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What if a stranger at a crossroads held the answer to a prayer you didn’t even know you were saying? Vivian Marino joins Jim and Meghan to share her deeply moving journey of faith, family, and discovering God's providence in the most unexpected places. From tearful moments on the Camino to starting a family rosary tradition, Vivian’s story is a reminder that God is always working, even when we don’t realize it. This episode is rich with encouragement for Catholic parents seeking to live their vocation more intentionally.

What’s in this episode:

• How Vivian’s solo moment on the Camino became a divine encounter with a father from New Orleans
• The surprising follow-up that led to her first published article
• How Fatima and Marian devotion have shaped her family’s prayer life
• The story behind her daily Rosary habit through an online community
• How the Rosary became her spiritual anchor during the challenges of motherhood
• What happened when she invited her husband to start praying the Rosary with her
• How adopting a Holocaust victim in prayer led to an unexpected sign from God
• The beginning of her writing career with The Clarion Herald
• A glimpse into her upcoming book about faithful Catholic women living quiet devotion
• One resource every Catholic family should know: Holy Family School of Faith - Daily Rosary Meditations
• Book she’s currently reading: Full of Grace  by Christine Watkins and Waiting for a Miracle by Cyndi Peterson MD
• Her favorite books include both titles, each filled with Marian miracles
• Advice to her younger self: Start praying the Rosary, even if you don’t feel ready
• Final wisdom for listeners: Make the Rosary a weekly family tradition and protect your Sundays

Resources Mentioned:

Many Hail Marys at a Time – Daily live Rosary prayed by two Catholic sisters, Kristen and Kristin

Daily Rosary Meditations - Podcast offering themed Rosary meditations by Dr. Mike Scherschligt

Full of Grace by Christine Watkins – True stories of healing and Marian devotion

Waiting for a Miracle by Cyndi Peterson MD – Journey through grief, healing, and Medjugorje

The Clarion Herald – Catholic newspaper where Vivian’s writing journey began

NOLA Catholic Parenting – Local blog sharing Catholic family life and parenting experiences

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Does Advent in your home feel more like chaos than Christ? Jim and Meghan sit down with sisters Marci Maurer Nunnery and Melinda Marshburn, who share how a simple family tradition, the Jesse Tree, helped anchor their children in Scripture and the true story of salvation. From its roots in Melinda’s mother-in-law’s handmade gift to a ministry now blessing families across denominations, this conversation shines a light on how the Jesse Tree transforms Advent into a season of faith, prayer, and family unity.

What’s in this episode:

• The origin of the Jesse Tree tradition in Marci and Melinda’s family
• How a handmade gift from Melinda’s mother-in-law grew into a ministry
• Why the Jesse Tree is deeply rooted in both Scripture and Catholic tradition
• Making Advent a time of prayerful focus rather than holiday chaos
• How daily readings, ornaments, and prayers engage kids of all ages
• Stories of how the Jesse Tree has impacted families, parishes, and schools
• Practical ways parents can adapt readings for little ones or busy evenings
• How the Jesse Tree creates space for fathers to lead spiritually at home
• A moving testimony of forgiveness inspired by Joseph’s story in Genesis
• One resource every Catholic family should know: The Word Among Us
• Book they’re currently reading: The Memory of Lavender and Sage and Paris to the Pyrenees
• Favorite book: Camino pilgrimage stories and faith reflections
• Advice to their younger selves: Learn more languages and give yourself grace
• Final wisdom for listeners: Remind your children daily that they are sons and daughters of the King

Resources Mentioned:

The Jesse Tree – Book, banner, and handmade ornaments to guide families through Advent 

The Word Among Us – Daily Scripture readings and meditations

Pray As You Go – Online daily prayer resource

Hallow App – Catholic prayer app with rosaries and meditations

Memories of Lavender and Sage – A beautifully written novel set in France

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What if the Church gave you a spiritual job description, and you’d been living it all along? In this episode, Jim and Meghan sit down with Jill Simons, Catholic author, speaker, podcaster, and Executive Director at Many Parts Ministries, to explore charisms: the personal spiritual gifts every baptized Christian is given for the good of the Church. From family life to parish ministry and everything in between, Jill unpacks how identifying and naming your charisms can transform your parenting, your peace, and your path to holiness.

What’s in this episode:

• What charisms actually are and how they differ from other gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Why discerning your charisms gives clarity to your vocation and everyday decisions
• How Jill’s own journey began in high school and grew into a full-time apostolate
• The reason most Catholics overlook or undervalue their own spiritual gifts
• Why your charisms might feel “ordinary” to you and why that’s a sign they’re real
• How families can use charism language to build unity and reduce burnout
• Encouraging ways to talk to kids about spiritual gifts, even as young as 5 years old
• The surprising impact charism discernment has had on military families
• Why parents must first model charism living before passing it on to their kids
• One resource every Catholic family should know: Souls and Hearts with Dr. Peter Malinoski
• Book she’s reading: The Discernment of Spirits by Fr. Timothy Gallagher
• Favorite book: Discernment of Spirits by Fr. Timothy Gallagher
• Advice to her younger self: Stop limiting where it makes sense to hope
• Final wisdom for listeners: You’re probably right about your kids’ charisms but wrong about your own

Resources Mentioned:

Many Parts Ministries – Tools, resources, and a mobile app to help Catholics discern and live out their charisms

Discount Code: MCF10

Start the Adventure: Charisms for Kids – Jill’s guidebook for parents to discern their own gifts and introduce charisms to their children

Charisms for Catholics - Podcast – Hosted by Jill Simons, covering spiritual gifts and discernment in everyday Catholic life

Charism Assessment – A tool offered by Many Parts to help adults and teens (14 to 20) identify their top spiritual gifts

The Discernment of Spirits by Fr. Timothy Gallagher – A practical guide to understanding how God speaks through our desires and decisions

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What does it take to truly belong?

Jim and Meghan sit down with Ethan Stueve, husband, father, missionary, and Catholic podcaster, for a heartfelt conversation about building and finding an authentic Catholic community. From his days as a college missionary to his bold attempts at neighborhood relocation plans, Ethan shares what he has learned about friendship, family life, and keeping Christ at the center. His story is a reminder that community is not just built but lived with sacrifice, humor, and faith.

What’s in this episode:

• Ethan’s journey from engineering graduate to FOCUS missionary
• The lessons of leading Bible studies at Tulsa during the pandemic
• Why building a Catholic community in post-college life feels harder
• The shift from man-made plans to parish-centered community in Wichita
• How intergenerational Catholic life fosters deeper belonging
• The importance of ordinary, unplanned interactions in true friendship
• Why comedy has a role in evangelization and community building
• The story of starting a Catholic podcast with Patrick Neve
• One resource every Catholic family should know: The Fulfillment of All Desire by Ralph Martin (plus The Father of the Little Flower & The Mother of the Little Flower)
• Book he’s currently reading: Letters and diaries of St. Thérèse’s parents, Louis and Zélie Martin
• Favorite book: The Fulfillment of All Desire by Ralph Martin
• Advice to his younger self: Read more great books and watch less TV
• Final wisdom for listeners: Community thrives on communication and courage

Resources Mentioned:

Bropostles Podcast – Ethan and Patrick’s long-running Catholic comedy podcast

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Sisters Anna and Addison Henige join Jim and Meghan to share their remarkable journey from reluctant faith to intentional discipleship. What began with a youth retreat and a long-overdue hug blossomed into a shared mission of evangelization on their college campus. Through candid stories of struggle, reconciliation, and rediscovery, the Henige sisters show how God’s timing and sibling love can ignite a lasting fire for Christ.

What’s in this episode:

• How Anna and Addison went from sisterly tension to spiritual teammates
• The pivotal role of youth ministry in awakening authentic faith
• Why a retreat experience changed everything for both girls
• The healing power of a simple hug after years of conflict
• How adoration, sacraments, and community transformed their hearts
• Choosing a Catholic high school just ten days before senior year
• The ups and downs of carrying faith into a secular college
• What it’s like to be Catholic in Greek life, and why it matters
• Why being on mission starts with personal transformation
• A behind-the-scenes look at Focus missionaries on campus
• One resource every Catholic family should know: MassTimes.org
• Book they’re reading: Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe
• Favorite book: Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla and His Five Loves by Jason Evert
• Advice to their younger selves: Trust earlier and don’t hide your God-given identity
• Final wisdom: Let your children find Jesus in their own time. Be ready when they do.

Resources Mentioned:

MassTimes.org – Find Mass and Confession anywhere while traveling

Catholic Answers – Online resource for tough faith questions

Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe – On detachment and trust in God

Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla – Foundations of sacrificial love

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What happens when an Army officer hears the call to the priesthood? Jim and Meghan welcome Father Colin Patrick, Parochial Vicar at St. Brigid Catholic Church, to share his inspiring journey from military service to the altar. With humor, humility, and a deep love for Christ, Father Colin reflects on his vocation story, devotion to St. Thérèse, and the joys and struggles of serving Catholic families today. His story is a reminder that God works powerfully through both big moments and small daily graces.

What’s in this episode:

• Why Father Colin calls his “master class” Hummer Bee
• Running with fellow seminarians and parishioners as a way of building community
• Stories from his time in the U.S. Army and the unexpected lessons he carried into priesthood
• A dramatic training accident that shifted his perspective on vocation and service
• The bittersweet call to leave parish life to serve as a military chaplain
• How families today struggle with anxiety, technology, and isolation, and where the Church brings hope
• Father Colin’s devotion to St. Thérèse and the story of a missing relic
• Relics, their meaning in the Church, and how he came to possess first-class relics of saints
• The influence of his grandmother’s prayer life and devotion to Mary on his vocation
• One resource every Catholic family should know: The family dinner table at least once a week, phones set aside
• Book he’s currently reading: Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
• Favorite book: He Leadeth Me by Walter Ciszek
• Advice to his younger self: Keep your head up because God loves you, even when you don’t feel it
• Final wisdom for listeners: Cling to prayer, to each other, and enjoy the blessings of daily life

Resources Mentioned:

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger – Novel with themes of faith, family, and perseverance

He Leadeth Me by Walter Ciszek – Spiritual reflections from a Jesuit priest imprisoned in Russia

With God in Russia by Walter Ciszek – Memoir of survival and faith in Soviet prison camps

Life Teen – Catholic youth ministry shaping teen discipleship

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What happens when grandparents say yes to faith, family, and 21 grandchildren? Jim and Meghan sit down with Bill and Patti Remmert, married 52 years, to hear how they’ve turned summer vacations into a sacred tradition called Cousins Camp. Rooted in joy, creativity, and Catholic identity, this episode reveals how intentional time with grandchildren can become a powerful way to pass on the faith and create memories that last for generations.

What’s in this episode:

• The beautiful origin story behind Cousins Camp
• How the Remmerts structure faith-filled summer camp experiences for grandkids
• Why each camp is centered around a theme, this year’s was “Born to Be Saints”
• Ideas for incorporating treasure hunts, saint stories, and travel into family life
• The impact of visiting Catholic shrines, churches, and even The Ark Encounter
• How Cousins Camp honors the life and legacy of their daughter Molly
• Why grandparent involvement matters now more than ever in faith formation
• The role of planning, prayer, and persistence in building traditions
• Reflections on how the diaconate has shaped their family spiritually
• How kids learn independence, money skills, and spiritual depth through camp
• One resource every Catholic family should know: MassTimes.org, Hallow App, and FORMED
• Book they’re reading: A Saint in Sneakers and Armchair Mystic
• Advice to their younger selves: Start daily prayer and pray more with your family
• Final wisdom: Keep a gratitude journal and make faith transmission a top priority

Resources Mentioned:

MassTimes.org – A quick way to find Catholic Mass times while traveling

Hallow App – A Catholic prayer and meditation app for families

FORMED – Catholic streaming platform with movies, studies, and children’s content

Angel Studios – Film studio with family-friendly and faith-filled movies

A Saint in Sneakers – A book on Blessed Carlo Acutis, ideal for teens

Armchair Mystic by Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ – A practical and engaging guide to prayer

The Ark Encounter – A life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark in Kentucky

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What if your family calendar followed the rhythm of the Church year? Jim and Meghan welcome Kendra Tierney Norton, author with Ignatius Press and founder of Catholic All Year, to share how liturgical living shapes the rhythm of family life. From feast-day menus and “sneaky catechesis” to simple prayers around the table, Kendra explains how her family has embraced traditions that root daily life in the seasons of the Church. Her story offers encouragement for parents who want to bring joy and meaning into their homes through Catholic practices that are both simple and lasting.

What’s in this episode:

• Why “keeping Catholicism weird” makes the faith memorable for kids
• How family dinner became the heart of liturgical living at home
• Simple, scalable feast-day ideas tied to saints and seasons
• “Sneaky catechesis” through food, crafts, and celebration
• Michaelmas with a “devil piñata” and the power of joyful ritual
• Using parish missals and seasonal rhythms to guide the year
• Hospitality, community, and evangelization through holidays
• Practical encouragement for overwhelmed parents to start small
• One resource every Catholic family should know: In Conversation with God (Relevant Radio)
• Book she’s currently reading: Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson
• Favorite book: Around the Year with the Von Trapp Family by Maria Augusta von Trapp
• Advice to her younger self: Take baby steps, trust God, and let traditions grow over time
• Final wisdom for listeners: Don’t try to do everything, choose a few feasts, keep it joyful, and be faithful

Resources Mentioned:

In Conversation with God – Daily meditations available on the Relevant Radio app

Around the Year with the Von Trapp Family by Maria Augusta von Trapp – Classic family guide to the liturgical year

The Year and Our Children by Mary Reed Newland – Practical family traditions for feasts and seasons

Catholic All Year – Kendra’s apostolate with books and tools for liturgical living

Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson – Catholic dystopian novel Kendra is currently reading

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Teaching kids the Bible can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Jim and Meghan welcome Mark Hart, speaker, author, and leader at Life Teen, to share the story behind Encounter and why it’s helping middle schoolers discover the beauty of Scripture. Mark also opens up about his own conversion, 30 years in youth ministry, and the simple ways parents can lead their kids in faith with confidence and joy.

What’s in this episode:

• How Encounter began as a teen Bible study inspired by Jeff Cavins’ Great Adventure timeline
• Why middle schoolers need humor, visuals, and story-driven teaching to stay engaged
• Mark’s own kids and their friends as the “test market” for developing new resources
• The role of parents when kids ask for Bible studies at home
• Why Scripture must be more than history, it’s a personal invitation to find your story in God’s story
• The call from his pastor that led him into 30 years of youth ministry
• How parenting today is complicated by distraction, technology, and emotional disconnection
• The importance of affirmation and presence for teens who seek validation elsewhere
• The challenge of forming young men in a culture of gaming, pornography, and immaturity
• Mark’s advice for parents who feel like they’re failing in faith formation
• One resource every Catholic family should know: Hallow App and the Truthly.ai tool
• Book he’s currently reading: The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila, and the Book of James
• Favorite book/author inspirations: Fulton Sheen, G.K. Chesterton, and St. Teresa of Avila
• Advice to his younger self: Never stop laughing, joy is trust in God
• Final wisdom: You’re not failing; keep praying, keep trying, and let your kids see your humility

Resources Mentioned:

Encounter – A middle school Bible timeline program from Ascension Press

Biblical Heroes – Mark Hart’s book for middle schoolers, highlighting young figures in Scripture

Letters to My Little Sister by Trinity Moriah – Catholic guidebook for middle school girls (Life Teen)

Hallow App – Catholic prayer and meditation app for families

Truthly.ai – Faithful AI tool for quick Catholic answers

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Can evangelization really be joyful, lighthearted, and even funny? Jim and Meghan sit down with Scott and Elisabeth Williams, the husband-and-wife team behind Sock Religious, to talk about how they’ve built a Catholic family business rooted in humor, creativity, and bold faith. From socks to t-shirts to stories of saints, their mission is simple: help families live their faith out loud while never taking themselves too seriously.

What’s in this episode:

• The origin story of Sock Religious on a road trip to Chicago in 2017
• How humor, joy, and faith came together in their marriage and business
• Why authenticity matters in sharing the Gospel with the world
• The creative process behind designing socks and t-shirts that tell saint stories
• Powerful customer stories: weddings, ordinations, and cancer treatments with Sock Religious
• The joy of connecting saints’ charisms with real family life
• Learning from Blessed Carlo Acutis and his confidence in God
• Facing criticism online and choosing to evangelize with courage anyway
• How their products unify across generations, from kids to grandparents
• Involving their young children in the family business and devotion to saints
• One resource every Catholic family should know: Masstimes.org, Encounter School of Ministry, Reform Wellness
• Book they’re currently reading: Traction by Gino Wickman; Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe
• Favorite book: Classics by Jacques Philippe, especially on peace and freedom
• Advice to their younger selves: Take more risks sooner and don’t let fear win
• Final wisdom for listeners: Be authentically yourself, and if you can, build something with your best friend

Resources Mentioned:

Sock Religious – Catholic socks, shirts, and accessories for joyful evangelization

Masstimes.org – Online resource for finding nearby Mass and confession times

Encounter School of Ministry – Formation program with online resources and videos

Reform Wellness – Faith-based wellness program for Catholic mothers and families

Traction by Gino Wickman – Practical framework for operating businesses and organizations

Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe – Spiritual classic on peace and freedom in Christ