Leave Laugh Love

Franciscan University has launched a $10 million “Homeland Mission” in Washington DC — partnering with groups like the Heritage Foundation and the Museum of the Bible. In this episode, Evelyn and Veronica unpack how the project connects to a broader movement of Christian nationalism, the donors behind it, and what it signals about the growing Catholic presence in U.S. politics. From prayer breakfasts to policy influence, this conversation explores faith, money, and power in America’s capital.

00:00 Small Group: Rose and Thorn

03:22 Franciscan University's Homeland Mission Details

07:36 Donor Contributions and Impact

10:21 Event Highlights and Alumni Involvement

14:14 Philanthropy and Broader Contributions

17:28 Residential Facilities for Students in DC

19:57 Project 2025 and Trump's Influence

21:15 Catholicism and Conservative Politics

25:41 Immigration and Long-term Political Strategies

30:36 Concerns About Right-Wing Catholic Politics

Join us as we unpack Life Teen’s State of Catholic Youth in America (2024) — breaking down “the five cries of youth,” the XLT/adoration model, summer camps, Steubenville ties, and the report’s framing of anxiety, gender dysphoria, politics, and phones. This episode is for devout parents, deconstructors, and anyone curious about how Catholic youth culture really works.

Read along with us as we discuss LifeTeen's "2024 Report on The State of Catholic Youth in America."

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Veronica walks us through Chiles v. Salazar—the Supreme Court challenge to Colorado’s conversion-therapy ban. We unpack what the law actually prohibits (licensed claims to change orientation or gender identity), what it explicitly allows (client-led support and identity exploration), why “professional conduct” is regulate-able, and how amicus briefs—from Catholic orgs to ex-Exodus leaders — frame the stakes for LGBTQ+ youth, families, and faith communities.

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Happy feast day to both of our confirmation Saints! Today we dive into the life of St. Francis & the legacy he left behind

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Join us for our thoughts on Chapters 1 & 2 of the YOUCAT

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"The Great Controversy" by Ellen White showed up on Veronica's doorstep... and we have thoughts

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Join us as we talk through the chaos of the week & all the tangents it brought us on

As Carlos Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati join the ranks of Catholic Saints, we discuss what all goes into the making of one

Join us as we reflect on the life & legacy of Dr. James Dobson

Shiny Happy People season one had a huge impact on our deconstruction... but season two feels even more relevant. Join us as we deep dive on the parallels to the Catholic conference world