Podcasts about interior life

Get all set for Fifth Sunday of Easter with Father Sam RoskoSummaryThis episode explores Catholic traditions, sacraments, and spiritual life, featuring insights on First Communion, Confirmation, and the interior life of Christ. It offers practical guidance and reflections for deepening faith and understanding Catholic practices.TakeawaysCatholic sacraments and their significanceThe spiritual life and model of Christ's prayerThe meaning and importance of ConfirmationPractices for reverent reception of Holy CommunionChurch traditions and liturgical practicesChapters03:26 Understanding Palm Burning and Ashes06:00 Exploring the Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter09:04 The Interior Life of Christ and Our Relationship with God11:39 The Importance of Prayer and Humility14:04 First Communion Reflections and Experiences17:07 The Sacrament of Confirmation Explained19:47 Announcement Assignment Weekend and Its Significance22:40 Visiting the Cathedral and the Fulton Sheen Experience

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes back New York Times bestselling author Andy Griffiths and, for the very first time on the podcast, illustrator Bill Hope, to talk about their wildly fun, reader-inside-the-story series, You and Me.Andy shares how fan mail from kids asking to be put inside the Treehouse books planted the seed for an entirely new kind of adventure—one where the reader is always the co-star. Bill reveals what it felt like to get the secretive call from the publisher, how he solved the puzzle of illustrating characters with no visible identity, and why he still considers his work a long, joyful attempt to scratch the same itch sparked by a Quentin Blake how-to-draw book at age ten. Together, they pull back the curtain on a creative partnership built on high-pressure play, a very low boredom threshold, and Bill's ongoing mission to sneak a human being into at least one illustration.Whether you're a parent looking for books that work at bedtime for every age in the room, a teacher wanting highly illustrated adventures that do the heavy lifting so young readers can focus on the fun, or a kid who has ever wondered what it would be like to jump into a story yourself — this episode is a joyful celebration of two books that prove the silliest ideas are worth working very, very hard on.Read the transcript on The Children's Book Review (coming soon).Highlights:The Fan Mail That Started It All: How letters from kids asking to be put inside the Treehouse books gave Andy the idea for an entirely new seriesHigh-Pressure Play: What it felt like for Bill to audition for the biggest job of his career — and why Andy and Jill's secret weapon is a very low boredom thresholdThe Cardboard Box Solution: How Bill solved the puzzle of illustrating two characters with no visible identity—and why first-person perspective alone was never going to workJohnny Knucklehead Was Supposed to Be a Side Character: How a fifth sketch became the series' most beloved agent of chaos—and why he keeps getting bigger with every bookThemes That Emerge from the Fun: Why the quiet life lessons in both books weren't planted there, they grewPity the Reader: Andy on Kurt Vonnegut's guiding principle and why every creative decision comes back to making reading as pleasurable as possibleNotable Quote:"There's no wrong answers, no jokes that are too silly. You sort of put a lot of stuff out there — it's a long period of me just pitching dumb stuff at Andy and seeing what sticks." — Bill HopeBooks Mentioned:You and Me and the Land of Lost Things by Andy Griffiths and Bill Hope: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast by Andy Griffiths and Bill Hope: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) by Bianca Schulze: Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠About Andy Griffiths: New York Times bestselling author of The Day My Butt Went Psycho!, the Treehouse series, and many more. Named the Australian Children's Book Laureate. Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Project. Visit: andygriffiths.com.auAbout Bill Hope: Artist and illustrator living in the Blue Mountains, Sydney. His graphic novel An Interior Life won the Golden Ledger award for Australian Comics. Visit: billhope.com.auCredits: Host: Bianca Schulze | Guests: Andy Griffiths and Bill Hope | Audio Editor: Kelly Rink | Producer: Bianca Schulze

Fr. Mike points out the secrecy in Judas' life, and highlights Jesus' words of conviction to the disciples before his death on the cross. He also explains how important it is to bring Jesus into our temptation, and to not hide our hearts from him like Judas did. Today's readings are John 13-15 and Proverbs 6:6-11. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What if being united to God begins with being cut open? In this episode of Draw Near, we explore Romans 11 and the powerful image of being “grafted” into God. Using the biblical metaphor of the olive tree, St. Paul reveals something profound about the spiritual life: union with God is living, dependent, and deeply transformative. Grafting is no gentle process. It requires cutting, exposure, and vulnerability before new life can take hold. And the same is true in our relationship with God. He does not simply improve us from the outside; he works within us, cutting away what is hardened so that we can receive his life more fully. We reflect on how God is the root who sustains us, how we are invited to remain in him, and what it means to bear interior fruit fruit that comes not from our own strength, but from grace. Drawing connections to Ezekiel 36 and the promise of a new heart, this episode invites you to consider how God may be at work in the hidden places of your life; and what areas of your own life have you hardened? If you've ever wrestled with vulnerability, struggled to trust God in the midst of difficulty, or wondered how real transformation actually happens—this conversation is for you. Like our podcast? Hit that “follow” button and tell your friends. :) Click here to become a patron! We wouldn't be "Draw Near" without your support! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Dave Durand joins John Morales on Relevant Radio to discuss the errors that hurt the interior life.

3/11/26 7am CT Hour - Fr. Michael Rennier/ Dave Durand John, Glen and Sarah give an update on Iran/US conflict, World Baseball Classic, severe weather and World Plumbing Day. Fr. Rennier gives feedback on how we should properly form our conscience so when it's time for confession we don't think "I haven't done anything wrong" and not to go to far with scrupulosity. Did You Know - Animal Sleep Times Dave finishes listing the many ways we can work too much and hurt our interior/family life.

Success in business and leadership isn't driven by systems, technology, or incentives alone. It begins with the interior life.In this episode, Dave explains why virtues like prudence, fortitude, honesty, and wisdom are the true foundation of effective leadership, and how a strong spiritual life ultimately makes both your work and your soul more fruitful.

3/4/26 7am CT Hour - Fr. Matthew Spenser/ Dave Durand John, Glen and Sarah give the latest update on Iran conflict, primary elections around the US, Team USA gets underway for the World Baseball Classic and National Grammar Day. Fr. Matthew speaks to the many things we can learn and know about St. Joseph when he never speaks in scripture and why the Church has 2 feast days and a month dedicated to him. Did You Know - Brain Dave starts unpacking the 10 errors in our active life that negatively affect our interior life.

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they speak with Dr. Alphonso Pinto about the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the intellect, and how you can progress in the interior life! Resources: Avila Institute Graduate Program - website Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits - video series Discernment of Spirits for Beginners - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett & Dan Burke Into the Deep - video series Finding Peace in the Storm - Dan Burke Into the Deep – Dan Burke Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits - Dan Burke The Contemplative Rosary - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness - Susan Brinkmann OCDS SpiritualDirection.com/Events - website Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation EWTN Religious Catalogue – online

"No work takes deep root, or has real stability, or will perpetuate itself, unless the apostle has begotten the interior life in other souls. Naturally, he cannot do this unless he himself is strong in the inner life." This episode concludes Part Four of the classic work by the French Trappist monk, Dom Jean-Baptiste Chautard (1858-1935). Among other things, there is featured an illuminating description of the progressive stages of conversion, which Dom Chautard includes as an aid for spiritual directors. Episode 4: Part Four (sections e - g) 00:00 - Intro 00:39 - e. Because the Interior Life Begets Interior Life, Its Results Upon Souls Are Deep and Lasting 20:09 - f. Importance of the Formation of “Shock Troops” and of Spiritual Direction 46:12 - (Stages of Conversion - Categories for Spiritual Directors) 57:48 - g. The Entire Success of the Apostolate Depends on One Thing: An Interior Life Centered on the Blessed Eucharist This work will be released in its entirety in episodic format. Links The Soul of the Apostolate full text: https://www.cmri.org/0-olmc-mission/catholic-books/soul_of_the_apostolate.pdf SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Culture Audiobooks https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-culture-audiobooks/id1482214268 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter http://www.catholicculture.org/newsletter DONATE at http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they talk with Dr. Alphonso Pinto about the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the intellect. Don't miss out as they discuss Dr. Pinto's Avila Institute course on this very topic and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit!

Dave Durand joins John Morales to share how you can accomplish great work while living a holy interior life. 

In this episode, I explain why your interior life determines everything, your leadership, your work, and your family life. I also announce that I'm releasing a full YouTube playlist of leadership and influence videos that were previously part of paid programs, now available for free. As the channel continues to mature, we're going deeper, especially as we approach Lent.

2/18/26 7am CT Hour - Fr. Marcel Taillon/ Dave Durand John, Glen and Sarah chat about what Pope Leo is doing to mark the beginning of Lent as well as what they are doing or giving up for Lent, latest in news and Olympics. Fr. Taillon gives the 411 on everything you need to know about Ash Wednesday and Lent. Did You Know- Sense of Smell Dave shares how you can accomplish great work while living a holy interior life. Hustle.

Title: Upside Down Interior LifeSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Nate Holdridge explores Matthew 5:21-32, where Jesus begins to reveal the radical, internal transformation He desires for His people. By addressing the root issues of anger, lust, and marital unfaithfulness, Nate shows how Jesus moves beyond external religious checklists to claim authority over our interior lives. We see that the Kingdom of Heaven isn't just about avoiding murder or adultery; it's about a radical devotion to reconciliation, a commitment to sexual purity, and a high esteem for the marriage covenant. Join us as we learn how Jesus' "upside down" ethics provide a protective shield for the vulnerable and lead us toward a life of true flourishing grounded in the Gospel.Link to Sermon Notes

"Am I really one of those who depend upon their mental prayer, their visits to the Blessed Sacrament, above all upon their Mass or their Communion, to put real moving power into their preaching? If I am not, I may perhaps be a loudly 'tinkling cymbal,' or even give forth the more pompous din of 'sounding brass,' but I am not communicating to others any love, that love which makes the eloquence of the friends of God impossible to resist." Part Four of the classic work by the French Trappist monk, Dom Jean-Baptiste Chautard (1858-1935), describes the many ways in which the interior life ensures the fruitfulness of active apostolic works. Episode 4: Part Four (sections a - d) 00:00 - Intro 00:39 - The Interior Life is the Condition on which the Fruitfulness of Active Works Depends 07:36 - a. The Interior Life Draws Down the Blessings of God 15:18 - b. It Makes the Apostle Capable of Sanctifying Others by His Example 23:51 - c. It Makes the Apostle Radiate the Supernatural: the Efficacy of This Radiation 01:13:42 - d. It Makes the Gospel Worker Truly Eloquent This work will be released in its entirety in episodic format. Links The Soul of the Apostolate full text: https://www.cmri.org/0-olmc-mission/catholic-books/soul_of_the_apostolate.pdf SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Culture Audiobooks https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-culture-audiobooks/id1482214268 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter http://www.catholicculture.org/newsletter DONATE at http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

Arcana Coelestia 7914… the good of innocence, which is the good of love to the Lord, is not received by the man of the spiritual church unless he compels himself; because it can with difficulty be believed by him that the Lord is the only God, and also that His Human is Divine; and therefore as he is not in faith, neither can be in love to Him, consequently not in the good of innocence, unless he compels himself.  Divine Providence 150. 6. Our outer self has to be reformed by means of our inner self, and not the reverse. “The inner and outer self” means the same thing as “our inner and outer thought processes,” already discussed in a number of places [103-111, 120, 130, 139, 145]. The reason the outer has to be reformed by means of the inner is that the inner flows into the outer, and not the reverse. The scholarly world recognizes that there is a flow of spirit into matter, and not the reverse; and the church recognizes that the inner self needs to be cleansed and renewed first, and then the outer. This is recognized because the Lord and reason both say so. The Lord says it this way: Woe to you hypocrites, because you cleanse the outside of the cup and the platter while the insides are full of plunder and excess. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and the platter, and then the outside will be clean as well. (Matthew 23:25-26) [2] In Divine Love and Wisdom I have presented ample evidence that reason teaches this. In fact, whatever the Lord teaches, he enables us to perceive rationally. This happens in two ways. One is by our seeing its truth within ourselves as soon as we hear it; the second is understanding it through rational analysis. Seeing it in ourselves happens in our inner self, and seeing it rationally happens in our outer self. Can anyone fail to see within, on first hearing, that the inner self needs to be cleansed first and the outer self cleansed by means of it? However, if we have not accepted some general image of this from the inflow from heaven, we can go wildly astray when we rely on our outer thought processes. They show us simply that outward actions, deeds of charity and piety, bring us salvation apart from deeper values. In the same vein, they tell us that sight and hearing flow into our thought, that smell and taste flow into our perception — that is, that the outside flows into the inside — when the opposite is true. It is an illusion that sight and hearing are flowing into our thought, because it is our intelligence that is seeing through our eyes and hearing through our ears, not the reverse. The same holds true for the other senses. Doctrine of Sacred Scripture 40. To a considerable extent, the truths of the literal meaning of the Word are not bare truths but are semblances of truth; like similes and comparisons, they are drawn from the kinds of things that are in the physical world and are therefore adapted and fitted to the comprehension of uneducated people and children. Since they are correspondences, though, they are receptacles and dwelling places for genuine truth, like containers that gather in and hold something the way a crystal goblet holds a fine wine, or a silver plate holds gourmet food. They are like garments that serve as clothing, whether swaddling clothes for babies or attractive dresses for young women. They are also like the information in the earthly mind that comprehends within itself the perceptions of the spiritual self and its affection for truth. The actual bare truths that are gathered in, contained, clothed, and comprehended are in the Word's spiritual meaning; and the bare goodness is in its heavenly meaning. [2] However, this needs illustrations from the Word. Jesus said, Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, because you cleanse the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of extortion and excess. Blind Pharisee, cleanse the inside of the cup and the plate first, so that the outside of them may be clean as well. (Matthew 23:25-26) The Lord said this using terms from the outermost level, which serve as containers. He said “the cup and the plate”- the cup meaning wine and the wine meaning the truth contained in the Word, the plate meaning food and the food meaning the goodness contained in the Word. Cleansing the inside of the cup and the plate means purifying what lies within us, matters of our will and thought and therefore of our love and faith, by means of the Word. The outside becoming clean by cleansing the inside means the consequent purification of our outer selves — our actions and speech, that is, since these have their essence from what lies within. Third Round posts are short audio clips taken from Round 3 comments in the online Logopraxis Life Group meetings. The aim is to maintain focus on understanding the Text's application to the inner life while reinforcing key LP principles highlighted in the exchanges.

Looking for leadership that flows from prayer, healing, and depth—not burnout? Listen to this podcast. Ron's new book "Road to Renewal" is now available. Read it here: https://glnk.app/go/NVe_rIO7sLzF In this episode of the Huntley Leadership Podcast, Ron sits down with Chris Westlake, Director of Evangelization at Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, Illinois, for a deep and honest conversation about leadership, healing, and parish renewal that actually lasts. Chris shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in a broken home, to atheism, to an encounter with Jesus, and eventually coming home to the Catholic Church. Along the way, he unpacks how interior healing, prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments have shaped not just his faith, but his approach to leadership, teamwork, and organizational health in parish life. This conversation explores a truth many leaders intuitively know but rarely name: lasting fruit in ministry flows from who we are becoming, not just what we are doing. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why interior life and emotional healing are essential for sustainable leadership - How Scripture, prayer, fasting, and silence formed Chris's conversion and vocation - What parish leaders can learn from sports culture, teamwork, and organizational health - Why values and culture matter more than tactics when leading renewal - How the Eucharist, confession, and daily Mass shaped Chris's return to the Catholic Church - What it really takes to prepare a parish to receive the people God wants to send About our guest: Chris Westlake is the Director of Evangelization at Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, IL. A convert to the Catholic Church, Chris brings a unique blend of lived conversion, deep interior prayer, organizational insight, and pastoral sensitivity to his work. He lives in Rockford with his wife Gina and their son Joshua. Connect with Chris Westlake: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswestlake10 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.westlake.849352/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-westlake-83b85427/ Learn more about Holy Family Parish: https://holyfamilyrockford.org/ If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the Huntley Leadership Podcast for more conversations that equip priests, parish leaders, and lay disciples to lead with clarity, courage, and deep trust in God. ___ You can listen to the podcast weekly on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Listen on Spotify ⇥ https://spoti.fi/3PYXGa6 Listen on Apple ⇥ https://apple.co/3vjltcS Subscribe on YouTube ⇥ @huntleyleadership ___ Work with Huntley Leadership! Contact us to inquire about coaching or speaking ⇥ https://www.huntleyleadership.com/contact-us Visit our course website ⇥ https://courses.huntleyleadership.com ___ Connect with Huntley Leadership! Connect on LinkedIn ⇥ / huntleyleadership Follow on X ⇥ / ron_huntley Follow on Instagram ⇥ / huntleyleadership Follow on Facebook ⇥ / huntleyleadership Subscribe to our YouTube channel ⇥ @huntleyleadership ___ QUESTION: What kinds of videos and podcasts would you like to see from us?

One philosopher of our time claims that "today, the experience of beauty is impossible." Dr. Jason Baxter, director of the Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College, begs to differ. Dr. Baxter joins us on HeightsCast to unpack his latest book, Why Literature Still Matters, which looks at why such a claim might feel true in our digital age. Then, he talks us through why and how we should reclaim our experiences of beauty for the health of our soul. Chapters: 00:03:34 The experience of beauty 00:08:44 Byung-Chul Han: the possibility of beauty today 00:15:41 Marc Auge: still living in the Enlightenment experiment 00:20:46 The soul is not a machine 00:24:57 Our task as parents, educators 00:35:05 Likes and emojis: the simplification of our interior life 00:49:23 A near-death experience in Sardinia 00:56:24 Beauty and mental health 00:57:40 Franny and Zooey: interiority matters 01:03:41 Recommended reading Links: Why Literature Still Matters by Jason Baxter Help! Where do I go from here? Part I: Poetry by Jason Baxter Beauty Matters, Substack for Jason Baxter jasonmbaxter.com featuring articles and lectures Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College Saving Beauty by Byung-Chul Han Non-Places: An Introduction to Supermodernity by Marc Auge The Wanderer above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich A Letter to Our Daughter by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan "A Prayer for My Daughter" by W. B. Yeats Recommended reading: "Burnt Norton" from Four Quartets by T. S. Eliot Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger "A Hill" by Anthony Hecht "Advice to a Prophet" by Richard Wilbur The Loss of the Creature by Walker Percy Middlemarch by George Eliot Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro Also on the Forum: Breathing Narnian Air: Loving Modernity as a Medievalist featuring Dr. Jason Baxter Receiving Beauty: A Liberal Arts Education featuring Dr. George Harne Order and Surprise: On Beauty and the Western Tradition featuring Dr. Lionel Yaceczko Featured Opportunities: Mustard Seed Communities The Art of Teaching Boys Conference at The Heights School (January 7-9, 2026 / May 6-8, 2026)

The Interior Life – Maintenance of the Inner Man -- Part 8: The Body; Giving Life to the Spirit Soul MESSAGE SUMMARY: It is important to understand the Spirit in our inner beings. The Spirit is that part of us which enables us to commune with the Lord – it is that part of us in which the Holy Spirit indwells when we become a Christian and through which God speaks to us. Without Jesus, we are not fully alive because, without Jesus one has a dead Spirit. The Spirit, body and soul are all interconnected; and neglecting one adversely effects the other two. The Psalmist defines this interconnection in Psalms 63:1: “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.". If our bodies are out of sorts, our Spirits and Souls can be adversely impacted. To optimize the effect of our bodies on our Souls and Spirits, we need to consider: 1) an eating plan that helps us live; 2) exercise so that we can be all that we can be for the Lord; 3) adequate sleep and rest; and 4) righteousness. Paul tells about God's perspective of our bodies in 1 Corinthians 6:19 20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.". If we want to maintain our interior life, we must maintain our earth suits; this body that God has given us. Don't ignore the power of prayer to help in keeping our body, Soul, and Spirit interconnected and in positive rhythm. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Scripture Reference (ESV): Psalms 104:14; Psalms 145:15-16; 1 Corinthians 9:26; Psalms 127:2; Proverbs 20:13; Ecclesiastes 5:12; Romans 7:22-25; Proverbs 4:21; Proverbs 14:30; 1 Corinthians 6:13-20. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Should Fear, Respect, and Praise God's Power, Sovereignty, and Holiness; but in Life's Trials They Should “fear not for I {Jesus} am with you always””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

There's an honest difference between "looking" holy and "living" a holy life. Reflecting on Luke 18:9–14, Fred and Kara explore how pride and comparison creep into our hearts, why appearances are not what God looks at, and how one's heart is truly the measure holiness. Looking beyond all you do for God, what does your heart look like? Let's dive into how pride can creep into our prayer life, how comparison blinds us to grace, and why holiness is not something we achieve but an interior posture of the heart. Be sure the like/subscribe to DRAW NEAR on your favorite Podcast platform! Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

The Interior Life – Maintenance of the Inner Man -- Part 7: A Listening Spirit MESSAGE SUMMARY: Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, describes the characteristics of the inner life and the maintenance of the inner man: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.". The Spirit is that part of us that communes with the Lord when we become a Christian. Without Jesus, we are not fully alive because, without Jesus one has a dead Spirit. It is by Grace that we are saved and then our faith in Jesus awakens our Spirit. We listen to and for the Lord with the Holy Spirit. God desires to speak to His people. God wants to speak to us and tell us about things in our lives like what His will is for us. However, we live in a noisy world; therefore, listening to and for the Lord is difficult. All the noise in the world and in our lives, has conditioned our Spirit to be dulled in listening to and for the Lord. Our Spirit is constantly under bombardment and distraction. As God spoke in Psalms 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”. With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as Christians, God will speak to us in a variety of ways: 1) through the still small voice; 2) as we study the Bible – the Lord's voice is both His spoken Word and in His written Word; 3) in our prayer, which is both talking and listening to God; 4) through teachings and sermons; 5) through our Christian friends; 6) through music; and 7) through the desires of our hearts, as the Psalmist tell us  in Psalms 37:4: “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.".  However, be careful trusting the word from yourself if you are not in the Holy Spirit. We need to be to listen to and for the Lord. These are exercises, in our lives, that we can practice to tune our Listening Spirit to the Lord: 1) build times of silence in our lives; 2) practice solitude – being quit and alone with the Lord; 3) read and study His Word; 4) pray in intercessory prayer – talk to God in the behalf of others; 5) keep a prayer journal; and 6) obey God – when God speaks to us, He expects us to obey, as we find in Jeremiah 7:23: “But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.'". If we don't obey the Lord, He will quit speaking to us: “What's the point?”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Jeremiah 33:3; John10:27; 1 Kings 19:11; Genesis 22:18. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

The Interior Life – Maintenance of the Inner Man -- Part 6: The Spirit MESSAGE SUMMARY: Introduction from Part 4 – We must take responsibility for our own emotions and stop blaming others. Emotions are the color of our inner life, but we must control our emotions, or our emotions will control us. Constantly remember God's presence is with us. What would happen if we really lived our lives knowing that God is always with us? Today's Message – It is important to understand the Spirit in our inner beings. The Spirit is that part of us which enables us to commune with the Lord – it is that part of us in which the Holy Spirit indwells when we become a Christian and through which God speaks to us. Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, describes the characteristics of the inner life and the maintenance of the inner man: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.". Without Jesus, we are not fully alive because, without Jesus one has a dead Spirit. It is by Grace that we are saved and that our faith in Jesus awakens our Spirit. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus tells us that we are to assist in awakening the Spirit in others – discipleship. We can nurture our Spirit through: 1) daily Bible reading; 2) daily prayer – talking to and listening to God; 3) Worship, both corporate and individual; 4) partaking of Holy Communion; 5) abiding, John 15:4 – “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”; 6) obeying God; 7) fellowship with like-minded believers; and 8) witnessing and sharing Jesus with others.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 5:24; 1 Peter 1:3. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “For Jesus Followers, Fasting, with Food, Will Symbolize a Victory Over Oneself and Solidify a Personal Relationship with God”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Dr. Orna Guralnik broke barriers by bringing actual therapy sessions to millions of viewers through Showtime's hit docuseries “Couples Therapy” — but her rebellious streak started much earlier. In this episode, Dr. Guralnik talks about the songs that transformed her into a "real" teenager, the therapist who changed her life, and how music has sparked both connection and conflict in her family. Plus, she draws a surprising line between Kendrick Lamar and Igor Stravinsky—and explains why therapy, like music, is a lifelong process of learning and discovery. Here are her seven songs. The Beatles - Let It Be Igor Stravinsky - Rite Of Spring Lou Reed - Coney Island Baby Robert Wyatt - A Last Straw Tuxedomoon - Bonjour Tristesse Modest Mouse - The Good Times Are Killing Mw Kendrick Lamar - Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst

August 30th, 2025:  St Rose of Lima - Be My Bride; Davanzato of Poggibonzi; Exterior vs Interior Life; St Rose of Lima - Courage & Faith

"These falls can be MOST CERTAINLY avoided when one knows how to use the precious balancing pole of the interior life. It is only the abandonment of this INFALLIBLE instrument that brings dizziness and the fatal false step into space." Part Three of this classic work by the French Trappist monk, Dom Jean-Baptiste Chautard (1858-1935), warns of the spiritual perils of an active life divorced from a deep interior life, while offering the assurance of grace and progress in virtue for those who root their work in prayer and union with God. Episode 3: Part Three 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - 1. Active Works, a Means of Sanctification for Interior Souls, Become, for Others, a Menace to their Salvation 14:07 - 2. The Active Worker Who Has No Interior Life 43:45 - 3. The Interior Life: Basis of the Holiness of the Apostolic Worker This work will be released in its entirety in episodic format. Links The Soul of the Apostolate full text: https://www.cmri.org/0-olmc-mission/catholic-books/soul_of_the_apostolate.pdf SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Culture Audiobooks https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-culture-audiobooks/id1482214268 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter http://www.catholicculture.org/newsletter DONATE at http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

Every Christian needs to be developing their “interior life”--but what is the interior life? Why is it so important? And how do we tend to it, like a garden in midsummer? Best-selling author and EWTN host Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle offers us answers, insights, and more as she discusses the third section of her classic work of Faustinian spirituality 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina: A Year of Grace and Mercy. Are you enjoying this podcast? I invite you to listen to more shows brought to you by the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Join us daily for enriching, spiritual content which will help you on your journey with Jesus Christ. Simply visit DivineMercyPlus.org for a complete list of our shows. That's DivineMercyPlus.org. Please “follow” or “subscribe” to this podcast to receive the latest episodes and updates. If you have been blessed by this podcast, please consider leaving a review. Reviews greatly improve our podcast ranking, and will help spread this podcast to other people throughout the world. Thank you and God bless you! 

Pelagius vs Agustin, The Three Ages of the Interior Life, Why ritual sacrifice? Join us for Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

Pelagius vs Agustin, The Three Ages of the Interior Life, Why ritual sacrifice? Join us for Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

July 29th, 2025:  St Martha - Dragon Slayer & Loved by Our Lord; Interior Life is Needed; Always Welcome Jesus; Bl Peter of Mogliano; St Martha - Ora et Labora

"The life of action ought to flow from the contemplative life, to interpret and extend it, outside oneself, though at the same time being detached from it as little as possible." Part Two of this classic work by the French Trappist monk, Dom Jean-Baptiste Chautard (1858-1935), further explores the inseparable interdependence of the active and the interior lives—each depends upon, presupposes, and completes the other. Episode 2: Part Two 00:00 - Intro 00:46 - 1. The priority of the interior over the active life in the eyes of God   10:30 - 2. Good works should be nothing but an overflow from the inner life   16:36 - 3. Active works must begin and end in the interior life, and, in it, find their means   25:11 - 4. The active and interior lives are completely interdependent   36:22 - 5. The excellence of this union This work will be released in its entirety in episodic format. Links The Soul of the Apostolate full text: https://www.cmri.org/0-olmc-mission/catholic-books/soul_of_the_apostolate.pdf SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Culture Audiobooks https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-culture-audiobooks/id1482214268 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter http://www.catholicculture.org/newsletter DONATE at http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

We're live with Brandon Otto who will talk about the book he translated called Seeking the Heart of Christ: Christian Reflections on the Interior Life, Alan Migliorato, co-author of the book Failing Forward: Leadership Lessons for Catholic Teens Today talks about teens and youth group and Noel Tomingas, Catholic author, talks about his book The Lonely Stone: Not Even a Stone Wants to be Alone.

On today's reair episode, Johnnette Williams looks at the keys to the interior life. Johnnette shares on how to best use the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and we hear from listeners who share their experiences!

On today's reair episode, Johnnette Williams looks at the keys to the interior life. Johnnette shares on how to best use the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and we hear from listeners who share their experiences!

On today's reair episode, Johnnette Williams looks at the keys to the interior life. Johnnette shares on how to best use the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and we hear from listeners who share their experiences!

Are there visible indications of your Catholic faith in your life?

God loves each of us uniquely and has specific work for us. Claire Dwyer joins Steve and Becky to discuss how we can cultivate an interior life that leads to understanding our mission.

"If God calls me to apply my activity not only to my own sanctification, but also to good works, I must establish this firm conviction, before everything else, in my mind: Jesus has got to be, and wishes to be, the life of these works. My efforts, by themselves, are nothing, absolutely nothing." Part One of this classic work by the French Trappist monk, Dom Jean-Baptiste Chautard (1858-1935), examines the relationship between exterior works and the interior life of the apostle, demonstrating how the fruitfulness of the former depends entirely upon the vitality of the latter. Episode 1: Part One 00:00 - Intro 00:38 - Prologue    05:50 - 1. God wants good works, and therefore zealous action   13:00 - 2. God wills that the life-principle of our works be Christ   20:59 - 3. What is the interior life?   42:58 - 4. Ignorance and neglect of this interior life   49:55 - 5. Is the interior life lazy?   01:04:06 - 6. Is the interior life selfish?   01:16:54 - 7. No conflict between the interior life and the salvation of souls This work will be released in its entirety in episodic format. Links The Soul of the Apostolate full text: https://www.cmri.org/0-olmc-mission/catholic-books/soul_of_the_apostolate.pdf SUBSCRIBE to Catholic Culture Audiobooks https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-culture-audiobooks/id1482214268 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter http://www.catholicculture.org/newsletter DONATE at http://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.

Something intensely meaningful happens at Mass; the summit of all meaning, in fact, happens at Mass. But many of us may miss the implications, so here's a little episode looking at some of them! As always, check out our work, and join our email list, at https://ouroutpost.org/join our free resource library platform herecatch our other podcast, Love Your Marriage, by clicking here: https://ouroutpost.org/podcasts/see what we have upcoming in terms of events here: https://ouroutpost.org/events/send us an email at hello@ouroutpost.organd please rate, review, and share!If you're a Catholic husband, feel free to sign up for some time to chat with Joseph! https://bookme.name/ouroutpost/45-minutes-with-joseph

Fr. Mike points out the secrecy in Judas' life, and highlights Jesus' words of conviction to the disciples before his death on the cross. He also explains how important it is to bring Jesus into our temptation, and to not hide our hearts from him like Judas did. Today's readings are John 13-15 and Proverbs 6:6-11. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

March 9th, 2025 - Matthew 6:19-34 – Faith and the Personal Interior LifePoint 1 – V.19-24 – Wealth (God or Money)Point 2 – V.25-34 – Anxiety (God or Worry)

Tom Riello takes a deep dive into the Nicene Creed, Dr. Robert Royal on his article "The Next Pope? It's complicated," and Dan Burke on his book "Navigating the Interior Life."

Tom RIello dives into the Apostle's Creed, Fr. Tad Pacholczyk discusses sterilization of young people, and Dan Burke on his book "Navigating the Interior Life."

Today is Wednesday, February 5, 2025, The Feast of St. Titus, Bishop & Confessor, a 3rd class feast, with the color of white. In this episode: The meditation: “The Interior Life of Mary,” a preview of the Sermon: “To Be a Light in This World,” today's news from the Church: “A Benedictine Monastery Reconnects to the Society of Saint Pius X,” and today's thought from the Archbishop. Sources Used Today: The Works of St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (Angelus Press) “A Benedictine Monastery Reconnects to the Society of Saint Pius X” (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/benedictine-monastery-reconnects-society-saint-pius-x-50372 “To Be a Light in This World” (SSPX Sermons) Watch on YouTube Listen & Subscribe: SSPX Sermons Podcast The Spiritual Life- Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) - - - - - - - We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  - - - - - - What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic...

Today is Thursday, January 9, 2025, A feria, 4th class, the color of white, and the Mass of Epiphany. In this episode: The meditation: “Humility,” a preview of the Sermon: “Fostering the Interior Life,” today's news from the Church: “Fr. La Colombière Part 2,” and today's thought from the Archbishop. Sources Used Today: A Child in Winter, Caryll Houselander “ La Colombière Part 2” (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/fr-la-colombiere-2-49655 “Fostering the Interior Life” (SSPX Sermons) Watch on YouTube Listen & Subscribe: SSPX Sermons Podcast The Spiritual Life- Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  - - - - - - What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

God has created man and woman with distinctive characteristics and roles, particular in the life of the family. Fathers, for instance, are directed to lead their families in all things, including spiritually. But in order to accomplish this, fathers must cultivate a strong interior life and draw themselves closer to God.

Are people born wicked, or does wickedness find them? In this episode, I explore the cultural and emotional impact of Wicked. From the dazzling performances of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande to the deep themes of identity, power, and friendship, this movie has left me—and theaters full of people—utterly transformed. Join me as I unpack why Wicked resonates now more than ever, the magic behind the music, and the personal connection we all have to finding our true selves.Show NotesIntroduction:The emotional aftermath of seeing Wicked.Why this story of “othering” and empowerment hits so deeply in today's world.Key Themes:The emotional layers and rich storytelling of Wicked.The cultural relevance of Elphaba's defiance against societal norms.The surprising parallels between Wicked and modern life—politics, identity, and freedom.Behind the Scenes Insights:How Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande prepared for their roles.The immersive, hand-crafted set design that brought Oz to life.How the musical's signature song, Defying Gravity, symbolizes personal freedom.Pop Culture Commentary:How Broadway and Hollywood intertwine in Wicked.The off-screen drama and why it matters (or doesn't).Closing Thoughts:The transformative power of art to inspire and shake us out of autopilot.Your turn: How did Wicked affect you? DM me, email me, or send me your thoughts! Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Sign up for the free Reinvention Roadmap weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.Schedule a FREE breakthrough call with me Want to take these ideas and apply them to your life? Let's do it!DOWNLOAD the free PDF - 40 Simple Ways to Add Energy To Your Day- get a quick burst of energy right now and KEEP IT!Reb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Personal Brand - need help building yours? Schedule a call with me here and let's discuss.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

Fr. Mike points out the secrecy in Judas' life, and highlights Jesus' words of conviction to the disciples before his death on the cross. He also explains how important it is to bring Jesus into our temptation, and to not hide our hearts from him like Judas did. Today's readings are John 13-15 and Proverbs 6:6-11. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.