Category Archives: 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.

Ready Our Empty Vessels

In the nine days between Ascension and Pentecost, the Betts discuss how we are called to ready our "empty vessels" to receive the Holy Spirit. ... Read more

One Hundred

It's our 100th episode! The Betts note the milestone and then discuss a COVID scare in their family; what's fresh from the farmers market; ... Read more

Derby Day

The long-delayed Pinewood Derby is finally here, the farmers market is back, and the Betts fix all the broken things. Plus sourdough vs. ... Read more

Tea with Penguins

On World Penguin Day, the Betts deal with broken bikes and appliances; discuss hammock camping and whether you can sleep; the virtuous merits ... Read more

May We Sing?

This week, the Betts get outdoors to a beautiful, new wildlife area; try a new ribs recipe; Melanie watches more Marvel while Dom watches a ... Read more

Quo Vadis and Mercy

This week, the Betts are vaccinated; the girls went fishing; we discuss lamb leftovers; Melanie gets insight into Iron Man and his PTSD; and ... Read more

Leave It To Cleaver

It's Easter and the Betts discuss their Triduum, including memories of why not to take 5 small children to Easter Vigil; what special foods ... Read more

Take Up Your Cross of Palms

On Palm Sunday, the Betts discuss palm crosses; a future big trip; setting a date for First Communion; explaining how TV used to work to ... Read more

Vaccination Date

What's more romantic than a date to get vaccinated? The Betts get their shots, celebrate two great saints with Irish and Italian meals, build a ... Read more

I Thirst

Halfway through Lent, the Betts see where they fall short and how Jesus reaches out to them; discuss how they assess books the kids want to ... Read more

Winter Camping

This week, Dom takes the Scouts camping in below freezing temps while Melanie entertains the others at home; they discuss why Confirmation ... Read more

Shelf Life Expired

This week, the Betts bought a new deep freezer and Dom is excited; a shelf collapses out of the blue; visit Dom's parents; celebrate the last ... Read more

Grand Multipara

This week, the Betts celebrate a birthday; discuss the Texas snowpocalypse; offer an excellent, quick Mexican rice hack; watch Good Will ... Read more

Be My Valentine

This week, the Betts clear another allergy hurdle; discuss why they don't do much for Valentine's; try to figure out what to do about summer ... Read more

Beware: Falling Iguanas

The Betts talk about winter when you've grown up with snow versus coming to it later; why Melanie doesn't want to move to Florida (hint: ... Read more

Winter Hike

In the midst of the winter doldrums, the Betts go for a very cold winter hike with the Scouts; overcome another food allergy; Melanie dives ... Read more

Good Discourse

The Betts discuss Good Discourse, which was the name of a conference where Melanie gave a talk on humility and writing; talk about sharing ... Read more

Sea Shanty TikTok

You could tell from our intro music and podcast tagline, the Betts are big into sea shanties and so we discuss the new TikTok sea shanty trend; ... Read more

Changing the Routine

As the kids are getting older, Dom and Melanie switch up the evening routine; they go for a hike on a cold, but beautiful winter's day; ... Read more

Happy New Year

The Betts ring in the new year watching Avengers and then celebrate Lucia's birthday on liturgical Epiphany with sushi, pho, and Grogu. Melanie ... Read more