A Catholic Perspective on Conversion Therapy with Dr. Julia Sadusky
Send us a textIn this episode of Gotta Be Saints, Brendan Gotta welcomes back Dr. Julia Sadusky, a clinical psychologist and author of Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today’s Youth. Together, they unpack the complex and often misunderstood topic of conversion therapy—how it’s defined, what the law says, and how Catholics can approach questions of faith, sexuality, and identity with both compassion and truth.From Colorado’s 2019 conversion therapy ban to the challenges faced by Christian clinicians, this conversation explores the balance between faithful accompaniment and clinical integrity, while offering hope for families navigating these sensitive issues.Guest BioDr. Julia Sadusky is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the integration of faith and mental health. She works primarily with sexual and gender minorities from Christian backgrounds and provides consultation and training to churches, schools, and clinicians. Julia holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Regent University and a B.A. from Ave Maria University. She is also the co-author of Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today’s Youth. Website: juliasadusky.com Instagram: @drjuliasaduskyKey Topics & Highlights00:00 – Introduction and context for today’s discussion 00:03 – Defining conversion therapy: why it’s difficult to pin down 00:06 – What Colorado’s 2019 law actually says 00:10 – Why many Christian clinicians feel anxious about these laws 00:14 – How faith communities historically engaged with conversion therapy 00:18 – The impact of conversion therapy on faith, family, and trust in God 00:23 – The need for emotionally mature, well-formed Catholic clinicians 00:26 – The influence of culture and social media on identity formation 00:30 – Parenting with warmth and firmness rather than fear 00:36 – Building trust and walking with teens through difficult questions 00:39 – Finding common ground across divides and engaging others with charityKey TakeawaysConversion therapy isn’t a single practice—it’s an umbrella term that covers any therapy seeking to change orientation or gender identity.Laws like Colorado’s don’t ban pastoral care or identity exploration—they restrict licensed therapists from pursuing fixed outcomes with minors.Effective Catholic counseling should help teens think critically and mature in faith, not react out of fear.Building trust and long-term relationships matters more than offering quick fixes.Faithful dialogue across political and ideological lines is still possible—and deeply needed.Sponsored by TruthlyThis episode is brought to you by Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app helping you reflect and share your faith confidently. Start your free trial here and use code Gottabesaints for a discount!Connect with Gotta Be SaintsInstagram: @gottabesaints Support the show
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Broken Mary with Kevin Matthews
Send us a textIn this episode, I am joined by Kevin Matthews, legendary Chicago radio personality and author of Broken Mary.For nearly two decades, Kevin was the voice millions tuned in to hear every morning. Known for his unforgettable characters, sold-out comedy shows, and larger-than-life presence, he seemed to be living at the peak of success. But in 2008, Kevin was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis—a diagnosis that reshaped his life and faith.Out of that brokenness came an unlikely encounter: a discarded statue of Mary found beside a dumpster. That moment became a turning point, leading Kevin to a deeper relationship with Christ, a renewed sense of hope, and a mission to help others find healing in their own brokenness.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:Kevin’s journey from comedy clubs and radio stardom to the challenges of MSThe story of how a broken statue of Mary became a vessel of grace and healingWhat Kevin learned about humility, faith, and the dignity of womenHow suffering can lead us to discover true joy and hopeKevin’s message to anyone who longs for healing in their own lifeThis Episode Is For You If You’ve Ever Asked:How can faith transform suffering into hope?What does it mean to embrace brokenness as part of our journey?How can Mary, the Mother of God, draw us closer to her Son in times of trial?Resources Mentioned:Broken Mary: A Journey of Hope (Book & Movie) — Watch the film hereFollow Gotta Be Saints:Instagram: @gottabesaintsSubscribe, rate, and leave a review to help others discover stories of faith, healing, and holiness.Sponsored by TruthlyThis episode is brought to you by Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app helping you reflect and share your faith confidently. Start your free trial at truthly.ai and use code gottabesaints for a special listener offer. Support the show
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The Risks and Opportunities of a Synodal Church with His Eminence Marc Cardinal Ouellet
Send us a textIn this episode, I am joined by His Eminence, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, former Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and author of Word, Sacrament, Charism: The Risks and Opportunities of a Synodal Church.Drawing on decades of leadership within the Church—including his roles in seminary formation, global episcopal appointments, and multiple synods—Cardinal Ouellet brings a deeply theological and pastoral lens to one of the most debated processes in the modern Church: synodality.In This Episode, You'll Hear:The theological and spiritual roots of the Synod on SynodalityCardinal Ouellet’s reflections on why synodality must begin in faith, not functionThe risks of reducing the Church to NGO logicHow Mary, Mother of the Church, is the true archetype of synodalityThe need for both hierarchical leadership and charismatic creativityWhat lay people can do to live out the Church’s mission with fidelity and joyThis Episode is For You If You’ve Ever Asked:What exactly is synodality—and why is the Church talking so much about it?How do we walk together without compromising truth?What role do lay people play in a “synodal” Church?How can we discern the Holy Spirit in communal dialogue?Resources Mentioned:Word, Sacrament, Charism: The Risks and Opportunities of a Synodal Church — Available at Ignatius PressFollow Gotta Be Saints:Instagram: @gottabesaintsWebsite: gottabesaints.comSubscribe, rate, and leave a review to help others discover the call to holiness through the voices of the Church.Sponsored by TruthlyThis episode is brought to you by Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app helping you reflect and share your faith confidently. Start your free trial at truthly.ai and use code gottabesaints for a special listener offer. Support the show
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Overcoming Sexual Addiction with Dann Aungst
Send us a textIn this powerful and vulnerable episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I’m joined by Dann Aungst, a certified addiction counselor, Catholic speaker, and founder of Road to Purity. Dann shares his courageous journey of recovery after more than 30 years of battling sexual addiction — and how God's grace, the sacraments, and healing from inner wounds led to freedom and a life of mission.💥 Whether you struggle with addiction or want to better support those who do, Dan’s story reveals the truth: you are not alone, and there is hope.In this episode, Dann shares:The pivotal moment that led him to finally seek helpHow one unexpected retreat letter changed his lifeWhy pornography and sexual sin are often symptoms of deeper woundsThe role of the Eucharist and frequent confession in lasting recoveryHow authentic accountability and community can lead to real transformationWhy healing our false identities is essential for freedomHow his ministry, Road to Purity, is changing lives through books, programs, and small groupsIf you're asking…Is healing even possible after decades of addiction?How can I support a loved one struggling with pornography?What role does the Church play in recovery?What does it mean to be a gift of self rather than a taker?…this episode is for you.Learn More:📖 Order Dann’s book Winning the Battle: A Pocket Guide for Achieving Sexual PurityFollow Gotta Be Saints:📱 Instagram: @gottabesaints ⭐️ Subscribe and leave a review to help others discover the call to holiness!🙏 Sponsored by Truthly This episode is brought to you by Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app helping you reflect and share your faith confidently. Start your free trial with code gottabesaints at truthly.ai Support the show
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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with Sr. Betty Ann McNeil
Send us a textIn this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I’m joined by Sister Betty Ann McNeil, D.C., the foremost expert on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, to explore the life, legacy, and spiritual depth of the first native-born American saint.As we approach the 50th anniversary of her canonization, Sister Betty Ann shares powerful insights into Mother Seton’s conversion, suffering, motherhood, and the founding of the Sisters of Charity — all rooted in a deep love for Christ and the Eucharist.In our conversation, Sister Betty Ann shares:Why Elizabeth Ann Seton’s story still matters todayThe pivotal moment of her conversion in ItalyHer devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed MotherThe challenges she faced as a Catholic convert in early AmericaHow she became a pioneer in Catholic education and women’s religious lifeWhat’s planned for the 50th anniversary celebration in Emmitsburg, MarylandWhy her newly updated book Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: A Spiritual Portrait is a must-readWhether you’re new to Mother Seton’s story or already devoted to her, this episode will deepen your appreciation for her holiness and inspire you to answer your own call to sainthood.Learn More:Order the book Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: A Spiritual Portrait from Ignatius Press or setonshrine.orgExplore events and the anniversary celebration at: setonshrine.orgFollow Gotta Be Saints:Instagram: @gottabesaintsSubscribe and leave a review to help others discover the call to holiness!🙏 Sponsored by Truthly Thank you to our sponsor, Truthly — the world’s first Catholic action app designed to help you reflect and share your faith confidently. Begin your free trial today using the code gottabesaints at truthly.ai. Support the show
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