The EquipCast

Is the ideal of priesthood stuck in the past?

I love the saints—especially guys like St. John Vianney—but trying to imitate their circumstances can leave today’s priests feeling defeated before they even begin. In this episode, Fr. Scott Traynor and I get honest about how different our world is now, and why that’s not a problem to mourn but a mission to embrace. We talk about the heart of priesthood today: prayer, the sacraments, and investing deeply in a few people who can carry the Gospel into a culture that’s drifting away from Christ.

And here’s the hope: renewal isn’t about going backward. It’s about priests doing what only they can do—celebrate, preach, shepherd—and unleashing the laity to live their mission with confidence. If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations you can’t live up to or wondered whether your parish can actually flourish in a secular age, this conversation will help you imagine a future filled with purpose and hope.

01:21 Meet Father Scott Traynor

Books mentioned in this podcast:

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

Feeling stuck and longing for clarity? I invite you to take a moment to pause, pray, and discern where God is calling you. Today’s guest, Lisa Kelly, leadership coach, author of The Spiritual Path, and expert in Ignatian spirituality, shares an Ignatian-inspired process that helps you slow down, notice what’s stirring in your heart, and make choices with clarity and peace. If you’ve ever wondered, “Where is God leading me?” this conversation will give you hope and courage for the road ahead.

[02:29] Lisa's Faith Journey and Education

Check out LaStorta or contact Lisa.

Also, register for the Spiritual Path Retreat.

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

What’s on Pope Leo’s Christmas list—and can you fulfill it for him?

He’s not asking for gifts wrapped in paper and bows. His wish is for a Church renewed in mission, united in love, and bold in proclaiming Christ first. Imagine communities that listen deeply, care tenderly for the least, and engage the world with courage and hope. That’s the heart behind his six desires—and together, we can make them real.

[00:34] Introducing Pope Leo's Christmas List

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

What do you do when silence feels safer than the truth? Rely on God to give you the grace and courage to do what your strength can’t: turn difficult moments into opportunities for honesty, deeper trust, and real healing.

In this episode of EquipCast, I sit down with Mari Pablo—a fearless, bilingual evangelist who isn’t afraid to step into the topics most people avoid. Together, we talk about how to build trust, speak truth with compassion, and bridge cultural and generational divides in the Church. Mari shares practical strategies for navigating sensitive issues like mental health and sexuality without fear—and without losing sight of Christ.

If you’ve ever hesitated to start a hard conversation or wondered how to lead with both honesty and hope, this episode will inspire you to lean on Jesus and embrace the mission He’s given you.

[00:58] Meet Mari Pablo: A Multicultural Evangelist

Check out In His Heart Ministries and Mari’s Instagram!

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

What if the secret to transforming your parish isn’t doing more—but praying more deeply and trusting God to lead? We’ve seen it happen. The Diocese of Green Bay started small, rooted everything in prayer, and asked the Holy Spirit to guide them. The results were beyond what they imagined: seminarians doubled, schools flourished, and parishes once half-empty now overflow.

In this episode, I talk with Julianne Stanz—a nationally recognized leader in evangelization whose own encounter with God set her on this path—about the real ingredients for lasting renewal. Together, we explore how prayer, vision, relationships, and simple, steady steps can turn hope into a movement. It’s not a program; it’s a way of life that lets God bring new life to His Church.

[01:04] Meet Julianne Stanz: From Ireland to Wisconsin

Check out Julianne’s website and download her infograph of how to minister through complex change at a parish.

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

*Why isn’t “promoting vocations” enough to help young people discover God’s call? *

Because so many can’t even hear Him right now. Their faith feels distant, the noise of the world is loud, and what they crave most isn’t another program—it’s a real encounter with Jesus and people who truly care.

In this episode, I talk with Fr. Scott Schilmoeller, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Omaha, about what it takes to awaken a generation to God’s voice. We don’t need to push vocations—we need to till the soil: to build trust, community, and spaces where faith can take root again. If your heart breaks for the young Church and you long to see them come alive in their calling, this episode is for you.

[01:05] Father Scott Schilmoeller's Background and Personal Story

Check out OmahaVocations.org!

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

When the mission feels massive, how do you take the first step?

We all feel the pressure. With souls on the line, it feels like we need big plans, big programs, big results. But what if the most fruitful thing you could do today was simply to take one small step? In this episode, I share four strategies that have helped me and others start small, build momentum, and trust that God will grow what we begin. Whether you're leading a parish, a ministry, or just trying to follow Jesus more closely, I want to encourage you: don’t wait for perfect. Start small. God delights in small beginnings, and He’ll grow them into something beautiful.

[01:42] Strategy 1: Shrink the First Step

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

Imagine standing among thousands of faithful Catholics, voices lifted in prayer and praise. In that moment, you can feel the Church fully alive—young, reverent, and on fire for mission. In this short bonus episode, I share a personal story from my family and three compelling reasons why SEEK might be exactly what your heart’s been longing for. Whether you’re craving hope, community, or a deeper sense of purpose, this isn’t just a conference—it’s a chance to be renewed. Give it a listen, and let the Spirit stir something new in you.

[00:29] Why You Should Attend the Focus Seek Conference

Conference Grant Application for ArchOmaha parish groups of 3 or more.

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

What does it really mean to love your neighbor—not just in theory, but in their mess?

In this episode, I sit down with Austin Habash from Sent Evangelization, and we talk about what happens when we actually step out and meet people where they are. How knocking on doors leads to praying with strangers, and how helping with small needs opens the way for grace. Austin shares stories that are raw, beautiful, and deeply human. If you’ve ever felt the tug to do something more, to bring Jesus to your neighborhood in a real and personal way, this conversation will inspire you and give you a path forward. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to show up.

[01:18] Meet Austin Habash: A Journey of Faith

Check out Sent Evangelization or watch their training videos on Formed.org!

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha

What if saving a marriage could save a soul?

In this episode, I sit down with Jared Smyth from Communio a consultancy helping parishes build thriving marriage ministries. We talk about the quiet crisis unfolding in our parishes—and the incredible hope breaking through. Parishes that invest just a few hours into helping couples build stronger relationships are seeing renewal from the inside out: healed marriages, thriving families, and faith coming alive again.

[01:57] Jared's Background and Faith Journey

Don’t forget to check out Communio.org or contact Jared at [email protected].

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha