What if the key to growing closer to Jesus is letting His mother into your heart?

In this episode, Sr. Gabriella, Vocations Director for the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, helps us unpack what it means to know Mary not just as a figure of devotion, but as a real, living mother who wants to walk with us. Sr. Gabriella and Jess discuss:

• How Scripture invites us to personally receive Mary as our mother
• Common obstacles to Marian devotion—and how to overcome them
• Simple, meaningful ways to begin (or renew) a relationship with Mary today

Sr. Gabriella serves as the Vocations Director for the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church. She has been a professed religious for 21 years and is originally from Mexico.

Why does Jesus make such bold promises to those devoted to His Sacred Heart—like turning “tepid souls” into “fervent” ones? 

In this episode, Jess sits down with Fr. Joe Laramie, SJ, director of the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Sedalia and former director of the Apostleship of Prayer, to explore how this centuries-old devotion speaks directly to the heart of the missionary.

Whether you’re feeling spiritually dry, fervent, or somewhere in between, the Sacred Heart offers a deeply personal call to renewal.

Jess and Fr. Joe discuss:

• The promise of transformation: what Jesus offers to lukewarm or weary souls
• Why consecration and reparation are more than devotional extras—they're missionary fuel
• The power of the Sacred Heart in history, including the mysterious link between France and the French Revolution

Fr. Joe Laramie has been a member of the Society of Jesus for 25 years and ordained a priest for 10 years. Fr. Laramie has served as the director of the Apostleship of Prayer, a 200 year-old prayer ministry dedicated to the Sacred Heart, and now serves as the director of Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Sedalia, Colorado.

What if spiritual warfare is more strategic than we think—and the battlefield is closer than we realize?

In this episode, Jess sits down with Jesuit priest and Naval Chaplain Fr. Christopher Krall for a powerful conversation on spiritual warfare. Drawing from his experience as a naval chaplain and spiritual director, Fr. Krall offers insight into how we can recognize and resist the subtle tactics of the enemy—especially after moments of grace or spiritual growth.

In this episode, Fr. Krall and Jess discuss:

• How military life shaped Fr. Krall’s understanding of spiritual combat and the parallels between physical and spiritual warfare
• What St. Ignatius teaches about desolation, memory, and the enemy’s attempts to regain ground after a retreat
• Practical ways to "fortify" the soul’s weakest points and stay grounded when spiritual clarity begins to fade

Whether you're returning from a retreat, navigating temptation, or just looking to deepen your discernment, this episode offers encouragement and real tools for the spiritual battle.

Fr. Christopher Krall has been a member of the Society of Jesus for over 20 years, ordained a priest for 10 years, and current serves as a chaplain to the United States Navy.

What really happens when you're confirmed? 

In this episode, liturgical expert Chris Carstens takes us into the heart of the Sacrament of Confirmation—far beyond the idea of a “graduation ceremony.”

We explore how this sacrament completes what began at Baptism, and how it becomes a personal Pentecost—a moment when the Holy Spirit is poured out for strength, mission, and spiritual battle. Chris walks us through the rich symbols of the rite, from the laying on of hands to the anointing with sacred chrism, and unpacks what they reveal about God’s action in our lives.

If you've already been confirmed but find yourself weary in the fight—facing temptation, discouragement, or fear—this conversation will remind you of the spiritual power you've been given and the call to live as a mature disciple.

Christopher Carstens directs the Office for Sacred Worship in the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin; coordinates the Institute for Liturgical Studies at Christendom College; and edits the Adoremus Bulletin. He serves as a consultant to the USCCB’s Committee on Divine Worship, and he is author of A Devotional Journey into the Mass and A Devotional Journey into the Easter Mystery (Sophia), as well as Principles of Sacred Liturgy: Forming a Sacramental Vision (Hillenbrand Books). He and his family live in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin.

In this deeply encouraging episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to talk about one of the most misunderstood aspects of the spiritual life: how to view our faults through the lens of faith. 

Drawing on decades of experience as a spiritual director and confessor, Fr. John shares wisdom that combats perfectionism and opens a new way of seeing failure — not as defeat, but as an invitation to deeper intimacy with God.

In this episode, Fr. John and Jess discuss:

• Why becoming more aware of your faults is actually a sign of progress in the spiritual life
• How to avoid perfectionism and scrupulosity while still striving for holiness
• Practical steps for turning your faults into fuel for growth

Whether you’re feeling discouraged by your imperfections or wondering how to make real progress in your interior life, this conversation will leave you with hope, clarity, and concrete tools for the journey.

Fr. John Ignatius Ezratty is a priest with the Archdiocese of Denver. He is also a popular speaker at SEEK and a former FOCUS national chaplain.
 
 If you would like to listen to Fr. Ezratty's talks at SEEK, you can find them here: seekreplay.com

This September, "Triumph of the Heart", a movie about St. Maximilian Kolbe, will hit theaters. In this episode, Fr. Gabriel Gillen joins Jess to review the film.

Fr. Gabriel and Jess discuss:

• Their overall impressions, including acting, pacing, and cinematography
• The director's approach to storytelling as a spiritual meditation
• The amount of violence in the film and whether it serves or distracts from the deeper message

 Whether you're a fan of Catholic cinema or simply inspired by the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, this episode offers a thoughtful take on a saint brought to life on screen. 

Fr. Gabriel Gillen, O.P.- Dominican Friar in the Province of St. Joseph. He was ordained in the year 2000 in Subiaco, Italy. Fr. Gabriel resides at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington D.C. along with Fr. Gregory Pine and the Hillbilly Thomists. In 2022, Fr. Gabriel became a National Chaplain for FOCUS.

What happens at the Rite of Consecration of a Virgin?

In this episode, host Jessica is joined by liturgical expert Chris Carstens and Elizabeth Black, a Consecrated Virgin, to explore the ancient rite of Consecrated Virginity.

Together, they unpack:

• What makes the vocation of a Consecrated Virgin distinct from religious life
• The beauty and symbolism of the Rite of Consecration, including the veil, ring, and prayer of consecration
• What it’s like to live out this vocation in daily life, rooted in both solitude and service to the Church

Whether you’ve never heard of this vocation or have attended a consecration yourself, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for one of the Church’s most hidden treasures.

Elizabeth Black has worked in Catholic liberal education for seventeen years, most recently as principal of Saint Stephen School in East Grand Rapids. As Dean of Faculty and Curriculum at Oakcrest School, she developed the school’s liberal arts educational vision. Elizabeth is trained in the Ward Method of Music Instruction, holds a B.A. in Classical and Early Christian Studies from Christendom College and a M.A. from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. Elizabeth is a consecrated virgin living in the world.

Christopher Carstens directs the Office for Sacred Worship in the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin; coordinates the Institute for Liturgical Studies at Christendom College; and edits the Adoremus Bulletin. He serves as a consultant to the USCCB’s Committee on Divine Worship, and he is author of A Devotional Journey into the Mass and A Devotional Journey into the Easter Mystery (Sophia), as well as Principles of Sacred Liturgy: Forming a Sacramental Vision (Hillenbrand Books). He and his family live in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin.

In this episode, Jess sits down with Cheryl Hansen, a Tribunal Advocate, to talk about what it looks like to walk closely with someone going through the painful and often confusing journey of divorce and annulment. 

Jess and Cheryl discuss:

• How to support someone considering divorce while still encouraging hope for healing in their marriage.
• Why people often seek validation from faithful friends—and how to respond with both clarity and love.
• What words and attitudes are most helpful (and unhelpful) when someone is navigating the annulment process.

Cheryl Hansen serves as a Tribunal Advocate in the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota. She is also the President of the Michelle Duppong Guild.

The Church has declared this the Jubilee Year of Hope- but what does that mean for you? 

In this episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to explore how this special year invites you to delve deeper in the virtue of hope and increase your trust in God.

Fr. John and Jess discuss:

• What makes hope different from mere optimism
• How to navigate desires, dreams, and unanswered prayers with trust in God's will
• Practical ways to grow in the virtue of hope in your everyday life

Fr. John Ignatius Ezratty is a priest with the Archdiocese of Denver. He is also a popular speaker at SEEK and a former FOCUS national chaplain.
 
 If you would like to listen to Fr. Ezratty's talks at SEEK, you can find them here: seekreplay.com

What will Pope Francis be remembered for?

In this episode, Dr. Edward Sri joins Jessica to reflect on the defining themes of Pope Francis' papacy- and what may come next. From his pastoral heart to his global vision, Dr. Sri and Jess explore the impact of a pope who led with compassion.

Dr. Sri and Jess discuss:

• Compassion at the Core- Dr. Sri shares how Pope Francis' papacy emphasized mercy, encounter, and a deep awareness of human suffering.
• Wounds and the Human Heart- Dr. Sri shares how the Holy Father's understanding of brokenness shaped his approach to evangelization and accompaniment.
• The Road Ahead- Dr. Sri responds to questions about ambiguity in Pope Francis' communication and offers insight into what Catholics can expect as the Church prepares for the next conclave.

Dr. Edward Sri is a theologian, author, speaker, and FOCUS' Sr. Vice President of Apostolic Outreach. Dr. Sri has written several best-selling books and is also the presenter of several Ascension Press and Augustine Institute faith formation film series. He hosts the acclaimed podcast, "All Things Catholic" and is an adjunct professor at the Augustine Institute. He and his wife Beth reside in Littleton, Colorado. They are blessed with 8 children and one grandchild.