What happens when we are defined by our worst? What does it do to the human heart when we are considered without redemption?

Fr. Dustin Feddon has spent over a decade walking alongside men in maximum-security prisons and on death row. In this episode, he shares the stories that changed him — stories of trauma, responsibility, trust, remorse, and unexpected dignity.

This isn’t a political conversation. It’s about shame, relationship, and what it means to see someone as more than the worst thing they’ve done.

These are stories from death row — and what they reveal about all of us.

Fr. Dustin Feddon is a priest of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and the founder/executive director of Joseph House. Fr. Dustin combines his dedication to those on the margins of society with his service to the Church. After spending years visiting the incarcerated in Florida’s massive prison system, he believes that the church has the resources and the community to assist those that are returning back into society from prison.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Background

00:05:30 - First Experiences in Prison Ministry

00:06:49 - Impact of Prison Ministry on Father Dustin

00:13:39 - Returning to Seminary with a New Focus

00:24:55 - Encountering the Harsh Realities of Solitary Confinement

00:31:21 - Establishing Joseph House

00:46:35 - The Concept of Irredeemability and Its Impact

00:58:28 - The Story of Daryl: Accompanying Men at Their Execution

01:02:45 - The Execution of Daryl: A Witness's Perspective

01:18:59 - Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Joseph House: https://www.josephhouseus.org

More Than Halfway Home Book: https://www.josephhouseus.org/more-than-half-way-home

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To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

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The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

We talk a lot about masculinity — but far less about how it’s actually formed. In this conversation, we step back from the usual talking points and look at masculinity from the ground up.

Drawing on firsthand experience working with men in seminary formation, Dr Mario and Fr Josh Johnson explore what consistently shapes men well, what often gets overemphasized, and what quietly gets overlooked. The patterns that emerge aren’t limited to young men or religious settings — they show up across the board.

Whether you're a seminarian, a priest, or just a dude looking to grow in your understanding of masculinity, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice. Join us as we explore how to embrace true masculinity and foster deeper connections with ourselves and others.

Fr. Josh Johnson is a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. He is the pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and director of the Propaedeutic Program for Baton Rouge seminarians. He travels widely as a speaker at conferences, retreats, and youth events, and was one of 3 MCs at the historic National Eucharistic Congress in 2024. He is well-known for his popular podcast Ask Father Josh as well as his Q&A videos on Ascension Presents. He is the author of several books including On Earth as It Is in Heaven: Restoring God’s Vision for Race and Discipleship.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:15:20 - The Importance of Vulnerability and Boundaries in Seminary Formation

00:17:35 - Learning and Adapting in the First Year of Formation

00:19:45 - Observations and Surprises in the House of Formation

00:30:58 - Adapting to Individual Needs and Challenges in Formation

00:46:18 - Addressing Distrust within the Seminary and Priesthood

00:49:55 - The Importance of Creating Structure and Trust in Relationships

00:56:02 - The Challenge of Creating Personal Structure and Maintaining Relationships

01:01:14 - The Importance of Perseverance and Grit

01:04:30 - The Simplicity of Faith and the Challenges of Returning to Basics

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church: https://sacredheartbr.org

Every Word Scripture Journal: https://everyword.press/products/on-every-word-scripture-journal

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🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

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Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood—and emotionally challenging—parts of healing. In this episode, Dr. Mario sits down with Dr. Robert Enright, a pioneer in forgiveness research, to unpack what forgiveness truly is, what it is not, and why getting it wrong keeps so many people stuck in pain. Together, they explore forgiveness as a process rather than a feeling, how it differs from excusing or forgetting, and why it has profound emotional, psychological, and spiritual impact. Rooted in both clinical psychology and a Christian understanding of suffering and redemption, this conversation offers a clear and hopeful path toward freedom, healing, and unity in Christ.

Professor Robert Enright is a licensed psychologist and holds the Aristotelian Professorship in Forgiveness Science, Human Development Area, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has pioneered the scientific study of forgiveness, which now claims over 1,000 researchers worldwide. He teaches courses in moral development with an emphasis on the psychology of forgiveness. He is a popular speaker on the moral development of forgiveness, with his work appearing in such outlets as Time magazine, the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and ABC’s 20/20.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:06:22 - The Controversy and Challenges of Studying Forgiveness

00:08:52 - Understanding Forgiveness in the Context of Christianity

00:18:15 - The Importance of Distinguishing Forgiveness and Reconciliation

00:22:10 - Introduction to Dr. Enright's Model of Forgiveness

00:33:12 - The Role of Compassion and Suffering in Forgiveness

00:34:18 - The Fulfillment of Forgiveness as a Moral Virtue

00:37:30 - The Impact of Forgiveness on Psychological Health: Case Studies

00:43:03 - The Process and Importance of Self-Forgiveness

00:51:10 - The Role of Self-Forgiveness in Spiritual Warfare

Forgiveness as Unity in Christ Book Link: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/forgiving-as-unity-with-christ/

Salvifici Dolores John Paul II: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1984/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_salvifici-doloris.html

Every Word Scripture Journal: https://everyword.press/products/on-every-word-scripture-journal

✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

Most people think hope is just wishing for the best. It’s not. Today we explore the real psychology behind hope — how it works, why it matters, and how it can guide you through fear, failure, and uncertainty. We break down the evidence-based tools that help people set better goals, persevere through obstacles, and recover after trauma. A transformative episode for anyone navigating change or uncertainty. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or low on motivation, this episode will give you a clearer path forward.

Dr. Matthew Gallagher is a professor of Clinical Psychology at the Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics at the University of Houston. He is one of the leading researchers of the psychology of hope. His research interests include: Transdiagnostic treatments (e.g. the Unified Protocol) for PTSD and anxiety disorders, mechanisms of change of empirically supported treatments, and how positive thinking (e.g., hope, optimism, self-efficacy) promotes well-being and provides resilience to PTSD and other anxiety disorders. He can be reached at: mwgallagher@uh.edu

Chapters:

00:00:58 - Defining Hope

00:16:07 - Understanding Hope as a Virtue

00:17:30 - Different Conceptualizations of Hope

00:28:47 - Encouraging Active Pursuit of Goals

00:33:05 - Limitations of Viewing Hope Through Goals

00:37:51 - Hope, Trauma, and Recovery

00:51:14 - Incorporating Faith and Spirituality in Hope

🕯️Let There Be Peace Advent Virtual Retreat: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/advent2025

✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights! www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

What if everything you’ve been taught about peace is only half the story? In today’s episode, I break open the real interior process that leads to lasting calm—one rooted in interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, Christian spirituality, and practical emotional regulation.

After a year marked by personal struggle, inner wrestling, and unexpected breakthroughs, I’m finally ready to share the three-part framework that has helped me find genuine interior stability: Awareness, Attachment, and Abandonment. This episode goes far deeper than “self-care.” It’s about the interior shifts that actually allow you to face stress, suffering, uncertainty, and longing with courage.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your head, anxious about the future, or spiritually dry, this episode will give you a grounded and hope-filled pathway forward.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:50 - 3 A's to Understanding Peace:

00:05:56 - Awareness

00:11:38 - Attachment

00:21:10 - Attachment System and Emotional Balance

00:27:09 - Abandonment and Divine Providence

00:34:57 - Finding Peace Amidst Life's Challenges

If this episode resonates with you, don’t miss the upcoming 3-part Advent retreat with Dr. Tom Neal and me, where we dig even deeper into:

✔ What Christian tradition teaches about inner peace
✔ The eight “principal thoughts” that disrupt peace
✔ How to grow in hope, trust, and holy abandonment
✔ Practical tools to cultivate interior calm during Advent

👉 Register here: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/advent2025

✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

📝 Complete a survey to help me build Always Hope Together, my online community for this show: https://forms.gle/YpnfV8bS8R1ekzpR6

🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

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www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

We all crave peace. But what happens when prayer feels dry, life doesn't match your plans, and discouragement sets in? In this powerful conversation, Fr Timothy Gallagher shares insights from his new book, 'If You Want Peace in This Life,' revealing how the wisdom of Venerable Bruno Lanteri can guide us through our struggles. He emphasizes that temptations are not bad; they are opportunities for growth and virtue. Father Gallagher encourages us to embrace our circumstances and find peace, even amidst challenges. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Remember, it's never too late to begin again, and peace is always within reach. Join us on this journey towards understanding and embracing the peace we all long for.

#peace #discouragement #faith #growth

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Presentation

00:00:42 - Discussion on the Influence of Venerable Bruno Lantieri

00:16:33 - Finding Peace in Life: Venerable Bruno's Teachings

00:30:59 - Venerable Bruno's Persecution and Exile

00:34:22 - Venerable Bruno's Return and Achievements

00:39:11 - Discussion on Jansenism

00:44:27 - Venerable Bruno's Approach to Temptations

00:45:25 - Understanding the Three Stages of the Spiritual Life

01:00:29 - Exploring Alternative Narratives in Therapy

01:03:39 - Venerable Bruno's Final Year and Legacy

Ignatian Discernment Institute: https://www.discernment.institute

Let There Be Peace Advent Virtual Retreat: https://www.drmariosacasa.com/advent2025

✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

📝 Complete a survey to help me build Always Hope Together, my online community for this show: https://forms.gle/YpnfV8bS8R1ekzpR6

🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

When Fr. Crawford passed away, I didn’t just lose a friend — I lost the man who taught me how to see heaven in the middle of real life.
He was the priest’s priest: wise, raw, deeply human, and utterly devoted to prayer.

In this episode, I share the lessons that shaped my faith — from the man who showed me that prayer isn’t escape, it’s encounter. You’ll hear his words, his wit, and his wisdom — including the phrase that changed my entire understanding of the spiritual life: “All the way to heaven is heaven.”

What if heaven isn’t somewhere we go, but something we start to see — right here, right now?

Listen in to discover:

• The one truth that anchored me through every hardship

• The spiritual habit most people get wrong

• How to find peace in the middle of pain — not after it

This episode isn’t just a tribute. It’s an invitation to see your own life differently.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Tribute to Monsignor Slade Crawford

00:00:47 - Personal Relationship with Monsignor Crawford

00:05:20 - Monsignor Crawford's Life and Legacy

00:12:39 - Wedding Homily Playback

00:32:00 - Closing Remarks

Fr. Crawford Obituary: https://www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Monsignor-C-Slade-Crawford?obId=45958356

✉️ Sign Up for The Beacon Email Newsletter: www.drmariosacasa.com/newsletter-opt-in

📝 Complete a survey to help me build Always Hope Together, my online community for this show: https://forms.gle/YpnfV8bS8R1ekzpR6

🎧 Subscribe for more Catholic Christian dating advice, emotional health tools, and honest conversations about love, faith, and healing.

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

To catch up on previous audio-only episodes click on the links below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-hope/id1437447070

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EfQGHAQLHkQcmHeWjlCJF?si=6e6199090a0b4f0c

Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights!

www.youtube.com/@drmariosacasa

Follow me on the socials:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmariosacasa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drmariosacasa

Full Courses:

Dating Well: www.drmariosacasa/datingwell

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety: www.goodcatholic.com/product/overcoming-stress-and-anxiety/

The content of Always Hope is for purely educational reasons and is not meant as a substitute for proper diagnosis and/or professional counseling. If you need psychological or counseling services, please contact a trusted therapist for assistance.

#faith #loss #wisdom #prayer #inspiration