The Electric Waffle

Waffles are back on the menu! Why we left, why we're back, and what's coming next. Jan 14, 2020

Katie and Tommy explain their year long departure from podcasting and discuss the value and importance of time away from "the hustle." They also debut two new segments of the show and Rose (the third, and cutest McGrady) makes her first appearance on the pod.

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Zelie Beans Coffee: Use code WAFFLE to receive a discount on your first purchase. Promo Code: WAFFLE

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Listener Survey — Tell us what you want to hear, where you live, and ask us any questions you may have.
This week's sponsor: Zelie Beans Coffee — Use discount code WAFFLE
The Ave Explores Podcast

Funeral for a Bird: Memento Mori, New Year's Resolutions, & Canon Law with Laura Prejean Jan 15, 2019

Katie & Tommy are joined by Katie's younger sister, Laura, a canon law student at the Catholic University of America, to discuss death, life, new year's resolutions, the construct that is time, and the ins, outs, ups, and downs of canon law, along with a few stories from the Prejean sisters' childhood, how Laura gets zero pop culture references, and why it's important to maintain a healthy fear of death while also contemplating it.

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Impish or Admirable: An Electric Waffle Christmas Dec 23, 2018

It's the most wonderful time of the year...which means quotes abound, stories are told, Santa is coming, and baby Jesus is longed for.

In their first ever Christmas episode, Katie and Tommy rank their favorite Christmas episodes from The Office, talk about the best Christmas gifts they've ever received, explore the true meaning of this holiday (spoiler alert: it has a lot to do with community), talk about the importance of fathers, share their favorite family traditions, and get excited about sharing Christmas with their 1 year old daughter, Rose.

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Catholic Parents: it's O.K. to let your kids believe in Santa — But I think there is one very simple reason to teach children about Santa Claus, perhaps even talk about him throughout the month of December and advocate for some of the whimsy and wonder surrounding the figure of jolly ole St. Nick: Santa Claus was, in fact, real.
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The Scarn: becoming aware of your gifts Dec 13, 2018

Katie & Tommy unpack their time at the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM) and explore what it means to be aware of your giftedness and talents, but also learn how to continue growing and improving, ultimately hoping to use those gifts and talents to serve others and the Church.

They also debate when is the ideal time to wash a pair of jeans, how to accept compliments from others, and they get pretty excited about their fancy new sound equipment and newest sponsor.

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GoFundMe for Michelle Myers — Our friend and coworker is battling Stage 3 breast cancer. A single mom and English teacher, she has to undergo surgery and has to take 8 weeks off to recover. Please be generous in your support.

Things...Things Last Forever: Katie & Tommy's Favorite Things Nov 29, 2018

Every now and then you just need to talk about what you really like: what dessert you'd always choose, what TV show you could watch over and over again, which Saint is your current "saintly best friend," and which church is your favorite place to pray. This episode, Katie and Tommy take a deep dive into their favorite "things," and give info. on how to get some awesome Electric Waffle SWAG sent right to your mailbox this holiday season.

Sponsored By:

Guadalupe Roastery : Join the Electric Waffle Coffee Club to support farmers, this podcast, and to help parishes bring speakers & musicians in to evangelize their communities. Subscribe today and get coffee delivered right to your door, each month. Subscriptions start as low as $13.95/month, and $2 from each order will directly support our ministry efforts both at home and around the world.

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Sign up for Electric Waffle SWAG — Sign up to receive stickers, coasters, and a Christmas card from the Electric Waffle crew!

Dwight, You Ignorant Slut: building community based on Acts 2:42 Nov 21, 2018

If we all want community, and we all yearn for authentic friendships, then what are we doing to build it? And, if we're building it, how are we modeling it after the communities we see in Scripture, namely Acts 2:42? This week's conversation tackles the necessity for community and the ways we should strive to build it, while focusing primarily on the importance of seeing the presence of God in each person we encounter and the importance of being truly present to those we meet and grow to know and love.

Sponsored By:

Guadalupe Roastery : Join the Electric Waffle Coffee Club to support farmers, this podcast, and to help parishes bring speakers & musicians in to evangelize their communities. Subscribe today and get coffee delivered right to your door, each month. Subscriptions start as low as $13.95/month, and $2 from each order will directly support our ministry efforts both at home and around the world.

Cafe Disco: why we all want community Nov 07, 2018

Why is it that we all want to spend time with people, desperately longing for authentic, life-giving community, but are often so bad at building it? And why is it that anytime someone says "this is the way you build community!" we all secretly roll our eyes because we know, deep down, that pre-conceived "programs" don't really work, but that community must develop and grow organically?

Katie and Tommy unpack and explore the concept of community in this episode, namely why we long for community and still often struggle to find it. They explore the marks of a good community: being present, being authentic, being vulnerable, and being unafraid to give fully of yourself with and for others, and they acknolwedge that ultimately, all experiences of community are a mirror of the communion of the Trinity, which means all community is important, all community is valuable, and if you’ve made it this far, you’ve now read the word community a grand total of ten times.

Sponsored By:

Guadalupe Roastery : Join the Electric Waffle Coffee Club to support farmers, this podcast, and to help parishes bring speakers & musicians in to evangelize their communities. Subscribe today and get coffee delivered right to your door, each month. Subscriptions start as low as $13.95/month, and $2 from each order will directly support our ministry efforts both at home and around the world.

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The Catholic Origins of Thanksgiving — So the Catholics deserve the credit not only for the first Thanksgiving, but for the first real religious freedom in America. Not the Puritans whom we call Pilgrims.
The Electric Waffle on Friendship (Season 1, Episode 7)

Flonkerton: Competition in the Life of the Church Oct 28, 2018

Katie & Tommy tackle the concept of competition, exploring healthy vs. unhealthy attitudes about competing with others, especially in regards to ministry, working within the life of the Church, and on social media. They propose that healthy competition is rooted in good community, and we’re only able to be the best we can be when we consider the good of others, even those we “compete” with. They also explore the power of the Litany of Trust, written by the Sisters of Life, which is perhaps even more challenging than the (dangerous) Litany of Humility, and as usual, they laugh about things their 1 year old daughter does, weird things Katie's seen on airplanes, and how Tommy is totally not Twitter savvy.

Sponsored By:

Guadalupe Roastery : Join the Electric Waffle Coffee Club to support farmers, this podcast, and to help parishes bring speakers & musicians in to evangelize their communities. Subscribe today and get coffee delivered right to your door, each month. Subscriptions start as low as $13.95/month, and $2 from each order will directly support our ministry efforts both at home and around the world.

Links:

Litany of Trust by the Sisters of Life — From the belief that I have to earn Your love Deliver me, Jesus. From the fear that I am unlovable Deliver me, Jesus. From the false security that I have what it takes Deliver me, Jesus.

For They Were Mummies: the Synod on Young People Oct 16, 2018

Katie and Tommy discuss Halloween & horror films, the culture’s fascination with all things supernatural, the art & importance of dialogue, the way we avoid things that make us uncomfortable and scared, and go into great detail about the Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment, including some of their hopes and dreams for the gathering.

For more information on the Synod on Young People, follow #Synod2018 on Twitter, subscribe to Ave Explores, and tune back in for future episodes unpacking the Synod after it's finished.

Featuring quotes from The Office, Parks and Rec, Community, Hamilton, Touched by an Angel, and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman

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The Fusing of Two Metals with a Hot Torch Oct 03, 2018

Katie and Tommy talk about marriage in all its ordinariness, mundaneness, beauty, glory, and grace, while also reminiscing about their engagement, some of their favorite things about each other, and how the ministry of presence is so important in married life.

In just two years, they've learned a lot (though they're certainly not experts on married life), and they've realized that the most beautiful moments of marriage are often when the smallest, most insignificant things are happening.

Featuring clips from: The Office, Parks and Rec, The Good Place, and The West Wing.

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The Dundies Sep 26, 2018

Katie and Tommy are back for Season 2 with a conversation about TV shows, the Emmy Awards, accompaniment in (and out of) ministry, mom shaming, Ad Orientem Masses (spoiler alert: they like them), and the undeniable fear of being vulnerable.

Why is it that we desperately desire accolades, approval, and feel the need to broadcast every good thing we've ever done?

And why are we so scared to let people get close to us and walk with us on our journeys, when we so clearly want people to see us (sometimes), or at least what we think?

And why do some moms like to shame other moms, because that ain't cool.

Season 2 is in full swing...and there's a lot of waffling going on.

Sponsored By:

Guadalupe Roastery : Use code WAFFLEPOWER for 15% off an order, and subscribe to The Electric Waffle Coffee Club (click "coffee club" on their website) to contribute to our mission to spread conversational goodness to parishes and dioceses around the world. Promo Code: WAFFLEPOWER

Episode 10: Are You Better Off? Aug 23, 2018

Katie & Tommy look back fondly on the episodes of Season 1 of The Electric Waffle, contemplating how time is the relentless and cruel enemy of parents, podcasters, and pretty much anyone who wants to reflect on moments past.

In all seriousness, how is it the end of August already? Where did the summer go? What did we even do? What have we even talked about? Time, whether circular or linear, is a strange construct, and somehow, we're stuck in it.

Sponsored By:

The Liturgical Institute: Dr. James Pauley, Professor of Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University, is offering a conference on September 14, 2018 that explores how to Re-Imagining Sacramental Preparation, answering how Catechists, Pastors, and Parents Can Turn the Tide of Sacramental Indifference. Go to liturgical institutes.org/conferences for more info.

The Current Crisis Aug 23, 2018

This episode is a bit different than other episodes of The Electric Waffle. There are no clips from shows, there are no jokes making light of the current culture or things happening in the Church. This is a conversation between two people who have found themselves stunned, angered, hurt, and confused by the scandal involving Archbishop McCarrick and the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report outlining the sexual abuse of over a thousand children over decades.

There aren't any "hot takes" concerning this crisis in this episode. It's just an honest look at how Katie & Tommy feel about what they've heard and read, and more importantly, how the woundedness we all face matters when brought to Jesus on the Cross.

Episode 9: Little Hydration Packs Aug 10, 2018

After 30,000 miles traveled, 14 ministry events spoken at, the writing of one book of Lenten reflections, and weekly Bible studies at their parish, Katie and Tommy take a few minutes (58 to be precise) to reflect on the ministry in Summer 2018, unpacking how a lot of times we can become attached to the "highs" of a ministry event or conference and never want to return back to the normal ordinariness of a daily faith life. When an event is over, re-entry into daily life can be difficult, and re-integrating into life with this new zeal for the faith can become nothing more than a nice idea instead of an actual transformation.

How do we "come down the mountain" and "walk through the valley" after a moving conference, powerful retreat, life-changing camp, or even just a weeknight Bible study at the parish?

What must we do to walk through the valley of normal life and walk with Jesus day by day?

Also, why is saying Michael Cain's name repeatedly so darn fun?

This week, contribute to an ongoing discussion about ways to re-integrate after a profound faith experience by chatting with other "Electric Wafflers" (what we affectionally call our listeners) here.

Sponsored By:

The Liturgical Institute: Dr. James Pauley, Professor of Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University, is offering a conference on September 14, 2018 that explores how to Re-Imagining Sacramental Preparation, answering how Catechists, Pastors, and Parents Can Turn the Tide of Sacramental Indifference. Go to liturgical institutes.org/conferences for more info.

Episode 8: That's What She Said Jul 26, 2018

Mary, the Mother of God, is the most dynamic, engaging, and important person in the Church (other than Jesus, of course), and paying attention to her is...well...kind of necessary.

We're meant to listen to her, which means we need to know what she's said.

We're meant to go to her with our petitions, which means we need to know what she's said.

We're meant to imitate her, which means we need to know what she's said.

We're meant to honor her, which means we need to know...well, you get it...

Devotion to Mary, and honoring her, is a surefire way to get to know Jesus, and isn't that what we all want? To know the Lord, intimately? Well who better to help us know Him, than the woman who raised Him?

Sponsored by The Liturgical Institute

Sponsored By:

The Liturgical Institute: Dr. James Pauley, Professor of Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University, is offering a conference on September 14, 2018 that explores how to Re-Imagining Sacramental Preparation, answering how Catechists, Pastors, and Parents Can Turn the Tide of Sacramental Indifference. Go to liturgical institutes.org/conferences for more info.

Links:

Wholly Mary: Mother of God — A book by our good friend, Chris Padgett, that is well worth your time.
A heart like Mary's: 31 daily meditations to help you live and love as She does — A stellar book by Fr. Edward Looney on devotion to Mary.
Praying the Angelus: Find Joy, Peace, and Purpose in Everyday Life — Wonderfully simple, straightforward book on a powerful daily prayer honoring Mary, by our friend Jared Dees

Episode 7: Webster's Dictionary Defines Friend... Jul 19, 2018

There's an anecdote on friendship commonly attributed to C.S. Lewis: one knows they have found and made a friend when they see the other and think, "Ah! You too! I thought it was just me..."

Companionship with others is critically important and necessary to both survive and thrive in life - even the shyest, most introverted people want people they can trust, rely on, suffer with, and take delight in. Even the most extroverted people long for deep, intentional, purposeful connections with trustworthy individuals.

Katie and Tommy unpack the virtues of friendship, share stories from their own experiences with good (and bad) friends, and outline ways to find friends, keep friends, and ultimately be a good friend yourself.

Sponsored by The Liturgical Institute

Sponsored By:

The Liturgical Institute: Dr. James Pauley, Professor of Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University, is offering a conference on September 14, 2018 that explores how to Re-Imagining Sacramental Preparation, answering how Catechists, Pastors, and Parents Can Turn the Tide of Sacramental Indifference. Go to liturgical institutes.org/conferences for more info.

Episode 6: I like to be liked Jul 12, 2018

After a literal week of total and complete chaos, both in traveling and on the homefront, Katie and Tommy unpack the culprit of their woes: asking for the virtue of humility and an increase in the virtue of patience.

This week's episode unpacks precisely why we should be asking the Lord to give us humble hearts, ways that we can remain humble in the midst of doing good things for the Kingdom, and looks at practical things attendees of summer conferences, retreats, service camps, and programs can do on the homefront to truly make that "life changing" commitment that will make them who they're meant to be.

Also, Katie tells the story of popping at tire at 1:30 in the morning and Tommy explains how he defeated a possum hiding under the house.

(If you liked the music at the end of this episode, it's a piece composed by Jimmy Mitchell, entitled "Solitude" off his album, Love (an epic). You can find all his great work over at LOVE GOOD)

Sponsored by The Liturgical Institute, offering the Treasures of the Liturgy Conference, 9/14/18

Sponsored By:

The Liturgical Institute: Dr. James Pauley, Professor of Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University, is offering a conference on September 14, 2018 that explores how to Re-Imagining Sacramental Preparation, answering how Catechists, Pastors, and Parents Can Turn the Tide of Sacramental Indifference. Go to liturgical institutes.org/conferences for more info.

Episode 5: Date Mike, Nice to Meet Me Jul 04, 2018

Dating is daunting, and kind of, it seems, dying. Men aren't asking women out. Ladies aren't necessarily saying yes even if they are. There's this backwards attitude that a woman can't necessarily pursue a man, and if she does, that makes her a raging feminist or somehow emasculates the guy, who isn't taking initiative in the first place for whatever reason.

Katie and Tommy aren't necessarily relationship experts, but they did date one another (successfully) and are now happily married with a child, so they've got a few thoughts on how to date, why people should go out on casual dates, and big questions to ask when pursuing a relationship with someone.

Whether you're already married, already in a relationship, happily dating around, or single (including the priests and religious out there), the 10 Principles of Good Dating & Healthy Relationships are useful to know, if for no other reason than they're ultimately about being a good person.

*10 Principles of Good Dating & Healthy Relationships *

Do it. Go on dates.
Be bold.
Be honest.
Be creative.
Be good company.
Be you.
Be future-minded.
Be free.
Be simple.
Be faith-filled.

Sponsored by The Liturgical Institute

Sponsored By:

The Liturgical Institute: The Liturgical Institute: Where fidelity and joy meet in prayer and study.

Links:

Episode 4: Treat Yo Self Jun 27, 2018

Having more to do does not make you more successful. Being over-extended does not mean you are actually contributing anything valuable. Frenzied, over-full, chaotic lives don't leave room for Jesus, and when we confuse busyness for holiness, no one, least of all ourselves, win.

How can we make time for what's most important?

How do we seek, and maintain, balance?

What do we need to do to actually incorporate times to "treat yo self" and enjoy life?

Sponsored by The Liturgical Institute

Sponsored By:

The Liturgical Institute: The Liturgical Institute: Where fidelity and joy meet in prayer and study.

Links:

Getting Things Done by David Allen — This book was hugely significant in helping Katie find balance, along with using Evernote and Omnifocus for to-do lists, note-taking, and organization.

Episode 3: Erase All Pictures of Ron Jun 20, 2018

Taking a detour from their previously planned episode, Katie & Tommy discuss the evils, pitfalls, and detriments of social media, but don't entirely swear it off either. How can we use social media not just for good in the world, but for good within our own lives?

Do we need to detox?

Do we need to baptize it?

Do we need to burn it all down and blow it all up?

The Internet isn't a fad, so it's probably some combination of all three...

What can we do to actually make social media, with all its twists and turns, a place of decency, authentic human connection, and good in this culture and world?

Also, Katie imitates Larry David and Tommy does an impression of John Madden, so you really don't want to miss it.

Sponsored By:

The Liturgical Institute: The Liturgical Institute: Where fidelity and joy meet in prayer and study.

Episode 2: Identity Theft is Not a Joke Jun 13, 2018

In a world that says "be this" and "do that" we all look to fit ourselves into boxes and annoint ourselves with titles. But really - who are you? And what really makes you YOU? This episode unpacks the struggles millenials & generation Z face when it comes to identifying who they are, and points out ways to journey through life with Christ by your side, making this "search for identity" not only easier, but fruitful and lifegiving. Also, they laugh about their daughter wanting to ride the dog like a horse.

Sponsored by the Liturgical Institute: where fidelity and joy meet in prayer and study.

Sponsored By:

The Liturgical Institute: The Liturgical Institute: Where fidelity and joy meet in prayer and study.

Links:

The Liturgical Institute — The Liturgical Institute: Where fidelity and joy meet in prayer and study.

Episode 1: Threat Level Midnight Jun 06, 2018

With a 9 month old daughter who just learned to crawl and stand, 3 jobs between them, a chaotic travel schedule, and a new book manuscript due at the end of the month, Katie & Tommy decided "Now is the perfect time to start a podcast!" This quick intro. episode shares the reasons this podcast exists, the goals of these conversations, and quotes two of the greatest shows to ever grace the television airwaves: The Office and Parks and Rec.

Sponsored by The Liturgical Institute

Sponsored By:

The Liturgical Institute: The Liturgical Institute: Where fidelity and joy meet in prayer and study.

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