Episode 048 – Faith, and Psychology (Part 1) with Dr. Julia Sadusky

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

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/. 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 and join our community of dedicated listeners.

Recorded on Riverside - HERE

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

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at sockreligious.com. 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 for more.

MYM MERCH: Show off some humor and what you do with awesome t-shirts from Marathon Youth Ministry’s Store. Visit HERE 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