What if the key to growing closer to Jesus is letting His mother into your heart? In this episode, Sr. Gabriella, Vocations Director for the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, helps us unpack what it means to know Mary not just as a figure of devotion, but as a real, living mother who wants to walk with us. Sr. Gabriella and Jess discuss: How Scripture invites us to personally receive Mary as our motherCommon obstacles to Marian devotion—and how to overcome themSimple, mean...

Why does Jesus make such bold promises to those devoted to His Sacred Heart—like turning “tepid souls” into “fervent” ones? In this episode, Jess sits down with Fr. Joe Laramie, SJ, director of the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Sedalia and former director of the Apostleship of Prayer, to explore how this centuries-old devotion speaks directly to the heart of the missionary. Whether you’re feeling spiritually dry, fervent, or somewhere in between, the Sacred Heart offers a deeply person...

What if spiritual warfare is more strategic than we think—and the battlefield is closer than we realize? In this episode, Jess sits down with Jesuit priest and Naval Chaplain Fr. Christopher Krall for a powerful conversation on spiritual warfare. Drawing from his experience as a naval chaplain and spiritual director, Fr. Krall offers insight into how we can recognize and resist the subtle tactics of the enemy—especially after moments of grace or spiritual growth. In this episode, Fr. Krall an...

What really happens when you're confirmed? In this episode, liturgical expert Chris Carstens takes us into the heart of the Sacrament of Confirmation—far beyond the idea of a “graduation ceremony.” We explore how this sacrament completes what began at Baptism, and how it becomes a personal Pentecost—a moment when the Holy Spirit is poured out for strength, mission, and spiritual battle. Chris walks us through the rich symbols of the rite, from the laying on of hands to the anointing wit...

In this deeply encouraging episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to talk about one of the most misunderstood aspects of the spiritual life: how to view our faults through the lens of faith. Drawing on decades of experience as a spiritual director and confessor, Fr. John shares wisdom that combats perfectionism and opens a new way of seeing failure — not as defeat, but as an invitation to deeper intimacy with God. In this episode, Fr. John and Jess discuss: Why becoming more aware of y...

This September, "Triumph of the Heart", a movie about St. Maximilian Kolbe, will hit theaters. In this episode, Fr. Gabriel Gillen joins Jess to review the film. Fr. Gabriel and Jess discuss: Their overall impressions, including acting, pacing, and cinematographyThe director's approach to storytelling as a spiritual meditationThe amount of violence in the film and whether it serves or distracts from the deeper message Whether you're a fan of Catholic cinema or simply inspired by the life...

What happens at the Rite of Consecration of a Virgin? In this episode, host Jessica is joined by liturgical expert Chris Carstens and Elizabeth Black, a Consecrated Virgin, to explore the ancient rite of Consecrated Virginity. Together, they unpack: What makes the vocation of a Consecrated Virgin distinct from religious lifeThe beauty and symbolism of the Rite of Consecration, including the veil, ring, and prayer of consecrationWhat it’s like to live out this vocation in daily life, rooted in...

In this episode, Jess sits down with Cheryl Hansen, a Tribunal Advocate, to talk about what it looks like to walk closely with someone going through the painful and often confusing journey of divorce and annulment. Jess and Cheryl discuss: How to support someone considering divorce while still encouraging hope for healing in their marriage.Why people often seek validation from faithful friends—and how to respond with both clarity and love.What words and attitudes are most helpful (and u...

The Church has declared this the Jubilee Year of Hope- but what does that mean for you? In this episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to explore how this special year invites you to delve deeper in the virtue of hope and increase your trust in God. Fr. John and Jess discuss: What makes hope different from mere optimismHow to navigate desires, dreams, and unanswered prayers with trust in God's willPractical ways to grow in the virtue of hope in your everyday life Fr. John Ignatius Ezr...

What will Pope Francis be remembered for? In this episode, Dr. Edward Sri joins Jessica to reflect on the defining themes of Pope Francis' papacy- and what may come next. From his pastoral heart to his global vision, Dr. Sri and Jess explore the impact of a pope who led with compassion. Dr. Sri and Jess discuss: Compassion at the Core- Dr. Sri shares how Pope Francis' papacy emphasized mercy, encounter, and a deep awareness of human suffering.Wounds and the Human Heart- Dr. Sri shares how the...

What was Jesus doing on Holy Saturday? While the world lay silent, Christ was at work- accomplishing in His Spirit what He had completed in the flesh. In this episode, the hosts of the FAD & Dad podcast, Fr. Andrew Dickinson and Joshua Burks, join Jessica to explore the hidden glory of Christ's descent into the realm of the dead and what it means for us today. Fr. Andrew, Josh, and Jess discuss: What the Church means when it says Jesus "descended into Hell"The famous Holy Saturday r...

What if one of the most hauntingly beautiful liturgies of Holy Week is also one of the least known? In this episode, liturgical expert Chris Carstens unpacks the rich tradition of Tenebrae, a service that blends candlelight, psalms, and silence to draw us deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion. Jess and Chris discuss: What Tenebrae is, where it comes from, and how it fits into the rhythm of Holy Week The meaning behind the extinguishing candles and the chanting of ...

Doubt can feel like a lonely place, but the truth is- you're not alone. Even the most devout Catholic experience struggles with faith. In this episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jess to talk about what it means to wrestle with doubt and how to navigate these difficult seasons with trust and perseverance. In this episode, Fr. John and Jess discuss: How Lent is a time not just to “repent” but also to believe, as Jesus calls us to in His first public words—making faith an essential part of ou...

The Jubilee Year is a rare and powerful opportunity for spiritual renewal- but what does it really mean and how can we fully enter into it? In this episode, theologian, author, speaker, and FOCUS Vice President Dr. Edward Sri joins Jessica to talk about the Jubilee year. Dr. Sri and Jess discuss: What a Jubilee Year is and how Catholics can receive special indulgences and graces during the yearThe meaning of being a "Pilgrim of Hope" and the role of pilgrimage in this sacred timePractical way...

What if the key to deepening our faith isn't just surrender, but wrestling with God? In this episode, Fr. Andrew Dickinson and Josh Burks return to talk about Jesus' Agony in the Garden. Fr. Andrew, Josh, and Jess discuss: Parallels between Jesus' Agony in the Garden and the patriarch Jacob wrestling with God through the nightHow Jesus' prayer in the Agony in the Garden can inform our own prayer when we are sufferingSpiritual advice for those who find themselves wrestling with God Father And...

In this episode, Fr. Andrew Dickinson and Josh Burks, the hosts of the FAD and Dad podcast, return to unveil theological elements in the Biblical accounts of the Last Supper. Jess, Fr. Andrew, and Josh discuss: The 4 cups of a Passover meal and how we see them in the Last SupperJesus washing the disciples feet and the tradition of the washing of the feet in the Holy Thursday MassJesus' deep desire for unity in His Church and His High Priestly Prayer Father Andrew Dickinson is a priest of the...

Ash Wednesday is upon us! In this episode, liturgical expert Chris Carsten returns to shed light on the Ash Wednesday liturgy. Jess and Chris discuss: Why Ash Wednesday is one of the most highly attended Masses of the yearHow the Church teaches us about the end goal of Lent through the prayers of the Ash Wednesday MassWhy ashes?Chris' advice for listeners to enter more deeply into Lent this yearChris' book, "A Devotional Journey into the Easter Mystery"You can check out Chris' book here: A De...

How can you have your best Lent ever? In this episode, FOCUS national chaplain Fr. Doug Grandon joins Jessica to share his advice on how to make the most out of this Lent. Fr. Doug and Jess discuss: Making the most out of Lenten fastingThe power of art and silence in enhancing your LentHow to avoid a spirit of self-reliance in your Lenten sacrifices Fr. Doug Grandon is a priest of the Archdiocese of Denver and a FOCUS National Chaplain. You can check out other episodes with Fr. Doug he...

Accompanying someone into the Church is a great privilege, but what does it actually look like to walk with them well? In this episode, FOCUS staff and converts Travis Todd and Amber Cybulski join Jessica to talk about their experiences of conversion and how we can accompany someone entering the Church well. Travis, Amber, and Jess discuss: The most helpful things in OCIA and outside of it that prepared Travis and Amber to enter the ChurchChallenges that they had as they completed OCIAT...

"Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!" This phrase is the daily prayer of the famous Surrender Novena. In this episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to talk about the power of this novena. Fr. John and Jess discuss: How Jesus revealed the Surrender Novena to Servant of God Don Dolindo RuotoloThe difference between surrender and resignation or despair in the spiritual lifeHow to be truly surrendered to the will of God Fr. John Ignatius Ezratty is a priest with th...