In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with filmmaker Anthony D’Ambrosio, writer and director of the powerful new film Triumph of the Heart about St. Maximilian Kolbe.

From Auschwitz to the timeless call of Christ, discover why Catholicism doesn’t shy away from suffering, how art has always shaped the Church’s identity, and how beauty can emerge even from tragedy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Catholic art embraces suffering and beauty together
• How St. Maximilian Kolbe’s sacrifice reveals the heart of the priesthood
• What Catholic creatives can learn about perseverance in their work
• How modern technology like film carries the Gospel today

🎬 Triumph of the Heart is in theaters now! Don’t miss this powerful Catholic film:

👉 Buy tickets on Fandango: https://www.fandango.com/triumph-of-the-heart-2025-241138/movie-overview

👉 Buy tickets on AMC: https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/triumph-of-the-heart-79988

If you’ve ever wondered why Catholic art can be so raw or how beauty saves souls, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/

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Holiness isn’t just for saints. Vatican II taught that every Catholic is called to holiness—here’s what that actually looks like in real life.

What does the “universal call to holiness” really mean? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger dive deep into this teaching from Lumen Gentium and Vatican II, breaking down what holiness looks like in everyday life. Is it about miracles and levitation—or the perfection of charity? Hear stories of struggle, perseverance, and adventure in the Christian life, plus answers to real listener questions about discouragement, discerning your vocation, and living holiness as a lay Catholic.

If you’ve ever wondered how to respond to Christ’s words “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect”—this episode will help you see that holiness is both possible and personal.

Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/

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Welcome to the first episode of Practicing Catholic! Hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger dive into what it really means to practice holiness as a Catholic in today’s busy world. They share their personal faith journeys—a conversion and a reversion—and reflect on the universal call to holiness, the role of daily prayer, and the wisdom of the saints. Listeners will learn why patience and hope are essential virtues, how to take practical first steps toward a deeper spiritual life, and why holiness is a lifelong process of growth. Whether you’re a cradle Catholic, a convert, or simply seeking to live your faith more intentionally, this episode will encourage and equip you to become a “practicing Catholic” in the truest sense.

Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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