The Votive Podcast

Teaching Kids to Swim in the Deep Waters of Life with Katy Carl Feb 21, 2025

Haley interviews Katy Carl, the Editor of Word on Fire Luminor, a new literary imprint. Katy is also the author of multiple books including As Earth Without Water, the editor emeritus of Dappled Things magazine, and writer in residence at the University of St. Thomas--Houston. This episode discusses the part that literature plays in helping our children navigate the waters of life and what attitude we should have toward helping them to swim. It also explores communication, the joy and value of encountering books that we love again and again, and the kind of humility we should bring to the table as readers and as parents.

You can find more about Word on Fire Luminor, the new imprint led by Katy Carl at www.wordonfire.org/luminor including information about entering the short story contest. Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Cultivating the Faith of Science-Minded Children Feb 07, 2025

Haley interviews Thomas Salerno, an educator, author, freelance essayist, and podcaster from Long Island, New York. With a bachelor's degree in anthropology and background in the fossil labs of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, he turned to writing during the pandemic in 2020. This episode discusses Thomas’s debut children's book The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones which just released from Word on Fire Votive and explores the importance of teaching children to integrate faith and science and helping them to develop friendships with the saints.

You can find Thomas Salerno's new book The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones available for order from the Word on Fire Bookstore. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

An Undercover Poet Shares the Joy of Language with A.M. Juster Jan 24, 2025

Haley interviews A.M. Juster, poet, translator, and author. For many years he lived a double life as an undercover poet while working in senior roles in the federal government and biotech industry. His work has appeared in Poetry, The Paris Review, and The Hudson Review. And next fall W.W. Norton will release his translation of Petrarch's Canzoniere. This episode discusses Juster’s surprising trajectory into poetry, his first children’s book Girlatee, and how to give children a love for the beauty of language.

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Sacred Art and the Beauty of Conversion with Chris Lewis Jan 10, 2025

Haley interviews Chris Lewis, a Catholic illustrator and owner of BARITUS, a Catholic illustration studio with a huge Instagram following. Chris’s work honors the rich artistic legacy of the Catholic Church and has a unique modern style that resonates with the faithful today. In this episode, Chris shares about his conversion to Catholicism, his artistic vision, the beauty of creating images of the saints, and the depth and richness of our Catholic faith.

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Our Brains, Storytelling, and Not Being Afraid of Technology with Dr. Sarah Jane Murray Dec 20, 2024

Haley interviews Dr. Sarah Jane Murray, an award-winning Professor of Great Texts & Creative Writing at Baylor University, an EMMY®-nominated filmmaker, and the translator (with Dr. Matthieu Boyd) of the medieval French Moralized Ovid. With a background in medieval texts, Dr. Murray is interested in all kinds of storytelling: books, films, and even virtual reality. In today’s episode Haley and Dr. Murray discuss what makes stories meaningful, how they affect us on a neurological level, and what concerns we should have about what stories are consumed by young people. They also explore the future of storytelling, preserving the Great Books, and whether we should view new technologies with fear or embrace them with open arms.

True Myth, the Inklings, and the Creative Value of Good Graphic Novels with John Hendrix Dec 06, 2024

Haley interviews John Hendrix, a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator. He is the Kenneth E. Hudson Professor of Art and Chair of the MFA in Illustration and Visual Culture program at the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis. His books include The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler, Drawing Is Magic, and The Mythmakers, a new graphic novel about the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. In this episode Haley and John discuss the great value of having companions on the way in both the creative and the spiritual life, how the Gospel as the true myth, and ways to encourage reluctant readers with highly illustrated books like graphic novels.

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Caryll Houselander’s Spirituality and Stories for Children with Dr. Julia Meszaros Nov 22, 2024

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

Learn more about The Shepherd's Coat and the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Advent and Inviting Children into the Liturgical Year Nov 08, 2024

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

Learn more about The Catholic Kids' Cookbook and the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Celebrating St. Joseph's Day with Good Stories with Joseph Ruli Oct 25, 2024

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

Learn more about Giovanni and the Fava Beans and all the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Childhood in American Literature with Dr. LuElla D’Amico Oct 11, 2024

Haley interviews Dr. LuElla D’Amico, an Associate Professor of English at the University of the Incarnate Word. They discuss the concept of childhood in North American literature, specifically girlhood, and how classic stories of girlhood help form the imagination for good relationships with the opposite sex. The conversation explores a variety of characters that demonstrate healthy femininity and masculinity in Anne of Green Gables and Little Women as well as contemporary titles that may become classics.

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

The Labors of Hercules Beal with Gary D. Schmidt Sep 27, 2024

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

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Works of Mercy and Catholic Novels with Sally Thomas Sep 13, 2024

Haley interviews poet and fiction writer Sally Thomas. In this episode they discuss Sally’s wonderful novel Works of Mercy, how to get children to love poetry, and the delightful surprise of the different seasons of life for parents who are also writers or artists.

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

AI and Sacred Art with John Herreid Aug 30, 2024

Haley interviews John Herreid, a graphic designer and illustrator. They discuss the rise of images generated by artificial intelligence, what we lose as artists and human beings with AI, and what simple things we can do in our families to push back and cultivate an appreciation for human-made art.

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

The Magic of Picture Books and Reading Aloud with Sarah Mackenzie Aug 16, 2024

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

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Difficult Topics in Middle Grade Novels with Claire Swinarski Aug 02, 2024

In this episode, Haley interviews Claire Swinarski, the award-winning author of What Happened to Rachel Riley? They discuss the often overlooked genre of middle grade fiction. The conversation explores how to help young readers wrestle with difficult experiences through stories that equip them with courage and hope.

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Forming a Child's Taste for Beauty with Daniel Mitsui Jul 19, 2024

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

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Bringing the Saints to Life with Fabiola Garza Jul 05, 2024

This episode features Fabiola Garza, the author and illustrator of bestselling book Princesses of Heaven. Haley and Fabiola discuss this incredible project, how books like this can form a young reader’s understanding of her worth and dignity, and the kind of extensive research that goes into writing and illustrating a book about historical figures (in this case, the saints). If you’re looking for someone to help your child connect with, be inspired by, and befriend the saints, look no further than Fabiola Garza.

Order your copy of Princesses of Heaven from the Word on Fire bookstore and learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

A Better Narrative of Gender with Dr. Abigail Favale Jun 21, 2024

Haley Stewart interviews Dr. Abigail Favale, a professor in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame and the author of The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory. In this episode we discuss how to communicate the sacramentality of the body to young children in a culture that’s confused about gender and embodiment. We also talk about the importance of good stories in sharing better narratives of femininity and masculinity, what the Barbie movie may have gotten right, and Dr. Favale’s brand new book for children: Here I Am.

Order your copy of Here I Am from the Word on Fire Bookstore and learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Why Fairy Tales Are Essential Reading with Dr. Vigen Guroian Jun 07, 2024

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

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Light of the Sacraments May 24, 2024

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

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Chesterton, Harry Potter, and Death with Nancy C. Brown May 10, 2024

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

Learn more about the children’s literature available from Word on Fire Votive. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the The Votive Podcast biweekly on WordonFire.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

Welcome to The Votive Podcast! May 09, 2024

In this short introductory episode, host of the show and editor of Word on Fire Votive, Haley Stewart, introduces the vision for this new podcast and talks about her love for good books, how stories baptize our imaginations, and how to share great literature with the next generation.

Do you enjoy this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member to support the production of the Votive Podcast and other initiatives from Word on Fire. Our ministry depends on the support of listeners like you! Become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

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