Love & Speak the Truth

Sister Orla Treacy’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and deep commitment as she marks nearly two decades of mission work in South Sudan. Never imagining herself as a missionary, Orla reflects on her unexpected journey from Ireland to a country shaped by both hardship and hope. With a passion for educating young women, she shares the cultural realities and daily challenges she faces, while a...

In this episode of Love and Speak the Truth , Sr Brenda welcomes Annette Spiezio, a therapist with nearly 40 years of experience. Drawing from both her professional and personal life, Annette reflects on the deep human need to be seen, heard, and truly understood—something she first experienced within her own supportive family. At the heart of the conversation is a simple yet profound truth: every...

Sarah Rudolph, CJ joins the conversation to share about her new role representing the Congregation of Jesus at the United Nations. Sarah offers a compelling look at how religious NGOs engage in the global arena, working to bring spiritual values into complex political conversations. Grounded in deep listening and reflection, she speaks about the careful balance required to advocate for justice, pe...

This week Sr. Brenda hosts a conversation with three men – Eric Brown, Mike Laurent and Andy Wells to discuss the male perspective in truth and service in a rapidly evolving world. They delve into how news consumption has changed, with a focus on the prevalence of social media and its consequences for public discourse. The panelists argue for the necessity of diverse conversations and authentic en...

Sr. Brenda welcomes Father Larry Dowling, a priest whose ministry has focus on healing and reconciliation in communities wounded by scandal and racial injustice. Reflecting on his years of service, particularly in African American parishes, Fr. Larry speaks about the importance of honesty, trust-building, and listening in restoring faith and community. Drawing from his personal journey and spiritu...

This week, Sr. Pat Murray shares her remarkable journey from her roots in Dublin to her work in diverse communities around the world. Highlighting her commitment to education and faith, she explores how these elements have fueled her passion for justice and peace. As a key member, leader and innovator of the Loreto Sisters, Sr. Pat emphasizes the power of presence and right relationships in creati...

Sr. Brenda gathers longtime friends MaDonna, Joan & Maureen, for a heartfelt conversation about friendship forged through decades of shared ministry and mission. Together, they reflect on the many chapters of their lives - from leadership and education to hands-on service which has prepared them for the work they now embrace. With warmth, humor and hard-earned wisdom, they explore how purpose...

In this episode, Sr. Brenda speaks with Dr. Emily, a physician whose passion for palliative care and hospice has shaped both her approach to medicine and the formation of future doctors. Together, they reflect on narrative medicine – the practice of listening deeply to patients’ stories where suffering, hope, and healing meet – and on the complexities of caring for those facing serious illness, pa...

Sr. Melanie joins the podcast to reflect on the meaning of formation within religious communities and the personal transformation that unfolds along the journey. Together, the sisters explore how formation is not simply preparation for religious life, but a lifelong process that touches every person—an invitation to continually grow and become one’s best and most authentic self through both joys a...

Sr. Brenda is joined by Ann Stafford, CJ and Dr. Hannah Thomas from the historic Bar Convent in York, England. Together, they explore the enduring relevance and remarkable legacy of Mary Ward, the 16 th century woman and foundress of the Congregation of Jesus (CJ) whose vision was centuries ahead of her time. Mary Ward’s story of strength, conviction, courage, and faith still resonates, inspiring...

Sr. Brenda is joined by a very special guest this week – her vibrant and inspiring niece, Chanel Gentle. Full of flair, positivity, and laughter, Chanel brings a joyful spirit to the conversation as she shares candid insights into her journey as a trans woman, exploring themes of identity, confidence, and authenticity. From overcoming childhood bullying to embracing acts of service and compassion,...

In this thoughtful episode, Sr. Brenda gathers Sr. Julie, Sr. Nancy and Arizona Companion, Mary Novotny, for a heartfelt conversation about courage rooted in faith. Together, they explore how faith steadies us in uncertain times and gives us bravery to step beyond comfort into purpose. Through personal stories of responding to a deeper call – sometimes trembling but always trusting – they reflect...

Acclaimed journalist Carol Marin joins Sr. Brenda for a thoughtful conversation about her journey from a politically diverse household to a distinguished career in journalism. She reflects on how lively family debates shaped her commitment to examining every side of a story and to speaking the truth with integrity. She also shares about her ongoing work with journalism students at DePaul Universit...

Sr. Brenda sits down with Sr. Veronica Fuhrmann, General Superior of the Congregation of Jesus, for a candid, hope-filled conversation about leadership in a global, multicultural community. She reflects on the challenges and joys of guiding a congregation marked by diversity while keeping the passion for mission alive in a time of change. Together, they explore the interconnectedness of faith, ide...

What’s love got to do with it? Quite a lot, actually. In this short kickoff episode, Sister Brenda joins producers Megan Beutel and Jennifer Schmitz to share what’s ahead in Season 3. They talk about the power of radical listening, the beauty of storytelling, and how love, compassion, and empathy can spark deeper understanding. With guests from around the world and stories that range from global l...

This week on  Love & Speak the Truth ,  Sr. Brenda welcomes Janet Palafox, IBVM, NGO representative to the United Nations, for an enlightening discussion on social justice, poverty and global disparities. Together, they unpack the historical and systemic roots of poverty, exploring how colonization and enslavement have shaped the modern world. Janet introduces the concept of reparations, frami...

Join Sister B in this episode of  Love & Speak the Truth  as she welcomes Father Anthony Taschetta, lovingly known as Fr. Tony. After retiring in 2014, Fr. Tony now says mass at various churches in the western suburbs of Chicago including Our Lady of the Angels Chapel within the Wheaton Franciscan community. With decades of experience as a Roman Catholic priest, Father Tony shares his heartfel...

In this episode of  Love & Speak the Truth , Sr. Brenda is joined by Annette Haseneder, Congregation of Jesus (CJ) formation consultant and a proud alumna of a Mary Ward school in Munich Nymphenburg, Germany. Annette shares her inspiring journey from a boarding school student to an advocate for Mary Ward’s enduring legacy. She reflects on how the all-female environment of her school nurtured b...

This week on Love & Speak the Truth , Sr. Brenda sits down with Trish Cassidy, a seasoned healthcare strategist and administrator for a thought-provoking conversation about the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare. Trish sheds light on the industry’s most pressing challenges—rising technological demands, increasing expectations and financial pressures—and their unintended impact on the hum...

On  Love & Speak the Truth , Sister Brenda leads a thought-provoking conversation with Pauline Little, Dave Schmitz, and John Dimucci about the tangled realities of immigration, justice, and diversity in today’s world. With Pauline and John grounding their perspectives in Catholic teachings and Dave bringing insights from management consulting, they explore the tensions between equity and meri...

This week on  Love & Speak the Truth , Dr. Khalilah Gates explores the nuanced concept of "wokeness," unpacking its societal significance and its intersection with race, gender, religion, and ethnicity. Taking a positive and inclusive approach, Dr. Gates tackles the complex issue of gentrification, focusing on its effects through the lens of Chicago's west side. She highlights the transformati...

In this contemplative episode of  Love & Speak the Truth , Sr. Brenda engages in a heartfelt conversation with Fr. John  Dardis, a Jesuit ministering in Rome,  about the transformative roles of discernment and prayer in our lives. Drawing on his personal journey and leadership experience with the Society of Jesus, Fr. Dardis shares powerful insights on putting aside biases, embracing openness...

In this vibrant episode of  Love & Speak the Truth , Sr. Brenda is joined by the dynamic and inspiring Paula Marr, a trailblazing bass player, percussionist and music enthusiast who has dedicated her life to spreading joy through music and laughter. From discovering her father’s old drum set to forming an electrifying all-girl band, The PriSSillas, Paula shares her remarkable journey of defyin...

In this powerful episode of  Love & Speak the Truth , Sr. Brenda sits down with Natalie Rivera (they, them) to explore the intersections of their cultural heritage, personal identity and faith. Natalie shares their deeply personal story of growing up in a biracially diverse family and the ways their unique background shaped her perspective of the world. She speaks candidly about her experience...

In this inspiring  episode of  Love & Speak the Truth , Sr. “B” is joined by Sr. “Bea.” Sr . Brenda welcomes Sr. Beatrice Hernandez, OSF, as she shares her profound wisdom as a physician and a justice advocate. Reflecting on her experiences during the AIDS  pandemic and ministry, Sr. Bea highlights the transformative power of accurate information, kindness and compassion when dispelling myths,...