Motherhood reveals some of the deepest lessons of love: sacrifice, courage, patience, discipline, encouragement, and the steady gift of making a house into a home. In this Mother’s Day episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on what they have learned from their own mothers and from watching their wives live the vocation of motherhood.

Together, they discuss the art of parenting, the challenge of helping children flourish without controlling them, and the way mothers often “decrease” so their children can grow. They also reflect on Mary, the surrender required in parenthood, the sanctifying work of family life, and the gratitude we owe to mothers and grandmothers.

Whether you are a mother, a parent, a grandparent, or simply someone grateful for the mothers in your life, this episode offers encouragement to see motherhood as a powerful path of love, discipleship, and grace.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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Friendship is one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of the Christian life—and many people quietly struggle to form and sustain it. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore why friendship feels harder today than ever, especially in a digital, mobile, and often isolated culture.

Drawing on Scripture, Aristotle, and lived experience, they break open what real friendship actually requires: risk, commitment, shared life, and a willingness to move beyond superficial connection. They also offer honest reflection on their own struggles with friendship and practical ways to begin building deeper relationships.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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What does coffee have to do with the Catholic faith?

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sits down with Fr. Rennier to explore the surprising connection between coffee, prayer, and the Christian life. From its controversial origins as the “devil’s drink” to its role in monasteries, parishes, and everyday friendships, coffee reveals something profound about how we live—and love—as Catholics.

Along the way, they discuss:

– The fascinating history of coffee and its unexpected link to the Church

– How rituals (like your morning cup) can shape your spiritual life

– Why conversation and friendship are essential for evangelization

– The beauty of craftsmanship and “amateur” work done for love

– How ordinary, repeated actions can lead us closer to God

Whether you’re a coffee lover or just curious about living your faith more intentionally, this episode offers a fresh perspective on finding holiness in the everyday.

Use the code PRACTICINGCATHOLIC at Gloria Patri Coffee for 20% off your purchase, and 50% of the proceeds will go back to the Augustine Institute! Check out Gloria Patri here:

https://gloriapatri.com/collections/all?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=missioncircle

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Confession can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger walk through what the Sacrament of Confession really is, why it matters, and how to approach it with confidence. Whether it’s been a few weeks or a few decades, they offer practical, realistic tips to help you make a good confession without getting stuck trying to make a “perfect” one.

They explain what Confession actually does and why it’s such a gift, break down the three essential parts of the sacrament, and share simple ways to examine your conscience without unnecessary stress. Along the way, they emphasize that sometimes the best advice is simply to go, while also addressing common struggles like fear, forgetfulness, and perfectionism.

The conversation also explores how frequent confession leads not just to better habits, but to deeper spiritual healing and growth at the level of the heart.

If you’ve been putting it off, this episode might be the nudge you need.

Want to dive deeper into the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Watch the Augustine Institute Series Forgiven here: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115608

Download the Amen app to listen to the examination of conscience narrated by Scott: https://amenapp.org

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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Did Jesus truly rise from the dead—or is the Resurrection only a symbol of hope?

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger welcome Dr. Michael Barber, Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at the Augustine Institute, for a rich and accessible conversation on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, early Christian testimony, and historical reasoning, Dr. Barber explains why the Resurrection is a real event rooted in history—and why it remains the foundation of Christian faith. From the witness of Mary Magdalene to the doubts of the disciples, from St. Paul’s bold proclamation to the surprising spread of Christianity among the Gentiles, this conversation shows how faith and reason work together.

The episode also explores how Catholics can live the Resurrection today through prayer, the sacraments, bold trust in God, and renewed hope during the Easter season.

-Listen to Dr. Barber’s talk about the Resurrection here: https://app.formed.org/app/videos/2091418

-Dr. Barber’s Book on the Anointing of the Sick: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540960993_the-bible-and-the-anointing-of-the-sick

-Check out Dr. Barber’s social media below!

- X (formerly, Twitter): @MichaelPBarber (https://x.com/MichaelPBarber)

- TikTok: @michaelpbarber (https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelpbarber)

- YouTube: @Michael.Patrick.Barber (https://www.youtube.com/@Michael.Patrick.Barber)

- Instagram: michaelpatrickbarber (https://www.instagram.com/michaelpatrickbarber/)

- Facebook: ProfMichaelBarber (https://www.facebook.com/ProfMichaelBarber)

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What does Easter have to do with your everyday struggles?

In this Easter episode of Practicing Catholic Podcast, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the pattern of death and resurrection—not just in Christ, but in our own lives. From small daily frustrations to life-altering trials, they share personal stories of loss, conversion, identity shifts, and healing—and how God brings new life out of each one.

You’ll hear:

How “death moments” show up in ordinary life

Powerful personal stories of conversion, family brokenness, and career change

Why suffering can actually lead to deeper joy and identity

Practical ways to navigate difficult seasons with faith

How to recognize God’s providence even when you can’t see the outcome

If you’re in a hard season—or coming out of one—this episode will help you hold onto hope and recognize how God is working in the midst of it all.

Christ’s resurrection isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we live.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life—but how do we actually grow in devotion to it in the middle of everyday life?

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Scott Hefelfinger explore the beauty of the Eucharist and simple, practical ways to deepen your relationship with Christ. From powerful stories of late-night adoration to the reality of distracted prayer, this conversation meets you where you are.

Whether you're coming into the Church, rediscovering your faith, or just trying to be more consistent, you'll learn:

Why simply “showing up” matters more than you think

How Eucharistic adoration transforms your spiritual life

The connection between the Mass and personal prayer

Practical ways to build Eucharistic devotion into a busy schedule

Why dryness in prayer doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong

As we enter Holy Week and Easter, this episode is an invitation to spend more time with Jesus—who is already waiting for you.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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In this episode of Practicing Catholic, the team shares their favorite podcasts—both Catholic and non-Catholic—and explores how what we listen to shapes our minds, habits, and spiritual lives. From productivity and business strategy to theology, parenting, and Sunday homilies, they reflect on how podcasts can help us grow in virtue, deepen our understanding of the faith, and live more intentionally.

They also discuss the importance of choosing content wisely in an age of endless information, the balance between input and silence, and how to integrate faith into everyday life—even in the middle of a busy schedule. Plus, they tackle listener questions on artificial intelligence and how young people can live out their Catholic faith in the chaos of high school and college.

Whether you're looking for new podcast recommendations or seeking to be more intentional with your time, this episode offers practical insights for living a faithful and focused life.

Check out Taylor and Scott’s favorite podcasts below!

Deep Questions: https://www.thedeeplife.com/listen/

Acquired: https://www.acquired.fm

Thomistic Institute Podcast: https://podcast.thomisticinstitute.org

Criteria: https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/category/criteria//

The Score: https://www.revivalmusicproject.org/podthescore/

Messy Family Podcast: https://messyfamilypodcast.org

At the Table with Pat Lencioni:https://www.tablegroup.com/at-the-table/

The Optimal Work Podcast: https://optimalwork.com/podcast

Catechism in a Year: https://app.ascensionpress.com/podcasts/catechism

Bishop Barron Sunday Sermons: https://www.wordonfire.org/videos/sermons/

Pints with Aquinas: http://pintswithaquinas.com

The Lila Rose Show: https://www.lilaroseshow.com

The Pillar Podcast: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/s/the-pillar-podcast

Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World: https://sqpn.com/podcasts/jimmy-akins-mysterious-world/

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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