Podcasts about catholic

The Smurl Family Haunting This week, we dive deep into one of the most documented cases of demonic oppression in modern history - the Smurl haunting. We explore how a working-class Catholic family's dream of stability turned into a 14-year nightmare when they moved into a duplex in West Pittston, Pennsylvania in 1973. What started as subtle oddities like an impossible-to-clean carpet stain and a mysteriously exploding television quickly escalated into violent physical attacks, levitation, and encounters with shadowy figures that would test the family's faith to its breaking point. We discuss the role of the infamous Ed and Lorraine Warren, who documented weeks of paranormal activity, including physical assaults, sexual encounters with demonic entities, and the presence of multiple spirits alongside a powerful demon. Patreon⁠⁠⁠: Support Believing the Bizarre and get tons of extra content by joining our Patreon. For updates, news, and extra content, follow Believing the Bizarre on social media: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Discord⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Shop Merch⁠⁠⁠: You can rep Believing the Bizarre and buy some unique merch Want to send BTB something? Ship it here: 3570 Executive Drive, Suite 218, Uniontown, Ohio 44685 Episode Keywords: Smurl haunting, demonic possession, Ed and Lorraine Warren, West Pittston Pennsylvania, paranormal activity, haunted house, ghost stories, supernatural phenomena, poltergeist activity, Catholic exorcism, demonic oppression, paranormal investigation, true ghost stories, haunted duplex, demonic entities, spiritual warfare, paranormal podcast, horror stories, unexplained phenomena, paranormal encounters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick tackles grief and faith head-on, answering tough questions about martyrdom, church law, and sacramental practice following the Minnesota church shooting. He fields real-world calls, from Teri’s struggle with Sunday obligations as a caregiver and Teresa’s anxiety over smartphones in the confessional, blending practical Catholic wisdom with sharp awareness of modern technology’s impact. Moments of reassurance and challenge are laced with candid reminders that intention alone cannot replace confession or the sacraments. Vincent (email) - Can the deceased victims of the Minnesota church shooting be considered Catholic martyrs? If so, how is this decided upon or declared by the Church? (00:57) Teri – I didn’t receive communion because I was sick. Can I go receive communion the next week without going to confession? (08:40) Teresa - I went to Confession last week. The priest had his phone with him and I don't want someone listening to my Confession. What are your thoughts? (11:25) John - I heard that you can still receive in a state of mortal sin as long as you want forgiveness. Is this true? (26:34) David - How is mortal sin different from the baptism of desire in regard to going to confession? (41:18) John - I want to point out that a lot of these priests are on call and they don't have an option to turn their phone off. Many priests don't have the luxury to turn off their phones. (47:19)

This episode dives into one of the hardest questions we face as parents: How do we help our kids stay rooted in the faith when the world is pulling them away? Dr. Greg sits down with Raquel Rose, who's lived this from every angle—first as a scared college student facing an unexpected pregnancy, later as a school counselor walking with teens through their toughest moments, and now as a Catholic mom of four. She shares real-life wisdom about building trust, opening up honest conversations, and bringing faith into everyday family life. Key Topics: The real reasons kids shut down—and what actually helps them open up Why Raquel was afraid to tell her parents she was pregnant—and what she wishes they had said The moment of grace that changed everything before her scheduled abortion How seeing Jesus in the Eucharist led to healing, hope, and a new path What Raquel learned from years of counseling teens who couldn't talk to their parents Simple ways parents can build trust and bring faith into everyday family life Learn More: The Little Rose Shop – Explore Raquel's Catholic toys, books, and tools for faith-filled family life. Sitting Like a Saint – Catholic mindfulness for kids Need help? Schedule a free CatholicPsych consultation Want to help? Learn more about our Certification in Professional Accompaniment   Follow Us on Socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter (X) | LinkedIn  

With so many Catholics marrying non-Catholics today, and even Catholics marrying Catholics but outside of the Church, how are we to approach it? Can we attend? If not, what do we do to save the relationship? Fr. Chris Alar answers this in an easy-to-understand way. 

We welcome back psychologist and journalist Dr. Karlyn Borysenko to discuss the recent shooting in Minneapolis and the ideological undercurrents that are transforming our political landscape. Father finishes with Timely Thoughts. Show Notes Reports circulating that Catholic Church shooter was trans... We've obtained his manifesto ‘I wish I never brain-washed myself': Minnesota school shooter had trans regret Why the Media Won't Tell You Who Killed Children at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis  The Ruth Institute Transsexual Violence Hall of Horrors  Shooting at Catholic School Mass. Update: Shooter Was Trans. – Creative Minority Report  The Demons Have Taken Hold of Minneapolis | The American Spectator | USA News and Politics  The Communist Manifesto: A Revolutionary Fairy Tale: Borysenko, Karlyn iCatholic Mobile The Station of the Cross Merchandise - Use Coupon Code 14STATIONS for 10% off | Catholic to the Max Read Fr. McTeigue's Written Works! "Let's Take A Closer Look" with Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. | Full Series Playlist Listen to Fr. McTeigue's Preaching! | Herald of the Gospel Sermons Podcast on Spotify Visit Fr. McTeigue's Website | Herald of the Gospel Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!

Jesus, speaking with power and authority, drives out a demon who recognizes him as the Holy One of God. (Lectionary #432) September 2, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Your Next Breakthrough Starts With Your Heart | Blessed Daily Effective Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer™ Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright Daily Effective Prayer™ SUPPORT THE MINISTRY:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

Join us every day at https://BruceDownes.org/Rosary where you can request prayer from us as well as find all of the prayers and mysteries for you to pray along with us.  Get your free Rosary Prayer Guide at https://BruceDownes.org/PrayTheRosaryConnect With Bruce At:► Website: https://BruceDownes.org ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCatholicGuyBruceDownes ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatholicguy ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecatholicguy ► Online Store: https://brucedownes.org/store Listen to Bruce Downes' Daily Devotional on these popular podcast services:► Apple Pod Casts   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bruce-downes-daily-devotional/id1606668155► Spotify Pod Casts - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gh58yAkcGJhm9EgIs160H?si=102cb235a289433bConsider Becoming a Faith Builders Partner:Everyone who donates to Bruce Downes Catholic Ministries is what we call a Faith Builder. The team are working to build the faith of every person we connect with whether they are powerful or weak, rich or poor, young or old, in whatever city, town, village and country they are in. ►https://brucedownes.org/giving/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Send us a textIn this powerful and vulnerable episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I'm joined by Dann Aungst, a certified addiction counselor, Catholic speaker, and founder of Road to Purity. Dann shares his courageous journey of recovery after more than 30 years of battling sexual addiction — and how God's grace, the sacraments, and healing from inner wounds led to freedom and a life of mission.

In our first episode back from Summer break we talk about all the things that kept us busy this Summer. We're so happy to be back with you. Let's jump in!We wrote a Catholic sex book! Check it out: Order  LOVEMAKING!  Our other booksGo To Joseph: 10 Day Consecration to St. JosephGo To Joseph For ChildrenSUPPORT OUR APOSTOLATEThank you all for your ongoing support. We love what we do and pray that it is a blessing to you and your families. If you are benefitting in some way from what we're doing read and subscribe to our Substack: https://twobecomefamily.substack.com/Our ApostolateAbout UsConnect with us and send us a message on InstagramYouTube ChannelEpisode Music by Alex_MakeMusic from PixabaySupport the show

Rosie O'Donnell apologizes to 'MAGA' for assuming that the trans extremist who shot up the Catholic church in Minneapolis was "one of u."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this empowering conversation, Lesley Logan welcomes back sex educator Dr. Celeste Holbrook to talk about her new book Missionary Position: A Slightly Irreverent Guide to Sex After Purity Culture. Together they unpack healing from harmful narratives, navigating seasons of change in your sex life, and discovering the ‘glittery middle,' where you get to define pleasure, intimacy, and authenticity on your own terms.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:How to let your sex life evolve with every stage of life.The five-year journey and setbacks behind Celeste's debut book.The four archetypes for healing and reclaiming sexual agency.Why faking orgasms is a “fawn response” and how to break the cycle.The freedom of defining your own sexual ethic in the “glittery middle”.Episode References/Links:Dr. Celeste Holbrook's Website - www.drcelesteholbrook.comDr. Celeste Holbrook's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drcelesteholbrookDr. Celeste Holbrook on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrCelesteHolbrookMissionary Position: A Slightly Irreverent Guide to Sex After Purity Culture by Dr. Celeste Holbrook - https://a.co/d/3UimUKxA Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings - https://a.co/d/ibRaesYFourth Wing Series by Rebecca Yarros - https://a.co/d/7Qhgk2REp. 202: Jake Kelfer - https://beitpod.com/jakekelferEp. 265: Daniella Mestyanek Young - https://beitpod.com/daniellayoungGuest Bio:Dr. Celeste Holbrook is a sex educator, speaker, and small-town Texas horse girl who's on a mission to make conversations about sex less awkward and way more empowering. With a Ph.D. in Health Education from Texas Woman's University and a thriving virtual practice, Celeste helps people create lives filled with pleasure, connection, and confidence—starting in the bedroom. After years of struggling with pain and shame around sex, she set out to find answers no one else could give her—and ended up becoming the expert she needed. Today, she guides women toward pleasurable sex by helping them understand their bodies, claim their worth, and ask for what they want without apology. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Celeste Holbrook 0:00  Expecting your sex life to look the same when you are 20 and 30 and 50 and 70 is not helpful for you, and so allowing it to mature as you mature is the most helpful thing that you can do for yourself, I think, when when it comes to your sex life.Lesley Logan 0:19  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. Lesley Logan 1:02  Hey, Be It babe, okay, this might be the first guest that is coming on for a third appearance. I think she won. I could be wrong, but I think she won. Dr. Celeste Holbrook is back. She's back. We're gonna talk about a couple of things. We're gonna talk about sex, we're (inaudible) we're gonna talk about her book. We're gonna talk about the journey that one goes on to get their work out into this world. And so even if you are like, I don't want to talk about the sex part, like, well, we should talk about the sex part. That's actually what we should do. But I want you to hear this, because I think it's so easy to hear people on a podcast go, oh, it's so easy for them because they got on a podcast, like, it's so easy, and you don't hear all the doors that get shut all the time. And I also am excited for you to hear like there are people in this world who just want to help each other out, and I think we need evidence of that. And I'm super, super excited that I get to be a cheerleader for amazing humans in this world like that. When I think about my, like, genius zone or something like that. Like, sometimes I think it's that I just get to cheer on people who are doing hard things and go, I see you, and you're doing great. And I can't wait. I can't wait. So guys, I'm gonna stop this, because we're gonna get right into we get right into it. And if you have this is the first time you're hearing about Dr. Celeste Holbrook, I really encourage you to go back to the first two episodes we did together. Go do the oldest one, then the second one, because I think you'll get a full picture of everything. We talked about a lot of good stuff. So she's gonna change your life. All right, here she is. Lesley Logan 2:31  All right, all right. So you guys, we're just gonna get right into this episode. Dr. Celeste Holbrook is back. You guys, third time won't be the last time. I somehow have to have her on annually. I think, Celeste, can you tell everyone why you're back. Let's just get in. Let's just start there. Celeste Holbrook 2:46  Okay, so I'm so excited, I can't even, like, contain myself. So I'm back because I have a book out, and I have a book really, truly because of Lesley Logan, because I have tried to publish this book for so long with traditional publishing, and I just got closed door after closed door after closed door for a lot of different reasons, which maybe we do and don't go into, I don't know, but Lesley reached out to me and was like, Celeste, I have this company. They do professional publishing. They're really great, and I just latched onto it, and I did every single thing that they suggested, and it was such a beautiful experience. So the whole point of this is I have a book, and I have a book because of you, and I want to aggressively love you today for encouraging me to do this.Lesley Logan 3:38  I am taking all that love also like this podcast, is why you have it, because I met that guy, because I interviewed him. And I have to, like, I'm not even I'll have to go back to the archives to figure out how I got this person, but I interviewed him, and I'm like, I really like this person. Like, I think he's great. Like, I've written a book, and I would have loved his help. Then, because I met him and had him on the pod, we had three of our clients use him, so I got to see from different perspectives how it was so when, and here's the thing, you were always on my feed, like, the algorithm would always, like, send you, and I like, just love all your stuff. And then it, like, kind of stopped, because I don't know that's how the algorithm works. And I happened to look at your stories, it was your stories, I'm pretty sure, and you were sharing this thing. And I'm not normally someone who's like, let me go in on the six minutes of a story. But I was like, I'm procrastinating. I'm in and so I was like, wow, what perfect timing this was, because I could have easily missed that whole section. And so I just want to, I'm just so grateful for divine like, I think that, like, there's divine appointments and divine interventions in a non-church way, guys, but we're meant to be in each other's lives and this book. Okay, so I guess, in case people don't know who you are, maybe we should do a quick like, who are you? Because we have new listeners, right? Hi, new listeners. You're going to want to go back to the other two. We're going to link them in the show notes. But can you tell everyone who you are and what you rock at? Celeste Holbrook 4:57  Yes, absolutely. So my name is Dr. Celeste Holbrook, I am a sex educator, and I have a PhD in health behaviors with a postgraduate emphasis in sexual behaviors. So I help people, a lot of women and lots of couples, figure out how to make sex better, whether that is they are experiencing pain or they're experiencing shame from growing up in like, ultra religious household, or they just need, like, some help through menopause or through after having a baby or things like that. So I am your very practical sexual health help. That's what I do. Lesley Logan 5:38  I love it the practical because, you know, like, I will say, having lived in L.A. and going to different sex shops, you don't look like the person who works the sex shop. Celeste Holbrook 5:48  No, no. Lesley Logan 5:50  Not to like, like to stereotype. But there's a, there would be a type that, like, works at the sex shop, and it's not you.Celeste Holbrook 5:56  Yeah, no, it's not me. And I just want to be super accessible, because not everybody wants to, like, swing from the chandeliers all the time. You know, a lot of people are out there just struggling to find the time to connect. Like, I cannot tell you how many times I have had a conversation about what to do with the dog in your bedroom when you want to have sex so the dog's not looking over at you or jumping on the bed, or, like, these are the practical applications that we are talking about in sex education in my consult sessions.Lesley Logan 6:27  Yeah, well, and because, because I think everyone's just so overwhelmed, like I saw something, and someone's stories, and they're like, went to their friend, their niece's like, soccer game, and she's like, looking around just like, no wonder no one's having sex. Like everybody is at the soccer game and they're exhausted, and then get the soccer game they're fighting about to do or you forgot the thing. Like, no, no answer. But nobody wants to have sex after this. Celeste Holbrook 6:53  No, no. Why would you want to have sex after that? Exactly right. That's exactly right, yep. Lesley Logan 6:59  So, so I want to touch on, like, there's a lot of different chapters, and maybe this is something that your book covers, but like, there's, you know, I think when we're younger and like, it feels like it's easier to do things, maybe, and then you get older, and like, there's more responsibilities and there's more stuff to think about. And like, it becomes something that goes away, and then your hormones change. So, in your book, do you cover, like, the journeys that were all going on, or is it more specifically for people from the purity culture, like, what? What were you excited to write about?Celeste Holbrook 7:30  Sure. So the book is called, I have the manuscript and printed out right here. It's called Missionary Position: A Slightly Irreverent Guide to Sex After Purity Culture. So I do take the approach of, like you growing up in a purity culture background, in, like, a high demand religion background, evangelical culture, things like that. But the book is in four parts. So like a four-part guide to basically healing, and you can apply these steps to any issue you are having in sex. So, yes, I do talk quite a bit about the effects of purity culture and how to overcome those effects. But it can, you can apply it to, you know, the trauma you had from a sexual assault. You can apply it to just the doldrums of being married to the same old penis for like, 20 years or whatever, you know, like you can apply these steps to anybody. So basically, there's four steps, and I have made them into archetypal women. So your first step is your analyst. She's like, the nerd she's looking at, like, okay, what are we carrying around? What does your backpack look like that you're carrying around? Is it full of shame? Is it full of neglect? Is it full of fear? Like she's the analyst. Your second archetypal woman is your assassin. She's she is taking what the analyst has found, and she is just like, slicing through it, right? She's your assassin. She's your inner assasin. She's your deconstruction, basically. Your third archetypal woman is your healer. So after you've done the work of understanding what's in your backpack, slicing out what needs to go, then your healer starts helping you regenerate your ideas about sex through a gentle reeducation. So we're relearning about some things that maybe we have always thought one way about. Maybe we're relearning about the idea of virginity. We're relearning the I about masturbation. We're relearning about what great sex is, right? The healer is our gentle reeducation, and then our fourth archetypal women woman is our explorer, and she's like, gonna try some new things. She's gonna go to the sex toy store, she's going to touch herself in a new way, and maybe, if that's too much, maybe she's gonna try sex with the lights on, right. And so these are the four women. They represent four steps, and within each step there are some really practical things that you can do to help move you to the next step. So you can apply this to any issue you're having in sex, and get to the other side where you're trying, you're you're now exploring, you're trying new things.Lesley Logan 10:12  I that's a way. I mean, well, like an archetype. I like that. And I've, you've been on my mind a lot lately, because society is quite interesting right now, like the trad wife situation. I'm like, that looks really beautiful. Like, I would love, like, I have white countertops. I'd love them to clean all the time. I'm certainly not capable of doing it. But I'm like, I don't know that. I think they're doing a really good job marketing a beautiful esthetic without realizing, like, all the stuff that comes with that, you know, like, all the religious stuff that comes with that, and how that can harm how we feel about our bodies. And I, I like, was raised in purity culture, and I didn't think it affected me. I'm like, I'm good. But actually, no, actually, I remember, like, I remember, oh, it does, because you're like, you think that you're like, oh, I'm on that. I'm that doesn't affect that like you, you start to realize, even if you weren't raised in church, just the way that public school systems have appropriated some of the modesty rules, like what you're told, what you can wear to school and and how thick this the tank top strap can be, and you can't be disruptive, even though the boys' pants are halfway down their legs, and I'm looking at underwear all the time. You know, I think that even for people who weren't raised where they're told, like, your father has you until you're given away to someone else, there is some level where all of us were affected by like, don't be a distraction. Don't, make sure you don't wear that so you don't look like a certain like you're not attracting bad people, you know, that kind of a thing.Celeste Holbrook 11:44  Yeah, I totally agree, Lesley. I think that there's very few people in the United States that have a great, comprehensive, inclusive sex education. I think very few of us. I think this is changing, and hopefully with, you know, recycle breaking next and next generations, but American society in general wants to put sex on either end of a spectrum. We want to either like, don't think about it. Don't talk about it. This is not for you until you are reaching a certain age or marriage or whatever, and then on the other side is like, why aren't you liberated enough to have all to do all these things you know, like, so there's these two, like, ends of the spectrum, and all of us really live in the middle. Yeah, none of us is really on either side at all, but we but it like breaks America's brain to try and think about, like, living outside of one of those two spectrums. So I talk about in the book about the non, about the non-binary. We are not binary people. As far as what we want to do in our sex life, and figuring out, how do you live in the middle area, which we often call gray, but I call glitter. Yes, it's the most fabulous place to live is in the middle, in this glittery middle, where you get to define your own sex ethic based on your value system, on your intuition, on your sex education, and you get to decide what works best for you. And maybe that is boundaries around when you have sex awesome, as long as it's your choice that's amazing. And maybe that is opening your relationship up and trying swinging or whatever it is that's awesome as long as it's your decision and not one manipulated by society or cultural values or religious values.Lesley Logan 13:27  Yeah, I think that's, I think I like to think about that even this thing, it's, you're right, it's America, it's people like, I'm in Pilates industry. And I said something the other day where I was like, well, you can say that, but it doesn't like, there's also the idea that we could prepare people for an exercise, right? And this person, like, went off on me, and I was like, so you need to understand that what you're mad about me is what you're doing here. Second, Pilates is not black or white. It's not this or that. It's a lot of gray. It's a lot of glitter, like glitter. It's like, because our bodies are different and where we are in our practice, where we are in our life, maybe what season we're in, maybe you're in a season of young children, it's going to be very different what you're wanting and ready for, and have the capacity to take on versus they're teenagers and out of the house and really don't care where you are versus you don't have kids at all. Like, there's all these different seasons. And I think we are like, oh, this is how I've always liked it, so this is how I have to keep liking it. Celeste Holbrook 14:25  Yes, yes, that's so wise, Lesley, that's so wise. I think there are a lot of and we talked about this in our last on our last podcast together, a lot of the similarities between what happens in sex and what happens in like a Pilates, a workout space or Pilates space, as far as how we view our bodies and what we feel is like, right, or what we feel is appropriate, I guess, for our bodies like I should be wanting this, because that's what I did when I was 27 or I should be looking like this, because that's what I looked like when I was whatever, 30 or whatever. And I think there's lots of room to allow ourselves compassion to grow as we grow in our sex life, in our workouts and whatever, expecting your sex life to look the same when you are 20 and 30 and 50 and 70 is not helpful for you, and so allowing it to mature as you mature is the most helpful thing that you can do for yourself, I think, when, when it comes to your sex life. Lesley Logan 15:28  Yeah, we'll keep talking about this, it'll come up. But I do, I do want to go back to like, the journey of this book, because this book has been in you for a really long time. And I think whether or not people want to write a book, you can insert goal, whatever your goal is, because you we will all in trying to get something out into the world or get something that we desire done, hit roadblocks. So you hit some roadblocks. Can we talk about, how many years of roadblocks? Can we talk about what you like, what kind of roadblocks you were hitting and, like, how did you keep going? Because quite honestly, I'm surprised you even told the story, you know what I mean, like, I'm surprised you didn't go, okay, well, that's that, the door, the door has been slammed shut.Celeste Holbrook 16:12  Yeah, yeah. And I really appreciate you asking this, because I know sex is really fun to talk about, but this is, like, my personal, like, lifelong dream is to have a book, and it feels really, I feel really seen when you ask about the process of it, and when I think about the be it, you know, be it till you see it, bold, executable. I think I'm getting this right, intrinsic, targeted, so I think about my word for this year was bold. So that was like, my like, I gotta be more bold. I want to say what I want to say. I don't want to be making myself smaller anymore. So the story behind the book, I have always thought about writing a book. I myself am a slow reader. I don't read very fast, and I for a long, long time I thought I was dumb because I don't read very fast, which is silly when I think about it now, but all growing up, I was slower than all of my friends reading. It was frustrating to read. And I've just, I like, I was still a good student. I still did all of the things that I needed to do, but I just, I just took time. I just took more time to write, to read all of those things, and I think in part, that's what made me get a PhD, because I wanted to prove to myself that I wasn't dumb. Turns out, I'm not dumb. I just am. I need to go at my own pace. And so one of the things that you talk about a lot on the podcast is like, how do you prioritize yourself? I prioritize myself by allowing myself to go at my own pace, like I can read as slow as I need to read, I can answer emails as slow as I need to answer emails. It's frustrating to me and other people, but at the end of the day, like it, it's honestly who I am. I'm just considerate and slow and thoughtful, and I've learned to like that about myself instead of hate that about myself. So the idea of writing a book was really, like tantalizing to me, but I had a lot of insecurities about my ability to actually do it. I'd written a dissertation, which is I, in my opinion, harder because it's boring. Lesley Logan 18:19  Yeah, yeah, no, that's one of the reasons why I, like, stopped going to school. I was like, I can't write another boring paper.Celeste Holbrook 18:25  Oh, my God. Like, who's reading? Like, my mom didn't even read it. She's like, oh, congratulations. It's like, collecting dust, right? So I had done that, and so I thought, like, well, if I'd written a dissertation, it just take you just take a chunk at a time. I can surely write a book. So in 2000 and let's see 2016, Nate and I was like, Nate, I really want to write a book. I'm going to go to a writer's conference. So he's like, great, let's go. I was like, found one in Hawaii. He's like, even better, let's go.Lesley Logan 18:55  I love, I love when a goal and a tax write off can be in a place you want to go. Celeste Holbrook 19:01  That's right, that's exactly right. We ended up getting a tent. There's like, these glamping tents on Maui that you can get, and it's just, like, really fun. It's like, on the beach, but you still have, like, sort of a bathroom, you know. But so we're, like, we needed to do it on cheap, because we were kind of broke, like, got these glamping tents, and I went to these writers conference during the day, and Nate did whatever during the day was at this writing conference, and it was through Hay House, and there was a contest. So if you went to the writers conference and you wrote a proposal, you could enter it in, and they were going to pick three writers to to give a book deal to, I would, and this is me being so sure of myself. Like, yes, I've spent a lot of time feeling insecure that about my reading and writing. But for the most part, my whole life, I have been, like, with no good reason, confident. Like, I'm just like, I don't know, confident.Lesley Logan 19:53  Yeah. I mean, that's cool. That's a great that's so many people don't inherently have that. I. And like to kind of have that and then use it is a wonderful, it's a wonderful thing. Celeste Holbrook 20:06  Yeah, I just, I just was like, no, I'm gonna get this, you know, I'm gonna write this proposal. People are gonna love it. I'm gonna get this competition. Anyway, long story short, did not win any (inaudible). Lesley Logan 20:16  Oh, I thought this was going towards you won. Oh, my God, she won. It. (inaudible) second look. I automatically just assumed you're gonna slay. So I'm just like, she won.Celeste Holbrook 20:32  This is about closed doors, Lesley. Lesley Logan 20:34  Okay, that's true. That's true. Celeste Holbrook 20:36  Yes. So I did not win. I was for sure I was gonna win, did not win, not even, like, a hello, right? So I was like, oh, maybe I need to work a little harder. So I had this whole proposal. My book was like, looking back, I'm like, I'm so glad that I didn't win. My book was called Sexual Wealth. Lesley Logan 20:54  Oh, yeah, that's that's not you.Celeste Holbrook 20:57  It's not me. I was like, it was like, sex through finance, bro language or something. And I was just like, this is a terrible idea, but the spark was there, like, I really wanted to write a book. So that was 2016 I kind of held onto it, thought about it, kind of put it in a drawer for a while. In 2019 I got on a fairly large podcast with Jen Hatmaker, so she's an author, and she does a lot of work in, like the ex-evangelical space, or had started down that road. So I got on this podcast through just like pitching. I got on this podcast. It's pretty big, big podcast. And not long after that, a person from HarperCollins, like a division of Harper Collins, reached out to me and said, hey, have you ever considered writing a book? So the publisher reached out to me, which is very unusual. Lesley Logan 21:47  That is cool, though. Yes. Celeste Holbrook 21:49  Yeah, yeah, very unusual. Usually, you are pitching to publishers. So they heard me on the podcast, and they were like, hey, you know, we're interested in you submitting a proposal. I'm like, I'm freaking out. Like, this is so exciting, right? I realize I probably need representation, so I get a literary agent. I kind of shop around and get a literary agent. She's amazing, Rochelle, and I end up pitching my proposal. I worked it out, you know, I update it from sexual wealth to something else. I update it, I pitch it, and they're pretty slow. The publishing industry is so slow, you know this, you know this, so slow. Lesley Logan 22:24  I have watched too many of my friends write books. I'm so great. I'm proud of all of them. But also the ones that have gone traditional publishing, it is slow, like molasses moves faster, you guys. That's, you know, like, just don't bet on don't hold your breath.Celeste Holbrook 22:40  Oh my gosh, it's the slowest process of all time. And so I was like, okay, I, you know, they reached out to me. So I'm here in my very confident space, like, oh no, they're gonna laugh. Yeah, they're gonna choose. They reached out to me. Why wouldn't they choose me? At this point, I have like, 1500 followers. I have, like, I have no platform, right? I still have a very small platform, but a bunch of really engaged, lovely humans. So I'm, I'm fairly sure they're going to choose me. Eventually, months and months and months later, they get back to me and they're like, yes, we want it is literally like, I don't know, six months later, they're like, we want to offer you a contract, and we want to go under contract, just small. It's a $20,000 contract. They're gonna pay me 10,000 upfront, and then 10,000 the book publishes. I was like, great, I have to pay out my agent too. So I'm I'm coming home with like, $8,500. I was like, oh my gosh, this is amazing. Just to get one dime to like (inaudible).Lesley Logan 23:36  I mean that you got anything, because it's not, it's not always normal that even a first time writer gets anything until the book sells. So, yeah.Celeste Holbrook 23:44  Yes. So I was thrilled. I was thrilled. So I started writing my little heart out. They don't actually give me anything, a contract or anything, until my my my first draft is due. So I turned in my first draft and then they signed me. So I write the whole book without a contract. So submit the first draft. This is like March of 2020, so keep that in, put to context. Things that are. Lesley Logan 24:08  Things are things are going on. Celeste Holbrook 24:10  Things are going on. What's happening? So I get my first round of edits back. I'm still super excited. And then in July, my agent calls me, and she's like, I hate to have this conversation with you, but your book has been orphaned. Your editor left the company, and nobody else wants to pick it up. Lesley Logan 24:32  No, no. Celeste Holbrook 24:35  Yeah. So this is like, in the big scheme of things, like, it was the way it needed to work out, because they were already giving me feedback. It was the (inaudible) the imprint. And I'm not trying to slander any publishing industry, but this is just what happened to me, right? I was getting feedback of, like, oh, I don't know if you should, like, go that hard. Or I don't know if you should. You might alienate readers. If you talk about religion in this way, or, you know, this is you're gonna lose your Catholic audience. I'm like, I'm not trying to make the Catholics happy. I'm sorry. Lesley Logan 25:12  Yeah, yeah, yeah. When I interviewed, I don't know if it was in my interview, but when I was talking with Daniella Mestyanek Young who wrote Uncultured, she was only allowed to talk about three sexual like, misconduct, things that happened to her, and not even the worst ones. They actually, like, got rid, yes, yeah, they were like, and you can only talk like they she had to. And she's been very vocal about it. She's like, because she was talking about God and all these things and like, like, yeah, you can't really talk about that. And then she was like, you know, saying that she got raped in military. And they're like, so we don't like, maybe we just do only one of those, like, very and so, and she was with a publisher, and she got published, but she it's a watered down version of her story, because apparently readers wouldn't be able to handle the true thing. And it's like, you know, like, we're, how are we supposed to change the world? We don't know what's going on. So anyways, yeah. Celeste Holbrook 26:02  Yeah, I and I heard, I heard that kind of from different places, like, oh yeah. I had to, like, say this instead of that or whatever. And I'm like, yeah, that's a little bit happening to me. And I had written it with the understanding, like, this is for a still Christian audience. I understood this, it was with a Christian publisher. So I'm like, that's fine. Like, as a sex educator, you have to be able to be fluid enough to write to the audience that's in front of you. Like, when I go speak, sometimes I'm in front of really conservative audiences, and I adapt my language. That's fine. Like, that's okay to do. I'm still, I still feel helpful. I still feel like I'm pushing the envelope, but in a way that feels the most accessible for the audience in front of me. So I'm okay adjusting, but also like I didn't, I didn't want to water it down so much that I felt like it wasn't me. Lesley Logan 26:51  Yeah, yeah, yeah. Celeste Holbrook 26:53  So anyway, lost my contract in July 1st of 2020, which was and that whole thing, the whole next two years was really difficult. My husband is an emergency medicine physician and it was just a real hard time in the family, family. Lesley Logan 27:09  Yeah, no, lots, lots going on, lots of stress, lots of worry, lots. Yeah, you're afraid, yeah, you know. So like, you know. So we live where we live, and not everyone believe we're going through certain things. So that's even more stressful. Yeah. Oh, my God, that's a lot. The book, the book hit a wall.Celeste Holbrook 27:26  It hit it hit a wall, and probably had to find time. But I was, I was really, just really sad. Rochelle, my agent, was like, okay, we're just gonna, like, pick it back up. We have this proposal, we have a book written. It's, it'll be easier for another publisher to pick us up. And so we start, like, pitching to these other publishing companies. She has all these connections, you know, she's pitching, pitching, pitching, nothing's landing. I'm getting good feedback back. Like, you know, your platform's too small. That's fair. I started trying to grow it. You know, that's when Instagram was a little easier to grow. Now it's super hard to grow. But started growing it. I went from 1500 to 20,000 you know. Lesley Logan 28:04  That's a big deal, because other 20,000 like, those are not bought, you know, like, yeah.Celeste Holbrook 28:09  No, yeah. And I'm a hard follow. I get that. I have, like, you know, dildos in my videos. Like, I get that I'm not an easy follow. It's not and I'm, you know, Shadow banned all the time, and I get all these notifications that my stuff is not being shown to new audiences. I get that. I get that I'm a hard follow, but that's what publishers want. They want you to have a ready-to-buy platform, which I get. They're trying to make money. But I got a lot of that feedback. I got a lot of, ooh, this is a little it's a little too much for us as a Christian publisher. Like, okay, I get that. And then it was kind of like this line for non, non-Christian publishers, like, we don't really, we don't really talk about religion that much, and then we're not really talking about sex that much.Lesley Logan 29:00  Right? So you're like, too much of the different things for the different people, that's really rough, because it's like, we'll never be everything for anyone, but to not feel like you fit somewhere when you have something to say, that's hard.Celeste Holbrook 29:13  Yeah, yeah, it is really hard. And I think it's what people needed. It's because it's, again, it's the glitter, it's the middle. Like, yeah, I don't fit into either of these spaces. I'm kind of like exploring the middle, right? So that was the feedback I was getting. And finally, we did that for five years, from 2020 to 2025 October of 2025 Rochelle had a call with me, and she's like, honey, I have nowhere else to go. I'm sorry. This has to be the end of it. Bless her. She she did the best that she had, and I am forever grateful for her. But that was it, and that was that's where we're caught up to, where you saw my story, and I was like, just sharing with my audience like I had an unhappy ending, and I'm gonna sit in my sadness right now and just tell you, like life isn't always hunky dory for a sex educator, for anybody, for you for me, and this is where I am right now, and I'm pissed and I'm sad, and the end, right? And then sweet Lesley shows up in my DMs, and she's like, babe, I have this great idea for you. I'm like, okay, so she you send me this information for this company I have a call with, I think Jake who you interviewed. Lesley Logan 30:19  Yeah, Jake Kelfer. Yep, yep, yep. Celeste Holbrook 30:21  I have a call with Jake, and let me tell you, working with them has been and I'm not getting paid for any of this right to for BIB, but working with them has been so healing, so much agency in the process. I got to say exactly what I wanted to say. I got to go at the pace that I wanted to go, like, it was just incredible. Lesley Logan 30:44  So is this book, like a new book? It's not what you're pitching around. It's the glitter you really wanted to write. Celeste Holbrook 30:51  It's the glitter I really wanted to write. Totally different. Yeah.Lesley Logan 30:54  Yes, oh, I love that. And also, like, so, first of all, you guys, did you hear five years? Five years and now we're going on, you know, like, so, yeah, five years and then now big. But here's the other thing, like going through all of those things, you got feedback and made tweaks and did these things. So then when you're writing the book that we're gonna all get to read, I can't even wait to read it. It's the best version of a book that could ever be, because it's really not your first book you've written so manyCeleste Holbrook 31:24  You're so right. And over the course of the years, I changed, as we should. I hope I look back in five years and go like, yeah, I'm a different, new person from who wrote this book. But I was different, and I was more comfortable, like, straight up saying I'm not a Christian anymore. You know, I was more comfortable saying, like, is this a religious book? Yes, because we talk about religion. Do I identify as Christian? No, because of these reasons. Do I think we could learn some stuff from the Bible? Sure. Do I think we're going to talk about the Bible? Yes. I think we have to, because we're talking about purity culture. But I don't, you know, certainly not in 2020 was I willing to be like, yeah, I'm not a Christian, but so much stuff happened between 2020 and 2025, that just took me right on out.Lesley Logan 32:10  Yeah, yeah, no, I hear you on that. I and, you know, like, I have a brother in seminary school, so it's very interesting around here. And I had just said, you know, if, if, the if, all the Christians in the world actually did what Jesus said, like, we would have solved child child poverty and immigration and health care. And, you know, I've had a family member respond, well, if everyone just came to know, and I'm like, no, no, no, that's actually not what the Bible says. Here's the problem, I've read it so like I where I am in my life, which five years ago I was definitely not. Is just like I'm frustrated that a book, any book, has controlled people in such a way that's affecting even their sex lives, but also just lives, the lives of people who didn't even read the book. And so that's where, like, I get upset we don't have to have religious talk on this podcast. But that's that's just where, like, I'm coming from as a person with it. I'm, like, I have a really hard time with it, because it's not a loving world, and it with all the people who say they are, you know, believers. It should be. It should be a very loving world. So, so I think it's really I love. Thank you for sharing the story. This is great.Celeste Holbrook 33:30  Yeah, I totally. I just want to affirm what you're saying. Because I think the the main bottom line for me was it has harmed more than it has helped. Has it helped? Absolutely, there's some really beautiful ways in which Christianity has helped, but has it harmed more than it has helped? I absolutely believe, yes. And so for me, that was the final straw. Do I think Jesus was cool? Yeah. I think He was a radical non-white dude who did really amazing things that we can learn from, right? I believe he saved me from my sins. Not really, but, yeah, that's where I landed. And I was able to say this in in this book, which I would never have been able to do before. Lesley Logan 34:09  Well, also, thank you for sharing it with us, because I also just someone like to see it's a really interesting thing to say, like my husband and I, like go like to say out loud, it's very I don't want to speak for him, because, like, maybe it was a different but, like, it's really hard to say out loud when you're like, I don't believe anymore, and you're like, you know?Celeste Holbrook 34:29  Right, it feels really weird. Lesley Logan 34:31  Yeah, it does. But because it's such an identity that you're raised with, and I think going back to, like, that purity culture that your book is about, and by the way, everyone, like, I just want to say, like, even if you haven't been in that, it's, I think that reading about those things really helps me. It makes it helps make the world make sense to me. Like, I read Tia Levings book, A Well-Trained Wife, and I was like, oh, I get it now. I get why they're acting like this. I get why they're thinking this. Because, like, otherwise, you're like looking at people like they're aliens, and you're like, I don't understand. So I also think it can be really impactful to read just to understand, what are people thinking? What are they going through? Why is it harder for some people to have great sex, or want to have great sex, or feel comfortable having great sex, than for other people? Celeste Holbrook 35:18  Yeah, I totally agree with you. It's so fun, interesting. Most of couples that I talk to, most of them are straight couples, heterosexual couples, and a lot of times, the woman in the partnership will, you know, talk about sex in one way, and the man in the partnership will talk about sex in a different way. And just like, I just don't get it. If it feels good, why wouldn't you want to do it? And so when we kind of like, deconstruct and explain, like, well, she's been taught that sex is dangerous her whole life, and so her nervous system feels on alert, even when there are good things in the future to come with that sexual experience. So to have to overcome this idea of fear and danger in your nervous system, just to get to the beginning of arousal is a whole different ball game than you who starts at arousal, and because it feels very regulating, like, I lean into arousal because it feels regulating as a straight man who's raised in America, and so like, just being able to, like, if you're a dude who picks up this book, It might help you understand the women in your life a little bit better, even if they didn't grow up in purity culture. Most of us grew up with the idea that sex is going to harm us. Lesley Logan 36:28  Yeah, yes. Well, I mean, like, yeah, it's like, even if you weren't raised that way, you also, as a woman, were raised like, be fearful of any bad any man who's coming near you, walking up next to you, like, all these different things. And so it is very difficult to just like, let that go. It's not like, it's like, oh, it's Halloween. I can get Todd Kenny from a stranger now, like, this doesn't work like that. You know, like especially because it's like, your whole life these just little things that are being told. I think that's great for men to read. I think that's such a that's a, what a wonderful way to think about it, who this book could be helpful for? I want to take a brief detour, because you said something on your Instagram a bit ago that truly, like, blew my mind and also made so much sense, right? You said, if you're faking an orgasm, you're fawning, right? It's a fawn response. So can we talk about what a fawn response is? And that a little bit, because I think too many women do that. I only say that because I have friends who talk about it and I'm like, I mean, I just wouldn't just would be like, it's not working today, sir.Celeste Holbrook 37:38  Yes, yeah. I mean, I've done it when I was experiencing really painful sex when I first got married, because of vaginismus, because of purity culture, like I did anything to try and get out of the situation, right? So, so a fawn response is something that we do in response to something traumatic. When something traumatic happens, we go into fight, flight, freeze or on. So fawn is I'm pleasing you know this, this circumstance or person in my life, so there are no negative consequences, all right. So when we fake orgasms, and a lot of women have a lot of guilt around doing this, and this is why I posted that, because I want you to feel not guilty about this. I don't want you to do it forever, but I want you to understand why you're doing this. We fawn response an orgasm when we feel overwhelming pressure to have an orgasm when we feel overwhelming pressure to have an orgasm, it's coming from a fragile man who cannot handle or has put too much value on your ability to come as a validation for his ability to be great, right? I put too much pressure on your ability to be to come is a validation of my ability to be good or great. So part of the work has to become men saying like my validation is not wrapped up in her ability to come, without saying, I still can't give her pleasure. It's kind of, it's, it's, it's nuanced, but I really want women to understand when you're fawning, when you're faking an orgasm, you are essentially doing harm reduction. I don't want the negative consequences of his fragility, so I will fake it so I don't have to deal with that. That is easier for me. That is harm reduction.Lesley Logan 39:47  Right, right, right. And one would hope that a conversation or few could be had, like, here's what's going on and here's how I don't want you to feel and here like, yeah, that's probably where you come in. Celeste Holbrook 40:01  Yes, yeah. It's a really delicate situation. I do have lots of times people come in and the female, the woman in the partnership, will be like, hey, you know, this is what's going on, and this is why I want us together to come but to sessions, but like, I don't know how to tell him, like, it's been years and I've been faking it for years, right? Okay, no problem. We don't have to. I don't believe full transparency is always kind. I believe in honesty. I don't necessarily believe in full transparency. Like, you can, you can be really unkind with full transparency, but you can still be honest. Like, hey, I really want to experience a little bit more sensation when we have sex. Can we work on some new techniques? Can I show you how I masturbate? Can we make it slower so I can feel something different? I really want to make my orgasm stronger, right? So we can be clear with what we want going forward without being like, you know what? I faked it for the last 12 years, right? Because that's on you for not for not saying something as well. Lesley Logan 41:08  Yeah? Because that doesn't like, it can only be, it's not anyone's fault. But also, like, they can't change if they don't know, yeah. Oh, you're so brilliant. You're so amazing. Wait, when is the book coming out? When do I get to read it? When can I preorder, like.Celeste Holbrook 41:23  You are so cute. So it'll by the time this drops, it'll already be out, and we'll send links to to upload it, but it comes out on June 10th and so it's right around the corner. Lesley Logan 41:32  Okay, well, I'm gonna pre I'm gonna pre order. I gotta or I'll order on June 10th. So we can make you a number one, Bestselling Author. We get whatever we get to do, so I can write my authenticated review. After buying it, all the things I can't wait. I'll take it with me on tour.Celeste Holbrook 41:49  Thank you. I'm so like, I just like, I'm cheesing so hard because I'm so excited about it. I reread it again this morning, just like as a skim to look at all the layout on the pages. And I'm just so proud of it. I'm so proud of it, like it finally is here.Lesley Logan 42:07  I have so many chills. I'm gonna cry. Okay, we're gonna take a brief break. We're gonna find out how people can find you, follow you and work with you. Celeste Holbrook 42:14  Okay. Lesley Logan 42:15  All right, Dr. Celeste Holbrook, where do you hang out? You said Instagram. Is there anywhere else? What links? What input handles? Where can they go to buy the book is it on your website, all the things.Celeste Holbrook 42:25  Yes, the book is on the website, but you can buy it the most easily on Amazon. If you do, please leave a review that would be really helpful. And you can go to my website to get into Pleasure Club. That's my monthly subscription where we have a sex ed session every month and a book club session every month we flip between fiction and nonfiction books, which is really, really fun. Lesley Logan 42:44  Oh, fun. I know Brad and I got into the, of course, like everybody in the world, we got into the the dragon situation, yeah. Okay, every. Celeste Holbrook 42:52  Fourth wing? Lesley Logan 42:53  Yeah, yes. Fourth wing, the second one, the third one. You guys, we actually reread the first and second one to listen to the third one, we're going to go back through all three. Highly recommend it with your, with your partner. I think it's a great she writes good sex stories. They don't it's not super cheesy. So I really like them. Celeste Holbrook 43:13  I love that. I think this revolution. I mean, people have been reading Roman ensembles forever, but I think it's really healing. I actually wrote about this in my newsletter this week. Reading sex scenes through a female lens is really, really healing and really helpful, because it it gives you the confidence to be like, oh, I can ask for that, or I can wait for that, or I can ask to slow down or speed up, or whatever, and I can expect somebody to listen and garner consent and all of those things. So reading sex scenes through the female lens or listening to them, I think, is very, very helpful. Celeste Holbrook 43:46  Yeah, yeah. Anyways, I got distracted from your book club. So what's your website again? What's your handle? Celeste Holbrook 43:53  So you can find me at Dr. Celeste Holbrook on Instagram, on and on YouTube, and my web, my website. drcelesteholbrook.com. I just had like a whole mind blowing, like I was thinking about sex scenes written through the female Iens and I couldn't I couldn't go back. Yeah.? So, drcelesteholdbrook is where you can find me almost anywhere. Dr Celeste Holbrook. Lesley Logan 44:14  Perfect, yeah. Sorry, I have an ADHD brain. Lesley Logan 44:16  I love it. I love it. Lesley Logan 44:18  Bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted steps people can take to be it till they see it. What do you have for us this time? Celeste Holbrook 44:23  Oh, well, something we talked about already earlier. But the way that I am best executable is actually just to go at my own pace, even though it's slow.Lesley Logan 44:32  Yeah. Oh, I love that. I really do love that. And I also, you mentioned, like, the prioritizing of self. That's one of the ways you did it. I wanted to acknowledge like when you sat in your car and you shared that something had come to an end, that is also a way of prioritizing yourself, because you're feeling your feelings, and you're also letting people know that you're feeling these feelings, like we don't have to, like pretend around people, so just thank you for being you, and always for, you are always in the word gets misused, but you are so authentic and so authentic and just, I really feel like I've it's been so fun over the past five years to watch you grow with what you're doing and how you're educating people and how you're supporting people. And so I'm just so grateful to be on your journey. I can't wait to read your book. I'm so stoked for you. This is the coolest thing. And and you guys, how are you gonna use these tips in your life? Please tag Dr. Celeste Holbrook, send this to a friend. Here is the deal, not all friendships talk about sex, so one of the things you can do is just send the podcast or the book. You don't have to have the if you're not there yet, that's okay. But I think like, the more, the more women hear about all these different things that could be glitter, the more life we're living and the more fun we're having, the more we feel seen. So just thank you so much for being you, Dr. Celeste Holbrook.Celeste Holbrook 45:53  Lesley, you are the reason this book exists. I cannot thank you enough. Thank you so much for having me in your life and on your podcast. And someday, someday we will hug each other in real life.Lesley Logan 46:03  Yeah, yeah, yeah. We will. It'll happen. I think this winter tour, I feel it in me. All right, you guys, you know what to do. Until next time, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 46:12  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 46:54  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 46:59  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 47:03  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 47:11  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 47:14  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nearly one week after the tragic shooting at a Catholic church in Minnesota, the Archbishop of Minneapolis shares how the community is healing. Meanwhile, in Iraq, two historic churches destroyed by ISIS have reopened. And, hundreds gathered at the annual EWTN Family Celebration in Virginia.

Today, we're talking about California, the Chapman's adventures there, the reason Kate is sharing her story as a birth mother in her documentary The Inner Sea, and why the conversation around adoption and abortion in pro-life circles needs to deepen. Show Notes:The Inner SeaSprings of LoveBuilding Belonging: Six Steps for Fostering and Adopting in Faith (An Adoption Education Curriculum)The Chapman's Adoption Story (produced by Springs of Love)Leah Outten (birth mom support from a Protestant perspective)Cradled in Grace (ethical adoption consultants)Abiding Love Adoptions (birth mom centered adoption agency)M Train: A Memoir by Patti SmithShow your support for sane Catholic conversation on the Internet by becoming a subscriber today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe

The last place any nonprofit wants to end up is in a stalled—or worse, failing—capital campaign. But what's the real cause when that happens?With more than 30 years of experience leading campaigns for Catholic schools and institutions, Greg reveals the number one reason campaigns fail—and what you should be doing to avoid it.

Can real friendship heal division in the Church? When I sit with John 17, I'm struck that He was praying for a unity that's visible, relational, and compelling—a unity that makes the world stop and notice that He was sent by the Father. That kind of unity shows up in real friendships, in shared service, in conversations where we seek truth together—not to win an argument, but to love each other well and grow together, even when we don't see eye to eye. It's messy, but it's also where the Lord does His best work. In this episode of EquipCast, I sit down with Max Chapman and Jeremiah Zimmerman from the More Mercy apostolate to talk about what this looks like in real life. Max shares how praying with John 17 sparked a deep desire in him to build bridges with Christians from other traditions. What started as simple conversations turned into friendships that not only challenged him but also strengthened his Catholic faith. You'll hear why unity isn't just an ideal for theologians—it's something we're all called to live, one relationship at a time. [01:36] Meet Max Chapman and Jeremiah Zimmerman [02:46] Max's Journey: From Football to Faith [06:20] Jeremiah's Path: From Baseball to Theology [12:50] The Vision for Ecumenical Unity [22:01] Challenges and Joys of Ecumenical Ministry [31:39] Unity in Diversity: Different Catholic Ethnicities [34:37] Practical Steps for Ecumenism [37:19] Building Friendships Across Denominations [41:02] Challenges and Joys of Ecumenical Work [46:33] Mobilizing Lay Faithful for Ecumenism [53:28] Encouragement and Final Thoughts Don't forget to check out More Mercy (https://moremercylincoln.org/)! For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

We're kicking off spooky season 2025 with Jess's pick Stigmata (1999). Tune in for random musings about the Catholic church.

Come As You Are: GideonJudges 6:12-16 “The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty warrior.” Gideon answered him, “But sir, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our ancestors recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has cast us off, and given us into the hand of Midian.”  Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian; I hereby commission you.” He responded, “But sir, how can I deliver Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike down the Midianites, every one of them.”I really like this story because it is one that most of us can relate to.  Well, not the first verse probably.  I doubt too many of us have been visited by an angel.  The verse starts off by telling us that an angel appeared to Gideon and told him the Lord was with him, and then called him a mighty warrior.  I find it interesting how Gideon answered the angel.  I feel that I would be in shock and probably speechless if the angel of God were to speak to me.  If he told me that God was with me, I think I would say thank you or be in awe.  Gideon is not speechless, and it doesn't sound like he is in awe.  He questions the angel.  He says, “But sir, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our ancestors recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has cast us off, and given us into the hand of Midian.”  Those are some pretty gutsy things to say to an angel.  The angel said The Lord is with you and Gideon basically said, “Oh yeah, how?  We don't see it. What has He done for us lately?” With this being written text, we don't know the tone or volume this was said with.  I picture Gideon being angry and almost yelling it at the angel.  However, I could be wrong; he could have matter-of-factly stated it to him.  Either way, Gideon did not believe what the angel said, and he wanted an explanation, or some sort of proof that God was for them.Next the angel says, “Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian; I hereby commission you.” The angel does not answer his question as to where God has been.  The angel looks at Gideon and then tells him to go and lead the fight with Midian to deliver his people.  Gideon's response is a response that I think most of us have when God commissions us for a task.  We question it, we tell Him we aren't ready, we aren't good enough, we don't know how, we aren't strong enough.  We question God as if He, the one who created us, did not know all these things about us when he commissioned us for that task.   When Gideon was told that he was commissioned to defeat  Midian, he said, “But sir, how can I deliver Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”Gideon was counting himself out before he even got started.  He looked at his family and his place in that family and judged his abilities on that.  He felt God must have made a mistake.  How could he be a mighty warrior when his family was the weakest and he was the least in his family?  Does this sound familiar?  Do you ever count yourself out of things because of your family or your history with your family?  I can understand a bit of what Gideon was feeling.  I am from a large family, and we didn't have a lot of money growing up.  When I was in school, if there was a big field trip, I immediately counted myself out.  There was no way my parents could afford the cost of the trip when they could barely afford their bills.  In seventh grade, my French class was taking a trip to Quebec for a few days.  I think the cost was $450 or something like that.  I knew I wouldn't be able to go.  I am not even sure if I asked my parents or if I just counted myself out.  One day after school, the French teacher talked with me and asked if I wanted to go on the trip.  I explained I did, but my parents couldn't afford it.  She said there was a scholarship, and so if my parents could afford some of it, the school could pay the rest.  Somehow, my parents were able to pay whatever part they had to pay, and I was able to go.  Another way I can relate to Gideon is when he said he was the least of his family.  I don't think I was the least of my family, and yet, having a large family, you are bound to be compared to your siblings. Others are bound to compare you as well.  I remember one Christmas Eve party at my aunt's house, one of my uncles saw me and was trying to figure out which child I was.  My mom is one of 10 children, and I am one of 11, so you can imagine how many kids were at this Christmas Eve party.  He said Oh, you are the smart one who is going to Yale, right?  Nope, that is Virginia.  Oh, you are the one who just got that cheerleading award, nope, that is Elizabeth.  Got it, you are the one that is having open heart surgery, nope, that is Theresa,  Oh, who are you then? He said.  I wasn't really sure how to respond to that one.  I didn't know which distinguishing characteristic might have been used to describe me.  We can all get stuck thinking we are who our family says we are.  We can get stuck thinking we can't do certain things because of our history.  We know God is calling us to something, and yet we don't answer that call because we don't think we can do it.  Instead of giving God our whole-hearted yes, we give Him a list of reasons why we are not the right person for the job.  In the very beginning of this verse, the angel of God addresses Gideon as a mighty warrior, and yet he questions that.  What name is God calling you that you are dismissing?  Is it son/daughter of the one true King?  Is it Beloved?  Is it Mighty Warrior?  Is it Gifted Healer? Is it Disciple?  Is it Preacher/Teacher?  Is it Worthy or Enough? What name do you hear God calling you, and yet you struggle to accept?  God does not make mistakes.  He is the Lord God Almighty.  If He calls you something, it is because that is your name to Him.  That is who you are in His eyes!What task is God commissioning you for that you are resisting?  Is there something you feel called to do, and instead of telling God yes, you are giving him a whole host of reasons why you cannot do it?  Is he asking you to do something, and you are explaining to him why anyone else would be better for the job?  I get it, I do the same, and yet God is telling us here in this story of Gideon that we need to believe what the Lord says about it and just go out and do it.  Stop trying to tell God who you are; He knows who you are better than you do.  Stop trying to find all these excuses why you can't do the thing God is telling you to do.  Start trying to figure out how to do the thing God is leading you to do.  Stop and ask God, What would you like me to do today?  If you don't know how to do what He is calling you to do, then ask Him how He would like you to do it.  Our God is a wonderful God, and He will answer us when we ask.  Answer the call God is placing on your life today with a resounding Yes!  Trust that if He gave it to you, He will help you fulfill it!Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode.  Lord, we are so grateful that you know us better than we know ourselves.  Thank you for loving us so much and being the best dad out there.  Thank you for calling us by our true identity, even when we struggle to see it.  Lord, help us to see ourselves and the world through your eyes.  Father, thank you for commissioning us to certain tasks.  We are sorry we don't always say yes.  It is not because we don't want to, it is because we are afraid.  Please replace that fear with courage and strength.  Make us bold so we can say yes to whatever you ask.  We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I am starting a new series for the next 31 days. It is called “Come As You Are” and we will take a look at 31 different characters in the Bible who did not look like anything special to the rest of the world, and yet the Lord used them powerfully. I keep telling you, at the end of almost every episode, that Jesus loves you, just as you are. Yet, if you are like me, it can still be hard to believe that at times. Often we feel we have to change first before Jesus loves us. I am hoping that after this series, you will be able to believe me more when I say that each day. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in May 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “My word, Jesus, is my power, a power of grace, of goodness, of forgiveness, of mercy, and of great peace. Call upon my power in the name of my son Jesus.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Holy Rosary for Tuesday, September 2-- Sorrowful Mysteries from RosaryMinded, featuring peaceful guitar backdrop.This version includes the St. Michael and Memorare prayers.Join us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rosaryminded.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discover a uniquely-designed collection of clothing & accessories crafted to express & celebrate your Catholic faith.https://www.rosaryminded.com/shopEmail address: rosaryminded@gmail.comSocial: @rosarymindedMusic (royalty free) and art provided by Pixabay

Chaplet of Divine Mercy for September 2.We come to gather every day to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy here on Rosary Minded, honoring Jesus' message of mercy and love. Let's all pray together the Chaplet of Divine Mercy -- making the Light of Christ burn so brightly that it continues to conquer the kingdom of darkness. Experience the divine power of this beautiful traditional Catholic prayer and celebrate God's love for us! #divinemercychaplet #Rosary #DivineMercy Discover a uniquely-designed collection of clothing & accessories crafted to express & celebrate your Catholic faith. https://www.rosaryminded.com/shop

Start the day by joining us in this Morning Offering Prayer. We guide you through a brief morning prayer to dedicate your day's works, joys, and struggles to God. Set against a backdrop of soothing music, this prayerful moment is your opportunity to connect with Jesus and align your day with purpose and gratitude. Let's begin our day together in prayerful reflection.Discover a uniquely-designed collection of clothing & accessories crafted to express & celebrate your Catholic faith. https://www.rosaryminded.com/shop 

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

Follow Jason on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/osu4491Visit Movie to Movement @ www.MovieToMovement.comAnd the Vulnerable People Project: www.vulnerablepeopleproject.com

Let's examine some of the themes that we discover in the Mass readings for the 23rd Sunday of the Year. (Lectionary #129) September 1, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The First Letter to the Thessalonians offers us hope that our journey from death to eternal life is sustained through the saving work of Jesus Christ. (Lectionary #431) September 1, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Join us every day at https://BruceDownes.org/Rosary where you can request prayer from us as well as find all of the prayers and mysteries for you to pray along with us.  Get your free Rosary Prayer Guide at https://BruceDownes.org/PrayTheRosaryConnect With Bruce At:► Website: https://BruceDownes.org ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCatholicGuyBruceDownes ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatholicguy ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecatholicguy ► Online Store: https://brucedownes.org/store Listen to Bruce Downes' Daily Devotional on these popular podcast services:► Apple Pod Casts   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bruce-downes-daily-devotional/id1606668155► Spotify Pod Casts - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gh58yAkcGJhm9EgIs160H?si=102cb235a289433bConsider Becoming a Faith Builders Partner:Everyone who donates to Bruce Downes Catholic Ministries is what we call a Faith Builder. The team are working to build the faith of every person we connect with whether they are powerful or weak, rich or poor, young or old, in whatever city, town, village and country they are in. ►https://brucedownes.org/giving/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Larry C. Johnson is a veteran of the CIA and the State Department's Office of Counter Terrorism. He talks the possible deployment of the National Guard in Chicago,  Catholic vs. Orthodox church, thoughts on Trump, Gaza, Russia/Ukraine, and much more. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE LIKE AND SHARE THIS PODCAST!!!    Watch Show Rumble- https://rumble.com/v6yagvs-america-is-losing-to-russia-and-china-larry-johnson.html YouTube- https://youtu.be/FPFPeR0e0qA?si=QKXpfMjdZv2oozCu   Follow Me X- https://x.com/CoffeeandaMike IG- https://www.instagram.com/coffeeandamike/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeandaMike/ YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@Coffeeandamike Rumble- https://rumble.com/search/all?q=coffee%20and%20a%20mike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Apple Podcasts- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-and-a-mike/id1436799008 Gab- https://gab.com/CoffeeandaMike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Website- www.coffeeandamike.com Email- info@coffeeandamike.com   Support My Work Venmo- https://www.venmo.com/u/coffeeandamike Paypal- https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/Coffeeandamike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Patreon- http://patreon.com/coffeeandamike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Cash App- https://cash.app/$coffeeandamike Buy Me a Coffee- https://buymeacoffee.com/coffeeandamike Bitcoin- coffeeandamike@strike.me   Mail Check or Money Order- Coffee and a Mike LLC P.O. Box 25383 Scottsdale, AZ 85255-9998   Follow Larry Website- https://sonar21.com/ Substack- https://larrycjohnson.substack.com/   Sponsors Vaulted/Precious Metals- https://vaulted.blbvux.net/coffeeandamike McAlvany Precious Metals- https://mcalvany.com/coffeeandamike/

Send us a textThis week we have the pleasure of welcoming our first guest of the season, Katherine Plucinsky!! She is the author of the book, Words That Water Flowers and shares the beauty of modern Catholic poetry through her writing. Court and Meghan dive into the beautiful words in her book, the ways to pray with this poetry that resonates so easily with our hearts, and the “how to's” behind pursuing your dreams—specifically in how she became an author. This podcast has lead to such authentic motivation for Court and Meghan in their daily lives—you're going to truly love this one.Discussion Questions:1. Do you like reading poetry? If so what are some of your favorite poems that have resonated with you?2. How has prayer looked for you recently?3. Do you currently feel like you need to make more space to exhale and make time for creativity/dreaming with God?Katherine Plucinsky: grab Katherine's book at https://www.katherineplucinsky.com/ or grab Words That Water Flowers on Amazon! You can also follow Katherine on Instagram @katherinepluAbundantly Yours: Shop at abundantlyyours.org and follow @abundantly.yours on Instagram. Use Code DAILYNOTHINGS for 20% off your order!The Little Catholic: To Shop handmade Catholic jewelry that lasts, head to www.thelittlecatholic.com and use code DAILYNOTHINGS20 for 20% off your order.Support our podcast AND receive extra content by joining our Patreon for only $5 a month at https://www.patreon.com/TheDailyNothingsPodcast Thanks for listening to The Daily Nothings Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a rate and review.

"For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery."~ Galatians 5:1What if I didn't sign up for the life I have?What does my life feel so out of control?Why do I feel trapped in the life I'm leading?In Episode 81 of This Whole Life, hosts Pat & Kenna Millea dive deep into what it really means to take control of your life — especially when things aren't going the way you thought they would. This episode explores the broader theme of agency: why so many people feel stuck in passive roles and how modern life — through technology, cultural pressures, and even spiritual ideals — can erode our sense of freedom. Packed with personal stories and practical wisdom, Pat and Kenna explore real strategies for reclaiming healthy agency, embracing flexibility, and living an integrated life in faith and mental health. This episode also offers some raw reflections on the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, as well as highlights of their new Figuring It Out course for those seeking meaningful change. Because truly, freedom and agency are especially important when things don't go the way we planned. Join us for this heartfelt and honest conversation.Episode 81 Show NotesChapters:0:00: Reflection on the tragedy at Annunciation21:27: Why is agency, or free will, indispensable?28:41: What causes a lack of agency?36:36: What does it look like to live with freedom?49:42: "I have to" & "I should" vs. Choosing52:48: Announcing the "Figuring It Out" live course55:30: Challenge By ChoiceReflection Questions:What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?Are there areas of life in which you feel trapped? How do you know?What does it look like to live in healthy freedom? When have you lived in healthy freedom?Are there things in your life that you feel like you "have to" or "should" do instead of actively choosing? What could you do differently?How can you choose to engage with your life in a way that lines up with your values?Send us a text. We're excited to hear what's on your mind!Register for Figuring It Out: Real-Life Skills for Healthy Minds, Relationships, and Habits, a live, online course for anyone who's ready to thriveSupport the showThank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.Follow us on Instagram & FacebookInterested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for IntegrationMusic: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

How do we love with the three loves in the two Great Commandments?  And what are the relationships among love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self?  Join Catholic philosopher Anthony Flood and Catholic psychologist Eric Gudan as we explore love in Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas.  We address flourishing, friendship, virtues, interior integration, inner unity, union with others, trauma, healing, selfishness, humility, magnanimity, where to find truth, and so much more, all through a Thomistic lens.  Join us!   For the full video experience with all our visuals, graphics, and for conversation and sharing in the comments section, check us out on our YouTube channel here:  www.youtube.com/@InteriorIntegration4Catholics

Answering questions from the CTC@EWTN.com mailbox. Today: What are venial sins? What are examples of charitable works? The validity of a marriage between a former Catholic and current Catholic? This and more on EWTN Radio's Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders! (Originally aired on 9/3/24)

John didn't go to church today, Neighbor. But...he's still more holy than the Catholic. Send us all of your catholic terms... (Spoilers: the word "Chamber" is not one...) There has been some tension between Luke and "his rib" today... Instead of going to get the pizza to feed everybody, Luke shot a racoon.... and buried it. He's pretty sure it's the same raccoon he caught and released a few weeks ago... And we realize there are a lot of tail-less animals in our midst. Then: Andrew comes back with his "new" shoes for the grass... and he tells us how to become a home-invader. Later: There have always been ministers wanting to control the conversation... But, we have bad news for them. The McKinney's have a podcast. (Along with basically everyone else on the planet.) It's getting harder and harder to burn heretics at the stake! To contact us, send an email to nextdoor@johnbranyan.com

As Americans mark Labor Day with barbecues and time with family, the holiday's origins run much deeper—shaped in part by Catholic immigrants who filled the ranks of early unions. St. Joseph is the patron saint of workers because he taught Jesus the trade and craft of carpentry. And we meet a girl in North Dakota who is determined to make it to Carlo Acutis' canonization.

In a relay race, a series of runners must take a baton, pass it on between each other, and get it to the finish line without dropping it lest they be disqualified. This sporting event can be seen as an image of human history whereby each generation is a runner and the baton they pass on to subsequent generations (runners) is the Catholic Faith until the end of recorded time. This image of receiving and passing on the Faith is as old as Christianity itself, as seen in St. Paul's Epistle to the Corinthians.

Great Britain finds itself in the throws of a great storm. Britishflags are removed, while foreign flags are untouched. Mass migration floods the country, destabilizing cities and towns. Crime and violence stalk the streets. And the country's “leaders” cater to illegal immigrants while clamping down on British citizens. What is one to make of this madness? Most British people aregrasping for answers. Sadly, the mainstream churches in Britain have little to offer. They have long sinceabandoned Christ, the Gospel and biblical Truth. These churches look and sound no different than the world. Consequently, they have nothing to offer the world. But careful observers will notice something is changing; afaint spark glowing in the British cultural darkness. These are the early embers of reformation. Amidst the chaos, some Christians who retained the faith are finding their voices. Some are taking their first steps at countering the lies and ugliness engulfing their island. And regular people are taking a fresh look at enduring Truth. The Church in Britain may yet rise again.To help us better understand what is going on, Dr. Aaron Edwards joins Andy on this episode of the Christian Emergency Podcast. Though they first consider the recent tragedy in America – where a Catholic church and school was targeted in Minneapolis – they focus most of their time on developments in Britain. If you find this episode helpful, please give us a positive rating and review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Also share this episode with a friend so they too can be blessed by these insights. To learn more about resources mentioned in this episode, see the following:Aaron Edwards (Substack): https://substack.com/@thatgoodfightAaron Edwards (Twitter / X): https://x.com/aaron_p_edwards Brephos (Christian Teaching on Abortion): https://www.brephos.org/  Silenced (Documentary): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0z7rVP2glkChristian Emergency Alliance (Website): https://www.christianemergency.com/ Christian Emergency Alliance (Twitter / X): https://x.com/ChristianEmerg1 Christian Emergency Alliance (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/christianemergency Christian Emergency Alliance (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/christianemergencyalliance/ The Christian Emergency Podcast is a production of the Christian Emergency Alliance.Soli Deo Gloria

In light of his passing just under two weeks ago, a reissue of his December 2019 "Catholic Sports Radio" interview. (Later this year he is going to posthumously receive the Sam Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Tampa, which will enshrine him in their Athletics Hall of Fame.) Every year since 1981 a tournament has taken place to promote high school baseball in Hillsborough County, which has Tampa, Florida, as its seat.  It was first established as a memorial for Tony Saladino, Sr. and, as of December 2019, had grown from eleven public schools to a 32-team event, with 38 players that have participated in the tournament having gone on to play in the Major Leagues, 12 of which were first round draft picks.  He had been at the heart of all of this for all those years.

Hoops, Hope, and Holiness, with Fr. Pete McCormick, C.S.C. Everybody at Notre Dame knows Fr. Pete. He's the director of campus ministry, who's responsible for leading a team that cares for the spiritual needs of our student body. He lives in a Notre Dame residence hall, where about 250 young men share life – and pranks – together. He's the chaplain of the Notre Dame men's basketball team, where he helps guide student-athletes through the privilege and challenges of balancing very busy lives. He's even the sometimes-DJ for campus events, including live on College Game Day when the show visited campus a couple years ago. But at the heart of it all, he is a Holy Cross priest, dedicated to his prayer and ministry, and to his religious community in the Congregation of Holy Cross.Fr. Pete and I have been close friends for over 20 years. He joins me today to talk about ministry to our students, chaplaincy to the basketball team, his own vocation, and being fully alive.Follow-up Resources:Story about “Fr. Pete” in the Notre Dame Magazine.Learn more about Campus Ministry at Notre Dame.Church Life Today is a partnership between the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and OSV Podcasts from Our Sunday Visitor. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

In this episode, Dale and Kurt discuss the latest tragedy surrounding a mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. Plus, another KCK officer is killed in the line of duty, lower crime in DC after Trump brings in the National Guard, an executive order on flag burning, Dale announces his plan for his campaign, and Herb Butzbach joins to discuss self defense and the second amendment.SPECIAL GUEST: HERB BUTZBACH FROM CLAYCOMO SHOOTERSMake sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share Dale Carter's America with your friends! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join in on the conversation. Thanks for tuning in to Dale Carter's America!

Lloyd comments on the shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis by a trans man, the Left's predictable reactions, and the danger posed by the anti-Christian, death cult that is the trans movement. Armed Lutheran Radio is a listener-supported podcast. If you value the information and entertainment we provide, consider supporting the show by joining our membership site, The Reformation Gun Club! http://gunclub.armedlutheran.us Links of Interest Buy Duty to Defend, Volume 2 on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3D3frE5* Duty to Defend (Signed Copies!) – https://www.armedlutheran.us/product/duty-to-defend-2nd-edition-signed-copy Prayer of the Week Almighty and everlasting God, who are always more ready to hear than we to pray and give more than we either desire or deserve, pour down upon us the abundance of Your mercy, forgiving those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things that we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Christ, our Lord; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. Get in Touch Visit our Feedback Page - http://www.armedlutheran.us/feedback Please tell your friends about us, leave an iTunes review, and like us on Facebook Join our Facebook group - http://www.armedlutheran.us/facebook Subscribe to us and follow us on Youtube - http://www.armedlutheran.us/youtube Check Out More at our Website- http://www.armedlutheran.us   Use these Links to Support Armed Lutheran Radio If you value the information and entertainment we provide, consider supporting the show by joining our membership site, or shopping at your favorite online stores using the links below. Check out the other Great Armed Lutheran Books - http://www.ArmedLutheran.us/Books Shop at Amazon* - http://www.armedlutheran.us/amazon Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network - https://www.armedcitizensnetwork.org Disclaimer The links above which are indicated with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that I have experience with all of these items, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you. Original Music by Reformer.  

AP's Lisa Dwyer reports on a meeting between the Pope and a leading LGBTQ+ church advocate.

We often associate the sin of gluttony with overuse of food and drink, but it often applies to other activities as well. In this episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, discusses the many ways in which sin can manifest in our lives and how we can combat it. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

https://linktr.ee/spcnyc

In honor of Labor Day, Jim and Joy speak with Colin Donovan, VP of Theology for EWTN, about the Catholic teachings on work.

Keep Waiting, Your Answered Prayers Are ComingJames 5:7-8 “Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.  You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”When I read this today, I thought it was a good verse because, let's be honest, who doesn't need more patience? However, I also thought it was a good word because so many of us are going through something that we wish we weren't. We wish God would take it from us, or heal us of it. We are tired of waiting, and we feel ready to move forward.This verse says to be patient until the coming of the Lord. It can also apply to your situation. Be patient, beloved, until you are healed from whatever is ailing you. Be patient, beloved, until I answer those questions for you. Be patient, beloved, until I find you that job or approve the disability claim. Be patient, beloved, until your loved one is healed. Be patient, beloved, until I make you healthy enough to answer my call.Did you know that God calls you beloved? Did you know that you are the one that Jesus loves? In the Gospel of John, he refers to himself as the one that Jesus loved, or the beloved apostle. Did you know you can refer to yourself this way as well? You are beloved in the eyes of the Lord. You are the one that Jesus loves. John was not being conceited when he said this. He was just that sure of Jesus's love for him. We would all be in a better place if we were all that secure that we are at the one that Jesus loved.I think this verse is a beautiful illustration of what it looks like to have patience. Imagine how hard it is for the farmer to plant a crop and then just wait for it to grow. Imagine planting a seed in the ground and then watering it and just waiting with patience, even though you can't see anything growing. Seeds typically take a few days to a couple of weeks to germinate and start growing, depending on the type of seed and the conditions provided. After germination, the growth phase can last from a few weeks to several months before the plant is fully grown. Can you imagine having to wait that long to see something grow?Some of you have been waiting a lot longer than a few months for God to answer your prayers. Some of you have been waiting for years. You have been waiting so long that it's hard to remember a time before you were sick, depressed, or injured. You can barely remember a time when you weren't struggling with money or having enough food to eat. I understand how frustrating this is. I struggled for over 10 years with my kids and my husband. There was constant fighting and anger in our home. Every day, there would be at least one fire to put out, and some days, most days, there were many. It was exhausting, and patience was something I didn't always have.I didn't know how long this would last. I didn't know how much more I could take. I felt like I was at the end of what I could handle many, many times. Yet the Lord always helped me to keep moving forward. He helped me to get up each morning with renewed strength. A strength I needed and one that was always enough, even when it didn't feel like it would be. The Lord is with you in your situation as well. He is right there with you. He is protecting you and comforting you. He is giving you untold strength.I heard a testimony yesterday at a prayer group that is an excellent example of what God can do for us in difficult situations. My friend was in a lot of pain, and she was offering that pain up to the Lord. For an hour, she was talking to the Lord and letting Him know that she wanted to offer up this suffering for anyone who needed it. After an hour, she cried out to the Lord and told her that she couldn't take this pain anymore. She wanted to endure it for those in need, but the pain was too great. Immediately, the Lord helped her to fall asleep, and when she woke up, the situation causing the pain had resolved itself.He has done this for me, too. About 6 weeks after Noah was born, my appendix burst, and I needed to go to the Emergency Room. After they discovered it was my appendix, they said I would need surgery. This occurred around 3 am, and the surgeon was not scheduled to arrive until 5 or 6 am. I started to have what I think was a panic attack. I wasn't sure how to describe what was happening, but I knew I needed to stop thinking about the surgery. I prayed that God would help me fall asleep until it was time for the surgery, and that is precisely what happened. I fell asleep and did not wake up until right before they wheeled me into the surgery.God sees you. He knows what it is you need. He hears you crying out. He hears you telling Him, “This is it, this is all I can take. I can't go on anymore.” God hears you, and He knows it is not true. You feel you can't go on, but he knows how strong you are, and He knows you can do all things through Him. He knows the perfect time to lift you from this. He knows the consequences of rescuing too early. He knows what will happen if he pulls you out of a pit that you were meant to climb out of on your own.I know it is hard to have patience and that it feels like God has abandoned you. He has not. Just keep crying out to Him. Just keep believing that He will bring you out of this. He will save you. He will give you the strength to make it to another day. He is in this. You can do this! You can hold on. You have the power of the Holy Spirit, the one who raised Jesus from the dead, living inside of you. You can hold on!!Dear Heavenly Father, please give each person listening the courage and the strength to keep moving forward. Lord, help us to wait with patience, just as farmers do. Help us to know and believe that you will answer our prayers at the perfect time. Lord, give us renewed hope. Help us to remember all the times in the past that you have answered our prayers. We love you, Lord. You are so faithful. We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. If you have not checked out the details for my retreat in October, please CLICK HERE for all the info. I look forward to seeing you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in May 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Words are not all I have to give you, my children, though my words have power. My word, Jesus my son, has great power. Call upon his name in every circumstance. Call upon his name for he is standing there beside you to lead you, to guide you, to help you, to fill your heart with his love.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Chaplet of Divine Mercy for September 1.We come to gather every day to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy here on Rosary Minded, honoring Jesus' message of mercy and love. Let's all pray together the Chaplet of Divine Mercy -- making the Light of Christ burn so brightly that it continues to conquer the kingdom of darkness. Experience the divine power of this beautiful traditional Catholic prayer and celebrate God's love for us! #divinemercychaplet #Rosary #DivineMercy Discover a uniquely-designed collection of clothing & accessories crafted to express & celebrate your Catholic faith. https://www.rosaryminded.com/shop

Start the day by joining us in this Morning Offering Prayer. We guide you through a brief morning prayer to dedicate your day's works, joys, and struggles to God. Set against a backdrop of soothing music, this prayerful moment is your opportunity to connect with Jesus and align your day with purpose and gratitude. Let's begin our day together in prayerful reflection.Discover a uniquely-designed collection of clothing & accessories crafted to express & celebrate your Catholic faith. https://www.rosaryminded.com/shop 

In this episode, Archbishop Bernard Hebda reflects on the Archdiocese's response to the tragic shooting at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis. Discover how faith, hope, and community provide comfort and leadership during times of grief and fear. The conversation addresses how to support children and families, improve safety, and find meaning in suffering through Catholic teaching. Plus, listen to Archbishop Hebda's heartfelt homily from the prayer service and reflections on healing through faith.Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow! Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ 

"It is a Catholic axiom that in order to lead someone away from error, you must recognize the truth that gives power to the error." Thus writes Professor Colt Anderson in Faith, Nationalism, and the Future of Liberal Democracy (University of Notre Dame Press, 2021). In this episode, we ask him how we can take that insight and use it to understand nationalism, especially Catholic nationalism. Anderson is clear that he thinks it is an error. But it also teaches us important things about the priority of the local. Thanks to Jamie Maule for sound engineering!