Ever notice how sometimes you help someone and it feels like… more than you? Like you showed up with almost nothing, but somehow something beautiful happened anyway? That’s what charisms are all about. My guest, Margaret Rhody, explains them in a way that’ll have you wondering, “Wait, what’s MY charism?” We talk about the spiritual gifts (yes, gifts) the Holy Spirit gives each of us, why they’re meant to flow through us (not sit on a shelf), and how they move us from followers to something much greater. If you’ve ever thought, that went better than I could’ve planned, you might just be seeing a charism in action.

I'll be honest—last week got the best of me. Between grief, caregiving, and exhaustion, I couldn't record. And for someone who prides herself on showing up, that felt like failure. Then God reminded me: even Jesus was never in a hurry. This Check-In Day episode is about giving yourself permission to pause—and why that might be the strongest thing you can do right now. If you've been running on fumes lately, you're not alone.

Ever try saying “thank you” in Polish? Spoiler: it’s harder than it sounds. Fresh off a trip to Poland, I discovered that “Dziękuję” (jing-koo-yeh… kind of?) is a tongue twister that’ll humble you real quick. My brother-in-law Kurt tried it out a lot and sounded like a kazoo every time. Let’s just say we kept many a Pole entertained. But somewhere between the butchered pronunciations and airport chaos, I realized something: saying thank you is hard—even in English. Jesus gave thanks seven times in Scripture—often before the miracle, not after. If God Himself paused to say thanks, what’s our excuse? Gratitude isn’t just good manners—it’s a spiritual reflex, a form of trust, and serious strength training for the soul. So today, even if it feels awkward, try saying thank you. Your heart will catch up eventually. Dziękuję for listening!   

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, I sit down with Jason Simon, president of Evangelical Catholic and author of Mission Ready Friendship. We talk about what it really means to move beyond surface-level conversations and love people the way Christ loves us: through intentional, Spirit-led friendship. Jason shares how one friend’s persistence changed his life, and how we can all be that kind of friend to someone else. From breaking through the “I’m fine” facade to trusting the Holy Spirit when we don’t know what to say, this conversation reminds us that evangelization isn’t a program—it’s personal. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your faith more relational, this episode will both challenge and encourage you to take one small step toward someone who needs a lifeline of hope.

Have you ever noticed how uncomfortable silence can be? I'm the queen of filling every moment with noise—TV in the background, radio in the car, Earth, Wind & Fire while I'm cleaning. But lately, God's been challenging me on this. While reading Luke's Gospel, I stumbled onto something fascinating about Archangel Gabriel's visits to Zechariah and Mary. He asks them both to trust him with impossible news, but his response to their questions couldn't be more different. One gets silenced for nine months, the other gets a beautiful explanation. Why? What I discovered changed how I think about silence completely. It's not what you might expect, and it's definitely not punishment. Join me as I explore what happened to Zechariah and why embracing a little silence might be exactly what our souls need right now.

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, I sit down with Jill Fischer to talk about St. Faustina, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and why her message matters today. Jill shares the meaning behind the Divine Mercy image and introduces a simple but powerful practice—ABC: Ask for mercy, Be merciful, Completely trust in Jesus. Whether you’re weighed down by conflict, fear, or frustration, this tool helps move you toward compassion, trust, and light.

“What difference does it make anyway?” A friend’s question hit me harder than I expected. Was this podcast my midlife crisis? My grief project? Just a hobby? I wasn’t sure, until God gave me an answer in a homily about a girl saving sea stars, one at a time. In this episode, I share how that moment anchored my why: encouraging souls, building strength, and carrying forward my son Jack’s legacy to change the world one heart at a time.

Season 2 kicks off with my favorite duo, Jill and Claire, and somehow we found ourselves in a whole lot of boat stories! We're talking about stepping into new seasons with new strengths—whether that's casting nets when you're exhausted, resting with Jesus during storms, or navigating new roles with trust and surrender. Jill shares how humility has become her endurance muscle as she launches the "10 Habits of a Disciple"—a 10-month project for thousands of parishioners. Claire opens up about God's healing work as she prepares for 21 retreats this year. Together, we explore how the basics—prayer, sacraments, and Scripture—keep us anchored. You'll walk away with practical next steps: trying the Surrender Novena, leaning on friends and saints, and simply showing up even when faith feels ordinary. If you're ready for a fresh start, this conversation will encourage you to keep lifting your prayers and let God do the heavy work.

What role do saints play in our spiritual lives? In this episode replay, Director of Adult Faith Formation Al McCauley shares his extensive knowledge about saints and their significance in Catholic tradition. Through engaging stories and examples like Saint Veronica, Al explains how saints serve as spiritual guides, showing us that holiness is achievable despite our human struggles. Learn why saints aren't just figures in stained glass windows, but relatable role models who demonstrate courage, empathy, and humility. Whether you're Catholic or simply curious about saints, this conversation offers fresh insights into how these extraordinary individuals can inspire our own faith journeys today.

Joe Meyer, director of the Catholic Ecology Center and science teacher, shares how his passion for faith and nature led to creating a unique ministry. From his personal journey to the founding of the CEC, Meyer discusses how spending time in nature can deepen our spiritual lives and help us hear God's voice more clearly. He offers practical wisdom for answering God's call and finding divine beauty in the natural world.

Join me for the Season 1 finale as I sit down with my good friend and retreat regular, Bernadette Trucco, to take the mystery out of spiritual retreats. Bernadette calls them her “spiritual reset sessions,” essential soul maintenance that keeps her on God’s path and helps her show up as her best self. From the nerves of her very first retreat to now scheduling them as non-negotiables, she shares how these sacred pauses have carried her through life’s toughest decisions and deepest joys.

What happens when Scripture suddenly feels like it was written just for you? The responsorial psalm at a recent Mass I attended hit different; it seemed so special and personal to me. Then I noticed it was Psalm 66, and I was born in 1966. Coincidence? There’s no such thing. When I got home to dig deeper, what I discovered just clicked with me and helped me better understand my path and the role of God's word. Those verses became my roadmap for the life I'm building now. And by the end of this episode, you'll have a challenge that might just reveal the psalm God's been saving for you your whole life.

What happens when a brand-new college grad walks away from the “safe” career path to take a year of service with no teaching degree, a modest stipend and a classroom full of teenagers who think he’s ancient at 22? In this special episode closing out my Gen Z series, I sit down with my son, Ben Kujawa. Fresh out of Iowa State with a forestry degree and a minor in wildlife ecology, he’s back at his old high school teaching environmental science and coaching football, basketball and lacrosse. We talk about choosing service over career advancement, holding onto faith through loss and setbacks, and how simply living authentically can become quiet but powerful evangelization. Ben shares why “all things must pass” has become a life motto, for the highs as much as the lows, and why sometimes the best foundation is the one you build at rock bottom.

Pope Leo totally changed my episode plans when he delivered an incredible homily to a million young people at the Jubilee of Youth in Rome. They're calling it a "Catholic Woodstock," and honestly, that energy comes through even in a foreign language. His message made me want to share it: aspire to something more, find joy in what you give (not what you get), and stop settling for less than the holiness you were made for. Sure, he was talking to Gen Z, but this message is for all of us who feel that tug toward something bigger. I break down three key reflections that'll make you stop thinking your life is small - because it's not. Come for the Pope content, stay for the permission slip to live fully.

I like free and I like easy, so Kylie Flores came back for a second episode with her honest take on the apps, podcasts, and playlists that are actually helping her Catholic journey. Struggling with confession anxiety or looking for daily prayer habits that actually stick? This episode delivers practical, Gen Z-tested tools for staying connected to faith in the digital age.

At just 26, Kylie Flores has lived a story marked by deep wounds—an abortion she was pressured into, and the devastating loss of her father to suicide. But through RCIA, confession, and community, she discovered that the Catholic Church had what she needed: mercy, healing, and a way home. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too far gone or too broken for faith—this conversation will meet you right where you are.Trigger warnings: suicide, abortion

You probably already evangelize—without even realizing it. You recommend books, share songs, rave about restaurants, and invite friends to your favorite workout class. So why do we clam up when it comes to our faith? In this episode, I explore what everyday evangelization really looks like, what’s holding us back, and how Gen Z Catholics are modeling a bold, beautiful way forward. And yes—we’ll even talk about how to share Jesus like you’d share your favorite salad dressing. No pressure. No bullhorns. Just small, honest steps to build your evangelical muscle.

What does a real relationship with Christ look like when you're 15? Meet Sami Jones—a Gen Z Catholic who's choosing adoration over scrolling, and kindness over judgment. Sami shares her journey from outright skepticism to baptism, her devotion to St. Veronica (patron saint of kindness), and how she's learning to "do her part" in building her faith. With wisdom that puts most adults to shame, Sami reminds us that spiritual strength isn't about age—it's about intention. This conversation will challenge you to reflect on what it means to truly grow in faith, and how Gen Z might be showing the rest of us a new way forward.

We’ve all heard that young people are leaving the Church—but I’m seeing something different. In this episode, I share what I witnessed in Rome, what my 22-year-old son is noticing, and what the latest data says about Gen Z’s growing connection to the Catholic faith. This is the kickoff to a new series of conversations with young adults who are choosing to follow Christ in a noisy world—and why their stories matter.

Meet Hadley Mueller—23 years old and sparking a spiritual movement that's bringing dozens of young adults to Christ through running, community, and contagious joy.  As founder of Run With Christ Chicago, Hadley has grown her faith-fueled run club from 8 people to 70+ in just six months. But this isn't about the numbers—it's about tearing down walls, building authentic friendships, and creating space for people to meet Jesus one mile and one heart at a time. In this episode, we dive into Hadley's powerful return to faith, what it means to say yes to God's calling, and how Gen Z is redefining spiritual community. Whether you're a runner, a seeker, or just someone who needs hope—this conversation will inspire you to lace up and see where God might be calling you next.