Made for Love

Ep 114: Bishop Robert Barron on ... Everything May 26, 2023

Does God need us? Why would he create us (or anything) if he didn't? How is God's relationship with us and with the world different than any other religion's account? How does it change the way we love? Bishop Robert Barron, head of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester and Word on Fire, discusses how the Christian distinction answers all of those questions and more.

Episode Notes

Ep 113: Human Ecology part 2 plus Lady Bird May 12, 2023

Our conversation on human ecology continues with Dr. Jennifer Frey, who dives deeper into the mind of the Church and the work of the Institute for Human Ecology. Then (19:15), we celebrate Mother’s Day with Kara by talking about Lady Bird. The prestigious 2017 movie has a surprisingly nuanced take on family life and love-related wounds, without turning its nose up at Christianity.

Episode Notes

Ep 112: Human Ecology plus Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2 Apr 28, 2023

When talking about humanity's relationship with nature, John Paul II used the phrase "human ecology". Benedict XVI used a similar phrase. So did Francis. What do they all mean by it? Dr. Jennifer Frey, of the Institute for Human Ecology and a philosophy professor at the University of South Carolina, helps unpack this theme in the Church's recent tradition. Kara hops in to talk about Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2 (20:25) and its bad dad before the release of volume 3.

Episode Notes

Ep 111: Sleepless in Seattle Apr 14, 2023

Happy Easter! We're back with a shorter episode during the Easter Octave, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Sleepless in Seattle! Kara and Andrew complete their coverage of the Nora Ephron-Meg Ryan romcom trilogy. Destiny takes a hand, or does it?

Episode Notes

Ep 110: Protecting from Porn plus AI Dating Mar 31, 2023

The addictive danger to our families from pornography is far too great to ignore, which is why Amanda Zurface of Covenant Eyes is here to help. She talks about how communities and families can guard against these risks, and how parishes can do the same, with Safe Haven Sunday. Then, Kara joins (18:00) to chat about the recent AI/chatGPT news developments, through the lens of the film Her (2013), directed by Spike Jonze. Could an advanced AI genuinely take part in a romantic relationship? (Spoiler: of course not).

Episode Notes

Ep 109: Spooky Body Problems plus CODA part 2 Mar 10, 2023

When you think of your soul leaving your body, what image comes to mind? If it's a ghostly duplicate of your physical body, boy do we have a show for you. Dr. Therese Scarpelli Cory joins from Notre Dame's philosophy department to examine how that view has some unintended side effects for our sense of self, how to improve on that view, and what it has to do with our relationship with Jesus Christ. Then, Kara joins to finish our Oscars run-up with the rest of our heartfelt discussion of last year's Academy Award Best Picture winner, CODA (21:10).

Episode Notes

Ep 108: The Revolution’s Aftermath plus CODA part 1 Feb 24, 2023

Why do we feel more isolated than ever? How do kids from smaller families have a harder time forming connections later in life? What do people mean when they talk about identity, using phrases like "it's who I really am"? Mary Eberstadt discusses answers to those questions, her new book Adam and Eve After the Pill Revisited, and the unfolding impact of the Sexual Revolution. Later (32:00), Kara joins as we continue our run-up to the Oscars with part 1 of our discussion of CODA, last year's Academy Award Best Picture winner.

Episode Notes

Ep 107: Eucharist and Vocation plus Everything Everywhere All at Once Feb 10, 2023

Our coverage of the National Eucharistic Revival continues with Sr. Alicia Torres, managing editor of the Eucharistic Revival's newsletter, who shares how her relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist animates her calling as a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist. Later (18:45), Kara Bach joins as we attempt to wrap our minds around Everything Everywhere All at Once. This Academy Award front-runner has a lot to say about a lot (as the title might suggest), and we try to separate the googly eyes from the sinister bagels.

Episode Notes

Ep 106: Titanic Jan 27, 2023

Kara and Andrew devote an entire episode to Titanic on the 25th anniversary of the film's long run in theaters, which happens to coincide with director James Cameron's new film, Avatar: The Way of Water. The aquatic adventure from 1997 has quite a bit more to offer for reflection on the call to love, however. As is unavoidable when talking about this movie, the conversation gets emotional.

Episode Notes

Ep 105: Eucharistic Revival plus The Fabelmans Jan 13, 2023

We are kicking off the new year with a look at the Eucharistic Revival! Fr. Craig Vasek gives us the scoop on this growing movement to restore faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Then (27:35), Kara Bach joins to talk about Steven Spielberg's Oscar-contending autobiographical family drama, The Fabelmans.

Episode Notes

Ep 104: The Muppet Christmas Carol Dec 15, 2022

We're ending the year by celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Muppet Christmas Carol! Kara and Andrew wax theological about this all-time classic, which builds in surprising ways on Charles Dickens's original 1843 novella. According to this version of Scrooge, love is the only thing sillier than a Merry Christmas. How's that working out for him?

Episode Notes

Ep 103: Aquinas and Casablanca Dec 02, 2022

What did Aquinas say about marriage? How does he reveal the true nature of marriage as we live it out today? Did he get everything right, and if not, how do we approach it now? Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, joins to answer those questions and more! Then, Kara joins (22:30) to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Casablanca and how world events impact the call to love.

Episode Notes

Ep 102: The Rings of Power Nov 18, 2022

Kara and Andrew finally complete their quest to review season 1 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power! Most of the story is not original to Tolkien and was produced by a company whose practices diverge considerably from the Gospel. So why does the show quote almost directly from scripture and the moral theology of Thomas Aquinas with strange regularity? Why is divine providence hinted at more heavily than in the Lord of the Rings films? What's going on here?

Episode Notes

Ep 101: Friends and Fatherhood plus The Rings of Power Nov 04, 2022

Canavox's Lucas Fennell joins to talk about what we can learn about friendship and its impact on fatherhood, drawing from his years of experience working with teenage boys and incarcerated men.
Then (25:10), Kara and Andrew finally start their coverage of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Now that season 1 is complete, we can finally talk about it, but will we fit everything into one episode? (No).

Episode Notes

Ep 100: Movie Spectacular with Steven Greydanus Oct 21, 2022

We're celebrating 100 episodes by celebrating the movies! Deacon Steven Greydanus of Decent Films joins to offer some perspective on our approach to film, declining religious themes in Marvel movies like Thor: Love and Thunder, Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, plus a plethora of recommendations!

Episode Notes

Ep 99: Psychology and Gender plus You’ve Got Mail Oct 07, 2022

Dr. Andrew Sodergren brings his psychological expertise to the podcast to help us tackle questions surrounding the development of men and women. This fascinating look includes Attachment Theory, questions about gender discordance and dysphoria, and how to treat people with those experiences compassionately and truthfully. Then (36:55), Kara joins to mark the onset of Fall as is commonly done: by talking about You've Got Mail.

Episode Notes

Ep 98: Biology and the Sexes plus the Silmarillion Sep 23, 2022

Experts in medicine, psychology, philosophy, and theology recently collaborated on a new book, which comprehensively outlines a coherent view of the human person. Dr. Paul Hruz, one of the medical contributors to Sexual Identity: The Harmony of Philosophy, Science, and Revelation, joins to talk about the book and what exactly are the factors of biological sex. Later (22:55) Kara joins to celebrate Hobbit Day, and put up with Andrew's effusive praise for JRR Tolkien's The Silmarillion, part of which overlaps with the new show The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Episode Notes

Ep 97: Finances and Faith plus Before Midnight part 2 Sep 09, 2022

Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira of WalletWin are back to offer more financial help, combining the vocation of Catholic families with money management wisdom. And we return to last episode's cliffhanger ending (16:40) to wrap up Before Midnight, but not before Andrew tries yet again to find a secret Catholic meaning, which Kara may or may not validate.

Episode Notes

Ep 96: Finances and Faith plus Before Midnight part 1 Aug 26, 2022

For as much stress as they can cause to marriages, finances don't usually get a lot of direct attention around here. Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira of WalletWin are here to help, combining the vocation of Catholic families with money management wisdom. Kara joins (16:40) to find Andrew debuting an exciting new podcast segment coinciding with the final film in the "Before trilogy", Before Midnight.

Episode Notes

Ep 95: Discernment, Communion, and Before Sunset Aug 12, 2022

Fresh off their talk at the 2022 World Meeting of Families in Rome, Soren & Ever Johnson join to talk about discernment in family life, how it's oriented toward communion, and their ministry with Trinity House Community. Later (23:15) Kara joins to continue our trek through Richard Linklater's "Before trilogy" with its exciting midpoint, Before Sunset.

Episode Notes

Ep 94: Before Sunrise Jul 29, 2022

Before Sunrise came out 27 years ago. Its sequel, Before Sunset, came out 18 years ago. The finale in the trilogy, Before Midnight, came out 9 years ago. Today, Kara Bach joins to kick off our series on the trilogy, starting with Before Sunrise. It follows a couple meeting, falling in love, and asking the big questions about love, God, and the world… all in one day.

Episode Notes

Ep 93: The Genesis of Gender plus the Stranger Things Finale Jul 15, 2022

Friend of the podcast, Dr. Abigail Favale, returns to talk about her new book, The Genesis of Gender! We visit disparate sources like Plato, Stranger Things, and Simone de Beauvoir, but we promise you one thing: by the end we will arrive at stable definitions of “man” and “woman”. Later (29:40), Kara joins for even more Stranger Things! We wrap up season 4 and conclusively answer whether this is a secret Catholic show.

Episode Notes

Ep 92: Leaving for Rome plus Stranger Things Jun 17, 2022

We're heading to Rome! The Tenth World Meeting of Families is happening and we are going to be there. That's great, but... what does that mean? The USCCB's own Julia Dezelski joins us to answer that question and more! Then (18:45), Stranger Things returns! Kara Bach joins to chat about the entire show up through Season 4, volume 1, with spoilers! Is Stranger Things secretly a Catholic show inspired by Lord of the Rings?

Episode Notes

Ep 91: Abortion Jun 03, 2022

Abortion doesn’t have to tear the country apart. It doesn’t have to be the option women turn to in crisis. With the upcoming Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson likely overturning Roe v. Wade, we have to be part of a quantum leap in caring for mothers. We can do it, because Tiffany Farley and Dan Miller of Gabriel Network already have been doing it. They join us for the entire episode to provide insight and a wealth of opportunities to help save lives and make it easier for mothers to love their children.

Episode Notes

Ep 90: Vocations plus E.T. May 20, 2022

Concluding our series of episodes on vocations, Fr. Dan Hanley (Associate Director of the USCCB's office for Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations) joins us to run the gamut of the various ways God calls us to love. For anyone who might be confused about the scope of vocational options, his insight goes a long way toward making sense of the whole. Then Kara Bach joins (30:20) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Few movies have ever offered a better reflection on family life and the sense of wonder.

Episode Notes

Ep 89: Discerning Vocations plus Children of Men May 06, 2022

What's the best way to love God? The answer can vary a bit from person to person, and impacts who we care for, what we do, where we live, and how we act. You know, minor stuff. Having formed priests for over a decade, Fr. Carter Griffin joins to provide insight on how to respond to God's call. Then (24:35), Kara jumps in to talk about The Children of Men, both the novel and the film based on it. We... had definite opinions on which was better.

Episode Notes

Ep 88: Discernment plus Prince of Egypt part 2 Apr 22, 2022

Happy Easter, Christ is Risen! Fr. Timothy Gallagher is back for the second half of our interview, taking us deeper into the world of spiritual discernment. Then, Kara returns (15:55) to finish our chat about The Prince of Egypt. Topics covered include: finding a spiritual director, BattleCrocs, and the Eucharist as the new Passover.

Episode Notes

Ep 87: Discernment plus Prince of Egypt part 1 Apr 08, 2022

For decades, Fr. Timothy Gallagher has been spreading the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his predecessors- wisdom that can help answer questions like "why am I here?" and "is this desire to follow a certain path from God?". We had a lot to talk about, so naturally we had too much to fit into one episode. Later (16:30), Kara joins to chat about The Prince of Egypt, a sensational and underrated movie, which Andrew claims is the greatest movie based on scripture. Regardless of whether it's the best or merely one of the best, it makes for a great preparation for Passover and Holy Week.

Episode Notes

Ep 86: Kids, Kenosis, and Weathering with You Mar 25, 2022

Leah Libresco Sargeant is here to help us better understand the spiritual and theological side of being a mother or father. How do kids empty us of our false selves in their radical dependence? How does that dependence reveal our own, even more radical, dependence on God? That, Broadway musical nerddom, and a chat with Kara about the 2019 film Weathering with You to come in today's episode.

Episode Notes

Ep 85: Fine. We’ll Talk About Bruno (plus Wedding Planning). Mar 11, 2022

It's too late to stop us now. We're talking about Bruno. And the rest of Encanto. That follows another topic people don't always enjoy talking about: wedding planning. Catherine Boizelle is here to make the process easier, so that engaged couples can focus on what matters most in the sacrament.

Episode Notes

Ep 84: Newlywed Life plus King Richard Feb 25, 2022

Newlywed life is always challenging and exciting, but in a pandemic it can be more the former than the latter. It doesn’t have to be that way though, as Alessandro DiSanto’s experience shows. The co-founder of Hallow joins to chat about life as a newlywed, continuing our miniseries on marriage. Kara joins (19:50) to talk about the Oscar contender King Richard, starring Will Smith, and what it has to say about sports and fatherhood.

Episode Notes

Ep 83: Marriage Enrichment part 2 plus The Godfather Feb 11, 2022

The marriage crisis in the United States will deepen if we don’t do something to help, and JP DeGance knows how. In honor of National Marriage Week, part 2 of our interview with him dives deeper into concrete ways parishes are helping couples to stay together. Speaking of families in crisis, our second segment (19:45) celebrates the 50th anniversary of the greatest movie ever made: The Godfather.

Episode Notes

Ep 82: Endgame, Marriage Enrichment pt. 1, and West Side Story Jan 28, 2022

JP DeGance knows how parishes can help married couples stay together. His organization Communio proved it in Jacksonville, where the divorce rate dropped 28%, largely as a result of their work. As part of our ongoing series leading up to National Marriage Week, JP tells us how to enrich marriages, no matter how stable they are, which in turn strengthens the Church. There was definitely a lot to cover, so this is part one of that interview, with the second part coming in our next episode. After that, Kara (along with her baby daughter!) joins to talk about West Side Story, both the 1961 classic and the 2021 Steven Spielberg-directed remake… which might actually be better? Both versions have a bit to say about the call to love; not all of it’s great, but it’s definitely worth reflecting on.

Episode Notes

Ep 81: The Marriage Catechumenate Jan 14, 2022

Marriage prep varies widely from place to place. The marriage catechumenate is changing the way formation works for couples as they prepare to live out their life in Christ together. This responds to a call from Pope Francis, echoing JPII, in reforming sacramental catechesis. Richard Budd from the Diocese of Lansing is here to help explain what that means, how the kerygma plays into it, and how some practical angles usually go overlooked.

Episode Notes

Ep 80: Hispanic Family Life and Coco Dec 17, 2021

Lucia Luzondo of the Person and Identity Project weighs in on aspects impacting Hispanic/Latino family life. Kara joins to talk about Pixar's film Coco (28:00) which definitely did not make us cry multiple times. Topics covered include: ideological colonization, machismo vs. manhood, abuelita shoe combat, loving family across generations, rethinking "parents just don't understand" narratives.

Episode Notes

Ep 79: Body Image plus The Great Divorce part 2 Dec 03, 2021

Struggles with body image don’t get a lot of attention in our culture, but Dr. John Acquaviva is here to help with that. He walks us through the ways which JPII’s Theology of the Body catecheses and scripture can resolve those struggles so they don’t stand in the way of loving relationships. Then, Kara rejoins (29:48) for the second half of our coverage of C.S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce.

Episode Notes

Ep 78: Having “The Talk” plus The Great Divorce part 1 Nov 19, 2021

The vaunted birds and the bees talk. April Readlinger of CanaVox offers tips to make it easier to have successful conversations with your son or daughter about sex. Later (29:47), Kara joins for part 1 of our chat about C.S. Lewis’s novel The Great Divorce. Topics covered include: the obliviousness of teenage boys, how the love of neighbor relates to the meaning of all human life, and Sonny Corleone.

Episode Notes

Ep 77: Infertility part 2 plus Beauty and the Beast vs Shrek Nov 05, 2021

Ann Koshute and Kimberly Henkel of Springs in the Desert wrap up our discussion on infertility, then we pit Beauty and the Beast against Shrek (21:10) on the occasion of their 30th and 20th anniversaries respectively. Topics covered include: deep-fried Shrek memes, love and appearances, postmodernism, and surprise weddings.

Episode Notes

Ep 76: Infertility and Relationships part 1 Oct 22, 2021

Kimberly Henkel and Ann Koshute of Springs in the Desert join us to talk about their ministry to those who experience infertility. We had a lot to talk about, so the conversation will pick back up next episode. Later in this episode (21:05) Kara joins to talk about the surprisingly fun and encouraging I’m Your Man, a new German film about a robot husband.

Episode Notes

Ep 75: Fantasy and Family Oct 08, 2021

We're back with lots more Lord of the Rings and its significance for fantasy and family! First, the founder of Tea with Tolkien joins us to share her mission of spreading the author's wisdom and world. Then, Kara joins to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film release of Fellowship of the Ring. Topics covered include: the Immaculate Conception, Frodo paying off his student loans, Tom Bombadil's divisiveness, and trees. Lots of trees.

Episode Notes

Ep 74: The Green Knight vs. Lord of the Rings Sep 24, 2021

Kara and Andrew go on a journey with Sir Gawain to see if he’s up to the Green Knight’s challenge. Honestly, though, traveling with Bilbo or Frodo would be a more enjoyable experience. Topics include: Memento Mori, humanity’s relationship with nature, talking foxes, and random giants.

Episode Notes

Ep 73: Edward Sri Wraps Up MWML Sep 10, 2021

Our journey through Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love concludes with the book’s author, Dr. Edward Sri! Join us as he gives the inside scoop on the book’s background and where it leads. Topics covered include: doing it for the gram, the scourge of event maybes, Jesus is enough, and the point of virtue is to give us the freedom to love.

Episode Notes

Ep 72: When Harry Met Sally part 2 Aug 27, 2021

We had too much to say about When Harry Met Sally! We’re back with the second part of our chat about this endlessly entertaining, and at least somewhat edifying, look at relationships. Topics include: Gerald Ford, 80’s hair, the disputed nature of “chick flicks”, and the applicable ideas from Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love.

Episode Notes

Ep 71: Attraction and Discordance part 2 plus When Harry Met Sally Aug 13, 2021

We finish up our two-part interview with Eden Invitation’s Anna Carter BUT we also start another multi-parter with the first of (at least) two episodes on When Harry Met Sally, the classic romcom from 1989. Seriously, we had way too much to say about this movie, even more than we thought going in.

Episode Notes

Ep 70: Attraction and Discordance part 1 Jul 30, 2021

In the first of a two-part interview, Anna Carter imparts her wisdom gained from Eden Invitation's exciting ministry relating to same-sex attraction and gender discordance. Following that, Kara jumps in to wrap up Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love with a cool conversation about remote preparation for marriage (i.e. singlehood).

Episode Notes

Ep 69: Indiana Jones and NFP and the Last Crusade Jul 16, 2021

Damon Owens of Joyful Ever After joins for a surprisingly fun chat about NFP Week. Then Kara stops by for a while to cover Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, one of our favorite movies. Topics covered include: Elon Musk’s space ambitions, the Trinitarian theology of booby traps, and can archeology serve as a vessel for loving your family?

Episode Notes

Ep 68: Grandparents plus a Relationship Disagreement Jul 02, 2021

Our guest Alice Heinzen tells us about grandparenthood, but maybe we should have brought her back for the second segment too. Kara and Andrew talk about Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love‘s section on tenderness, and find themselves disagreeing a bit. Is this the end for our heroes? Nah, it’s fine.

Episode Notes

Ep 67: St. Joseph, Fatherhood, and A Quiet Place Jun 18, 2021

To mark Father's Day, Bishop Konderla joins us to chat about St. Joseph, fatherhood, and Pope Francis's apostolic letter Patris Corde. Then later we keep the Father's Day vibes rolling when Kara joins to talk about A Quiet Place (2018) and A Quiet Place Part II (2021), starring Emily Blunt and John Krasinski. Topics covered: cheating off of Bishop Barron's work, Neil Young's devotion to music at risk of life and limb, and does John Krasinski's fatherhood model Christ's sacrificial love?

Episode Notes

Ep 66: Language in Gender Theory part 2 Jun 04, 2021

Dr. Abigail Favale is back for part 2 of her interview about language in Gender Theory. Plus, Kara joins us to cover Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love chapters 7-9. Topics covered include chastity, modesty, the Me Too movement, and frat bros.

Episode Notes

Ep 65: Language in Gender Theory plus Pride and Prejudice May 21, 2021

Dr. Abigail Favale joins us for part 1 of her interview on the language of Gender Theory, which has a huge influence on current thought about what the human person is made for. Then, Kara talks excitedly about Pride and Prejudice (the 1995 BBC miniseries, not so much the movie).

Episode Notes

Ep 64: Priorities in Love May 06, 2021

The second part of our interview with Mike and Alicia Hernon of the Messy Family Project continues our conversation about balancing priorities in a marriage. Totally by coincidence, our discussion of Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love later in the episode happens to intersect.

Episode Notes

Ep 63: Marriage Balance and Minari Apr 26, 2021

Mike and Alicia Hernon join us for part 1 of their interview on how to balance loving your spouse and kids. Kara stops by to chat about the Oscar contender Minari.

Episode Notes

Ep 62: Overcoming Resentment in Marriage Apr 09, 2021

Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak are back for part 2 of our interview on overcoming resentment, this time in marriage. Later, Kara returns to talk about chapters 3-4 of Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love.

Episode Notes

Ep 61: Dating, Breakups, and Pixar's Soul Mar 23, 2021

Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak are here to offer ways to help with resentment in dating and breakups. Kara joins us to cover Pixar's most recent film Soul, starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey, because how could we not? Jazz and metaphysics never went so well together.

Episode Notes

Ep 60: Accompaniment and Same-Sex Attraction Mar 05, 2021

Fr. Philip Bochanski, Executive Director of Courage International, about accompaniment and same-sex attraction. Then Kara joins us to start our journey through Dr. Edward Sri’s Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love, with detours through Sex and the City and the Supreme Court. You know, like you’d expect.

Episode notes

Ep 59: Sacraments and the Body Feb 02, 2021

Made for Love returns to talk about the impact of the sacraments on life as an embodied person, plus Andrew and Kara chat about the Studio Ghibli classic movie My Neighbor Totoro.

Thanks to Sara Perla for everything she did to get this show off the ground and pilot it for the first two years. Without her efforts, we would not be able to continue on. She has moved on to work at the Catholic Project on their podcast "Crisis".

More show notes

Ep 58: Love in the Time of COVID Apr 17, 2020

In this pandemic, it is more important than ever to love one another! Today's episode features Amy Stout (and family), Sarah Engel, Fr. Dan Leary of the Archdiocese of Washington, and Jason Kidd. This is also the last episode of Made for Love for now, as Sara Perla is leaving for another adventure!

Ep 57: Racism and the Family, Part Two Mar 13, 2020

The primary place for education on human dignity is the family. Racism has no place in Catholic families. Today’s episode features Bishop Fabre of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Danielle Brown, Associate Director of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism for the USCCB, and Louis Damani Jones, intern at the Catholic Campaign for Human Development in St. Louis. Reminder that show notes are at the blog at Marriage: Unique for a Reason.

Ep 56: Racism and the Family, Part One Mar 06, 2020

The primary place for education on human dignity is the family. Racism has no place in Catholic families. Today’s episode features Bishop Fabre of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Danielle Brown, Associate Director of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism for the USCCB, and Louis Damani Jones, intern at the Catholic Campaign for Human Development in St. Louis.

Ep 55: Remarriage after Death Feb 13, 2020

When Catholics marry, they promise to be together “as long as we both shall live.” Death brings about the end of a marriage, and the other partner is free to marry again. Today we’ll hear the stories of men and women who have married after losing their first spouse to death. The episode features Randy and Lucy Hines and Andy and Beth Huseman.

Ep 54: Healing After Abortion, Part Two Jan 21, 2020

Andie continues her healing story, and others supplement it; including her sister Maria, the artist Michael Corsini, and the Asst. Director for Project Rachel Ministry Development at the USCCB, Mary McClusky.

Ep 53: Healing After Abortion, Part One Jan 08, 2020

Andie was eighteen years old, pregnant, and scared. She did what many others have done. Andie shares her story, and others add to it; including her sister Maria, and the Asst. Director for Project Rachel Ministry Development at the USCCB, Mary McClusky.

Ep 52: Enjoying the Seasons Dec 16, 2019

Catholics have so many seasons and feast days to celebrate and live: how do you do this well? Today we’re sharing ideas from families about living Advent, Lent, and other feast days. Features Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, Bishop Konderla from the Diocese of Tulsa, and Andy and Sara Sefranek.

Ep 51: Engagement: Planning a Wedding or a Marriage? Dec 10, 2019

Engagement is an exciting time for a man and a woman who have decided to marry; but how do they spend those months before the wedding? Planning for their marriage, or planning the party? This episode features Bishop Warfel from the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Bishop Cary from the Diocese of Baker, Sophie Caldecott, and Cadence McManimon (who missed her own wedding!).

Ep 50: Praying as a Family Nov 19, 2019

No one really teaches families how to pray together. They know they should, but they don’t necessarily know how. Today we’ll hear from some past guests about how they go about praying with their spouse and children. Features Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, Lindsay Schlegal, Dan Meola, David and Kate Dawson, Andy and Sara Sefranek, and Steve and Jacinta Splonkowski.

Ep 49: Losing Everything Nov 05, 2019

God does not promise us that we will be successful in our worldly endeavors. In fact, many of the saints look like total failures from the outside. Today’s episode focuses on one story. This is Frank Fullin, who went through brain surgery while losing his company, savings, and house all at the same time. He and his wife, Jennifer, describe it as “the most spiritually rewarding time of my life.”

Ep 48: When a Loved One is in Prison, Part Two Oct 16, 2019

When someone comes out of prison, what does the Church do to help them pick up their lives again? Today we’ll talk with Bishop Wack from the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and Fr. Dustin Feddon, of Joseph House, Angela Burrin, who ministers at a Maryland women’s prison, and Lindsay Myers.

Ep 47: When a Loved One is in Prison, Part One Oct 01, 2019

Catholic families suffer separation when one of their members is in prison. What is Catholic prison ministry all about? Today we’ll talk with Bishop Wack from the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Bishop Cary of the Diocese of Baker, Fr. Dustin Feddon, of Joseph House, Fr. Michael Carson, who ministered in San Quentin, and Angela Burrin, who ministers at a Maryland women’s prison.

Ep 46: Parents, the Primary Educators Sep 13, 2019

What does the Church mean when it insists that parents are the first educators of their children? Today we’ll talk about some of the different ways that Catholic families engage in education, from homeschooling to co-ops to Catholic schools to public schools. This episode features Mary Pat Donoghue, Executive Director for the Secretariat of Education at the USCCB, Tom Burnford, President and CEO of the National Catholic Educational Association, Jay Boren of St. Benedict in MA, Sara and Andy Sefranek, and Lindsay Schlegal, author of Don’t Forget to Say Thank You: And Other Parenting Lessons That Brought Me Closer to God.

Ep 45: Hospitality Sep 03, 2019

Catholic families are called to be missionary disciples, reaching out to others with the love of Jesus. How can spouses cultivate hospitality? This episode features Sr. Mariae Agnus Dei of the Sisters of Life, Soren and Ever Johnson of Trinity House, and Anna Hitchings (an Australian!).

Ep 44: What to Expect When You're Expecting Multiples Aug 23, 2019

Surprise! You aren’t expecting one child; you’re expecting two… three… four…! How do Catholic families adjust to taking care of multiples? This episode features Paul Gondreau of Providence College, Stefan and Valeri Syski and Matt and Jill Kerr (triplets!).

Ep 43: The Catholic Family on Vacation Aug 01, 2019

Catholic families are found all around the world getting some rest from the “workaday” world. Listen to a few stories from families on vacation. This episode features the Hadley family, Shemaiah Gonzalez, and David Spesia, Executive Director for Evangelization and Catechesis at the USCCB.

Ep 42: The Power of Music Jul 12, 2019

Do you have a favorite hymn? Do your kids settle down at Mass when they hear the music? On this episode, Bishop Berg of Pueblo, CO and Archbishop Sample of Portland, OR talk about the power of music to raise the soul to contemplate God.

Ep 41: The Four Temperaments Jul 01, 2019

Do you know the four temperaments? Which one are you? Today we focus on the temperaments and marriage. Some temperament matches are going to be “easier” than others, but no matter what temperaments you and your spouse have, you can still help each other get to heaven! This episode features Art and Laraine Bennett, the authors of The Temperament God Gave You (and others), Nick and Lucy van Schaijik, and Brady and Sarah Wilson.

Ep 40: Miscarriage Jun 10, 2019

Every child is a gift, and the loss of even the smallest life is mourned by Catholic parents. Today we’re talking about one of the heaviest crosses that is borne in Catholic family life: miscarriage and infant loss. This episode includes Leah Libresco, Laura Fanucci, author, with her husband Franco, of Grieving Together: A Couple’s Journey through Miscarriage, and Msgr. Donald Sakano from the Archdiocese of New York.

Ep 39: Digital Technology and Family Life May 31, 2019

Pope Francis has spoken on numerous occasions, such as the World Meeting of Families in Dublin in 2018, about the impact of technology on family life, and the importance of a family’s “unplugging” in order to be together. Today we’ll talk about how families balance technology, especially social media, and their time together. This episode features Bishop Konderla of the Diocese of Tulsa, Dr. Timothy O’Malley of the University of Notre Dame, Mary Warren of CUA, and Tommy Tighe.

Ep 38: Adult Children of Divorce: Part Two May 10, 2019

When your parents get divorced, it’s not a one-time event. It remains with you for life. Today we continue the conversation with three adult children of divorced parents about the road to healing and how they seek to build up their own families. This episode features Dan Meola, Beth Sri, and LeeAnne Abel.

Ep 37: Adult Children of Divorce: Part One May 01, 2019

The divorce of your mother and father affects you as a child, but not only as a child... Today we introduce you two three adult children of divorce who share their stories and experiences. This episode features Dan Meola, Beth Sri, and LeeAnne Abel. Some of their stories appear in the book Primal Loss: The Now-Adult Children of Divorce Speak by Leila Miller.

Ep 36: A Friend is Another Self Apr 05, 2019

There are quotes galore on the joys of friends, and what they bring to our lives. They are “the family we choose for ourselves,” for example. How can a Catholic better learn and live the virtues required to be a good friend? How can married couples cultivate friendships, both as individuals and as a couple? This episode features Bishop Caggiano of Bridgeport, Fr. Paul Scalia, James and Danielle Dill, Dr. John Cuddeback, and Mary Warren.

Ep 35: When It's All Too Much: Suicide and the Family Mar 28, 2019

Catholic families are not immune from tragedy. Today Made for Love addresses the heartbreaking reality of suicide. The episode features Chris Miller, Tommy Tighe, and Sister Colleen Ann Nagle, FSE.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is: 1-800-273-8255

Ep 34: Addiction and the Family Mar 08, 2019

How do Catholic families navigate the waters of addiction to drugs or alcohol? How can the Church better support recovery efforts? On this episode, hear from two men in recovery, Dan Buckley and Brian Peck, who were interviewed by Zoey Maraist at the Arlington Catholic Herald, and Bishop Burbidge in the Diocese of Arlington who has many ideas for the Church’s ministry to families dealing with addiction. We also talk with Nina Marie Corona, who experienced the heartache of watching her daughter struggle with addiction and who is certified in alcohol and drug recovery and began the programs “We Thirst” and “Afire.”

Ep 33: Memento Mori: Dying Well Feb 28, 2019

Every one of us faces death; it is a door we think that we walk through alone. But Catholics know that there is Someone who is with us even in death: Jesus Christ. Today we’re talking about dying well. This episode features Sister Theresa Aletheia of the Daughters of St. Paul and Fr. Paul Dressler, O.F.M. Cap.

Ep 32: The Love Languages Feb 08, 2019

Described in a popular book by Gary Chapman, the five love languages are five ways that we give and receive love; and some of them speak to us better than others. Today we’re talking about the love languages in marriage with Francis and Julia Dezelski, Bryan and Liz Smalley, Craig and Stephanie Rapp.

Ep 31: The Joy of Pets Feb 01, 2019

Pets can make a huge positive difference in the life of a family. They can bring out different sides of family members, provide an opportunity to learn responsibility, and provide surprises and entertainment. On this episode, we’ll hear from Bishop Vann (Orange), who is a dog-lover, Sarah Coffey, who grew up with horses and other pets, Fr. Brian Mahoney, who writes about his cats in his parish bulletin, and a few kids with pets!

Ep 30: The Dating Podcast: Stories Jan 09, 2019

This episode is full of stories from Catholics dating. Some are dating fails, some are successes.

Ep 29 The Dating Podcast: Healthy Habits Jan 03, 2019

How can Catholics approach dating in a healthy way? Who should do the initiating? How do you break up with someone nicely? This episode includes Dr. Kerry Cronin, the professor from Boston College who is featured in the film, The Dating Project, Dr. Paul Gondreau from Providence College, and USCCB staff members.

Ep 28 The Dating Podcast: Young Adults Dec 28, 2018

Happy 2019! There’s a lot of secular evidence that there isn’t a great dating culture in America right now. What about dating as a Catholic? Today we’re talking with Dr. Kerry Cronin, the professor from Boston College who is featured in the film, The Dating Project, Dr. Paul Gondreau from Providence College, and LMFLY interns Kelly Walsh and Elizabeth Plaza.

Ep 27: Holidays: Family Festivities Dec 13, 2018

The first time Alice went to Christmas with Jeff’s family, things were a little different. How do you navigate the holiday season and juggle all the family traditions with grace? Hear a few stories that will get you ready for Christmas. Also features Bishop Ricken (Green Bay) and Aaron and Lindsay Weldon.

Ep 26: Big Catholic Families Nov 30, 2018

God’s gifts are often abundant! Today we talk with three Catholic families who have big families (by today’s standards): Jerry and Kate Hadley, parents of 10 children, along with their 3rd (Cecilia) and 8th (Tim) children; Andrew and Vivian Nelson, who are expecting their 8th child, and Sam Fatzinger, mother of 13+1 foster child.

Ep 25 Catholics and Pornography Nov 19, 2018

"Porn Kills Love." This slogan from “Fight the New Drug” resonates with Catholic teaching about pornography. This episode is about Catholics dealing with addiction to pornography. It includes DJ Hueneman, Jeff and Annette Kohn, Kevin and Krista Burridge, Patty Breen, and Perry West.

Ep 24: Young People in the Church Nov 01, 2018

As the bishops of the Church discussed during last month's synod, we here at home are discussing young people, the faith, and discernment with Bishop Caggiano of Bridgeport (also a delegate to the synod), Bishop Sis of San Angelo, Sr. Helena Burns, fsp, Anna Carter of the Eden Invitation, and 3 young people: Jeanne Marie Hathway, Kelly Walsh, and Elizabeth Plaza.

Ep 23: Catholic, Divorced Oct 12, 2018

Catholics who are divorced go through a hard process, and can feel forgotten, marginalized, or unwanted at our parishes. How can we make sure that is not the case? This episode features Rose Sweet of Divorce Healing, Patty Breen, Brad Grey, and Fr. Steve Porter.

Ep 22: Chlidbirth: Life-Giving Love Oct 02, 2018

Catholics have a well of spiritual insight to dip into to prepare for the birth of a child. On today's episode, you'll hear from Mary Haseltine, author of Made for This: The Catholic Mom’s Guide to Birth, Haley Stewart (from the popular blog Carrots for Michaelmas) and birth stories from a few of Sara's friends, including a baby who was born in the car in the driveway of the hospital: good catch, dad!

Ep 21: Lots of Kinds of Love Sep 14, 2018

Sometimes our society makes us think that romantic love is the only kind of love that matters. This episode features stories about love that challenge that idea in many beautiful ways. The episode features Dr. Adrian Walker (Visiting Professor of Theology at the Catholic University of America), Alice Heinzen (Marriage and Family Life Director of the Diocese of LaCrosse, Wisconsin), Anna Carter (Founder of Eden Invitation), and Therese Bermpohl (Family Life Director for the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia).

Ep 20: Familes who Love Members with Down Syndrome Aug 31, 2018

Down Syndrome is a part of many Catholic families’ stories. Children with Down Syndrome bring immense joy into their families, even as their intellectual disabilities and medical problems bring crosses and hardships. Today we’ll hear from Archbishop Kurtz (Louisville), a family who have children with Down Syndrome (J.D. and Kate Flynn), the UK filmmaker whose documentary “Summer in the Forest” follows Jean Vanier and his work with people with intellectual disabilities (Randal Wright), and a reporter from Aleteia (Zoe Romanowsky).

Ep 19: Cultural Differences in Marriage Aug 03, 2018

Navigating cultural differences in marriage can be a challenge but brings great rewards. This episode features Dushan and Elizabeth Turcon, Justin and Bernadette McClain, Christine and Ysias Martinez, Dunn and Mary Estacio.

Ep 18: NFP: Part Two Jul 26, 2018

This Natural Family Planning awareness week (July 22-28), we talk about NFP, but this time more about how NFP methods can help couples to get pregnant. This episode features Sister Helena Burns, fsp, Chris and Becky Wilson, Dr. Lionel and Janet Yaceczko, and Dr. Karen Poehailos (M.D.).

Ep 17: NFP: Part One Jul 20, 2018

Chastity doesn’t mean abstinence, but rather integrating one’s sexual impulses into love. That’s obviously important in marriage. Anticipating Natural Family Planning awareness week (July 22-28), we talk about NFP with Amy and Duston Stout, Mark and Leslie Wolf, and Rachel and Dax.

Ep 16: Humanae Vitae 50 Years Later: Part 2 Jul 06, 2018

On today’s Made for Love, we continue to look at Humanae Vitae fifty years later. What is the Church’s teaching on the “transmission of life”? This episode features Chris and Becky Wilson, Sister Helena Burns, fsp, Chris Reynolds from the Couple to Couple League, Dr. John Grabowski of CUA, and Dr. Theresa Notare of the USCCB’s NFP office.

Ep 15: Humanae Vitae 50 Years Later: Part 1 Jun 29, 2018

On today’s Made for Love, we look at Humanae Vitae from the perspective of fifty years of change. What is HV all about? Have Pope Paul VI’s predictions come true? This episode features Bishop Ricken (Green Bay), Bishop Rassas (Auxiliary in Chicago), Dr. John Grabowski of CUA, Sister Helena Burns, fsp, Theresa Notare of the USCCB’s NFP office, and Lionel and Janet Yaceczko.

Ep 14: Fatherhood: The Masculine Genius Jun 08, 2018

Fathers are a gift to their children. Fatherhood is also an immense task; a father is meant to represent God the Father to his children: that unconditional love and acceptance, along with protection and challenge. This episode features Bishop Mansour (Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn, Bishop Caggiano (Bridgeport), Bishop Sis (San Angelo), Bishop Paprocki (Springfield), Mark Hartfiel of That Man is You, Paul Jarzembowski and Andy Lichtenwalner from the USCCB, Katy Doran of CanaVox, Deborah Savage from the University of St. Thomas, and Joseph Capizzi from the Catholic University of America.

Ep 13: Priests Come from Families, You Know Jun 01, 2018

When a man decides to go to the seminary, his family’s reaction matters. In this episode, two bishops (Bishop Caggiano, Bishop Rassas), 2 priests (Fr. Al Baca, Fr. Luke Ballman), and 1 seminarian (Brendan Glasgow) share their parents’ reaction to their discernment.

Ep 12 Bishops have Moms, Too! May 09, 2018

On this episode of Made for Love, bishops speak about their mothers and celebrate the gift that motherhood is for the Church and the world. Bishops Caggiano (Bridgeport), Mansour (Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn), Paprocki (Springfield, IL), Ricken (Green Bay), and Sis (San Angelo).

Ep 11 Sports and Family Life May 01, 2018

He shoots… he scores! Did you know one of our bishops was a hockey player who has also run 23 marathons? Find out more on today’s Made for Love, as we discuss how sports can enrich family life. This episode features Steve Splonskowski, Bishop Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield, Sister M. Xavier Schulze, FSGM, and Jeanne and Veronica Canavan.

Ep 10 Complementarity between Men and Women Apr 30, 2018

Sexual complementarity does not mean that men and women are half a person walking around looking for their other half (sorry, Plato). This episode explores complementarity with stories from Pat and Elisa Fleming, Andy Lichtenwalner, Deborah Savage.

Ep 9 Love in Infertility Apr 30, 2018

Infertility is a reality for thousands of Catholic women (and men, too). On this episode of Made for Love: how married couples face the cross of infertility together, and find love through it. Sara and Tom Faenhle, Chris and Emily (nee Stimpson) Chapman, Jen and Mark Crowley, and Connie Poulos are featured on the episode.

Ep 8 Ideal v. Real in Marriage Apr 30, 2018

The Murphys, Dawsons, and Stouts all thought that because they studied theology, they would be really good at this marriage thing. But knowing the Theology of the Body, while that knowledge is certainly a gift, does not mean your marriage will be easy. The messiness and difficulty of marriage is part of the vocation; it doesn’t mean that you are failing. Listen to these stories of real marriage and its beauty.

Ep 7 Anxiety, Depression, and Love Apr 30, 2018

Mental illness is a reality for many Catholic families. Today, we’re focusing on depression and anxiety, two of the most common mental illnesses, and their effects on family life. This episode features Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, author of The Catholic Guide to Depression, Tommy Tighe (author of Catholic Hipster), Sarah Elliot and her daughter Moire, and Teresa Bippus.

Ep 6 The Family Table Apr 30, 2018

Eating dinner together as a family used to be common and expected. The table is the place where members of the family can talk things out and hear about each other’s lives. This episode features Bishop Caggiano, Brendan Glasgow, Christina Strafaci, Craig and Stephanie Rapp, Tim and Lisa Roder, and Mary Beth Bonacci.

Ep 5 When Love Means Leaving (Domestic Abuse) Apr 30, 2018

Domestic violence is a tragic reality in families today. The bishops issued a statement on domestic violence over 20 years ago (“When I Call for Help”), but many people do not know what the Church’s teaching is. Some people mistakenly believe that they must stay in an abusive situation. This episode features Denise, Kathy Bonner, Fr. Chuck Dahm, OP, and the founder of Catholics for Family Peace, Sharon O’Brien.

Ep 4 Love in Adoption Apr 30, 2018

Kate was pregnant and in shock. Deborah, Elizabeth, Bethany, and their respective husbands, all felt an ache that their arms were empty after years of hoping for a child. This episode highlights the gift of adoption and its complexity in real life.

Ep 2 When Love meets Silence (Caregiving) Apr 30, 2018

Terri and Vince Corcoran met later in life and married with a vision of years of companionship ahead. This vision lasted only one month, when Vince started showing signs of an illness that there was no name for. Terri took care of Vince until he died seventeen years later, showing fidelity to her promises in a beautiful way. This episode includes Bishop Frank Caggiano, of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Fr. Scott Sina of the Diocese of Arlington, and Robert Mastrogiavanni, the President of the Well Spouse Association.

Ep 3 When Love is Not Love (Annulment) Apr 30, 2018

Stacy and Nabil met in college. Their wedding day was the happiest day of Stacy’s life. But within a few years, they were divorced and Stacy was petitioning for an annulment. What happened? This episode explores the complex issue of annulment in the Catholic Church and features Stacy Thomlison, Fr. Bob Cannon of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, and Alice Heinzen, the marriage and family life director from the Diocese of La Crosse.

Ep 1 Baptismal Role Reversal Apr 30, 2018

The Baptismal Role Reversal
Usually, parents baptize their children. They dress them up in beautiful white gowns, invite friends and family, and promise to teach their children about God. But sometimes, God reaches the child first, and the child brings the parents along. The first episode of Made for Love features Bishop James Conley, of the Diocese of Lincoln, who is the Chair of the Subcommittee on the Promotion and Defense of Marriage.

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