The Votive Podcast

Haley interviews Dr. Julia Meszaros about British spiritual writer Caryll Houselander’s legacy and contribution to children’s literature. Dr. Meszaros is a theologian and the co-editor of CUA’s Catholic Women Writers series which recently republished Houselander’s novel The Dry Wood. In this episode they discuss Houselander’s incredible body of work, her Catholic mysticism, her eccentricity, and her stories for children including The Shepherd’s Coat. 

Learn more about The Shepherd's Coat and the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Haley interviews Word on Fire designer and photographer Clare Sheaf about an exciting new project: The Catholic Kids’ Cookbook: Holy Days and Heavenly Food. In this episode they discuss how to let the beauty of the liturgical year shape children’s hearts and minds, the importance of participating in holy seasons and special days in the domestic Church, and ideas for observing Advent.

Learn more about The Catholic Kids' Cookbook and the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Haley interviews Joseph Ruli, the author of new Votive title Giovanni and the Fava Beans illustrated by the incredible Jaclyn Warren. Joseph is a New Orleans native and second-generation Sicilian American and in this episode we discuss the history of the St. Joseph Altar tradition, how to cultivate Catholic community, and the impact special feast days have on children.

Learn more about Giovanni and the Fava Beans and all the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Haley interviews Dr. LuElla D’Amico, an Associate Professor of English at the University of the Incarnate Word. They discuss the concept of childhood in North American literature, specifically girlhood, and how classic stories of girlhood help form the imagination for good relationships with the opposite sex. The conversation explores a variety of characters that demonstrate healthy femininity and masculinity in Anne of Green Gables and Little Women as well as contemporary titles that may become classics. 

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Haley interviews celebrated author Gary D. Schmidt, the winner of multiple Newbery Honor awards and a National Book Award finalist, about his middle grade novel, The Labors of Hercules Beal. They discuss how great stories can equip the young reader with courage and hope and explore the value of the classical myths and medieval literature. They also talk about Gary’s approach to writing for children and crafting books that respect the child reader.

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Haley interviews poet and fiction writer Sally Thomas. In this episode they discuss Sally’s wonderful novel Works of Mercy, how to get children to love poetry, and the delightful surprise of the different seasons of life for parents who are also writers or artists. 

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Haley interviews John Herreid, a graphic designer and illustrator. They discuss the rise of images generated by artificial intelligence, what we lose as artists and human beings with AI, and what simple things we can do in our families to push back and cultivate an appreciation for human-made art.

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

In this episode Haley interviews Sarah Mackenzie, homeschooling mom of many, founder of Read Aloud Revival, and author of several books including A Little More Beautiful and Because Barbara. They discuss the elements of a wonderful picture book, their favorite books to read aloud, Sarah’s friendship with celebrated author/illustrator Tomie dePaola, and trends in children’s publishing.

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

In this episode, Haley interviews Claire Swinarski, the award-winning author of What Happened to Rachel Riley? They discuss the often overlooked genre of middle grade fiction. The conversation explores how to help young readers wrestle with difficult experiences through stories that equip them with courage and hope. 

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

In this episode Haley interviews Daniel Mitsui, a professional artist specializing in sacred art. They discuss the artistic traditions that influence his work and how to help our children not merely be familiar with art history but to truly develop a love and appreciation for beautiful art. Daniel also shares specific recommendations for great illustrators and wonderful picture books to share with the children in your life.

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.