In this episode, Fr. Damian and Maria are joined by Mother Natalia of the Christ the Bridegroom Monastery and host of the podcast "What God is Not" to discuss the ins and outs of fasting. Mother Natalia addresses how fasting helps us form a spirit of detachment from material goods, so that we can become more attached to the Lord. Tune in for this edifying discussion on deepening your Lenten practices.Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catholicporeover

Subscribe to our channel on YouTube: youtube.com/@catholicporeoverListen to "What God is Not": https://open.spotify.com/show/0lXrJ6SrEtuFoPv83Pzq3W?si=1db5f9301c174305Recorded and edited by Black Valve Media.

Many young women have been sold a lie that they can "have it all" -- that children and a career can seamlessly fit together without tension. But the demands of children do not follow a 9-5 schedule, and the biological reality that babies and young children require more from their mothers cannot be ignored. In her new book, "The Dignity of Dependence", Leah Libresco Sargeant highlights the ways our culture has prized autonomy and so-called freedom, penalizing those who are naturally dependent upon others, including babies, the sick, and the elderly. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion on the challenges we face today in a world that values self-sufficiency over community.

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Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catholicporeoverRecorded and edited by Black Valve Media.

In this episode, Maria and Fr. Damian discuss the corresponding themes of memory, free will, friendship, and mercy in both the last season of Stranger Things and the latest installment in the Knives Out movie franchise. Spoilers ahead!

Subscribe to our channel on Youtube: youtube.com/@catholicporeover

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/catholicporeover/Recorded and edited by Black Valve Media.

In this special bonus episode, Fr. Damian and Maria interview Matt Maher and Sarah Kroger about their reflections on the past year and hopes for the year to come. Tune in to hear more about the value of creativity, trusting your gut (and the Holy Spirit), and the importance of identifying first as a child of God.

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Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/catholicporeover⁠Recorded and edited by Black Valve Media.

When was the last time you watched a film in the theater? It seems in many places that cinemas are becoming less popular, and films in general are in competition with series that can be more accessible on various streaming platforms. In this episode, Fr. Damian and Maria discuss Pope Leo XIV's recent address to filmmakers, actors, and directors, highlighting how his praise of the artform is important and offers hope for the future of the medium.Read the Pope's address here: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/speeches/2025/november/documents/20251115-mondo-del-cinema.html

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Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/catholicporeover⁠Recorded and edited by Black Valve Media.

In this episode, Fr. Damian and Maria discuss the conversion of Neeza Powers. From identifying as a transgender woman to surrendering himself to Christ and His Church and following the steps to become Catholic, Neeza has sparked conversations and controversy on all sides of political and religious spectrums. Tune in to hear about an inspiring story of grace and hope and how we should reflect on the work of the Lord in our own lives.

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Recorded and edited by Black Valve Media.

Should you listen to Christmas music before Christmas? When should the tree go up? While secular culture may ditch the pumpkin spice for candy canes and gingerbread on November 1, Christians are called to enter into the season of Advent with prayer, perhaps forgoing some of the festive traditions that are better suited to the actual celebration of Christmas. Join us for this episode as we discuss how to enjoy the holiday season while keeping our spiritual preparation for Christ's coming at the center.

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Recorded and edited by Black Valve Media.

These days, there are countless resources and opinions about Catholic teaching at our fingertips. But how do we discern which figures to listen to, and how much influence should they actually have over our lives? Join us for this episode as Maria and Fr. Damian discuss the impact of Catholic influencers and highlight some of the good work they accomplish, while emphasizing our particular obligation of obedience to our local pastors, bishops, and the Pope.

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Recorded and edited by Black Valve Media.

When a loved one dies, it is not out of the ordinary to keep certain items that belonged to him as a way to be reminded of him and feel close to him when he is no longer with us. Relics are like that -- and they also help us to reflect on our own death and mortality. We begin the month of November celebrating the Saints in Heaven and praying for the souls in Purgatory. If you are local to Cleveland, Ohio, you can come visit the bones of an early Christian martyr at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, which have been in the possession of the Diocese since 1925.

Find more information about our mysterious martyr St. Christina here:

https://saintjohncathedral.com/st-christine-relics

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⁠Recorded and edited by Black Valve Media.

"As we forgive those who trespass against us..."

These lines in the prayer Jesus taught us are difficult to follow, especially following terrible tragedy. In this episode, Maria & Fr. Damian discuss Erika Kirk's moving witness to forgiveness as she publicly forgave her husband's assassin. Join us as we talk about how though it often seems impossible, offering forgiveness is not merely an option for those of us who want to live according to the Gospel.

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⁠https://www.instagram.com/catholicporeover

⁠Recorded and edited by Black Valve Media.