Practicing Catholic Show

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part episode, Catholic Spirit reporter Dave Hrbacek shares the unforgettable story of Father Zachary Ochsenbauer. After losing his mother in a tragic accident at age six, Zachary never imagined that, two decades later, the woman who received her heart would be sitting in the pews at his ordination. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us...

Loneliness is one of the most quietly painful struggles of our time. In this episode, Bishop Izen joins us to talk about why so many people, young and old, feel isolated even while constantly connected. Together, we explore how the Church can be a place of healing, real community, and deep human connection. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @prac...

Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be canonized together this September and their stories continue to inspire people around the world. Fr. Joseph Bambenek joins us to explore who they were, why they matter, and how their lives point us toward holiness in today’s world. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholic...

Feeling stuck or like you're not where you "should" be? You're not alone. Dr. Kate Walsh Soucheray joins us for a thoughtful conversation on flourishing from a Catholic perspective, how we grow through virtue, connection, and even suffering, and why it's never too late to begin. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook...

What happens when creativity becomes a spiritual practice? In this episode, aspiring author Jacqueline Lucca shares how her writing journey is deeply intertwined with her faith. From facing the blank page to seeing God as the Divine Author, Jacqueline explores how storytelling can be both an act of imagination and a sacred space for encountering Christ. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review,...

Lacy Apfelbeck joins us to share how faith, nature, and community can bring healing to today’s youth. Fresh from serving at Extreme Faith Camp, Lacy reflects on the power of unplugging, building Christ-centered connection, and supporting young hearts through her mental health ministry, Edge of the Red Sea. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @pract...

Jesus called His disciples friends rather than servants, offering a powerful glimpse into how friendship can be a path to holiness. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Kostick returns to explore the beauty of virtuous friendship—how it draws us closer to God, strengthens our souls, and helps us grow in faith and virtue. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @...

What does quiet, faithful service look like over 25 years? Anne Ricci has spent decades serving women and families through her work at Guiding Star Wakota, first as a volunteer and now as Director of Client Services. In this episode, she shares how her Catholic faith, motherhood, and commitment to the pro-life mission have shaped her work and touched countless live Like what you're hearing? Leave...

Deacon Kris Ringwall joins us to talk about his journey with Laudato Si’, how creation speaks to the soul, and how small steps of care can make a lasting impact. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠  

The University of Mary has launched the world’s first Catholic Montessori Institute, combining Montessori education with Catholic faith. In this episode, JoAnn Schulzetenberg, the Institute’s director, shares the inspiration behind this innovative initiative and its vision for transforming education worldwide. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @p...

Summer can challenge our spiritual discipline—but it’s also a chance to renew and grow. Dr. Kathleen Soucheray guides us through embracing holiness with purpose, avoiding burnout, and finding true rest this season. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠  

What does it mean to follow your conscience when everything is on the line? We’re diving into A Man for All Seasons , the Oscar-winning film about Sir Thomas More’s unwavering moral courage. Digital content producer Zach Jansen joins us to explore the movie’s timeless themes of faith, conscience, and conviction. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social me...

In this episode, host Patrick Conley and producer Rachael McCallum share voices and reflections from this year’s Synod Assembly—highlighting the hopes, challenges, and discernment shaping the Church’s path forward. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠  

This year’s Synod Assembly brought together voices from across the Archdiocese, gathering in prayerful discernment to listen deeply to one another and to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It was a moment of shared hope, reflection, and vision for the future of our local Church.  In this episode, Archbishop Hebda joins us to talk about the spirit and experience of this year’s assembly. Like what you...

Missed the Boat Theatre’s Matchmaker blends comedy and Catholic values to explore timeless themes. Cast members Nikelle Morris and Steve Broszko join us to discuss the play, their roles, and the company’s vision. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠  

When life doesn’t go as planned and God feels distant, how do we hold on to faith? Bishop Kenney joins us to talk about wrestling with doubt, disappointment, and learning to trust God—even in the silence. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠  

Summer’s slower pace is the perfect time to grow in faith as a family. Bishop Izen joins us to share simple, meaningful ways to build spiritual connection at home and in your parish this season. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠  

Are some vocations “holier” than others? Karen Hastreiter joins us to unpack how idealizing certain callings—like religious life or priesthood—can distort discernment, and how to seek God’s will with peace, freedom, and clarity. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠  

In a world that often celebrates personal achievements and self-made success, it can be easy to forget that everything we have—our talents, our skills, and our opportunities—are gifts from God. Archbishop Bernard Hebda shares how we can use our unique gifts to glorify God and further his kingdom here on earth. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social medi...

What does Jesus mean when he calls us to become like children? In this episode, Fr. Jim Livingston joins us to reflect on this powerful teaching from the Gospel of Matthew—and to explore how embracing childlike faith might just help us grow younger in spirit. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠ ...

What does it mean to live authentically as daughters of Christ, embracing femininity as both a gift and a calling? In this episode, WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner joins us to talk about showing up with courage, grace, and faith in everyday life. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠  

In this special May episode, Bishop Kenney joins to reflect on Mary’s role as our spiritual mother—a source of guidance, comfort, and a model of faith. Discover how her presence leads us closer to Christ, the importance of Marian devotions, and how her humility and trust can inspire our daily lives. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practici...

Singleness is often seen as a waiting period—but what if it’s a vocation in its own right? In this episode, Rachel Hastreider joins to explore the beauty and purpose of living fully in the present, even when the future feels uncertain. Through honest conversation and personal insight, she shares how to find peace, deepen trust in God, and embrace this season as a meaningful and grace-filled part o...

Evangelization isn’t just for clergy—it’s a call for every Catholic. In this episode, Kathleen Soucheray unpacks the vital role of the lay apostolate, sharing how ordinary Catholics can powerfully witness to Christ through daily life, work, family, and community. From small acts of love to intentional evangelization, discover what it means to live as a lay apostle in today’s world—and why the Chur...

The road to priesthood is rarely straight. In this episode, Deacons Randy Skeate and Steve Boatwright reflect on their journey to ordination—from the first stirrings of a call to the unexpected twists of seminary life. With honesty and humility, they share how God has led, stretched, and sustained them through discernment, doubt, and deepening faith. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, su...