The Fire Up Podcast

In this episode Madeleine interviews Danielle Bean, author of the book 'Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday.' 

Find out more about Danielle Bean's work - https://daniellebean.com/

Listen to Danielle's podcast 'Girlfriends' - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/girlfriends-a-podcast-for-catholic-women/id1073361940

Get a copy of Danielle's latest book from Parouisa Media - https://store.parousiamedia.com/whisper-finding-god-in-the-everyday-danielle-bean-ascension-paperback/ 

In this episode, Simon interviews Fr Mike Schmitz on authentic love.

Fr Mike Schmitz a Priest in Minnesota and the author of 'Made for Love: Same Sex Attraction and the Catholic Church'. Fr Mike has great videos on the Ascension Presents YouTube channel. 

In this episode, Simon interviews Catholic Apologist Tim Staples on Marriage, Divorce and Annulments. 

Tim Staples is a convert to Catholicism and is the Director of Apologetics and Evangelisation at Catholic Answers. For more information on Catholic Answers or Tim Staples, visit the Catholic Answers website. 

In this episode, Simon interviews Hector Molina on the Biblical Basis for the Sacrament of Marriage. 

Hector Molina is an international Catholic evangelist with over 30 years of speaking experience. To learn more about Hector and his ministry, visit his website. 

This is the first day of Simon's 10 day course: 'How to Date with Passion and Purpose.'

You can purchase the full course via our online shop. 

How to Date with Passion and Purpose Online Course.

In this episode Simon and Madeleine discuss the challenges of being single and what to do about it. You will discover, through this conversation that a time of singleness is a profound gift that can lead to the fulfilment of your desires. 

Scripture: 

‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ - Jeremiah 29:11

St Teresa of Avila Prayer - 

Challenge: 

Simon: Get involved in an apostolate or ministry where you can serve others.

Madeleine: Go on a date with Jesus... spend some time in Eucharistic Adoration handing over your desires to God. 

In this episode Simon and Madeleine discuss how art can enhance family prayer in the home. This podcast was sponsored by Kate Capato, founder of Visual Grace - www.visualgrace.org. Check out her amazing Sacred Art and fill your home with beauty! 

Challenge for the week:

Simon - Look for God's beauty in the small things

Madeleine - Set up a prayer space and have a look at the Visual Grace website

Show Notes: 

1. Sacred Artwork: Home, by Kate Capato - https://www.visualgrace.org/portfolio-item/home/

2. St Augustine, Confessions:

Late have I love You, O Beauty so ancient and so new; late have I loved You! For behold You were within me, and I outside. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more.

In this episode, Simon and Madeleine discuss Theology of the Body by addressing common misconceptions about it, why it was written as well as key themes explained throughout the writings. 

Challenge for the week

Maddie - Listen to a talk by Christopher West on Theology of the Body. Here is a great starting video.

Show notes

Quotes to pray with:

Scripture of the Week:

"I came so that they may have life and have it to the full." - Jn 10:10

In this episode, Simon and Madeleine discuss practical ideas to growing in holiness. 

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode - Ramcon Group. 

Challenge: 

Simon - Commit to 15 mins of prayer at a set time each day!

Maddie - Read the writings of a Saint!

Show Notes:

Litany of trust 

Peter Kreeft Book 

Saint writings

There are many great writings from the saints. You can find many of the pope’s writings on the Vatican website.

Some of our favourite Saint writings include:

Journal Question:

Quotes to pray with:

‘Follow the saints because those who follow them will become saints’ - Pope St Clement I

‘A wise man first makes himself a reservoir before a channel.’ - St Bernard of Clarivaux

Scripture of the Week:

‘Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect.’ -  Mt 5:48

In this episode Simon and Madeleine discuss the essential teaching in the Catholic Church that every single person is called to Holiness! The fall of man in the garden of Eden made way for sin which causes division and death. Living a life of virtue brings about true integration of body and spirit, allowing us to become whole in Christ. 

Show notes

Virtue - Catechism of the Catholic Church 1803

Holiness - Catechism of the Catholic Church 2012 -2013

The Wounded Healer by Audrey Assad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejrg3zXOW-k

Journal Question:

Quotes to pray with:

“Do not be afraid of holiness, do not be afraid to aim high, to let yourself be loved and purified by God, do not be afraid to let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit.” – Pope Francis

‘Holiness doesn’t depend on superhuman powers, but rather demands a heart filled with courage, hope, and grace that strives for conversion each and every day.’ - Pope Francis

Scripture of the Week:

'I am the vine, you are the branches.' - Jn 15:5

'Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the Faith" - Col 2:7

'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.' - Mt 26:41