---
title: Episode 048 – Faith, and Psychology (Part 1) with Dr. Julia Sadusky
description: Join Christopher and Dr. Julia Sadusky for a thoughtful exploration of how faith and psychology intersect.
---

[The Church Podcast ](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast)

# [Episode 048 – Faith, and Psychology (Part 1) with Dr. Julia Sadusky](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/episode-048-faith-and-psychology-part-1-with-dr.-julia-sadusky)

 Written by [Christopher Wesley](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/author/christopher-wesley) | Feb 17, 2026 1:53:09 PM

In this first part of a two-part conversation, Christopher sits down with **Dr. Julia Sadusky**, a licensed psychologist specializing in sexuality, gender, and faith. What unfolds is not a debate—but a deeply pastoral and thoughtful exploration of how faith and psychology actually belong together.

Julia shares her personal journey—from a theology of the body student at **Ave Maria University** to working at the intersection of sexuality, gender, and Christian discipleship. She reflects on the formative influence of **Mark Yarhouse**, and how encountering real people with real questions reshaped her vocational path.

Together, Christopher and Julia explore:

- Why Catholics don’t need to fear psychology
- How therapy and spiritual direction can complement one another
- What the Church actually does well in teaching about sexuality
- Why wrestling with Church teaching can be a sign of faith—not rebellion
- How youth ministers can respond when teens ask difficult questions
- The “iceberg principle” and why the real question is often beneath the surface

This episode is especially helpful for ministry leaders who want to hold truth with confidence—but without defensiveness.

#### **Key Takeaways from Part 1**

- Integration is possible. Faith and psychology are not enemies; at their best, they illuminate different aspects of the human person.
- Teens are often asking deeper questions than the words they use. Beneath “What does the Church teach?” are questions like: *Do I belong? Am I safe? Am I loved?*
- You don’t have to fix someone to walk with them.
- Slowing down is often the most pastoral response.
- Admitting “I don’t know” can build trust, not diminish authority.

#### Connect with Julia

Learn more about her books, speaking, and parent resources at:  
[**juliasadusky.com**](http://juliasadusky.com)

Get 10% off Julia’s Course: Talking To Your Teens when you use coupon code Thechurchpodcast10 https://talkingtoyourteencourse.com/

🎧 Be sure to listen to **Part 2 (Episode 049)**, where we go deeper into gender identity, parenting, cultural formation, and practical parish strategies.

**ELEVATE YOUR PODCAST EXPERIENCE**

The Church Podcast is a proud member of the NFCYM Podcast Network [https://nfcym.org/podcastnetwork/](https://nfcym.org/podcastnetwork/). Check out some of our other shows like the Accompany Podcast and the Ydisciple Podcast.

Elevate your podcast experience and support our mission to do church better. Visit[ thechurchpodcast.org](http://thechurchpodcast.org/) and join our community of dedicated listeners.

**Recorded on Riverside -**[ HERE](https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=christopher-wesley)

**A Little From Our Sponsors**

**Ministry2GO**: What if training your team was as simple as clicking a button? Now with Ministry2GO you’ll be able to easily download templates, training videos and resources to help your team grow. Use promo code M2GOPOD for $10 off the annual price. Learn more [HERE](https://marathonyouthministry.com/ministry2go)

**SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS:** Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at[ sockreligious.com](https://sockreligious.com/?ref=CHURCHPOD). Use CHURCHPOD and get 10% off your purchase.

**GET CUSTOM GEAR **for your next ministry event from our partner 4 Marks Printing. They make ministry and evangelization easier! Visit[ 4marksprinting.com/churchpod](https://www.4marksprinting.com/churchpod) for more.

**MYM MERCH**: Show off some humor and what you do with awesome t-shirts from Marathon Youth Ministry’s Store. Visit[ HERE](https://marathon-youth-ministry.checkoutstores.com/campaigns/marathon-youth-ministry) to see what we have.

**YDISCIPLE:** Get access to an array of resources for middle and high school students that will help them grow in faith and put it into action. Learn more [HERE](http://ydisciple.tv?via=churchpodcast)

 

[View full post](https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/episode-048-faith-and-psychology-part-1-with-dr.-julia-sadusky)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Christopher Wesley"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-02-17T13:53:09.380Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-02-17T13:53:09Z",
  "headline" : "Episode 048 – Faith, and Psychology (Part 1) with Dr. Julia Sadusky",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 1024,
    "url" : "https://5258907.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5258907/ChatGPT%20Image%20Feb%2016%2c%202026%2c%2010_48_30%20PM.png",
    "width" : 1536
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://blog.marathonyouthministry.com/churchpodcast/episode-048-faith-and-psychology-part-1-with-dr.-julia-sadusky",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "The Church Podcast"
  }
}
```