Our Humbled Hearts

Have we become so accustomed to the noise, distractions, and ugliness of modern life that we've forgotten how to notice beauty? In this episode of Our Humbled Hearts, Beth and Susan Marek continue their series on beauty, exploring how our surroundings, daily habits, and the things we give our attention to can shape our sense of peace and connection with God. They reflect on the “malaise of ugliness” and why beauty is so much more than what we see. It is a reflection of God and something we can intentionally cultivate in our homes, workplaces, churches, and everyday lives. Through thoughtful conversation and practical inspiration, Beth and Susan invite us to slow down, rediscover the beauty that's already around us, and consider how we can bring more of it into the world, with God at the center.

Chapters

00:00 — The “malaise of ugliness” and why beauty matters

01:09 — Looking for beauty in our homes and communities

02:45 — How our surroundings can affect our sense of peace

03:41 — When function takes the place of beauty

05:07 — Screens, sensory overload, and becoming accustomed to ugliness

06:25 — Finding beauty in places we can’t easily change

07:43 — Seeing beauty even in difficult circumstances

09:03 — Choosing beauty when we have a choice

10:29 — Bringing beauty into a cubicle or everyday space

11:57 — Beauty as a reflection of God

14:41 — Practicing the “I-Spy” of beauty

15:35 — Bringing beauty through kindness and compassion

16:31 — Choosing what we see, hear, and give our attention to

17:16 — “Be the beauty”

19:11 — Self-care as a way to honor the gift of who we are

21:08 — Choosing beauty in the places and media we seek out

22:27 — Seeking beauty right where you are

23:10 — A story about being present with a granddaughter

24:10 — Unplugging and making room to notice beauty

25:00 — Closing thoughts and a preview of next week’s episode

Why Everything Feels So Empty (And What Beauty Has to Do With It)

Have you ever looked around and wondered why so much of modern life feels rushed, cluttered, and strangely empty? We have more conveniences, more entertainment, and more ways to connect than ever before, yet something seems to be missing. Could it be beauty?

In this episode of Our Humbled Hearts, Susan and Beth explore why beauty matters so much more than we might realize, especially when we're trying to live a Christ-centered life in a post-Christian world.

They discuss how beauty can draw us closer to God through art, architecture, music, nature, and even the little things we encounter every day.

But this conversation isn't just about beautiful buildings or works of art. It's about what happens to our hearts when we stop noticing beauty altogether.

And perhaps most importantly, they remind us that beauty has very little to do with how much money we have or what we own. It's about how we live, how we care for one another, and whether we take the time to recognize God's presence in ordinary moments.

If you've been feeling a little disconnected, spiritually tired, or simply longing for something more meaningful, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, look around, and rediscover the beauty that's been there all along.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Welcome and why we're talking about beauty

01:25 – Bishop Barron, Word on Fire, and finding God through beauty

03:59 – Has our post-Christian world lost its appreciation for beauty?

04:28 – The power of beautiful churches, architecture, and sacred spaces

05:26 – Why beauty may be the antidote to feeling numb

07:17 – Are we nourishing our souls or feeding them junk food?

08:23 – Our natural longing for beauty and connection with God

09:42 – Social media and losing our own sense of beauty

10:04 – The miracle of travel and remembering to appreciate it

11:29 – Graffiti, apathy, and the "someone else will do it" mentality

14:10 – Instant gratification and the desire for quick fixes

16:00 – Creating beauty through community, service, and responsibility

17:50 – Why true beauty has nothing to do with wealth

19:23 – Seeking beauty when we travel but overlooking it at home

20:53 – Making room for beauty in a cluttered, busy world

Links to Season 1 Post-Christian World Episode:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-humbled-hearts/id1886035693?i=1000767536545

YouTube: https://youtu.be/9wkZuYPMR1c

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/74Ij9aeWnd3JTsbwhwNuCq

Join Susan and Beth on Our Humbled Hearts as they explore what it means to live with faith, intention, humility, and a heart centered on Christ in today's world.

Season two of Our Humbled Hearts opens with a bold thought: faith, beauty, and daily life can be reordered around God, and that changes everything. If you’re trying to live a Christ-centered life in a post-Christian world, this conversation sets the tone for the season and points you toward the practical, prayerful habits that make it possible. 

Susan Marek and Beth Tiger return after summer break with an honest, hope-filled preview of what’s ahead, including why October’s dedication to Our Lady of the Rosary matters so much to them, how the Rosary can become an easy daily rhythm instead of another spiritual chore, and why pairing prayer with ordinary life can help you actually keep it. They also revisit the heart of their own homecoming story - from the New Age to a deeper Catholic faith - and explain why that journey continues to shape every episode they create.

The Conversation:

• why the Rosary is more than a devotion and how it becomes a grounding practice in everyday life
• the mysteries that mean the most to Susan and Beth how to build a rosary habit
• why beauty, home life, and even the way you dress and speak are all part of the conversation this season

This episode also teases what’s coming next: a Practical Magic discussion before Halloween, conversations about creating beauty and meaning in the home, and the return of Father Looby and Monsignor Chris.

If you’ve ever wondered how to live faithfully without losing your mind, your wonder, or your sense of purpose, this season is for you. Perfect for anyone who loves Catholic conversation, is rediscovering the faith, especially current or former New Agers, or wants a more rooted, beautiful way to move through the liturgical year.

Quick Look:

• 0:00 — Welcome back and summer catch-up
• 0:30 — Reflecting on the July 4th conversation with Monsignor Chris (https://youtu.be/8hRJthCyrvE?si=OYnTurbhsGfOCfgS)
• 2:31 — Dedicating the new season to the Blessed Mother
• 4:27 — Susan’s daily rosary practice and making space for prayer
• 6:07 — Favorite rosary mysteries: the Wedding at Cana, the Annunciation, and the Agony in the Garden
• 9:36 — Pairing the rosary with everyday routines like walking or cooking
• 10:37 — Preview of the season’s themes: returning to faith, service, practical magic, and living faithfully
• 12:22 — Halloween, past New Age practices, Advent, and upcoming guests
• 14:01 — Creating beauty and intention in the home
• 14:32 — Closing prayers and goodbye

Most Americans overlook the profound spiritual foundation that makes our nation unique, and it all hinges on dependence, not independence. What if true freedom comes from surrendering to a higher power, and the key to understanding our rights, our identity, and our purpose is rooted in dependence on God?

In this powerful episode, Monsignor Chris shares timeless wisdom that challenges our current worldview, revealing how surrendering control leads to authentic freedom and harmony within ourselves, our communities, and our country. We explore how the declaration that "all men are created equal" is fundamentally tied to being created in God's image, and why our rights are given by the divine, not the state.

We break down Venerable Fulton Sheen's poignant reflection that genuine independence is actually rooted in dependence, a radical idea that urges us to reevaluate our relationships with each other, with our Creator, and with the nation. We discuss how dependence on God is not a sign of weakness but the ultimate source of strength, liberty, and unity in a fractured world.

We delve into practical wisdom on cultivating trust, vulnerability, and relationships that mirror divine love—whether in marriage, friendships, or faith communities.

Monsignor Chris shares stories from his 47 years of ministry, illustrating how embracing dependence can unlock true freedom and deepen your connection to God and those around you.

We explore why surrendering to God isn’t losing yourself, but finding your true purpose, being rooted in God's image and likeness.


The Declaration of Dependence by Ven. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen:
https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2025/07/04/a-declaration-of-dependence/?gf_protect_submission=1

"We have been anesthetized to evil. Horror movies used to be thrilling; now they're just bloodbaths, and we're numb to it."

Living in a post-Christian world doesn’t mean the end; it’s a call to embed your faith more deeply.

In a society where darkness is growing and God’s presence is fading from daily life, how do believers stand firm and transform this cultural shift? We share raw, eye-opening insights on navigating a post-Christian age, revealing how the enemy subtly works to numb us to evil and distract us from Christ’s light. From the rise of pagan influences in media to the decline of moral benchmarks, this episode confronts the challenges head-on — and offers a hopeful blueprint grounded in Scripture, community, and divine purpose.

We discuss:
* How our society’s rejection of Christian principles parallels ancient pagan times, and why that’s not the end of the story
* The subtle ways evil infiltrates entertainment and culture, numbing us to violence, sexual chaos, and darkness
* The importance of reclaiming our identity in Christ through community, prayer, and intentional faith practices
* Why every believer is “born for such a time as this” and how Esther’s story inspires your divine purpose today

If you feel overwhelmed by the cultural darkness, this episode reminds you that your faith is more vital than ever. It’s time to step into your role as a light in the darkness, forging community and standing firm in God’s truth.

Perfect for Christians who seek clarity, courage, and a renewed sense of mission in challenging times.Episodes like this are essential listening if you want to know how to live—and lead—with faith in a world that’s lost its way.
Join us as we explore how to bring God back into the center of our lives, our families, and our culture. Because even in the darkest days, the light of Christ shines brighter, and you’re called to be part of that divine illumination.

Special note: This is the last episode of season 1. Please subscribe to be informed when season 2 begins, as well as our special episode for the 250th birthday of the United States!

Thank you for following along with us on this journey. We are grateful you are here!

Join Father Chris Looby as he dives into a lively and unpredictable discussion, tackling viewer questions and exploring a wide range of topics about Catholic faith and practice. Known for his relatable preaching and practical insights, Father Chris brings clarity and humor to every conversation.

In this episode, we explore:

• How the sacraments connect us deeply with Jesus and the Church
  
• The power of the sign of the cross and its daily significance
  
• The role of saints and images in Catholic prayer and how they enhance our connection to Jesus
  
• The impact of faith and community in bringing people back to the Church, especially in our post-COVID world
  
• Practical ways to live out the Gospel amidst life's chaos
  

Father Chris shares his thoughts on living faith actively and embracing the Church’s traditions to transform everyday life. His insights challenge us to deepen our relationship with Christ and others, no matter how unpredictable the world gets.

Perfect for believers seeking renewed faith, curious seekers, and anyone interested in understanding the deeper meaning behind Catholic practices, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical tips to encounter Jesus more fully. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or new to the faith, Father Chris’s wisdom reminds us that living our faith with joy and authenticity is the best witness we can give.

Bible Study With Fr. Chris Looby podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-study-with-father-chris-looby/id1826830818

In this episode, Beth and Susan invite you on a heartfelt journey exploring the profound role of Mary, our Blessed Mother, in our spiritual lives.

Ever wondered why Mary is called the Ark of the Covenant or the Queen of Heaven? Join us as we dive into Mary's pivotal "yes" at the Annunciation and how her unwavering faith continues to guide us today. Discover the power of the Rosary and how Marian apparitions have sparked conversions and deepened faith across the globe.

In this episode, Susan and Beth share personal insights and practical tips on cultivating a prayer life that goes beyond rituals to an ongoing, authentic relationship with God. They explore the power of praying without ceasing, how to integrate prayer into daily life, and the richness of traditional and modern prayer practices.

They talk about:

• The concept of praying without ceasing: what it means and how to practice it
• Comparing old practices with renewed, authentic relationships with God
• The role of prayer in everyday moments, from chores to walks
• Unanswered prayers: understanding God's plan and trusting His timing
• Traditional prayer practices like the Lord’s Prayer, Rosary, and Lectio Divina
• Using everyday activities as opportunities for prayer and reflection

This episode reminds us that prayer is not just a ritual but a continuous conversation with God, a love that shapes our daily lives, thoughts, and actions.

In this heartfelt conversation, Beth and Susan share their personal journeys back to the faith that once felt distant, revealing how the Catechism's radical message of sheer goodness and love reignited their spiritual lives.Y

They share:

• The transformative power of the Catechism, and why it’s more than just a rulebook; it's a blueprint of divine love.
• The beauty of Catholic traditions, rituals, and apostolic succession that create a universal, welcoming community around the world.
• How the Church’s mysticism, teachings on transubstantiation, and quiet acceptance of mystery deepen their faith.

Join Beth and Susan as they explore the inner peace, belonging, and purpose that come from embracing Catholic beliefs, even amid life's challenges. Whether you're a cradle Catholic, a seeker, or someone questioning faith, this episode offers fresh insights into the beauty, depth, and relevance of Catholicism today. Perfect for anyone yearning for a sense of mystical connection, community, or clarity in a world filled with confusion and distraction.  

Beth Tiger and Susan Marek open up about their incredible journey from the New Age movement back to their Catholic faith. Ever wondered why someone would leave their faith, dive into New Age practices, and then make a full circle back? They answer this and more in this heartfelt episode.  A few spoilers…

They share the moment they realized that all the crystals and tarot cards in the world couldn't fill the spiritual void they felt, as well as the unexpected peace and fulfillment they found when they returned to Mass and embraced their Christian roots.

They chat about the allure of New Age spirituality (it's fun!), the challenges of letting go, and the profound peace they’ve found in their renewed faith. 

Whether you're curious about spiritual journeys or just love a good transformation story, this episode is for you!

“Many of those who had become believers came forward and openly acknowledged their former practices.

Moreover, a large number of those who had practiced magic collected their books and burned them in public. They calculated their value and found it to be fifty thousand silver pieces”.
~ Acts 19:18-19