On another edition of 'Youth for Truth' coming to you from #SEEK26, we discuss the wildly popular show 'Stranger Things' (spoiler-free) and its themes of fighting against demonic attacks and possible connections to Christian figures. We, along with a couple young ladies from the Chaldean community in Michigan, reflect on how the show's depiction of unseen realities parallels our spiritual battles and the role of faith. Fr. Simon also makes his bold case for how Eleven can be a symbol of Mother Mary. So if you're a fan of the show or not, tune in to for a lively conversation about the powerful intercession of Mary, how we should consume popular media, and what exactly is improv comedy?

00:00 Intro

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"How to Discern Boldly" presented by Seton Teaching Fellows.

In this workshop led by Fr. Simon Esshaki, we explore the journey of discerning God's will in our lives. Whether you're considering the priesthood, the convent, marriage, or a career path, this talk gets into the complexities of making choices between multiple good options God may present us in life. Fr. Simon shares personal stories from his own life and emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with Jesus Christ rather than merely waiting for signs. Learn why knowing who you are in relation to God is crucial in your discernment process and get inspired to start doing God's will today. Father's talk is packed with relatable, real-life examples and wisdom for young adults seeking spiritual guidance.

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00:00 Understanding Discernment and God's Will

02:00 Personal Journey to Priesthood

03:44 Pray and Be Open

10:41 Biblical Examples of Discernment

18:43 Practical Advice for Discernment

24:51 Concluding Thoughts

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What does it really take to stay faithful when the whole world is watching—and judging—your every move? On this very special episode recorded live at SEEK26 in Columbus, we were blessed to sit down with Matt Fradd, host of Pints with Aquinas, for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about faith, pressure, life in the public eye, and the BIG elephant in the room. Matt opens up about his journey joining The Daily Wire, the hidden cost of living online, and the constant pull between staying spiritually grounded and staying relevant. We talk about burnout, protecting your peace, and how to navigate today’s chaotic culture without losing yourself—or your faith. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or torn between who you’re called to be and who the world wants you to be, this episode is for you.

00:00 Matt Fradd and His Love for Chaldeans

02:17 Joining The Daily Wire: Reactions and Backlash

05:00 Social Media and Its Impact on Faith

09:09 Balancing Worldly Concerns with Spiritual Life

15:00 Dangers of Political Media

18:33 How to Find Peace in a War-Torn World

20:18 The "Yamaka" Video

"Youth for Truth" Podcast hosted by Fr. Simon Esshaki

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Our guests Stella and Jennifer get real about self-image, gossip, and what it feels like to constantly be seen and judged. Framed through the story of Mother Mary, they talk about the pressure to fit certain expectations—especially within the Chaldean community—and how that pressure can wear on your mental health. They open up to Fr. Simon about their own experiences, what’s helped them cope, and why having genuine friendships and a steady sense of faith matters so much. If you’ve ever felt the weight of other people’s opinions, this episode will feel like a much-needed conversation with friends. Also, there may or may not be a Drake vs. Kendrick debate...

Fr. Simon and our guests dig into the cultural pull toward revenge—and what it looks like to respond instead with a Christian mindset. Our guests, Nathan and Donovan, are college students and they share what they’ve learned from navigating the “tough guy” persona, managing ego, and finding a healthy balance between competitiveness and humility.

The conversation widens to explore the deeper themes of forgiveness and mercy, drawing on the example of Jesus Christ and various Scriptural teachings. We also reflect on Leo Skepi’s unfiltered reactions as he journeys through the Bible for the first time.

Our producer Andrew shares a look at family reconciliation through a touching moment from "Home Alone," highlighting the power of humility and forgiveness—especially during the Christmas season.

We’re talking all things manifesting, “signs from God,” and whether these trends are actually helpful or just… a little chaotic.

Our guests, siblings Matthew and Mary, bring their real-life stories, questions, and thoughtful takes. We react to viral manifestation videos and break down why it hits so hard with the youth — and where it might be steering people off course.

We get into that tricky mix of confidence, ambition, and faith, and what it actually looks like to chase your goals without removing God’s will. And yes — Matthew brought his chamoy-infused, freeze-dried candy creations, which we all get to try!

Welcome to the debut episode of the Youth for Truth Podcast! On this first one, Fr. Simon Esshaki is joined by a couple young men to talk about true friendship, drawing from their experiences and looking at how an ancient thinker like Aristotle defines it. They discuss the balance of having fun while maintaining Christian life, the impact of social media, and what 'hanging out' looks like for them. They also look at the popular TV show 'Friends' and how it shaped millennials' views on relationships. And as with every Qurbana Media show, we try some amazing food at the end!