Dramatic Catholics

⚠️ Fair warning: this episode’s audio quality is rough lol. We recorded this final episode without equipment, and honestly… it shows 😭 But we still wanted to sit down and reflect on this season with you all rather than skip the episode completely. If you’ve supported the podcast, listened consistently, shared episodes, or believed in what we’re building, thank you. If you’d like to help us improv...

This week on  Dramatic Catholics , we welcome Helena Heffernan, Western Region Ministry Coach for Life Teen International, for a fun, honest, and dramatic conversation on singleness, dating, identity, and why your life is not on pause while waiting for marriage. 👀💍 We talk about putting yourself out there, being real with God in seasons of waiting, and why the right relationship should bring pea...

This week on Dramatic Catholics, we’re joined by Mary Bakke and Cecilia Fritz—two of six COR members serving at Andre House of Hospitality. COR is a “re-imagined” team living a year of service in community, serving the poor and diving deeper into the faith. In this episode, we talk COR life, pushing through struggles in prayer, choosing God’s will, and walking alongside the sorrows of the guest th...

Tune in this week with our SJV Lifeteen Core Team to get a behind-the-scenes look at life in youth ministry. From glory stories to meaningful moments, we’re talking about what it’s like to serve teens—and why we’re still doing it after all these years. Through laughter, honesty, and faith, we explore what it means to keep showing up for the next generation. Inspired by our mission at St. John Vian...

In this special episode of Dramatic Catholics, we say goodbye to an era as Delila records her final in-person episode before moving to South Bend, Indiana for her new position serving with the Holy Cross Mission Center. Together, we reflect on Delila’s time at SJV—the memories, the people, and the ways God has moved throughout it all—while also looking ahead with hope to what’s to come. Though thi...

We often come to Jesus with the “big things” going on in our lives, but He invites us to bring  every aspect of our lives  to Him—both big and small. That includes our finances. In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Lorenz as we talk about what it means to steward money well, avoid making it the thing we chase, and instead trust that God, as a loving Father, knows what we need and desires what is...

Welcome to Dating vs. Dating—where we unpack the difference between casually dating… and dating with a view of marriage. We’re talking boundaries, red flags, green flags, emotional chastity, and how to know when it’s time to take the next step—or take a step back.  And for those moments when you’ve crossed a line or fallen short? We talk about how to turn back to God, receive His mercy, and begin...

Disclaimer: This episode is not rated for children and addresses sensitive topics related to scandal in the Church. Listener discretion is advised. We strongly encourage listeners to engage with this conversation in its entirety , as it is shared with care, prayer, and necessary context—especially for this episode. We also want to sincerely acknowledge and apologize to all those who have been hurt...

You asked, we answered! In this  Q & A with the Padres  edition, Fr. Brian and Fr. David dive into listener questions on faith, life, and everything in between.  --------------------------------------- If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be part of keeping this mission alive. As we prepare for season four, your support will help us continue sharing meaningful conver...

We’re kicking off the new year with a familiar face! This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back our good friend Fr. Andrew Fritz, C.S.C., now serving as the Associate Director of Vocations at the University of Notre Dame. We catch up on  all the new thangs —from Fr. Andrew’s new role, to Esme getting married, to reflecting on everything 2025 held. Plus, we look ahead to 2026 and share how we’re cho...

In this episode, we sit down with Chaplain Jeffrey Paparone of City of Hope Cancer Hospital to reflect on what it truly means to accompany those who are suffering. Through his experience walking with patients and families in moments of deep pain and hope, we explore the call to humility—learning when to speak, when to be silent, and how to simply be present. This conversation invites us to reconsi...

Balancing exams, deadlines, and everyday life is no small task—especially when it starts to feel like your worth is tied to your GPA. This week, we’re joined by my studious sister, Eliana Baca, a doctorate student of biology & physical therapy, who shares her own experiences navigating academic pressure while holding onto her identity in Christ. She dives into the real struggles of being a ful...

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Cannon from the Diocese of Phoenix’s Office of Mental Health Ministry to talk about mental health, faith, and how our parishes can better support those who are struggling. We touch on common misconceptions, when to seek help, and how to navigate the added stress of the holiday season—all through the lens of hope, community, and our Catholic faith. In a crisi...

The peak of Spooky SZN is upon us 👻— and we’re diving into the mystery behind what’s  holy  versus what’s  counterfeit.  Can Catholics celebrate Halloween? Where’s the line between faith and curiosity? What about spooky movies—harmless fun or spiritual danger? And is scattering our loved one's ashes okay? Join Fr. David Halm and Fr. Brian Kennedy as we uncover the truth behind the thrills and...

On this special release episode, we are welcomed by Don and Dina of the Dina Preston Band! Tune in as they share the amazing work they will be doing to raise money for Andre House. Join the Dina Preston Band as they launch their 2026 “We’ve Been Everywhere” Tour on April 17, 2026 at ASU Kerr! Support Andre House and secure a ticket to this event below!  https://asukerr.com/event/dina-preston/ Chec...

We weren’t made to walk this journey of faith alone. In this episode, we dive into what makes a friendship holy—from accountability and encouragement to challenging one another to grow deeper in love with Christ. Joined by  David Portugal, Chilo, and Stephanie Salinas , we explore how authentic, Christ-centered friendships can transform the way we live and love. If you’re  18 and up  and looking f...

This week on  Dramatic Catholics , we step into the heart of Church history as we recount the powerful canonizations of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. Delila shares her unforgettable journey to Rome—walking the streets of the Eternal City, standing before the incorrupt body of St. Carlo, and being swept up in the breathtaking moment of seeing Pope Leo in person. From tears of joy...

We felt called to have this conversation in light of the recent tragedies that have shaken our communities: the mass shootings at Annunciation Catholic School and Evergreen High School, the stabbing of a woman on a bus in North Carolina, and, most recently, the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We are joined by Fr. David Halm, David Portugal, and Penelope Toscano as we reflect on these heavy realitie...

This week, we’re joined by two very special guests: Jeremiah and Valerie Salinas. From their early days serving the parish—Jeremiah in our very own 3MORE band and Valerie as a parish intern—to their journey of growing up as cradle Catholics, dating, supporting one another’s dreams in marriage, and raising their children in the faith, their story is full of joy and inspiration. Tune in for a heartf...

This week, we’re joined by my studious sister, Eliana Baca, doctorate student of biology & physical therapy for a deep dive into cultivating a healthy relationship with technology—yes, including social media. Esme and I also spill our favorite takeaways from the Catholic Creator Conference, where we explored a new frontier for evangelization: the digital world.  This episode is an open invitat...

We’re kicking off  Season 3  of  Dramatic Catholics ! In this premiere episode, we’re joined by David Portugal (Director of Evangelization), Delila Baca (Director of Religious Education), and Esmeralda Avila (Youth Minister) as we reflect on the power of remembering. Our lives are not random — they are part of a greater story,  His  story. We share how we've seen God move in our own lives and...

In this season finale, we return to the heart of it all: worship. What does true reverence look like? How does piety go deeper than appearances? Tune in for the end of season two with special guest, Fr. Brian Kennedy, C.S.C. Want to dive deeper into prayer? Check out the Laudate app today! --------------------------------------- If Dramatic Catholics has impacted your faith, we invite you to be pa...

Evangelization isn’t just standing on a soapbox and Bible thumping 😂 In this episode of Dramatic Catholics , we’re joined by Paul Lorenz and David Portugal to explore what it really means to live out Jesus’ call to evangelize. From everyday encounters to bold witness, we talk about how to share the Gospel in a world that desperately needs it—and how it all starts with love. ----------------------...

Habemus Papam! In this episode, we welcome Pope Leo XIV , our new Holy Father. We talk about the meaning behind his name, his first words to the faithful, and what his election might signal for the future of the Church. Join us as we unpack the moment the white smoke rose, the joy of a new beginning, and what it means to say: Our New Papa. --------------------------------------- If Dramatic Cathol...

This is it... Join us this week as we conclude our Sacrament Series with a deep dive into Holy Orders—and say farewell to our beloved friend, Fr. Andrew Fritz, C.S.C. As he steps into his new role as Associate Director of Vocations at Notre Dame, we reminisce on his time with us, the impact he’s had, and the witness of his priesthood. This episode is a sendoff, a celebration, and a reminder that e...