Sr. Brenda sits down with Sr. Veronica Fuhrmann, General Superior of the Congregation of Jesus, for a candid, hope-filled conversation about leadership in a global, multicultural community. She reflects on the challenges and joys of guiding a congregation marked by diversity while keeping the passion for mission alive in a time of change.

Together, they explore the interconnectedness of faith, identity, and community, the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue and growth, and the prophetic call to justice and inclusion. Join us as we begin a new season and get to know Sister Veronica better.

What’s love got to do with it? Quite a lot, actually. In this short kickoff episode, Sister Brenda joins producers Megan Beutel and Jennifer Schmitz to share what’s ahead in Season 3. They talk about the power of radical listening, the beauty of storytelling, and how love, compassion, and empathy can spark deeper understanding. With guests from around the world and stories that range from global leadership to deeply personal journeys, this season invites listeners to connect, reflect, and keep the conversation going.

This week on Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda welcomes Janet Palafox, IBVM, NGO representative to the United Nations, for an enlightening discussion on social justice, poverty and global disparities. Together, they unpack the historical and systemic roots of poverty, exploring how colonization and enslavement have shaped the modern world. Janet introduces the concept of reparations, framing it as a necessary repayment for exploitation rather than a charitable act. She offers a fresh perspective on how global development has disproportionately benefited the Global North at the expense of the Global South. The episode concludes with an introspective discussion on the role of religious advocates at the UN and their potential to influence meaningful change in addressing these pressing issues. Enter this powerful and reflective conversation!

Join Sister B in this episode of Love & Speak the Truth as she welcomes Father Anthony Taschetta, lovingly known as Fr. Tony. After retiring in 2014, Fr. Tony now says mass at various churches in the western suburbs of Chicago including Our Lady of the Angels Chapel within the Wheaton Franciscan community. With decades of experience as a Roman Catholic priest, Father Tony shares his heartfelt wisdom on preaching, emphasizing his role as a conduit for the message of faith. He shares personal anecdotes about his adopted children and grandchildren, showcasing the deep connection between faith and family. In navigating today’s challenges, Father Tony encourages listeners to seek comfort and strength in the divine presence within. His reflections provide a refreshing perspective on faith in an often tumultuous world.

In this episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda is joined by Annette Haseneder, Congregation of Jesus (CJ) formation consultant and a proud alumna of a Mary Ward school in Munich Nymphenburg, Germany. Annette shares her inspiring journey from a boarding school student to an advocate for Mary Ward’s enduring legacy. She reflects on how the all-female environment of her school nurtured boldness and freedom, empowering young women to embrace their voices and passions. A fusion of past and present, a 17th century woman in the modern world, Annette becomes a living testament to Mary Ward’s vision and values. 

We delve into Mary Ward's visionary approach, particularly her groundbreaking belief in women that positions her as a key figure in feminist history. Annette passionately discusses how these lessons remain profoundly relevant in today’s world. Join us to discover just why, “Women in time (indeed) will do much!”  

This week on Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda sits down with Trish Cassidy, a seasoned healthcare strategist and administrator for a thought-provoking conversation about the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare. Trish sheds light on the industry’s most pressing challenges—rising technological demands, increasing expectations and financial pressures—and their unintended impact on the human side of care. 

With heartfelt insights, Trish advocates for a return to patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of compassion, connection and establishing a baseline of preventative care services. Don’t miss out on this powerful and inspiring discussion encompassing navigating change while staying true to the fundamental mission of healthcare: caring for people. Listen and learn!  

On Love & Speak the Truth, Sister Brenda leads a thought-provoking conversation with Pauline Little, Dave Schmitz, and John Dimucci about the tangled realities of immigration, justice, and diversity in today’s world. With Pauline and John grounding their perspectives in Catholic teachings and Dave bringing insights from management consulting, they explore the tensions between equity and merit, the ups and downs of diversity efforts, and the fears that hold society back. There are no easy answers—just an honest attempt to understand one another and navigate these complex issues together.

This week on Love & Speak the Truth, Dr. Khalilah Gates explores the nuanced concept of "wokeness," unpacking its societal significance and its intersection with race, gender, religion, and ethnicity. Taking a positive and inclusive approach, Dr. Gates tackles the complex issue of gentrification, focusing on its effects through the lens of Chicago's west side. She highlights the transformation of communities and emphasizes the critical role of patience, kindness, and enduring love in fostering harmony. Dr. Gates dispels the misconception that wokeness contradicts these values, instead advocating for mutual respect, understanding, and open communication as vital tools for peaceful coexistence amidst change. You will wake up to the realization that we have been here before. Don’t miss out on this authentic conversation of truth, hope, resilience and real-time honest “wokeness.”  

In this contemplative episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda engages in a heartfelt conversation with Fr. John Dardis, a Jesuit ministering in Rome, about the transformative roles of discernment and prayer in our lives. Drawing on his personal journey and leadership experience with the Society of Jesus, Fr. Dardis shares powerful insights on putting aside biases, embracing openness and truly listening to one another. His reflections on spiritual conversations and thoughtful decision-making offer timely wisdom and guidance for navigating today’s divisive world. Listen now, for an inspiring discussion that invites us all to seek deeper connections with faith, love and one another.

In this vibrant episode of Love & Speak the Truth, Sr. Brenda is joined by the dynamic and inspiring Paula Marr, a trailblazing bass player, percussionist and music enthusiast who has dedicated her life to spreading joy through music and laughter. From discovering her father’s old drum set to forming an electrifying all-girl band, The PriSSillas, Paula shares her remarkable journey of defying societal norms and embracing her passions. Join us as we delve into Paula's story—a testament to courage, creativity and the power of following your heart. Her journey will encourage you to face your fears, celebrate your unique talents and connect with others through the universal language of music.