Practicing Catholic
Practicing Catholic is a weekly podcast from the Augustine Institute that helps everyday Catholics grow in holiness. Hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger discuss topics like work, family life, prayer, and Catholic culture. Each episode draws on Scripture, the lives of the saints, and Church tradition to offer practical wisdom for daily life. Listeners can also submit questions or ideas for future episodes.
Episodes
How to Fight Discouragement (With God's Help)
Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger, joined by guest producer Madison Frank, talk about how to fend off discouragement, one of the devil's favorite tools. Taylor shares the sting of being sent down after his first-round draft and a missed penalty kick in the Final Four. Scott shares the steps he takes to climb out of a funk and the prayers and saint quotes that help.They close with a challenge f
Breaking Open the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger begin praying through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, not as experts but as novices just starting out. They share how each of them came to Ignatius, and the episode also includes a send-off for their producer, Emily LeGrand.They look at Ignatius's own story: the cannonball injury, the lives of the saints that set his heart on fire, and the humility of
The Catholic Guide to Hospice, Legacy, and Story
Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger talk with guest Eileen Spinner, a hospice counselor and author, about the guided Catholic journals she co-created with Sister Gianna Casino.Eileen shares family stories that came out of the journal (a mix-up over her mother's confirmation name, her father's answer to "how do you want to be remembered"), previews an Archdiocesan grandparents' workshop this Octo
Why We Love Archbishop Fulton Sheen
This week on Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger celebrate Archbishop Fulton Sheen just days before his beatification in St. Louis. Emily joins the conversation as the guys trace Sheen's remarkable life story and reflect on why his witness has meant so much to them personally.Taylor and Scott walk through Sheen's biography — born in 1895, ordained in 1919, and shaped for lif
How to Cultivate Silence for a Better Prayer Life
On this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger tackle a challenge almost every praying Catholic knows well: sitting down for prayer only to find that silence is anything but quiet inside. Drawing on a year of listener response to their episodes on prayer, Taylor and Scott turn to the question underneath it — why cultivating real silence is so difficult, and why
One Year of Practicing Catholic: Behind-the-Scenes, Bloopers, and Lessons Learned
Taylor, Scott, Jordan, and Emily celebrate one full year of Practicing Catholic with a special anniversary episode! They share never-before-seen bloopers and behind-the-scenes footage, revisit favorite moments from the past year, and reflect on the biggest lessons they've learned about pursuing holiness with consistency rather than intensity.The crew looks back on standout episodes — the Book of R
The Secret to Joy When Life is Hard
What do we do when we're called to Christian joy but find ourselves in difficult, frustrating, or even painful circumstances? Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore how Catholics can cultivate joy even when life isn't joyful.
Drawing on the witness of Mother Teresa and St. Maximilian Kolbe, they discuss the power of changing our perspective, seeing Christ in others, surrendering our
Why 4th Century St. Augustine Is More Relevant Than Ever Today
What can St. Augustine teach us about living a holy life in the modern world? Taylor and Scott welcome Dr. Elizabeth Klein to explore the life, writings, and enduring influence of this great Father and Doctor of the Church. From his conversion and vocation to his love of Scripture, Augustine shows us how holiness grows through saying yes to God, loving the people closest to us, cultivating friends
How Music LIFTS the Soul to God with The Annie Moses Band
What happens when a family places faith, beauty, and artistic excellence at the center of family life? Taylor Kemp sits down with the Wolavers of the Annie Moses Band to talk about music, parenting, the arts, and their mission to help families raise children who can use their God-given talents for His glory.
The conversation explores why the arts matter for evangelization, how parents can introd
What Kids Teach Us about Living Life to the Fullest
Jesus tells us that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven—but what does that actually look like in everyday life? In this episode, Taylor and Scott reflect on the surprising spiritual lessons they've learned through raising their children. From wonder and joy to honesty, play, fairness, and presence, they explore how children reveal what it means to live a de
How to Grow in Virtue, One Choice at a Time
What is virtue, and how do we actually become more virtuous? Taylor Kemp sits down with Dr. Joe Scherrer—retired Air Force colonel, leadership coach, and secular Discalced Carmelite—to explore how the habits we practice shape the people we become.
Together, they discuss the cardinal and theological virtues, the relationship between prudence and leadership, the need for temperance in everyday lif
Catholic Rules for the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Taylor Kemp and Scott Hefelfinger continue their conversation on artificial intelligence, this time focusing on practical principles for using AI well in daily life and work.
They discuss why Catholics should think before prompting, protect their areas of expertise, avoid treating chatbots like real relationships, and stay rooted in the human goods of creativity, work, conversation, and prayer.
We Read Pope Leo's Encyclical, Here's What We Think
Artificial intelligence promises greater efficiency, easier access to information, and solutions to many everyday problems. But what happens when efficiency becomes the standard by which we measure human worth?
Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger examine the Church’s response to AI and the technocratic mindset behind it. They explore how technology shapes our habits, weakens our capacity for p
Why Patriotism is Actually a Christian Virtue
What does authentic patriotism look like for Catholics? In this Fourth of July episode, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the virtue of patriotism through the lens of gratitude, justice, and Catholic tradition.
Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas, Chesterton, and their own experiences living abroad, they discuss how love of country differs from nationalism and why gratitude is the founda
How to Get More Out of Mass (Even When You're Distracted)
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Taylor Kemp explore how to participate more deeply in the Mass, even during seasons of distraction, dryness, or spiritual fatigue. Drawing from their own experiences as parents and pilgrims in the faith, they discuss why the Mass is not primarily about what we get out of it, but about entering into Christ's sacrifice and allowing th
What It Means to Be a Disciple Today: Student, Transformation, and Mission in a Distracted World
What does it actually mean to be a disciple of Christ today—and how is it different from the time of the Apostles? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Ben Akers reflect on the heart of discipleship as it appears in Scripture: to be called by Jesus, transformed by Him, and sent on mission with Him.
They walk through key Gospel passages like the calling of Peter, Andrew, Ja
The Our Father: Learning to Pray with Jesus
We pray the Our Father so often that it can become easy to say the words without really hearing them. But this prayer, given to us by Jesus himself, is more than a familiar Catholic prayer—it is the perfect prayer, teaching us what to ask for and how to order our hearts toward God.
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on the depth of the Our Father,
How to Practice Leisure This Summer
What does real leisure look like for Catholics? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger discuss why leisure is not laziness, escapism, or endless consumption, but a deeply human and spiritual practice rooted in rest, wonder, worship, and delight.
Drawing on Joseph Pieper, St. John Paul II, Scripture, family life, and the rhythm of Sunday, they explore how Ca
From Business Success to the Priesthood: Fr. Ken Geraci’s Conversion Story
Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, joins Practicing Catholic to share his journey from a secular Catholic upbringing and agnosticism to a life of grace, prayer, and priesthood. Along the way, he reflects on business, ambition, authentic friendship, the witnesses who helped him return to the faith, and the surprising path by which God called him to become a priest.
Fr. Ken also offers practical wisdom for Cath
How to Make a Pilgrimage Part of Your Faith
Pilgrimage is more than religious travel. It is a concrete act of faith that helps us step away from ordinary life, bring our bodies and souls before God, and remember that the whole Christian life is a journey toward him.
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on the tradition of pilgrimage, from major destinations like the Holy Land, Rome, Fatima,
How Mothers Teach Us to Love Like Christ
Motherhood reveals some of the deepest lessons of love: sacrifice, courage, patience, discipline, encouragement, and the steady gift of making a house into a home. In this Mother’s Day episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on what they have learned from their own mothers and from watching their wives live the vocation of motherhood.
Together, they discuss t
How to Build Lasting Catholic Friendships in a Lonely Age
Friendship is one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of the Christian life—and many people quietly struggle to form and sustain it. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore why friendship feels harder today than ever, especially in a digital, mobile, and often isolated culture.
Drawing on Scripture, Aristotle, and lived experience, they break o
What Coffee Teaches Us About Prayer, Friendship, and the Catholic Life
What does coffee have to do with the Catholic faith?
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sits down with Fr. Rennier to explore the surprising connection between coffee, prayer, and the Christian life. From its controversial origins as the “devil’s drink” to its role in monasteries, parishes, and everyday friendships, coffee reveals something profound about how we live—a
How to Make a Good Confession (Without Overthinking It)
Confession can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be.
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger walk through what the Sacrament of Confession really is, why it matters, and how to approach it with confidence. Whether it’s been a few weeks or a few decades, they offer practical, realistic tips to help you make a good confession without getting stuck tryin
Did the Resurrection Really Happen? Evidence, Faith, and the Risen Christ
Did Jesus truly rise from the dead—or is the Resurrection only a symbol of hope?
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger welcome Dr. Michael Barber, Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at the Augustine Institute, for a rich and accessible conversation on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Ch
Death & Resurrection in Daily Life: Finding Hope in Life’s Hardest Moments
What does Easter have to do with your everyday struggles?
In this Easter episode of Practicing Catholic Podcast, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the pattern of death and resurrection—not just in Christ, but in our own lives. From small daily frustrations to life-altering trials, they share personal stories of loss, conversion, identity shifts, and healing—and how God brings new lif
How to Grow in Eucharistic Devotion (Even When You’re Busy)
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life—but how do we actually grow in devotion to it in the middle of everyday life?
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Scott Hefelfinger explore the beauty of the Eucharist and simple, practical ways to deepen your relationship with Christ. From powerful stories of late-night adoration to the reality of distracted prayer
The Best Podcasts for Catholics (and Why They Matter More Than You Think)
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, the team shares their favorite podcasts—both Catholic and non-Catholic—and explores how what we listen to shapes our minds, habits, and spiritual lives. From productivity and business strategy to theology, parenting, and Sunday homilies, they reflect on how podcasts can help us grow in virtue, deepen our understanding of the faith, and live more intentionall
St. Joseph: The Quiet Strength Every Christian Needs
Why is St. Joseph such a powerful model for Christians today? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Scott Hefelfinger reflect on the life and example of St. Joseph as husband, father, worker, and disciple. From his silent obedience in Scripture to his courageous leadership of the Holy Family, St. Joseph shows what it means to trust God’s providence—even in uncertainty.
The host
Mid-Lent Check-In: When Your Lenten Plan Falls Apart
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 t
La La Land & the Cost of Your Dreams
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
The Books That Changed Our Catholic Lives
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 res
What Are You Giving Up for Lent—and Why It Matters
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 o
Hope, Redemption, and Chaste Love: The Book of Ruth (Part 2)
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 scen
The Book of Ruth: A Love Story That Isn’t as Weird as You Think
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 c
The Cardinal Virtues: How Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance Shape the Christian Life
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
How to Raise Faithful Catholic Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)
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
Why Stories Matter: Telling the Faith to Kids
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
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
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 t
A Catholic Guide to New Year’s Resolutions
As a new year approaches, many people reflect on who they want to become—but how should Catholics think about New Year’s resolutions? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, the hosts explore why starting fresh matters in the Christian life and how resolutions can be a meaningful part of growing in holiness. Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and lived experience, they offer a hopef
Favorite Christmas Traditions, Movies, and Memories
Christmas is a season of joy, memory, and meaning—and in this special episode of Practicing Catholic, the hosts take a break from the usual format to celebrate it together. From favorite Christmas memories and family traditions to beloved songs and movies, the conversation is lighthearted, warm, and deeply human.Along the way, they reflect on how Christmas takes on new depth as parents, how childr
Navigating Holiday Stress: Finding Peace, Joy & Holiness at Christmas
Family tensions, mixed expectations, spiritual pressure, and packed schedules — Christmas can bring joy and stress. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Scott unpack how to navigate family dynamics during the holidays with gratitude, intentionality, and a deep reliance on God’s grace.They discuss practical strategies for maintaining peace, communicating expectations with loved ones,
The Secret to Patience
Why is waiting so hard—and what is God doing in that waiting? In this Advent episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the virtues of patience and perseverance, why they matter for the Christian life, and how Advent trains us to grow in them. From parenting struggles to workplace challenges to spiritual dryness, they unpack practical, concrete ways to build thes
Do Catholics Worship Mary? The Real Reason for Marian Devotion
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Dr. Scott welcome Molly Sweeney to explore one of the most essential yet often misunderstood aspects of Catholic spirituality: devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They share their personal journeys with Mary, unpack key Scripture passages—from the Annunciation to the Wedding at Cana—and explain why every disciple of Jesus is invited into a relati
Reclaiming Advent: How to Prepare Your Heart (and Home) for the Season
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Dr. Scott dive into one of the most overlooked—but richest—seasons of the Church year: Advent. From avoiding the mad dash to Christmas to rediscovering the beauty of anticipation, they share practical ways to make Advent more intentional, joyful, and spiritually fruitful.Scott reflects on the Austrian traditions that transformed his own Advent exp
Is Gen Z the Loneliest Generation? Finding Real Connection in a Digital World
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with Solenne Santiago, a young Catholic from Gen Z, to explore the challenges of growing up in the age of social media, smartphones, and constant connection—yet feeling more isolated than ever. Solenne shares her personal story of faith, how her parents helped her stay rooted in the Church, and practical w
How Catholics Should Read the Bible (and Actually Grow Closer to God)
Most Catholics hear the Bible at Mass—but how should we personally read Scripture to grow in faith? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Scott share their own journeys with the Word of God, how to make Scripture a source of renewal, and practical ways to pray with the Bible every day.Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast
How to Hear God’s Voice: Discernment, Prayer, and Finding Peace in God’s Will
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger, and Emily take on one of the most common spiritual questions: How do we hear God’s voice?They explore Scripture, prayer, providence, and the peace that comes from true discernment. You’ll hear stories of how they’ve recognized God’s voice in major life decisions—from career changes to moving across the country—and learn ho
Can Social Media Bring People to Christ? with John Donahue
What does it mean to bring the Gospel to the internet? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with John Donohue, founder of Truth Charting, to talk about digital evangelization — how Gen Z consumes faith content, the temptations of pride in online work, and how to discern whether God is calling you to be a “digital missionary.” John shares his
Catholic Marriage Advice You’ll Actually Use
Preparing for marriage—or trying to strengthen yours? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger share heartfelt and practical insights on what it means to live out the Sacrament of Marriage. From learning to not count the cost to seeing marriage as a sacrament of service, they dive deep into how couples can truly love one another as Christ loves the Church. Whet
Why You Struggle to Pray—And How to Fix It
Struggling to stay consistent in prayer? Taylor Kemp & Dr. Scott Hefelfinger share practical ways to deepen your daily prayer life and make time for God—no matter your season of life.Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of p
Why Is Prayer So Hard?
Why is prayer so difficult—even when we know it’s important? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Heffelfinger dive into the struggles we all face in prayer: distraction, busyness, pride, and dryness. Drawing from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the wisdom of the saints, and personal experience, they explore why prayer often feels like a battle and how humility,
Why the Saints Still Matter Today
What can the lives of the Saints teach us about following Christ today? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, we explore why the Saints are more than distant historical figures—they are models, guides, and spiritual “big brothers and sisters” who show us how to grow in holiness.Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
Why Work Matters: A Catholic Perspective on Purpose & Productivity
Work isn’t just a paycheck — it’s a path to holiness. In this episode ofPracticing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger dive deep into the Catholic understanding of work: why it’s fundamentally good, how Scripture and Church teaching frame it, and how simple practices like the morning offering can transform your daily routine.They discuss real-world struggles like distraction, burnout,
Triumph of the Heart: Why Art & Suffering Matter in Faith (w/ Filmmaker)
In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with filmmaker Anthony D’Ambrosio, writer and director of the powerful new film Triumph of the Heart about St. Maximilian Kolbe.From Auschwitz to the timeless call of Christ, discover why Catholicism doesn’t shy away from suffering, how art has always shaped the Church’s identity, and how beauty can emerge
Holiness Isn’t Just for Saints: What Vatican II Really Taught
Holiness isn’t just for saints. Vatican II taught that every Catholic is called to holiness—here’s what that actually looks like in real life.What does the “universal call to holiness” really mean? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger dive deep into this teaching from Lumen Gentium and Vatican II, breaking down what holiness looks like in everyday life. Is
Why ANOTHER Catholic Podcast? Living the Universal Call to Holiness
Welcome to the first episode of Practicing Catholic! Hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger dive into what it really means to practice holiness as a Catholic in today’s busy world. They share their personal faith journeys—a conversion and a reversion—and reflect on the universal call to holiness, the role of daily prayer, and the wisdom of the saints. Listeners will learn why patience and hop
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