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Practicing Catholic: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Augustine Institute
A weekly podcast for everyday holiness featuring real conversations and practical wisdom to arm you in the ordinary pursuit of sanctification.Join the Augustine Institute’s Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger as they explore topics such as work, family life, prayer, and Catholic culture. Each episode encourages and equips you with timeless wisdom drawn from Scripture, the lives of the Saints, and the Tradition of the Church, offering practical ways to grow in holiness in the midst of daily life.Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: http://bit.ly/3IHWk5q
Latest Episodes
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- Today43 min
Why We Love Archbishop Fulton Sheen
This week on Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger celebrate Archbishop Fulton Sheen just days before his beatification in St. Louis. Emily joins the conversation as the guys trace Sheen's remarkable life story and reflect on why his witness has meant so much to them personally.Taylor and Scott walk through Sheen's biography — born in 1895, ordained in 1919, and shaped for life by a daily Holy Hour he kept without fail. They cover his advanced studies at Louvain, the Sorbonne, and the Angelicum, his 23 years teaching at Catholic University of America, his wildly popular radio ministry, and the Emmy-winning television show "Life Is Worth Living," which drew 30 million weekly viewers at its height. They also discuss the painful falling-out with Cardinal Spellman that ended his TV career, and how Sheen's later years of relative obscurity became, in their view, a lesson in detachment and holy suffering. Scott shares how discovering Sheen's writings and talks — especially during a 500-mile walk on the Camino de Santiago — profoundly shaped his own faith, while Emily reflects on knowing surprisingly little about Sheen despite his beatification happening in her own city.The episode closes with some of the most memorable stories of Sheen's personal ministry, his famous meeting with Pope John Paul II two months before his death, and a look ahead to his beatification. Taylor and Scott each share a personal challenge inspired by Sheen's example — including committing to a Holy Hour of their own.Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.comExplore more Fulton Sheen content on Formed! https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1492054 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 1 weeks ago41 min
How to Cultivate Silence for a Better Prayer Life
On this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger tackle a challenge almost every praying Catholic knows well: sitting down for prayer only to find that silence is anything but quiet inside. Drawing on a year of listener response to their episodes on prayer, Taylor and Scott turn to the question underneath it — why cultivating real silence is so difficult, and why it's essential to the spiritual life anyway.Scott opens with a passage from St. Teresa of Avila's The Interior Castle, where she urges the soul entering the "second dwelling places" to strip away unnecessary business and busyness, not just sin, in order to progress. From there, the conversation turns practical: Taylor and Scott talk through the real sources of "noise" in their own lives — social media, podcasts, audiobooks, even good and worthy commitments — and how easily these can crowd out the space prayer needs. They discuss concrete habits that have helped them, like resisting the urge to fill a commute with music or podcasts and instead letting the mind settle and process the day, and stress that true silence isn't an empty nothingness but space intentionally filled with communion with God.The episode closes with each host sharing a personal action item for the week ahead — including a nightly Examen practice with family and a commitment to a silent morning walk — as a practical starting point for anyone hoping to make more room for God in the noise of daily life.Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/Watch Into Great Silence on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/videos/4103291Sign up for an Augustine Institute Retreat! https://www.augustineinstitute.org/about-pages/retreats-and-conferences Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 2 weeks ago42 min
One Year of Practicing Catholic: Behind-the-Scenes, Bloopers, and Lessons Learned
Taylor, Scott, Jordan, and Emily celebrate one full year of Practicing Catholic with a special anniversary episode! They share never-before-seen bloopers and behind-the-scenes footage, revisit favorite moments from the past year, and reflect on the biggest lessons they've learned about pursuing holiness with consistency rather than intensity.The crew looks back on standout episodes — the Book of Ruth study, the coffee episode with Father Rennier, and Fr. Ken Geraci's vocation story — while sharing their honest "batting averages" on personal challenges and what saying "yes" to God has taught them about friendship, perseverance, and trust.Looking ahead, they dream about what Year Two might hold, including taking the show on the road and welcoming even more guests. This episode is a fun, lighthearted look back at a year of practicing holiness in everyday life.Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 3 weeks ago39 min
The Secret to Joy When Life is Hard
What do we do when we're called to Christian joy but find ourselves in difficult, frustrating, or even painful circumstances? Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore how Catholics can cultivate joy even when life isn't joyful. Drawing on the witness of Mother Teresa and St. Maximilian Kolbe, they discuss the power of changing our perspective, seeing Christ in others, surrendering our circumstances to God's providence, and turning outward through gratitude and service. They ultimately offer a simple roadmap for difficult seasons: smile, surrender, and serve. The episode also answers a listener question about what Scripture means by loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Watch Triumph of the Heart on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1507373 Check out the Surrender Novena on the Amen app: https://amenapp.org/prayer/aznmzn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 4 weeks ago44 min
Why 4th Century St. Augustine Is More Relevant Than Ever Today
What can St. Augustine teach us about living a holy life in the modern world? Taylor and Scott welcome Dr. Elizabeth Klein to explore the life, writings, and enduring influence of this great Father and Doctor of the Church. From his conversion and vocation to his love of Scripture, Augustine shows us how holiness grows through saying yes to God, loving the people closest to us, cultivating friendship, and being radically available to those around us. The conversation also explores how Augustine’s thought continues to shape Catholic theology, what we can learn from his approach to Scripture, and how his example can help us resist the egocentrism and isolation of modern life. Plus, the hosts discuss practical ways to pray with Scripture through lectio divina, recommendations for getting started with Augustine’s writings, favorite Bible passages, and personal challenges inspired by the episode. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Listen to the Catholic Saints Podcast: https://www.augustineinstitute.org/podcast/catholic-saints Watch The Heart of Prayer with Bishop Cozzens on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1473553 Watch Lectio: Prayer on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115705 Watch an Overview of the Confessions with Dr. Klein and Dr. John Sehorn on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/765930 Take Dr. Klein’s short course on Augustine’s Confessions: https://courses.augustineinstitute.org/courses/the-confessions-of-st-augustine Purchase Dr. Klein’s book, “What Every Catholic Should Know about God”: https://catholic.market/books/god-what-every-catholic-should-know/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Aug 17, 202657 min
How Music LIFTS the Soul to God with The Annie Moses Band
What happens when a family places faith, beauty, and artistic excellence at the center of family life? Taylor Kemp sits down with the Wolavers of the Annie Moses Band to talk about music, parenting, the arts, and their mission to help families raise children who can use their God-given talents for His glory. The conversation explores why the arts matter for evangelization, how parents can introduce music and artistic disciplines to their children, the importance of community and perseverance, and how families can reclaim the arts from a culture of fame and self-promotion. The Wolavers also share practical advice for parents who did not grow up in musical families and reflect on the beauty of building a family tradition together. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/ Watch the Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/226781 Watch the Annie Moses Show here: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1125806 Learn more about the Wolaver family here: https://www.anniemoses.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Aug 10, 202642 min
What Kids Teach Us about Living Life to the Fullest
Jesus tells us that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven—but what does that actually look like in everyday life? In this episode, Taylor and Scott reflect on the surprising spiritual lessons they've learned through raising their children. From wonder and joy to honesty, play, fairness, and presence, they explore how children reveal what it means to live a deeply human—and deeply Christian—life. They also answer listener questions about helping teenagers grow in freedom while staying rooted in the faith, and how to persevere in prayer during difficult seasons when God feels distant. Whether you're a parent or not, this conversation offers practical wisdom for growing in holiness through the ordinary experiences God places before us. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Jul 20, 202642 min
How to Grow in Virtue, One Choice at a Time
What is virtue, and how do we actually become more virtuous? Taylor Kemp sits down with Dr. Joe Scherrer—retired Air Force colonel, leadership coach, and secular Discalced Carmelite—to explore how the habits we practice shape the people we become. Together, they discuss the cardinal and theological virtues, the relationship between prudence and leadership, the need for temperance in everyday life, and why humility is essential for holiness. Dr. Joe Scherrer also offers a practical approach to growth: identify one virtue, practice it through small concrete actions, and cooperate with God’s grace over time. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Learn more about Dr. Joe Sherrer and the Leadership Forge: https://theleadershipforge.com Watch The Rescue Project on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1492637 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
About Practicing Catholic
A weekly podcast for everyday holiness featuring real conversations and practical wisdom to arm you in the ordinary pursuit of sanctification.Join the Augustine Institute’s Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger as they explore topics such as work, family life, prayer, and Catholic culture. Each episode encourages and equips you with timeless wisdom drawn from Scripture, the lives of the Saints, and the Tradition of the Church, offering practical ways to grow in holiness in the midst of daily life.Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: http://bit.ly/3IHWk5q
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