Talks

Better, Not Bitter
How to Transform Pain Into Purpose

Nothing steals the happiness and salvation of young people more than pain and suffering in their lives. Most respond to it in unhealthy, sinful ways that cause even more harm.

In this practical talk, Joey shares his journey of navigating pain. He offers stories and lessons on how to heroically deal with pain like the Saints did, so young people can use suffering as a catalyst for growth instead of being crushed by it.

Length: 45 minute keynote or breakout + Optional Q&A

Audience: Teenagers & young adults

Love That Lasts
7 Tips to Build Healthy Relationships and a Divorce-Proof Marriage

Young people desire love that lasts, but most don't know how to build it. Discouraged by the prevalence of divorce, many fear their own marriage will end that way.

In this practical talk for singles and couples, Joey offers a roadmap for love that goes beyond a chastity talk. Based on the Church's wisdom, marriage research, and time-tested couples, he shares 7 tips on how to build healthy relationships and a divorce-proof marriage.

Length: 45 minute keynote or breakout + Optional Q&A

Audience: Teenagers & young adults

Helping the Hurting
How to Bring Healing and Hope to Someone from a Divorced or Broken Family 

For many teens and young adults, the most traumatic experience in their lives is their parents‘ separation or divorce. Sadly, few know how to properly help them. As a result, they feel alone and struggle with emotional problems, unhealthy habits, relationship struggles, and more.

In this talk, Joey offers time-tested tactics to help young people from broken families. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, pastor, youth minister, friend, or significant other, you’ll walk away knowing what to say and do, and perhaps most importantly, what to not say and do.

Length: 45 minute keynote or breakout + Optional Q&A

Audience: Anyone who loves or leads young people from divorced and broken families (parents, relatives, friends, significant others, teachers, coaches, pastors, etc)

How to Break the Cycle of Your Broken Family

Has your parents’ divorce or broken family brought pain into your life?
Do you fear repeating the cycle of dysfunction or divorce?

You’re not alone—millions face these often unspoken struggles: hidden wounds, emotional problems, broken relationships, and destructive habits.

Thankfully, you’re not destined to repeat your family’s dysfunction. In this practical talk, you’ll discover the two keys to breaking that cycle and learn actionable tips to build healthy relationships.

Length: 45 minute keynote or breakout + Optional Q&A

Audience: Teenagers & young adults

Reviews

“It was so engaging that during the entire 45 minute talk, my attention didn’t drift once.”
- Teenager

“My middle school students (13 and 14 year olds) loved the talk so much that they gave Joey a standing ovation at the end!”
- Leader

“I went to a friend's house this weekend for a girl’s game night. The girl I sat next to just got married within the last 7 months – she said she watched your marriage talk 3x because she thought it was so helpful!”
- Young Adult

”I’ve heard countless talks. This might’ve been the best yet.”
- College Student

“The high school students asked deep, engaging questions during Q&A for 20 minutes. They haven't engaged like that all summer!”
- Leader

”Phenomenal talk! We already want you to come back!”
- Leader

“Joey’s talk was the best talk my girls have heard in 3 years of coming to this retreat.”
- Mom

About Joey

Joey Pontarelli is an author, speaker, and podcast host whose online content has helped hundreds of thousands worldwide.

After experiencing his parents’ divorce, he now mentors teens and young adults from divorced and broken families, helping them heal and break the cycle.

Endorsed by Jason Evert, Dr. Bob Schuchts, and Archbishop Aquila, Joey has spoken across the U.S. and internationally, including at SEEK, Franciscan University, and more.

He’s been a guest on EWTN’s TV & radio shows, Relevant Radio’s The Drew Mariani Show, Dr. Bob Schuchts’s Restore the Glory podcast, and Jason Evert’s Lust is Boring podcast.

Joey’s book, It’s Not Your Fault, has helped thousands of readers. His podcast, Restored: Helping Children of Divorce, ranked #18 in the divorce category and has over 125,000 downloads.

A graduate of Franciscan University and Benedictine College, Joey lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Brigid, and their kids.

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