Raising the Betts

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A family podcast by Domenico Bettinelli and Melanie Bettinelli, who are raising five kids in the Boston area. They discuss marriage, homeschooling, Catholic faith, their adventures far and wide, cooking exotic dishes, exploring nature, engaging culture and more.

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    • Jun 28, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h AVG DURATION
    • 174 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Raising the Betts podcast is truly a gem in the world of family-oriented podcasts. As someone who listens to many podcasts, this is one of the few that I make a point to listen to every week. The hosts, Dom and Melanie Betts, provide a delightful peek into their family life, sharing stories and experiences that are both relatable and inspiring. They cover a wide range of topics including homeschooling, cooking, book and movie reviews, and living out their faith. What sets this podcast apart is their ability to ground all of these aspects in humor and reality. It feels like you're sitting down with old friends and having a heartfelt conversation. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them each week.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the genuine and authentic nature of Dom and Melanie's storytelling. They manage to strike a perfect balance between sharing personal anecdotes about their family life while also providing insightful commentary on various topics. Their down-to-earth approach makes it easy for listeners to connect with them on a deeper level. Additionally, their recommendations for books, movies, and recipes are always spot-on. It feels like getting recommendations from trusted friends who have similar interests.

    While it's hard to find any major flaws in this podcast, one minor aspect that could be improved upon is the audio quality at times. There are moments where the sound quality dips or there is slight background noise that can be distracting. However, given the fact that they record from home with five children running around, it's understandable that perfect audio quality may not always be achievable.

    In conclusion, Raising the Betts is an incredibly enjoyable and entertaining podcast for anyone with a family or an interest in family life. As a stay-at-home mom myself, I find solace in knowing that there are others out there who share similar experiences and interests. Dom and Melanie feel like friends who walk alongside you on your journey through parenthood and faith. Their relatable and warm personalities make this podcast a must-listen. I eagerly await each new episode and look forward to continuing to be a part of their "village."



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    Latest episodes from Raising the Betts

    A Special Message from StarQuest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 3:30


    StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for all listeners and supporters of StarQuest's shows. The post A Special Message from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    special message starquest media
    A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 2:38


    StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give The post A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 2:10


    We need your help to continue to produce our great Catholic shows that explore the intersection of faith and modern culture and look at the world from a uniquely Catholic perspective. The post A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    catholic bettinelli starquest media
    Fireworks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2023 64:10


    Join Dom and Melanie as they discuss their kids seeing real fireworks for the first time; their latest homeowner challenges; a better Taco Bell Mexican pizza; Sanderson and Butcher novels; Nick Fury's return; and a special announcement about the podcast. The post Fireworks appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    We Were Enemies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 52:21


    On Sunday, St. Paul declared us "enemies" of Christ who yet died for our sins, so Dom and Melanie unpack the enormity of that truth, and discuss this week's message of mission. Plus a good recipe that failed to win over the kids, more homeowner woes, and books and TV. The post We Were Enemies appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Make Your Amen Matter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2023 92:09


    The story of a Eucharistic miracle gives new insight into the Feast of Corpus Christi for Dom and Melanie, who also discuss a book by a Japanese Christian; a new Bond-like spy series; Midway; two quick chicken recipes; and red skies. The post Make Your Amen Matter appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Fireball Facial

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2023 68:43


    In yet another cooking mishap, Dom got a face full of a fireball, but he's okay. He and Melanie discuss what else they've been cooking: some new shows and old movies they're watching, new and old books they've read, and a Trinity Sunday homily that doesn't stray into accidental heresy. The post Fireball Facial appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Shaking the Rafters

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2023 56:39


    An amazing trilingual Pentecost Mass shakes the rafters of Dom and Melanie's parish church and leave them in awe of its beauty; the kids are taking karate; Melanie loves CODA while Dom loves Babylon 5; and together they love Thai grilled pork skewers. The post Shaking the Rafters appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Birthday Girl

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2023 57:29


    Their oldest turning 17 and getting a senior citizen discount combine to make Dom feel old. Meanwhile, Melanie has found her new favorite novel. Plus they reflect on the news of the passing of a good man as well as the quite grounded First Communion homily at Mass this week. The post Birthday Girl appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Hanging with Hounds

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2023 59:22


    After a weekend with Scouts learning about wilderness search and rescue, including bloodhounds, Dom and Melanie talk about Pillsbury biscuit donuts, the books The Last Green Valley and Game of Kings, and the movies Dungeons & Dragons, Howl's Moving Castle, and the classic Cinderella. The post Hanging with Hounds appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Is Fiction A Waste of Time?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 83:12


    Are novels frivolous? Dom and Melanie discuss an essay that argues that fiction is vital to creating understanding and empathy and return mystery to our lives. Plus, an anti-Narnia children's book, the new series Silo, and an easy BBQ beef sandwich recipe. The post Is Fiction A Waste of Time? appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Art, Trauma, and Beauty

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2023 78:51


    How much should a family of 7 spend on food? Dom and Melanie discuss their menu planning and food budgeting; discuss how art is a response to trauma and how the art of Kintsugi compares to the wounds of Christ; and talk about how we all journey on the road to Emmaus. The post Art, Trauma, and Beauty appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Seek Him

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2023 66:43


    With a brief glimpse of summer weather, Dom and Melanie went on a brief adventure to Cape Cod and a military cemetery; visit with family for Easter and Divine Mercy; discuss Wakanda Forever; and talk about not-so-doubting Thomas. The post Seek Him appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Christ is Risen!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2023 27:55


    Happy Easter! Dom and Melanie take a break from Easter festivities to talk about what they saw and heard at the Easter Vigil and how they were reminded that even the most humble Easter liturgy is a grand foretaste of the rejoicing of heaven. The post Christ is Risen! appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Dive Into Holy Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 70:08


    Even if your Lent hasn't been great, now is a great time to dive into Holy Week and make it a great Easter. Dom and Melanie discuss their preparations and ideas, plus address an article that takes a highly negative view of Mass-going Catholics. The post Dive Into Holy Week appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Jesus Wept

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2023 81:40


    At the raising of Lazarus, Jesus wept, so Dom and Melanie discuss how this gives us permission to mourn loss and death while also believing in the Resurrection. Plus, they discuss WW2 books, Sigrid Undset, Six Frigates, the movie The Father, and more. The post Jesus Wept appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Danny Boy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2023 74:56


    Because of St. Patrick's Day, Dom and Melanie heard an unusual song at church, which prompted an unusual reaction from Dom, which they discuss. Plus lots of ending and beginning TV, some new books, a pledge to cook out of cookbooks, and the blind man at the pool. The post Danny Boy appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    tv dom danny boy starquest media
    All is Wells in Scripture

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 65:23


    Water wells show up a lot in the Bible and Dom and Melanie discuss why as they talk about the Gospel of the woman at the well. Plus, keeping a bored boy busy; cooking French onion soup and bagels; and watching Willow, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things, Prometheus, and The Last of Us. The post All is Wells in Scripture appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    How's Your Lent Going?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2023 64:11


    A couple weeks in, how is your Lent going? Dom and Melanie catch up on their spiritual practices for this Lent; discuss another family birthday; find a tasty mahi mahi recipe; watch the return of the Mandalorian; and talk about the Transfiguration. The post How’s Your Lent Going? appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    It's Wicked Hot, Y'All

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2023 67:15


    When a Texan goes native in Boston, her speech gets interesting, as Dom and Melanie discuss. Plus, they talk about their latest cooking adventures, including chicken fajitas, plus a Pinewood Derby win, watching The Ark and Hello Tomorrow, and reading Willa Cather. The post It’s Wicked Hot, Y’All appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Endings and Beginnings

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 61:45


    This week, Dom and Melanie attend the funeral for his Mom, but also celebrate the birth of new niece and the birthday of a sister. They also continue to discuss The Last of Us and the Murderbot series of novels. The post Endings and Beginnings appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Remembering Mom

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2023 66:50


    Just a few months after losing his dad, Dom's mom has died, so Dom and Melanie take time to remember her place in his life and his family's lives, especially the gift of her faith. The post Remembering Mom appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    dom starquest media
    Hug A Tree and Survive

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 93:39


    This week, Dom and Melanie discuss a program that teaches kids how to survive to be rescued if lost in the wilderness; a symphony experience for kids; Japanese curry; Bob Dylan's Nobel lecture; and the beatitudes and right attitudes for your vocation. The post Hug A Tree and Survive appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Deadly Butter Chicken

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2023 70:43


    Is there a connection between detective fiction and food? Dom and Melanie discuss this question as well as the surprising candidate for most pro-Catholic show on network TV and how our vocational call exists in the past, present, and future. The post Deadly Butter Chicken appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    De-decorating Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 55:36


    Is de-decorating a word? Dom and Melanie discuss post-Christmas; recipes for bang bang shrimp and coconut shrimp; Netflix series Kaleidoscope and Three Pines on Prime; the Nigerian novel Purple Hibiscus; and more. The post De-decorating Christmas appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Magi and the Star

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2023 79:55


    The Star of Bethlehem was the Magis' GPS and Dom and Melanie talk about what their spiritual GPS is. Plus lots of movies and books, including The Greatest Beer Run Ever; and recipes for King cake and Ikea's Swedish meatballs. The post Magi and the Star appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Happy New Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023 73:29


    As the New Year begins, Dom and Melanie discuss their Christmas celebration; the death of Pope Benedict; family health issues; Jacques Pepin's fromage fort; a year of books; and 3 words from this week's Gospel. The post Happy New Year appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    A Long Trip in Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2022 61:53


    They're home! Dom welcomes Melanie home and back to the show. It was an unexpectedly long trip to Austin for Melanie and the girls and they discuss why; plus catch up on recipes, books, and movies and talk about the 4th Sunday of Advent. The post A Long Trip in Texas appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    texas trip advent dom starquest media
    Introducing Lucia

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 38:32


    With Melanie away, Dom welcomes a special guest, their 9-year-old daughter Lucia. They discuss what a pushover Dom is without Melanie there; favorite meals; introducing kids to favorite Christmas specials; and time and patience in Advent. The post Introducing Lucia appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    christmas advent dom starquest media
    The Great Passage

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2022 61:39


    Ikea trip and scouting trip! Dom and Melanie get a weekend free for some home improvement; Melanie reads a Japanese novel about words and life; Dom cooks baked ziti and a white bean soup; and John the Baptist enters the picture. The post The Great Passage appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 1:07


    Dom Bettinelli, CEO of StarQuest, has a special Advent and Christmas greetings for all listeners and an important message about the mission of StarQuest. The post Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    A Wedding and A Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2022 60:47


    Another Bett is married! Dom and Melanie went to another nephew's wedding; had another near-disaster on a holiday (but everything's OK!); gush over Andor; and talk about the meals surrounding Thanksgiving Day. The post A Wedding and A Holiday appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Christ the King

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2022 68:43


    On Christ the King Sunday, Dom and Melanie take a walk on the beach, discuss whether published recipes can ever be modified, talk about how The Chosen's anachronisms can be okay, and why Christ's kingship is so different from any other king's. The post Christ the King appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    The Four Last Things

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 63:24


    It's the time of year when the Church discusses the Four Last Things and Dom and Melanie discuss how instead of being a downer, it's very hopeful and uplifting. Plus, the Netflix series Inside Man, a Ms. Marvel rewatch, a good YA fantasy novel, and cool trick to keep cucumbers in the fridge. The post The Four Last Things appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    When Will You Love Jesus?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2022 67:58


    It was Halloween and Dom's birthday, plus a camporee with the girls; a bunch of great books; a recipe for chicken thighs and buttered leeks and mushrooms; and then Dom and Melanie discuss why they love all the discussion of the Last Things the Church does in November. The post When Will You Love Jesus? appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Ever?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2022 65:39


    Is Pho Ga the best chicken noodle soup? Dom and Melanie discuss how much the family loved this Vietnamese soup; the fun of tramping through the woods following a compass; how much they enjoyed the movie Ray & Raymond; and how Zaccheus welcomed salvation into his home. The post The Best Chicken Noodle Soup Ever? appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Walk in the Woods

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 82:51


    The Betts went hiking in an old ammo depot, plus Dom and Melanie discuss the best clam chowder Dom has made; the book The Golden Enclaves; why Andor is a great Star Wars story; and why sacrifice and worship require humility. The post Walk in the Woods appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Everybody Loves a Parade

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2022 52:06


    It's a parade! Dom and Melanie's hometown celebrates its 150th anniversary and all the kids march, with the girls leading the way. Plus, apple fritters and seafood salad; She-Hulk and Rings of Power finale thoughts; and perseverance in prayer. The post Everybody Loves a Parade appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Autumn is Here

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2022 67:45


    The beautiful season has come and Dom and Melanie discuss some of the soups and stews they've been making; plus Melanie's premonition; the movie The Village; the TV show Russian Doll; some excellent books; and humility and the lepers. The post Autumn is Here appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    Gone From My Sight

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2022 71:49


    After his dad's wake and funeral, Dom and Melanie catch up on what's been happening, including sick kids, lots of soup, good books, and catching up on the latest streaming shows. The post Gone From My Sight appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    sight dom starquest media
    Remembering Dad

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 33:38


    After his dad passed unexpectedly, Dom and Melanie share memories of Dom's dad, of his faith, of his big personality, and of how he always asked everyone, "Has anyone told you they love you today?" The post Remembering Dad appeared first on StarQuest Media.

    dom starquest media
    Not Hiking the Mountain

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2022 62:16


    Camping at the foot of the second-most hiked mountain the world and not hiking it. Dom and Melanie discuss Dom's latest Scout camping trip; talk about a recipe that worked and one that didn't; discuss why Thor Love and Thunder wasn't as good; and wrestle with the dishonest steward. The post Not Hiking the Mountain appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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