In this episode, Kathleen and FOCUS Director of Collegiate Outreach Ben Kelly dive into the spiritual challenges and opportunities that come with heading home for a holiday or break. Kathleen and Ben discuss: The im...

When you say “yes” to something you genuinely believed God was asking of you—a mission trip, graduate school, even becoming a FOCUS missionary—what do you do when later everything feels too heavy, too complicated, or simply not what you expecte...

In this episode, Kathleen and Chris Vander Woude reflect on the extraordinary life of Tom Vander Woude — a devoted husband, father, and disciple of Christ. As Chris shares personal stories of his father, the conversation honors Tom’...

It's no secret our world is suffering and under deep spiritual attack. In this episode, Kathleen sits down with Brock Martin to dive into a deeply personal and spiritual conversation about the power and beauty of the Rosary. Brock s...

Why did Jesus sometimes say things that seem puzzling—or even contradictory—at first glance? In this episode, Dr. Edward Sri joins Jessica to unpack some of the most misunderstood sayings of Jesus in Scripture. Together, we explore ...

Scrupulosity can feel like a prison—distorting one’s image of God, sowing constant doubt, and making the spiritual life heavy instead of freeing. In this episode, Jess sits down with Fr. Denis Nakkeeran, Dean of Men at St. Jo...

In 1965, there were 178,000 religious Sisters. In 2024, there were less than 35,000. In less than 60 years, the landscape of women’s religious life has dramatically changed. Can there be a revival in women’s religious vocations?In this e...

Have you ever wondered if spiritual direction is only for people discerning big decisions — or if lay people can really be spiritual directors?In this episode of He Leadeth Me, Jess is joined by Fr. Anthony Weick, a spiritual director at...

Have you ever wished you could hit the “reset button” in your spiritual life? In this episode, we explore the wisdom of Venerable Bruno Lanteri and his timeless maxim: Begin Again. Fr. Mark Yavarone, OMV, joins Jessica to u...

What if the key to growing closer to Jesus is letting His mother into your heart?In this episode, Sr. Gabriella, Vocations Director for the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, helps us unpack what it means to know Mary ...

Why does Jesus make such bold promises to those devoted to His Sacred Heart—like turning “tepid souls” into “fervent” ones? In this episode, Jess sits down with Fr. Joe Laramie, SJ, director of the Sacred Heart Ret...

What if spiritual warfare is more strategic than we think—and the battlefield is closer than we realize?In this episode, Jess sits down with Jesuit priest and Naval Chaplain Fr. Christopher Krall for a powerful conversation on spiritual ...

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 ...