The Book of Ruth can feel strange to modern readers—but beneath its unfamiliar customs is one of Scripture’s most beautiful stories of fidelity, love, and God’s providence. In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, we begin a new Bible study by taking a fresh look at Ruth and why this short Old Testament book matters so much for Christians today.

Together, we explore the historical and cultural context of Ruth, unpacking themes of loyalty, family, and redemption that often get overlooked. This conversation helps listeners see how Ruth fits into the larger story of salvation history—and why the Church continues to return to it as a source of wisdom and hope.

This is part one of our Practicing Catholic Bible study on the Book of Ruth, setting the foundation for a deeper dive in the next episode.

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Watch the Art of Living series on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1482207

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What does it really mean to live a good and happy life? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the four cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—and why they are essential for authentic Christian freedom.

The conversation unpacks how the virtues form our character, guide our decisions, and help us love God and neighbor more fully. Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and Catholic tradition, the hosts explain how virtue is not about restriction, but about becoming the kind of person who can joyfully choose the good.

The episode also tackles practical and timely questions, including whether Catholics should have retirement accounts, how to live simply without fear or attachment, and how the living can help the souls in purgatory. This thoughtful discussion offers both spiritual depth and concrete guidance for everyday Catholic life.

Looking for more? Check out these resources:

• Watch the Art of Living series on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1482207
• Buy the Art of Living book here: https://catholic.market/gifts/women/the-art-of-living-the-cardinal-virtues-and-the-freedom-to-love/?searchid=1413125&search_query=art+of+living 
• Purchase the Parish Program version of Art of Living with Leader and Participant Guides here: https://catholic.market/programs/the-art-of-living/

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Learn more about Welcome to Hope Springs at http://hopesprings.org/ or listen on Formed at https://watch.formed.org/welcome-to-hope-springs.  

Raising faithful Catholic kids can feel overwhelming—especially when there’s no formula, no mute button, and no guarantee of outcomes. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect honestly on what they’ve learned as parents striving to hand on the faith in everyday family life.

From modeling prayer and making faith incarnational to building strong community, loving your spouse well, and learning not to over-spiritualize every parenting decision, this conversation offers grounded, hopeful wisdom for Catholic parents at every stage. The hosts also answer practical listener questions, including how to balance family life with service and when to take misbehaving kids out of Mass—all while trusting that our children ultimately belong to God.

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Why are stories so powerful—especially for children—and why do they matter so much for passing on the Catholic faith? In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with acclaimed storyteller Paul McCusker to explore how stories shape the imagination and open hearts to truth.

From audio drama to family storytelling, Paul explains why narrative is such a natural way to communicate faith, form virtue, and spark meaningful conversations between parents and children. The episode also introduces Welcome to Hope Springs, a newCatholic audio drama created to bring families together through engaging, faith-filled stories kids and parents can enjoy together.

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• Check out the new Hope Springs Audio Drama Series at HopeSprings.org!
• More audio dramas written by Paul McCusker and produced by the Augustine Institute - https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115518 
• Hope Springs Book Series by Paul McCusker - https://catholic.market/books/hope-springs/the-adventures-of-nick-sam/ 
• A Landscape with Dragons by Michael O’Brien - https://catholic.market/books/a-landscape-with-dragons-the-battle-for-your-childs-mind/ 

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In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the life and spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, patroness of the Augustine Institute’s Mission Circle and one of the most beloved saints of modern times. Drawing from her short but profound life, they unpack how this hidden Carmelite nun became a Doctor of the Church and the patroness of missionaries through her deep trust in God, bold desires for holiness, and unwavering love.

The conversation focuses especially on Thérèse’s “Little Way”—doing ordinary things with extraordinary love—and how it offers a practical, challenging path to holiness in everyday life. From suffering and trust to family life, work, and prayer, this episode invites listeners to discover how St. Thérèse’s simple yet demanding spirituality can transform their daily practice of the faith.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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As a new year approaches, many people reflect on who they want to become—but how should Catholics think about New Year’s resolutions? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, the hosts explore why starting fresh matters in the Christian life and how resolutions can be a meaningful part of growing in holiness. Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and lived experience, they offer a hopeful and realistic vision of beginning again without discouragement or perfectionism.

Using the Parable of the Sower, the conversation examines common obstacles to spiritual growth, including shallow faith, fear of difficulty, and anxiety rooted in attachment to material things. Listeners are invited to consider three practical commitments for the year ahead: deepening understanding of the faith, living with evangelical courage, and practicing generosity through detachment and almsgiving. Whether you love New Year’s resolutions or struggle to keep them, this episode reframes the new year as an opportunity to begin again with grace.

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Christmas is a season of joy, memory, and meaning—and in this special episode of Practicing Catholic, the hosts take a break from the usual format to celebrate it together. From favorite Christmas memories and family traditions to beloved songs and movies, the conversation is lighthearted, warm, and deeply human.

Along the way, they reflect on how Christmas takes on new depth as parents, how children naturally grasp the beauty of Christ’s birth, and why the season invites us to slow down, rejoice, and keep celebrating well beyond December 25. It’s a joyful reminder that the mystery of Christmas is best lived in community, gratitude, and faith.

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Family tensions, mixed expectations, spiritual pressure, and packed schedules — Christmas can bring joy and stress. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Scott unpack how to navigate family dynamics during the holidays with gratitude, intentionality, and a deep reliance on God’s grace.

They discuss practical strategies for maintaining peace, communicating expectations with loved ones, fostering authentic joy, witnessing the faith without conflict, and keeping prayer at the center of a busy season. With humor, honesty, and pastoral insight, they help listeners enter Christmas prepared to love well – even when things get messy.

Plus: family traditions that keep Christ at the center, tips for praying while traveling, and the great Santa/St. Nicholas conversation.

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Why is waiting so hard—and what is God doing in that waiting? In this Advent episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the virtues of patience and perseverance, why they matter for the Christian life, and how Advent trains us to grow in them. From parenting struggles to workplace challenges to spiritual dryness, they unpack practical, concrete ways to build these virtues with God’s grace. They also answer audience questions on defending the faith with charity and using medals and sacramentals without superstition. A relatable and hope-filled guide for anyone striving to begin again and stay the course.

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Be sure to check out The Art of Living video series, coming to Formed in January 2026. Buy The Art of Living here: https://catholic.market/gifts/women/the-art-of-living-the-cardinal-virtues-and-the-freedom-to-love/?srsltid=AfmBOorEU_8H0jDiFN_9f5zw3ktOL75XP-7R9sfRadrDP3IefzC9m4Li

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In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Dr. Scott welcome Molly Sweeney to explore one of the most essential yet often misunderstood aspects of Catholic spirituality: devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They share their personal journeys with Mary, unpack key Scripture passages—from the Annunciation to the Wedding at Cana—and explain why every disciple of Jesus is invited into a relationship with His Mother.

The conversation touches on common questions about the Rosary, the meaning of Marian intercession, and how Mary continues to guide believers toward her Son. With practical tips for deepening Marian devotion, recommended resources, and honest reflections on family life, this episode offers both clarity and inspiration for anyone seeking to grow closer to Christ through His Mother.

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Retreats and Conferences at the Augustine Institute: https://www.augustineinstitute.org/about-pages/retreats-and-conferences

Lectio: Prayer on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115705

ESV Catholic Edition on Catholic Market: https://catholic.market/bibles/?srsltid=AfmBOoq7H-MLGMFNpqKZA8X1BO8xBunNaqvcUQT1dd3J8i748tAvnihH

The Bible: What Every Catholic Should Know: https://catholic.market/books/the-bible-what-every-catholic-should-know/?searchid=1391521&search_query=the+bible%3A+what+every+

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