The Freedom to Love Podcast

How do we help our kids handle big emotions, embrace discomfort, and grow in virtue—while doing the same as parents?  In this episode, I chat with Nick and Theresa Redd , Catholic coaches and parents of three young children, about how emotional regulation and character formation begin at home. Nick shares insights from The Freedom Group on helping men find freedom from pornography and emotional ad...

How do we help our kids fall in love with their Catholic faith? In this episode, Jeremy interviews Andrea Zachman—wife, mother of four, faith formation leader, and author of The Sacred That Surrounds Us —about creative, hands-on ways to help children encounter God through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd . Andrea shares her journey from law enforcement to parish ministry, how this Montessori-based...

It’s one thing to tell our kids what not to do. But how do we inspire them to want to live out God’s design for love and sexuality? In this episode, Jeremy shares vivid analogies and stories—comparing sex to fire, boundaries to fences, and virtue to enjoying dessert in moderation—to help parents communicate the truth about chastity in ways that connect with their children’s hearts. Jeremy helps pa...

What happens when a father confronts his own struggles with pornography while trying to guide his sons toward purity and freedom? In this episode, we dive deep into one dad’s journey from secrecy and shame to openness, faith, and honest conversations that transform his family. Jeremy talks with his longtime friend Jim Thorp, a husband, father of five, and faithful Catholic, about one of the most c...

Talking about sexuality with your children can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. What if you could help your children navigate the challenges of sexual temptation with confidence, faith, and freedom? In this episode of The Freedom to Love Podcast , Jeremy explores how parents can become trusted guides on their children’s journey to chastity and freedom from sexual sin. You’ll learn: Th...

Why do young people struggle with sexual addiction and compulsion, and what can parents do to safeguard their kids? Drawing from the expertise of Christian psychologist Dr. Doug Weiss, Jeremy unpacks the six root causes of sexual addiction. Jeremy not only explains each root cause in detail, but also shares practical strategies and proactive steps parents can take to support their sons and daughte...

If you’ve ever struggled with knowing how, when, or what to say to your children about sexual sin and pornography, you’re in the right place. In this episode, Jeremy simplifies the process into three key steps:  Protecting kids from early exposure,  Preparing them for inevitable encounters with explicit content, and  Accompanying them as they navigate questions about sexuality.  He offers practica...

How do you talk to your kids about sexuality in a way that's faithful, honest, and free from shame?  In this episode of the Freedom to Love podcast, Catholic speaker and therapist Pat Millea discusses why God gave us the gift of sexuality and how parents can guide their children toward understanding it with clarity and grace.  From toddlerhood to the teenage years, Pat shares practical advice...

We're back with Katie Hejna today, a licensed professional clinical counselor and mom of three, digging into the topic of emotional regulation for preteens and teen s.  Building on previous conversations about secure attachment and emotional skills for younger children, this episode focuses on practical strategies to help older kids handle big emotions , from deep breathing and guided imagery...

We continue our series with Katie Hejna, a licensed professional clinical counselor and mom of three. Today, we are discussing the concept of emotional regulation -what it means, why it’s crucial for kids, and how parents can help their children learn to manage big emotions. Katie shares practical and playful co-regulation techniques, from deep pressure hugs to fun breathing exercises, all designe...

In this episode, child and adolescent mental health therapist Katie Hejna discusses how parents can foster secure attachment in their children to build emotional resilience and long-term mental health.  She explains the foundational role of consistent caregiving, emotional validation, and repair after relational ruptures, and how these practices influence a child's ability to regulate emotion...

In the final episode of this series with Matt Dalton, co-founder of Marriage Missionaries, we explore how parents can transform everyday interactions into meaningful teaching moments for their children. Building upon themes from the past two episodes, Matt emphasizes the importance of modeling authentic love and healthy relationships. The conversation goes into the deeper meaning of chastity, pres...

This week, we welcome back Matt Dalton from Marriage Missionaries for a powerful conversation on how parents can model authentic love and healthy relationships for their children.  Building on last episode’s focus on forgiveness, Jeremy and Matt dive into the deeper meaning of chastity—not as a set of rules, but as a path to real freedom and joy in marriage. Drawing inspiration from Pope John Paul...

Matt Dalton, co-founder of Marriage Missionaries, is here for a powerful discussion on strengthening marriages and raising children to understand authentic love.  Drawing on his 34 years of marriage and extensive ministry experience, Matt emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, living faith in the home, and the critical role parents play as the first teachers of love and sexuality.  Together, Je...

Jeremy is back this week with Linda Kracht to discuss the powerful framework of “The Seven Desires of Every Heart,” inspired by Dr. Mark and Debbie Laaser’s book. Jeremy and Linda break down the seven core desires every child has - like being heard, blessed, safe, touched, chosen, included, and affirmed - and share practical ways parents can nurture these needs, especially in their children’s earl...

In this episode, Jeremy is joined by Linda Kracht, a veteran parent, author, and founder of Fortifying Families of Faith. Linda is an accomplished author of numerous resources designed to support families in their faith journey.  In this episode, we'll dive into her book "Daughters and Sons Forever: Parenting Against the Tide," which offers insights into the sacred duties of parenti...

We have the pleasure of hosting veteran Youth Ministers, Hollie Danis and Anna Scherber, who open up about the realities of guiding young people in today's world.  Hollie and Anna share their journeys and experiences in youth ministry, from their backgrounds to the impactful roles they play in nurturing relationships with youth.  As they dive into the challenges and changes in ministry over t...

In this episode, we hear from Jim O’Day, Executive Director of Integrity Restored , to discuss the growing challenge of pornography exposure among children and how parents can take proactive steps to protect and guide their kids. Jim shares his personal journey, insights into the science behind behavioral addiction , and practical tools for fostering open conversations.  Learn how to equip your ch...

We're joined by two wonderful guests today: Deacon Pat Gierl and Lacy Apfelbeck, founder of Edge of the Red Sea Ministries.  We discuss the dynamics of building emotional peace in our lives - both personally as individuals and as parents - and how that flows into nurturing harmony within the family.  Deacon Pat and Lacy offer valuable insights and practical advice on marriage dynamics, coping...

In this inaugural episode of Season 2 of the Freedom to Love Podcast, I am joined by Fr. Brian Park once again, to tackle the critical issue of protecting our children from the allure of pornography.  Drawing on his 12 years of priesthood, Fr. Brian discusses the alarming trends in early exposure to pornography, largely driven by technology like smartphones.  The conversation highlights the addict...

Today, Jeremy shares a conversation from his guest appearance on the "Forgiveness is for You" podcast with Dr. Carron Silva. Together, they explore the profound impact of pornography on young people, the trauma it creates, and the path to healing through human formation and faith. Jeremy reflects on his journey, sharing practical strategies and insights to help parents, mentors, and youn...

In this milestone episode, Jeremy shares a talk he gave recently, which unpacks the modern challenges young men face with pornography and the transformative role fathers can play in guiding their sons toward virtue and freedom.  Jeremy introduces practical strategies, rooted in St. John Paul II's teachings, to foster emotional resilience, build strong human foundations, and embrace God's...

We have Deacon Mike Engel back with us today. He is the founder of Reborn Ministries, a men's accountability group tackling pornography addiction. Deacon Mike shares lessons from his journey of helping men seek freedom from habitual sin. He challenges the misconception that God's grace works like pixie dust and emphasizes the necessity of personal responsibility and cooperation with grac...

Deacon Mike Engel joins us to share his transformative journey from struggling with pornography as a young man to founding Reborn, a ministry offering accountability and support for men seeking freedom. Deacon Mike talks about his personal battles, his life-changing encounter with Christ, and how Reborn offers a safe haven and accountability for men to break free from addiction. Listen in to learn...

We continue our conversation with Mama Jane and delve into the benefits of Natural Family Planning (NFP), exploring its role in aligning our marriages with God's will for chastity and love. Mama Jane shares personal insights on embracing NFP, navigating its challenges, and nurturing love and tenderness within marriage. Discover how abstaining during fertile times can strengthen self-mastery a...