Fairest Love Podcast

This week Amy sits down with Father Chase Hilgenbrink, director of vocations with the diocese of Peoria, in the wake of Blessed Fulton Sheen’s beatification to unpack this rare, joy-filled moment for the Diocese of Peoria and for Catholics everywhere. From the power of authentic fatherhood to the difference between calling and pressure, this conversation gets practical fast - especially for parents wondering how to recognize God at work in their son’s life.

Father Chase Hilgenbrink talks about how the future of the Church depends less on bigger numbers and more on stronger men. He shares why vocations are rising, what he sees in young men discerning priesthood, and why the real question is not “Do you want to be a priest?” but “What do you think God wants you to be?”

Connect with Fr. Chase https://www.cdop.org/vocations

When a convent or monastery loses heat, cooling, or funds for basic repairs, the consequences can be far bigger than many Catholics realize. Shannon White, founder of Coins for Convents and Monasteries, shares why a single mechanical failure or financial shortfall can threaten a religious house and the vocation of the brothers and sisters who live there. Shannon explains how her mission came together through prayer, family support, and a growing awareness that many religious communities rely on local donations to cover operating costs like utilities, maintenance, and emergency repairs. She discusses why these needs can stay hidden until a crisis hits—and why a broader safety net matters when a local community cannot cover the full expense.

In this rebroadcasted episode of the Fairest Love Podcast, Fr. Jeff answers the two questions: "How can I encourage my child to be open to a celibate vocation?" and "My spouse and I are having trouble with our child's desire to live a life of celibacy".

Your phone may be quietly rewiring your attention, your habits, and even your soul. Andrew Laubacher, co-founder of Humanality and creator of Illumined Wellness reveals why digital addiction is not just a productivity problem, but a human problem and what it takes to reclaim your focus, your freedom, and your life.

In this Forge the Man and Fairest Love podcast crossover, Andrew shares about why he believes “moderation” with social media is often a myth, the warning signs of phone addiction, including nomophobia and compulsive checking and how platforms are designed to exploit comparison, anxiety, lust, and dopamine loops.

Learn more here: https://www.humanality.org/

Most families shop for a house by square footage, schools, and commute times—but what if the bigger question is whether Jesus belongs in the decision at all?

Maribeth Anderson, founder and CEO of Curate Catholic, shares a radically different way to discern where to live, how to move, and how to build a home that feels like a true little Nazareth.

After a prayer moment in Eucharistic adoration, Maribeth realized God was calling her to transform the way Catholic families approach real estate. That call became Curate Catholic—a mission that helps families and agents put faith at the center of one of life’s biggest decisions, then move forward in peace, confidence, and joy.

Reach out to Maribeth here https://curatecatholic.com/

Picky eating might not be an issue with food, it could be a family culture problem. Anna Migeon, author of The Happy Dinner Table, reveals why French children rarely develop the same food battles common in the U.S. and how simple changes at the table can transform mealtimes for everyone.Drawing on her years living in France, raising children, and studying Charlotte Mason's ideas on habit, appetite, and education, Anna explains why so many parents accidentally create the very resistance they are trying to avoid. If dinner feels like negotiation, pressure, or chaos in your home, this conversation gives you a completely different way to think about food, structure, and connection.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1507791461?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Recognizing that a lot of challenges from in-laws may be rooted in misunderstanding or even unmet expectations… what better way to maneuver through those relationships than allowing for the benefit-of-the-doubt and an charitable acceptance of who they are? Janet Quinlan, certified life coach for mothers and women, explains how to navigate your relationships with in-laws, establish boundaries (on both sides), and change your thoughts to better understand and love your spouses parents.

Janet’s podcast Finding Joy in Marriage & Motherhood can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. You can visit her website at janetquinlan.com

In this heartfelt episode, Amy sits down with Grace and Eric Morrison to explore the beauty of family life rooted in faith, intentionality, and trust in God’s plan. They share their journey through marriage, raising six biological children, adopting their youngest daughter from Ukraine, and nurturing a home where prayer, service, and joy were woven into everyday life.

They reflect on practical rhythms that kept their family united like family dinner and the rosary, celebrating feast days, welcoming priests into their home, and making faith feel natural and joyful rather than pressured. The conversation also dives into homeschooling, discerning vocations, and the delicate balance of supporting children while remaining open to the unique path God may call each one to follow.

You can connect with Grace here https://www.gracemorrisoncoaching.com/

Confession is not a shame ritual, it is the place where mercy meets your real life.

This week we are joined again by Fr. Matt Wheeler who uncovers why this sacrament is one of the clearest gifts Jesus ever gave the Church, and why families who practice it together build something stronger than good intentions.

Fr. Matt traces confession back to Easter Sunday, when the risen Christ enters the locked room, breathes the Holy Spirit on the apostles, and says, "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them." He explains how that moment becomes the foundation for sacramental reconciliation, why the early Church handled penance so differently, and how the Church's practice developed over time under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We discuss why going to confession as a family forms children in humility, peace, and accountability and how to explain confession to young kids without making it terrifying.

Connect with Father Matt Wheeler on Instagram and at Catholic Trojan Center

When it comes to marriage, most conversations focus solely on the couple, but what about the intricate web of family relationships that come with it?

Kevin Pesak, director of OCIA and marriage preparation at St. Mary’s Catholic Center, shares invaluable insights on how couples can leave and cleave well—treading the delicate line between honoring family traditions and building a new normal together.

His perspective reveals that the secret to a successful marriage isn’t just about two people, but about navigating and integrating two entirely new family systems with grace and humility. Kevin unpacks practical strategies for both couples and parents. You'll discover why honesty, humility, and early conversations about expectations are critical for avoiding tension and misunderstandings—especially around holidays, traditions, and in-law relationships. Kevin shares specific advice for parents on how to support their children’s marital journey, from offering wisdom without criticism, to encouraging couples to seek outside mentorship. He also discusses when and how to have those tough conversations about readiness for marriage and the importance of church-approved steps like the right of betrothal.

https://www.aggiecatholic.org/marriage