The Catholic in Recovery Podcast

Foundations of Recovery: Healing the Whole Person

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the complexities of managing addiction recovery alongside mental illnesses, specifically addressing a listener's experience with sex addiction and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They emphasize that a strong recovery team should include a 12-step sponsor, a therapist, and a spiritual director, and stress the importance of finding specialized help for conditions like OCD or trauma, noting that trauma is often a factor in chronic relapse. The conversation concludes by underscoring the need to prioritize sobriety as the foundation for life, and then systematically address other areas of health—spiritual, physical, financial, and emotional—to achieve a life of purpose, joy, and peace.

First Things First: Keeping Recovery a Priority in a Busy Life

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley addresses listener questions, first focusing on a seminarian's struggle to balance a busy formation schedule with the time commitment of 12-step recovery, followed by a definition of the term "dry drunk" as being abstinent but not yet fully converted in heart. They affirm the importance of prioritizing recovery as the foundation for life, and discuss sponsors' primary qualifications being sobriety and the ability to work the program.

Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Family Systems

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley return from a hiatus to discuss their recent activities, including Father Sean's travels and Scott's work with Catholic in Recovery amidst a challenging ice storm. The primary topic is Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) or Adult Children of Dysfunctional Family Systems, which they explore by discussing its history, the broadening scope of trauma, and how the resulting traits can be an "unrefined superpower." They examine the 14 "laundry list" traits of adult children and conclude with encouragement to seek help and community through resources like ACA/ACOA groups and Catholic in Recovery meetings.

Sharing Our Recovery with Others

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, hosts Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley catch up after a brief hiatus, sharing updates on their recent travels, Father Sean's new role related to seminarian formation, and Scott's speaking engagements, including his talk on the Twelve Steps and Catholic spirituality. They discuss the challenges of unhealthy attachments, such as to sports, and the spiritual principle of surrendering those attachments to find ultimate hope in God.

Service, Gratitude, & Thanksgiving

Catholic in Recovery — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, hosts Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the interconnected themes of gratitude and service, especially as they relate to the recovery journey around Thanksgiving. They delve into how service acts as the greatest expression of gratitude, sharing personal reflections on the dangers of idle time as a trigger and the importance of allowing others to love you. They emphasize that service is a critical, life-saving requirement for sobriety and a path to feeling a beneficial part of a fellowship.

Fr. Sean's Journey of Recovery

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this podcast episode, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss Father Sean's recovery journey. Father Sean shares his struggles with addiction, his path to sobriety, and the role of faith and community in his healing process. The conversation also touches on the distinctions between sobriety in a 12-step program and the Catholic understanding of chastity, offering insights into personal growth and spiritual conversion.

Scott's Journey of Recovery

Catholic in Recovery — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this Catholic in Recovery podcast episode, Scott Weeman shares his personal recovery journey with Father Sean Kilcawley, detailing his struggles with addiction, the impact on his relationships, and his eventual path to sobriety through AA and the Catholic Church. He recounts significant moments, including a pivotal conversation with his ex-girlfriend and the guidance of his sponsor, Michael. The episode concludes with a discussion on the benefits of both in-person and virtual recovery meetings, and a blessing from Father Sean Kilcawley.

Seminary Life, Clergy Recovery, & Healing Through Divorce

Catholic in Recovery — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this last episode of the Catholic in Recovery Podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss their recent experiences, including Father Sean's new role at the seminary and Scott's trip to Rome, where he met Pope Leo. Father Sean offers guidance on addiction recovery for priests and the Church's teachings on divorce in challenging circumstances. The conversation highlights the importance of holistic recovery, spiritual growth, and the complexities of navigating personal struggles within a faith context.

Boundaries & Healthy Relationships

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery Podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the vital role of boundaries in fostering healthy relationships within recovery, emphasizing that these boundaries are crucial for protecting sobriety, mental health, and spiritual growth, especially for those who come from backgrounds where boundaries were often absent. They highlight that setting boundaries, though challenging, allows individuals to prioritize their recovery and say "yes" to what truly matters. The episode also delves into common boundary challenges, the impact of trauma and codependency, and offers practical advice on setting and maintaining boundaries, while relying on faith and the sacraments for strength.

The Power of Prayer in Recovery

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this Catholic in Recovery Podcast episode, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss prayer as a vital and transformative part of recovery, exploring how the Twelve Steps and the Catholic faith emphasize prayer for spiritual growth and healing. They highlight the importance of radical honesty in prayer, treating it as a relationship with God where one can express all feelings and struggles, much like talking to a trusted friend or sponsor. The conversation also touches on common struggles with prayer, the benefits of imaginative prayer, and practical tips for building a consistent prayer routine, emphasizing that prayer is a gateway to surrender and ongoing spiritual dependence on God.

Adapting to Change

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery Podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss how to stay spiritually grounded, emotionally stable, and sober through seasons of change and recovery. They share personal experiences with significant life transitions, such as moving and new jobs, and explore how these changes can impact one's recovery journey. The episode also touches on the importance of maintaining spiritual disciplines, seeking support, and adapting routines to navigate change successfully.

Priests, Clergy, & Community Leaders in Recovery

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Episode 18 of the Catholic in Recovery podcast explores the unique challenges and graces experienced by Catholic priests, clergy, and lay leaders on their recovery journey. Hosts Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley emphasize the importance of vulnerability and seeking help, dispelling the myth that leaders must always appear perfect. They highlight how embracing recovery can actually magnify ministry and encourage those struggling to use available support systems like 12-step meetings before reaching a crisis point.

Addressing Catholic Misconceptions About 12-Step Recovery

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In Episode 17 of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss common misunderstandings Catholics have about 12-step recovery, emphasizing how faith and recovery can work together. They address various misconceptions, such as the idea that 12-step recovery is not "Catholic enough" due to terms like "higher power" or that being a "good Catholic" means one shouldn't need recovery. The hosts highlight the deep spirituality of the Twelve Steps, their compatibility with Catholic teaching, and the importance of community and humility in the healing process.

Forgiveness & Repentance

Catholic in Recovery — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In Episode 16 of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, hosts Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss repentance and forgiveness in the context of Catholic spirituality and 12-step recovery. They explore the distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation, the importance of genuine remorse and taking responsibility, and offer practical tools and advice for dealing with unforgiveness and resentment. The episode also includes personal updates from the hosts and addresses a listener's question about navigating a spouse's drinking problem.

Lust Addiction & Sexual Compulsions (Part 1)

Catholic in Recovery — Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In Episode 15 of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, hosts Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the often hidden struggle of lust and pornography addiction within the Church and society. They cover how the Twelve Steps, Catholic spirituality, and the sacraments can offer healing and freedom. They also explore the definition of lust addiction beyond pornography, the criteria for identifying process addictions, and various pathways to recovery, emphasizing the importance of 12-step programs and radical life shifts for true healing.

Theology of the Body

Catholic in Recovery — Thu, 15 May 2025 15:21:32 -0400

In Episode 14 of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the Theology of the Body and its relevance to addiction recovery. They explore how Saint John Paul II's teachings can offer a framework for understanding human dignity, the meaning of our bodies, and God's restorative power for what is broken.

Integrating Catholic Faith & 12-Step Recovery

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this podcast episode, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the integration of the Catholic faith with 12-Step recovery programs. They explore the appropriateness of sharing one's faith in secular meetings, balancing spiritual convictions with group unity, and the importance of humility and discernment. They also delve into the concept of surrender to God, the importance of faith in recovery, and how to navigate sharing faith in secular settings.

Living One Day at a Time

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the concept of "living one day at a time" in the context of faith and recovery. They explore the tension between this approach and having long-term goals, particularly in sobriety. They discuss practical tools, biblical foundations, and personal testimonies related to living in the present moment and avoiding future fear.

Preserving Bruised Fruit

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss addiction recovery through the metaphor of "bruised fruit" from Saint Francis de Sales. They explore the concept of innocence versus being wounded by addiction and how genuine devotion, not just religious activities, is essential for healing. They also share personal reflections on their own struggles and recovery, emphasizing the importance of honesty, surrender, and recognizing that God's healing often comes through acknowledging our wounds and relying on His grace.

Lifestyle Changes

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In Episode 10 of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley discuss the importance of lifestyle changes for sustained recovery from addiction. They explore how habits, obstacles, and faith play crucial roles and share about the challenges of maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual wellness, covering topics such as identifying triggers, creating space for God, building healthy communities, and developing daily disciplines.

Anonymity in 12-Step Recovery

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, hosts Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley explore the meaning of anonymity, its origins, and its practical applications in recovery. They also touch on balancing recovery with faith, sharing personal recovery stories, and navigating the challenges of maintaining anonymity while seeking help.

The Family Spiritual Disease of Addiction

Catholic in Recovery — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Fr. Sean Kilcawley and Scott Weeman delve into the impact of addiction on families, sharing personal insights and discussing the various ways addiction can manifest within a family. They also explore the different roles family members often assume, such as the "hero" or "scapegoat," and how these roles can perpetuate dysfunction.

Grief & Addiction Recovery

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this podcast episode, Scott Weeman and Fr. Sean Kilcawley cover the topic of grief and addiction. They discuss how grief can lead to addiction, the stages of grief, dealing with grief while in recovery, and navigating loss and grief in the midst of recovery.

Common Experiences & Phases of Addiction

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In the sixth episode of the Catholic in Recovery Podcast, Scott Weeman and Fr. Sean Kilcawley discuss the common experiences and phases of addiction. They go over the different ways addiction can start, the difficulty of identifying and admitting an addiction, and the importance of honesty and trust in recovery. They also answer a listener's question about how to trust God and other people in recovery.

Getting Started: First 90 Days

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In the fifth episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Fr. Sean Kilcawley discuss the importance of the first 90 days of recovery, daily habits, integrating the sacraments and prayer into recovery, and sharing about one's recovery with family and friends.

Getting Started: Navigating Holidays & Events

Catholic in Recovery — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500

In the fourth episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Fr. Sean Kilcawley discuss navigating holiday events and other social gatherings while in recovery. They share personal experiences and insights on dealing with triggers, maintaining sobriety, and finding support within the recovery community. They also emphasize the importance of staying connected with others, having an exit strategy, and finding ways to be of service.

Getting Started: Finding a Sponsor

Catholic in Recovery — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In the third episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Fr. Sean Kilcawley discuss the importance of finding a sponsor in recovery, detailing the sponsor's critical role as someone who guides and supports us through the Twelve Steps. They also discuss what to look for when finding a sponsor and what such a relationship might look like.

Getting Started: First Meeting Experience

Catholic in Recovery — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 09:21:32 -0500

In the second episode of the Catholic in Recovery podcast, Scott Weeman and Father Sean Kilcawley share their experience of attending 12-step meetings for the first time, highlighting the fear, anxiety, and eventual sense of belonging that can come with entering recovery. They also discuss the importance of finding a home group and the transformative power of sharing one's struggles and receiving love and support.

Getting Started: Overcoming Denial

Catholic in Recovery — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:15:48 -0400

In this episode, Scott Weeman, founder of Catholic in Recovery, and Father Sean Kilcawley, a priest in the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, introduce themselves and the purpose of the podcast. They discuss their personal experiences with addiction and recovery, emphasizing the importance of honesty, surrender, and finding truth-tellers in the process. They also touch on the challenges of denial, both personally and within families, and offer advice for those seeking help. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to submit questions and to seek help through 12-step recovery programs and the Catholic in Recovery community.