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"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 Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

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. Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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 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 Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

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. Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

"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 Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

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. Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

“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?Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

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. Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

"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?Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

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. Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

"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?Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

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. Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

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?Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.

"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. Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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 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?Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book study Let us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener survey 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. Follow us 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.