Wannabe Saints

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, we sit down with Becca Plance, Natalie Schol, and Cindy Jorgensen—three incredible mothers who each share a unique perspective on raising six children. Together, they represent three distinct stages of motherhood: the early years of infants, toddlers, and elementary-aged kids, the whirlwind of raising teenagers, and the season of launching grown children into the...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, Chris Plance joins us to discuss the virtue of justice, its meaning, challenges, and implications for our lives. We explore the social kingship of Christ, the role of justice in Scripture, and why obedience to God is central to living justly. Our conversation also dives into the Church today, the tension between charismatic and traditional worship, the historical...

In Part 2 of Katie’s powerful story, from rebellion to redemption, we get to hear how God took her rebellious years and turned them into something beautiful. She opens up about a season that deeply shook her faith and how she got through it. Through the ups and downs, you’ll hear how the three theological virtues—faith, hope, and charity—remain active in her life: how hope is her anchor, how she c...

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sensitive topics including binge drinking, sexual assault, and eating disorders. Listener discretion is advised. In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, we sit down with Rachael’s sister, Katie Baynai, as she bravely shares the early chapters of her journey—from teenage rebellion and deep brokenness to the beginning of God's healing wo...

In this episode, we explore the virtue of introspection, the habit of examining our interior life in the light of God’s truth. Joined by Emma Scordato, we reflect on how true introspection isn't self-centered, but a God-centered self-awareness that leads to freedom, growth, and holiness. Introspection, rightly ordered, is not self-absorption, it’s the pathway to recognizing both our strengths and...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Fr. Trowbridge, we continue exploring what it truly means to build a life rooted in virtue. Fr. Trowbridge walks us through the three stages of the spiritual life, helping us understand how growth unfolds over time with God’s grace. We reflect on how the Cross, far from being a burden, becomes a source of light, allowing us to see more clearly through the wisdom...

In Part 1 of our conversation with Fr. Trowbridge, we dive deep into the foundational topics of virtue, vice, and the often-overlooked impact of venial sin. We explore what virtue truly is, how vice takes root, and why even "small sins" can have a serious effect on the soul. Drawing from the Catechism, Fr. Trowbridge unpacks how venial sin weakens our pursuit of holiness and why it can’t simply be...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, Fr. Keith Romke joins us for a fun, deep and insightful conversation on the virtue of humility. We talk about the inner battle between the Theo and ego drama and how many people misunderstand humility as weakness or self-deprecation. Fr. Romke reframes humility as knowing your true identity in God: that you are created in His image, fully loved, and nothing you d...

In this episode on the virtue of respect- We unpack four different types of respect—because it’s not a one-size-fits-all virtue. We explore:     •    General Respect for every person     •    Respect of Position for roles of authority     •    Respect for God      •    Earned Respect through trust and admiration We reflect on how earned respect is often the easiest to give—because it’s shown to th...

In this episode of, Wannabe Saints, we switched things up for the virtue of fortitude. We interviewed Jordyn’s friend, Cecilia Brennan. Her life is a living example of the gift and virtue of fortidue, always persevering in faith and overcoming all obstacles, growing stronger and stronger each time. From growing up without her mom, to her husband being deployed to Japan two moths after they got mar...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, we dive deep into the powerful connection between compassion and mercy. We explore how true mercy can’t exist without compassion—and how compassion naturally moves us to acts of mercy. From the corporal and spiritual works of mercy to the challenge of bearing wrongs patiently, we reflect on how these virtues call us to love others even when it's hard. We also tal...

Integrity is more than just being honest and trustworthy—it’s about living in a way that takes your values and turns them into virtues. In this episode of Wannabe Saints, we talk about what it really means to be a person of integrity, the virtues that it requires, and why it’s not just about doing the right thing when people are watching, but who you are at your core. Listen in as we break down wh...

In this episode—Forgiveness & Confession—of Wannabe Saints, we welcome special guest Father Ditomo to dive into forgiveness and confession. We talk about the difference between mercy and forgiveness, why confession is key to spiritual growth, and where it’s found in Scripture. Plus, we discuss how confession can be a powerful source of psychological healing. Don’t forget to check out our show...

In this episode, we discuss lent and the virtue of mortification—what it truly means to “put to death” our desires, both the bad and the good ones that may hinder our spiritual growth. Mortification isn’t just about denying ourselves harmful habits, but about surrendering everything, even good things, in order to grow closer to God. By embracing this discipline, we learn to pick up our daily cross...

In this episode, we discuss the connection between meekness and gentleness, two virtues often used interchangeably. We address the misconception that meekness means weakness and explain how gentleness is much more than just a soft touch—it’s a mindset and your disposition. We also dive into how meekness and gentleness are linked by a kind of sensitivity—not emotional sensitivity, but a sensitivity...

In this episode, we talk about the forgotten virtue of vigilance and why it’s so important in our lives—whether in our words, actions, thoughts, prayers, or the media we consume. Vigilance means being spiritually alert and aware, especially since the devil loves to deceive us, even through things that seem good. He often hides lies behind things that look harmless. The big question is, "If Jesus w...

In this episode, we talk about the power of forgiveness. We discuss how forgiving ourselves and others isn’t easy, but it’s made possible through Christ’s love and grace. Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or reconciling with everyone—it’s about letting go of our pain and inviting Jesus into it to bring peace and healing.   We talk about why we’re called to forgive, how Christ transforms our pain,...

In this episode, we reflect on the virtue of joy and how Mary, lived it out in her life. Mary’s example shows us that true joy comes from trusting in God’s plan, even in challenging times. We explore how joy connects to other important virtues like generosity, charity, hope, gratitude, friendship, and our identity in Christ. Song link: https://youtu.be/x9f97OMlnis?si=OwVEvjpjhTFQEJsc Litany of Joy...

In this episode, we dive into the powerful connection between generosity and gratitude, and how living both virtues leads to magnanimity—a spirit of greatness that empowers us to live lives of excellence for God and grow His Kingdom. Generosity flows naturally from a heart of gratitude, where we recognize the abundance we've been given and are moved to give freely in return.  We also discuss how t...

In this episode, we dive into the true meaning of gratitude and explore how to live it out beyond just saying "thank you." We discuss what the Catechism teaches about gratitude, its deep connection to the Eucharist, and how the practice of gratitude is not just an attitude but an active way of living—especially in our relationships with others, and more specifically, with our parents. Tune in to h...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, we dive into the topic of friendship. What does it really mean to be a true friend, and how can we cultivate deep, lasting friendships? We explore the essence of friendship and share seven key steps we believe are essential for building authentic connections. Whether you're seeking to strengthen your current friendships or build new ones, this episode is for you....

Super excited we got some free time during our pilgrimage to Ireland! We had the privilege of having Fr. Chris DiTomo joining us again, and Rachael’s sister Katie Baynai, the founder of For His Glory Tours, to record with us for an episode on 'Pilgrimage'. We cover the “why?” to pilgrimage, how it helps to build virtue, and the history of pilgrimaging. We also talk about how EASY we have it these...

Welcome back to Wannabe Saints. In this episode we discussed the questions we had sent in for our topic on anger with Fr. Christopher Ditomo! We hope you enjoy!!   Metanoia Journal: https://shop.metanoiacatholic.com/products/copy-of-metanoia-catholic-journal   Theology of Healing talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF3V45nHNgo&t=3s   The Hidden Power of Kindness: https://sophiainstitute.com/...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints we have a special guest, our friend, Fr. Christopher DiTomo! We discussed the passion and vice of anger. What anger truly is, when it is just and unjust, and when the emotion can turn into a sin. We also discussed the virtues that anger goes against, and how to try and overcome resentment. If you have a question, comment or topic you would like us to cover reach o...

In this episode on Wannabe Saints we discussed the virtue of Charity in depth. We go through the definition of Charity in the Catechism, that true Charity calls us to love, how Jesus was our example of true charity and how do we live that out in our day to day. Here are the links to the three books we mentioned in this episode: I Believe in Love. My Daily Bread. Spiritual Survival in the Modern Wo...