Practicing Catholic

Why are stories so powerful—especially for children—and why do they matter so much for passing on the Catholic faith? In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast , Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with acclaimed storyteller Paul McCusker to explore how stories shape the imagination and open hearts to truth.   From audio drama to family storytelling, Paul explains why narrative...

In this episode of Practicing Catholic , hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the life and spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, patroness of the Augustine Institute’s Mission Circle and one of the most beloved saints of modern times. Drawing from her short but profound life, they unpack how this hidden Carmelite nun became a Doctor of the Church and the patroness of missionaries...

As a new year approaches, many people reflect on who they want to become—but how should Catholics think about New Year’s resolutions? In this episode of Practicing Catholic , the hosts explore why starting fresh matters in the Christian life and how resolutions can be a meaningful part of growing in holiness. Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and lived experience, they offer a hope...

Christmas is a season of joy, memory, and meaning—and in this special episode of Practicing Catholic , the hosts take a break from the usual format to celebrate it together. From favorite Christmas memories and family traditions to beloved songs and movies, the conversation is lighthearted, warm, and deeply human. Along the way, they reflect on how Christmas takes on new depth as parents, how chil...

Family tensions, mixed expectations, spiritual pressure, and packed schedules — Christmas can bring joy and stress. In this episode of Practicing Catholic , Taylor and Scott unpack how to navigate family dynamics during the holidays with gratitude, intentionality, and a deep reliance on God’s grace. They discuss practical strategies for maintaining peace, communicating expectations with loved ones...

Why is waiting so hard—and what is God doing in that waiting? In this Advent episode of Practicing Catholic , Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the virtues of patience and perseverance , why they matter for the Christian life, and how Advent trains us to grow in them. From parenting struggles to workplace challenges to spiritual dryness, they unpack practical, concrete ways to build th...

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Dr. Scott welcome Molly Sweeney to explore one of the most essential yet often misunderstood aspects of Catholic spirituality: devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They share their personal journeys with Mary, unpack key Scripture passages—from the Annunciation to the Wedding at Cana—and explain why every disciple of Jesus is invited into a relati...

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Dr. Scott dive into one of the most overlooked—but richest—seasons of the Church year: Advent. From avoiding the mad dash to Christmas to rediscovering the beauty of anticipation, they share practical ways to make Advent more intentional, joyful, and spiritually fruitful. Scott reflects on the Austrian traditions that transformed his own Advent ex...

In this episode of Practicing Catholic , hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with Solenne Santiago , a young Catholic from Gen Z, to explore the challenges of growing up in the age of social media, smartphones, and constant connection—yet feeling more isolated than ever. Solenne shares her personal story of faith, how her parents helped her stay rooted in the Church, and practical...

Most Catholics hear the Bible at Mass—but how should we personally read Scripture to grow in faith? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Scott share their own journeys with the Word of God, how to make Scripture a source of renewal, and practical ways to pray with the Bible every day. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcas...

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger, and Emily take on one of the most common spiritual questions: How do we hear God’s voice? They explore Scripture, prayer, providence, and the peace that comes from true discernment. You’ll hear stories of how they’ve recognized God’s voice in major life decisions—from career changes to moving across the country—and learn h...

What does it mean to bring the Gospel to the internet? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with John Donohue, founder of Truth Charting, to talk about digital evangelization — how Gen Z consumes faith content, the temptations of pride in online work, and how to discern whether God is calling you to be a “digital missionary.”   John shares hi...

Preparing for marriage—or trying to strengthen yours? In this episode of Practicing Catholic , Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger share heartfelt and practical insights on what it means to live out the Sacrament of Marriage.   From learning to not count the cost to seeing marriage as a sacrament of service , they dive deep into how couples can truly love one another as Christ loves the Church....

Struggling to stay consistent in prayer? Taylor Kemp & Dr. Scott Hefelfinger share practical ways to deepen your daily prayer life and make time for God—no matter your season of life. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...

Why is prayer so difficult—even when we know it’s important? In this episode of Practicing Catholic , Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Heffelfinger dive into the struggles we all face in prayer: distraction, busyness, pride, and dryness. Drawing from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the wisdom of the saints, and personal experience, they explore why prayer often feels like a battle and how humility,...

What can the lives of the Saints teach us about following Christ today? In this episode of Practicing Catholic , we explore why the Saints are more than distant historical figures—they are models, guides, and spiritual “big brothers and sisters” who show us how to grow in holiness. Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.c...

Work isn’t just a paycheck — it’s a path to holiness. In this episode ofPracticing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger dive deep into the Catholic understanding of work: why it’s fundamentally good, how Scripture and Church teaching frame it, and how simple practices like the morning offering can transform your daily routine. They discuss real-world struggles like distraction, burnout,...

In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with filmmaker Anthony D’Ambrosio, writer and director of the powerful new film Triumph of the Heart about St. Maximilian Kolbe. From Auschwitz to the timeless call of Christ, discover why Catholicism doesn’t shy away from suffering, how art has always shaped the Church’s identity, and how beauty can emerg...

Holiness isn’t just for saints. Vatican II taught that every Catholic is called to holiness—here’s what that actually looks like in real life. What does the “universal call to holiness” really mean? In this episode of  Practicing Catholic , Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger dive deep into this teaching from  Lumen Gentium  and Vatican II, breaking down what holiness looks like in everyday life...

Welcome to the first episode of  Practicing Catholic ! Hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger dive into what it really means to practice holiness as a Catholic in today’s busy world. They share their personal faith journeys—a conversion and a reversion—and reflect on the universal call to holiness, the role of daily prayer, and the wisdom of the saints. Listeners will learn why patience and h...