a story from his years in youth ministry about a student whose entire identity was wrapped up in sports, and what happened to that identity the moment a torn ACL took the sport away. They also get into the difference between true humility and the "fishing for compliments" version so many Christians default to, and close with two of their favorite lines on identity, one from Aslan in Prince Caspian, and one from a fifth century doctor of the church named Peter Chrysologus.

Episode 104 Show Notes

Reflection Questions

Chapters:

(00:00) - Cold Open
(00:47) - Welcome Back and Today's Topic
(01:20) - The Good or Bad Game
(07:01) - Highs and Hards
(13:09) - Failing vs. Feeling Shame
(15:26) - The World's Vested Interest in Your Insecurity
(19:02) - The Athlete Who Lost His Identity
(25:00) - Introducing the RIM Framework
(28:05) - Living It Backwards
(34:57) - Why We'd Rather Hustle Than Rest
(41:15) - Holding Sin and Goodness Together
(45:13) - Two Closing Quotes on Identity
(48:38) - Closing Prayer

Links and Resources:

Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
St. Peter Chrysologus (Catholic Encyclopedia)
Catholic Heart Work Camp

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

The Millea family's origin story.

How were Pat & Kenna struck by the lightning bolt of romance? It all started with a subpar early 2000s rom com...

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"When we are busy, we are numbed out to this sense of inadequacy that we all know is real. Deep, deep, deep down." ~ Kenna Millea

What does it actually look like to be addicted to the hustle and not even realize it?

How does staying perpetually busy become a coping strategy for the deeper questions we are afraid to sit with?

What if the solution to your busyness is not better time management, but a ruthless commitment to doing less?

In episode 103 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna Millea get honest about their own addiction to hustle. Drawing on John Mark Comer's The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, they explore why so many of us cannot seem to slow down, and what our busyness is really covering up.

They dig into the spiritual roots of hurry, why John Mark Comer calls it the greatest threat to the interior life, and how the Catholic social tradition has been telling us for over a century that work was made for man, not the other way around. Kenna shares a moment from her own therapy that reframed everything: the possibility that her anxiety has been masking depression all along, and that staying busy is the most productive-looking way to avoid sitting with the hard questions of the human experience. Pat gets equally honest about the cost of hurry in his own fatherhood, admitting that far too often he is yelling at his kids not because of what they are doing, but because he is in a hurry and their seven-year-old slowness is incompatible with his schedule.

They close with four practical S's from Comer's book: silence and solitude, Sabbath, simplicity, and slowing. The challenge is to pick just one and try it for a week.

This episode is for anyone who has answered "how are you doing?" with "so busy" and quietly wondered why that answer feels both true and empty at the same time.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Cold Open
(00:37) - Welcome and Episode Intro
(01:47) - Lightning Round: 90 Seconds with Kenna
(09:39) - Highs and Hards
(16:07) - Why We Might Be the Worst People to Host This Episode
(17:46) - The Spiritual Roots of Busyness
(21:41) - The Mental and Emotional Cost of Hurry
(34:12) - Busyness as a Coping Strategy
(42:47) - The Louis C.K. Conan Clip and Joy Antibodies
(47:29) - Four Ways to Fight Back: The Four S's
(54:00) - Challenge by Choice
(54:55) - Closing Prayer

Episode 103 Show Notes

Reflection Questions

Links and Resources:

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Louis C.K. on Conan: Everything's Amazing and Nobody's Happy (language warning, do not watch with kids)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World

View Details

What is a parent to do when their child leaves home and really struggles?

Paul & Rachel Balducci share a story of heartache and hope that you need to hear, no matter how old your kids are.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"The most transformative thing you can do as a parent is to know who you are in God's eyes." ~ Rachel Balducci

What does it actually look like to raise boys into men of faith and character?
How do you stay united as parents when the chaos of a house full of boys threatens to divide you?
What do you do when your sons walk away from the faith, and how do you hold on to hope?

In episode 102 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna Millea sit down with Paul and Rachel Balducci, parents of five sons and one daughter, for a conversation about what it really takes to raise boys well. Paul is an immigration attorney and Rachel is an author, journalist, and co-host of The Gist on Catholic TV. Together they have 32 years of marriage and a lot of hard-won wisdom to share.

They talk honestly about what the early years looked like with four boys under five, the exhaustion Rachel carried as a stay-at-home mom, and how Paul's quiet steadiness became one of the greatest gifts he gave his sons. They dig into the difference between parenting from fear and parenting from a secure identity in God, and why that shift changes everything.

Paul shares one of the most moving moments in the episode: the story of how a small Wednesday night dinner group, built on nothing more than a meal and a short video, led to a full-scale revival among a group of young men who had stopped going to Mass. It is a story about patience, trust, and what happens when parents refuse to give up.

Rachel offers something equally honest for the moms: you cannot pour from a place of anxiety, you have to learn to let go, trust the Holy Spirit, and love your kids exactly where they are.

This episode is for every parent who has wondered whether they are doing enough, and every mom or dad who needs to hear that God loves your kids far more than you ever could.

Rachel Balducci is a cohost of The Gist, a talk show for women on CatholicTV, and teaches journalism at Augusta University. She is the author of Make My Life Simple: Bringing Peace to Heart and Home and How Do You Tuck in a Superhero and Other Delightful Mysteries of Raising Boys. Paul Balducci is an attorney who specializes in immigration and naturalization law. Paul & Rachel have been married for 32 years, live in Georgia, and have five “strapping” sons and one “precious” daughter.

Reflection Questions

Chapters:

(00:37) - Welcome and guest introductions
(02:15) - Highs and Hards
(10:15) - How Paul and Rachel met and discerned marriage
(17:46) - What life actually looked like with a house full of boys
(26:35) - Raising sons: vision, modeling, and masculine genius
(35:11) - What your sons need from you as they grow up
(47:27) - Avoiding the trap of over-critical parenting
(54:25) - When your sons walk away from the faith
(59:52) - Challenge by choice
(01:01:26) - Closing prayer

Links and Resources:

Rachel Balducci - https://rachelbalducci.com/
Rachel on Instagram: @rachelbalducci
Rachel Balducci on Catholic TV: The Gist - https://www.catholictv.org/the-gist.html
Make My Life Simple: Bringing Peace to Heart and Home by Rachel Balducci - https://a.co/d/036UJ4LT
How Do You Tuck in a Superhero? by Rachel Balducci - https://a.co/d/03Flj5LR

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

The human desire for connection and relationship is real and powerful.

Especially when tacos are involved.

Vonda Tiede, LMFT tells her side of the story.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"I love for people to come when the pipes leak instead of when they burst." — Vonda Tiede, LMFT

Why do so many couples wait years before finally seeking help?
What actually happens in the therapy room, and what is the therapist really doing?
Are there situations where couples therapy can do more harm than good?

Couples therapy is one of the most misunderstood tools in marriage. People assume it means something's broken, that the therapist will pick a side, or that it's too late. None of that is true.

In this episode, Kenna sits down with two trusted colleagues and fellow licensed marriage and family therapists, Ben Baker and Vonda Tiede, for an honest, behind-the-curtain conversation about what couples therapy actually looks like, who it's for, and what gets in the way of people starting sooner.

They cover the myths that keep couples stuck, the difference between a disagreement and a full-blown fight, what "containment" really means in the therapy room, and the specific situations where couples therapy is actually contraindicated. They also share the one thing they each wish every couple knew before they ever walked through the door.

Whether you're considering couples therapy, currently in it, or just curious what happens in that room, this episode will give you real answers, not vague reassurances.

Chapters

(00:00) - "Your marriage is my client"
(00:28) - Welcome and guest introductions
(02:14) - Highs and Hards
(08:25) - Why couples therapy feels so mysterious
(09:35) - How Ben and Vonda chose marriage and family therapy
(14:01) - Individual therapy vs. couples therapy
(18:38) - Myths and misconceptions therapists want to dispel
(33:56) - When to come and when to wait
(52:18) - The one thing each therapist wishes every couple knew
(58:03) - Challenge by choice
(01:00:27) - Closing prayer

Reflection Questions

Links and Resources:

Martin Center for Integration - https://martincenterforintegration.com
Vonda Tiede, LMFT - https://www.vondatiede.com/
Related episodes with Ben Baker: Men and Mental Health, Men in Relationships, Triangulation - https://martincenterforintegration.com/show-notes-70
Related episodes with Vonda Tiede: Marital Intimacy, What Happens in Individual Therapy - https://martincenterforintegration.com/show-notes-21

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

What started with fun & games ended with tears, injury, and...a real mess.

You think your family dinners are out of control? You're not alone.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Being connected to your spouse in prayer, even when things are hard, maybe especially when things are hard, is one of the best ways to know that person." ~ Pat Millea

Why do so many couples want to pray together but never actually do it?
What do you do when you feel too vulnerable, too proud, or too far apart to pray?
Is there a method that works, even for couples who have never prayed out loud together?

In episode 100 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna Millea take on a topic that listeners have been asking for: how to actually pray together as a couple. Not in theory. Not with a polished formula. But honestly, practically, and in a way that fits real married life with kids, conflict, busy schedules, and the kind of exhaustion that makes even good intentions fall apart.

They dig into why married prayer is so uniquely powerful, including what it means that no one knows your spouse like God does, and why that matters most when things are hard between you. They unpack the difference between rote prayer and spontaneous prayer, and why both have a place in a marriage. And they walk through a specific method of praying together, taught by a priest named Father Scott Traynor, that is accessible, intimate, and surprisingly doable, even for couples who feel completely out of their depth.

Then, to mark the milestone of episode 100, they actually do it. Pat and Kenna pray the Traynor method together, on air, for real, in what may be the most vulnerable and honest moment the show has ever aired.

This episode is for every couple who has wanted to pray together but did not know where to start.

Episode 100 Show Notes (including a downloadable guide to the Traynor married prayer method)

Reflection Questions

Chapters:

(00:40) — Welcome and episode 100 celebration
(01:47) — States trivia game
(14:15) — Why married prayer matters
(22:00) — The gifts of praying together as a couple
(33:30) — Praying before conflict: the hardest and most humbling move
(43:50) — Getting practical: how to start
(46:50) — The Traynor Method explained
(52:00) — Pat and Kenna pray the Traynor Method

Links and Resources:

The Parish as a School of Prayer by Father Scott Traynor

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

The Parish as a School of Prayer: Foundations for the New Evangelization

View Details

"What...what are those?"

Don't miss this harrowing tale of escape, invisibility, and survival from Dr. Julia Sadusky 🫎😱

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"There is literally nowhere else on the face of the earth I'd rather you go than to me." ~ Dr. Julia Sadusky

Why do so many well-meaning Catholic parents freeze when it comes to talking to their kids about sex?
What do you actually say when your child comes home asking about their classmate’s parents?
How do you talk to your kids about pornography before they encounter it?

In episode 99 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna welcome back Dr. Julia Sadusky, licensed clinical psychologist, author, and one of the most trusted Catholic voices in the space of sexual formation. Julia wrote not one but two books to help Catholic parents have these conversations well: one for kids ages zero to nine, and one for teens. This episode is the one your group chat has been needing.

Julia doesn't make this scary or clinical. She walks Pat and Kenna through the common obstacles that stop parents cold, and then gives them real tools. Actual scripts. Practical language for everything from explaining genitalia to a toddler, to responding when your child asks why their friend has two dads, to having the pornography conversation before it becomes a crisis.

The goal isn't a perfect talk. The goal is a relationship where your child knows you are the first place they go.

Dr. Julia Sadusky is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and adjunct professor based in Littleton, Colorado. Her clinical work and research focus on sexual and gender development and trauma-informed care. She holds a bachelor's from Ave Maria University and a master's degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from Regent University.

Episode 99 Show Notes

Reflection Questions

Chapters:

(00:47) — Introduction and welcome
(07:30) — Highs and Hards: life lately
(11:10) — Why Julia wrote the books
(16:53) — The biggest obstacles parents face
(24:09) — Why your child's reaction in the moment doesn't measure your success
(31:34) — It's not one talk — it's a thousand small moments
(36:20) — What to say when your child asks about two dads
(43:30) — Talking to your kids about pornography before they encounter it
(47:59) — A vision of hope for parents
(50:30) — Challenge by Choice

Links and Resources:

Start Talking to Your Kids About Sex (Ages 0–9) — Dr. Julia Sadusky
Start Talking to Your Kids About Sex (Teens) — Dr. Julia Sadusky
Dr. Julia Sadusky — Website
Talking With Your Teen About Sex online course

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

Communication in marriage is important.

Especially when it involves someone recently released from prison.

Peter & Debbie Herbeck are back with some hilarious stories of (mis)communication & forgiveness.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"The love of Christ was the magnetic force that really drew us together."
~ Debbie Herbeck

What does it actually take to keep Christ at the center of a marriage through decades of real life?
What do you do when one spouse is further ahead in faith than the other?
How do you build a family culture that passes faith down to the next generation?

In episode 98 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna welcome Peter and Debbie Herbeck, a couple with nearly 40 years of marriage, four children, and 12 grandchildren. Their story is anything but ordinary. Debbie grew up Jewish, came to faith at the University of Michigan, and paid a real price to follow Jesus. Peter came from a Catholic family shaped by both great love and the wounds of an alcoholic home. When they met, they were both already fully committed to the Lord individually, before they ever considered committing to each other.

What followed was a marriage built not on ideal circumstances, but on a shared decision to put Jesus first, even when it was hard, messy, and costly.

In this conversation, Peter and Debbie share the practical rhythms that kept their marriage rooted through busy seasons of parenting and ministry, what they say to couples where one spouse simply isn't on the same page in faith, and how they built a culture of honor in their home that their grandchildren are now carrying forward.

This is the kind of wisdom that only comes from decades of saying yes to the Lord together.

Peter Herbeck is the Vice President and Director of Missions for Renewal Ministries. Debbie Herbeck is the founder and executive director of Be Love Revolution and Pine Hills Girls Camp, and a speaker whose journey from Judaism to the Catholic faith has inspired thousands.
Together they are co-authors of Lessons from the School of Love: Building a Christ-Centered Marriage.

Episode 98 Show Notes

Reflection Questions

Chapters:

(01:27) - Introduction and welcome
(07:30) - Highs & Hards: life lately
(09:40) - How Peter and Debbie met
(18:30) - Blending two very different backgrounds in marriage
(26:30) - Keeping Christ at the center: practical rhythms
(39:30) - When one spouse is trailing behind in faith
(50:30) - The culture of honor in your home
(58:55) - Challenge By Choice

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"We love you, St. Charbel."

Who knew those words might have been the ones to save her baby's life?

Listen in to this moving story from St. Faustina Maria Pia!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“The graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is — trust. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive.” ~ Jesus, to St. Faustina

Why is it so hard to trust God?
What does it mean to say “yes” when life doesn’t make sense?
How do we trust God in suffering, uncertainty, and silence?

In episode 97 of This Whole Life, Kenna and Pat are joined by Sister Faustina Maria Pia, S.V. of the Sisters of Life to explore one of the most important and challenging aspects of the spiritual life: trust.

Drawing from her personal story, Sister Faustina shares how a season of suffering and spiritual dryness led to a profound encounter with Jesus that changed everything. In that moment, she realized that trust is not about understanding our circumstances, but about entrusting ourselves to a Person.

Together, they unpack the deeper meaning of trust, the fear of vulnerability, and the struggle to believe that we are truly loved. The conversation also explores how trust impacts our relationships, our prayer life, and our ability to live fully in the present moment.

Whether you are in a season of clarity or confusion, this episode offers a powerful invitation to stop striving for control and begin surrendering to the love of God.

Sister Faustina Maria Pia, S.V. currently resides in New York and serves as the local superior of Annunciation Motherhouse. Several years ago, in her own struggle to trust the Lord, she received an inspiration to compose a prayer, the Litany of Trust, and subsequently authored a book entitled, Jesus I trust in You, a 30 day retreat with the Litany of Trust.

Episode 97 Show Notes

Reflection Questions

Chapters

(01:30) - Introduction and welcome
(06:30) - Highs & Hards: life lately
(10:30) - Introducing the topic of trust
(18:45) - Sister Faustina’s background and vocation story
(27:30) - Encounter with Jesus in suffering
(33:30) - Writing the Litany of Trust
(40:00) - Why vulnerability and trust are difficult
(48:00) - Trusting God vs trusting others
(55:30) - Living in the present moment with God
(01:01:30) - Challenge By Choice
(01:03:00) - The Litany of Trust (prayer)

Links and Resources:

Litany of Trust – Sister Faustina Maria Pia
Jesus, I Trust in You: A 30-Day Retreat with the Litany of Trust
Sisters of Life
https://sistersoflife.org/
This Whole Life Podcast Website
https://thiswholelifepodcast.com

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

Jesus I Trust in You: A 30-Day Personal Retreat with the Litany of Trust

View Details

Grandmothers can have a beautiful impact on us, even when our families are far from perfect.

Kenna brings stories of her two grandmothers in this heartfelt storytellers episode!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

But don't worry, she can still see.

Addy Diaz returns to This Whole Life to share a hilarious story of gaming, shame, and vulnerability. Listen in!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."~ John 16:33

What do I do when I feel like giving up?
Is God present even when things feel hopeless?
Is it up to me to solve the problems in the world around me?

In Episode 93 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna tackle the challenge of staying sane and spiritually grounded in a world that feels increasingly divided, chaotic, and hopeless. The episode delves into the heavy realities facing our local communities and the broader world—addressing violence, division, and the toll of recent tragedies. Drawing on their backgrounds in faith, therapy, and family life, Pat and Kenna explore the tension between seeking justice and maintaining inner peace, as well as the struggle to trust and engage one another amid strong differences. They offer practical reflections on discerning what is in our control, the importance of empathy, and finding peace rooted in relationship with God rather than public approval. Join them for honest conversation, vulnerability, and encouragement to anchor your sanity—and search for sanctity—in turbulent times.

Episode 93 Show Notes

Reflection Questions

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction & Olympic game
13:11: Highs & Hards
21:07: Why are things so hard?
30:09: Peace lies between resentment & disengaging
37:23: What is in my control and what isn't?
45:48: Rejecting the pull to seek others' approval
53:07: Challenge By Choice

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

You're on a road trip with Jesus.

Where is he sitting?

Where are you sitting?

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you."~ 1 Peter 5:7

What is anxiety, really?
How do I process my anxiety when it's not helpful?
Seriously - thanking God for my anxiety?

In this episode of This Whole Life, Kenna and Pat welcome licensed professional counselor Catherine DiNuzzo for a deep dive into anxiety—what it is, why it happens, and how to manage it. Catherine DiNuzzo shares her insights on the biology of anxiety, her work with clients, and the importance of approaching anxiety with self-compassion rather than fear (or more anxiety). The discussion covers the reasons that God built anxiety into our experience, practical strategies for managing anxiety, and how parents can support anxious children. Highlights include Catherine DiNuzzo’s perspective on thanking God for anxiety, grounding techniques, and the ways the Catholic faith naturally integrates mental wellness. With relatable stories and actionable advice, this episode offers hope, empathy, and spiritual wisdom for anyone looking to find peace amidst the struggles of modern life. And yes, you'll even thank God for your anxiety.

*Catherine DiNuzzo, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice, who also operates Sacred Heart Mental Wellness. Catherine earned her Master's Degree in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. Prior to her private practice, Catherine worked for several years in both schools and in agency counseling, especially with Veterans. She has spoken internationally and with many Catholic events & organizations on the topic of mental wellness.

Catherine and her husband, Dave, live in a small rural town in the middle of Kansas with their four amazing children.*

Episode 92 Show Notes

Reflection Questions

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
14:02: Why did that make me anxious?
21:55: What is (and isn't) anxiety?
28:06: What causes anxiety?
34:44: But the Bible says to NOT be anxious...
41:30: How do I calm unnecessary anxiety?
48:34: Helping our kids with their anxiety
52:37: Challenge By Choice

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

What's it like to have the responsibility of discerning whether a man or woman would be a healthy and suitable priests or religious?

Dr. Anthony Isacco shares his humble insights into the quietly holy work of psychological assessments in the process of discernment.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed."~ Psalm 34:19

Is it a sin to be depression?
Is depression really able to be treated and healed?
How can I help my loved one who is suffering with depression?

In the first ever episode of "This Whole Life" recorded in front of a LIVE audience, Pat is joined by Dr. Anthony Isacco to dive into the realities of depression—what it is, how it affects individuals and families, and its complex relationship with faith. The conversation explores common misconceptions, clinical symptoms, and ways to distinguish normal sadness from major depressive disorder. Listeners will find hope as Dr. Isacco shares evidence-based approaches for healing, emphasizing the power of behavioral activation, social connection, and integrated spiritual practices. Full of relatable anecdotes and practical advice, the episode stresses that depression is treatable and offers tangible steps for listeners to support themselves or loved ones. Whether you’re seeking understanding as a parent, friend, or clinician, this episode delivers empathy, science, and faith in one thoughtful package.

Anthony Isacco, PhD is program director, professor, and head of clinical research in the new MS in clinical psychology program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He is a licensed psychologist and is the principal of a small private practice focused on helping clergy, seminarians, and women religious live healthy, holy, and happy lives in their vocations. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville (BA), Boston College (MA), and Loyola University of Chicago (PhD). Dr. Isacco lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife and four daughters.

Episode 91 Show Notes

Reflection Questions

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
11:13: Understanding depression
19:46: The relationship between depression & faith
26:36: Is it a sin to be depressed?
36:51: Suggestions for someone who is depressed
43:14: Early signs of depression
50:45: Challenge By Choice

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

What does a Wyoming girl do every time she visits the family farm?

Beth Hlabse joins us for this edition of Storytellers and a glimpse of the grandeur, quiet, and beauty of her childhood home.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight."~ Luke 10:33

How can I better support my loved one who suffers with mental illness?
What is the Church's place in caring for those with mental illnesses?
Is it possible to choose my responses instead of just reacting?

In episode 90, Kenna & Pat welcome Beth Hlabse, program director of the Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health at the University of Notre Dame, for an honest conversation about loving and supporting people with mental illness. Drawing on personal stories, professional expertise, and Catholic teaching, the episode explores the complexities of mental health through the lens of accompaniment, compassion, and community. Beth shares practical wisdom for churches and families, highlighting the importance of seeing the gifts and goodness of every person beyond their diagnosis, setting healthy boundaries, and moving from reactive to responsive support. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own biases and discomfort, discovering pathways to deeper empathy, hope, and belonging—especially in faith communities. Whether you’re walking this journey yourself or supporting someone you love, this episode offers encouragement and tangible steps toward stronger, more healing connections.

Beth Hlabse is the program director for the Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. As a mental health counselor, Beth has provided therapeutic care for adolescents and adults with histories of trauma and adverse child experiences. Beth graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2011 and she obtained her masters in clinical mental health counseling from Divine Mercy University. Beth and her husband Pete live in South Bend, Indiana.

Episode 90 Show Notes

Reflection Questions

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
18:40: Acknowledging my past to inform my future
29:00: Loving others in the midst of mental illness
42:07: Isolation: a cause and effect of mental illness
54:03: Healthy boundaries in relationship with others with mental illness
59:01: Challenge By Choice

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

When do you know that you're meant to marry someone? How much do you ever really know??

Mike & Alicia Hernon of the Messy Family Project share the story of their friendship, dating, and discernment with loads of wisdom for anyone at any stage of their vocation journey.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“Where there is no vision, the people perish."~ Proverbs 29:18

Why do my spouse and I fight over such trivial things?
How can we be more connected in our marriage?
How do we create a vision of hope for our family?

In episode 89 of This Whole Life, hosts Kenna & Pat Millea welcome Mike & Alicia Hernon, founders of the Messy Family Project. Together, they dive deep into the importance of building a shared vision for marriage and family, exploring the transformative power of intentionality in daily life. The Hernons share candid stories from parenting ten children and offer insights into their Family Board Meeting — a practical tool for couples to step back from the daily grind and realign on what truly matters. From handling sibling conflict to fostering lifelong bonds within the family, the conversation balances vulnerability, laughter, and actionable wisdom. Listeners will learn how vision shapes family culture, hear guidance for spouses who bristle against setting a family vision, and find inspiration to move beyond survival mode toward thriving family life. Tune in for heartfelt advice, hope, and encouragement from two couples passionate about faith and family.

Mike & Alicia Hernon are co-founders of the Messy Family Project, a ministry dedicated to empowering moms and dads to embrace their sacred calling. Before launching the ministry, Mike was Vice President of Advancement at Franciscan University and host of Franciscan University Presents on EWTN. He holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and a Master’s in Business Administration. Alicia has a degree in Education and is the founder of Mary Seat of Wisdom Classical Community.

Parents of ten children and grandparents to eight, the Hernons have made their home in Steubenville, OH for the past 30 years.

Episode 89 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
12:42: Setting a vision for your family
23:31: Hopes for the future to impact the present
32:26: The Family Board Meeting
43:50: What if one spouse doesn't want to do a Family Board Meeting?
55:12: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
Do you have a vision for your family? Can you and your spouse both articulate that vision to your children & others?
What daily issues are most likely to get you stuck in the urgent instead of the important?

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

Every parent has bad days, but some of those bad days become great stories over time.

Especially when there's a literal fork in the road.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"If you find that you have wandered away from the shelter of God, lead your heart back to Him quietly and simply."~ St. Francis de Sales

What is wrong with me that I feel so overwhelmed sometimes?
Why do I freeze up and struggle to process stress?
How can I get back to my authentic self and respond instead of react?

In Episode 88 of This Whole Life, Pat & Kenna dive deep into the concept of the “Window of Tolerance” — a foundational model for understanding emotional regulation and navigating stress. Blending faith and mental health insights, they explore how our window of tolerance shapes daily reactions, especially during times of stress or change. Kenna breaks down Dr. Dan Siegel’s model, describing the differences between living within and outside our window, and offering practical strategies for getting back to our authentic self. The hosts share personal stories about family, parenting, and marriage, making the science relatable for listeners. They discuss how to expand your window, respond with compassion (to self and others), and why reflecting on your patterns is a game-changer. Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed and seeking practical, soul-nourishing ways to regain balance, this episode is both insightful and encouraging.

Episode 88 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
12:38: What is the Window of Tolerance?
22:55: The place of authentic choices & actions
30:36: Getting back in my Window of Tolerance
38:22: Growing in resilience & expanding my Window
52:56: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What do you think of the Window of Tolerance model? How do you see it in your life?
What pushes you out of your Window? How do you know when you're above or below the Window of Tolerance?
How do you get back in your Window when you find yourself outside it?
What does God have to say about the moments when you're overwhelmed and outside of your Window of Tolerance?

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

People have different ways of approaching the holidays and holy days.

Even people who are sacramentally vowed to one another.

And sometimes that's really tricky - but pretty funny in retrospect.

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Join our email list and never miss an episode or an event

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God."~ 1 Corinthians 10:31

Is it really possible to stay sane around the holidays?
What if I have real baggage from past holidays & celebrations?
How do I hold onto my values when the routine is thrown out the window?

In episode 87 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna dive into the highs, hards, and heartfelt moments that come with holidays and celebrations. Together, they explore personal and family traditions, sharing how their values influence everything from birthdays and wedding anniversaries to Easter and Christmas. The discussion goes far beyond surface-level festivities, unpacking how expectations, family dynamics, and even past baggage shape our experience of these moments. You'll hear practical wisdom about communicating needs, honoring boundaries, and keeping faith at the center of every celebration—even in the midst of chaos. Whether it’s prioritizing family, embracing compromise, or creating meaningful new traditions, this episode is full of relatable stories, smiles, and actionable strategies for navigating the busiest—and sometimes hardest—times of the year with both sanity and sanctity.

Episode 87 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Intro & Blind Top 10
15:57: Highs & Hards
22:39: Principles of sane celebrations & holidays
35:56: Concrete approaches to sane celebrations (The Millea Way)
50:48: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Which holidays are most difficult for you?
When have you compromised with others about a holiday or celebration? What was that experience like for you?
When have you held onto your most central values during a celebration? When have you sacrificed a higher value for the sake of a lower value?
How can you identify and communicate your hopes and fears of an upcoming holiday with a loved one? What do you hope they understand about you?

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

What a difference a year can make.

You'll be wowed by Fr. Nathan LaLiberte's story of conversion and vocational discernment, going from occult practices to the seminary.

Who in your life needs to hear Fr. Nathan's story? Take one moment to share it with them.

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Why is it so easy to feel entitled?
How am I supposed to be grateful when things are so flawed?
Does gratitude really make a difference?

In this episode of This Whole Life, Pat, Kenna, and recurring guest Fr. Nathan LaLiberte dive deep into the transformative power of gratitude. They explore why gratitude isn’t optional for Christians, how it supports both mental health and spiritual maturity, and the enemies that rob us of gratefulness, including entitlement, criticism, and the difficulty of embracing imperfection. Through honest anecdotes, practical challenges, and engaging dialogue, the hosts tackle tough questions: Can gratitude coexist with the desire for improvement? How do we teach gratitude to children or grow it in ourselves during times of suffering? Tune in for real-life stories, wisdom from theology and psychology, and a hands-on exercise to nourish your own spirit of gratitude. Whether this season finds you stretched thin or overflowing, you’ll leave with fresh perspective and practical ways to cultivate thankfulness.

Episode 86 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
15:38: Gratitude is an obligation of the Christian life
20:47: Gratitude requires living in reality
25:30: Feeling entitled & denying the justice of gratitude
32:02: Practices to embrace gratitude
38:40: Focusing on the things I do have instead of the things I lack
49:23: Final thoughts on gratitude
52:12: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
Do you agree that gratitude is required for Christians?
What makes it difficult to be grateful?
Can you recall times when you (or those around you) fell into an attitude of entitlement rather than appreciation? How did that impact you and others?
What are some ways you can foster a culture of gratitude within your family, workplace, or friend group — especially with children or people who may not naturally notice their blessings?

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Monsignor James Shea stopped using email in 2013."

What?!

In this inaugural Storytellers episode of This Whole Life, hear about this University president's story of deleting his email entirely: his reasoning, what he's learned, and what you can gain from his story.

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"The Christian faith does not destroy culture, but purifies and uplifts it. It takes away nothing of genuine value from a society or nation, but strengthens whatever is good for the betterment of all."~ St. John Paul II

What does it mean to live a beautiful life?
How can I create a Catholic culture in my own life, family, school, or work?
Should I be aiming to create a utopia on earth?

In this insightful episode of This Whole Life, hosts Pat and Kenna sit down with Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary, to explore the deep connection between faith, mental health, and the quest for true integration in everyday life. Monsignor Shea shares personal stories of loss and leadership, reflecting on building an authentic Catholic culture in diverse communities, the challenges and joys of forming young minds, and why embracing imperfections leads us closer to wholeness. The conversation dives into the meaning of integration—both personally and institutionally—and touches on how fragmented lives can be healed through Christ with humility and a spirit of self-giving. With practical encouragement and wisdom, this episode inspires listeners to find beauty, purpose, and unity in the messiness of real life. Perfect for anyone seeking both sanity and sanctity as they walk the journey of faith.

Monsignor James Shea became the sixth president of the University of Mary in 2009. Monsignor Shea grew up on a dairy farm in Hazelton, North Dakota, and has studied at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., the Vatican’s North American College, the University of Chicago, and Harvard.

Episode 85 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
15:22: What does integration mean?
25:53: Creating Catholic culture
40:03: Building a common vision, not a "utopia"
48:29: Msgr. Shea's book recommendation
53:15: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
How do you see the connection between integrity and beauty in your own life?
When have you experienced fragmentation or compartmentalization, and how did they stop you from living a fully authentic life?
How do you create habits to be fully integrated internally and with others?
How can we balance the pursuit of excellence and integration without falling into the trap of perfectionism or utopian thinking?

Send us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Each family finds within itself a summons that cannot be ignored, and that specifies both its dignity and its responsibility: family, become what you are."
~ St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, §17

How do I acknowledge and communicate my sexual desires & needs?
What do I do when my expectations about sex in marriage are unmet?
Is it possible to keep the spark alive while practicing NFP?

In episode 84, Pat and Kenna welcome Monica & Renzo Ortega for the final installment of their “Holy Sex” series. Together, they dive into the nitty-gritty realities of sex, intimacy, and marriage from a faith-filled, honest perspective. The conversation explores expectations versus reality, navigating communication, vulnerability, and the unique challenges of practicing NFP, whether trying to achieve or avoid pregnancy. The Ortegas share personal stories and offer compassionate advice for couples wrestling with unmet expectations, shame, or the need for deeper connection. This episode is rich with practical wisdom, laughter, and encouragement, inviting couples to have those hard-but-holy conversations and rediscover the gift of authentic intimacy in marriage.

Renzo & Monica Ortega have been married since 2012 and have 5 kids. They facilitate youth and marriage prep ministry for their home parish and they love to talk about all things marriage and family life on their podcast: Two Become Family. They've also co-authored a book entitled Lovemaking: How to talk about sex with your spouse (a guide for everyday Catholics).

Episode 84 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
13:50: A faithful & practical approach to sex
19:39: Expectations vs. Reality in sex
32:06: Challenges with NFP when trying to become pregnant
42:56: What about sex when you're using to NFP to rightly avoid pregnancy?
53:13: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
If you're married, what were your expectations around sex before marriage? How have the played out so far?
How has your background or upbringing shaped your views on sex, and how have those views influenced your relationship?
How has striving for chastity within marriage challenged or changed your understanding of love and self-gift?
What’s one “hard conversation” about intimacy, fertility, or expectations that you’ve been avoiding with your spouse? How might you create space for that discussion?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Love should be seen as something which in a sense never ‘is’ but is always only ‘becoming’, and what it becomes depends up on the contribution of both persons and the depth of their commitment.”~ Karol Wojtyła

Why doesn't arousal come as easily as we expected?
How do we make opportunities for intimacy when life is so busy?
How can I have honest conversations with my spouse about arousal and our sex life?

In Episode 83 of This Whole Life, Pat & Kenna are joined by guest Trisha McKeever, LMFT for Part 2 of the "Holy Sex" series, focusing on arousal within marriage. With honesty, humor, and vulnerability, they explore the real-life intricacies of intimacy, including the challenges of noticing, naming, and cultivating arousal amidst the busyness of family life. The conversation breaks down common myths around arousal, embracing the idea that self-awareness and willingness play key roles in developing a healthy sexual relationship. Drawing from clinical practice and Christian principles, they discuss practical steps couples can take to recognize and communicate their needs, address internal and external “blocks,” and honor each other’s differences — whether you’re a “rocket” or an “airplane.” Tune in for relatable stories, expert insights, and actionable advice that will encourage couples to integrate faith, emotional awareness, and authentic connection in the bedroom and beyond.

Trisha McKeever is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota and has been in private practice for 10 years. She is passionate about incorporating her own Christian beliefs and her perspective as a believer into the healing work that she does with her clients. Trisha also brings the wisdom of 19 years of marriage, and she is the mother of three children.

Episode 83 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
15:01: What does arousal really mean?
24:37: Choosing arousal & openness
30:33: When the brakes get engaged
37:51: Communicating about arousal with my spouse
46:32: Gender differences in arousal & readiness
56:00: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
How do you define “arousal” in the context of your own marriage or relationship?
What are some “blocks” or “brakes” that you have experienced in your sexual relationship? How might you begin to address them?
Can you think of a time when a small “yes” led to greater intimacy or connection?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"I belong to my lover, and my lover belongs to me; he feeds among the lilies."~ Song of Solomon 6:3

Why isn't my sex life going the way I hoped it would?
How do I talk to my spouse about sex after we've gotten into ruts?
Is it possible to have more sex and better sex in our marriage?

In Episode 82 of This Whole Life, Kenna is joined by Vonda Tiede, LMFT and Daniel Merboth to kick off a powerful three-part series on “Holy Sex” in marriage. Together, they dig deep into the “good news” about sex from a faith-filled, psychologically-informed perspective. Through candid conversations, the trio explores the prevalent myths and cultural lies surrounding sex, the harms of "obligation sex", and the importance of mutuality, communication, and healing within intimacy. They highlight how a couple’s sexual relationship reflects God’s creative genius and the need for curiosity and grace—not shame or rigid expectations. With personal stories, practical insights, and a compassionate challenge for listeners to reimagine intimacy, this episode offers hope, encouragement, and a fresh perspective on cultivating joy and connection in marriage. Whether you’re newly married, have been married for years, or want to better support holy marriages, this episode invites you to approach sexuality as a sacred gift of love.

Vonda Tiede is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in Minnesota. Vonda lives outside the Twin Cities of Minnesota with her husband, and together they have 6 children.

Daniel Merboth is currently pursuing a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy degree at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Daniel lives in Minnesota with his wife and two children.

Episode 82 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
15:17: Falsehood about sex in marriage
26:21: The consequences of "obligation sex"
34:45: Moving from obligation sex to open communication
45:17: It's not just about an orgasm
1:01:50: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
When and how did you learn to communicate about sex? What were you taught about conversations involving sex?
What falsehoods and obstacles keep spouses from being joyfully connected in their sex life?
What "great news" about sex did you draw from this episode?
How can you move toward greater connection and closeness in your emotional and sexual relationships with your spouse?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery."~ Galatians 5:1

What if I didn't sign up for the life I have?
What does my life feel so out of control?
Why do I feel trapped in the life I'm leading?

In Episode 81 of This Whole Life, hosts Pat & Kenna Millea dive deep into what it really means to take control of your life — especially when things aren't going the way you thought they would. This episode explores the broader theme of agency: why so many people feel stuck in passive roles and how modern life — through technology, cultural pressures, and even spiritual ideals — can erode our sense of freedom. Packed with personal stories and practical wisdom, Pat and Kenna explore real strategies for reclaiming healthy agency, embracing flexibility, and living an integrated life in faith and mental health.

This episode also offers some raw reflections on the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, as well as highlights of their new Figuring It Out course for those seeking meaningful change. Because truly, freedom and agency are especially important when things don't go the way we planned. Join us for this heartfelt and honest conversation.

Episode 81 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Reflection on the tragedy at Annunciation
21:27: Why is agency, or free will, indispensable?
28:41: What causes a lack of agency?
36:36: What does it look like to live with freedom?
49:42: "I have to" & "I should" vs. Choosing
52:48: Announcing the "Figuring It Out" live course
55:30: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
Are there areas of life in which you feel trapped? How do you know?
What does it look like to live in healthy freedom? When have you lived in healthy freedom?
Are there things in your life that you feel like you "have to" or "should" do instead of actively choosing? What could you do differently?
How can you choose to engage with your life in a way that lines up with your values?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"A mild answer turns back wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."~ Proverbs 15:1

Is it possible to fight fair?
How can someone who hates conflict approach it better?
How do you turn conflict into connection?

In this episode of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna Millea dive deep into the heart of fighting well with the "Four Cs of Conflict." Drawing from real-life family stories, faith, and the practical tools of therapy, they lay out a step-by-step process to approach disagreements in healthier, more meaningful ways. You'll learn how to calm yourself, connect within before reaching out, recommit to the relationship—even in the heat of the moment—and finally address the real issues at hand. Whether it’s a kitchen squabble, challenges in marriage, or tough moments with friends, Pat and Kenna’s blend of humor and vulnerability offer hope and practical wisdom. Plus, they share their favorite “conflict hacks,” and recap why honest conflict can actually draw us closer. Tune in for encouragement, laughs, and a fresh approach to living faith and mental health in everyday difficulties.

Episode 80 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
13:48: Practical approach to conflict
18:00: Is comfort with conflict built in or learned?
21:30: C #1: Calm
26:33: C #2: Connect
30:14: C #3: (re)Commit
37:58: C #4: Content
45:47: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What is your usual approach to conflict? How does it serve you well, and how does it challenge your relationships?
Have you experienced moments of conflict bringing your closer to someone? What made the difference?
Which of the 4 C's stands out to you? Which C is something you need to work on?
What phrase will you use to recommit to moments of conflict in a way that communicates your desire for connection?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’”~ Romans 8:15

Why are so many fathers struggling?
Is it possible for fathers to live peaceful lives today?
How can a man change the world through his identity as a father?

In episode 79 of This Whole Life, Pat Millea sits down with Devin Schadt, founder and executive director of the Fathers of St. Joseph, to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of Catholic fatherhood. Devin shares his personal journey, including a life-changing experience after his daughter’s health crisis that propelled him to embrace his vocation as a husband and father. The conversation covers topics such as the crisis of fatherhood, overcoming shame, the loneliness men often face, and the power of transformative relationships. Pat and Devin discuss the profound influence fathers have on families, the unique spirituality of St. Joseph, and practical steps men can take to become trustworthy fathers by first becoming trusting sons of God the Father. Fathers - and the people who love them - will walk away with inspiration, practical advice, and a renewed vision for integrating faith, mental health, and the incredible gift of fatherhood.

Devin Schadt is the executive director of the Fathers of St. Joseph, an apostolate that labors for the restoration, redemption, and revitalization of fatherhood. He is the author of over 20 books on fatherhood through the wisdom of St. Joseph, including The Rule: Counsels and Directives for Husbands and Fathers and Custos: Total Consecration Through Saint Joseph. He is a co-host of The Catholic Gentleman podcast. Devin has been married for 30 years and has five daughters, and lives in Iowa.

Episode 79 Show Notes

The Fathers of St. Joseph

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
12:09: Today's fatherhood crisis & opportunity
21:10: The centrality of relationships for fathers
25:55: Why the mission of fatherhood?
35:11: St. Joseph, model of sanity & sanctity
44:21: Overcoming the cycle of shame
52:18: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
How have your experiences with your own father, or your relationship with God the Father, influenced your approach to parenthood or relationships?
What are the threats that face fathers today? What are the opportunities for them to impact the world for good?
What are some practical steps that fathers and communities can take

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Love should be seen as something which in a sense never ‘is’ but is always only ‘becoming’, and what it becomes depends upon the contribution of both persons and the depth of their commitment.”
~ St. John Paul II

In episode 78 of This Whole Life, hosts Kenna and Pat Millea welcome Dr. Mario Sacasa, a seasoned marriage and family therapist and host of the Always Hope podcast, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about dating well—both before and after marriage. Together, they explore the true purpose of dating, how couples can continue to date within marriage, and the vital role of curiosity, play, and intentional communication as relationships evolve. Dr. Sacasa shares real-world wisdom on navigating the current dating landscape, avoiding common pitfalls, and building healthy relational patterns that last. The hosts also get personal about the challenges and joys in their own families, offering a blend of practical advice and relatable stories. Don’t miss the candid post-show chat, where more authentic, practical insights emerge about integrating faith, mental health, and investing in love for the long haul.

Mario Sacasa, Ph.D. is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has been in practice for over 15 years. Dr. Sacasa is the host of Always Hope, a podcast providing solutions to life’s challenges that are grounded in faith and psychology. He travels the country offering lectures on dating, marriage, sexuality, and the misunderstood virtue of hope. He is the creator of two online courses: Dating Well, which helps young adults navigate the modern dating scene, and Overcoming Stress and Anxiety, which offers clear guidance for beating stress in life. Dr. Sacasa is married to his wife of 22 years, Kristin, with whom he shares the joy parenting their four sons.

Episode 78 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
15:57: What's the point of dating?
27:10: The common mistakes of dating
40:04: Mentally healthy dating
50:32: Warning signs for departing from dating
59:15: Challenge By Choice
1:05:42: The after-show!

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What has your experience been with dating? What are the blessings and challenges you've known?
How is dating different today than it was 20 years ago? What are the specific hardships and opportunities right now?
What makes dating difficult after a couple is married? How can they overcome those difficulties?
What do you need to focus on in your dating life right now? What changes will you make?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”~ John 13:35

Am I really "pro-life"?
How does loving others impact my mental & spiritual health?
How am I supposed to treat the people who are hard to love?

In Episode 77 of This Whole Life, Pat Millea welcomes Fr. Nathan LaLiberte for a powerful conversation about living out the pro-life message in our daily interactions and relationships. Together, they go beyond the usual political rhetoric, exploring how being truly pro-life means acknowledging the dignity of every person—from the unborn and marginalized to the neighbor or cashier we encounter each day. Drawing on scripture, personal stories, and concepts from psychology, they discuss the challenges of loving those we might find difficult and the importance of moving past disgust and division. You'll hear thought-provoking reflections on boundaries, cancel culture, authentic Christian love, and the everyday choices that build a culture of life. Join this heartfelt and inspiring call for radical, incarnational pro-life living.

Episode 77 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
8:55: The sanity of being fully pro-life
15:40: The anti-humanity of cancel culture
22:03: Being pro-life, not "pro-birth"
31:45: Refusing to turn away from a person
38:08: The temptations to villainize people & groups
45:05: Meditation on others' dignity & human solidarity
55:49: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
Father Nathan discusses the tendency to see “pro-life” purely through the lens of abortion. In what ways can a pro-life ethic broaden to include other aspects of human dignity and social justice?
What are practical ways, big or small, that you can affirm someone’s dignity on a daily basis, even if you don’t agree with them or find it inconvenient?
How do you navigate loving and maintaining relationships with people who hold vastly different beliefs or values than you?
The episode often returns to the idea that being fully pro-life requires acting with intentional love. What does that look like for you, especially in small, everyday encounters?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."~ Matthew 10:16

Is there any way to make parenting less stressful?
What can I do to make our life less chaotic?
How can our family be a little more sane & connected?

Let's face it - parenting in the 21st century is not for the faint of heart. In episode 76 of This Whole Life, Kenna and Pat dive into their top 10 parenting hacks, offering real-life tips for bringing sanity and sanctity to family life. From the “Team Millea" mentality that fosters solidarity to practical routines like weekly family meetings and consistent chore delegation, Kenna and Pat share what actually works for their family of nine. They also discuss navigating finances, the art of doing tomorrow’s prep today, embracing their village, and the power of letting go of comparison. Whether you have one child or many, this episode is packed with hope, encouragement, and actionable tools to help you parent with intention in today’s chaotic world.

Episode 76 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
7:56: Parenting hacks & why we don't identify our kids
10:49: Hack #1: The "Team Millea" Mentality
14:44: Hack #2: Weekly Family Meetings
18:39: Hack #3: Chores for Everyone!
24:48: Hack #4: One-on-One Time
28:55: Hack #5: Do your "tomorrow self" a favor today
32:53: Hack #6: It takes a village
34:57: Hack #7: Get clever about finances
41:08: Hack #8: Being shrewd about food
44:10: Hack #9: Double (or triple/quadruple) dip on activites
46:16: Hack #10: If it doesn't work for you, Let it go!
49:27: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What are the things that cause stress, chaos, disagreements, and anxiety in your family?
What is one of these "hacks"/suggestions that might help your family function with more joy and peace?
What is your vision for parenting & family life?
How are your day to day efforts moving toward that vision? How are they moving you away from that vision?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win."~ 1 Corinthians 9:24

Are youth sports helping or hurting our kids?
Can sports be a healthy way of honoring God?
How can my children and I stay grounded in the midst of their sports?

In Episode 75 of This Whole Life, hosts Pat and Kenna sit down with Super Bowl champion Matt Birk for a lively, honest, and heartfelt conversation about the realities of youth sports today. From hilarious football stories to hard-fought lessons on resilience and parenting, Matt shares his journey as both an elite athlete and a dad navigating the pressures of today’s competitive youth sports culture. Together, they explore the joys and challenges of childhood athletics, the growing professionalization of youth sports, and the importance of keeping play fun and rooted in faith. Whether you’re a parent on the sidelines, a coach, or just a fan of sports and good conversations, this episode is full of wisdom, practical advice, and perspective on how sports can help shape not just athletes, but healthy, resilient human beings—mind, body, and soul.

Matt Birk is a CEO, a fifteen year NFL veteran, and a Super Bowl champion. He played college football at Harvard and graduated with a degree in economics before going on to be drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998. He played for the Vikings for eleven years and then for the Baltimore Ravens for four years, where he won Super Bowl XLVII. Matt was named the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2011 for his accomplishments on and off the field. Since retiring from the NFL in 2013, Matt has been a vocal pro life advocate, he has cofounded a Catholic high school, and authored a book called All Pro Wisdom. He and his wife have eight children.

Episode 75 Show Notes

Find out more about Matt Birk's work and speaking

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
11:45: True stories from an NFL veteran
18:57: The mental challenge of sports
28:22: Faith, sports psychology, and resilience
36:30: The current state of youth sports
45:06: The harms of professionalization and specialization
53:18: Best practices for sports parents
1:05:04: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What have your experiences with sports been?
What are the benefits of youth sports? What are the dangers?
Why is it so tempting for parents to attach their identity to kids' sports?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone."~ Matthew 18:15

Why do I get caught in the middle of arguments in my family?
Why is it so tempting to bring someone else into a tense situation?
How do I break the cycle of being brought into triangles among my family & friends?

In Episode 74 of This Whole Life, Kenna Millea welcomes Ben Baker, LMFT and Addy Diaz for a lively Relationship Roundtable all about “triangulation”—that sneaky dynamic that can pop up in families, friendships, and work relationships alike. The team breaks down what triangulation actually is (spoiler: it’s more common—and human—than you think), how to spot it in real life, and why we’re all tempted to avoid tension by pulling in a third person, habit, or even technology. With honest stories, practical metaphors (think wobbly tables and silent dinners), and plenty of humor, they explore how triangles can sometimes stabilize a relationship—but also block the deeper connection we’re really seeking. Tune in for relatable insights, gentle challenges, and actionable tips on how to recognize, understand, and break out of unhealthy triangles for healthier, more authentic relationships.

Episode 74 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and becoming a therapist
8:32: What is triangulation?
19:48: Triangles are stabilizing - even harmful ones
26:23: How do we recognize triangulation?
33:21: What causes triangles?
44:47: How do I get out of a triangle?
52:55: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
When have you been brought into a triangle? When have you triangulated someone or something else?
How does it feel when you've been dragged into a triangle? Why does it feel that way?
Why are triangles so stabilizing? When are they healthy and unhealthy?
When are you most tempted to triangulate others? How can you get out of triangles when they happen?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.”~ John 21:22

Why do I get so angry at others' opinions & actions?
How am I supposed to handle the evil & falsehood in the world?
Why is it easier for me to explain what I'm against than what I'm for?

In episode 73 of This Whole Life, hosts Kenna and Pat Millea welcome back Fr. Nathan LaLiberte for a candid conversation about identity, vulnerability, and the subtle trap of living in antithesis—defining ourselves primarily by what we’re against. Together, they explore how easy it is to move through life reacting to what we don’t like or want, rather than proactively following Christ’s invitation to an authentic identity rooted in his love. With honesty and a good dose of humor, the trio reflects on the pitfalls of fear-based living, the grace of following Christ, and the challenge of forging deeper relationships built on shared pursuits rather than shared enemies. From the temptations of social media outrage and cable news to the deeper work of self-reflection and forgiveness, this episode invites listeners to consider what truly forms their identity—and how to embrace a more Christ-centered, joyful life.

Episode 73 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
16:24: Don't be an antithesis
26:34: The temptations & evils of resentment
33:07: Recognizing antithesis in my own life
42:32: Where am I putting my energy?
51:53: The personal invitation to follow Jesus
54:19: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
Is it easier for you to be against things or for Christ?
How do media, especially social media, affect your opinions and reactions to others?
When have you vowed to "never" be like someone or do something? How did that impact the way that you approached daily life?
How can you take practical steps to living for Christ and allowing him to guide your responses to the sins & shortcomings of the world?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."~ 1 Corinthians 13:7

Why do I get so hurt by others' actions?
Why is it so hard for me to let things slide?
How can I give people close to me the benefit of the doubt?

In episode 72 of This Whole Life, Kenna and Pat dive into the concept of Positive Sentiment Override, a game-changing mindset for building stronger, more joyful relationships. Kicking things off with some spirited candy rankings for the Easter season, the duo opens with laughter before turning to the more serious - but deeply practical - work of cultivating a positive lens in daily interactions with loved ones. Together, they break down Dr. John Gottman’s research on how seeing the best in others impacts not only our relationships but our own mental health. Together, they share real-life scenarios of how our internal narratives can shape the atmosphere in our homes, grounded in both faith and psychology. Whether you’re looking for ways to make your domestic church into a greater sanctuary or wanting to shake off negativity in your marriage, family, or friendships, this episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable takeaways, and faith-filled encouragement.

Episode 72 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction, Candy Rankings, and Highs & Hards
18:09: What is Positive Sentiment Override?
27:40: What if they're truly doing something wrong?
32:28: How do I know I'm in Negative Sentiment Override?
43:39: Practical situations
50:56: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
When have you enjoyed positive sentiment override with others? When have you been stuck in negative sentiment override?
How do you know when you're in a negative space with a loved one? What are the signs?
How do you break out of negative sentiment override and think more positively of your loved ones?
Why is it so hard to give the people closest to us the benefit of the doubt? What can you do to extend that grace to them?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"...we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."~ Romans 5:3-5

How are Christians supposed to respond to suffering?
How do I know if I'm suffering well?
How do I know whether I should avoid or accept a specific kind of suffering?

In episode 71 of This Whole Life, hosts Kenna and Pat Millea are joined by their good friend, Fr. Nathan LaLiberte, to delve into the complex topic of suffering from both a faith-based and psychological perspective. They explore the idea that suffering is not just to be avoided but can be a path to personal growth, connection with God, and redemption. Fr. Nathan shares insights from his experience and studies, highlighting how pain can signal areas for growth and conversion. The conversation is grounded on the Christian ethos of finding purpose in suffering, and includes sound psychological principles like those of Alfred Adler and Viktor Frankl. They also discuss the Fruits of the Holy Spirit and the virtue of prudence as essential tools in discernment, helping listeners navigate when to accept suffering and when to seek change. Join them for a thought-provoking exploration of suffering in the pursuit of sanity and sanctity.

Episode 71 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
13:42: The meaning of suffering
21:24: What kind of a God allows suffering?
25:38: There is no growth or change without pain
35:16: Do I accept this suffering or ask for help?
45:07: The example of Chiara Corbella Petrillo
50:37: Challenge By Choice

Reflections Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
When have you experienced suffering in your life? What was that like for you?
Has your suffering helped you to know Jesus better or has it challenged your faith?
How has hardship helped you to grow, become stronger, and experience conversion?
How do you discern whether to accept suffering in faith or to seek out resources to diminish the suffering?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“Man becomes an image of God not so much in the moment of solitude as in the moment of communion.”~ St. John Paul II

How do men connect with others?
What makes it hard for men to have strong marriages & friendships?
What can a man do to create healthier connections with others?

This special episode of This Whole Life is the first "Relationship Roundtable," tackling issues related to human connection and struggles in relationships. Pat Millea is joined by an outstanding panel of guests, including Ben Baker, John Braun, and Andy Norton, who dive into the vital topic of men's relational health. They explore what it looks like when men are truly connected with others—be it their wives, parents, children, friends, or coworkers. The episode unpacks the dynamics of honor, vulnerability, self-reliance, and the often-complicated nature of friendships. From pop culture references to real-life anecdotes, the conversation reveals both the strengths and pitfalls that men often face in relationships. Each guest offers insights from their own experiences, linking them to mental health and the Christian life. With practical steps and spiritual encouragement, they challenge men to take bold steps toward deeper and healthier connections.

Whether you're a man seeking to improve your relationships or someone who loves one, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement.

Episode 70 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Intro & positive & negative examples of men connecting with others
18:22: When men are in healthy relationship with others
25:30: Self-reliance, withdrawing, & struggles for men in relationships
29:58: The cycle of shame in men
38:21: Relationship goals & reaching out for connection
45:41: Practical ways for men to foster healthy relationships
58:02: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
When men are in healthy relationships, what are they doing well?
When men are struggling to be connected to others, what are the pitfalls or temptations?
How can men have strong, connected relationships while maintaining a sense of personal competence and strength?
Men: How can you reach out to someone for greater connection? Women: How can you support the men in your life with their relationships?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, to welcome, to accept."~ Henri Nouwen

Why is it so hard to listen well to others?
Why am I so pained when others don't listen to me?
Can I become a better & more active listener?

In this episode of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna welcome guest Addy Diaz to explore the art of active listening. Delving into how active listening fosters deeper connections and empathy, Addy shares insights from her experience in clinical counseling and ministry. The discussion highlights the importance of being present and attentive to others' stories, avoiding common pitfalls like bringing conversations back to oneself or offering unsolicited advice. Addy discusses practical "Dos" and "Don'ts", such as eliminating distractions and reflecting feelings and posture, to enhance one's listening skills and connection to others. Through engaging anecdotes and relatable scenarios, this episode emphasizes the transformative power of truly hearing others and provides listeners with tools to become better listeners.

Addy Diaz is a Masters Level Clinician seeking advanced licensure as a Licensed Practicing Clinical Counselor. Addy holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. She received her undergraduate degree in Communications from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. Addy is passionate about integrating the truths of the Christian faith and the realities of mental health for a holistic understanding of the person. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, brewing kombucha, gardening, and playing music.

Episode 69 Show Notes

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
15:28: The transformative power of active listening
24:07: Embracing the levels of personhood
32:36: Listening communicates worth
40:36: Resisting the temptation to minimize
45:43: Advice & Criticism
53:34: Receiving, not educating
57:39: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
On a scale from 1-10, how skilled are you at active listening? Have you become better or worse over time?
When have you had an experience of being heard well and with love? What did that mean to you?
What is hard about active listening in your relationships? What are the temptations or distractions?
What is one way you will work to become a better listener?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"What we can be always sure of - no matter what is happening in our lives - is that we are not alone. You are not alone! God knows your suffering intimately and wants to walk with you through it."~ Bishop James Conley

How should a Christian respond to a mental health crisis?
Do priests & bishops know what it's like to struggle with their mental health?
Is it worth it to be open & honest about my struggles?

In this beautifully personal episode, Kenna and Pat are joined by Bishop James Conley, who candidly shares his personal journey through mental health struggles and his path to recovery and wholeness. Bishop Conley opens up about the challenges he faced, including situational PTSD, anxiety, and major depressive disorder, and the transformative power of faith, vulnerability, and honesty. Drawing from his experience, he offers insights into the intersection of faith and mental health, emphasizing the importance of an approach to wellness that serves the whole person. The conversation expands to touch on societal issues such as the role of technology in mental health and the responsibilities of the Church in these areas. Bishop Conley's story serves as a testament to the enduring hope and healing available through faith, community, and professional support. Tune in for an inspiring and enlightening discussion that celebrates the pursuit of wholeness and holiness.

Bishop James Conley has been the bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska since 2012, where his episcopal motto is "cor ad cor loquitur" ("heart speaks to heart"). Bishop Conley was ordained a priest in 1985 and has served at the Vatican and as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Denver prior to his current assignment. In 2024, he shared A Future With Hope, his pastoral letter on mental health.

Episode 68 Show Notes

A Future With Hope, Bishop Conley's Pastoral Letter on Mental Health

Chapters:

0:00: Introducing Bishop James Conley
7:43: Highs & Hards
18:09: Bishop Conley's mental health journey
35:30: The experience of vulnerability
42:52: Hopeful responses to mental health from the Church
46:44: Daily mental health practices
53:15: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What situations and forces are threats to your mental health? How do you respond to them?
What do you take from Bishop Conley's openness about his struggles with mental health? How might you be more open & vulnerable with your loved ones?
How do you see the Church and in

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Love without truth devolves into sentimentality. Truth without love becomes cold and calculated."~ Bishop Robert Barron

Where did we get to this place with regard to gender?
How do I, a Christian, treat people who are gender nonconforming?
What is the relationship between truth and love in real relationships?

In Episode 67, hosts Kenna and Pat engage in a profound & faithful conversation with Dr. Julia Sadusky about gender identity and gender dysphoria. Dr. Sadusky, a licensed clinical psychologist, brings her expertise in psychology, gender, and faith, offering compassionate insights into how parents and individuals can navigate the complex terrain of gender identity with love and truth. This episode delves into the complexities of gender dysphoria, highlighting the real emotional challenges faced by those experiencing it, and provides practical guidance for parents aiming to support their children's gender exploration in a healthy and faith-filled way. Dr. Sadusky also shares her personal journey into this work, illustrating the power of compassion and the importance of presence in moments of suffering. Listeners are invited to examine their own positions and postures, fostering meaningful and empathetic relationships with those navigating gender questions.

Dr. Julia Sadusky is a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner of a private practice in Littleton, CO. She is also an author, consultant, speaker, and adjunct professor. Dr. Sadusky has done extensive research and clinical work in sexual and gender development and specializes in trauma-informed care. She earned a bachelor's degree from Ave Maria University and a master's degree and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Regent University. She has authored several books around human sexuality, with her most recent two-book series entitled, "Start Talking to Your Kids about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics" (Ave Maria Press, 2023) and "Talking with Your Teen about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics (Ave Maria Press, 2024).

Episode 67 Show Notes

Visit Dr. Julia Sadusky's website and check out her books

Chapters:

0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
12:57: Defining gender & gender identity
19:34: Gender dysphoria & distress around gender
27:33: Parents facing gender confusion in their children
42:16: Public gender nonconformity & pronouns
54:28: Position vs. Posture
59:49: Navigating gender expression with loved ones
1:10:52: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
When have you encountered challenges around gender?
How

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Above all, let your love for one another be intense,
because love covers a multitude of sins."~ 1 Peter 4:8

What is a love language? What is MY love language?
Why is it hard to connect with my spouse?
How do I talk to my spouse about what makes me feel loved?

In this heartwarming episode of This Whole Life, Kenna and Pat explore the concept of love languages, inspired by Gary Chapman's popular book. They dive into how understanding love languages can enhance relationships, especially during the busy, challenging seasons of life. Pat and Kenna share personal anecdotes, discussing their own love languages and how these have influenced their marriage. They break down the five love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch, and provide insights on how to recognize and appreciate the love languages of significant others, family, and friends. These love languages help each of us to love in the deepest sense, in self-gift for the good of others. Tune in for a mix of playful banter, thoughtful discussion, and practical advice to nurture your most cherished relationships.

Episode 66 Show Notes

Take the online quiz to discover your Love Language!

Download a summary of the Five Love Langauges

Order The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Chapters:
0:00: Intro Game and Highs & Hards
14:01: Explaining the Love Languages
19:22: Words of Affirmation
24:28: Quality Time
29:44: Receiving Gifts
33:32: Acts of Service
39:20: Physical Touch
49:54: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What is your love language? What is the love language of your spouse or another loved one?
How have you felt loved well? What made you feel loved?
When have you not felt loved very well? What was happening or not happening?
How can you communicate better with your spouse or loved ones about your love language?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts

View Details

"If in spite of everything God does not give them children, they should not regard themselves as being thwarted. They should be happy, discovering in this very fact God's will for them. ... There is, then, no reason for feeling they are failures or for giving way to sadness."~ St. Josemaría Escrivá
Is God present in infertility?
How do I deal with the sadness & anger of losing a dream?
When I feel like I don't fit in, what do I do?

In this profoundly moving episode of This Whole Life, Kenna and Pat delve into the delicate and deep topic of infertility. They engage in heartfelt conversations with three couples who each share their unique and intimate journeys through infertility. Through candid stories of struggle, hope, and healing, the couples reveal how their experiences have shaped their relationships with one another and with God, how they navigate cultural expectations, and how they have developed emotional and mental resilience. This compelling episode sheds light on the realities of infertility, offering insights into how these couples have found support and love amidst their trials. Whether journeying through infertility or seeking to support those who are, you will discover profound lessons about life, love, and the reality of redemption in the midst of suffering.

Episode 65 Show Notes

Chapters:0:00: Three couples' journey of infertility
13:50: How has infertility impacted your marriage?
18:13: How has infertility impacted your relationship with God?
23:28: How has this journey affected your emotions & mental health along the way?
36:17: Where have you found the most support & care?
43:28: What have you learned about life and love?
48:08: Witnessing generosity & openness up close

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What is your experience with infertility, in your own life or in a loved one?
What is one time that a dream was lost? What did you feel, and how did you respond?
What are some of the expectations put upon you by the culture or those in the Church? What do you do when you don't fit those expectations?
How can you love & support those living with infertility? If you experience infertility, what do you need from others?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. Bring love into your home, for this is where our love for each other must start.”~ St. Teresa of Calcutta
Why am I so emotionally tied up in my kids' accomplishments?
Is my child's behavior a verdict on my parenting?
How can I be invested in my child without trying to control them?

In Episode 64 of This Whole Life, Kenna welcomes guest Rachel Balducci for an insightful discussion on parenting, identity, and faith. They delve into the emotional journey parents undergo as they detach from their children's achievements and embrace their true identity and worth. Rachel shares personal stories, emphasizing the importance of humor and grace in parenting. The conversation highlights the need to maintain healthy boundaries, allowing children to forge their own paths while anchoring self-worth in the Lord, not external validation. Rachel also reflects on fostering authentic community and the transformative power of prayer, offering listeners encouragement in building genuine relationships and seeking holiness in everyday life. The episode is a thought-provoking exploration of how faith and mental health intertwine in parenting, with Kenna and Rachel offering wisdom and guidance for navigating challenges with love and understanding.

Rachel Balducci is a cohost of The Gist, a talk show for women on CatholicTV, and teaches journalism at Augusta University. She is the author of No Such Thing As Ordinary,Overcommitted: Cut Chaos and Find Balance, Make My Life Simple: Bringing Peace to Heart and Home and How Do You Tuck in a Superhero and Other Delightful Mysteries of Raising Boys. Rachel and her husband, Paul, live in Georgia and have five sons and one daughter.
Episode 64 Show Notes

Rachel Balducci's books

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
10:32: Humility & candor in parenting
17:24: Finding community & letting go of control
33:42: Freedom from others' opinions of my children as extensions of me
46:30: Receiving our value from the Lord, not from our children
54:55: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What are the most wonderful things about marriage & parenting? What are the most challenging things about parenting?
In what ways can parents balance the tension between helping their children pursue excellence and reminding them of their worth regardless of their accomplishments?
What kinds of community an

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”~ Blaise Pascal
Do the big, existential questions of life really matter?
Why is it so tempting to avoid the big questions?
How can I deal with the big questions in ways that I can process?

In Episode 63 of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna engage with clinical counselor Alex Wallace to explore the big questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose? Should I be vulnerable with others? Alex emphasizes the necessity of vulnerability and community in addressing existential questions and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Drawing from personal experiences and Catholic teachings, he integrates faith with therapy, highlighting the crucial support therapists can provide in addressing deeper issues. The episode weaves humor with wisdom, referencing St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and the Lion King. Join the conversation to face the things that really matter.

Alex is Catholic, a husband and a father of four. He is also a Counselor with the Ruah Woods Institute and has twelve years of clinical experience, working to serve the needs of individuals in various settings, including private practice, community outpatient services, intensive youth rehabilitation, hospital chaplaincy, and collegiate sport performance. Alex holds credentials as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with training supervision designation (LPCC-S) in Ohio and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana.

Episode 63 Show Notes

The Ruah Woods Institute

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
14:02: The journey to becoming a Catholic therapist
23:32: Existential questions & mental health
29:27: Vulnerability & the Lion King
42:37: Practicing as an authentically Catholic therapist
51:05: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
In what ways does embracing vulnerability contribute to healing of mind & soul?
Why is community essential in the process of wholeness according to the discussion?
What big questions do you reflect on often? What big questions do you tend to avoid?
In what ways does the world push us away from the big questions of life? What impact does that have on us, psychologically & spiritually?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"The Christian community is called to help them [parents] in teaching children how to live in a media environment in way consonant with the dignity of the human person and service of the common good.”~ Pope Francis
Does technology really harm children & teens?
How do I raise my children in a world steeped in tech & social media?
Is it even worth the fight to resist the culture when it comes to technology?

This is an important one, friends! In Episode 62, Pat and Kenna delve into the complexities of technology's impact on children, families, and parents. They discuss the critical role of guiding children towards responsible tech use, while resisting the cultural push for children using devices & social media at a young age. Exploring the emotional strain parents face when limiting tech access, they emphasize the empowerment found in community support. The episode also highlights the importance of fostering real-world engagement & joy. The couple shares personal insights on managing children's screen time, advocating for setting boundaries to promote healthier interactions.

If you've ever faced difficult conversations or decisions about technology with your children, this episode is for you!

Episode 62 Show Notes

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
17:50: Approach to technology & some statistics
27:37: Feeling a lack of agency
33:59: Proposing a vision for kids' tech use
40:52: Concrete actions & conversations around technology
50:17: The need for community among parents
58:09: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What difficulties have you faced around technology & social media in your own life? In your children's lives?
What does healthy tech use look like to you? What are your values around technology?
What are technology & social media good for? What are the dangers of technology? How can you help your children enjoy the good and avoid the dangers?
When you listen to the Holy Spirit, how are you being called to lead your family with regards to technology?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.”~ John 17:18

How do I share the gospel when others aren't open to it?
Can I be an authentic Christian if my job doesn't allow me to express it openly?
How do I love people who are hostile toward my faith?

Our world is fallen and broken, and in many ways it seems to be growing more opposed to the Christian life. Pat is joined by licensed therapist Isaac Wicker for a profound conversation about this struggle. Whether you're in school, at work, or with friends & family, we all find ourselves in a position of witnessing our faith to those who don't seem to be open to it. They might even be openly hostile toward the faith. But the call of Jesus is not to return vitriol with vitriol or to run away from the world, but rather to engage others with love and a willingness to preach the gospel at all times, with words and actions.

Isaac Wicker is a Catholic therapist, speaker, and content creator with a decade of mental health experience. Outside of his therapy work, he founded and runs two online Catholic programs for integrating faith and mental health: Whole Human Challenge, a 7-week Catholic challenge to uproot anxiety and enliven faith; and KNOWN: Embraced by the Heart of the Father, a 12-week online Catholic journey to heal wounded relationships with God the Father. You can follow his instagram @knownbythefather and find him on YouTube @wholehumanpsychology. Isaac lives in Minnesota with his wife and three children.

Episode 61 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
9:40: Living faith in a fallen world
20:29: Being a living instance of a loving God
28:10: A Catholic therapist in a secular mental health field
37:30: The courage to go into the world
47:11: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What secular environments do you live or work in? What challenges and opportunities do you find there?
When has someone helped you know God's love when you felt unlovable? When have you shown God's love to another?
What is the value of acknowledging someone's good desires, even if they're being lived out in unhealthy or sinful ways?
Who is one person who you have a hard time loving, but needs the love of God through your witness?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew.”~ St. Francis de Sales
Why are my habits so hard to change?
Why do I keep doing the things I don't want to do?
How do I build a new habit and get rid of others?

In Episode 60, Kenna and Pat Millea take a deep dive into the psychology and spirituality of habit formation. They unpack the common struggles that we face when trying to build or break habits and encourage a self-compassionate approach that motivates us toward real change. Drawing insights from sources like Thomas Aquinas and James Clear's Atomic Habits, they explore how habits can align with spiritual goals and lead to a Christ-centered life. Whether you're hoping to be free from habitual sin or to create a workout routine, this episode offers practical tips for habit formation, paying attention to cues, cravings, responses, and rewards. Join us for a clearer way toward self-discipline and holiness!

We're happy to share this episode of This Whole Life with the SEEK Podcast Network.

Episode 60 Show Notes

Learn more about SEEK 2025: Follow Me

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
9:21: Why habits matter
18:33: The four stages of a habit
29:05: Analyzing my cues & the way habits compound
41:21: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
How can habit formation be a tool to enrich your spiritual life, and not just as an exercise in self-improvement?
What are one or two bad habits that you want to break?
What are one or two good habits that you want to create?
How might you invite the Lord into the work of building good habits? What natural steps can you take through your own will & efforts?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

View Details

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain."~ 1 Corinthians 15:10Why do I react the way that I do?
How much of my personality can I change?
How does my temperament impact my relationships, my work, and my faith?

Join Kenna and Pat as they dive into the fascinating world of temperaments with Art and Laraine Bennett, renowned authors of "The Temperament God Gave You." In this enriching episode, discover how understanding temperaments can lead to personal and spiritual growth, enhancing relationships and helping us to be more like Christ. The Bennetts explore the strengths and challenges of each temperament — choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic — and offer practical tools for navigating personal and interpersonal dynamics. Listen in as they discuss the importance of self-awareness, the power of community, and how temperaments can promote freedom and growth in holiness and virtue. This is a fantastic conversation that you don't want to miss.

Art Bennett has a B.A. in philosophy and an M.A. in counseling psychology from Santa Clara University. He has co-authored three books on temperament and 6 books with Laraine and is a licensed (California and Virginia) Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 35 years of clinical experience. Laraine Bennett has a B.A. in philosophy from Santa Clara University and an M.A. in philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She created the game, Know Thyself! The Game of Temperaments (Sophia Institute Press, 2022) and has written two solo books. Art and Laraine are frequent speakers on marriage and family issues, both nationally and internationally. They have four adult children and eleven grandchildren.Episode 59 Show Notes

Discover your temperament!

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
12:41: Uncovering & sharing the temperaments
18:25: Temperaments: the science of reactions
28:42: What are the four temperaments?
41:17: What's the point of understanding the temperaments?
51:17: Can my temperament change over time?
1:03:36: Challenge By Choice

Reflection Questions:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What is your temperament? How does your temperament affect your reactions?
How might knowing your temperament help you grow in holiness & virtue?
What do you understand about the temperaments of your spouse, children, and loved ones? How does that help your relationships?
What is one weakness of your temperament that you feel compelled to address?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“Return home and recount what God has done for you.”~ Luke 8:39
Where has the Lord been most clearly present in the story of your life?
Is my story really worth telling?
What good would it do to share my story with someone else?

In this heartfelt and enriching episode of "This Whole Life," hosts Kenna and Pat Millea engage in a profound conversation with Fr. Angelus Montgomery, the vocations director for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. In the framework of "telling your story," they delve into themes of personal brokenness, healing, and the unique callings that reveal aspects of Jesus. Fr. Angelus shares his "second conversion" and the transformation it sparked, and he highlights the role of vulnerability, storytelling, and the Christian call to love others as Jesus did. Together, they explore how great storytelling in literature mirrors The Story, the beauty of being chosen by God, and the significance of stepping back to see life's bigger picture. Join them for a heartening dialogue - your story is worth it.
Fr. Angelus Montgomery, CFR, a Nebraska native, is a priest with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, currently serving as the community’s Vocation Director at Joseph Friary in Harlem, New York. Along with his duties in helping young men in their discernment, he is involved with the Community’s outreach to the poor and vulnerable, and also is co-host of the Poco a Poco Podcast, produced by the CFR’s. Fr. Angelus’s heart is filled with gratitude to God for the gift of being a Franciscan priest and spiritual Father.

Episode 58 Show Notes

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
11:33: Getting into story telling & story work
22:11: Walking with others & Father's second conversion
34:51: Finding healing through telling my story
41:46: The power of saying it out loud
57:19: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
When have you shared your story with someone else? How did they receive it?
How has telling your story helped you receive healing and the love of God?
What is difficult about telling your story? What is difficult about receiving the story of someone else?
What is your reaction to the statement that we don't have to "fix" poverty, homelessness, etc.; we just have the love the person in front of us?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Support the show

Thank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!

Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Messiah?”~ John 4:29Is there a place in the Church for people with an LGBT+ experience?
Does God have a joyful plan for people living with same-sex attraction?
How can Christians love all people and uphold the teachings of the Church?

Pat Millea engages in a profound conversation with Shannon Ochoa, co-founder of Eden Invitation, and recurring guest Fr. Nathan LaLiberte. The episode explores the intricate intersection of faith, sexuality, and mental health, focusing on how to nurture whole-person formation for LGBT+ individuals within the Catholic Church. Shannon shares her personal journey of reconciling her faith with her attractions and the challenges faced along the way, highlighting the importance of God's grace, community, and unconditional love. Join us for insightful reflections on Jesus' mercy, the heart of true discipleship, and practical ways to support celibate individuals and foster a sense of belonging and dignity for all. We invite you into this deeply relevant and heartfelt conversation.

Shannon Ochoa is the co-founder & vice president of Eden Invitation, where she directs programs, nurtures relationships, and develops community. Shannon graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Social Welfare and Gender & Women's Studies. She has fallen for men and for women, but ultimately she fell for the beauty of Christ and His Church. Prior to founding Eden Invitation, Shannon worked in college campus ministry with The Evangelical Catholic and Brew City Catholic. If you're looking for her, try the shore of the nearest body of water. She’ll be in a hammock.

Episode 57 Show Notes

Learn more about Eden Invitation

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
10:54: Shannon Ochoa's journey of faith & self-knowledge
18:05: Bringing together faith & the LGBT+ experience
31:33: Tying up heavy burdens & the woman at the well
40:22: The work of Eden Invitation
48:02: Practical wisdom for a LGBT+ person or a loved one
57:58: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What experiences do you have with an LGBT+ experience or persons?
What feelings surfaced in you during this conversation? What are those feelings telling you?
How have you seen the Church and Christians respond well to LGBT+ persons? How have you feel Christians fail in their response?
How can you better carry the burdens of others? How can you invite others to help carry your burdens?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"But woe to the solitary person! If that one should fall, there is no other to help."~ Ecclesiastes 4:10
How do I know if I need therapy or spiritual direction?
Why doesn't my pastor offer more counsel in confession?
Do I need to talk to a priest or a therapist - or both?

In episode 56, Kenna welcomes Fr. Nathan LaLiberte to delve into the nuanced interplay between confession, therapy, and spiritual direction. Together, they distinguish between these different, but sometimes overlapping, practices of spiritual & mental healing. Fr. Nathan shares his experience as a confessor and spiritual director, and now in school for counseling as well. Listeners are invited to evaluate how they seek spiritual and emotional guidance for the sake of their wholeness. Join us for an honest and clarifying conversation that's sure to help you know where to turn for support!

Episode 56 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
21:54: Defining Therapy, Confession, & Spiritual Direction
28:48: From confession to spiritual direction
37:17: Parish life as primary spiritual direction
44:41: Directing change & the various styles of spiritual direction
53:25: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What experiences have you had with confession, spiritual direction, and/or therapy?
How do you understand the differences between therapy and spiritual direction?
When have you had a powerful experience of healing? Was it in confession, therapy, spiritual direction, or somewhere else?
Which of these types of healing would you benefit most from right now?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed."~ John 8:36
Is there hope for people who are stuck in addiction?
Is healing really possible for everyone?
If God really knows what I've done, how could he forgive me?

In episode 55 of "This Whole Life," Pat engages in a profound conversation with guest Scott Weeman, founder of Catholic In Recovery. Scott shares his personal journey through addiction and finding a path to recovery through faith and humility. He reveals the connection he identified between the 12 Step recovery process and the sacraments, shedding light on the universal spiritual truths embedded within them.

The dialogue delves into the significance of building a supportive community, reclaiming a sense of purpose, and finding hope amidst difficulty. Scott's insightful reflections and practical advice offer a beacon of encouragement to those navigating the complexities of addiction and seeking hope when things seem darkest. Join Pat and Scott on this transformative journey towards humility, recovery, and wholeness.

Scott Weeman is the founder of Catholic In Recovery and the author of The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments: A Catholic Journey through Recovery. Scott was born and raised in northeast Wisconsin, and after high school he attended college in New York City and his experience around drugs and alcohol started to spin out of control. After a series of unconventional events, he found himself seeking the mercy of the Lord through the Catholic community in San Diego. Scott supports others in their recovery by writing on a variety of Catholic and twelve-step topics, speaking at events, and developing one-on-one relationships with those seeking help. He enjoys a wide range of recreational activities including sports, cooking, hiking, reading, traveling, and relaxing over a pot of hot tea. Scott lives with his wife and children in Nashville, Tennessee.

Episode 55 Show Notes

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
10:13: Scott's story of addiction & recovery
21:57: Christianity & the 12 Steps
31:57: Facing & overcoming shame
41:51: The virtue of humility (and humiliation) in recovery
50:51: Finding joy & handling social situations in recovery
56:16: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What experiences do you have in common with Scott's journey of addiction and recovery?
In what ways do you, and those closest to you, struggle with freedom from addiction and compulsions?
What is one substance or behavior that you feel challenged to give up for 3 weeks in order to gain greater freedom?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments: A Catholic Journey through Recovery

View Details

"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens."~ Ecclesiastes 3:1
Change is hard. Yet, it's something that every person experiences on a daily basis. How can something so universal be so difficult for us?

In this episode of This Whole Life, Pat and Kenna dive into the challenges surrounding life changes and transitions. So many clients bring their questions and struggles to them when they're facing changes, and the hosts take time to reflect on the ways they have handled changes well and poorly in their lives. They stress the value of seeking support and connection during times of change, emphasizing the need to communicate openly with loved ones. Through thought-provoking conversation and practical advice, this episode provides valuable guidance on handling life's transitions with grace and resilience.

Episode 54 Show Notes

Chapters:00:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
14:24: Highs & Hards
19:42: Coping with change in a mentally healthy way
26:00: Real life transitions that we handled well & poorly
31:43: How to approach change in a healthy way
43:53: Why change is so hard
52:16: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What changes have you handled poorly in your life? What changes have you handled well?
How easily do you tolerate change?
What helps you to manage change in a healthy way?
What tips from this episode might help you manage transitions better in the future?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"There is a God close to us who calls us by name and says: 'Rise, cease your tears, because I have come to free you!'"~ Pope Francis
Pornography, masturbation, sexual sin, and sexual addiction are not only problems for men.

In Episode 53, Kenna and guest Rachael Killackey confront the sensitive yet crucial topic of sexual sin and addiction among women through the lens of faith and mental health. The discussion addresses the complexities of female sexuality, the impact of "purity culture", and the essential role of women sharing and understanding each other's stories. The episode offers insights into the relational nature of women's hearts, the importance of parenting with both moral formation and humble openness, and the necessity of holistic faith-filled sexual education for children. Rachael also joyfully shares her journey of founding Magdala Ministries, the first of its kind in the Catholic Church, to support women struggling with sexual addiction.

This beautiful episode offers a step toward hope and healing for women burdened by sexual sin, and clarity for those who want to better love & support the women in their lives. Join the conversation and take the next step toward freedom and wholeness!

Rachael Killackey is the founder & executive director of Magdala Ministries and a Colorado native (depending on your definition of native). She earned her bachelors and masters degrees in Theology from Ave Maria University, and since first sharing her testimony in college, Rachael has had the privilege of hearing dozens of beautiful stories of healing from sexual addiction, and is pursuing certification in sexual addiction therapy. Rachael married her husband, Tommy, in 2021. They now live in Tampa, FL, with their daughter, where they enjoy the beach (almost) as much as they enjoy the mountains. Her book, Love in Recovery, is available through Ave Maria Press.

Episode 53 Show Notes

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
12:30: The origins of Magdala Ministries & Rachael's healing journey
20:10: Moving from addiction to openness & healing
27:49: Gender differences & purity culture
40:10: How can we help our daughters & granddaughters grow up in the age of pornography?
48:22: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
Do you think woman have been excluded from discussions around sexual sin? Why or why not?
What impact have you seen "purity culture" have on Catholic approaches to sex?
How can parents help prepare their children to confront pornography in a healthy and resilient way?
What kind of freedom has the Lord offered you in the face of sin?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"In your journey as a family, you share so many beautiful moments: meals, rest, housework, leisure, prayer, trips and pilgrimages, and times of mutual support…"~ Pope Francis, Letter to Families, February 2014
Do you feel like you need a vacation to recover from your vacation?
Have you spent time and money on trips that leave you feeling disappointed & frustrated?
Do you have nightmares of children shouting "Are we there yet?" and arguments with relatives?

Family trips and vacations are sources of such deep joy and fulfillment, but they can also bring so much stress, anxiety, and conflict. What strategies & approaches would help you get the most out of trips with family and friends? On the heels of a cross country road trip with their 7 children to spend a week with extended family, Pat & Kenna share some practical ways to make family trips more fruitful and peaceful. From communication about expectations and hopes to embracing healthy boundaries and car entertainment, we welcome you into this relevant and practical conversation. Listen in and share your own traveling tips & tricks with us!

Episode 52 Show Notes

Chapters:0:00: Intro & This or That?: Movie edition
16:48: Highs & Hards
24:08: The joys & stresses of family trips
28:10: Communicating hopes & fears before the trip
35:51: Expectations & Boundaries on a trip
46:20: Final practical tips for trips
55:42: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
What memories do you have of trips you took growing up? What parts of those memories are joyful or painful?
What do you appreciate about trips as an adult? What makes trips with family or friends stressful or difficult to manage?
Why do you take trips? What values of yours are attached to trips with loved ones?
How can communication about expectations and boundaries help create a more joyful trip?
What tips & strategies have made your family trips more joyful?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father."~ John 15:15

Friendship is one of the highest experiences of human life, but it can also be the source of some of our greatest pains and struggles. Why do we desire deep and abiding friendship? Are all friendships the same? What does the Lord desire in our friendships, and which friends are best for us?

In episode 51 of This Whole Life, Pat is again joined by guest Fr. Luke Marquard to delve into the complex and profound topic of holy friendships. They explore the various levels of friendship, the importance of deep connections, and the role of faith in nurturing meaningful relationships. Drawing from personal experiences and insightful reflections, they highlight the beauty of seeing others as gifts and the pursuit of heavenly glory within friendships. Fr. Luke shares valuable insights on the influence of virtue, intentionally seeking of like-minded individuals while allowing ourselves to be challenged and stretched by our friends. With heartfelt discussions on the challenges of loneliness, manipulation in relationships, and the importance of incorporating Christ as the center of it all, this episode offers invaluable guidance for listeners seeking to deepen their connections and appreciate the gift of true friendships.

Fr. Luke Marquard is pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in West St. Paul, Minnesota.

Episode 51 Show Notes

Chapters:0:00: Intro, Over/Under and Highs & Hards
16:19: Focus on Friendship
22:57: The Three Levels of Friendship
33:40: What does bad friendship look like?
40:06: The parish as a source of friendship
46:21: When it's hard to make good friends
58:19: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
Who are your best friends? What makes them so valuable to you?
Can you identify people in your life at all three levels of friendship? What feelings or reflections do you have about the people at those levels?
How might healthy recreation and solitude lead to better and deeper friendships?
What is the Christian vision of friendship, and how is it distinct from a more worldly version of friendship?
When has someone been a true friend to you, and how did it impact your life?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"It is not the soul alone that should be healthy; if the mind is healthy in a healthy body, all will be healthy and much better prepared to give God greater service."~ St. Ignatius of Loyola
Why do I respond to things differently from others?
What can I do when I'm feeling overwhelmed?
How can I help my kids process & respond to the world around them?

Episode 50 brings an eminently relevant conversation between Kenna and guest Caitlin Russ, a trained occupational therapist. Together they bring out the importance of proactive strategies for managing sensory overload and daily stress, and the unique sensory responses of individuals in finding balance and well-being. Join Kenna and Caitlin as they explore the ways that God made our minds and bodies to receive sensory input, offering practical insights and strategies for navigating life's difficulties, transitions and various seasons.

Caitlin Russ is an Occupational Therapist who spent years working in a pediatric outpatient clinic and with older adults in transitional care. She is passionate about educating people about the benefits of occupational therapy especially as it relates to regulation and sensory processing, and she now utilizes her training in raising her children. Caitlin received her degrees in Psychology and Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame and went on to St. Catherine University for her Masters in Occupational Therapy. She currently resides with her husband, Sam, and their four, soon to be five, children in Inver Grove Heights, MN. They love spending time outdoors either at the baseball park or hiking.

Episode 50 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
9:06: What is occupational therapy?
20:48: Different people receive input differently
33:44: How do I respond when I'm overwhelmed?
49:25: Behavior can indicate needs
56:17: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
How do you know when you're feeling overwhelmed? What signs do your loved ones give you when they're feeling overwhelmed?
What kinds of sensory input are most likely to feel like "too much" for you and for those in your household?
How do you regulate your senses when you've taken in too much input?
How could your sensory capacity be stretched to tolerate more input? What parts of your sensory profile in need of being accepted as part of God's design for you?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Through Sunday rest, daily concerns and tasks can find their proper perspective: the material things about which we worry give way to spiritual values..." ~ St. John Paul II

Sunday, the Lord's day, has a very particular purpose and call. But our world has diminished Sunday to look like any other day. How can Christians reclaim this part of their inheritance with reverence and rest on Sunday?

Dr. Michael Naughton joins this episode of This Whole Life to explore the significance of reclaiming Sunday as a day of rest, celebration, and fulfillment of the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy. Dr. Naughton emphasizes the deep human need for rest and receptivity on the Lord's day, reflecting on the consequences of neglecting the Lord's day in his own family and work experiences. The conversation delves into the complexities involved in reframing and reclaiming Sundays. In a fallen world this is a messy project, but it's one that holds deep value for our wellbeing and for the health of our families. Join us as we explore the transformative power of honoring the Lord's day and unlocking the gifts that God desires to give us every Sunday.

Episode 49 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
8:08: Why Sunday matters
21:05: What happens if we get Sunday wrong? What happens when we get it right?
33:28: Making the worthwhile sacrifices to reclaim Sunday
42:57: A well-ordered life starts on Sunday
55:48: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
How do your Sundays look right now?
What are the ways that you currently honor the Lord's day? How are you feeling convicted to be more faithful to the Lord's day?
What would being a "technosabbatarian" look like for you? How can Sunday be a day of distance from screens and social media?
What sacrifices would you need to make in order to reclaim Sundays? How do you envision the graces from those sacrifices spilling over into your week?
What is one way that you can better keep holy the Sabbath this coming Sunday?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“It is the love of God dwelling in our actions that makes us whole. It is love that keeps us sane.”~ Fr. Marc Foley
It's the grand finale of our book club! In Episode 48, Kenna, Pat, and Fr. Nathan LaLiberte wrap up their discussion on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley. Together, they reflect on moments of conviction, the essence of love as our primary vocation, and the interwoven nature of holiness and sanity in everyday life. From personal anecdotes to spiritual insights, the trio navigates the challenges of showing true charity, letting go of expectations, and embracing the beauty of ordinary moments.

It's appropriate that, in approaching a great saint who sought to do "small things with great love," we consider this small book with such great opportunities for transformation. Join the conclusion of this transformative journey as we all uncover the profound impact of living a life grounded in charity and authenticity. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us!

It's never too late to join our book study on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD!Order your copy here

Episode 48 Show Notes

Did you miss Part 1 of our book study? Check out Episode 47 here.

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
10:43: Chapter 4: The Sanity of Loving Freely
23:11: Chapter 5: The Divine Perspective of Charity
31:10: Chapter 6: An Attended Life, an Authentic Life
43:03: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one specific thing that you're taking away from this book study?
How does the concept of being gentle with oneself and embracing "more littleness" resonate with your own experiences and reflections on life?
Do you see the concern with "becoming a saint" as a focus on my efforts rather than on God's grace & mercy? What do you see as the defining goal of your life?
How do you view love as your primary vocation in life, and how does that perspective influence your daily interactions and decisions?
When is it most difficult for you to see people and situations with God's perspective? How might you see with the eyes of God more consistently?
How might you apply the concept of right care (attentiveness in the doing) over wrong care (worry about the outcome) in your spirituality, relationships, and pursuits?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“Her ‘little way’ was her means of holiness, and it was also what kept her sane.”
~ Fr. Marc Foley

It's book study time! At long last, Kenna and Pat are joined by Fr. Nathan LaLiberte to delve into the thought-provoking spiritual gem, The Love That Keeps Us Sane: Living the Little Way of St. Thérèse of Lisieux by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD. Drawing from the psychological and spiritual genius of St. Thérèse, they discuss the interplay between sanity and sanctity as a fruit of humility, the value of silence, and the complexities of human relationships. The conversation covers the perils of external validation, the significance of personal agency, and discerning what to share with others.

As the trio reflects on the opportunities and struggles of seeking sanity and sanctity in a broken world, the conversation offers illuminating insights that touch on the intersection of faith, mental well-being, and everyday life. Join them in the pursuit of authenticity in spiritual practices.

Be a part of our book study on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD: Order your copy here

Episode 47 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
12:51: Intro to The Love That Keeps Us Sane
26:01: Chapter 1: The Secrets That Keep Us Sane
37:12: Chapter 2: Finding Her Way
53:41: Chapter 3: The Sanity of Silence
1:06:56: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What are your previous experiences and impressions of St. Thérèse of Lisieux? Is this book showing you a new side of her?
Fr. Foley says that Thérèse "had the genius of knowing how to love others without becoming entangled or enmeshed in their problems." When are you able to love like this? When you do you struggle to love without becoming enmeshed?
How would you distinguish between bad secrets that lead to shame and the "secrets of the King"? How do you decide whether to give someone access to your interior life?
Thérèse lived in complete commitment to humility, even anonymity. How are you motivated by fame & being validated by others? What would greater humility look like for you?
What do you think of Thérèse's personal motto, "the loser always wins"? How can such a counter cultural motto lead to greater sanity & sanctity for you?
How do you decide whether to speak your mind or to remain silent? What motivations, values, and consequences do you consider when making that decision?

Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being just what God wants us to be."~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux
This Whole Life returns to its roots! In episode 46, Kenna is joined by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD, author of the seminal work that led to this very podcast: The Love That Keeps Us Sane: Living the Little Way of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Together, Kenna and Fr. Marc delve into the complexities of human nature and God's work in the midst of our messy thoughts, emotions, and relationships. As Fr. Marc explains, St. Thérèse of Lisieux is far more relevant to our 21st century experience than we might initially think.

In preparation for our upcoming book study (episodes 47 & 48) on The Love That Keeps Us Sane, Fr. Marc shares insights from his extensive psychological and spiritual experience, emphasizing the value of patience with oneself while working toward greater virtue. The discussion covers topics such as resisting the temptation to create a perfect persona, managing the balance between acceptance without complacency, and interpreting human experiences from a spiritual perspective. We live in a fallen, and often insane, world; it is the love of God lived through us every day that keeps us sane.

Fr. Marc Foley, O.C.D. entered the Discalced Carmelites in 1967 as a lay brother and was ordained a priest in 1981. He studied psychology at the Catholic University of America and continued on to receive a Master of Divinity. He later earned M.S. and CAS degrees in Pastoral Counseling at Loyola College in Baltimore. Fr. Foley has served as a parish priest, a postulant director, a director of formation, and a professor. Fr. Marc is currently the prior of the Carmelite monastery in Washington, D.C., a spiritual director, an author, and the publisher of ICS Publications.

Get ready for our book study on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD: Order your copy here

Episode 46 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introducing Fr. Marc Foley, OCD
11:13: Human nature in conflict with itself
17:48: Radical Acceptance without Complacency
23:01: Temptations as a path to virtue, not just vice
32:13: Pay attention to what you desire and you'll find out what you're avoiding
42:50: There's no step too big, but a step can be too small
50:12: How St. Thérèse's life speaks to us today
Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one thing that stuck out to you from this episode?
How have you experienced your own "human nature in conflict with itself"?
When have you been discouraged by your failures? When has God's grace broken through and consoled you in your despair?
How are your desires an indication of what you might be avoiding?
What might St. Thérèse be able to teach you about your own "cloister" life with the people you interact with most?

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.”~ St. Thérèse of LisieuxThe arrival of a child is an unspeakable gift and a grace for which to be thankful. But there can also be deeply painful moments during pregnancy and after the baby arrives. Millions of mothers know the hardship of postpartum depression, anxiety, distance from their spouse, disappointment, difficulty nursing, and the resulting shame. Is there anything we can do in the middle of such big, and sometimes surprising, challenges?

Dr. Lyndsey Day joins Kenna for a beautiful and deeply real conversation about the mental health challenges associated with pregnancy and the postpartum months. Dr. Day's faith allows her to journey with women as an OB-GYN in a way that is a ministry and a mission for the good of mothers and families. She and Kenna discuss the reasons that the postpartum period is so difficult, impactful options for offering healing & support to mothers, and the impossible expectations that women so often feel. Join us for an encouraging and consoling conversation that is hand-made for all mothers & those who love them!

Dr. Lyndsey Day received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Saint Ambrose University and her medical degree from the University of Iowa. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Loyola University Medical Center just outside of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Day has a passion for women's healthcare and thoroughly enjoys providing obstetric and gynecologic care to women throughout all phases of life. Dr. Day loves to garden and hike and be with her family. Dr. Day's husband and 6 children fill her life with much joy, many trips to Costco, a fair amount of life experience, a small menagerie that the kids are constantly trying to add to (currently includes 4 cats and a golden retriever), and so very much love.Episode 45 Show Notes

For more information on help for postpartum depression, including support groups, visit postpartumdepression.org

Get ready for our book study on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD: order your copy here

Chapters:
00:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
11:24: OB-GYN medicine as a ministry
21:10: Dealing with disappointment in parenthood
26:47: Postpartum mood disorders
36:53: The place for medication & Giving yourself grace
50:24: Surrendering to God's will
53:58: Challenge By Choice
Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one thing that stuck out to you from this episode?
Mothers, what was your pregnancy and postpartum experience like? What were the greatest joys and struggles?
What are some of the unfair expectations that mothers feel? What contributes to these expectations?
Why do so many mothers feel shame about their postpartum struggles? How can you h

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."~ John 13:35
It's time to be honest: we all have people in our lives that we don't particularly enjoy. Their personality or quirks might rub us the wrong way, or maybe we don't agree with their opinions or choices. They're not necessarily bad people, we just don't like being around them. And while we're being honest, we can also admit that we can be difficult to deal with ourselves. So what do we do, as Christians, when we don't like someone?

Pat & Fr. Nathan LaLiberte take on a heartfelt exploration of dealing with difficult people. They embrace the struggle of relatable hardships with family members, coworkers, and neighbors in a blend of faith, mental health, and the quest for constant charity and authentic joy. In drawing important distinctions between love and "liking" someone, and between kindness and "niceness", they highlight the Christian obligation to love challenging individuals. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on loving difficult people, and to embrace authenticity and patience in the process!

Episode 44 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Intro & This or That?
17:01: Defining "difficult people"
23:02: Christian love vs. "liking" someone
28:51: Examples of Jesus dealing with difficult people
39:42: Real life situations & choosing love
54:03: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one thing that stuck out to you from this episode?
Being careful to avoid gossip or detraction, when have you found it difficult to be around someone? What did you recognize about yourself in that situation?
What are the differences between liking someone and loving them? How does the Christian understanding of these ideas differ from the world's understanding?
When have you been a difficult person in someone else's life? How might reflecting on those times help you grow in patience and mercy toward others?
Who is someone that you find it difficult to relate to right now? In what tangible ways can you love them by choosing their good?

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Pure love is capable of great deeds, and it is not broken by difficulty or adversity."~ St. Faustina
Do you have the same arguments over and over again? Are you frustrated by a lack of connection in your relationship? Is it possible to still be connected when you disagree with the person you love?

In this episode, Kenna and Pat Millea explore the transformative power of prioritizing Process over Content in communication and relationships. They delve into the significance of empathy and vulnerability in fostering genuine connection, especially during times of hardship or conflict. Through personal anecdotes from their own marriage, Kenna and Pat demonstrate the healing potential of empathy and authenticity in a relationship. The truth is that our arguments aren't really about the content: the thing that happened or what someone said. On a deeper level, our conflicts are about the process: how we were affected, and how badly we desire to be loved, known, and understood, even in times of conflict.

Join Pat & Kenna for a fun and fruitful episode and take the next step toward conflict that connects!

Episode 43 Show Notes

Chapters:
00:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
13:52: Empathy creates connection
22:24: Process over Content
28:59: Fostering connection by focusing on Process
41:15: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one thing that is sticking with you from this episode?
What is a time that someone has truly empathized with you and worked to understand your feelings? How did that make you feel?
When have you fallen into the trap of prioritizing being "right" over fostering understanding and connection in a conflict? How might a focus on Process over Content have led to a different outcome?
When is it most tempting to get bogged down in content? How can you focus on process instead?
What is a first step you can make to prioritizing process over content moving forward?

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?"~ 1 Corinthians 6:19
"Why isn't my body different?"
"Why did God give me this particular body?"
"What if I feel frustrated by, or even hate, my own body?"

All of us have feelings & questions about the bodies that God has given us, and sometimes those feelings can become deep experiences of sadness, disgust, or shame; especially in a culture that idolizes only some appearances & body types. In this episode of This Whole Life, Kenna invites Megan Lawrence, LAMFT in that tender and crucial conversation to help shed light on the dark places of struggles with body image. Drawing on Megan's personal and clinical experience with eating disorders, they reflect on the meaning and purpose of the human body as God's gift for the good of his children. And informed by St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, they propose a stance of non-judgment as a path toward acceptance of your body as the beautiful and definitive gift that it is.

Megan is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who holds a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Megan approaches therapy through an attachment-based, trauma-informed lens, and is trained in EMDR. She has specific experience within eating disorder recovery. Megan received bachelor degrees in Studio Art, Printmaking and Drawing, and Art History from Drake University. While serving four years as a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), Megan's passion deepened for accompanying others on their healing journey. She enjoys exploring art museums, thrift stores, and the outdoors.

Episode 42 Show Notes

If you or someone you love may be struggling with an eating disorder, please reach out for support. The National Eating Disorders Association is a great place to start.

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
10:45: Understanding body image & eating disorders
26:36: The power of the Theology of the Body
39:15: Gratitude for the body & acceptance of the body
50:08: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

What is one thing that is sticking with you from this episode?
What feelings do you have about discussing body image & your own body?
When have you had a difficult time seeing your body as a good & valuable gift from God? What experiences led to those difficulties?
Do you see the value of your body in its appearance (the way it looks), in its function (in what it can do), or as a gift (the simple fact that God gave it to you)?
How does God see & value your body? What do you imagine God wants you to know about your body?

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"...and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."~ Romans 5:5
So much of human life is marked by shame and guilt. We feel the weight of our mistakes, sins, and failures. Shame and guilt are both difficult to feel, but are they both bad? Do they serve a purpose? Do they drive us closer to God or farther from Him?

In episode 41 of This Whole Life, Fr. Nathan LaLiberte returns for a conversation that delves deep into the themes of shame, guilt, and our personal struggles with them. Together with Pat & Kenna, they reflect on the Biblical roots of shame and guilt and the ways that they each affect our spiritual lives & relationships. The discussion also touches on the factors that contribute to shame, the antidotes to shame, and the place that guilt holds in a healthy spiritual life. Despite the weighty topics around self-talk and self-condemnation, the episode is punctuated with lighthearted banter and humor, as you are invited to explore your internal monologue and to begin overcoming shame.

Episode 41 Show Notes

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
15:52: The origin & roots of shame
20:29: The ingredients of shame
24:49: The antidotes to shame
33:58: The value of guilt
42:53: Examples of shame vs. guilt
48:15: Challenge By Choice

Discussion & reflection questions:

How do you distinguish between shame and guilt?
Reflect on a time when you experienced shame and how it affected your self-image. What steps have you taken to address these emotions and move towards healing?
Consider the difference between guilt and shame in your own life. How do these experiences show up in your thoughts and actions?
Explore the impact of internal dialogue on your emotions, behaviors, and relationships. How can recognizing and reshaping negative self-talk contribute to a healthier sense of self-worth and compassion for others?
When was a time that you brought a fear or humiliation into the light and shared it with another? What was the result of that process? What did you learn from it?

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted."~ Galatians 6:1
Why is it so tempting to speak harshly to the people that we love most in the world? How do we overcome this habit and speak with the gentleness that comes from the Holy Spirit?

In this final installment of their four-part series on Dr. John Gottman's 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse for relationships, Kenna and Pat discuss Criticism. They delve into the importance of clear behavioral requests, replacing criticism with positive interactions, and the concept of a "gentle startup" as the antidote to criticism in relationships & marriages. Drawing from their own experiences, they emphasize the detrimental effects of criticism on emotional connection and vulnerability. This episode offers an insightful and heartfelt exploration of emotional connection, personal growth, and the impact of communication dynamics in relationships - not to mention a heated discussion about popular musicians.

Join Pat & Kenna as they close their series on the 4 Horsemen, and get ready to embrace a more connected and joyful relationship!

Episode 40 Show Notes

Check out the first 3 episodes of the 4 Horsemen series:
Episode 14: Defeating Defensiveness
Episode 18: Tearing Down Walls & Building A Connected Marriage (on Stonewalling)
Episode 30: Conquering Contempt

Chapters:00:00: Intro & a new music-related game
18:22: Highs & Hards
27:42: Explaining Criticism, the last of the Four Horsemen for relationships
42:03: The antidote to Criticism
50:09: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."~ 2 Corinthians 3:17
How often do we hear that someone is "obsessed" with a new show or that they keep a clean home because they're "a little OCD"? The reality is that the burden of OCD weighs heavily on millions of people who suffer with this disorder, and on those who love them. How can we understand OCD and its effects on faith? And, even more importantly, how can we support those who are working on healing from OCD - or seek help and support ourselves?

In Episode 39 of "This Whole Life," Kenna welcomes Dr. Katherine Posch, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders. They tackle the complexities of OCD and its terrible cycle. Dr. Posch emphasizes evidence-based treatments, including Exposure and Response Prevention therapy, and offers a hope-filled way forward for those struggling with religious OCD or scrupulosity. Through personal experiences and professional expertise, the episode offers hope, understanding, and practical guidance for those impacted by OCD - and for all of us who can be stuck in a place of fear and anxiety. Freedom is real and possible!

Katherine Posch, Psy.D., LP is a licensed clinical psychologist at Renew Behavioral Health in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and earned her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Baylor University. She completed a clinical internship at George E. Wahlen Veterans Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in PCBH/Health Psychology at Hennepin Healthcare Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Find out more about Katherine's work at renewbehavioralmn.com.

Episode 39 Show Notes

The International OCD Foundation & their provider directory

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
15:17: What is OCD?
26:15: Treating OCD & discovering hope
39:19: Approaching OCD related to faith & religious practice
47:51: Supporting a loved one struggling with OCD
53:45: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."~ Colossians 3:17
Marriage and family life is a beautiful, romantic, sacramental vocation. And in the midst of that vocation, spouses also need to deal with finances, schedules, meal plans, parenting, budgets, and to-do lists. How are we supposed to maintain an organized home and family while being connected to each other in love & faithfulness?

In Episode 38, Kenna and Pat invite listeners into the concept of Family Meetings — a deliberate practice that allows couples to navigate their roles and responsibilities, as well as support their shared values and goals. With wisdom and practical tips, they discuss the benefits and structure of their Family Meetings, offering valuable advice for listeners seeking intentional living and unity within their families. Through prayer, reflection, and concrete planning, family meetings can be transformative in fostering a deeper, more purposeful connection within the home.

Episode 38 Show Notes

Click to download your Family Meeting Agenda template

Chapters
00:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
10:21: The value of family meetings
20:27: The practicals that support our values
29:29: The Family Meeting Agenda
40:44: Takeaways from the family meeting
43:25: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."~ Colossians 3:13

In the prayer that Jesus gave us, we hear: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." We pray these words so often that we can overlook how challenging, and even unpopular, we find the reality of forgiveness. We have all been hurt by others, sometimes in profound and life-altering ways. Why would Jesus command us to do something as difficult - maybe even irrational - as forgiving?

In episode 37 of "This Whole Life", Kenna and Pat Millea delve into the complexities of forgiveness with Fr. Nathan LaLiberte. Together, they explore the spiritual, emotional, and psychological freedom that forgiveness brings, emphasizing its importance for personal wholeness and healthy relationships. The conversation touches on the challenges of seeking and offering forgiveness, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and the significance of self-forgiveness. Drawing from Christian truths and psychological perspectives, the episode offers insights into the transformative power of forgiveness, emphasizing the ongoing process of releasing resentment and embracing personal freedom. Begin or continue your path toward freedom and healing with this impactful conversation!

Episode 37 Show Notes

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
10:07: Forgiveness is essential
25:30: Practical approaches to forgiveness
37:15: HOW do I forgive?
47:09: How can I forgive myself?
51:53: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective."~ 1 Corinthians 15:10
As humans living in a fallen world, we often feel the space between our hopes and reality, and in that space we find disappointment, frustration, and heartbreak. Our relationships, our families, our work are marked by this hardship. What do we do when we are so tempted to either deny reality or wallow in the difficulty?

In episode 36 of "This Whole Life," Kenna and Pat delve into the topic of radical acceptance, navigating the complexities and challenges of embracing this skill in everyday life - especially during the holiday season. They share personal stories and insights on practicing radical acceptance, emphasizing the importance of Acknowledging, Honoring, and Accepting reality in order to move forward in hope and joy. From dealing with difficult relationships to facing professional uncertainties, Kenna and Pat illustrate how radical acceptance can lead to emotional growth and newfound possibilities. Radical acceptance does NOT mean accepting sin or giving up our efforts to work for better relationships and situations. Rather, radical acceptance allows us to move forward with purpose by clarifying our starting point in the present moment.

Join us for this hopeful, real, and relevant conversation!

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
13:50: Lightning Round: Hot Takes
25:29: Exploring Radical Acceptance
39:51: Real life example of radical acceptance
54:52: Challenge By Choice
Episode 36 Show Notes

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"It is necessary that the heroic becomes daily and that the daily becomes heroic."~ Saint Zélie Martin
In this fallen world, there are particular evils that require the grace of God and the support of loved ones to overcome. Pornography certainly falls into this category. In the second half of the conversation about pornography, Pat & Kenna discuss the consequences that brokenness and addiction had for their marriage. They also recall key moments that led them to reconciliation and deeper intimacy.

Loving relationships, especially marriages, are the ones most affected by pornography and sin of any kind. And it's also true that loving relationships and marriages are one of the most powerful agents of healing on the path to recovery and wholeness. How can we restore a sense of unity and connection when hope seems lost in a relationship? How do we even begin to build trust when there has been so much betrayal? Join Pat & Kenna for this forthright conversation, and get ready to move toward authenticity and communion!

Episode 35 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
11:19: Continuing the conversation on pornography
14:29: Responding to listener questions
26:18: How healing & hope looked in our marriage
41:33: Earning & building trust
50:10: United together against a threat to our marriage
55:23: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Create in me a clean heart, O God..."~ Psalm 51:12
How can something that affects all of us be something that we almost never talk about honestly and purposefully? Pornography has infiltrated individuals, marriages, families, and the Church, and it's time to deal with it in ways that are faithful and fruitful. In this incredibly candid episode, Pat and Kenna dive into an intimate and inspiring discussion about the impact of pornography within their marriage and their own personal journeys. With raw vulnerability, they reveal the emotional toll, struggles, and triumphs experienced during Pat's journey to recovery and their path to healing in their marriage.

From the deceptive nature of pornography's allure to the deep wounds inflicted, Pat and Kenna unpack the complexities and offer personal insights into navigating the aftermath. Together, they explore the transformative power of openness and healing, emphasizing the need for accountability, grace, and compassion in the face of addiction. This compelling episode addresses the profound effects of pornography on relationships and highlights the resilience and growth that can emerge from facing such challenges. Join Pat and Kenna as they courageously share their story, offering wisdom, hope, and guidance for all navigating similar struggles.

Please send us your questions and feedback to include for the next episode of this 2-part series on pornography! You can send us a message on Instagram or Facebook, or send us an email at thiswholelife@martincenterforintegration.com.

Episode 34 Show Notes (Including all the great resources for overcoming pornography mentioned in the episode)

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
11:53: When pornography is personal
20:33: Explaining this 2-part series & studies on porn
25:59: When did you know that porn was a problem?
37:08: Feeling a loss of worth & maintaining boundaries
45:00: What helped turn things around?
55:56: Getting past porn to the deeper wounds
1:00:45: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"To attribute the efficacy of prayers or of sacramental signs to their mere external performance, apart from the interior dispositions that they demand, is to fall into superstition."
~ Catechism of the Catholic Church §2111

Let's face it: it's really scary to realize that we're not in control, and that's understandable. But grasping for control through superstition is, at best, fruitless and can even be mentally and spiritually harmful. From rabbit's feet and lucky coins to empty "religious" routines, superstitions are all around us.

In Episode 33, Pat Millea delves into the intriguing topic of superstition and its impact on our lives and faith. Joined by guest Fr. Nathan LaLiberte, they explore the dangers of relying on superstitious practices and the importance of giving God alone control in our lives. They examine the consequences of seeking control through superstitious beliefs and highlight the need to break free from these shackles, which can even constrain our otherwise good religious practices. From discussing the physical aspects of Catholicism to the connection between superstition and OCD, Pat and Fr. Nathan provide insight and a way forward in trust of God. Join us for this relatable and relevant conversation that we all need!

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
13:59: What is superstition & what's wrong with it?
24:02: Examples of religious superstitions
34:00: The impact of superstition on mental health
44:24: Superstitions vs. Genuine virtue in faith
47:21: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. ... As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world."~ John 17:15, 18Let's face it: the fallen world around us is a difficult place to be. We, who desire a healthy and holy life, are surrounded by secular influences and misguided worldviews. What are we supposed to do? How do we stay sane and holy in a secular world? It can be tempting to either give in to the values of this world or run away from it altogether.

But the life and ministry of St. Paul offers us a middle path: engaging the secular as a means of leading others toward the sacred. In this episode, Pat & Kenna are joined by Fr. Nathan LaLiberte and Fr. Luke Marquard in Athens, Greece near the end of a pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul. Together, they delve into the difficult - but invaluable - call to be leaven in the world and to reject fear. This has crucial and practical implications for us, our children, the Church, and the world. Be not afraid!

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
12:11: The Sacred & the secular
23:44: The tradition of "baptizing" secular places & actions
30:29: Rejecting objective evil vs. a rigid dismissal of the secular
35:43: The value of prudence in making wise choices
45:37: Paul in Corinth & Titus on Crete
51:33: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"We should strive to keep our hearts open to the sufferings and wretchedness of other people, and pray continually that God may grant us that spirit of compassion which is truly the spirit of God."~ St. Vincent de Paul
➡️"Snowplow" parenting, friendship, or marriage
➡️Trying to fix other people's problems
➡️Over-functioning

We care so deeply for our loved ones, and it pains us to watch them struggle and suffer. Sometimes it is good and necessary to help alleviate their suffering. But all of us are tempted to cross the line into interfering in others' lives in order to assuage our own discomfort. But where is the line, and how is over-functioning harmful to people and relationships?

Using real-life examples and their unique perspectives as therapist, minister, and parents, Kenna and Pat discuss the dangers of "snowplowing" and the impact it can have on personal growth and relationships. They also reflect on the profound suffering endured by Jesus and his mother, and how their example can guide us in supporting our loved ones in the midst of their own struggles. Join us as we explore together the beautiful opportunity to sit with our loved ones in their hardship and, at the same time, offer them the gift of growth and resilience.

Chapters:0:00: Intro & Highs and Hards
12:26: Introduction to overfunctioning
18:02: Overfunctioning is about MY discomfort, not my loved one’s
23:15: Examples of overfunctioning in film & Scripture
31:08: Mary as a witness of sitting with someone in the struggle
40:31: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ."~ Ephesians 4:31-32
On the wedding day, most couples can't imagine ever treating their spouse with contempt. But in this broken world, we know that so many marriages suffer with belittling speech and actions. How does a marriage devolve into habits of contempt, and what are the antidotes to get the relationship back on track?

Drawing from their own experiences and insights from relationship expert John Gottman, Kenna and Pat discuss the third - and most dangerous - of Dr. John Gottman's "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" for marriages: Contempt. They discuss the power of positive interactions, not only through words but also through body language and gestures of love and warmth. Reflecting on personal stories and Scripture, they shed light on the damaging effects of contempt and its connection to feelings of superiority and inadequacy. Tune in to discover practical tips and ideas for cultivating healthy, kind, and contempt-free relationships in this relatable and encouraging episode.

Episode 30 Show Notes

Chapters:00:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
15:05: Understanding Contempt in relationships
22:41: How does contempt show up in marriages?
34:46: Contempt can be nonverbal
38:08: Antidote #1 to cure contempt
45:58: Antidote #2 to cure contempt
54:03: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ."~ 1 Corinthians 12:12
You were made by our loving God to be an amazing human person - a beautiful integration of mind, body, and soul all working in dynamic harmony. But each of us who are fallen experience dis-integration, and the parts of us don't always exist in cohesive unity. We might think things like "Part of me wants to do this, but part of me doesn't", or "Why does a part of me seem to complicate things that should be simple?", or even "I hate that part of myself." How can we recover a sense of our True Self and move toward greater unity within ourselves?

This Whole Life welcomes guest Louisa Hall to delve into the fascinating world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Louisa shares their personal journey of understanding mental health and the significance of integrating different parts within one's internal system. She recounts her experiences with a friend diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the lack of mental health support in some ministry settings, and her own therapy journey. From True Self to Protectors to Exiles, Louisa explains the roles of various parts and the transformative power of IFS. Louisa and Kenna also highlight the crucial alignment between IFS and the Catholic understanding of the human person, while highlighting the importance of self-compassion, understanding, and finding one's true self. With anecdotes and insights, Louisa and Kenna explore the integration process, the impact of IFS on relationships, and the hope and flexibility it offers. Join them as they provide practical steps for you to understand and embrace your own interior world.

Louisa has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with an emphasis in experimental psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Currently, Louisa is enrolled as a graduate student at Divine Mercy University seeking to obtain her Master’s in Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She enjoys pondering new ideas and questions, reading books, creating, and spending time in nature. Louisa recognizes that faith, truth, and God’s mercy have influenced her journey of healing.

Episode 29 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
13:04: Introducing Internal Family Systems
21:01: Integrating our parts like a jazz band (not multiple personalities)
34:40: How do we recognize our True Self?
41:40: Louisa's reflection & personal example of IFS parts work
53:30: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness."
~ Pope Benedict XVI
We live in a world that often seems to be designed for our human comfort. We now have access to temperature-controlled homes, split-second mobile computers in our pockets, fast food, and delivery services. And as comedian Louis C.K. once said, "Everything is amazing right now, and nobody's happy."

Why do we find ease and comfort so enticing but, ultimately, so disappointing? Why do we so often chase pleasure after pleasure, never finding true fulfillment in the things of this world? Is there a higher call for us in this earthly pilgrimage? Pat & Kenna welcome Isaac Schmidt, a college student well acquainted with discomfort and difficulty, into the conversation to discuss the Christian call to heroic holiness rather than comfort. Step into the discussion and be prepared to reject mere comfort and to strive for greatness!

Isaac Schmidt is a student at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota studying business and construction management. He graduated from St. Agnes Catholic High School in 2022 and was honored with the Palm Award, the school's highest honor. Selected by the faculty, the award honors one young man and young woman from the senior class who have achieved excellence in virtually all areas: Faith, academics, activities, athletics, character, virtue, leadership, friendship, and service. Isaac is also an accomplished athlete, placing at the Minnesota high school state wrestling tournament, and he recently spent 9 weeks on a fishing boat off the coast of Alaska.

Chapters:
00:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
09:44: Introducing Isaac Schmidt
16:16: You were made for greatness, not comfort
23:23: Confronting the desire for comfort
30:43: Discomfort that leads to spiritual growth
34:36: Good mental health care isn’t downplaying discomfort & hardship, but learning how to move through it
40:03: Choosing good, uncomfortable things especially in human relationships
49:55: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“Soon we’ll have the intimate happiness of the family, and it’s this beauty that brings us closer to God.”~ St. Louis Martin

The Terrible Twos. Three-nagers. A-Four-itarian. It's time to dive into the wild world of parenting toddlers (and kids of any age) with a blend of wisdom, humor, and relatability! Drawing from their own experiences as parents to a brood of seven children, ranging from 3 to 12 years old, Pat & Kenna share 10 valuable and hard-earned tips to help navigate the challenges that come with raising little ones.

From the struggle of saying "yes" to the importance of addressing underlying needs behind challenging behaviors, this episode offers practical advice on fostering connection, emotional regulation, and secure attachment. We'll also stress the importance of asking for help and identifying one area to focus on for progress in parenting.

With encouragement and authenticity, Kenna and Pat remind listeners that they are not alone on this journey and that small steps can lead to big changes in creating a joyful, connected, and fulfilling home.

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
17:26: Intro to Parenting Toddlers
23:04: #1: Connection Before Correction
26:03: #2: Empathy, Empathy, Empathy
28:39: #3: Physically get on their level, Emotionally do NOT get on their level
31:26: #4: Prioritize things with your toddler that bring you JOY
34:02: #5: Ask questions instead of making assumptions
38:40: #6: Take a breath & take a break
41:53: #7: Behavior demonstrates a need
47:06: #8: Start with ONE thing
49:53: #9: How can I say yes?
53:06: #10: Ask for help
56:38: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not leave room for the devil."~ Ephesians 4:26-27

ANGER. It's a word that brings up so many feelings and reactions for each of us. Some struggle to control their anger, and others are tempted to ignore or squash their angry feelings. How are we, as followers of Christ, supposed to understand anger? Is anger an emotion or a sin? Is it involuntary or can we learn to control it? Is there a way that we might even be able to bring good out of anger?

In this episode, Fr. Nathan LaLiberte joins Pat & Kenna to talk about a view of anger from a perspective of sound psychology and Catholic teaching. You'll come away with a better understanding of how to identify, communicate, and process anger in ways that can actually benefit our relationships with God and others.

Episode 26 Show Notes

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction and Highs & Hards
14:08: What is anger?
21:45: The power of anger to overcome evil
32:17: What do we with our anger?
42:07: Having empathy for my anger
47:23: Speaking on behalf of my anger
53:51: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

“Man cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself.”~ St. John Paul II
It sounds so simple: do good things that make me healthy, happy, & holy and avoid the things that stop me from thriving. But so often we feel like St. Paul: "For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want" (Romans 7:19). How do we practically move toward greater wholeness in our thoughts and actions, and how do we make that journey in the context of a marriage?

Andy Norton joins This Whole Life to share a valuable tool that he and his wife developed called Integrated Pathfinding. Integrated Pathfinding is based on a therapeutic intervention called Behavioral Activation, which they adapted with a foundation of faith into a weekly process for the good of their marriage and family life.

If you have a desire to follow the Lord more consistently and to be more connected to your spouse in the process, you'll love this conversation and the resource it offers!

Be sure to check out the Episode 25 show notes for a pdf step-by-step guide to Integrated Pathfinding.

Andy Norton is a passionate and mission-driven Catholic man with a desire to foster wholeness and holiness in the lives of God's people. He worked in ministry for 14 years, including evangelization work with FOCUS and NET Ministries. Andy is a graduate of the Franciscan University of Steubenville with a Master's in Theology from the Augustine Institute. He now works as a Production Support Developer and lives in Eagan, Minnesota with his wife Sarah and their 4 children.

Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
15:22: Introducing Andy Norton
24:08: Context for Behavioral Activation
36:45: The value of Integrated Pathfinding
40:37: Marriage isn't about keeping score
46:18: Healthy boundaries in self-discovery
52:33: Shared meaning in the midst of conflict
56:47: Challenge By Choice & step-by-step Integrated Pathfinding

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"There is a great man who makes every man feel small. But the real great man is the man who makes every man feel great."~ G.K. Chesterton

The relationship between men and mental health is a complicated one, and this is true for Christian men as well. For many social and personal reasons, men seek out mental health care and resources less often than women. And yet, the need for mental health care in men is becoming increasingly clear: men are 4x more likely than women to commit suicide (CDC). What does mental health look like for men, and why does it so often seem unnecessary or even threatening?

Pat sits down with guest Ben Baker, LMFT for a conversation that delves into the challenges that men face in balancing strength and vulnerability. They discuss the importance of having father figures and strong male brotherhood in building emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and resilience. They also share personal stories and examples of the importance of accepting challenges as a means of growth and development, while acknowledging the vital role that faith and prayer play in the process of maturity for a man. Join us, and share with a man who needs to hear this good news!

Ben Baker *is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the Martin Center for Integration. He has experience in working with families in crisis, men struggling with anger and relationships, people who have experienced trauma, and emerging adults. Ben has also worked extensively in pastoral settings with young men - teenagers and young adults. Ben lives in the St. Paul, MN area with his wife and two kids (with a third on the way!).

Chapters:*
0:00: Introducing Ben Baker, LMFT
6:21: Highs & Hards
13:02: Healthy, holy masculinity
20:25: The recipe for authentic manhood
27:07: Why do men resist mental health care?
36:23: Christian manhood & reliance on God
46:16: Brotherhood is crucial
50:29: Practical steps to grow in masculinity
55:17: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing."~ John 15:5

In the midst of a fallen, chaotic, and frenetic world, we can feel pulled in many different directions. We might lose connection with our experience in the present moment and lack awareness of what's going on in our body, emotions, and soul. How can we regain a sense of connection to the present moment and remain rooted in the love of Christ?

Grounding is a valuable part of mental health. For the Christian, grounding is not a matter of emptying oneself of experiences or desires, but rather filling oneself with the presence of the Holy Spirit. How does grounding help our mental and spiritual wellness? What exercises and strategies can we use to stay grounded and fully present through Christ? Listen in as Pat & Kenna break down the value of staying grounded!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.
~ 1 Kings 19:8The idea of "self-care" can be confusing and even controversial - perhaps among Christians most of all. After all, aren't we meant to pour ourselves out in sacrificial love? To give of ourselves completely? On the surface, self-care would seem to contradict these core principles of faith and servanthood.

But if we are willing to face and embrace reality, we quickly run into our own limitations and finite resources as humans. In the course of our particular vocations and missions, we become exhausted - physically, emotionally, mentally, even spiritually. In moments like these, how can we take care of ourselves and truly re-create with God's help?

No matter your age or state in life, you'll find great value and practical application from this conversation. Be blessed and take care of your self!

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
2:50: Highs & Hards
14:43: Is self-care a new thing?
20:34: Meeting our natural needs so our spirituality can thrive
27:01: The true purpose of self-care
34:50: Examples of self-care habits
39:45: Reclaiming holy self-care
49:35: Encouraging others in self-care
1:01:13: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and excellence."
~ 2 Peter 1:3With a greater understanding of mental health in recent years, many have become aware of the benefits of therapy in general. But how does someone know if therapy is right for them - individually or for their marriage? Especially for a person who believes that Jesus Christ is their hope and their source, how should they view and approach therapy?

We welcome Vonda Tiede, LMFT into an honest conversation to discover the purpose of therapy as a resource for greater life and wholeness. You'll get a unique glimpse into the mind of a therapist, not to mention some on-the-spot, unrehearsed thoughts from Pat (the only non-therapist in the conversation) about the challenging yet fruitful realities of going to therapy.

Vonda Tiede is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who cares about mental health and ministry. Her office is in Maple Grove, MN where she sees individuals, couples and families. Her professional education includes degrees from Crown College, the University of Minnesota and St. Mary's University. Her favorite days include her family, life group and friends, holding space for clients, cooking, garage sale hunting, singing and playing piano, spreadsheets, designing spaces, bonfires, and board games.

Chapters0:00: Introduction
5:03: Highs & Hards
14:53: Lightning Round: Inside a therapist's mind
22:05: How do I know if I need therapy?
29:33: Why would a Christian need therapy if they have Jesus?
36:33: Should a Christian only go to a Christian therapist?
44:44: What should someone look for in a therapist? What are the red flags?
51:32: Pat's honest thoughts about therapy 😅
57:06: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

View Details

"Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison..."
~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

The last 50 years have seen incredible development in neurobiology and our understanding of the human brain. Yet we, as people of faith, know that humans are so much more than just a "brain in a body"; in fact, we are a deep and mysterious unity of mind, body, soul, brain, and even our relationships. How can we better know ourselves and our place in God's plan by better understanding our brains?

Join this fascinating conversation with Sofia Carozza, a neuroscientist and theologian. Pat & Sofia discuss mental health and healing, especially with regards to childhood adversity (experiences of violence, neglect, poverty, serious illness, etc.). These difficult circumstances in childhood can affect the very structures of our brain, but one's path is not determined by those experiences; rather, we can know healing and restoration through profoundly simple means like healthy relationships grounded on love!

Sofia Carozza is a Marshall Scholar at the University of Cambridge, where she is completing a PhD at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit. In her research, she is seeking to understand how early experiences of adversity shape the biological and psychological development of children. Sofia completed undergraduate studies in neuroscience and theology at the University of Notre Dame where she was the valedictorian of the Class of 2019, and she has an MPhil in basic and translational neuroscience from the University of Cambridge. Sofia is also the co-host of The Pilgrim Soul, an engaging and insightful podcast.

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

View Details

This saying is trustworthy:
If we have died with him we shall also live with him;
if we persevere we shall also reign with him.
~ 2 Timothy 2:11-12

Happy Resurrection from our family to yours! He is risen! Alleluia!

The Sacred Triduum and the Easter season are some of the most significant days of the liturgical year and of our lives. There is so much beauty, solemnity, sorrow, and triumphant joy in the symbols, rituals, and traditions of this holy time. And while the passion, death, and Resurrection of our Lord obviously point toward our ultimate destiny in His heavenly kingdom, they also carry great power to help us grow in sanity and be more rooted to reality.

We're excited to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection with you (no matter what time of year it is!) and to share some reflections on the meaning of the cross and the empty tomb in our minds and hearts. May you be led ever deeper into the hope and joy that Jesus offers in his victorious Resurrection!

Chapters
0:00: Intro
3:02: Highs & hards
13:50: Sanity & sanctity in the Sacred Triduum & Easter
24:08: The power & victory of Christ’s love
33:06: Challenge By Choice

Check out our Resurrection playlist on Spotify
And just for fun, Pat's masterfully curated playlist of 90s & 2000s Country

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

View Details

"...but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ..."
~ Ephesians 4:15

We return to Dr. John Gottman's "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" for marriages with a conversation about Stonewalling. In the course of every marriage, there are times that our emotions feel overwhelming. One response to that experience can be to shut down, disengage, and cut off communication from our spouse - this is what Gottmann calls "stonewalling," and it can be very damaging for a loving marriage.

In this episode, we take a moment to define and describe stonewalling, the ways that it negatively impacts a marriage, and (most importantly) the antidote to overcome stonewalling and to restore healthy communication into marriage. Whether you've been married for one year or 50 years, these are skills that can help you and your spouse to become "masters of marriage"!

Episode 18 Show Notes

Time stamps
0:00: Intro
8:10: Highs & hards
16:23: The Four Horseman part 2: Stonewalling
20:00: Stonewalling ≠ silent treatment (with a hilarious commentary)
23:49: Defining stonewalling
33:52: Biblical examples of stonewalling
37:45: The antidote to stonewalling: physiological self-soothing
47:30: Challenge By Choice & wrap-up

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram & Facebook

View Details

"For He bore witness to the truth, but He refused to impose the truth by force on those who spoke against it."
~ Dignitatis Humanae, St. Pope Paul VI & the Second Vatican Council
One of the most difficult and heartbreaking experiences for us as people of faith is watching someone that we love wander from the Church or make choices that are harmful to themselves or others. So much fear, disappointment, and anxiety is created by these situations in our lives. We deeply love our children, our spouses, our friends, and we so desperately desire for them to know the joy, peace, and freedom that we have found in Jesus, yet they must be allowed to exercise their own free will.

How do we live out the spiritual work of mercy to "admonish the sinner" and still honor the free will of those whom we love? How can we propose the Gospel without imposing it upon others? How do love and truth come together in a real, complex human relationship?

In this episode, Pat & Father Nathan discuss the crucial, and often difficult, tension of evangelizing while giving our loved ones the gift of healthy boundaries and their own personal agency - the freedom given to them by God.

If you love someone who seems to be far from Christ, this episode is for you!

Episode 17 Show Notes

Time Stamps
0:00: Intro
3:00: Highs & hards
8:24: Introduction to the free will of others
11:30: Parents desiring the faith for their children
18:45: When do we step in when someone is making mistakes?
25:45: Dignitatis Humanae & Proposing the faith, not imposing it
35:25: Admonishing the sinner and still respecting free will
46:50: Challenge By Choice

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

View Details

"For God has willed that man remain 'under the control of his own decisions,' so that he can seek his Creator spontaneously, and come freely to utter and blissful perfection through loyalty to Him. Hence man's dignity demands that he act according to a knowing and free choice that is personally motivated and prompted from within, not under blind internal impulse nor by mere external pressure."
~ Gaudium et Spes §17

God, in His incredible goodness, has created each of us in His image and likeness. Because of that, every one of us enjoys the unspeakable gift of free will. We each have the power to choose, a sense of personal agency and volition. But in this fallen world, our awareness of our own free will comes with so many questions:

Can we really be trusted with free will?
Why does God allow us to choose evil?
Do we still have free will when we feel like we don't have any choice, or when we feel constrained by expectations (others' and our own)?

The depth and power of our own free will lies in the kind of relationship that God desires with you, His precious child - a relationship that is free, total, joyful, intimate, and authentic. The Lord loves you perfectly and He calls you to respond to that love by choosing to love Him in return. It's in this free response of love that we find psychological health and spiritual wholeness.

Fr. Nathan LaLiberte returns to reflect on God's unfathomable gift of free will and how we, His children, can live in true freedom!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

View Details

"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, 'Abba, Father!'"
~ Romans 8:15

When someone has experienced separation or trauma, especially as a child, it can be challenging for them to feel safe in attachment with others. Yet, close connections are a powerful source of healing and wholeness for all of us, especially for those who have suffered. How can we step into connection and attachment, even - and especially - when it's difficult?

In this exceptional conversation, Ryan O'Hara invites us into his experience of fostering and adoption: his preconceptions, his journey of mental health & healing, his growth as a father and as a person, and especially his identity as a child of God. Whether or not you have personal experience with fostering or adoption, you'll see yourself more clearly through Ryan's wisdom and humility.

Ryan O’Hara serves as the Marketing Strategist for Saint Paul’s Outreach, a national Catholic organization that ministers to college students on campus. He is passionate about seeing Catholics come alive in Christ, grow to spiritual maturity and become apostles to the people in their life. Ryan has a B.A. in History from William Jewell College and an M.A. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife Jill live in West St Paul, MN and are parents to four sons.

Episode 15 Show Notes

Visit Ryan's website to learn more about his blessed ministry

Check out Ryan's podcast - Better Preach - to grow as a Catholic, as a communicator, or both! (And you can start with Pat's appearance in Episode 21)

Follow Ryan on Instagram (@ryancohara) as well as Better Preach (@betterpreach).

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

View Details

Those who conceal their sins do not prosper, but those who confess and forsake them obtain mercy.
~ Proverbs 28:13Humans seek connection, and sometimes that connection leads to conflict. What happens when that conflict doesn't lead to greater understanding and acceptance, but rather defensiveness and rejection? Conflict can make our walls go up, we're stuck in a dilemma: trying to protect ourselves and missing out on the relationship all the while.

In this first episode on Gottman’s “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”, we define defensiveness and the sneaky ways it presents in our communication. More importantly, we explore defensiveness's antidote and talk about how to live in greater humility and authenticity, as well as intimacy.

Join the conversation and get ready for your relationship to steadily grow & thrive!

Episode 14 Show Notes

More information on The Gottman Institute

More details on the Four Horsemen for relationships, as well as a helpful video explanation.

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

View Details

"Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted."
~ Matthew 5:4

Everyone has had experiences and feelings of grief and loss. Whether it's a person that we love, a relationship, a job, a dream - we all know the weight of having something or someone that we love torn away from us. This is a reality of our fallen, passing world: losing what we love is something we all go through. Death is a part of life. And it can be so, so hard.

How are we, as Christians, invited to deal with death and loss? Is it possible to be joyful and hopeful when we're feeling crushed by grief?

Join us for this beautiful, challenging, and deeply real conversation about the feelings and experiences of grief - how to fully embrace the grieving process and still live with a profound sense of hope and peace. We're so glad you're here with us!

Episode 13 Show Notes

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

View Details

"Life in man is the glory of God; the life of man is the vision of God. If the revelation of God through creation gives life to all who live upon the earth, much more does the manifestation of the Father through the Word give life to those who see God."
~ St. Irenaeus of Lyons

At the center of humankind's search for wholeness and holiness is the desire to become fully alive - truly present, richly aware, and thoughtfully loving in all circumstances. Yet, so many of us struggle with mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges that leave us living a partial life, a half life. How do we live completely and authentically so that God might be glorified through our witness? Our guest for this episode is the ever passionate and inspiring Paul J. Kim.

Paul J. Kim is one of the most sought-after Catholic youth & young adult speakers in America. The way he presents is a rare gift to witness and has impacted people of all ages in 48 states and in 16 countries over the past decade. Moving his audiences from laughter in one moment, to deep reflection and prayer in another; Paul utilizes his many talents (i.e. music – beatboxing, comedy, inspirational talks) to communicate the Gospel message of Christ to people in a way that is engaging, entertaining, and altogether life-changing.

Paul is the author of the best-selling A Catholic Guide To Adulting Online Course, he’s the founder of the Triumph Men’s Conference, he’s released two music albums, his videos have accumulated millions of views, and he presents to an average of 40,000 people a year at events throughout the world. His background includes a BA in Philosophy (Franciscan University of Steubenville), an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy (Hope International University), religious formation with the Community of the Franciscans Friars of the Renewal (NYC), and life experiences working as a therapist, missionary, and youth minister. He currently resides in Austin, TX with his beautiful wife and four children.

Episode 12 Show Notes

Check out Paul J. Kim's website here 👈🏻
Be sure to follow him on Instagram, YouTube & Twitter 👍🏻
Listen to Paul J. Kim's music on Spotify or wherever you listen to music 🎧

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

View Details

"The perfect Teacher of children became himself a child among children, that he might give wisdom to the foolish. The Bread of heaven came down to earth to feed the hungry."
~ St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Merry Christmas from This Whole Life! 🎄🙏🏻❤️💚

We are so grateful for your presence on this journey with us, especially during this season of the incarnation - God made flesh, the perfect model of integration.

May your Christmas season be filled with joy, peace, hope, and the blessings of Jesus Christ, who came into this world for our salvation and flourishing. You're in our prayers, friends!

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

View Details

In the Christian life, the Holy Spirit himself accomplishes his work by mobilizing the whole being, with all its sorrows, fears and sadness, as is visible in the Lord's agony and passion. In Christ human feelings are able to reach their consummation in charity and divine beatitude.
~ Catechism of the Catholic Church §1769If we are going to enjoy lives of peace and wholeness, it's imperative that we understand and embrace our emotions for the gift of God that they are. But emotions can be just so confusing and overwhelming! We all find ourselves asking questions like: "Why am I so emotional?", "Am I supposed to feel more strongly about this?", "It feels like my emotions are in control half the time!", "I know how I feel, but what am I supposed to DO about it?"

But the good news is that there is a healthy and holy way to acknowledge our emotions and to put them in their rightful place: as valuable information for the benefit of our holiness and flourishing. Join the conversation as we unpack the value and questions around feelings - you'll feel thankful you did!Episode 11 Show Notes

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

View Details

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ~ Philippians 2:3-4

Every parent knows the frustration and anxiety that we feel when our children seem to constantly argue. And every parent also knows the difficulty of finding a way to respond that is loving and patient, and also correcting and guiding. Conflict is an inevitable part of this earthly life - the goal is not to make sure our children avoid conflict, but rather to coach them through disagreements with humility, charity, and hope.

In this episode, we take a look at why it's more effective to coach our children through conflict rather than to simply referee their arguments, and offer some practical thoughts on how to do this. You can help your children develop some amazing and powerful life-long skills of reconciliation and communication!

Episode 10 Show Notes

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

View Details

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." ~ C. S. Lewis

As we make our way through this earthly life, we experience a nagging ache or longing for something more. While we feel this ache even at the best of times, it's often in the midst of our deep human suffering and anxieties that we come to understand our soul's ache for God's perfect love.

Our guest for this episode is Ashley Cermak, a counselor, a former teacher & youth minister, and - as you'll hear in this episode - a single Catholic woman. Through Ashley's beautiful and vulnerable reflections on the particular aches that come with living as a single person in the Church, we can all become more aware of our own aches to be known and loved completely by our Father in heaven.

Join us for this powerful and deeply real conversation on disappointment, fulfillment, and meaning. You'll be glad you did!

Episode 9 Show Notes

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

View Details

“Everyone fails at who they are supposed to be, Thor. The measure of a person, of a hero, is how well they succeed at being who they are.”
(Frigga, Avengers: Endgame)The Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the most successful film franchises in history. But the popularity of these movies & series isn’t merely based on superheroes and quirky one-liners - it’s rooted in how effectively the MCU portrays the human experience, including mental health struggles of all kinds.

From Ironman to Avengers: Endgame and beyond, the MCU confronts us with mental health realities. Pat & Father Nathan discuss lessons we can learn by viewing them through a lens of faith. Be surprised by connecting with characters who - super strength and time-traveling aside - are actually a lot like us. Welcome to this fun and meaningful conversation! We could do this all day.

Episode 8 Show Notes

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

View Details

"As they grow up, children should continue to respect their parents. They should anticipate their wishes, willingly seek their advice, and accept their just admonitions. Obedience toward parents ceases with the emancipation of the children; not so respect, which is always owed to them. This respect has its roots in the fear of God, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit." ~ Catechism of the Catholic Church §2217Families - the ones we’re born into and the ones that we create - are full of beauty, joy, thanksgiving, worship, and purpose. But they can also be marked with exhaustion, hardship, disappointment, arguments, and unrealistic expectations. How do we navigate difficult family relationships in a healthy way?

Fr. Nathan joins Pat & Kenna for this conversation about how to faithfully order the sometimes competing values of family life. How can we honor our mother and father when we are adults ourselves, and honor our family of origin while prioritizing our family of creation? How do we have intentional & honest conversations to prepare for times of intensity before they’re upon us? How can we avoid the landmines that might have plagued us for years?

We’re confident that this is an episode that will speak to people of all ages and stages as we seek to be connected to God and our family members during the upcoming holy days, or any season of the year.

Episode 7 Show Notes

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

...

View Details

"Love should be seen as something which in a sense never ‘is’ but is always only ‘becoming’, and what it becomes depends upon the contribution of both persons and the depth of their commitment.” ~ St. Pope John Paul II

It’s time for a date night, friends!

Marriage is one of the beautiful and amazing things that God does in the lives of His beloved children; husbands and wives are called to be witnesses of God’s love by giving themselves completely to the Lord and to each other. But if we’re honest, we also know that marriage is one of the most challenging things that humans can experience. Miscommunication, parenting, finances, schedules, work, arguments… It can be so easy for a marriage to become merely a joint project.

How do we keep a spirit of play, spontaneity, and joy in our marriage? Why does it matter that we take intentional time to spend with our spouse, with no distractions? Does the health of our marriage really affect our other relationships and priorities? Join us for this fun and hope-filled conversation; then get your next date on the calendar!

Episode 6 Show Notes

Thank you for listening! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.

Check us out on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

...

View Details

"For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be." ~ Matthew 6:21We give our time, our money, and our energy to the things that we value. Everything about our lives is a result of our values - our actions, relationships, priorities, even our sins. Our values don't just determine what we do, they communicate who we are and Whose we are. But all too often we float through life without intentionally choosing our values: they get handed to us (sometimes without us even knowing it) by our families of origin, the culture around us, and the Church. As adults it is our privilege and our responsibility to examine these values and authentically own them so we can authentically live them.

In this episode, we look at the process of praying over our values: having a conversation with the Lord about what He desires for our lives. When we have the courage and the trust to receive our values from Him, we're able to more fully and freely live out the unique and beautiful call that He has for our personal and unrepeatable life.

Episode 5 Show Notes

View Details

“Freedom is not getting to do what you want, but being able to do as you ought.” - St. John Paul II

You are good…and you don’t get to do whatever you want. God made you good, plain and simple, and nothing that you do can diminish or steal your inherent goodness as a child of God. But that doesn’t mean that all of our desires and actions are good. We’ve all experienced the anxiety, pain, and breakdown of relationships that happen when our actions don’t live up to our dignity. Yet, in the midst of those real consequences, we’re reminded of God’s love for us, our call to repentance, and a return to virtue.

We don’t do good actions because they make us good or to earn God’s love.
We do good actions because when our outward actions match our internal dignity, we find integration and we can live in the joy and peace for which we were created from the beginning.

Click here for Episode 4 show notes

View Details

My friend, you. are. good.

We’ll say it again in case you don’t believe us: you are good.

Our intrinsic goodness and value don’t come from our achievements, our actions, our relationships, or even our prayer lives. We are good simply because God, our Father, made us in His image and likeness; He made us good. No sin, no action, no suffering, and no failure can rob us of our goodness. So many mental health challenges stem from our reluctance to receive our inherent, God-given worth.

Fr. Nathan LaLiberte joins Pat for this striking conversation that might be exactly what we all need to hear today.

View Details

Mental health isn’t limited to what goes on inside our minds; our mental health is deeply affected by our human relationships. And one often overlooked facet of deep, authentic relationships is healthy boundaries.

Boundaries are a balancing act that offer freedom: both holding firmly to my own identity AND being open to connection with others. All of us desire this kind of self-knowledge and self-gift, but human relationships are messy! Whether it’s in a marriage, with a child, or in a friendship, we struggle to hold clear and loving boundaries. It’s so easy to only feel what others feel, or to guard against true connection when things get difficult, or to ignore our own needs because others don’t seem to notice them.

Let’s talk about boundaries, differentiation, and cultivating a beautiful garden while meeting your neighbors at the fencepost.

View Details

This Whole Life is about being fully alive! It’s about pursuing an authentic, integrated life and allowing every part - mind, body, and soul - to function as a whole so that we can love and serve God and all your fellow humans.

To live this in the real world requires a genuine look at our mental health in the context of faith. “Mental health” isn’t a four letter word and it’s not just for people who go to therapy. Being attentive to our mental health is crucial for EVERY follower of Christ, because when we’re mentally healthy we’re able to give our whole self to God.

As people of faith, let’s attend to our mental health: because sound mental health smooths the path to wholeness and holiness. It’s why we’re “seeking sanity and sanctity.” Welcome to This Whole Life!

View Details

This Whole Life debuts on September 4th!
How does our mental health relate to our faith?
How can we become whole while living in a broken world?
Every day, we all strive to encounter God amidst the challenges of balancing faith and family, work and leisure, our sense of self and complicated relationships. Pat & Kenna Millea bring joy, hope, and wisdom to those who believe there is a connection between holiness and happiness. Kenna is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist; Pat served for 15 years as a youth minister; together they have 7 children and a perfectly imperfect marriage. From their education and experience, they share tools, resources, interviews, and stories that point the way to sanity and sanctity.

This Whole Life: Recent Episodes

Pat & Kenna Millea