A family of father, mother, young woman, two young men, and a girl in front of an overlook above Lake Champlain in New York

Raising the Betts

A family podcast by StarQuest’s CEO, Dom Bettinelli, and his wife, 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. Join them as they travel to zoos, museums, and historical sites; get their kids to try strange, new foods; read books and watch TV and movies together; and try to raise their kids into healthy, well-adjusted, and capable Catholic adults.

Send us your feedback at [email protected] and visit us at the StarQuest Media Facebook page.

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  • A Special Message from StarQuest

    A Special Message from StarQuest

    StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for all listeners and supporters of StarQuest’s shows.

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  • A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli

    A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli

    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

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  • A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest

    A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest

    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.

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  • Fireworks

    Fireworks

    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.

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  • We Were Enemies

    We Were Enemies

    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…

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  • Make Your Amen Matter

    Make Your Amen Matter

    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.

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  • Fireball Facial

    Fireball Facial

    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…

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  • Shaking the Rafters

    Shaking the Rafters

    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.

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  • Birthday Girl

    Birthday Girl

    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…

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  • Hanging with Hounds

    Hanging with Hounds

    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.

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  • Is Fiction A Waste of Time?

    Is Fiction A Waste of Time?

    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.

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  • Art, Trauma, and Beauty

    Art, Trauma, and Beauty

    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…

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