Advent is here, and A Resounding Yes! is going to look a little different! We'll be speaking with guests on topics that fit the season of waiting and hope that is Advent.

We'll still be bringing you weekly episodes with amazing guests, but we'll be focusing specifically on how you can journey with the Lord more fully this Advent season.

Please know of our prayers for you and your intentions!

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Advent Resources Mentioned:

Illuminate Guided Advent Journal

Hallow Pray25

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Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios. 

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In this episode of A Resounding Yes!, host Christina Sabo engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sean Dietrich, better known as Sean of the South. The two native Southerners explore Sean's journey as a writer and musician while discussing his new book, Over Yonder. 

Sean reflects on the themes of family (literal and chosen), hope, human connection, and life in the South. Sean shares his insights on the importance of storytelling, the beauty of music, and the need for authentic relationships in today's world, all with his characteristic front porch charm.

Thanks for listening!

• Order Sean's New Book Here!

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sean Dietrich
02:01 Sean's Journey: From Tragedy to Writing
05:40 The Essence of Family and Belonging
10:08 Exploring the Themes of Over Yonder
13:40 Finding Joy in Life's Adventures
18:06 The Role of God in Sean's Life
22:18 Nature as a Teacher
26:40 The Impact of Technology on Relationships
31:29 Character Connections in Over Yonder
35:56 Who Should Read Over Yonder?
37:54 Finding Joy in Daily Writing
43:14 The Importance of Human Connection
49:37 The Power of Music and Storytelling

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Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios. 

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In this episode of A Resounding Yes!, Christina Sabo is joined by Bobby Angel, a Catholic author and speaker, to discuss his journey of faith and his recent book, The Frassati Field Guide: An 8-Day Ascent to Heroic Virtue. 

Listeners will hear stories of Bobby's personal experiences, his path to embracing his faith, and the impact of his work in ministry. Bobby shares insights into his own life, including his time in seminary, his decision to pursue marriage, and his ongoing commitment to living a life of faith and service. The conversation also explores the life of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and how his example can inspire young people today.

• Get a copy of Bobby's new book here

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Prayer
• 03:00 Bobby Angel's Faith Journey
• 09:00 Life and Influence of St. Pierre Giorgio Frasati
• 18:00 Balancing Faith, Family, and Ministry
• 24:00 Bobby Angel's Books and Teachings
• 30:00 Conclusion and Encouragement 

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Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios. 

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Follow Paloma & Fig on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn. Learn more at www.palomaandfig.com. Join in the conversation by joining our Facebook group, A Resounding Yes!

In this episode of A Resounding Yes!, Christina Sabo speaks with Ben O'Brien, a firefighter and author of 'The Proving Grounds: A Catholic on Ladder 17.' 

Christina and Ben discuss his journey to firefighting, the challenges he faced in balancing his faith with his profession, and the importance of resilience and encouragement in living out one's vocation. 

Ben shares insights from his book, reflecting on the moral implications of decision-making in both firefighting and personal life, and emphasizes the need for courage in the face of cultural challenges.

• Get Ben's Book Here!

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Resounding Yes Podcast
01:57 Ben O'Brien's Journey to Firefighting
05:38 The Proving Grounds: A Reflection on Faith and Vocation
10:17 Cultural Challenges in the Firefighting Profession
14:43 The Importance of Courage in Faith
17:19 Encouragement for Future Firefighters
20:03 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

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Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios. 

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Follow Paloma & Fig on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn. Learn more at www.palomaandfig.com. Join in the conversation by joining our Facebook group, A Resounding Yes!

In this episode of A Resounding Yes! podcast, host Christina Sabo speaks with Theresa Payton, the first female White House Chief Information Officer and a leading authority on cybersecurity, about the alarming rise of cybercrime targeting religious communities. Together, they explore how scammers prey on trust, faith, and emotion—particularly within Catholic circles—and why the elderly are among the most vulnerable.

Theresa explains the psychology behind these schemes, the role of social media in enabling fraudulent behavior, and the disturbing trend of criminals impersonating beloved Catholic clergy and public figures. Throughout the conversation, she provides actionable steps for prevention, recovery, and reporting, empowering listeners to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Key points discussed include:

• Scammers frequently impersonate well-known Catholic leaders, such as Cardinal Dolan, Fr. Mike Schmitz, or Jonathan Roumie, creating fake “side accounts” to solicit money, gift cards, or personal information.
• Legitimate priests and public figures will never ask for donations or private details via DM, WhatsApp, or secret groups.
• If you’ve been scammed, Theresa urges victims to immediately contact their bank, report the fraud, and preserve screenshots as evidence.
• Fraud should always be reported to the FBI (www.ic3.gov) and the Federal Trade Commission (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) to help identify patterns and target criminal networks.
• Free, compassionate support is available through the Identity Theft Resource Center (https://www.idtheftcenter.org/victim-help-center/
  or 888.400.5530).
• These crimes often exploit the trust of devout Catholics, especially seniors, by using emotional manipulation and religious language.
• Catholic parishes and media outlets should take an active role in spreading awareness through alerts, workshops, and family conversations.
• As Fr. Mike’s team emphasizes: “If it feels strange, it probably is. Fr. Mike will NEVER direct message you asking for donations, gifts, or personal information.” (Ascension Help Desk, 2024)

This episode is a crucial resource for families, parishes, and faith-based organizations seeking to stay vigilant, stay informed, and help safeguard the most vulnerable members of the Church against the growing threat of digital fraud.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Faith
01:52 The Rise of Scams in the Digital Age
06:44 Understanding Scammers' Tactics
09:35 Targeting Religious Communities
15:42 The Financial Impact of Scams
18:45 Recovering from Scams and Prevention Strategies
21:23 Understanding Fraud and Recovery Steps
28:34 The Emotional Impact of Fraud on V

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Follow Paloma & Fig on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn. Learn more at www.palomaandfig.com. Join in the conversation by joining our Facebook group, A Resounding Yes!

In this episode of A Resounding Yes! podcast, Christina Sabo speaks with Elisabeth Nguyễn, the youngest sibling of Venerable Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, who is currently on the road to sainthood. A retired educator and author, Elisabeth has devoted her life to preserving her brother’s legacy of faith, hope, and forgiveness.

Together, they reflect on Cardinal Văn Thuận’s extraordinary witness—his unwavering faith during 13 years of imprisonment, including nine in solitary confinement, and his decision to love rather than grow bitter. Elisabeth shares personal family memories, her own spiritual journey, and how her brother’s quiet strength continues to inspire the world.

The conversation underscores the power of saying “yes” to God in every circumstance and highlights the enduring impact of Cardinal Văn Thuận’s teachings and his biography, The Witness of Hope Amid Persecution.

Purchase the biography of the heroic life of the Venerable Cardinal Văn Thuận, Man of God, published by Ignatius Press here.

Purchase Five Loaves and Two Fish written by Cardinal Văn Thuận here.

Learn more about Cardinal Văn Thuận here. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to A Resounding Yes Podcast and Cardinal Van Tuan
04:40 The Early Life and Vocation of Cardinal Van Tuan
10:02 The Painful Yes: Cardinal Van Tuan's Arrest and Imprisonment
17:22 The Heroism of Cardinal Van Tuan: A Life of Faith and Forgiveness
24:52 The Writing of the Biography: A Journey of Discovery
28:58 The Impact of Cardinal Van Tuan's Message Today
32:54 Personal Joys and Family Connections

Takeaways

• Cardinal Van Tuan's life exemplifies unwavering faith amid persecution.
• His writings during imprisonment became a source of hope for many.
• Elisabeth Nguyen felt a responsibility to share her brother's story.
• The importance of saying 'yes' to God's call is a recurring theme.
• Cardinal Van Tuan's teachings emphasize love and humility.
• Joy can be found even in the most challenging circumstances.
• Family support played a crucial role in Cardinal Van Tuan's journey.
• The biography serves as a testament to resilience and faith.
• Elisabeth’s reflections reveal the personal impact of her brother's life.
• The podcast encourages listeners to find joy in their daily lives.

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Follow Paloma & Fig on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn. Learn more at www.palomaandfig.com. Join in the conversation by joining our Facebook group, A Resounding Yes!

In this episode of A Resounding Yes! podcast, host Christina Sabo sits down with Diane Nienas—mother, author, and Catholic grief coach—to share her moving story of faith, family, and resilience. Diane opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her two sons to terminal illnesses and how she discovered hope, healing, and the presence of Jesus in the midst of suffering.

Listeners will hear powerful insights on navigating grief with faith, finding strength in community, and embracing the transformative power of love. Diane also highlights her inspiring children’s book series, Living Life with Leo, which encourages kids to celebrate inclusivity and adventure, as well as her memoir, I See Jesus, a heartfelt reflection on her family’s journey through loss and faith.

If you’re seeking encouragement, inspiration, and real stories of God’s grace in times of trial, this episode offers a profound reminder that even in grief, Christ walks with us. This episode may be difficult for some listeners as it contains conversation of loss.

Learn more about Diane Nienas, or to book her for a speaking engagement, visit her site here.

Purchase Living Life with Leo here.

Purchase I See Jesus here.

Takeaways

• Diane's upbringing in a large family instilled values of love and community.
• Faith played a crucial role in navigating the challenges of caregiving.
• The importance of seeing Jesus in moments of suffering and loss.
• Grief can lead to a deeper relationship with God.
• Diane's son Leo had profound experiences that brought hope to their family.
• The significance of sharing stories to inspire others in their grief.
• Living Life with Leo encourages inclusivity and adventure for children.
• Diane's memoir highlights the journey of faith through loss.
• It's essential to keep moving forward after loss, honoring loved ones.
• Finding joy in sorrow is possible with faith at the center.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to A Resounding Yes! Podcast
02:24 Diane's Background and Family Life
04:49 Faith and Community Involvement
08:14 The Meaning of 'I See Jesus'
11:44 Navigating Grief and Loss
22:14 Experiences of Losing Two Sons
28:24 Living Life with Leo: A Book Series
35:03 Memoir: I See Jesus and Its Impact
41:01 Advice for Those Experiencing Grief

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Support the show

Follow Paloma & Fig on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn. Learn more at www.palomaandfig.com. Join in the conversation by joining our Facebook group, A Resounding Yes!

In this episode of A Resounding Yes!, host Christina Sabo sits down with Dr. Cheryl Hughes, author of a new biography on Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen published by Ignatius Press, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Convert Maker. Together they explore Sheen’s lasting impact on the Catholic Church, his groundbreaking use of media to evangelize, and the countless converts who found faith through his witness.

Dr. Hughes offers unique insights into Sheen’s character, clears up common misconceptions, and shares updates on the ongoing cause for his beatification. The conversation also reflects on the role of saints in guiding today’s disciples and how personal devotions can shape and strengthen the spiritual journey.

If you’re looking for inspiration from one of the most influential Catholic voices of the 20th century, this episode will help you rediscover the wisdom, holiness, and relevance of Venerable Fulton Sheen for our time.

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Paloma & Fig on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn. Learn more at www.palomaandfig.com. Join in the conversation by joining our Facebook group, A Resounding Yes!

In this episode of A Resounding Yes!, host Christina Sabo sits down with renowned Catholic philosopher and author Dr. Peter Kreeft to explore his remarkable journey from Calvinism to Catholicism. Together, they dive into profound themes of faith, joy, truth, and dialogue in the Christian life.

Dr. Kreeft shares insights from his latest Catholic books, reflecting on the nature of joy as a gift from God, the role of feelings in the spiritual journey, and why trust and truth are central to authentic faith. The conversation highlights the transformative power of saying “yes” to the Lord, and the importance of engaging in dialogue that leads to deeper understanding.

If you’re seeking thoughtful Catholic content that blends philosophy, theology, and everyday spirituality, this episode with Dr. Peter Kreeft will inspire you to rediscover the beauty of faith and the joy found in Christ.

Learn more about Dr. Peter Kreeft here. Purchase From Calvanist to Catholic here and The Mystery of Joy  here. Both of these books are published by Ignatius Press.

Takeaways

• Dr. Kreeft emphasizes the importance of saying yes to God.
• Conversion is often a long and complex journey.
• Listening is crucial in dialogues about faith.
• Joy is a gift from God, not merely a feeling.
• Faith and feelings can often be at odds.
• The deeper joy is anchored in Christ.
• Trust in God is essential for spiritual growth.
• All errors contain some truth that can be learned from.
• The journey of faith involves both heart and mind.
• Dr. Kreeft's works encourage honest exploration of faith.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resounding Yes Podcast
02:36 Dr. Peter Kreeft: A Journey of Faith
05:19 Conversion from Calvinism to Catholicism
07:58 Understanding Calvinism and Its Anti-Catholic Bias
10:34 The Importance of Listening in Dialogue
13:13 The Mystery of Joy: Reflections and Insights
15:52 Faith, Feelings, and the Nature of Joy
18:27 Choosing Joy and Trusting in God
20:10 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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Follow Paloma & Fig on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn. Learn more at www.palomaandfig.com. Join in the conversation by joining our Facebook group, A Resounding Yes!

In this episode of A Resounding Yes! podcast, host Christina Sabo joins forces with co-host Brad Vickers from It's Catholic Y'all to engage in a heartfelt conversation with Anthony D'Ambrosio, the writer and director of the film Triumph of the Heart, which tells the story of St. Maximilian Kolbe. They explore themes of faith, sacrifice, and the creative process behind the film, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in filmmaking. Anthony shares his personal journey of faith and the profound impact of Kolbe's story on his life, highlighting the universal message of hope that resonates beyond the Catholic community. The discussion also touches on the significance of martyrdom, the role of the Militia Immaculata, and the importance of supporting Catholic films during their opening weekend and beyond.

Are you local to the Diocese of Savannah? Join us to support life through local pregnancy resource center, The Kolbe Center, through our event on September 11 and watch Triumph of the Heart together by reserving your seat here. 

Watch the trailer for Triumph of the Heart. 

Learn more about Anthony's story.

Read our recent announcement and review from Paloma & Fig. Want to watch the film in your city? Visit this site to find a showing or support the mission.

St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us! 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resounding Yes Podcast
01:24 Meet Anthony D'Ambrosio: The Creator Behind Triumph of the Heart
04:06 Saying Yes to the Lord: Anthony's Journey
08:33 The Story of St. Maximilian Kolbe
12:48 The Significance of 'Triumph of the Heart'
16:45 Lessons from St. Kolbe for Modern Communicators
19:46 The Creative Process and Filming in Poland
24:54 Challenges of Filming in Unpredictable Weather
26:03 The Reality of Christian Persecution
29:24 Understanding the Militia Immaculata
32:09 Crafting a Beautiful Story
35:01 Appealing to Non-Catholic Audiences
37:22 The Success of Crowdfunding in Film
42:14 Building Community Through Collective Efforts

Quotes

"I had a really profoundly spiritual experience."
"We need to be presenting stories that offer hope."
"The greatest impact was this small act of love."

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Paloma & Fig on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn. Learn more at www.palomaandfig.com. Join in the conversation by joining our Facebook group, A Resounding Yes!