Send us a text

The first day of October finds us buckling a car seat, grabbing microphones, and laughing through nerves as “baby day” finally arrives. Two weeks ago we thought labor had started—turns out it was two kidney stones at thirty‑six weeks—an ordeal that pushed us to ask better questions, lean on each other, and relearn the difference between bracing and trusting. From nesting wins to a quiet pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine, we trace how grace threads through pain, humor, and ordinary preparation.

Our conversation moves through September’s Gospels with fresh eyes. Luke 14 confronts the true cost of discipleship and why “hating” sin actually makes room for deeper tenderness. John 3:16 on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross reframes suffering with the serpent‑to‑cross arc: what once harmed can be lifted up and turned into hope. Then Luke 16 sneaks up on us—first with the “dishonest steward” as a jolting lesson in prudence and foresight, and then with the rich man and Lazarus, a stark warning about comfort, omission, and the people we stop seeing at our own gates.

We also share why we’re taking a short hiatus to welcome our daughter, how a 33‑day Marian consecration and the Litany keep our hearts steady, and why turning outrage into real conversation might be the most countercultural act of love right now. If you’re here for Catholic faith that’s lived, not performed—for practical holiness, honest marriage talk, and Scripture that reads your life back to you—you’ll feel at home with us. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs some courage, and leave a review to help others find the show. We’ll be back in the new year—pray for us, and we’ll be praying for you.

Litany of The Blessed Virgin Mary:

 https://www.nashvilledominican.org/prayer/litanies/litany-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/

Joe's Resource for the Dishonest Steward: 

September Gospels: 

Luke 14:25-33

Great crowds were traveling with Jesus,
and he turned and addressed them,
“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother,
wife and children, brothers and sisters,
and even his own life,
he cannot be my disciple.
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me
cannot be my disciple.
Which of you wishing to construct a tower
does not first sit down and calculate the cost
to see if there is enough for its completion?
Otherwise, after laying the foundation
and finding himself unable to finish the work
the onlookers should laugh at him and say,
‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’
Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down
and decide whether with ten thousand troops
he can successfully oppose another king
advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops?
But if not, while he is still far away,
he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.
In the same way,
anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions
cannot be my disciple.”

Love the creature, forget the creator - st augustine

John 3:13-17

Jesus said to Nicodemus:
"No one has gone up to heaven
except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,
so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
so that everyone who believes i

An exclusive from Dery Media Podcasts. Explore diverse perspectives and enrich your knowledge at derymedia.com. Telling stories that matter, sparking meaningful discussions.

Send us a text

What does it mean to build a family with intention? As we prepare for the arrival of our daughter, we're diving into the meaningful (and sometimes challenging) conversations about what we want our family to stand for and how we'll approach raising our children.

Creating a family mission statement might sound like corporate jargon, but we're discovering it's a powerful way to align our values and set a course for our growing family. Joe's concise statement centers on being "a welcoming Catholic family spreading the gospel by intentionally living out God's word," while Katie's more detailed version emphasizes that family extends beyond blood relations, the importance of building each other up, and moving heavenward together as a team. As we work toward a combined statement, we realize that perhaps "Love God, love your neighbor, love your family" captures the essence of what matters most.

Beyond our mission statement, we explore our current thinking on everything from education choices to dating rules, cell phone policies to picky eating struggles. We're discovering that while we have ideas now, we'll likely need what Joe calls "bespoke parenting" – tailoring our approach to fit each child's unique needs rather than applying blanket rules. The conversation reveals our hopes, fears, and the values we want to instill, all while acknowledging that our perspectives will evolve as we gain experience as parents.

Whether you're just starting your family journey or well into raising children, join us for this honest, lighthearted conversation about creating a blueprint for family life. We'd love to hear what guides your parenting journey.

An exclusive from Dery Media Podcasts. Explore diverse perspectives and enrich your knowledge at derymedia.com. Telling stories that matter, sparking meaningful discussions.

Send us a text

August Sunday Gospels:

August 3rd - Luke 12: 13-21

August 10th - Luke 12: 32-48

August 17th - Luke 12: 49-53

August 24th - Luke 13: 22-30

August 31st - Luke 14: 1, 7-14

What does it mean to count the fruit in our spiritual lives? In this reflective episode, Katie and Joe dive deep into the August Gospels, uncovering a consistent theme that challenges comfortable Christianity. Together, they explore Jesus's urgent calls to readiness, proper prioritization, and genuine humility.

The conversation weaves through powerful parables – from the rich man building bigger barns to servants waiting for their master's return. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" emerges as a guiding light through these reflections, prompting us to examine what we truly value. Katie and Joe vulnerably share their own struggles with these teachings, including their tendency to prioritize friends over strangers and their wrestling with expectations in relationships.

Between scriptural insights, the hosts share personal updates that ground their spiritual discussion in everyday reality. Katie opens up about pregnancy challenges and finding unexpected acceptance in her workout community, while Joe recounts driving 2,200 miles in a week and their ongoing battle with a delayed refrigerator delivery. These honest glimpses into their lives create a relatable backdrop for profound spiritual truths.

The episode culminates in a beautiful recitation of the Litany of Humility, a prayer that perfectly encapsulates the themes explored throughout their gospel reflections. By asking for deliverance from desires for esteem, love, and approval, the prayer invites listeners to join in a countercultural approach to faith – one that prioritizes heavenly treasures over earthly recognition.

Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of August's liturgical readings or seeking authentic conversation about faith amid life's complexities, this episode offers both spiritual nourishment and genuine companionship on the journey. Subscribe now and continue counting the fruit alongside Katie and Joe.

An exclusive from Dery Media Podcasts. Explore diverse perspectives and enrich your knowledge at derymedia.com. Telling stories that matter, sparking meaningful discussions.

Send us a text

Joe and Katie discuss their recent move to a new home while preparing for their first child, exploring how dreams evolve and when it's time to leave comfort for growth.

• Moving with the help of 12-14 friends who emptied their old house in just 2.5 hours
• The mental and emotional challenges of moving versus the physical labor
• Discerning when to make major life changes simultaneously (pregnancy and moving)
• How spiritual desires should shape material decisions
• Finding peace by aligning worldly situations with spiritual longings
• Reflections on their Seattle trip that helped them find contentment before their pregnancy
• The importance of consulting trusted people when making significant life changes
• Marriage statistics showing the average age of first-time homebuyers has increased from 28 to 38 since 1991
• Second-time homebuyers now average 61 years old, highlighting housing accessibility issues

Let's keep growing together!!

An exclusive from Dery Media Podcasts. Explore diverse perspectives and enrich your knowledge at derymedia.com. Telling stories that matter, sparking meaningful discussions.

Send us a text

Katie and Joe return to The Vine discussing life amid moving chaos while reflecting on several Gospel readings from Luke that highlight how we should love God and our neighbors.

• The challenging logistics of moving while maintaining their weekly recording schedule
• Their pregnancy photoshoot in their empty new house creates a special memory amid the chaos
• Gospel reflection on Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 about Jesus sending out disciples and the importance of intentional ministry
• Discussion of remaining in one place when ministering rather than moving from house to house
• The Good Samaritan parable and the simple yet profound command to love God and neighbor
• Personal stories about giving to those in need and the challenge of showing mercy with boundaries
• Mary and Martha's story exploring the tension between active service and contemplative presence
• Reflections on Jesus' teaching about persistence in prayer and trusting God even amid unanswered prayers
• Fun conversation about what their last meals would be—Katie choosing sushi and ice cream, Joe selecting hot chicken and cookie dough cheesecake

Photographer Mentioned: @sarahmarie.photo

An exclusive from Dery Media Podcasts. Explore diverse perspectives and enrich your knowledge at derymedia.com. Telling stories that matter, sparking meaningful discussions.

Send us a text

What makes the Catholic Mass special beyond the obvious? In this heartfelt conversation, we peel back the layers of our weekly worship experience to discover the moments that truly move us.

From the uncomfortable joy of incense smoke filling the sanctuary to the community-building awkwardness of the sign of peace, we're diving into the elements of Mass that have shaped our faith journeys in unexpected ways. Katie shares how walking up to communion during her struggle with infertility became a profound act of surrender and healing, while Joe reflects on the humbling power of the penitential rite that reminds us the Church is for broken people, not the already perfect.

We explore how small traditions reveal big truths—like the way we stand for the Gospel or gather for post-Mass chatter. These seemingly minor rituals carry profound meaning when we pause to appreciate them. And because no Catholic conversation would be complete without music, we rank our all-time favorite Mass "bangers" (looking at you, "On Eagle's Wings" and "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love").

Whether you're a lifelong Catholic who could recite the Nicene Creed in your sleep or someone curious about what happens inside those stained-glass windows every Sunday, this episode offers a fresh perspective on ancient traditions that continue to speak to modern hearts.

Take a break from your micro-retirement (yes, that's just PTO with a fancy new name) and join us for this celebration of sacred moments that make us laugh, cry, and draw closer to something greater than ourselves.

Catholic Bangers Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6I5UMDOJ41BkdShpX9uUSo?si=lGlWrBO9T_G1DdlsgCoSvQ&pi=YzEKKVwtQhyrw&nd=1&dlsi=59ecc1b9a85f4647

An exclusive from Dery Media Podcasts. Explore diverse perspectives and enrich your knowledge at derymedia.com. Telling stories that matter, sparking meaningful discussions.

Send us a text

Introducing a new series - "Count the Fruit". A series where we highlight the "fruit" from each Sunday Gospel reading. This Episode we cover the Gospels for June 2025.

Across every Sunday in June, our Catholic faith celebrated a different solemnity – each one a feast day of the highest rank celebrating a profound mystery of our tradition. Little did we realize how these five Gospels would weave together to tell the remarkable story of how the early Church was formed and what it means for our faith today.

From the Ascension where disciples "returned to Jerusalem with great joy," to Pentecost when Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into his followers saying "Peace be with you," these readings trace Christ's transition from physical presence to spiritual guide. We explore why the disciples felt joy rather than abandonment when Jesus left, and how that moment launched their mission to spread the Gospel.

The mystery of the Holy Trinity emerges as a communion of persons we're invited to know through prayer rather than a theological puzzle to solve intellectually. As Jesus himself acknowledges, "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now." This permission to embrace mystery rather than demanding complete understanding liberates us to grow in faith through relationship rather than reason alone.

Our conversation takes a practical turn examining the miracle of loaves and fishes. When disciples honestly admitted their limitations – "five loaves and two fish are all we have" – Jesus didn't dismiss them but instead invited their participation in preparing for a miracle. How often do we resist God's prompting because it seems illogical or insufficient? Openness to faith, we discover, is what unravels the miracle.

Perhaps most profound is Jesus's personal question to Peter that echoes through centuries to each of us: "Who do you say that I am?" Beyond theological definitions or cultural understandings, this intimate question invites us to articulate our personal relationship with Christ – a relationship that likely changes day by day as we navigate life's complexities.

Join us for this deep dive into scripture that reminds us we possess the keys to the kingdom of heaven and the power to overcome all obstacles through Christ. We'll be exploring the Gospels monthly moving forward, helping all of us remember to live with scripture as our guide through every season of faith.

An exclusive from Dery Media Podcasts. Explore diverse perspectives and enrich your knowledge at derymedia.com. Telling stories that matter, sparking meaningful discussions.

Send us a text

Have you ever felt the unmistakable presence of someone walking beside you during life's most challenging moments? In this heartfelt conversation, we dive into the extraordinary companions who have shaped our spiritual journeys – both the saints in heaven and the ordinary people on earth who've guided us through uncertainty and joy.

We share how our relationship with the saints transformed from distant historical figures to intimate spiritual companions during our season of infertility and medical struggles. Saint Faustina's honest spiritual diary taught us to suffer well, while Saint Thérèse's "little way" showed us how to find God in life's simplest moments. The tangible signs of their intercession – like roses appearing at pivotal moments of discernment – remind us that heaven is actively involved in our earthly journey.

Saint Peter's story of repeated failures and ultimate leadership resonates deeply with those of us who get in our own way spiritually, while Saint Joseph's quiet, behind-the-scenes faithfulness offers a counterbalance for those who crave recognition. Beyond the canonized saints, we explore how ordinary people like Grandma Josie, Mr. Rogers, and C.S. Lewis have profoundly shaped our understanding of faith through their examples of genuine love, emotional intelligence, and intellectual curiosity.

As we prepare for major life transitions – a new home, a baby on the way – we're discovering that slowing down and recognizing God's presence in our current circumstances might be more important than constantly seeking the next spiritual achievement. The "humans of heaven" remind us that holiness comes in countless forms, and that we're never truly alone on this journey of faith.

Ready to discover the saints and spiritual companions waiting to walk alongside you? Join us for this intimate conversation about the cloud of witnesses that surrounds us all.

An exclusive from Dery Media Podcasts. Explore diverse perspectives and enrich your knowledge at derymedia.com. Telling stories that matter, sparking meaningful discussions.

Send us a text

Have you ever found yourself spiritually exhausted while just trying to make it through another day? In this deeply practical episode, we peel back the layers of Catholic spirituality to reveal what daily faith really looks like when you're juggling work, relationships, and yes—even pregnancy and moving stress.

We start with a revolutionary perspective shift: beyond Mass attendance and sacraments (which are vital), what are the simple, tangible practices that help Catholics navigate everyday challenges? Katie introduces Maslow's hierarchy of needs as a spiritual foundation—acknowledging that addressing our physical and mental health creates the necessary space for spiritual growth. This isn't separate from our faith journey; it's an essential component God designed into our human experience.

Joe emphasizes the power of perspective, reminding us that many of the things that overwhelm us aren't as permanent or important as they seem in the moment. We discuss how surrounding yourself with positive people fundamentally changes your outlook, while negative relationships can subtly pull you down. One particularly practical suggestion we explore is maintaining ongoing conversation with God throughout your day—whether through structured morning prayer, adoration streaming on your TV, or even texting prayers to yourself under God's contact name!

The conversation turns deeply personal as we share our own struggles with maintaining faith amid life's distractions. Katie reflects on her pregnancy journey and the physical realities that have made spiritual practices more challenging, while Joe opens up about how daily examination of conscience has transformed his self-awareness. We wrap up with an unexpected revelation: creating a "joy inventory" can counter our natural tendency to focus on negative experiences.

What makes this episode truly special is our willingness to admit that Catholic living isn't about perfection—it's about progress. We are broken people capable of extraordinary love only through God's grace. Ready to transform your daily spiritual practice? Join us for this conversation that will leave you with practical tools and renewed hope.

An exclusive from Dery Media Podcasts. Explore diverse perspectives and enrich your knowledge at derymedia.com. Telling stories that matter, sparking meaningful discussions.

Send us a text

What happens when you've spent years praying for something that seems impossible? After nearly three years of struggling with infertility, we're finally ready to share our miracle—we're expecting our first child!

This journey has been filled with doctor appointments, medications, surgeries, tears, doubts, and ultimately, a deepening understanding of what hope truly means. As we celebrate our four-year wedding anniversary, we reflect on how we've grown individually and as a couple. We've learned that while time changes circumstances, those core qualities that drew us together at 16 still remain at the heart of our relationship.

The path to pregnancy wasn't simple. After endometriosis surgery and working with multiple doctors, we found ourselves at a crossroads—feeling defeated and ready to move on. Then came an appointment I almost canceled, with a doctor who offered a completely different approach. Instead of more tracking and supplements, she simply said, "Let me do it for you." That permission to release control became the unexpected gift we needed.

This episode explores more than just our pregnancy announcement. We dive into what it means to maintain hope when disappointment feels inevitable. By incredible coincidence, Katie was asked to lead a workshop on hope for our church before knowing she was pregnant. The framework she developed—recognizing what hope is, embarking on the journey of hope, looking for signs, and anchoring yourself in hope—became the compass that guided us through our darkest moments.

For anyone walking through infertility or any season of painful waiting, this one's for you. We've been where you are, and while everyone's story unfolds differently, we want you to know that hope truly does not disappoint—even when it takes forms we never expected.

Reflection:

Read the Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction (Letter addressing the Jubilee Year of Hope) HERE: 

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/20240509_spes-non-confundit_bolla-giubileo2025.html

Have you experienced a season of waiting? 

How did you maintain hope?

Where do you “hide” your hope behind? 

How can you cling to God in the Hopelessness? 

 We'd love to hear your stories and continue growing together through this new chapter.

An exclusive from Dery Media Podcasts. Explore diverse perspectives and enrich your knowledge at derymedia.com. Telling stories that matter, sparking meaningful discussions.