Miriam Johll is a friend of our hosts. Hailing from Iowa, she has a heart for evangelization and healing ministry. Before diving into our main topic, Miriam shares some of her life testimony of personal healing through encounters with God the Father, and her subsequent launch into ministry. While virtually every Catholic is familiar with Mary - her particular devotions (i.e., the Rosary), her statues, her feast days - it is not uncommon for Catholics, and other Christians, to feel distant from her as a person. Mary is the mother of Jesus, but Jesus has entrusted Mary to each and every Christian from the cross, to be our mother too. How do we know Mary as our mother, and the concrete role she plays in our lives - on a spiritual, but also human and emotional level? Join Frs. Michael and Chris and Miriam as they seek to answer this question for listeners.

Do we really believe that Pentecost is an ever-present reality in the Church? Just as health or sickness have diagnosable side effects, so too the presence of the Holy Spirit, first poured out at Pentecost, should have visible "side effects" - both in terms of the fruits of personal heart-transformation (love, joy, peace, etc.), and in its repercussions throughout the Church as a whole. In this episode, Fr. Michael and Fr. Chris break down the effects of Pentecost, following the points offered in the book "Baptism in the Holy Spirit" (International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services Doctrinal Commission).  Some of the effects of Pentecost discussed include: A profound personal knowledge of God's presenceA deepening commitment to a sacramental life and devotion to Mary and the saintsAn awareness and ability to exercise supernatural charisms for building up the ChurchA boldness for evangelization, especially among the laityMovements toward intentional Christian community, properly-ordered social justice, ecumenism, and more!

The "gift of tongues" (or "speaking in tongues") has been an enduring topic of debate and even controversy within the mainstream Church, as perhaps no other gift has. However, as St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians indicates, prayer and praise tongues were a normal part of life in the early Church, and clearly have a place in the Christian life today. In this episode, Fr. Michael and Fr. Chris first address some common criticisms and misunderstandings of tongues that have gained traction among orthodox Catholics. They then explain the nature and purpose of tongues - not only to demystify the gift from a theological and biblical standpoint, but to encourage our listeners to open their hearts to this gift, which is a powerful means of personal renewal and deeper sensitivity to the indwelling Spirit.

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him..." (Romans 8:28). Few can say this with greater assurance than Alma Pederson. One of Fr. Michael's parishioners, Alma shares vulnerably about her challenging upbringing: her years of growing up in a poor family in Mexico; her teenage years financially supporting her family in L.A. with no more than a third grade education; her years as a young unmarried mother. Though she often had to endure horrific circumstances - rejection, betrayal, emotional and physical abuse, crushing responsibilities - God protected her from adopting a victim mentality and formed in her a heart of love and service for others. Finally, Alma relates how, in the season of her greatest powerlessness, the Holy Spirit intervened in her life during a weekend retreat and turned her life completely upside down.

What exactly is "inner healing"? Is it just another fad of pop spirituality? And if it's not, who needs it? Everyone, or just a few? The answer is: in a fallen world, we all need inner healing. In this episode, our hosts introduce the topic of inner healing, and its crucial role in the renewal of the Church. Topics covered in this episode include: What is meant by inner healing - and what isn'tPoints of distinction between inner healing and psychological therapyThe Scriptural basis for inner healing prayer, and its counterparts in traditional spiritualityCommon signs that we have areas in need of inner healingThe ultimate goal of inner healing: the ability to freely give and receive loveTestimonies from our hosts on their personal inner healing journeys

"I hear about people having these powerful spiritual experiences, but I've been a practicing Catholic my whole life and never had one! I guess this is what's normal for me." Our hosts have heard this time and again from faithful Catholics, and they understand -- they too have been there. In this follow-up to Episode 4 (The Role of Supernatural Experience), Joe and the Frs. Trummer address the all-too-common problem of the Catholic "non-experience" of God. First, they explain and provide context for the frequently misquoted line of Jesus to Thomas the apostle: "Blessed are they who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29). The hosts then explain some of the likely explanations for the lack of consolation in many Catholics' lives, particularly desolation, and demonstrate this by each sharing their own testimonies of how, for much of their Christian lives, they experienced little or nothing of God's presence and love, and how they each developed an incorrect theology around their lack of experience which could only perpetuate the problem. Finally, each of the hosts shares how a shift in his perspective would lead to a new Christian experience that is permeated by the supernatural -- and to a frequency and depth he would have never believed possible.

The human tongue has real power. By our words, we can choose to reflect the image of God and to bring life and blessing to others, or we can speak death and deface the beauty and goodness of the world around us. In this conversation, Fr. Michael, Mary Bielski, and Laura Shoulders discuss the power of the tongue and the importance of our words. They highlight the biblical principle that our words have a creative power to either bless or curse, while emphasizing the need for awareness of our language and its impact within the spiritual realm. The speakers share personal stories and practical tips for speaking life and building others up -- stories which highlight our need for intentionality and vulnerability in speech, and for surrounding ourselves with a culture of honor.

Providentially released on the (observed) Feast of the Annunciation, this episode is a an honest and affirming conversation between the two priests, and previous guests Laura and Mary, on the roles that women are called to in the Church today. While at first focusing on women's authority in ministry (including the true empowerment the Holy Spirit grants to women in the charisms), the conversation shifts to the need for a renewed mind regarding the principles of ministry that Jesus enjoins on His disciples - and subsequently, our vision of woman's role in God's plan. Finally, Laura, Mary and the priests join in praying for a blessing on all women, especially listeners, that they may fully embrace the gift of their femininity and unique calling.

While faithful Catholics have many ways of approaching and discussing the Gospel narrative, there is one narrative that lies at its heart. "God so loved the world that he sent His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." In the season of Holy Week and Easter, there are so many points to reflect on that it's possible to miss the forest for the trees. The kerygma - the proclamation of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, his entire life and mission - is not primarily about ethics, morality, suffering, or Catholic theology and liturgy. It is about love: about God taking the initiative to set us free and restore us to a glorious life of union and intimacy with Him.

If you are a Christian, God speaks to you . . . and you can expect to hear Him. While our conscience can guide us to distinguish right and wrong, Christianity demands that we be more than just "decent", moral people. Through His Holy Spirit, He wants to give us concrete guidance in our lives as a Shepherd, Father, and Friend. In this episode, our hosts discuss the ways in which God speaks to us; how we can discern His voice; the effects it has in our lives and hearts; and how He wants us to respond. Moreover, God wants to not only speak to us in our prayer, but He also wants to speak to others through us. Continuing last week's conversation on prophecy, our hosts also delve more into the topic of prophecy: its practical application, some guiding principles, its impact throughout history, and its role in the Church which is needed today more than ever.

What would you do if God spoke to you directly? God does still speak today through many believers who have the gift of prophecy, but he also wants to give you supernatural revelation to build up others as well! In this episode, Mike joins our hosts again to give an introductory explanation of the charism of prophecy – its varied forms and purposes – while sharing many astounding personal stories of life-changing prophetic words, both given and received. These testimonies from Mike and our hosts should “crowd out the doubt” and convince every listener that God truly loves us and wants to be close to us – to guide, exhort, and encourage us throughout our lives. May the culture of our Church become a prophetic culture once again!

In the face of the world's challenges, we Christians sometimes feel helpless and settle for spiritual maintenance. But the cross of Jesus has obtained much more for us than just spiritual survival. In his life and ministry, Mike Nolan demonstrates that we can unleash the power of God's kingdom all around us, by simply choosing to receive what already belongs to us by divine inheritance. A friend of our hosts, Mike Nolan is a husband and father of seven from South Bend, Indiana. Through his ministry, Shadow on the Water (https://shadowonthewater.com/), Mike heads pilgrimages, an online mentoring community, and many missionary ventures. In his lucid and deeply insightful testimony, Mike shares how he, in his late 40's, changed his approach from striving to be a "good enough" disciple to radically embracing his identity as a son of God and lover of Jesus; and how, by simply being himself with that understanding, Mike has been able to manifest God's glory and power in the context of his ministry.

While the previous episode addressed some misconceptions regarding the charismatic renewal and gifts, this episode spells out some of the concerns and even dangers that our hosts have observed within the charismatic lifestyle. While fear is useless (Mark 5:36), prudence and sometimes caution are necessary in the spiritual journey. This frank discusssion will hopefully address some lingering objections listeners may have, as well as challenge current charismatics to not grow complacent. Some concerns covered include: Celebrity worshipHaving "a direct pipeline to God"Opening doors to evil spiritsMaking spiritual experience a measure of authorityAbusing the spiritual giftsSpiritual immaturityWorldy aspects of "charismatic culture"

Christians seeking to live their faith more radically encounter many roadblocks, especially as they develop an interest in the spiritual gifts. In this challenging episode, our hosts attempt to address some of the common misconceptions that needlessly discourage Catholics in particular from embracing the charismatic renewal and spiritual gifts. Some objections addressed here include: It's just weird.What if it's fake, and I get deceived?What if it's dangerous or demonic?The saints weren't charismatic, why should I be?Isn't it prideful to ask for supernatural things or talk about them?We're Catholic, and this stuff seems more Protestant/Pentecostal...Charismatics are into progressive music (even "demonic rock music")Don't charismatics believe in a prosperity gospel?If all this crazy stuff is real, how come I haven't heard about it before?

Fr. Tony Cecil is a close friend of Fr. Chris who was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky in 2019. In his disarming and powerful testimony, Fr. Tony describes his early years growing up with a single father who modeled God's faithfulness to him; his first year as a priest, when anxiety and suffering compelled him to seek inner healing; and finally, a miraculous physical healing and an encounter with Jesus that would redefine his sense of his priestly identity and transform his ministry.

Why do we fast, practice self-denial, and learn to say “no” to ourselves? This episode offers a perspective on asceticism that is challenging, yet also profoundly positive. We Christians are called to pursue a radical lifestyle of fasting and self-denial – not to punish ourselves or earn God’s love, but to be freed from earthly attachments and to become “new wineskins”, ready for an infilling of the new wine of the Holy Spirit.

If you are struggling in the discernment and pursuit of your vocation, this episode is for you! Mary Bielski joins our hosts to address the difficulties that sincere Catholics, young and middle-aged, face today in pursuing or fully embracing God's calling. In particular, they discuss the discouragment and fear that arises when we conflate our baptismal identity with our vocation to a particular state in life. Finally, they offer encouragment through testimony and Scripture for the uplifting and renewal of our minds in this regard.

In our times of division and sifting, many Christians share the sense that God, far from abandoning his Church, is calling her members to a renewal of authentic purity of heart today. Mary Bielski (national Catholic speaker; founder, All4Him Ministries) shares her powerful testimony, and then joins our hosts to discuss purity of heart through both biblical and experiential lenses: its pivotal role in the spiritual life, and how it enables us to live the life of Heaven now.

What role - if any - should physical healing have in Christian life today? Using Scripture and personal testimony, our hosts explain why we should press in for physical healing in prayer: to manifest the compassion of Jesus and demonstrate the power of the Gospel to a world mired in skepticism and unbelief. Supernatural healing makes the Kingdom tangible! Additionally, our hosts address how an expectation for healing fits with a balanced theology of redemptive suffering.

Should baptized people see themselves differently? At baptism, our identity is radically transformed from that of a loved creation of God, made in His image, to that of His own adopted son or daughter. But for many Christians, this does not translate to a radical awareness of their adoption by the Father. Our hosts share their insights on being a child of God (and how everything else in Christian life flows from this identity), and on becoming more deeply aware of the sonship/daughterhood we already possess.