Struggling with 7+ hours of doomscrolling everyday? You're not alone!

Fr. Simon has an honest conversation with two young Catholic women from the Chaldean diocese in Michigan, and they open up about social media addiction, the spiritual dangers of endless scrolling, brain rot, and how it pulls us away from prayer, adoration, and true rest in God. We share real screen time numbers, practical tips like deleting apps, setting limits, praying for self-control, and inviting Jesus into daily habits.

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00:00 Meet Our Guests

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A nun who grew up reading the Bible AND Quran becomes a media missionary?! Sr. Orianne Pietra René (Daughters of St. Paul) shares her incredible journey: multi-faith home (Protestant dad + Druze/Islamic mom roots), confusion about God, accidental First Communion in Catholic school, personal conversion at age 12, and finding Jesus MOST fully in the Eucharist. Now a joyful Daughter of St. Paul, she evangelizes through books, social media, and yes—even anime! Hear her top 4 anime series of all time, and about Catholic vampire novels (shoutout to Sr. Allison's In Aeternum series). She spills on daily life (4+ hours prayer, adoration, community), why vows bring TRUE freedom, and not settling for less than EVERYTHING.

💡 Fr. Roderick Reviews "Neon Genesis Evangelion": https://youtu.be/H1Mjd6osCA8?si=Lv_GUAfXmrOFn9Vj

💡 Learn more about Sr. Orianne's order: https://daughtersofstpaul.com

00:00 Meet Sr. Orianne

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▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7DBtFaPKdnk

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Welcome to an incredibly exciting episode of Youth for Truth! Today, we're honored to host professional baseball player, Trevor Williams, for a candid conversation that goes beyond the diamond.

What you'll learn in this episode:

- How Trevor integrates his Catholic faith into his daily life as a professional athlete.

- The pivotal role his family plays in his career and spiritual growth.

- Behind-the-scenes insights into his pre-game rituals and mental preparation.

- Which athletes push him to be his best on the field.

- Strategies for staying grounded amidst the immense pressures of professional sports.

- The highs, the lows, and the unwavering conviction that guides him.

Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan, deeply interested in faith and sports, or simply seeking powerful motivational insights, this episode is packed with wisdom. Trevor's story is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and living out the Faith authentically. 🙏

Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki

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00:00 Trevor Williams' Baseball Journey

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The way we teach modesty is broken. For years, Catholic women heard one message: "Cover up so men don't sin." But what if that approach misses the point entirely? In this special episode, Emily Wilson joins Fr. Simon, Fr. Chris, and Andrew to completely re-frame the modesty conversation—moving away from shame and toward dignity. If you are tired of the "Modesty Police" or feel pressured by a culture that equates showing skin with female power, this conversation is the breath of fresh air you need. We focus on why your identity is not your sexuality, the cultural pressures to conform, and why men aren't off the hook when it comes to the virtue of modesty. 

Emily Wilson's Website: https://emilywilsonministries.com

SacredSpark Catholic Dating: https://www.sacredspark.app

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00:00 The Importance of Modesty

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We welcome Sisters Rose and Cecilia, who share their inspiring journeys of faith and their lives in the convent. From heartfelt stories of their personal transformations to the joy of community life, they give us a rare glimpse into the daily routines and missions of the Chaldean nuns. Discover how they balance prayer, teaching, and even recreation while deepening their relationship with Jesus.

00:00 Meet Sr. Rose and Sr. Cecilia

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

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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.