Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to stop trying to fix everything ourselves.
In this episode, Jess and Mel talk about what it means to truly invite the Lord into the messy places of our hearts—the ones we usually try to clean up before we let Him in.
They explore how trust and stillness allow God to work in ways our striving never can, and how His mercy and power are most present in our vulnerability. When we let go of self-reliance and open ourselves fully to His grace, we discover that the mess isn’t something to hide—it’s where transformation begins.
You don’t have to be perfect to be loved. You just have to let Him in.
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Show notes:
Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father's Love by Fr Thomas Acklin & Fr Boniface Hicks
This week on Simple Yes, Mel and Jess welcome a very special guest, Eleanor Rossman from the Family Show, also known as: Jess' mom! Together, they reflect on the ways we all want to change the world, and how that change starts right at home.
Holiness isn’t just found in grand gestures but in the ordinary faithfulness of family life, community, and small acts of love. If we truly want to make an impact in the world, it begins with fostering faith and virtue right where we are, with the people closest to us.
Join them as they share stories, wisdom, and encouragement for embracing the daily work of building a foundation of faith at home.
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Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to tear down false altars and rely on Him alone. But in today's modern world, we still find ourselves building altars to false idols. Altars around success, comfort, control, or recognition. Things that seem to promise fulfillment but ultimately leave us empty.
In this episode, Jess and Mel talk about what false altars can look like in our everyday lives, how to recognize when something has taken God’s place in our hearts, and the freedom that comes when we let Him reclaim the center.
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21)
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Life is full of changing seasons—new routines, busy schedules, unexpected challenges. It’s easy to get swept up in the noise, distracted by all that’s pulling for our attention.
In this episode, Jess and Mel talk about how to remain rooted in Christ through life’s transitions, whether it’s the back-to-school rush, shifting responsibilities, or personal challenges. Instead of leaning on our own strength, we’re invited to lean on Him, trusting that God will guide us in how to spend our time, where to place our energy, and how to find peace in the midst of change.
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Are you drifting away without even realizing it, or dwelling in the steady presence of Christ?
At first, the drifting can sometimes feel more comfortable. We get used to relying on ourselves, going through the motions, or chasing what the world offers. But that comfort is fragile – it doesn’t last, and it will only leave us feeling empty.
This week, Jess and Mel talk about the every day choices that either pull us from Him or root us deeper, and how to anchor yourself in Jesus. Dwelling in Him is where true peace and lasting joy are found.
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In this episode, Jess and Mel explore the deeply personal way Scripture speaks into our lives, reminding us that God’s Word isn’t distant or abstract, but living, active, and meant for you.
They talk about how the Lord uses His Word not only to speak to us but also through us, calling us to step out, share, and reach others in love. It can feel intimidating to speak up about faith or follow a nudge to encourage someone, but when it’s His voice guiding you, you don’t have to be afraid.
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In this episode of Simple Yes, Jess and Mel talk about how changes in our daily routine can impact our prayer "routines".
When our prayer life looks different, are we focused on the discomfort, or are we trusting God to meet us in this new place? And whether our path is straight as an arrow, or full of twists and turns, we need to be sure to always turn to the true source of Living Water to keep us going.
“Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.”(John 4:14)
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In this episode, Jess and Mel reflect on the beauty and joy of Mel’s recent vow renewal ceremony — a sacred celebration of love, commitment, and the power of inviting God into life’s biggest moments. 💍✨
But life isn’t only made up of mountaintop moments. Some seasons feel dry, disconnected, or just plain hard. And yet, Jesus calls us to remain in Him — not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s not.
Drawing from John 15, Jess and Mel talk about what it means to stay connected to the true Vine — to keep showing up, even when the feelings fade, and to trust that He will always draw us back to center if we let Him.
Whether you're in a season of celebration or a quiet stretch of waiting, this episode is a reminder that His love is constant — and your yes still matters.
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Mel and Jess are joined by a special guest and friend, Meghan, for a deep and honest conversation about longing, waiting, and learning to hope even when the heart aches. 💔✨
Together, they talk about what it means to be open with God about the places that still hurt—and how healing doesn’t always mean being “fixed.” Sometimes, it means simply being held.
From embracing our flaws and laying them at Jesus’ feet, to letting go of perfection and receiving peace in the not-yet, this episode is a reminder that God is always near—we don’t have to walk through the ache alone.
We also dive into the gift of friendship rooted in Christ, the kind that uplifts, challenges, and gently brings you back to truth when hope feels far away.
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Am I good enough? What's my purpose? What was I created for? These are deep questions that crop up from time to time.
Join Mel and Jess as they discuss pushing past the Illusion of Perfection to the purpose God has for each of us and the journey of trust (in God) that is necessary to discover that purpose. From battling control to trying grow in the art of showing grace to themselves and to those around them, they share the simple ways we can try to bring Christ's light into every situation.
For info on Theology of the Body with Christopher West visit
https://tobinstitute.org/
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*Simple Yes is in no way affiliated with the TOB institute.
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We love to make plans, map out the details, and feel in control. But what happens when life takes a turn we didn’t expect—and God’s plan doesn’t match ours?
In this episode of Simple Yes, Mel and Jess talk about the tension between our desire to steer and God’s invitation to surrender.
From missed opportunities to unexpected blessings, we explore what it means to trust that God is still working, even when things don’t go "our way."
We’ll talk about learning to give thanks in the chaos, not just after it’s resolved… and how even in our missteps, He never lets us go.
Because the reality is that letting go of control isn’t losing—it’s leaning into the greatness of a God who sees the whole picture.
If you’ve ever wrestled with disappointment, uncertainty, or the fear of messing up God's plan, this conversation is for you.
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This week's episode of Simple Yes is a crossover with Rachel Troche of Candid Catholic Convos! Listen as Mel, Jess and Rachel discuss the different ways the Lord calls us to motherhood.
Whether it's biological or spiritual, motherhood is a call to nurture, protect, intercede, and love with a heart like His. From mentoring younger women, to praying for others, or creating safe spaces of peace and belonging—we are invited to mother the world in small and powerful ways.
And in all of it, we look to Our Lady, the perfect model of maternal love, humility, and surrender. Mary shows us how to say yes to this call with grace, even when it’s quiet, hidden, or unexpected. 💙
Join us as we reflect on the many forms motherhood can take, and how embracing this call might draw us even closer to the heart of Christ.
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In this episode, Mel and Jess explore ways to embrace humility over pride. From the need to be consulted in things to the fear of being forgotten, humility is an opportunity to remember this simple truth: everything we have — our gifts, our time, our very lives — is from God and for God. And God's way is always better than our own.
Accepting humility isn't about putting ourselves down. It’s about opening our hearts to see what God has placed inside us — gifts we might have missed if we were too busy chasing our own plans. If we can make space for His design to unfold in our lives, we can begin to see that He’s written a beautiful story for each of us. 💜
#SimpleYes #ChoosingHumility #FaithJourney #CatholicPodcast
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Show notes:
(2:50) Litany of Humility prayer
In this episode of Simple Yes, Jess and Mel are joined by Eve Rosemary of The Everyday Saint to talk about what it means to say yes to self-respect—and how that “yes” can be a powerful step toward deeper intimacy with God.
Eve opens up about the challenges of honoring your dignity in a world that often encourages the opposite. We dive into how self-respect isn’t prideful or selfish—it’s actually an act of trust and love for the One who created you.
Even when it feels hard, awkward, or countercultural, choosing self-respect is choosing to believe God’s truth over the world’s noise.
Come for the wisdom, stay for the encouragement—and leave with a reminder that saying yes to your worth is saying yes to Him. 💜
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Mel and Jess dive into what it means to trust God with our identity and allow Him to reveal who we truly are. So often, we cling to the version of ourselves we think we should be—but what if God is calling us to something more? We’ll talk about surrendering our expectations, discovering new gifts, and letting Him shape us in ways we never imagined. When we trust His plan, we step into the fullness of who He created us to be.
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We all want to serve well — but are we doing it with our hearts centered on Jesus? In this episode of Simple Yes, Mel and Jess explore how to approach service with both the attentiveness of Mary and the diligence of Martha.
True service isn’t just about doing more; it’s about asking the Lord to guide our hearts and our hands while we do it. Join Mel and Jess as they discuss ways to serve with love, surrender, and a spirit of trust.
Ready or not, the season of Lent is upon us. Join Mel and Jess as they discuss what Lenten practices have or have not worked for them in the past and what their plans are for this upcoming Lent. They discover Lent is not about the practical “what am I able to accomplish myself,” but rather, it's in inviting the Lord into their Lenten sacrifices that ultimately changes their hearts.
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When is the last time you spent an hour with the physical presence of Jesus? A day? A week? Has it been a while?
Mel and Jess discuss how Adoration is such an integral part of their prayer life and ways they spend that time nurturing their relationship with the Lord. Whether you're Catholic or not, we are all called to sit at the Master's feet. We pray this episode would encourage, embolden and inspire you to take that next step closer to Jesus.
Where do you hear it? When? What does it sound like?
Mel and Jess welcome a special guest to discuss this popular topic. Mike Rossi, aka Mel's husband, joins them in the WHYF studio to discuss some of the ways they've each tuned their ears to better listen for the Lord's voice and how to respond.
Mel and Jess welcome a very special guest on this week's episode of Simple Yes: Sister Marie Fidelis, DLJC.
When the Lord calls on you to do something, but it's not quite what you had planned, how do you respond? Sister shares some of the ways she was able to open her heart to His call and prayerfully work through things, like attachment or doubt, to fully embrace her vocation.
Discover how to go beyond your desire for sin to uncover your desire for God.
Watch the episode on YouTube.