Practicing Catholic

Epizodes

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  Why We Love Archbishop Fulton Sheen 21.09.2026 43min

  This week on Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger celebrate Archbishop Fulton Sheen just days before his beatification in St. Louis. Emily joins the conversation as the guys trace Sheen's remarkable life story and reflect on why his witness has meant so much to them personally. Taylor and Scott walk through Sheen's biography — born in 1895, ordained in 1919, and shaped for life by a daily Holy Hour he kept without fail. They cover his advanced studies at Louvain, the Sorbonne, and the Angelicum, his 23 years teaching at Catholic University of America, his wildly popular radio ministry, and the Emmy-winning television show "Life Is Worth Living," which drew 30 million weekly viewers at its height. They also discuss the painful falling-out with Cardinal Spellman that ended his TV career, and how Sheen's later years of relative obscurity became, in their view, a lesson in detachment and holy suffering. Scott shares how discovering Sheen's writings and talks — especially during a 500-mile walk on the Camino de Santiago — profoundly shaped his own faith, while Emily reflects on knowing surprisingly little about Sheen despite his beatification happening in her own city. The episode closes with some of the most memorable stories of Sheen's personal ministry, his famous meeting with Pope John Paul II two months before his death, and a look ahead to his beatification. Taylor and Scott each share a personal challenge inspired by Sheen's example — including committing to a Holy Hour of their own. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Explore more Fulton Sheen content on Formed! https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1492054 
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  How to Cultivate Silence for a Better Prayer Life 14.09.2026 41min

  On this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger tackle a challenge almost every praying Catholic knows well: sitting down for prayer only to find that silence is anything but quiet inside. Drawing on a year of listener response to their episodes on prayer, Taylor and Scott turn to the question underneath it — why cultivating real silence is so difficult, and why it's essential to the spiritual life anyway. Scott opens with a passage from St. Teresa of Avila's The Interior Castle, where she urges the soul entering the "second dwelling places" to strip away unnecessary business and busyness, not just sin, in order to progress. From there, the conversation turns practical: Taylor and Scott talk through the real sources of "noise" in their own lives — social media, podcasts, audiobooks, even good and worthy commitments — and how easily these can crowd out the space prayer needs. They discuss concrete habits that have helped them, like resisting the urge to fill a commute with music or podcasts and instead letting the mind settle and process the day, and stress that true silence isn't an empty nothingness but space intentionally filled with communion with God. The episode closes with each host sharing a personal action item for the week ahead — including a nightly Examen practice with family and a commitment to a silent morning walk — as a practical starting point for anyone hoping to make more room for God in the noise of daily life. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/ Watch Into Great Silence on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/videos/4103291 Sign up for an Augustine Institute Retreat! https://www.augustineinstitute.org/about-pages/retreats-and-conferences
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  One Year of Practicing Catholic: Behind-the-Scenes, Bloopers, and Lessons Learned 07.09.2026 42min

  Taylor, Scott, Jordan, and Emily celebrate one full year of Practicing Catholic with a special anniversary episode! They share never-before-seen bloopers and behind-the-scenes footage, revisit favorite moments from the past year, and reflect on the biggest lessons they've learned about pursuing holiness with consistency rather than intensity. The crew looks back on standout episodes — the Book of Ruth study, the coffee episode with Father Rennier, and Fr. Ken Geraci's vocation story — while sharing their honest "batting averages" on personal challenges and what saying "yes" to God has taught them about friendship, perseverance, and trust. Looking ahead, they dream about what Year Two might hold, including taking the show on the road and welcoming even more guests. This episode is a fun, lighthearted look back at a year of practicing holiness in everyday life. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
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  The Secret to Joy When Life is Hard 31.08.2026 39min

  What do we do when we're called to Christian joy but find ourselves in difficult, frustrating, or even painful circumstances? Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore how Catholics can cultivate joy even when life isn't joyful. Drawing on the witness of Mother Teresa and St. Maximilian Kolbe, they discuss the power of changing our perspective, seeing Christ in others, surrendering our circumstances to God's providence, and turning outward through gratitude and service. They ultimately offer a simple roadmap for difficult seasons: smile, surrender, and serve. The episode also answers a listener question about what Scripture means by loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Watch Triumph of the Heart on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1507373  Check out the Surrender Novena on the Amen app: https://amenapp.org/prayer/aznmzn
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  Why 4th Century St. Augustine Is More Relevant Than Ever Today 24.08.2026 44min

  What can St. Augustine teach us about living a holy life in the modern world? Taylor and Scott welcome Dr. Elizabeth Klein to explore the life, writings, and enduring influence of this great Father and Doctor of the Church. From his conversion and vocation to his love of Scripture, Augustine shows us how holiness grows through saying yes to God, loving the people closest to us, cultivating friendship, and being radically available to those around us. The conversation also explores how Augustine’s thought continues to shape Catholic theology, what we can learn from his approach to Scripture, and how his example can help us resist the egocentrism and isolation of modern life. Plus, the hosts discuss practical ways to pray with Scripture through lectio divina, recommendations for getting started with Augustine’s writings, favorite Bible passages, and personal challenges inspired by the episode. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Listen to the Catholic Saints Podcast: https://www.augustineinstitute.org/podcast/catholic-saints Watch The Heart of Prayer with Bishop Cozzens on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1473553  Watch Lectio: Prayer on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115705  Watch an Overview of the Confessions with Dr. Klein and Dr. John Sehorn on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/765930  Take Dr. Klein’s short course on Augustine’s Confessions: https://courses.augustineinstitute.org/courses/the-confessions-of-st-augustine Purchase Dr. Klein’s book, “What Every Catholic Should Know about God”: https://catholic.market/books/god-what-every-catholic-should-know/
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  How Music LIFTS the Soul to God with The Annie Moses Band 17.08.2026 57min

  What happens when a family places faith, beauty, and artistic excellence at the center of family life? Taylor Kemp sits down with the Wolavers of the Annie Moses Band to talk about music, parenting, the arts, and their mission to help families raise children who can use their God-given talents for His glory. The conversation explores why the arts matter for evangelization, how parents can introduce music and artistic disciplines to their children, the importance of community and perseverance, and how families can reclaim the arts from a culture of fame and self-promotion. The Wolavers also share practical advice for parents who did not grow up in musical families and reflect on the beauty of building a family tradition together. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/ Watch the Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/226781 Watch the Annie Moses Show here: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1125806 Learn more about the Wolaver family here: https://www.anniemoses.org
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  What Kids Teach Us about Living Life to the Fullest 10.08.2026 42min

  Jesus tells us that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven—but what does that actually look like in everyday life? In this episode, Taylor and Scott reflect on the surprising spiritual lessons they've learned through raising their children. From wonder and joy to honesty, play, fairness, and presence, they explore how children reveal what it means to live a deeply human—and deeply Christian—life. They also answer listener questions about helping teenagers grow in freedom while staying rooted in the faith, and how to persevere in prayer during difficult seasons when God feels distant. Whether you're a parent or not, this conversation offers practical wisdom for growing in holiness through the ordinary experiences God places before us. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/
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  How to Grow in Virtue, One Choice at a Time 20.07.2026 42min

  What is virtue, and how do we actually become more virtuous? Taylor Kemp sits down with Dr. Joe Scherrer—retired Air Force colonel, leadership coach, and secular Discalced Carmelite—to explore how the habits we practice shape the people we become. Together, they discuss the cardinal and theological virtues, the relationship between prudence and leadership, the need for temperance in everyday life, and why humility is essential for holiness. Dr. Joe Scherrer also offers a practical approach to growth: identify one virtue, practice it through small concrete actions, and cooperate with God’s grace over time. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Learn more about Dr. Joe Sherrer and the Leadership Forge: https://theleadershipforge.com Watch The Rescue Project on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1492637  They discuss why Catholics should think before prompting, protect their areas of expertise, avoid treating chatbots like real relationships, and stay rooted in the human goods of creativity, work, conversation, and prayer. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: https://formed.org/practicing-catholic-podcast
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  Catholic Rules for the Age of Artificial Intelligence 13.07.2026 43min

  Taylor Kemp and Scott Hefelfinger continue their conversation on artificial intelligence, this time focusing on practical principles for using AI well in daily life and work. They discuss why Catholics should think before prompting, protect their areas of expertise, avoid treating chatbots like real relationships, and stay rooted in the human goods of creativity, work, conversation, and prayer. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: https://formed.org/practicing-catholic-podcast
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  We Read Pope Leo's Encyclical, Here's What We Think 06.07.2026 43min

  Artificial intelligence promises greater efficiency, easier access to information, and solutions to many everyday problems. But what happens when efficiency becomes the standard by which we measure human worth? Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger examine the Church’s response to AI and the technocratic mindset behind it. They explore how technology shapes our habits, weakens our capacity for patient thought, and can tempt us to treat people as problems to be optimized rather than persons made for relationship and communion. How can Catholics evaluate new technologies without rejecting their benefits or embracing them uncritically? This conversation invites us to pause, examine our use of AI, and ask whether our tools are truly helping us become more human. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/
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  Why Patriotism is Actually a Christian Virtue 29.06.2026 40min

  What does authentic patriotism look like for Catholics? In this Fourth of July episode, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the virtue of patriotism through the lens of gratitude, justice, and Catholic tradition. Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas, Chesterton, and their own experiences living abroad, they discuss how love of country differs from nationalism and why gratitude is the foundation of patriotism. They reflect on God's providence, civic responsibility, and how Catholics can love their country without idolizing it. The conversation also offers practical ways to contribute to the common good through family life, local communities, and charitable engagement in an increasingly divided culture. Plus, they answer a listener question about maintaining relationships with family members who have left the faith. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Get American Pilgrimage by Dr. Christopher Shannon here: https://catholic.market/books/american-pilgrimage/?srsltid=AfmBOopYpTM47rxVjDIxQo7yk3uu7RIJMFnrwvg7mreqtcS6ev9Lp0XJ
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  How to Get More Out of Mass (Even When You're Distracted) 22.06.2026 47min

  In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Taylor Kemp explore how to participate more deeply in the Mass, even during seasons of distraction, dryness, or spiritual fatigue. Drawing from their own experiences as parents and pilgrims in the faith, they discuss why the Mass is not primarily about what we get out of it, but about entering into Christ's sacrifice and allowing the liturgy to form us. The conversation covers practical ways to listen more attentively, the relationship between confession and the Eucharist, the importance of thanksgiving after Mass, and how learning more about the Liturgy can deepen our love for it. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or a recent convert, this episode offers encouragement to bring your "five loaves and two fish" to the Lord and trust Him to transform even your imperfect offering. To learn more about the show, visit http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
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  What It Means to Be a Disciple Today: Student, Transformation, and Mission in a Distracted World 15.06.2026 48min

  What does it actually mean to be a disciple of Christ today—and how is it different from the time of the Apostles? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers reflect on the heart of discipleship as it appears in Scripture: to be called by Jesus, transformed by Him, and sent on mission with Him. They walk through key Gospel passages like the calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John, showing how discipleship begins with hearing Christ’s call (“Follow me”), continues through surrender and transformation (“I will make you”), and culminates in mission (“I will make you fishers of men”). Along the way, they explore how modern life—especially distraction, technology, and comfort—can pull us away from that pattern of discipleship. They offer practical ways to return to the basics: daily prayer, Scripture reading, the Sacraments, and intentional habits of attention that keep us rooted in Christ. This conversation also highlights a central truth of the Christian life: discipleship is not primarily our achievement, but our response to God’s initiative in us. Watch Sacred Art with Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1140847 Watch The Rescue Project on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1492637 Watch Littlest Saints on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/801622 Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
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  The Our Father: Learning to Pray with Jesus 08.06.2026 41min

  We pray the Our Father so often that it can become easy to say the words without really hearing them. But this prayer, given to us by Jesus himself, is more than a familiar Catholic prayer—it is the perfect prayer, teaching us what to ask for and how to order our hearts toward God. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on the depth of the Our Father, the gift of rote prayer, and how this simple prayer can shape our desires, strengthen us in distress, and lead us more deeply into trust, surrender, forgiveness, and communion with God. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
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  How to Practice Leisure This Summer 01.06.2026 58min

  What does real leisure look like for Catholics? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger discuss why leisure is not laziness, escapism, or endless consumption, but a deeply human and spiritual practice rooted in rest, wonder, worship, and delight. Drawing on Joseph Pieper, St. John Paul II, Scripture, family life, and the rhythm of Sunday, they explore how Catholics can reclaim leisure as a way of becoming more present to God, family, creation, and the good things that restore the soul. From keeping Sunday holy to embracing boredom, taking pilgrimages, reading, praying, playing, and simply watching the sunrise, this conversation offers practical ways to make summer more restful, intentional, and joy-filled. Support the Augustine Institute by joining Mission Circles: Heralds, and get exclusive content like this live Practicing Catholic episode! https://give.augustineinstitute.org/campaign/745239/donate
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  From Business Success to the Priesthood: Fr. Ken Geraci’s Conversion Story 25.05.2026 49min

  Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, joins Practicing Catholic to share his journey from a secular Catholic upbringing and agnosticism to a life of grace, prayer, and priesthood. Along the way, he reflects on business, ambition, authentic friendship, the witnesses who helped him return to the faith, and the surprising path by which God called him to become a priest. Fr. Ken also offers practical wisdom for Catholics seeking holiness in ordinary life: learning to love the process of sanctity, investing in one’s vocation, building faithful community, and quieting the noise of distraction in times of change. Through his story, listeners are reminded that God works patiently through grace, friendship, integrity, and daily fidelity. Learn more about Fr. Ken Geraci and the Fathers of Mercy here: https://fathersofmercy.com Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
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  How to Make a Pilgrimage Part of Your Faith 18.05.2026 44min

  Pilgrimage is more than religious travel. It is a concrete act of faith that helps us step away from ordinary life, bring our bodies and souls before God, and remember that the whole Christian life is a journey toward him. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on the tradition of pilgrimage, from major destinations like the Holy Land, Rome, Fatima, Lourdes, and the Camino to small local pilgrimages close to home. They discuss how pilgrimage can involve sacrifice, fellowship, prayer, spiritual warfare, surrender, and the humility of receiving from God rather than trying to achieve holiness on our own terms. Whether you have the opportunity for a major pilgrimage or simply want to make a small visit to a local shrine or adoration chapel, this conversation offers practical encouragement to begin. Watch to consider where God may be inviting you to make an intentional journey of faith. Watch Symbolon: The Faith of the Church on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1039081 Come on Pilgrimage with the Augustine Institute! https://web.cvent.com/event/10dfe3ea-33f6-4e3f-aaea-054b2c3bca3b/summary Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
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  How Mothers Teach Us to Love Like Christ 11.05.2026 47min

  Motherhood reveals some of the deepest lessons of love: sacrifice, courage, patience, discipline, encouragement, and the steady gift of making a house into a home. In this Mother’s Day episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on what they have learned from their own mothers and from watching their wives live the vocation of motherhood. Together, they discuss the art of parenting, the challenge of helping children flourish without controlling them, and the way mothers often “decrease” so their children can grow. They also reflect on Mary, the surrender required in parenthood, the sanctifying work of family life, and the gratitude we owe to mothers and grandmothers. Whether you are a mother, a parent, a grandparent, or simply someone grateful for the mothers in your life, this episode offers encouragement to see motherhood as a powerful path of love, discipleship, and grace. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Drawing on Scripture, Aristotle, and lived experience, they break open what real friendship actually requires: risk, commitment, shared life, and a willingness to move beyond superficial connection. They also offer honest reflection on their own struggles with friendship and practical ways to begin building deeper relationships. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
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  How to Build Lasting Catholic Friendships in a Lonely Age 04.05.2026 47min

  Friendship is one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of the Christian life—and many people quietly struggle to form and sustain it. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore why friendship feels harder today than ever, especially in a digital, mobile, and often isolated culture. Drawing on Scripture, Aristotle, and lived experience, they break open what real friendship actually requires: risk, commitment, shared life, and a willingness to move beyond superficial connection. They also offer honest reflection on their own struggles with friendship and practical ways to begin building deeper relationships. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
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  What Coffee Teaches Us About Prayer, Friendship, and the Catholic Life 27.04.2026 44min

  What does coffee have to do with the Catholic faith? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sits down with Fr. Rennier to explore the surprising connection between coffee, prayer, and the Christian life. From its controversial origins as the “devil’s drink” to its role in monasteries, parishes, and everyday friendships, coffee reveals something profound about how we live—and love—as Catholics. Along the way, they discuss: – The fascinating history of coffee and its unexpected link to the Church – How rituals (like your morning cup) can shape your spiritual life – Why conversation and friendship are essential for evangelization – The beauty of craftsmanship and “amateur” work done for love – How ordinary, repeated actions can lead us closer to God Whether you’re a coffee lover or just curious about living your faith more intentionally, this episode offers a fresh perspective on finding holiness in the everyday. Use the code PRACTICINGCATHOLIC at Gloria Patri Coffee for 20% off your purchase, and 50% of the proceeds will go back to the Augustine Institute! Check out Gloria Patri here: https://gloriapatri.com/collections/all?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=missioncircle Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com