Suffering is something every one of us will face, but what if, instead of running from it, we learned how to unite it with Christ for something greater? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Megan Hjelmstad, author of the brand-new book Offer It Up, to talk about her journey through painful suffering and how it led her to a deeper embrace of redemptive suffering.

Megan shares her personal story of struggle, and surrender—and how God used that pain to draw her closer to His heart. Her testimony is a reminder that our crosses, when united with Christ, can become instruments of grace and hope—not only for ourselves but for others.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Megan’s journey of faith and suffering that inspired Offer It Up
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• What it really means to “offer it up” in our daily lives
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• Practical ways we can Offer Up even the smallest things and parts of our day
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• How to find hope and purpose when life feels overwhelming
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Whether you are carrying a heavy cross right now or walking with someone who is, this conversation will inspire you to see suffering through the lens of God’s redeeming love.

• Get Megan’s book Offer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering - St. Paul Center
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•  Megan’s website and learn more about her ministry Home – %
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• Connect with Megan on Instagram: @Instagram
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• Follow Living LIT at Instagram

In this episode, I’m joined by Catholic author Shaun McAfee to dive into his newest book—Saint Dominic and the Rosary, the first in his new Saints & Sacramentals series.

We explore:

The inspiring life and mission of Saint Dominic

How the rosary came to be and why it remains such a powerful spiritual weapon

What exactly a sacramental is—and how it differs from a sacrament

Practical ways to weave the rosary into your daily life, even if you’ve never prayed it before

Why praying the rosary offers rest, focus, and renewal in our distracted, digital age

Shaun’s insights will encourage you to pick up your beads—whether for the first time or the thousandth—and discover the peace, power, and protection that come from this timeless devotion.

To order Shaun’s books from this show, use this special link:

https://lddy.no/1l6ff

Use code: “LIVINGLIT15” for 15% off your order

Follow Shaun at:

https://www.instagram.com/shaunmcafee/

https://www.facebook.com/shaun.mcafee

How do we help our children see every person—regardless of abilities—as a beloved child of God? In this episode of Living LIT, Robyn is joined by Maggie Price, Special Needs Coordinator for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD. She shares about the beautiful work of her ministry: creating camps, retreats, and opportunities for those with special needs and disabilities to encounter Christ and belong in the life of the Church.

Together, they talk about how we as parents can guide our children to engage with others- with compassion and understanding, building a culture of dignity, empathy, and inclusion in our homes, parishes, and communities. The conversation also touches on how we as adults can grow in our own comfort and charity when encountering individuals with special needs—learning to respond not with hesitation or fear, but with warmth, welcome, and love.

Whether your family has personal experience with disability or is seeking ways to talk about it more intentionally, this conversation is full of grace, encouragement.

Topics Covered:

• The mission and ministry of serving individuals with special needs in the Church
• How retreats and camps open doors for belonging and faith formation
• Common misconceptions about disabilities and how to reframe them
• Talking to children about encountering people with special needs
• How to cultivate empathy and respect in everyday interactions
• Embracing the Pro-Life call to see Christ in every person

Get in touch with Maggie at: [email protected]

What if faith formation for children could be both deeply contemplative and joyfully hands-on? In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn welcomes Jodi Reel, a coordinator and catechist for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), to explore this beautiful, Montessori-based approach to Catholic catechesis.

Together, they dive into what CGS is, how it nurtures a child’s personal relationship with God, and why it’s such a gift not only for children but also for parents, catechists, and parish communities. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about all the buzz with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, this episode offers an inspiring look at how the Good Shepherd calls each of us—especially the littlest ones—into His love.

In this episode:

What makes CGS different from traditional religious education

How the “Atrium” becomes a sacred space for children

The powerful impact CGS has on families and catechists

How you can get involved, whether as a parent or parish leader

Come and see how children, in their simplicity, often lead us more deeply into the mystery of God.

https://www.cgsusa.org/ CGSUSA | The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd® Method CGS website for more info

https://www.cgsusa.org/product/joyful_journey_continues/ book "Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues"

https://www.cgsusa.org/product/joyful_journey/. book "The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey revised"

https://www.cgsusa.org/discover/begin-cgs/cgs-in-the-school/ CGS in a school setting

In this powerful episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn sits down with Fr. Carter Griffin, rector of the Saint John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C., to explore how the four foundational pillars of seminary formation—human, spiritual, intellectual, and apostolic—apply beautifully to forming strong, faith-filled families.

Drawing from his new book, Forming Families, Forming Saints, Fr. Griffin shares deep wisdom and practical insights on what a “formed family” looks like and how to intentionally build one. The conversation covers topics like:

What family formation really means

How to cultivate order and virtue in family life

Grounding children in reality amidst a digital culture

Practical tools for fostering human formation and flourishing

Learning to live in the present moment instead of dwelling on past parenting regrets

Whether you’re just beginning your parenting journey or in the thick of family life, this episode will leave you encouraged, inspired, and equipped to form your “little domestic church” in truth and love.

Fr. Griffin’s gentle wisdom and clear vision make this an absolute must-listen for every parent seeking to raise saints in today’s world.

Forming Families, Forming Saints by Fr Carter Griffin is available to purchase through: https://stpaulcenter.co/FormingFamiliesFormingSaints

Instagram Emmaus Road Publishing: https://www.instagram.com/p/DH6nG6JPGtC/

Instagram St Paul Center: https://www.instagram.com/stpaulcenter/

In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn sits down with Catholic author Rosemary McGuire Berry to talk about her newest book, Piety & Personality: The Temperaments of the Saints. Together, they explore how understanding the four classic temperaments—choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic—can help us grow in holiness, parent with more peace, and live with greater self-awareness.

Rosemary shares how the temperaments show up in the lives of the saints and what each temperament can teach us about our strengths and struggles. Whether you're a choleric mom, a melancholic teen, or a phlegmatic dad, this episode will encourage you to live more intentionally and joyfully in the truth of who God made you to be.

Piety & Personality book available at TAN Books Catholic Books, Homeschool, & Streaming use code “LIVINGLIT15” for 15%off 

Rosemary McGuire Berry

Wife/Mom/Teacher/Author/Pilgrimage Planner

Website: Paths to His Heart: Traveling with the Saints

Catholic Posts on Instagram: @rosemary.writer

Weekly articles on Substack -  Tea, Talk & Tattered Pages.

Direct link to receive an inspiring handout about Catholic Ireland, and to receive my monthly roundup of resources: Resources

If you scroll to the bottom of that page, you can also download the free handout called "A Taste of the Temperaments".

Personality Plus Quiz only (copied by an outside source) Personality Plus

Here's a link to the whole book, which includes Florence Littauer's definitions of the words on the quiz: https://amzn.to/4kRWkNM

In this special episode, I sit down with Fr Scott Traynor to explore the profound meaning of the Jubilee Year — a time of renewal, mercy, and pilgrimage deeply rooted in Scripture and Jewish tradition. Together, we unpack why the Church celebrates Jubilee Years, what it means to embark on a pilgrimage, and how these sacred experiences invite us to encounter God’s abundant grace.

Whether you’re planning a physical pilgrimage or journeying spiritually at home, this episode offers practical ways to enter into the Jubilee Year with intention and hope. Discover how this year is an opportunity for every Christian to embrace renewal & rest, seek reconciliation, and walk forward as a pilgrim on the path of faith.

Tune in for thoughtful reflections, historical insights, and encouragement to make this Jubilee Year a transformative experience — no matter where your journey takes you.

Fr Scott Catechism references CCC 1471-1479

Check out this great video with Fr JP Morgan and me--where we show you how to  Take a Pilgrimage

Jubilee year opportunities throughout the Diocese: SXF0125_0 (2).pdf

*Registration for the pilgrimage that Fr talks about in June has closed. But don't let that stop you from taking your own..

Catholic author Katie Warner joins us for a lively and joy-filled conversation about the power of children's books in shaping faith-filled homes and families. We chat about how she got into writing, what makes Catholic children's books unique, and how stories can spark conversations. Katie shares her #1 tip for creating a strong Catholic culture in the home, practical advice for family prayer and introduces a powerful tool to help teach children how to have "Jesus Time" --their own personal prayer time with God. Get ready for a heartwarming and inspiring show packed with wisdom for building up your domestic church!

To purchase Katie's books, visit TAN books https://lddy.no/1l6ff and use special code:  LIVINGLIT15 for 15%off your order. 

And be sure to check out Katie's website https://katiewarner.com for fantastic resources. as well as http://firstfaithtreasury.com/shop/

Find Katie on Instagram (KatieWarnerCatholic)

We Have a Pope! Talking with Kids About the Papacy, the Conclave & the Chair of St. Peter

with Katie Bogner of Look to Him & Be Radiant

Author, educator, and beloved friend of Living LIT—Katie Bogner—returns to the podcast for a timely and thoughtful conversation on the papacy, the Conclave, and how to bring these sacred realities into the heart of our homes and classrooms.

As the Church prepares for the election of a new pope, Katie joins Robyn to talk about how we can help our children and families understand this sacred and historic time. Drawing from her beautiful book We Have a Pope, Katie shares how to explain the Conclave, the papacy, and the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding the Church—all in ways that are clear, reverent, and meaningful for kids. The Conclave isn't just for Cardinals-it's a time for the whole Church to pray and participate, including children. Join us for a conversation that's rich in faith, full of practical ideas and rooted in the Truth.

Katie's website:  Look to Him and be Radiant with oodles of FREE resources for the Conclave/Papal Election & more!

 *purchase We Have a Pope - St. Paul Center Use code "Bogner2025" for FREE shipping

RE-RELEASE: We Have a Pope with Katie Bogner - Cuddle Up: Catholic Storytime | Podcast on Spotify Listen to Katie read the book on this podcast

Kortnee's website: About – Studio Senn

Follow Katie on IG Instagram and Kortnee Senn Instagram St Paul Center Instagram

Last week's Living Lit episode with everything Papal election White Smoke & the Will of God: How a Pope Is Chosen | Living Lit - Living LIT | Podcast on Spotify

Emmaus Road Publishing:  Instagram

Have you ever wondered what really happens inside the Sistine Chapel when a new pope is elected? In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn is joined by Dr. Chris Burgwald, diocesan theologian, to unpack the sacred and fascinating process of papal elections. From conclaves and cardinal ballots to white smoke and divine guidance, we explore how the Holy Spirit moves in the heart of the Church to raise up the next successor of St. Peter. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or just pope-curious, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the beauty, mystery, and tradition behind this momentous decision.

Plus, we break down key terms and answer questions like:

• What happens when a pope dies—or resigns?
• Who can become pope?
• What’s the deal with the white and black smoke?
• And what does it mean to be the Vicar of Christ?

Get ready to peek behind the curtains of Vatican City in one of the most awe-inspiring traditions of the Church.

Fantastic resources for your family with info and printables All About the Conclave:

United in Prayer: The Conclave and the Future of the Church

Look to Him and be Radiant: Search results for we have a pope