This week, on Sept. 7th 2025, the Catholic Church is about to elevate two young Italian men to sainthood: Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. We talk in this episode about their lives, the topic of vocation, and Bobby's new book "the Frassati Field Guide" (https://a.co/d/0060fLc)
Ave Maria Press has a 2-for-1 deal on the Frassati Field Guide + Gaming & the Heroic Life. $16 for 2 books, use code SAINT16!
https://www.avemariapress.com/collections/now-trending
-- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/
If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Jackie talks with Suzanne Bilodeau, a wife and mother, author and podcaster, about her vocation story, her ministry and work, and her beautiful book She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood.
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Suzanne Bilodeau is a wife to her high school sweetheart Paul, Suzanne is a homeschooling momma of 6 beautiful children. A former success-seeking actuary and a recovering perfectionist and overachiever, she encountered Christ in a new and restoring way in motherhood. Host of the popular podcast Latte & Laundry, Suzanne explores what it means to sit at the feet of Christ like Mary, while moving in this world with the gusto and strength of Martha. She is convicted that God is on mission to restore and revive the magnificent vocation of motherhood, and she delights in letting him use her in any tiny way he sees fit.
Suzanne’s debut title with Ascension is She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood. This beautiful coffee table book collects 15 authentic and vulnerable letters written by Catholic mothers to their younger selves, celebrating the peace and purpose to be found in motherhood. Contributors include Beth Sri, Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Elizabeth Foss, Bonnie Landry, Debbie Herbeck, and many more.
She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood
-- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Bobby talks with Jack Beers, a friend and fellow mentor with the CatholicPsych Institute, about his journey to Catholicism, dealing with health obstacles and Crohn's disease, and the joy of walking with others through the ups-and-downs of their lives.
Jack Beers is the founder and leader of The Catholic Mentor, a ministry dedicated to helping you rise to the occasion of your life. On top of over a decade in ministry as a speaker and leader, Jack is trained to accompany individuals through the storms of life through an integration of sound psychology and authentic Catholic anthropology. Jack lives in Northern Kentucky with his wife and three children.
You can receive free weekly mentorship from the experts in the best way to live, the saints, by signing up for his newsletter: https://www.thecatholicmentor.com/newsletter
You can also sign up for his five-week course on drawing meaning from suffering called RISE here: https://www.thecatholicmentor.com/meaning-- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Jackie talks with Stacy Trasancos about her recent book IVF is Not the Way and explores the stance of the Catholic Church towards IVF, the rights of human embryos, the cross of infertility, and more.
Stacy A. Trasancos is an adjunct professor of science and theology in the Catholic Studies program at Seton Hall University and in the undergraduate and graduate programs at Holy Apostles College and Seminary, where she is also the Undergraduate and Dual Enrollment Program Director. She is a fellow for Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire Institute and author of Particles of Faith, Science Was Born of Christianity, Behold, It Is I, and 20 Answers: Bioethics.
She earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from Penn State University and previously worked as a research chemist at DuPont. After becoming Catholic, she earned two M.A. degrees in dogmatic theology and systematic philosophy (both summa cum laude) from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. In 2024, she began a doctoral program in philosophy at St. Patrick’s Pontifical University in Maynooth, Ireland. She is the wife of José Trasancos and the mother of seven.
IVF is Not the Way: https://a.co/d/0eQkjxc-- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/
If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Bobby talks with Michael Gasparro, a licensed therapist and musician about his faith journey, his work in the mental health field and sharing our creative gifts.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #131154 and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #10913 in California, Michael Gasparro helps treat a wide variety of mental health issues with compassion and a Christ-centered worldview. He is passionate about the intersection of faith and psychology.
He now serves regularly as a speaker/presenter regarding his personal experience and clinical expertise on matters related to human sexuality and psychology. Combining his original passion for music and his first career as a music instructor with his expertise in human development, he recently released his debut album of original Christian children's music, The Gift of Me: Theology of the Body Songs for Kids, which is available for purchase through his website www.michaelgasparro.com or you can check out his brand new YouTube channel which features lyric music videos of songs from the album: https://www.youtube.com/@MrMichaelSings --
Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/
If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Jackie talks with Renzo and Monica Ortega about their new book "Lovemaking: How to Talk about Sex with Your Spouse,” and share insights into relationships, sex, and love. Renzo and Monica Ortega are Catholic ministry leaders, podcast hosts, authors, and speakers. They host the popular marriage podcast, Two Become Family (also available on YouTube), and are co-authors of the marriage conversation starter, “Lovemaking: How to Talk about Sex with Your Spouse”. The Ortegas live in Connecticut with their 5 children where they facilitate youth ministry and marriage prep ministry. They have also written a children's devotional together called “Go to Joseph for Children”. Renzo is also the author of the men's devotional, “Go to Joseph”. Their online marriage ministry, Two Become Family, has been featured in the National Catholic Register and EWTN's "Life on the Rock" show, and their conversion story has been featured in the documentary St Joseph: Our Spiritual Father. Many of their talks can be found on Catholic Lighthouse Media. Renzo holds a MA in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary.... Lovemaking: How to Talk about Sex with Your Spouse Ave Maria Press: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/lovemakingAmazon: https://a.co/d/cu5XjlK-- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Bobby talks with Laraine Bennett and her daughter Dr. Lianna Bennett Haidar about anxiety, what it is and what we do about it, highlighting their newest book Anxiety: A Catholic Guide from Freedom and Fear.
Laraine Bennett has a master's degree in Philosophy and has co-authored 5 books with her husband, Art: The Temperament God Gave You, The Temperament God Gave Your Spouse, The Temperament God Gave Your Kids, The Emotions God Gave You, and Tuned In: The Power of Pressing Pause and Listening. She wrote a book of reflections for caregivers, A Year of Grace: 365 Reflections for Caregivers. The Bennetts reside in Northern Virginia and have 4 adult children and 8 grandchildren.
Lianna Bennett Haidar, Psy.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist located in the heart of Alexandria. As a therapist she works with clients to heal past traumas, reduce the experiences of depression and anxiety, and improve the quality of the relationships in their lives. ... Anxiety: A Catholic Guide from Freedom and Fear Sophia Institute Press book link Amazon book link-- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Jackie & Bobby celebrate episode #50 of the podcast, recap their Lenten 2025 travels, and breakdown Bobby's newest book, The Postmodern Predicament with Sophia Institute Press, out now!
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The Postmodern Predicament: And a Roadmap for Recovery and Restoration, out now!
Sophia Institute Press:https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-postmodern-predicament/
Amazon: https://a.co/d/aefmVo4
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Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/
If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
In this episode, Jackie speaks with Mary Lenaburg, an author, speaker, mentor, and retreat leader. Mary shares her testimony and remarkable journey of hope and healing in marriage and motherhood.
Connect with Mary and learn more about her ministry at https://marylenaburg.com/ ----2025 Pilgrimage to Croatia & Medjugorje, info here: https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-medjugorje-with-kim-zember-jackie-francois-angel-and-fr-edwin-leonard/... Jackie NEW book, "Memorize Scripture: Simple Steps to Pray, Ponder, and Practice God's Word" with Ave Maria Press (available now!): Ave Maria: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/memorize-scripture?srsltid=AfmBOorE33WAgXrGfQdefAkBg2ewIZRXkIxGeVzmsO5A0GDvBPbuTXxQAmazon: https://a.co/d/1k6f6em-- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
We talk in this episode with Fr. Mike Schmitz, longtime friend and collaborator on Ascension Presents, recording from SEEK 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. We reminisce on old ministry moments, the Catholicity of Captain America, and being encouraged in our walks with the Lord. Father Mike Schmitz is the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth as well as the Chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The Duluth Newman Center focuses on being fed through the Sacraments as well as study and knowledge of the Church and has thrived under his humble and Spirit-filled guidance. He has preached to thousands locally and nationally. He is the host of the widely popular podcasts, “Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year” produced by Ascension. Father Mike also offers weekly homilies on iTunes, Hallow, and bulldogCatholic.org and has appeared in programs for youth and young adults through Ascension Press, as well as through regular short video messages on Ascension Presents. Check out Fr. Mike's books and links here: https://bulldogcatholic.org/about-contact-us/about-fr-mike-schmitz/ ----- SHOUTOUT to our amazing crew that came together and volunteered their time to make this episode happen: Pietro Damasceno, Michael Hogan, John Donahue @truthcharting and Justine Callis (https://www.instagram.com/theologyofconversion/), and thank you to Kyle Heimann from @MAXStudiosUST for letting us borrow the gear! ---- 2025 Pilgrimage to Croatia & Medjugorje, info here: https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-medjugorje-with-kim-zember-jackie-francois-angel-and-fr-edwin-leonard/ ... Jackie NEW book, "Memorize Scripture: Simple Steps to Pray, Ponder, and Practice God's Word" with Ave Maria Press (available now!): Ave Maria: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/memorize-scripture?srsltid=AfmBOorE33WAgXrGfQdefAkBg2ewIZRXkIxGeVzmsO5A0GDvBPbuTXxQ Amazon: https://a.co/d/1k6f6em -- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
We talk in this episode with Fr. Carter Griffin, a priest of Washington DC, on the topic of formation specifically for marriages and families. We also talk about his newest book, Forming Families, Forming Saints available now with Emmaus Road Publishing at the St. Paul Center.
Father Carter Griffin is a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington. A graduate of Princeton University and a former line officer in the United States Navy, he obtained his doctorate in theology from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. After serving as a parish priest, he was assigned to the newly established St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, DC, where he now serves as rector. He is the author of several best-selling books, including Cross-Examined: Catholic Responses to the World’s Questions and Why Celibacy? Reclaiming the Fatherhood of the Priest.
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2025 Pilgrimage to Croatia & Medjugorje, info here: https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-medjugorje-with-kim-zember-jackie-francois-angel-and-fr-edwin-leonard/
Jackie NEW book, "Memorize Scripture: Simple Steps to Pray, Ponder, and Practice God's Word" with Ave Maria Press: Ave Maria: https://www.avemariapress.com/product... Amazon: https://a.co/d/1k6f6em -- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: / jackieandbobby
Jackie & Bobby talk about their recent travels, notably Jackie's pilgrimage to Poland, some thoughts on Pope John Paul II's earlier work Love & Responsibility, and highlight Jackie's new book---(Memorize Scripture: Simple Steps to Pray, Ponder, and Practice God's Word (https://a.co/d/gFnrmpG)-- coming soon! ... Jackie NEW book, "Memorize Scripture: Simple Steps to Pray, Ponder, and Practice God's Word" with Ave Maria Press (available for pre-order now!): Ave Maria Press: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/memorize-scripture?srsltid=AfmBOorE33WAgXrGfQdefAkBg2ewIZRXkIxGeVzmsO5A0GDvBPbuTXxQ Amazon: https://a.co/d/1k6f6em -- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Bobby talks with ministry friend Johnna Sullivan, a trained mentor with the CatholicPsych Institute. They talk about Johnna's formation, testimony, and her pull towards ministering to "the misfits" within the Church, especially those coming from broken and blended families. Johnna Sullivan served as a missionary in Haiti, is the mother of her 11-year-old son Levi, and lives in Guilford, Connecticut. She attended the Franciscan University of Steubenville and now works as a partner mentor for anyone struggling and needing someone to process their story with. As a writer, she wishes to use her words for good and to bring the reality of God's mercy into people's lives. To learn more about the mentorship model with Johnna, click here: https://catholicpsych.com/johnna
-- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Bobby talks with Dr. John Bishop about his work on FORGE, a new platform designed to build a foundation of healthy fathers, strong families, and empowered evangelizers to revitalize the family, transform our culture, and rebuild the Church. John earned his Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America where he wrote his doctoral dissertation on masculine virtue. He worked at FOCUS in various positions before founding FORGE in 2023 and now serves as its executive director. ... To learn about FORGE and get 50% off of any online course, check out: http://unbouncepages.com/forge-podcast/ The main site for FORGE: https://myforge.org/ John's earlier talk on fatherhood and the masculine genius https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X52ClpKAEa0 -- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Jackie & Bobby talk about their recent anniversaries, going through withdrawals after the Olympics, and their summer travels, particularly the first National Eucharistic Congress in 83 years. -- Jackie on Hallow's series on St. John Paul II: https://hallow.com/challenges/244/
Fr. Mike Schmitz on the Olympics' Opening Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ueAVZwFJbwThe
National Eucharistic Congress: https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/ --
Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Jackie talks with María Paula Aldana on her upbringing in Colombia, her testimony of faith, and her global ministry teaching the Theology of the Body. María Paula Aldana is a digital content creator, international speaker, writer and expert in Theology of the Body, and in teaching comprehensive sexuality education. She was a theology student at Pontifical Javeriana University in Bogotá Colombia and has studied at the Theology of the Body Institute. She graduated from the Comprehensive Sexuality Education program at the Austral University (Argentina), and is a part of the Alliance Defending Freedom delegate for Latin America and Ambassador of the Human Dignity for the World Youth Alliance. ... Check out María Paula Aldana on Somos Suyos: https://www.youtube.com/@SomosSuyos
IG: https://www.instagram.com/somos.sos?igsh=MTd3dnNjanZobG9vaQ== -- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Bobby talks with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames about his life, his calling as a Franciscan Friar, and insights from his newest book "The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You Into the Heart of God." Fr. Mark-Mary Ames is the Director of Communications and the Director of Priestly Studies of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR). The primary mission of the CFR community is a wholehearted embracing of Jesus Christ and their Holy Father, St. Francis of Assisi. Fr. Mark-Mary is the host of the Ascension Presents video series The CFRs. He was also the executive producer of the Poco a Poco music album featuring Br. Isaiah, CFR, and is the author of Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress. ... - Fr. Mark's newest book: "The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You into the Heart of God" - Renewal in Motion Basketball Video - Ascension Presents: The CFRs (YouTube) - The Franciscan Friars of the Renewals -- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Jackie talks with Dr. Julia Sadusky about her books and clinical work, moving beyond "the talk" as a one-time event, and practical advice for parents to engage in conversations with their kids (or teens) about sex and the goodness of the body. Dr. Julia Sadusky is a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner of a private practice in Littleton, CO. She is also an author, consultant, speaker, and adjunct professor. Dr. Sadusky has done extensive research and clinical work in sexual and gender development and specializes in trauma-informed care. She earned a bachelor's degree from Ave Maria University and a master's degree and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Regent University. She has authored several books around human sexuality, with her most recent two-book series entitled, "Start Talking to Your Kids about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics" (Ave Maria Press, 2023) and "Talking with Your Teen about Sex: A Practical Guide for Catholics (Ave Maria Press, 2024). Connect with Dr. Julia via her website for more: https://www.juliasadusky.com/ --- Poland Pilgrimage this Fall with Jackie & Kim Zember: https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-poland-and-prague-september-22-october-3-2024-24rs09pokz/ -- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Bobby talks with good friend and fellow minister Chika Anyanwu about her experience in ministry, moving beyond comfort, and going back to (grad) school. Chika Anyanwu is a Catholic evangelist, former Confirmation coordinator/youth & young adult minister, and the author of My Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer.
Her love of God and neighbor enthuses her to share the gospel through testimony, scripture, and honest conversations about the difficult realities of faith and life. She’s had the opportunity to evangelize at NCYC, Given, Steubenville youth conferences, FOCUS SEEK conferences, and The Catholic Feminist France pilgrimage. She’s also a contributor to Blessed Is She as well as “Connected” and “Venture: the Bible Timeline” by Ascension Press. Connect with Chika at: https://www.chika.church/ Instagram: @chikasworld --- Poland Pilgrimage this Fall with Jackie & Kim Zember: https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-poland-and-prague-september-22-october-3-2024-24rs09pokz/ -- Thank you for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
Jackie talks with friend Mari Pablo about her journey in ministry, why Easter needs to be celebrated for more than one day, and having a relationship with Jesus.
Mari Pablo is a proud Hispanic and cradle Catholic whose life was wrecked in the best possible way when she finally decided to stop fighting and surrender it all to Him. She holds bachelor's degrees in theology and psychology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, as well as a master’s degree in theology from the Augustine Institute. Mari has worked in youth ministry for over fifteen years, both as a youth minister and as a Catholic high school theology teacher. She is currently serving parishes and universities across the country with The Evangelical Catholic. Mari is well known for her dynamic presentations at the annual Steubenville Youth Conferences and other national outlets.
Mari is a presenter in several Ascension Press programs including YOU- Theology of the Body for teens, Chosen, Ascension Presents and Connected- Catholic Social Teaching for this generation. Her mission is simple, to encourage others to refuse to settle for the things of this world, but rather to strive for more, to strive for Him.
Website. www.MariPablo.com
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/maripablo25/ -- Pilgrimage to Poland & Prague! Find out more info here about the pilgrimage Jackie will be co-leading next Fall with Fr. Edwin Leonard and Kim Zember:https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/pilgrimage-to-poland-and-prague-september-22-october-3-2024-24rs09pokz/ -- Thanks for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: https://jackieandbobby.com/ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby
