The Votive Podcast

Haley interviews Dr. Julia Meszaros about British spiritual writer Caryll Houselander's legacy and contribution to children's literature. Dr. Meszaros is a theologian and the co-editor of CUA's Catholic Women Writers series which recently republished Houselander's novel The Dry Wood . In this episode they discuss Houselander's incredible body of work, her Catholic mysticism, her eccentricity, and...

Haley interviews Word on Fire designer and photographer Clare Sheaf about an exciting new project: The Catholic Kids' Cookbook: Holy Days and Heavenly Food . In this episode they discuss how to let the beauty of the liturgical year shape children's hearts and minds, the importance of participating in holy seasons and special days in the domestic Church, and ideas for observing Advent. Learn more a...

Haley interviews Joseph Ruli, the author of new Votive title Giovanni and the Fava Beans illustrated by the incredible Jaclyn Warren. Joseph is a New Orleans native and second-generation Sicilian American and in this episode we discuss the history of the St. Joseph Altar tradition, how to cultivate Catholic community, and the impact special feast days have on children. Learn more about Giovanni an...

Haley interviews Dr. LuElla D'Amico, an Associate Professor of English at the University of the Incarnate Word. They discuss the concept of childhood in North American literature, specifically girlhood, and how classic stories of girlhood help form the imagination for good relationships with the opposite sex. The conversation explores a variety of characters that demonstrate healthy femininity and...

Haley interviews celebrated author Gary D. Schmidt, the winner of multiple Newbery Honor awards and a National Book Award finalist, about his middle grade novel, The Labors of Hercules Beal . They discuss how great stories can equip the young reader with courage and hope and explore the value of the classical myths and medieval literature. They also talk about Gary's approach to writing for childr...

Haley interviews poet and fiction writer Sally Thomas. In this episode they discuss Sally's wonderful novel Works of Mercy , how to get children to love poetry, and the delightful surprise of the different seasons of life for parents who are also writers or artists.  Learn more about the children's literature available from  Word on Fire Votive . Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the  Th...

Haley interviews John Herreid, a graphic designer and illustrator. They discuss the rise of images generated by artificial intelligence, what we lose as artists and human beings with AI, and what simple things we can do in our families to push back and cultivate an appreciation for human-made art. Learn more about the children's literature available from  Word on Fire Votive . Stay up-to-date with...

In this episode Haley interviews Sarah Mackenzie, homeschooling mom of many, founder of Read Aloud Revival, and author of several books including A Little More Beautiful and Because Barbara. They discuss the elements of a wonderful picture book, their favorite books to read aloud, Sarah's friendship with celebrated author/illustrator Tomie dePaola, and trends in children's publishing. Learn more a...

In this episode, Haley interviews Claire Swinarski, the award-winning author of What Happened to Rachel Riley? They discuss the often overlooked genre of middle grade fiction. The conversation explores how to help young readers wrestle with difficult experiences through stories that equip them with courage and hope.  Learn more about the children's literature available from  Word on Fire Votive ....

In this episode Haley interviews Daniel Mitsui, a professional artist specializing in sacred art. They discuss the artistic traditions that influence his work and how to help our children not merely be familiar with art history but to truly develop a love and appreciation for beautiful art. Daniel also shares specific recommendations for great illustrators and wonderful picture books to share with...

This episode features Fabiola Garza, the author and illustrator of bestselling book Princesses of Heaven . Haley and Fabiola discuss this incredible project, how books like this can form a young reader's understanding of her worth and dignity, and the kind of extensive research that goes into writing and illustrating a book about historical figures (in this case, the saints). If you're looking for...

Haley Stewart interviews Dr. Abigail Favale, a professor in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and the author of The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory . In this episode we discuss how to communicate the sacramentality of the body to young children in a culture that's confused about gender and embodiment. We also talk about the importance of good stories in sh...

Haley Stewart interviews Dr. Vigen Guroian, author of Tending the Heart of Virtue . They discuss the importance of reading fairy tales like those from the Brothers Grimm and George MacDonald, how fairy tales form the imagination for the Gospel, and why these stories are essential reading to help children learn to navigate life. Learn more about the children's literature available from  Word on Fir...

Haley interviews Cory Heimann and Tricia Dugat, the author/illustrator team behind two innovative books: Light of the Saints and Light of the Sacraments . This episode discusses what inspired Cory and Tricia to develop these projects, how family life contributes to the creative life, and how to communicate theological concepts to children in ways that elicit awe and wonder and are never dull. Lear...

Host, Haley Stewart, talks with Nancy C. Brown, the author of The Woman Who Was Chesterton and The Mystery of Harry Potter: A Catholic Family Guide . This episode discusses what British Catholic writer G.K. Chesterton thought were the three essential elements of a good story and it also explores the challenges of discerning what stories to share with children. Learn more about the children's liter...

In this short introductory episode, host of the show and editor of Word on Fire Votive, Haley Stewart, introduces the vision for this new podcast and talks about her love for good books, how stories baptize our imaginations, and how to share great literature with the next generation. Do you enjoy this podcast?  Become a  Word on Fire IGNITE  member  to support the production of the Votive Podcast...