Friar Side Chats

Friendships are without a doubt a central part of our lives. But how intentional are we about the friends we keep closest, and what are some ways we can hold our friendships to a higher standard?

A look back into some of your most-loved episodes from this past year! Based on listener feedback, Fr. Mike and Emma dig a little deeper into some of the episodes and subjects that resonated most with Friar Side Chat subscribers.

Christmas doesn't have to be the same ol' deal every year; we can definitely kick things up a notch with the right perspective. Join us as Emma's mind (and hopefully yours!) is blown by some of the ancient Christmas insights of Fr. Mike's Franciscan brothers.

Cheating -- on tests, in relationships, and especially with ourselves -- tempts everyone. It’s one of the darker sides of college and life in general, which is why it’s so important that we examine the topic through a fresh lens. How do we become cheaters, and how can we keep from going there?

Happy Thanksgiving! You’re in for a treat, because Father Mike and Emma are joined by a special guest: Katie Cassedy, class of 2020, in the latest episode of Friar Side Chats!

In episode #24, we get to take a fresh look at genuine gratitude during this time of year. Join us as we dive into the (sometimes) awkward Thanksgiving prayer moment, the ways we can constantly give thanks to the Lord year-round, and the... “exotic” dishes at Fr. Mike’s Thanksgiving table.

At a place like Duke, it can be difficult to acknowledge that we are imperfect beings. When we fail or screw up, talking about it can be a very uncomfortable experience. If we are ever going to grow into the person God made us, though, we can’t be ruled by fear of failure but by hope for a better future. How can we flip failure on its head?

Family Weekend is right around the corner at Duke, and students of all years are preparing for their dad’s groan-inducing jokes and their mother’s lectures on keeping a clean room. In other words, it’s the perfect opportunity to contemplate what our families mean to us, how we relate to our families now and over time, and how Jesus can help us improve our relationships.

St. Francis lived over 800 years ago. Yet his life continues to hold great wisdom in this modern time. This week, Fr. Mike and Emma chat about the powerful Franciscan messages we need in this time of division, the ways Francis has been misunderstood, and the reason he left such a lasting impact on the world -- both in his own time and in our own.

To celebrate being twenty episodes in, we wanted to treat our listeners to a Friar Side Chat with a special guest. Join us as we sit down to talk with Duke Football's Head Coach David Cutcliffe about faith on a college campus, its impact on his coaching, and how it can and should inform our own careers and identities.

Campus is bustling and full of energy again with the start of the new academic year. It's an awesome time of year, but we know that each new year at Duke brings its own unique thrills and challenges. We break down the common hurdles we see each year and offer practical tips for how you can make the most of this new year at Duke!