Free Daily Podcast Summary
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
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 5 days ago58 min
How to Practice Leisure This Summer
What does real leisure look like for Catholics? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger discuss why leisure is not laziness, escapism, or endless consumption, but a deeply human and spiritual practice rooted in rest, wonder, worship, and delight. Drawing on Joseph Pieper, St. John Paul II, Scripture, family life, and the rhythm of Sunday, they explore how Catholics can reclaim leisure as a way of becoming more present to God, family, creation, and the good things that restore the soul. From keeping Sunday holy to embracing boredom, taking pilgrimages, reading, praying, playing, and simply watching the sunrise, this conversation offers practical ways to make summer more restful, intentional, and joy-filled. Support the Augustine Institute by joining Mission Circles: Heralds, and get exclusive content like this live Practicing Catholic episode! https://give.augustineinstitute.org/campaign/745239/donate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- 1 weeks ago49 min
From Business Success to the Priesthood: Fr. Ken Geraci’s Conversion Story
Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, joins Practicing Catholic to share his journey from a secular Catholic upbringing and agnosticism to a life of grace, prayer, and priesthood. Along the way, he reflects on business, ambition, authentic friendship, the witnesses who helped him return to the faith, and the surprising path by which God called him to become a priest. Fr. Ken also offers practical wisdom for Catholics seeking holiness in ordinary life: learning to love the process of sanctity, investing in one’s vocation, building faithful community, and quieting the noise of distraction in times of change. Through his story, listeners are reminded that God works patiently through grace, friendship, integrity, and daily fidelity. Learn more about Fr. Ken Geraci and the Fathers of Mercy here: https://fathersofmercy.com 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.
- 2 weeks ago44 min
How to Make a Pilgrimage Part of Your Faith
Pilgrimage is more than religious travel. It is a concrete act of faith that helps us step away from ordinary life, bring our bodies and souls before God, and remember that the whole Christian life is a journey toward him. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on the tradition of pilgrimage, from major destinations like the Holy Land, Rome, Fatima, Lourdes, and the Camino to small local pilgrimages close to home. They discuss how pilgrimage can involve sacrifice, fellowship, prayer, spiritual warfare, surrender, and the humility of receiving from God rather than trying to achieve holiness on our own terms. Whether you have the opportunity for a major pilgrimage or simply want to make a small visit to a local shrine or adoration chapel, this conversation offers practical encouragement to begin. Watch to consider where God may be inviting you to make an intentional journey of faith. Watch Symbolon: The Faith of the Church on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1039081 Come on Pilgrimage with the Augustine Institute! https://web.cvent.com/event/10dfe3ea-33f6-4e3f-aaea-054b2c3bca3b/summary 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 ago47 min
How Mothers Teach Us to Love Like Christ
Motherhood reveals some of the deepest lessons of love: sacrifice, courage, patience, discipline, encouragement, and the steady gift of making a house into a home. In this Mother’s Day episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on what they have learned from their own mothers and from watching their wives live the vocation of motherhood. Together, they discuss the art of parenting, the challenge of helping children flourish without controlling them, and the way mothers often “decrease” so their children can grow. They also reflect on Mary, the surrender required in parenthood, the sanctifying work of family life, and the gratitude we owe to mothers and grandmothers. Whether you are a mother, a parent, a grandparent, or simply someone grateful for the mothers in your life, this episode offers encouragement to see motherhood as a powerful path of love, discipleship, and grace. 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.
- May 4, 202647 min
How to Build Lasting Catholic Friendships in a Lonely Age
Friendship is one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of the Christian life—and many people quietly struggle to form and sustain it. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore why friendship feels harder today than ever, especially in a digital, mobile, and often isolated culture. Drawing on Scripture, Aristotle, and lived experience, they break open what real friendship actually requires: risk, commitment, shared life, and a willingness to move beyond superficial connection. They also offer honest reflection on their own struggles with friendship and practical ways to begin building deeper relationships. 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.
- Apr 27, 202644 min
What Coffee Teaches Us About Prayer, Friendship, and the Catholic Life
What does coffee have to do with the Catholic faith? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sits down with Fr. Rennier to explore the surprising connection between coffee, prayer, and the Christian life. From its controversial origins as the “devil’s drink” to its role in monasteries, parishes, and everyday friendships, coffee reveals something profound about how we live—and love—as Catholics. Along the way, they discuss: – The fascinating history of coffee and its unexpected link to the Church – How rituals (like your morning cup) can shape your spiritual life – Why conversation and friendship are essential for evangelization – The beauty of craftsmanship and “amateur” work done for love – How ordinary, repeated actions can lead us closer to God Whether you’re a coffee lover or just curious about living your faith more intentionally, this episode offers a fresh perspective on finding holiness in the everyday. Use the code PRACTICINGCATHOLIC at Gloria Patri Coffee for 20% off your purchase, and 50% of the proceeds will go back to the Augustine Institute! Check out Gloria Patri here: https://gloriapatri.com/collections/all?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=missioncircle 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.
- Apr 20, 202643 min
How to Make a Good Confession (Without Overthinking It)
Confession can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger walk through what the Sacrament of Confession really is, why it matters, and how to approach it with confidence. Whether it’s been a few weeks or a few decades, they offer practical, realistic tips to help you make a good confession without getting stuck trying to make a “perfect” one. They explain what Confession actually does and why it’s such a gift, break down the three essential parts of the sacrament, and share simple ways to examine your conscience without unnecessary stress. Along the way, they emphasize that sometimes the best advice is simply to go, while also addressing common struggles like fear, forgetfulness, and perfectionism. The conversation also explores how frequent confession leads not just to better habits, but to deeper spiritual healing and growth at the level of the heart. If you’ve been putting it off, this episode might be the nudge you need. Want to dive deeper into the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Watch the Augustine Institute Series Forgiven here: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115608 Download the Amen app to listen to the examination of conscience narrated by Scott: https://amenapp.org 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.
- Apr 13, 202646 min
Did the Resurrection Really Happen? Evidence, Faith, and the Risen Christ
Did Jesus truly rise from the dead—or is the Resurrection only a symbol of hope? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger welcome Dr. Michael Barber, Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at the Augustine Institute, for a rich and accessible conversation on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, early Christian testimony, and historical reasoning, Dr. Barber explains why the Resurrection is a real event rooted in history—and why it remains the foundation of Christian faith. From the witness of Mary Magdalene to the doubts of the disciples, from St. Paul’s bold proclamation to the surprising spread of Christianity among the Gentiles, this conversation shows how faith and reason work together. The episode also explores how Catholics can live the Resurrection today through prayer, the sacraments, bold trust in God, and renewed hope during the Easter season. -Listen to Dr. Barber’s talk about the Resurrection here: https://app.formed.org/app/videos/2091418 -Dr. Barber’s Book on the Anointing of the Sick: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540960993_the-bible-and-the-anointing-of-the-sick -Check out Dr. Barber’s social media below! - X (formerly, Twitter): @MichaelPBarber (https://x.com/MichaelPBarber) - TikTok: @michaelpbarber (https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelpbarber) - YouTube: @Michael.Patrick.Barber (https://www.youtube.com/@Michael.Patrick.Barber) - Instagram: michaelpatrickbarber (https://www.instagram.com/michaelpatrickbarber/) - Facebook: ProfMichaelBarber (https://www.facebook.com/ProfMichaelBarber) 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.
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
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Practicing Catholic in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Practicing Catholic daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Practicing Catholic as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Practicing Catholic podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Practicing Catholic product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Augustine Institute.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Practicing Catholic release new episodes?
Practicing Catholic publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Practicing Catholic cover?
Practicing Catholic covers topics including Education, Religion & Spirituality, Spirituality, Christianity, Self-Improvement. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Practicing Catholic summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.