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Raising the Betts

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.

Remembering Dad

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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?”

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September 27, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Not Hiking the Mountain

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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.

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September 20, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

The Forgiving Father

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The story of the Prodigal Son is really much more about the Forgiving Father. Dom and Melanie discuss how the party is about the family being made whole again, the great rejoicing over the lost sheep returned. Plus, they discuss how Tolkien was the first to “vary” from his written works.

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September 13, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Word Games

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The world of online puzzle games has exploded since Wordle and Dom and Melanie share some of their favorites. Also Dom answers any question; Melanie a new Italian pasta salad recipe; they catch up on Sandman, Severance, and Rings of Power; and talk about Mother Teresa.

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September 6, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Back from Camp

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The kids are back from Scout camp and they brought a nasty cold with them. Dom and Melanie also discuss their broken AC woes and the lots of TV and movies they’ve watched and books they’ve read while recovering.

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August 30, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

A Wedding, An Anniversary, and Camp

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This week, Dom and Melanie attended a wedding, celebrated their anniversary, took the kids to scout camp, dealt with failing AC, and watched Around the World in 80 Days. Plus discussion of Jesus bringing division.

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August 16, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Cyrano

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We’re solar-powered again! Dom and Melanie discuss the return of their solar panels; Melanie’s birthday; and faith as the assurances of things hoped for. Plus, Melanie gushes over the new Cyrano film starring Peter Dinklage.

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August 9, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

A Night at the Ballpark

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What could be better than a summer night at the ballgame? Dom and Melanie talk about taking the kids to their first minor league baseball game; cooking Thai curry, caponata, and a deconstructed egg roll; and then greed and the love of money.

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August 2, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Persistence in Prayer

https://media.blubrry.com/jimmy_akins_mysterious_world/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sqpn01/RTB154.mp3

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Abraham shows us how to persist in prayer and Christ shows us that as children of God we are in a unique intimacy with God to do so. Plus Dom and Melanie discuss homeschool coding classes; homemade hot fudge sauce; “A Month in the Country;” and “Everything Everywhere all At Once.”

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July 26, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Hospitality

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This week, Dom and Melanie discuss Prime Day; what’s new in their homeschool; pesto rosso and clam cakes recipes; the finale of Ms. Marvel; a new Dresden Files novella; and the biblical hospitality of Abraham and Martha.

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July 19, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Back to the MFA

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After two years, Dom and Melanie go back to their happy place, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and discuss the value of sharing art with their kids, plus Ben’s birthday; New smoker recipes; and how the Word of God’s presence in our heart leaves us no excuses.

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July 12, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Lambs Before Wolves

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The kids discovered the word “chillax” and Dom and Melanie are enduring it. Plus all the new word games inspired by Wordle they’re playing; Fourth of July plans; Romesco sauce and curried chicken kebabs; watching Grace, season 2; and Jesus sending the disciples out like lambs before wolves.

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July 5, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Wisdom

https://media.blubrry.com/jimmy_akins_mysterious_world/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sqpn01/RTB150.mp3

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In their 150th episode, Dom and Melanie discuss wisdom teeth and the wisdom of Scripture, as well as some great recipes for wings and steak salad; new poetry; the conclusions of Kenobi and Falcon and Winter Soldier; and more.

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June 28, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Sweetwater Forest

https://media.blubrry.com/jimmy_akins_mysterious_world/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sqpn01/RTB149.mp3

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Back from a camping vacation, Dom and Melanie discuss their adventures, including meeting some dinosaurs, car troubles, and relaxing in a peaceful, bird-filled forest campground. Plus some shows, books, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

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June 21, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Flea Finds

https://media.blubrry.com/jimmy_akins_mysterious_world/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sqpn01/RTB148.mp3

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This week, Dom and Melanie introduce their older girls to the fun of flea markets; extol the virtue of brine and pickling juice as an ingredient in dishes; discuss the return of the Orville and the 2020 Emma film; and relate the joy of packed multilingual church on Pentecost.

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June 7, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

To Tip or Not To Tip

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When should you tip outside of a restaurant situation? Dom and Melanie discuss an awkward moment for Dom and the conundrum of when service deserves a tip. Plus, a big-family size Instant Pot; a modern Russian novel with a surprising faith sensibility; and more.

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May 31, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Date Night Rainbow

https://media.blubrry.com/jimmy_akins_mysterious_world/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sqpn01/RTB146.mp3

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Between a milestone birthday and more house repairs, Dom and Melanie manage to sneak in a rare date night. Plus they discuss a nice quick pickle addition to shrimp tacos, some farmers market veggie tips, therapy in Falcon and Winter Soldier, and the danger of communion schadenfreude.

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May 24, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

First Step Into A Larger World

https://media.blubrry.com/jimmy_akins_mysterious_world/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sqpn01/RTB145.mp3

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It’s Spring and that means hiking! Plus, Dom and Melanie discuss a home run of a First COmmunion homily that referenced Star Wars; Jaws and Shetland, two very different island stories; and what makes a good German potato salad and an Asian slaw.

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May 17, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

At Gnome in the Woods

https://media.blubrry.com/jimmy_akins_mysterious_world/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sqpn01/RTB144.mp3

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After another trip to urgent care for stitches, Dom and Melanie end the week with an abbreviated camping trip, and in between they make a Brazilian stew and smoked ribs; watch a bunch of shows; start some new books; and then discuss the Good Shepherd and what He has to do with death.

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May 10, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

Taco Beans

https://media.blubrry.com/jimmy_akins_mysterious_world/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sqpn01/RTB143.mp3

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What would a taco stand menu taste like in jelly bean form? Dom and Melanie find out and then discuss why this is wrong. Plus they make some great Asian recipes; watch Slow Horses and some new MCU; and discuss how Jesus gave Peter an opportunity to repent and repair.

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May 3, 2022
by Domenico
Raising the Betts

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  • Secrets of Sacred Art
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  • Secrets of Star Wars
  • Secrets of Stargate
  • Secrets of Technology
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