Qurbana Media
Feeding Fathers
Fr. Simon Esshaki hosts engaging conversations and shares a meal with three of his brother priests. This Catholic podcast offers candid, informal discussions on theology, faith, and contemporary issues , seen through a distinct Chaldean Catholic lens . Explore the profound ancient spirituality of the Church of the East , bringing unique and fresh perspectives to Christianity and modern culture . This show is for anyone seeking spiritual insights , Catholic wisdom , and meaningful dialogue about faith in today's world.
Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: qurbana.podbean.com
Author
Qurbana Media
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Oct 8, 2026
Where to listen?
Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soonPodcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts
Episodes
Chaldean Church at a Critical Moment & the Silence of Holy Week [Ep. 79] 26.03.2026 1:02:25
🌿 As Palm Sunday approaches and Holy Week begins, many of us are carrying a mix of hope and heaviness — especially in a time when the Church feels wounded and uncertain as we await the election of a new Patriarch of the Chaldean Church and a new Bishop for the Eparchy of the Western United States. In this episode of Feeding Fathers, we sit down with the powerful letter from Bishop Saad Sirop Hann...
Kiss Jesus' Feet or Post for Likes? Shia LaBeouf & Virtue Signaling [Ep. 78] 05.03.2026 59:29
This one’s pretty straightforward: we’re talking about virtue signaling — that thing where people post their “good deeds” or hot takes online mostly to look good or feel important. We get into why it feels like everyone has to say something about everything these days, how filming charity for views can actually make the whole thing feel kind of gross, and why St. Joseph’s quiet, private life is ho...
Jesus' 3 Temptations: Dostoevsky's Grand Inquisitor & How Love Wins [Ep. 77] 19.02.2026 56:56
In our big Lenten episode, we explore Jesus's three temptations in the desert and all things Sawma Rama (the Great Fast). We break down Matthew's account of Jesus tempted by Satan and reflect on how Jesus overcomes each temptation through love—and how we can apply the same strength during Lent through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving to grow in love of God, love of neighbor, and proper love of self...
Escape Doomscrolling: The Epstein Files & The Weight of Constant Bad News [Ep. 76] 12.02.2026 57:17
🤯 Feeling overwhelmed by the 24/7 news cycle? Trapped in a loop of doomscrolling? You're not alone. On this episode, we tackle the monumental challenge of digital well-being in an age of constant information overload. We dive deep into our personal battles with endless scrolling, the mental toll of consuming a relentless stream of bad news – including topics like the Epstein files – and the surpr...
Healing Family Trauma, Parenting Advice, & AI Therapy [Ep. 75] 05.02.2026 51:33
Family is where we learn to love, but it’s often where we experience our deepest wounds. Whether it's navigating conflicts with siblings, figuring out how to raise kids with faith in a secular world, or the difficult journey of healing family trauma, home life is rarely simple. We aren't just giving generic advice, we look at family dynamics through the lens of those who live in intense community...
Ba'utha and Jonah: What Fasting Can Reveal About Ourselves [Ep. 74] 22.01.2026 41:35
Fr. Andy's Narsai Book: https://a.co/d/9lCSfFa ––– We talk about the upcoming Chaldean mini-season of Ba'utha, the Supplication of the Ninevites, and the story of Jonah — and why all of it still hits close to home today. We get honest about what it means to face ourselves, why we often run from the things we know we should deal with, and how discomfort can actually be part of healing and growth. W...
Are My Desires Good or Bad? Overcoming Habitual Sin and Self-Doubt [Ep. 73] 15.01.2026 48:31
We get real about sin, temptation, and the stuff we all wrestle with but don’t always talk about. We share personal stories, practical ways to actually deal with your desires, and why God’s love isn’t just a nice idea—it’s the key to real change. We talk about where sin really starts, why love has to be at the center of your life, and how something as simple as going to Mass more intentionally can...
Why Don't You Feel God?: Spiritual Dryness & Desolation | Live from SEEK26 [Ep. 72] 08.01.2026 44:25
This is a special episode of 'Feeding Fathers' recorded at the SEEK26 Catholic conference in Columbus, Ohio in front of a live audience, and it’s a really honest one. We got to talk about something a lot of people experience but don’t always know how to put into words: spiritual dryness and feeling far from God. We share real stories about doubt, discouragement, and what it actually looks like to...
God Became Man: A Controversial Christmas Story? [Ep. 71] 18.12.2025 54:31
It's the last episode of the year as Christmas and the new year is approaching! On this very special episode, we get into the essence of Christmas and why what Catholics believe about God can be seen as scandalous. We look at the symbolism behind the nativity scene and the profound theology of God becoming man. This episode is packed with reflections on vulnerability, spiritual friendships, and th...
Scandal and Corruption in the Church: Where We Go From Here [Ep. 70] 11.12.2025 44:36
Our discussion centers on addressing scandals within the Church and how to deal with them. We begin with a detailed look at the HBO documentary "Marcial Maciel: The Wolf of God" – a series chronicling the decades of abuse, deception, and downfall of the founder of the Legionaries of Christ, who was involved in severe scandals including sexual abuse and misuse of power. We explore the implications...
What True Unity with the Orthodox Church Has to Look Like [Ep. 69] 04.12.2025 52:21
This week we’re talking Christian unity, sparked by the Pope’s recent trip to Turkey and Lebanon. We get into the real stuff: why Catholics and Orthodox Christians still aren’t on the same page, what keeps them apart, and why Fr. Simon politely said “nope” to an interview with an Orthodox priest. We also get honest about the big roadblocks—history, theology, culture—and why love and truth actually...
Cinema & Synods: Pope Leo Says "Go to the Movies" [Ep. 68] 20.11.2025 48:49
We look at why the last episode of the liturgical year is kind of a big deal — especially in the Chaldean Church, where the “Crowning of the Church” isn’t just a title, it’s a whole vibe. We unpack what goes on during a Chaldean synod, highlighting the Church’s early (and surprisingly organized) self-awareness. Then we talk movies — our favorite movies — thanks to Pope Leo’s meeting of the "World...
Are We Losing Our Minds to AI? | Feeding Fathers [Ep. 67] 13.11.2025 44:32
New Studio, Same Shenanigans: AI, Human Connection, and Flip Phones. Welcome to our new studio! Join us as we kick things off on our new set discussing the impact of AI and digital technology on society, the essence of human connection, and some nostalgic memories. We touch on Pope Leo’s perspectives, the dangers and benefits of AI, and the evolving nature of human interactions. From AI girlfriend...
Chaldean Catholic Identity Crisis: Youth Embracing Tradition [Ep. 66] 30.10.2025 53:33
We explore what it truly means to be a Chaldean Catholic by giving historical context, explaining the importance of tradition, and listing the challenges faced by modern youth. We discuss the balance between maintaining our rich heritage and adapting to contemporary times. Also, we examine the 2025 National Study of Catholic Priests and react to the findings, mainly the statistics that point to yo...
The Nightmare Before All Saints' Day: Halloween and Breaking the Matrix [Ep. 65] 23.10.2025 52:14
Spooky season is upon us! We get into the morality of Halloween traditions, spiritual battles, and All Saints' Day. Learn about the fascinating life of St. Bartolo Longo, a former Satanist turned saint, and discover how other saints can inspire us in our everyday lives. We share our favorite saints, personal experiences with overcoming fear, and a little insight into our plans for Halloween costum...
Why Do We Put Our Faith in Politicians? Abortion Pill and Family Planning [Ep. 64] 16.10.2025 59:48
We have a thought-provoking dialogue on the intricacies of abortion, questioning the societal norms and dissecting the moral implications. The conversation illuminates the importance of liturgy, its transformative power, and how storytelling, beauty, and art can evangelize in an increasingly secular world. We discuss the practicalities and philosophies surrounding family planning, highlighting rea...
How Young Generations Save Sacred Traditions [Ep. 63] 09.10.2025 50:57
We welcome Fr. Fadi Auro to the show as we discuss the rich traditions and unique practices of the Chaldean liturgy. From deep-rooted cultural and liturgical treasures to modern challenges and the impact of secularism, this conversation is a profound exploration of faith. We also touch upon the cultural contrasts within the Catholic Church, how the younger generation is rediscovering and preservin...
Controversy of Honoring Pro-Abortion Leaders [Ep.62] 02.10.2025 55:21
Fr. Chris recounts his recent pilgrimage that included visits to Lourdes, Rome, Florence, and Istanbul. He shares an awesome story of how they happened to find themselves in a very secret part of St. Peter's Basilica. Our conversation takes a deep and meaningful turn as we discuss the ethics of life within the context of modern-day challenges, including abortion, health conditions, and societal va...
Assassination Aftermath: Forgiveness in a Divided World [Ep. 61] 25.09.2025 48:30
In the wake of Charlie Kirk assassination, we delve deep into today's culture of anger and division. From criticizing public figures and the Pope to missing out on personal responsibilities, we examine the zeal misplaced in societal judgments. The discussion touches upon recent events, forgiveness, and reconciliation, referencing Pope Leo's recent call for unity and understanding. We also highligh...
Playing Halo to Being Holy: New Saints and New Priests [Ep. 60] 18.09.2025 55:26
In this episode, we sit down with our newly ordained brother, Fr. Augustine, along with Fr. Matthew Zetouna and Deacon Brandon Elias from the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas in Michigan. From emotional homilies and the power of community to how video games surprisingly connect us to one of our newest saints—we cover it all. If you’re curious about priesthood, looking for encouragement in your faith...
Becoming Fathers: The Journey to Ordination [Ep. 59] 04.09.2025 56:06
Join us for a special episode where we are joined by 3 individuals who are about to be ordained priests into our diocese! They share their feelings heading into their ordinations, dive into the importance and meaning of the Eucharist, and the unique journey of becoming priests. We also explore Chaldean communities around the world, the significance of priestly duties, and share some laughs over de...
Vows, Habits, & Religious Life [Ep. 58] 28.08.2025 58:35
We are joined again by Sister Bernadette and Brother Augustine, and we are delighted to have on first-time guest, Sister Benedicta! We delve into an engaging conversation with Sister Benedicta, who shares her inspiring spiritual journey and insights on religious life. This episode covers the significance of vows, the spiritual transformation in religious vocations, and the role of Eucharist in dai...
Jubilee of Young People and Youth Convention [Ep. 57] 21.08.2025 50:00
We journey through numerous topics, including leading a pilgrimage to the Jubilee of Youth, trying to organize priest schedules, and the efforts that go into organizing big church events like the 2025 Chaldean Youth Convention. We share personal anecdotes about our unique experiences at these big events and the importance of family values in today's individualistic society. And you won't want to m...
Mary Is a Big Deal: The Assumption in Tradition and Scripture [Ep. 56] 14.08.2025 50:54
In this episode, we get into the scriptural debates surrounding the traditions and teachings not explicitly detailed in the Bible, using the Assumption of Mary as a central theme. We also touch on the significance of not getting too drawn into unproductive debates and how scripture serves as a love letter from God. If you love our Mother Mary (as you should!) then you'll love this episode! Featuri...
Did Jesus 'Nerf' Himself? Lessons from the Transfiguration [Ep. 55] 07.08.2025 47:36
We welcome Fr. Simon back after his trip to the Vatican for the first ever "Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers." We then delve into the significance of the Transfiguration of Jesus, discussing how this event symbolizes spiritual transformation and divine revelation. Additionally, we reflect on personal prayer practices and community support, the role of failure and forgivenes...
Similar podcasts
Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.