Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael Joseph

Turn online alignment into an offline community — join us at TheWayFwrd.com to connect with like-minded people near you.What if the most important contract of your life was one you never read, never signed… and never even knew existed?In this episode, I sit down with Michael Joseph, Phil Mederi, and Daniel Menz from the Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship to break down the hidden world of commerce, jurisdiction, and private vs public status, the stuff that quietly shapes your daily life.Most people move through life assuming they're “free,” but the real structure sits underneath, in the language, the commerce system, and the contracts that define your status. Once you understand how the system actually works, you start to see why the trap is subtle… and why the exit requires clarity, not chaos.If you're exploring status correction, common law, the private domain, or how the corporate system actually operates, this conversation will give you a framework that finally makes sense.You'll Learn:[00:00:00] Introduction[00:05:05] Pre-Civil War America: gold-backed money, no income tax, permits, or licenses[00:07:39] People vs. persons: Bill of Rights language vs. 14th Amendment terminology[00:11:41] 1913 Federal Reserve, 1917 Trading with the Enemy Act, wartime powers[00:12:01] 1933 Emergency Relief Act: US citizens made debtors backing the Fed[00:17:52] The original Republic still exists; Americans choose federal or pre-Civil War state citizenship[00:20:34] “State national” has no legal basis[00:35:37] Contracts can't remove unalienable rights without consent[00:42:31] People are controlled by ignorance, not force[00:50:03] Birth certificate bond: future labor as collateral[00:53:52] Legal tender includes bills of exchange, rarely taught[01:01:39] Public vs. private: US citizens as debtors vs. living men and women as credit[01:06:11] The US uniquely allows multiple ways to renegotiate with the corporate fiction[01:10:31] The Trifecta: church, trust, and private clubs[01:12:39] Status correction starts with an affidavit to the Secretary of State[01:16:16] Passport oath: US citizen or non-citizen national unless adding an explanatory statement[01:34:57] Allodial land: true freehold without taxes or encumbrances[01:54:30] Post-1933 concurrent equity vs. pre-1933 exclusive equity[02:06:29] Law of offer: offeror carries liability[02:14:12] Secured vs. unsecured debt in equity[02:22:50] Supreme Court equity filing against 300 elites[02:23:52] Plausible deniability via obscure church tax exemptionResources Mentioned:Movie: Breaking The Spell (available to members only - join here) The Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin | BookEp 193 The Hidden Ledger: Taxes, Debt, & Restoration Of The Living with Govinda Tidball | Spotify or AppleInitiate your Active Fellow Membership in the Sacred Honor Fellowship. It includes exclusive teachings, live calls, community support, and access to advanced support when enrolling in pathways.Learn more about the Sacred Honor Educational FellowshipStep into the transformative reality of Equity Jurisprudence, the ultimate remedy in natural justice with your free copy of Equity Unveiled. Find more from Alec:Alec Zeck | InstagramAlec Zeck | XThe Way Forward | InstagramThe Way Forward is Sponsored By:Designed for deep focus and well-being. 100% blue light and flicker free. For $50 off your Daylight Computer, use discount code: TWF50RMDY Academy & Collective: Homeopathy Made AccessibleHigh-quality remedies and training to support natural healing. Enroll hereExplore hereNew Biology Clinic: Redefine Health from the Ground UpExperience tailored terrain-based health services with consults, livestreams, movement classes, and more. Visit www.NewBiologyClinic.com and use code TheWayForward for $50 off activation. Members get the $150 fee waived

Author Michael Joseph Gross (Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives) reveals how muscle has shaped human health, confidence, and culture for centuries—and why it's time for women to reclaim it. Learn why “brains vs. brawn” is a myth, how lifting builds empathy and resilience, and the surprising history of strong women—from Victorian Europe to the modern gym.Episode Overview:(0:00) Intro/Teaser(4:00) From Greeks to Gains: The Origins of How We See Muscle(10:00) The Myth of Brain vs. Brawn(20:00) How Lifting Weights Rewires the Brain(25:00) Why Most People Still Don't Lift (and How to Change That)(34:00) The Doctor Who Proved Strength Has No Age Limit(46:00) How Pop Culture Shaped Our Fear of Muscle(53:00) Are We Afraid of Strong Women?(58:00) Jan Todd and the Victorian Women Who Lifted(1:09:00) The Bettys Are Reclaiming Their Strength(1:11:00) Raising Strong Daughters (and Sons)(1:16:00) Where to Begin: Strength Training for Every Woman(1:24:00) BONUS: After-Party with Dr. StephanieResources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep444/We are grateful to our sponsors:TIMELINE - As perimenopausal women, we know we are in a fight against time to preserve our muscle strength and endurance, plus our recovery needs are greater. That's why you save 20% at https://timelinenutrition.com/better with code BETTER.LVLUP   - Ultimate GI Repair combines powerful gut-healing peptides with gut-nourishing naturals to soothe your changing digestion. Go to https://lvluphealth.com/DRSTEPHANIE and use code DRSTEPHANIE for 15% off.EQUIP PROTEIN - Support bones, joints, gut, and skin with Equip Collagen. Go to https://equipfoods.com/better and use code BETTER from November 24 to December 1 for 30% off sitewide or 40% off a first subscription. MASA - MASA's chips contain just three ingredients: organic nixtamalized corn, sea salt, and 100% grass-fed beef tallow. That's it. Ready to give MASA (or Vandy) a try? Use code BETTER for 25% off your first order at https://masachips.com/BETTER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this live PAC Talk session, coach Pieter Vodden sits down with writer and strength-training historian Michael Joseph Gross to explore what strength really means — not just for performance, but for longevity and quality of life. They trace the history of strength culture from ancient Greece to modern gyms, unpack how we've told stories about muscle over the centuries, and why we're only just beginning to understand how powerful strength training is for living longer, better lives.Michael shares how learning a scary new sport in his 40s pushed him into serious training and ultimately into eight years of research on strength — from motor units and neurology to myth, culture, and identity. He and Pieter break down why strength training has to become as automatic as brushing your teeth, how a simple, consistent program can change your body and mind at any age, and why the real magic happens when strength becomes part of your story, not just your routine.They dive into the science of muscle and aging, including landmark studies on people in their 90s who dramatically improved strength, independence, and life expectancy after just eight weeks of resistance training. Michael explains how lifting can reduce risk for chronic disease, support brain health, and even rival antidepressants for many people. The conversation also tackles the myth of “brain vs. brawn,” showing how muscle actually supports cognition, emotional resilience, and empathy.A big part of this talk centers on women and strength, featuring the story of Jan Todd and the fight to normalize heavyweight training for women. Pieter and Michael break down persistent myths about “bulking,” “girl exercises vs. boy exercises,” and the way fitness marketing has confused people about what really works. They also talk about the synergy between strength and cardio, the pros and cons of bodybuilding culture, why relatability matters more than extremity, and how community gyms like Pharos help people build not just muscle, but a shared sense of meaning and connection through training.Connect with MichaelBuy his bookInstagramWebsite

Veterans Sazha Ramos and Ignacio Montoya both experienced traumatic injuries that had a significant impact on their lives. For Ramos, it led her to an addiction to pain medications. For Montoya, a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. But after facing their challenges, both are using their journeys to assist other veterans. For a special edition of “Closer Look” on Veterans Day, “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott spoke with them about their experiences, Ramos’ work assisting veterans struggling with addiction, and Montoya about how he’s advancing research into improving mobility for those who have been paralyzed. *American Addiction Center’s 24/7 hotline is 866-868-3449. Plus, the Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) and The Home Depot Foundation are partnering together to end veteran homelessness. Recently, the “Closer Look” team stopped by VEO’s campus on Atlanta’s Westside for a tour. Program host Rose Scott talks with Stewart Williams, a Marine Corps veteran and the CEO of VEO, Army veteran Larry Benitez, Marine veteran Michael Joseph and Erin Izen, the executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. They discuss the unique challenges many veterans face, VEO’s mission, and the support services and resources VEO provides beyond housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Joseph and Phil Mederi from the Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship for a deep dive into the principles of self-governance, natural law, and the spiritual foundations of sovereignty.We explore the invisible contracts that bind us to a corporate fiction, the difference between natural rights and state-granted privileges, and why true freedom begins with self-responsibility and principle. Together, we break down the public versus private divide, the role of contracts in our daily lives, and how to live with greater awareness inside—or entirely outside—the system.If you've ever sensed that the world's “rules” aren't natural law but manmade constructs designed to keep you small, this conversation will open new doors of understanding. It's not about fighting the system—it's about remembering who you are, reclaiming your inherent sovereignty, and learning to live in alignment with divine order. Visit lukestorey.com/fellowship to activate your membership in the Sacred Honor Fellowship.Visit lukestorey.com/equitypassage to receive the complimentary ebook "Equity Unveiled" and join the Equity Passage private course. Now through December 19, use code EQPASSLS250 to receive $250 off enrollment.DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended for diagnosing or treating illnesses. The hosts disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects from using the information presented. Consult your healthcare provider before using referenced products. This podcast may include paid endorsements.THIS SHOW IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:LITTLE SAINTS | Visit littlesaints.com/luke and use code LUKE to get 20% off your first order.BIOPTIMIZERS | You can use the code LUKE15 for 15% off at bioptimizers.com/lukeBON CHARGE | Use the code LIFESTYLIST for 15% off at boncharge.com/lifestylistLEELA QUANTUM TECH | Go to lukestorey.com/leelaq and use the code LUKE10 for 10% off their product line.MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:(00:00:00) The Awakening of Sovereignty(00:24:53) Public vs. Private: Reclaiming Authority by Principle(00:52:04) Equity vs. “Status Correction”: Foundations, Not Factions(01:12:45) Debtor vs. Creditor: Flipping the Script(01:25:23) Cooperation vs. Silos—and What Equity Actually Is(01:41:47) Building in the Private: The Fellowship & Foundation for Self-GovernanceResources:• Website: sacredhonoref.com • Website: libertishorizon.com • Instagram: instagram.com/sacredhonorfellowship • Shop all our merch designs at lukestoreymerch.com• Check out Gilded...

On Mondays Tipp Today, Fran spoke to our Sports Editor Paul Carroll who gave us a rundown of the weekends sporting action, Sinn Fein's Dan Harty on the need for better rail services in Thurles, Michael called in about the Ivan Yeats scandal, our financial expert Frances O'Hanlon was live in studio, Thomas Conway had our global news, relationship expert Susan on couples relationships, Michael Joseph on the rail network, Munster Hotel owner Martin Healy on the closure of the carpark and Mary on lessons learned from Covid.

What if your “consent” to be governed was the biggest con in history?We've been duped into thinking “government” was meant to serve us, when our so-called consent has been the control mechanism all along.In this straight-shooting conversation, I sit down with Michael Joseph and Daniel Mentz of Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship to unpack the core principles of self-governance — the real-deal kind, rooted in natural law, personal authority, and the reclamation of our agency.We talk lawful sovereignty, the consent trap, and how language and conditioning keep us outsourcing our power to systems built to harvest it. This isn't abstract theory — it's a call to remember who we are, to stop consenting to control, and to start governing ourselves like the self-sovereign beings we are.If you've ever looked around and thought, “Wait, who put these people in charge of my life?” — this episode will light you up.Watch on Odysee. Listen on Progressive Radio Network and podcast platforms everywhere.Part 2:danikatz.locals.comwww.patreon.com/danikatzAll things Dani, including books, courses, coaching + consulting:www.danikatz.comPlus, schwag:danikatz.threadless.comRegister for Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship:https://bit.ly/42L4xwzShow notes:• What is Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship? • Self-governance vs government • Quantum leaps in learning Law• Natural Law inside the legal system• Controversy vs being peaceable• Driving without a license • Foundation for self-governance• Is this tried and true gnosis?• Living life in the private• Going at your own pace with support • Healing our relationship with Law• The pathways~ commerce & contracts• OG Constitution built on Divine Principles • 1871~ Birth of US Corp • Bill of Rights & 14th Amendment • Passport & ‘status' correction • 1913 Federal Reserve Act • Our signature is consent • Collapsed all courts into Commercial • Embodying equity & seeding the field• The long game of control cycles • Four pathways to self-governing • Alloidial land vs land patents • Global application of Trifecta Law• Liborland & Nations built on Natural Law• Joining the fellowship & courseload

What if the remedy to navigating our complex legal and financial systems has been hiding in plain sight within the very documents that created them?In this episode of Fire and Soul, I dive into equity jurisprudence with Michael Joseph and Phil Mederi of Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship. This conversation builds on my explorations of spiritual sovereignty and self-governance, offering what may be the missing piece for those who've completed status correction — or are just beginning their journey toward lawful living.One of the most important clarifications here is that status correction is not required to walk the equity passageway. Equity is not jurisdictional or exclusive. It's available to every living man and woman because it rests on one truth: we are the creditors of the system. All that's required is learning how to express that through our signature and knowledge, compelling performance by the letter of the law. What's amazing, is that you don't need to do anything first in order to access equity and begin freeing yourself from encumbrances.We explore the core distinctions between “legal” and “lawful,” revealing how equity operates as a private remedy rooted in natural justice. Phil walks us through Black's Law Dictionary definitions that expose how the legal system distinguishes between substance (lawful/equitable) and form (legal/fictional). We discuss the historical context from 1871 through 1933 that shifted us from gold and silver currency to a debt-based system, and how understanding this history provides pathways to peaceful resolution of public charges and debts.We also cover the four pathways within Sacred Honor's Foundation for Self Governance: national status passport, trifecta, allodial land, and equity passage. Our focus is equity as a tool for discharge, dissolution of public contracts, and peaceful inquiry — all designed to help individuals be “left alone” in the private while navigating public affairs with honor and integrity.About today's guests:Michael Joseph is the host of the Libertishorizon.com Podcast, executive producer & host of Liberty's Horizon Events, and founding director of Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship. A staunch advocate for self-governance, Michael educates on the invisible contracts that bind us to a commercial corporate fiction and shares remedies that empower people to bridge out of the Babylonian system or administer their affairs within it with more power and awareness.Phil Mederi is a student and teacher of Equity Jurisprudence and serves as Equity Director at Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship. With the conscious awakening accelerating worldwide, Phil is committed to helping bring law into balance with God and natural principles through Equity.This is essential listening for anyone walking the path of spiritual sovereignty and seeking practical, lawful ways to reclaim their natural rights. Fellowship Link Here

In this episode, I'm joined by journalist and author Michael Gross, whose book, Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives, reveals the powerful and often overlooked role of muscle in human health and society—tracing its importance from ancient civilizations to modern science. We explore how our understanding of muscle has evolved through history, from symbols of strength and vitality in antiquity to current misconceptions in modern society. Michael shares insights from his extensive research, highlighting the incredible resilience of muscle tissue, debunking common myths about strength and aging, and providing compelling evidence for why everyone—no matter their age or background—should prioritize building and preserving muscle.We cover:How muscle was viewed and valued from ancient cultures through modern timesWhy muscle mass is one of the strongest predictors of overall health and longevityHow muscle acts as an endocrine organ influencing metabolism, immunity, and cognitionThe common misconceptions about strength training, especially in women and older adultsHow the science of muscle can change your approach to fitness and longevityThe societal impact of muscle loss—and how we can turn it aroundThis conversation will leave you with a renewed appreciation for muscle—past, present, and future—and actionable insights to help you stay forever strong.Who is Michael Gross?Michael Joseph Gross is an accomplished journalist and author, widely recognized for his deeply researched, insightful explorations of human health and societal trends. His latest book, Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives, delves into the transformative power of muscle from a biological, societal, and cultural perspective, offering groundbreaking insights into how muscle impacts our health, aging process, and overall quality of life.This episode is brought to you by: MASA Chips – Get 25% off your first order → https://masachips.com/LYONOneSkin – Get 15% off with code DRLYON → https://oneskin.coMUDWTR – Get up to 43% off with code DRLYON → https://mudwtr.com/DRLYONLMNT – Get your free LMNT Sample Pack → https://drinklmnt.com/DRLYONFind Michael Joseph Gross at: Get the book: https://www.michaeljosephgross.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-joseph-gross-2937a5/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljosephgross Find Me At: Instagram:@drgabriellelyon TikTok: @drgabriellelyonFacebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyonYouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyonX (Twitter):

Journalist and author Michael Joseph Gross talks about his new text "Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives" and why the muscle is a vital and inextricable partner of the soul.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Join us for a richly informative exploration of the central role of muscle in human life and health. Michael Joseph Gross, author of the new book Stronger, will share his urgent call for each of us to recognize muscle as “the vital, inextricable and effective partner of the soul.” Gross draws on everything from the battlefields of the Trojan War in Homer's Iliad, where muscles enter the scene of world literature; to the all-but-forgotten Victorian-era gyms on both sides of the Atlantic, where women build strength and muscle by lifting heavy weights; to a retirement home in Boston, where a young doctor makes the astonishing discovery that frail 90-year-olds can experience the same relative gains of strength and muscle as 30-year-olds if they lift weights. These surprising tales play out against a background of clashing worldviews, an age-old competition between athletic trainers and medical doctors to define our understanding and experience of muscle. In this conflict, muscle got typecast: Simplistic binaries of brain-versus-brawn created a persistent prejudice against muscle, and against weight training, the type of exercise that best builds muscular strength and power. Come hear how Gross looks at muscle and weight training in a whole new light. He'll be in conversation with Guy Raz for a discussion about how all of us, from elite powerlifters to people who have never played sports at all, can learn to lift weights in ways that yield life's ultimate prize: the ability to act upon the world in the ways that we wish. If you have symptoms of illness (coughing, fever, etc.), we ask that you either stay home or wear a mask. Our front desk has complimentary masks for members and guests who would like one. Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is a nonprofit public forum; we welcome donations made during registration to support the production of our programming. In Association with Wonderfest. Commonwealth Club World Affairs is a public forum. Any views expressed in our programs are those of the speakers and not of Commonwealth Club World Affairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryIn this world of invisible contracts, where natural rights seem dishonored; there comes a time when Spirit calls us forward to walk a path of self-determination to honor and uphold the things that perpetuate and protect life. Over the years, Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship has studied and curated the leading minds and key solutions that provide remedies to this life-threatening disorder. Their mission is to educate and empower their members in a manner that breaks the spells and equips their creative will to walk along the Pathway out of Babylon. Today we welcome Phil, Michael and Marcia to discuss this Equity Passage path and the importance of the embodiment of this perspective!In this episode of the Oto Gomes Show, host Oto Gomes engages in a profound conversation with three guests—Michael Joseph, Phil Mederi, and Marcia—about their personal journeys of awakening and self-discovery. The discussion delves into the significance of language as a tool for empowerment and the importance of self-governance in reclaiming personal power. Together, they aim to break the 'spells' that keep individuals trapped in a cycle of disempowerment and encourage listeners to embrace their true potential. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Awakening07:40 Personal Red Pill Moments14:32 The Role of Language and Spells20:01 Understanding the Spell of Control29:05 The Power of Self-Governance31:47 Understanding the System: Commerce and Contracts38:14 The Power of Self-Governance45:27 Equity and Natural Law: A Path to Redemption54:30 Solutions Through Equity Jurisprudence01:07:47 Understanding Government Overreach and Legal Fiction01:12:33 Natural Law vs. Fictional Law01:17:24 Equity: The Spirit of Natural Justice01:24:50 Tools of Equity for Liberation01:30:47 Choosing Between Fictional Law and Natural Law01:44:55 Navigating Charge and Offer in Commerce01:45:08 The Importance of Honor in Commerce01:46:10 Addressing Questions on Equity01:47:34 Global Applicability of Equity01:50:28 Understanding Equity Jurisprudence01:53:43 The Role of Custom and Culture in Law01:54:51 Equity and Credit Scores02:00:34 Private Remedies vs. Public Debt Systems02:03:27 Building a Resilient Parallel Society02:06:09 Invitation to Join the FellowshipCONNECT WITH SACRED HONOR EFSTART HERE - FREE eBOOKCONNECT WITH OTO GOMESSTART HERE - FREE eBOOKINSTAGRAMSCHEDULE DISCOVERY CALL

The author chats about her new book ‘We All Live Here' - a chaotic tale of a family home in London, with multi-generational drama, bad plumbing, and a dog (published by Michael Joseph)

Natural Design is the template gifted by our Creator for the elevation of human consciousness, as we journey through the procession of embodiments within this realm. Imagine the possibility of societal structures mirroring the straight-forward elegance of Nature.  Now contrast this with administrative agencies beyond number, each governed through unintelligible codes in the literal millions, and enforced through violence to usurp our sacred birthright of self-determination. "We are here to tell you that there is ALWAYS remedy in Law!" Mankind now presides over the transition of the ages, with the opportunity and choice to realize heaven on Earth with the caveat that we gain knowledge through the unification of heart and mind.  On this episode Michael Joseph & Phil Mederi from the Sacred Honor Educational Fellowship guide us in a deeper understanding of living free through Equity in law. Alfa Vedic has hosted on-site workshops in addition to conducting multiple Alfacast interviews with experts on issues ranging from Self-governance from Status Correction to Land Patents, but Equity lies central to reestablishing Independence peacefully and honorably.   Join us in this timely and critical discussion, and become a conduit for the incoming radiance that will dissipate the darkness we have all endured into a distant memory. Show links: https://alfavedic.com/sacredhonor Use code ALFA500 for $500 off! Join Mike at Anarchapulco Feb 17 - 21 https://anarchapulco.com Use code alfavedic for 10% off! Learn The True Nature Of Dis-Ease & How Our Bodies Actually Work: https://alfavedic.com/themyth/ Join Our Private Community And Join In The Discussion: https://alfavedic.com/join-us/ Follow our new YT channel: / @offgridelegance Get our favorite blue blocker glasses! https://alfavedic.com/raoptics Learn how to express your law and uphold your rights as one of mankind. https://alfavedic.com/lawformankind Alfa Vedic is an off-grid agriculture & health co-op focused on developing products, media & educational platforms for the betterment of our world. By using advanced scientific methods, cutting-edge technologies and tools derived from the knowledge of the world's greatest minds, the AV community aims to be a model for the future we all want to see. Our comprehensive line of health products and nutrition is available on our website. Most products are hand mixed and formulated right on our off grid farm including our Immortality Teas which we grow on site. Find them all at https://alfavedic.com​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Follow Alfa Vedic: https://linktr.ee/alfavedic Follow Mike Winner: https://linktr.ee/djmikewinner

Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, O.C.D., is a dedicated Discalced Carmelite priest currently serving as the Subprior and Director of Postulants at the Carmelite community in Holy Hill, Wisconsin. He was ordained in 2011 for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and later joined the Carmelites in 2016. Known for his deep devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Fr. Paris has extensively studied her life and writings, sharing his insights through various platforms. He is also a co-host of the "Carmelcast" podcast and the "Catholic Classics" series on Ascension Presents, where he delves into profound spiritual and theological topics. — Discalced Carmelites, Immaculate Heart of Mary Province https://www.discalcedcarmel.org/ ICS Publications Channel https://www.youtube.com/@ICSPublications —

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As a conclusion to this season of Catholic Classics and to the life of St. Thérèse, Fr. Michael-Joseph provides an introduction to the epilogue of Story of a Soul. His introduction is followed by the reading of the epilogue. In the epilogue, we are given an account of the final months of St. Thérèse's life. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

What does one reflect on in the days leading up to death? In these last pages of Story of a Soul, St. Thérèse is also very near to the day of her death. She reflects on prayer being the source of all good. She writes about intercessory prayer and how the people entrusted to us can be our treasures. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph offer their final insights into the text and the life of St. Thérèse. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

It can be challenging to let the small things go. For St. Thérèse, it was the small things that she saw as the greatest opportunities for love. She recounts in these pages several instances where she struggled with the behavior of fellow sisters in the convent. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explain how St. Thérèse's perception of herself was not necessarily scrupulosity, but an understanding of who she was and how God loved her still. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

Not many people would describe prayer as something simple. However, the way in which St. Thérèse describes it conveys the possibility of simplicity in prayer. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph reflect on prayer as friendship with God and how prayer may not be easy, but it can be simple. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

Love is not always easy. In fact, love can be very hard. In this final chapter of Story of a Soul, St. Thérèse is drawing near to the end of her life. As she does, she contemplates the mysterious depths of charity. She ponders what it means to love and how Christ loves through us. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss how each of us is called to live charity. They remind us that there is always an opportunity to love. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

A common temptation is the temptation to doubt. St. Thérèse was faced with this temptation in a significant way and she explains it within her writings. She also shares insight on fraternal charity. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph ponder some of the triggers that may have contributed to St. Thérèse's trial of faith. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

Are relationships ever easy? In her third manuscript, St. Thérèse focuses on her life in Carmel. She shares about the new prioress and how she gets along with the other sisters in the convent. St. Thérèse also begins to describe her trial of faith. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph use St. Thérèse's writings to draw the distinction between the virtue of humility and the virtue of magnanimity. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

What is my vocation? This is a question St. Thérèse pondered even after entering Carmel. As she continues to convey her Little Way, St. Thérèse contemplates the vocation of love. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss how the vocation of love is for all and that this vocation does not require a felt love, but is, instead, an act of the will. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

What is the Little Way? Today's reading brings us to the second manuscript of Story of a Soul. This manuscript is also known as the charter for the Little Way. Within her writings, St. Thérèse expresses to her sister Marie some of what God has revealed to her as well as her intense desire to love. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph also discuss the dream that St. Thérèse has of Ven. Anne of Jesus. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

For some, doubtful thinking can be very distressing. As St. St. Thérèse continues to experience dryness in her spiritual life, she is also plagued with doubts, including doubts about Heaven. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph encourage us that even in times of struggle, we can persevere with faith and hope just like St. Thérèse. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

St. Thérèse recounts a trying time within Carmel during which almost the entire monastery was overcome with influenza. During this trial, St. Thérèse experienced death very closely as a number of nuns who fell ill did pass away. St. Thérèse recounts the tasks that fell to her as she was one of the few that was not bedridden. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss St. Thérèse's challenge with dryness in prayer and what each of us can do when we experience a similar dryness. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

Change almost always brings challenges with it. This is true for St. Thérèse as she begins her life in Carmel. She expresses some of the challenges she faced in this drastically different way of life. However, she also shares how she sought growth in virtue through all of it. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explain the typical stages of religious formation. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

The day has finally come! Today's episode brings us to a pivotal moment in St. Thérèse's life: her entrance into Carmel. St. Thérèse describes her final moments with her family and the emotions she felt as she bid them farewell. She also describes what her reception was like at Carmel. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph reflect on these moments as well as their own experiences of entering religious life. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

Even a young person can offer great wisdom. In these pages, we walk with St. Thérèse through the aftermath of her encounter with Pope Leo XIII. She reveals her patience with the will of God and her refusal to be discouraged. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss how there is never a good reason to delay a pursuit of holiness. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

Seeing the city of Rome through the eyes of a saint is a delight. St. Thérèse provides the details of her visit to Rome and some of the sites she visited. She writes of the most significant part of her time in Rome: meeting Pope Leo XII. She describes the visit itself but also her feelings through the whole process. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph reflects on how St. Thérèse must have been tempted towards discouragement, but instead abandons herself to God's will. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

The world holds so much beauty and wonder. In today's reading, we go with St. Thérèse as she begins her pilgrimage to Rome. She outlines what it is like for her to be out in the world and seeing some of nature's beauties for the first time. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explain the significance of what St. Thérèse shares in these pages, especially, praying for priests, Our Lady of Victory, and the impact of nature's beauty. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

The growth of an individual can happen very gradually, and therefore, be unnoticeable. In the case of St. Thérèse, her growth is quite tangible. It is clear in her writing that she is making conscious efforts to overcome her timidity. This is clear in her visit to the bishop as she requests his special permission for entrance into Carmel. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss St. Thérèse's experience of meeting the bishop and ponder how she must have felt after his denial. They point out how St. Thérèse is continuing to show great tenacity in her pursuit of Carmel. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

Revealing our greatest desires can be a very vulnerable experience. St. Thérèse describes the circumstances of sharing her desire for Carmel to both her father and uncle. As she faces the initial denial of her uncle and the rector of Carmel, we begin to see the perseverance St. Thérèse possessed when it came to her vocation, and ultimately, her path towards holiness. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explain why St. Thérèse needed her uncle's permission to enter Carmel. They also describe the factors of granting permission for an individual to enter a religious community. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

Many of us are able to look back on our lives and point to significant moments of change or growth. St. Thérèse is no different. In today's readings, St. Thérèse reflects on one of the more significant moments in her life: her Christmas conversion. She outlines what happened exactly and how it impacted her. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss the changes that St. Thérèse strove to make due to her conversion. They also reflect on the reality that we cannot accomplish holiness ourselves and we must let God in. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

There is great heartache that can come with the experience of loneliness. St. Thérèse continues to struggle in developing friendships and writes of the loneliness she feels. She also shares her reaction to learning that her sister Marie will be entering Carmel. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph share the testimony of one of St. Thérèse's sisters and what this sister saw in St. Thérèse's struggle with friendship and her experience of isolation. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

It is a good thing to be concerned about doing what is right. However, fear of not doing the right thing can become excessive and turn into something called “scrupulosity.” St. Thérèse struggled with scrupulosity and details how her sister Marie helped her in this struggle. She also outlines the challenges she faced in making friends. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explore the reasons for why St. Thérèse struggled with developing friendships and how many of us face the same difficulties in developing our own friendships. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

How good is it when great joy follows great suffering? In today's reading, St. Thérèse describes a number of significant moments of joy in her life. She shares about the reception of her future religious name, her growth in prayer, and the reception of her First Holy Communion. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph reflect on their own experiences of preparation and reception of their First Holy Communions. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

It can be very difficult to say “good-bye” to someone. For St. Thérèse, the departure of her sister Pauline to Carmel was almost unbearable. This experience leads to a significant sickness for St. Thérèse. She describes her experience in the sickness and the miraculous healing she received. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph reflect on St. Thérèse's sickness and what God was able to do within her suffering. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

The experience of loneliness is one that many people can relate to. What St. Thérèse describes as her “saddest” years are marked with loneliness. Her years at school found St. Thérèse without many friends and even bullied. Another element of her suffering in these years was the entrance of Pauline into Carmel. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph ponder the hardships that St. Thérèse endured and how God's presence was evident throughout them. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

Each family is unique and may come with their own traditions or day to day practices. St. Thérèse describes some of the practices held in her own family that were majoritively centered around liturgical living. She also shares a vision she had of her father and her experience of visiting the ocean for the first time. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph ponder the ways in which the Martin family entered into liturgical living and the influence this had on St. Thérèse. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

The presence of a mother and father is important for every child. St. Thérèse was no different. However, as described in today's reading, she lost her mother at a very young age. Out of this experience, St. Thérèse describes how her sister Pauline stepped into the role of mother and how her father's love was the greatest witness of God the Father's love for her. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss the impact that her mother's death had on her life. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

It is not common to have first hand accounts of the early lives of saints. However, St. Thérèse gives a thorough account of some of her earliest memories. She shares about each of her sisters and her relationships with them. In these pages, we also read through the story surrounding St. Thérèse's prophetic statement “I choose all!” Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph discuss how St. Thérèse's family is the foundation for who she is. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

St. Thérèse begins her autobiography explaining why she is writing it. She describes her reluctance to write, but also her sense of obedience to Mother Agnes. In these first pages, St. Thérèse touches on the importance of her family's influence as well as the prevalence of God's mercy throughout her life. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph consider what we can garner from St. Thérèse's reluctance to write her autobiography. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

To help set the scene for the autobiography of St. Thérèse, Fr. Michael-Joseph provides an introduction to the prologue of Story of a Soul. His introduction is followed by the reading of the prologue. In the prologue, we are given a deeper look at the family of St. Thérèse's, especially her parents. The prologue also gives insight into the first year of St. Thérèse's life. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.

In honor of the feast day of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Father Dave welcomes Father Michael-Joseph Paris of St. Thérèse, OCD to break down her autobiography, “Story of a Soul.” Father Michael-Joseph is a Discalced Carmelite priest and co-host of the “Catholic Classics” podcast from Ascension Press. His podcast dives into timeless texts from beloved saints, and season 3 featuring “Story of a Soul” is available now.   

We are excited to welcome the guest co-host for Season 3 of Catholic Classics: Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, OCD. In this bonus episode, Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine get to know Fr. Michael-Joseph and learn more about his knowledge of Story of a Soul and his deep appreciation for the writings of St. Thérèse. Fr. Gregory also gives an update on his current assignment and his future involvement in Catholic Classics. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.