What really happens when you're confirmed? In this episode, liturgical expert Chris Carstens takes us into the heart of the Sacrament of Confirmation—far beyond the idea of a “graduation ceremony.”We explore how this sacramen...

In this deeply encouraging episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to talk about one of the most misunderstood aspects of the spiritual life: how to view our faults through the lens of faith. Drawing on decades of experience as a sp...

This September, "Triumph of the Heart", a movie about St. Maximilian Kolbe, will hit theaters. In this episode, Fr. Gabriel Gillen joins Jess to review the film.Fr. Gabriel and Jess discuss:Their overall impressions, includin...

What happens at the Rite of Consecration of a Virgin?In this episode, host Jessica is joined by liturgical expert Chris Carstens and Elizabeth Black, a Consecrated Virgin, to explore the ancient rite of Consecrated Virginity.Toget...

In this episode, Jess sits down with Cheryl Hansen, a Tribunal Advocate, to talk about what it looks like to walk closely with someone going through the painful and often confusing journey of divorce and annulment. Jess and Cheryl d...

The Church has declared this the Jubilee Year of Hope- but what does that mean for you? In this episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to explore how this special year invites you to delve deeper in the virtue of hope and increase ...

What will Pope Francis be remembered for?In this episode, Dr. Edward Sri joins Jessica to reflect on the defining themes of Pope Francis' papacy- and what may come next. From his pastoral heart to his global vision, Dr. Sri and Jess expl...

What was Jesus doing on Holy Saturday? While the world lay silent, Christ was at work- accomplishing in His Spirit what He had completed in the flesh. In this episode, the hosts of the FAD & Dad podcast, Fr. Andrew Dickinson and...

 What if one of the most hauntingly beautiful liturgies of Holy Week is also one of the least known?In this episode, liturgical expert Chris Carstens unpacks the rich tradition of Tenebrae, a service that blends candlelight, psalms,...

Doubt can feel like a lonely place, but the truth is- you're not alone. Even the most devout Catholic experience struggles with faith.In this episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jess to talk about what it means to wrestle with doubt a...

The Jubilee Year is a rare and powerful opportunity for spiritual renewal- but what does it really mean and how can we fully enter into it?In this episode, theologian, author, speaker, and FOCUS Vice President Dr. Edward Sri joins Jessic...

What if the key to deepening our faith isn't just surrender, but wrestling with God?In this episode, Fr. Andrew Dickinson and Josh Burks return to talk about Jesus' Agony in the Garden. Fr. Andrew, Josh, and Jess discuss:Para...

In this episode, Fr. Andrew Dickinson and Josh Burks, the hosts of the FAD and Dad podcast, return to unveil theological elements in the Biblical accounts of the Last Supper.Jess, Fr. Andrew, and Josh discuss:The 4 cups of a ...

Ash Wednesday is upon us! In this episode, liturgical expert Chris Carsten returns to shed light on the Ash Wednesday liturgy. Jess and Chris discuss:Why Ash Wednesday is one of the most highly attended Masses of the yearHo...

How can you have your best Lent ever? In this episode, FOCUS national chaplain Fr. Doug Grandon joins Jessica to share his advice on how to make the most out of this Lent. Fr. Doug and Jess discuss:Making the most out of...

Accompanying someone into the Church is a great privilege, but what does it actually look like to walk with them well? In this episode, FOCUS staff and converts Travis Todd and Amber Cybulski join Jessica to talk about their experie...

"Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!" This phrase is the daily prayer of the famous Surrender Novena. In this episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to talk about the power of this novena. Fr. John and Jess d...

"You're doing what?" is a common response when students tell their parents that they want to become FOCUS missionaries. Parents can feel hesitant about this decision, as they wonder, "Will you make enough money fundraising to support yourself? ...

One of the greatest griefs a person can experience is losing a loved one to suicide. Studies indicate that 85% of people in the United States will personally know someone who has committed suicide during their lifetimes. Suicide is...

Dominican friar Fr. James Brent is back to talk about his devotion to praying to the Holy Spirit under the title, "Spirit of Truth". Fr. James and Jess discuss:How praying to the Spirit of Truth led to the downfall of communism in E...

In reading the Scriptures, there can be some passages that trouble modern readers, like the accounts of the wars the Israelites undertook against people living in the Promised Land. In this episode, Fr. Andrew Dickinson and Josh Bu...

In this episode, Jess sits down with Bonnie Engstrom. 14 years ago, Bonnie's life was turned upside down when she gave birth to a stillborn baby named James. After 61 minutes without a heartbeat, doctors were going to proclaim her baby ...

In the culminating episode of our Advent retreat with the Carmelite mystics, Sr. Shawn Pauline returns to teach us about "The Romances," a poem by St. John of the Cross on the union of the soul with God. Jess and Sr. Shawn Pauline discuss:<...

In this episode, Jessica sits down with Sr. Shawn Pauline to discuss the 3rd and 4th waters of prayer according to St. Theresa of Avila. Sr. Shawn Pauline and Jess discuss:The images of the river and the rain that St. Theres...

In this episode of our Advent series, Sr. Shawn Pauline explains the second "Water of Prayer" according to St. Theresa of Avila. Sr. Shawn Pauline and Jess discuss:At this stage, God leads the soul into the prayer of recolle...