Practicing Catholic

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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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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In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Dr. Scott dive into one of the most overlooked—but richest—seasons of the Church year: Advent. From avoiding the mad dash to Christmas to rediscovering the beauty of anticipation, they share practical ways to make Advent more intentional, joyful, and spiritually fruitful.

Scott reflects on the Austrian traditions that transformed his own Advent experience, while Taylor discusses the challenges of feeling “aimless” during the season and the small commitments that finally brought it to life. Together they explore Advent practices such as the Advent wreath, Jesse Tree, calendars, family devotions, fasting, gratitude, and preparing for Christ by entering into the stories of Mary, Joseph, and Israel’s long-awaited hope.

They also tackle audience questions about Christmas music, decorations, parties, Santa vs. St. Nicholas, and the explosion of quirky secular Advent calendars. The episode wraps with their personal Advent challenges—concrete ideas you can adapt for your own home.

If you want a more meaningful Advent and a richer Christmas, this episode will help you reclaim the season with purpose.

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In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with Solenne Santiago, a young Catholic from Gen Z, to explore the challenges of growing up in the age of social media, smartphones, and constant connection—yet feeling more isolated than ever. Solenne shares her personal story of faith, how her parents helped her stay rooted in the Church, and practical ways young Catholics can build authentic community and friendships.

The conversation dives into the balance between digital life and real presence, the art of conversation, and how faith and parish life can help counter the epidemic of loneliness. Plus, the team previews the Augustine Institute’s new series, How to Advent, with a sneak peek at what’s to come this season!

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Most Catholics hear the Bible at Mass—but how should we personally read Scripture to grow in faith? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Scott share their own journeys with the Word of God, how to make Scripture a source of renewal, and practical ways to pray with the Bible every day.

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In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger, and Emily take on one of the most common spiritual questions: How do we hear God’s voice?

They explore Scripture, prayer, providence, and the peace that comes from true discernment. You’ll hear stories of how they’ve recognized God’s voice in major life decisions—from career changes to moving across the country—and learn how to cultivate silence, freedom, and trust when clarity seems out of reach.

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What does it mean to bring the Gospel to the internet? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with John Donohue, founder of Truth Charting, to talk about digital evangelization — how Gen Z consumes faith content, the temptations of pride in online work, and how to discern whether God is calling you to be a “digital missionary.”

John shares his journey from youth ministry to filmmaking to reaching millions online, his inspiration from Blessed Carlo Acutis, and practical ways to stay grounded in faith while creating content that connects.

Whether you’re a Catholic content creator, youth minister, or simply trying to use social media with virtue, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

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Preparing for marriage—or trying to strengthen yours? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger share heartfelt and practical insights on what it means to live out the Sacrament of Marriage.

From learning to not count the cost to seeing marriage as a sacrament of service, they dive deep into how couples can truly love one another as Christ loves the Church. Whether you’re engaged, newly married, or decades in, this honest and hope-filled conversation will encourage you to see marriage as an adventure of love, sacrifice, and grace.

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