Practicing Catholic

Latest Episodes:

Mid-Lent Check-In: When Your Lenten Plan Falls Apart Mar 08, 2026

Show notes

How is your Lent actually going?

In this honest mid-Lent check-in, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on what happens when sickness, stress, family life, and temptation derail your carefully crafted Lenten commitments. From giving up sweets and alcohol to family prayer and creative almsgiving, they share practical wisdom on perseverance, flexibility, and beginning again.

They also tackle common questions:

Are almsgiving and tithing the same thing?

How do you structure a Catholic men’s group?

Are the three pillars of Lent equal in weight?

If you’ve struggled, compromised, or feel like you need a reset, this episode is your encouragement: don’t give up. Begin again. Charity is the measure.

This is the Practicing Catholic Podcast, where we explore the often arduous—but always fruitful—practice of holiness in everyday life.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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La La Land & the Cost of Your Dreams Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

What does La La Land have to do with living the Catholic faith? More than you think.

In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Taylor Kemp dive into the beauty, heartbreak, and moral tension at the heart of this modern musical. As we unpack the love story between Mia and Sebastian, we wrestle with a deeply human question: Is chasing your dreams worth the cost of love? Through the film’s unforgettable final montage, we explore sacrifice, vocation, hierarchy of goods, communication in relationships, and what true happiness really looks like.

This conversation is a reminder that Catholics don’t have to avoid “secular” films—we can engage them thoughtfully, find what is true and beautiful, and allow great storytelling to sharpen our understanding of faith, love, and the choices that shape our lives.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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The Books That Changed Our Catholic Lives Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

What are the three most impactful books you’ve ever read? In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger share the books that profoundly shaped their faith, prayer life, and approach to work.

From Genesis 1–4 to Deep Work, they reflect on how Scripture, the saints, and thoughtful reading can transform the intellectual life, spiritual life, and daily responsibilities of lay Catholics. They also discuss practical takeaways: creating a reading plan, committing to a prayer schedule, and developing a personal rule of life. If you’re looking for faithful book recommendations—or inspiration to grow in holiness—this episode is for you.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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What Are You Giving Up for Lent—and Why It Matters Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Lent is almost here, and the question returns every year: What should I give up—and what should I take on? In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger walk through how Catholics can approach Lent with intention, freedom, and joy.

Together, they explore the three pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—and share practical, lived examples of how these practices can shape family life, reorder desires, and make room for deeper intimacy with God. From navigating media and technology to forming children in generosity and prayer, this conversation offers a grounded, realistic approach to Lenten commitments.

Whether you’re discerning your Lenten plan or looking to reframe Lent as an invitation rather than a burden, this episode will help you enter the season with clarity, humility, and hope.

Want to go deeper this Lent? Check out these resources on Formed!

How to Lent: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1096760
Foretold: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1096357
The Heart of Prayer with Bishop Andrew Cozzens: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1473553

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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Hope, Redemption, and Chaste Love: The Book of Ruth (Part 2) Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger conclude their inaugural Bible study by diving deep into the second half of the Book of Ruth. What initially seems like a strange or even uncomfortable story unfolds into one of Scripture’s most beautiful portraits of hope, virtue, and redemption.

Together, they explore the dramatic threshing floor scene, the role of the kinsman-redeemer, and how Ruth and Boaz break destructive patterns from Israel’s past through freedom, courage, and moral clarity. Set against the chaos of the period of the Judges, Ruth reveals how God’s providence works through ordinary choices marked by fidelity, chastity, and self-giving love.

This conversation highlights why Ruth stands at the heart of salvation history — pointing forward to King David and ultimately to Christ — and why its message still speaks powerfully to modern Christians seeking holiness in family life, marriage, and everyday decisions.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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The Book of Ruth: A Love Story That Isn’t as Weird as You Think Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

The Book of Ruth can feel strange to modern readers—but beneath its unfamiliar customs is one of Scripture’s most beautiful stories of fidelity, love, and God’s providence. In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, we begin a new Bible study by taking a fresh look at Ruth and why this short Old Testament book matters so much for Christians today.

Together, we explore the historical and cultural context of Ruth, unpacking themes of loyalty, family, and redemption that often get overlooked. This conversation helps listeners see how Ruth fits into the larger story of salvation history—and why the Church continues to return to it as a source of wisdom and hope.

This is part one of our Practicing Catholic Bible study on the Book of Ruth, setting the foundation for a deeper dive in the next episode.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here:

http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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The Cardinal Virtues: How Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance Shape the Christian Life Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

What does it really mean to live a good and happy life? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the four cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—and why they are essential for authentic Christian freedom.

The conversation unpacks how the virtues form our character, guide our decisions, and help us love God and neighbor more fully. Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and Catholic tradition, the hosts explain how virtue is not about restriction, but about becoming the kind of person who can joyfully choose the good.

The episode also tackles practical and timely questions, including whether Catholics should have retirement accounts, how to live simply without fear or attachment, and how the living can help the souls in purgatory. This thoughtful discussion offers both spiritual depth and concrete guidance for everyday Catholic life.

Looking for more? Check out these resources:

Watch the Art of Living series on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1482207
Buy the Art of Living book here: https://catholic.market/gifts/women/the-art-of-living-the-cardinal-virtues-and-the-freedom-to-love/?searchid=1413125&search_query=art+of+living
Purchase the Parish Program version of Art of Living with Leader and Participant Guides here: https://catholic.market/programs/the-art-of-living/

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here:

http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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How to Raise Faithful Catholic Kids (Without Losing Your Mind) Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Learn more about Welcome to Hope Springs at http://hopesprings.org/ or listen on Formed at https://watch.formed.org/welcome-to-hope-springs.

Raising faithful Catholic kids can feel overwhelming—especially when there’s no formula, no mute button, and no guarantee of outcomes. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect honestly on what they’ve learned as parents striving to hand on the faith in everyday family life.

From modeling prayer and making faith incarnational to building strong community, loving your spouse well, and learning not to over-spiritualize every parenting decision, this conversation offers grounded, hopeful wisdom for Catholic parents at every stage. The hosts also answer practical listener questions, including how to balance family life with service and when to take misbehaving kids out of Mass—all while trusting that our children ultimately belong to God.
Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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Why Stories Matter: Telling the Faith to Kids Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

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 is such a natural way to communicate faith, form virtue, and spark meaningful conversations between parents and children. The episode also introduces Welcome to Hope Springs, a newCatholic audio drama created to bring families together through engaging, faith-filled stories kids and parents can enjoy together.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

Check out the new Hope Springs Audio Drama Series at HopeSprings.org!
More audio dramas written by Paul McCusker and produced by the Augustine Institute - https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115518
Hope Springs Book Series by Paul McCusker - https://catholic.market/books/hope-springs/the-adventures-of-nick-sam/
A Landscape with Dragons by Michael O’Brien - https://catholic.market/books/a-landscape-with-dragons-the-battle-for-your-childs-mind/

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St. Thérèse of Lisieux Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

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 through her deep trust in God, bold desires for holiness, and unwavering love.

The conversation focuses especially on Thérèse’s “Little Way”—doing ordinary things with extraordinary love—and how it offers a practical, challenging path to holiness in everyday life. From suffering and trust to family life, work, and prayer, this episode invites listeners to discover how St. Thérèse’s simple yet demanding spirituality can transform their daily practice of the faith.
Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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