Purposeful Lab

Catherine and Dan delve into a discussion with Dr. Matthew Breuninger, a licensed clinical psychologist and associate professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville. They explore how psychology intersects with faith to foster human flourishing, focusing on topics such as trauma, healing, and virtue formation. Dr. Breuninger shares insights from his clinical work and his book, "Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life's...

Genevieve Buono, currently writing her dissertation on Edith Stein's aesthetics, joins Dan and Catherine this week to discuss Stein's views on art, philosophy and her path to sainthood. Stein, a pioneering female philosopher, tragically perished in Auschwitz alongside her Jewish loved ones.  Listen to this week's episode to discover the relevance of Stein's teachings to your life. 

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Renowned author and philosophy professor, Dr. Daniel McInerny, joins hosts Dan and Catherine to delve into the profound question: Can art help us find meaning in life? Together, they explore the philosophy of art, delving into the unique ways in which art illuminates the human experience. Drawing from his acclaimed book 'The Good Death of Kate Montclair,' Dr. McInerny offers profound insights into how literature can guide...

Dr. Katie Kresser, a Professor of Art History at Seattle Pacific University joins Dan and Catherine to discuss the fundamental questions: why do humans create art, and what does that reveal about our unique nature?  Is art essential to human flourishing?  This episode is for both seasoned art enthusiasts and those seeking practical means to incorporate art into their lives. 

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A must listen for anyone interested in transforming the current cultural landscape.  Dan and Catherine interview Magis Center's founder and president, Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J. on his book "Ten Universal Principles: A Brief Philosophy of Life Issues"   The implementation of these ten principles is the key to saving our culture and fostering its flourishing.  Immerse yourself in this timeless philosophical tradition an...

Dr. Jeanne Zehr of the MINDCAP Center for Cognitive Advantage joins Dan and Catherine to discuss how to unleash your mind's full potential.   For anyone suffering from COVID brain fog to dyslexia to just wanting to improve your cognitive functions this episode is for you.  Dr.  Zehr brings a wealth of knowledge to show just how amazing our brains really are and how they are so capable for positive change.  

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Dan interviews philosopher, Dr. John F. Crosby on the new and exciting research in the field of personalism, a philosophy that highlights the importance of the human person. Personalism offers a fresh perspective on human existence, shedding light on life's mysteries, including the mysteries of life, death, and the ultimate purpose of the human person in the cosmos.

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Dan and Catherine welcome Fr. James Brent, O.P. to discuss the soul, its powers and properties.  What is the soul?  How can the soul survive bodily death? What makes the human soul unique? Fr. James answers these questions and more on this week's podcast. 

Fr. James teaches at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. He regularly lectures for the Thomistic Institute and Aquinas 101, contributes to Spiritual...

Did you ever wonder what makes humans truly thrive? Dan and Catherine welcome Dr. Pam King to Purposeful Lab to answer that very question.  Dr. King is a professor of applied developmental science and the executive director of the Thrive Center for Human Development at Fuller Seminary.   With evolutionary psychology and theology as a guide, Dr. King equips one with the tools and inspiration to find purpose and thrive in today'...

Dan and Catherine explore the unique characteristics of the human brain that set us apart from other organisms. Delving into evolutionary psychology, they investigate how the development of the human mind and brain during childhood shapes our distinct identity as human beings.  Touching on the science of brain evolution, the hosts navigate through the intricate interplay between biology and the essential role of social interaction ...

In part two of an interview with Dr. Sofia Carozza, Dan, Catherine, and Sofia take a closer look at early childhood trauma and the brain.  With the help of AI, Sofia spends her time at Harvard Medical researching  how early experiences in life shape the brain structure and one's cognitive functions.   What her research shows is that your brain can heal and that there is hope for those who have undergone early childhood trauma....

In part one of a two part interview, Dan and Catherine chat with Sofia Carozza, a neuroscientist conducting postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School, on the complexities of the human brain. Sofia explains key aspects of brain development, neural plasticity, and the role of evolutionary biology in shaping the brain. Don't miss this insightful episode that highlights just how amazing and intricate the human brain is.

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Catherine interviews Dan on one of his areas of expertise, human evolution.  Not only is a Dan a professor of Biology at Franciscan University of Stubenville, but he is also the author of several articles and books on evolution.  His newest book on evolution will be released in 2025 by Word On Fire Press.  Dan and Catherine's discussion unearths the complex mosaic of human evolution where our shared ancestry with chimps is jus...

Theologian Dr. Christopher Baglow joins Dan to delve into the problem of evil. Together, they grapple with the existence of natural disasters and human evil, and how they intersect with a loving deity's creation. Dr. Baglow, with his work at the McGrath Institute for Church Life and contributions to theological education, enriches our conversation with insights that bridge the gap between faith and the natural world, offering ...

Join Daniel Toma, Dan and Catherine to discuss nature's intrinsic purpose and the liturgical structure of the universe.   Through the lenses of ecology, theology, and philosophy, they examine humanity's role in the grand cosmic hierarchy. 

Daniel Toma is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Minnesota State University  Mankato.  He is the author of Vestige of Eden, Image of Eternity: Common Experience, the Hiera...

Join Dan and Catherine as they welcome back Dr. Matthew Tsakanikas, a distinguished theology professor renowned for his insights into Genesis. Together, they delve into the layers of Genesis, exploring the Catholic Church's perspective on its interpretation. This discussion spans the historical, scientific, and moral dimensions of this sacred text, guided by the teachings of the Pontifical Biblical Commission.

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Season 2 reaches its conclusion in Episode 6, where Dan interviews Sofia Carozza on the role of love and relationship in brain development.  

Sofia, a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard Medical School, specializes in computational modeling and focuses on the impact of adversity on the development of the human brain. Her research enriches this ever-evolving field of study.

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