Rebel Saints: A Catholic Podcast for Restless Hearts
Okay, here’s the quick “how it started” vs. “how it’s going” rundown.
It all kicked off when I was a youth minister, scrambling to convince a room full of teenagers that following Jesus isn’t some dusty obligation. It’s the most radical, wonderfully weird adventure you can choose.
Fast-forward to now: by day, I’m a Catholic journalist at a newspaper, diving into the Church’s headlines. The inspiring moments, the tough ones, and all the very human stuff in between. But I needed more than bylines. I wanted a space to live the faith out loud, not just report on it, with you.
When I first heard that famous line from St. Augustine, it pierced my heart because it all made sense then: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
I believe that restlessness is a gift. It’s what keeps us from settling, from blending in. I don’t want to fit in anyway. I want to lean into the Gospel’s wild side: loving enemies, finding joy in chaos (even in 2026), and chasing holiness one messy step at a time.
No perfect-saint filters here. I’m Nicole. I'm a wife, mom, Catholic journalist, photographer. I fail plenty, but I keep showing up. If you’re tired of polished piety and ready to get real about being counter-cultural, honest, and a little rebellious in your faith, you’re home.
Let’s be rebel saints together.
Join the Community
- Become a Misfit: Subscribe to Rebel Saints right now.
- Share Your Story: If you have a topic idea, a story, or a big question about Christianity, send it my way. I genuinely read them all.
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Episodes
24 episodes
Why Roman Catholic Priests Don't Marry: The Truth About Celibacy
Why would a man give up marriage and sex for the rest of his life on purpose? In a world that equates freedom with following every desire, the Catholic priesthood looks like a radical act of rebellion.This week on Rebel Saints...
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Episode 25
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25:30
Is Your Life Too Far Gone? Raising of Lazarus | 5th Sunday of Lent
In this Rebel Saints episode, Nicole explores the Raising of Lazarus (John 11) for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Cycle A. Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life"—confronting the tombs in our lives: spiritual dryness, shame, sin, broken...
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Episode 24
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15:09
St. Patrick: ☘️ The Real Rebel Saint – From Kidnapped Slave to Ireland's Apostle ☘️
Was St. Patrick actually Irish?Not even close.Before he became the saint of shamrocks and parades, Patrick was a teenage slave kidnapped by Irish raiders, forced to tend sheep for six years, and radically converted through ...
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Episode 23
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23:26
From Blindness to Light: John 9 & Saint Maximilian Kolbe | 4th Sunday of Lent
What if the real blindness in your life isn’t physical—but spiritual?In this episode of Rebel Saints, we reflect on the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday, Year A) and the powerful Gospel of the man born blind (John...
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Episode 22
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17:41
Where are you still thirsty? | 3rd Sunday of Lent
In this episode for the Third Sunday of Lent, Cycle A - John 4 hits hard: Jesus sits at Jacob's well in the noon heat, tired and waiting for a Samaritan woman society avoided. He asks for a drink. She gets living water. <...
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Episode 21
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20:55
I Ate Meat on Friday During Lent. Is That a Sin?
It’s Friday during Lent. You forget and eat a burger.Or your child’s birthday falls on Good Friday.Or you’re holding a slice of pizza thinking, “Wait… did I just commit a mortal sin?”In this episode, Nicole walks through what the...
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Episode 20
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12:13
Planning a Catholic Wedding? Why the Mass — and Your Vendors — Matter
If you’re planning a Catholic wedding right now, this episode is for you.In the middle of contracts, timelines, florals, and seating charts, it’s easy to forget what’s actually happening on your wedding day.Marriage isn’t just a b...
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Episode 19
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12:19
Glory is not the goal | 2nd Sunday of Lent
Week two of Lent is when it gets real. The energy dips. The cravings get louder. The “I can do this” starts wobbling. So why does the Church give us the Transfiguration right now? Because glory isn’t the goal. It’s preparation....
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Episode 18
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19:03
From Ash Wednesday to the Desert | The First Week of Lent
Lent begins with ashes and with the uncomfortable truth that we are not self-sustaining. In this episode of The Rebel Saints Podcast, we move from Ash Wednesday into the Gospel of the First Sunday of Lent, where Jesus is led into the desert and...
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Episode 17
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17:00
Where I’ve Been and Where We’re Headed
Nicole is back — not with a rebrand exactly, but something more like a pivot.The Rebel Saints Podcast is no longer just for teens — it’s for anyone swimming upstream in a culture that doesn't understand why you still care about ...
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Episode 16
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7:46
Why Pope Leo XIV Feels Like a Holy Spirit Mic Drop
Welcome back to The Rebel Saints Podcast — and if this is your first time here, you picked the right moment to jump in.In this episode, Nicole shares a deeply personal and Spirit-led reflection on the election of Pope Leo XIV — ...
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Episode 15
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24:08
Embracing the Promise of Easter: Gospel Breakdown for Easter Sunday (Cycle B)
Join us on the Rebel Saints Podcast where Nicole, a Catholic Youth Minister and host, reflects on the profound significance of Christ's resurrection by exploring the readings for the Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord - Easter Sunday, March ...
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Episode 14
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15:30
From Triumph to Sacrifice: Breaking Down the Readings for Palm Sunday (Cycle B)
In this episode of the Rebel Saints Podcast, host Nicole delves into the depths of the Gospel readings for Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024. Join us as we unpack the profound journey of Jesus Christ during Holy Week, exploring themes of humility, sa...
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Episode 13
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12:11
Healing Wounds, Restoring Hope: Gospel Breakdown for the 5th Sunday of Lent (Cycle B)
Welcome back to the Rebel Saints Podcast! In this episode, host Nicole explores the profound readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, focusing on themes of surrender, grace, and strength in weakness.Readings: FIRST READING: Jeremia...
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Episode 12
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12:27
Grace in Progress: Gospel Breakdown for the 4th Sunday of Lent (Cycle B)
In this episode of Rebel Saints Podcast, join host Nicole as she delves into the heart of the Fourth Sunday of Lent's readings, exploring themes of grace, change, and light. Through insightful reflections on the First Reading from 2 Chronicles,...
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Episode 11
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14:59
Table-Turning Truth: Gospel Reflection: Third Sunday in Lent (Cycle B)
Join Nicole on The Rebel Saints Podcast as she delves into the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent, March 3, 2024. From the timeless wisdom of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments to Jesus' radical actions in the temple, Nicole break...
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Episode 10
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17:05
Unwavering Faith: Gospel Reflection: Second Sunday of Lent (Cycle B)
In this episode of "Rebel Saints" we break down the Gospel Readings for the Second Sunday in Lent, February 25, 2024. Exploring the profound stories of Abraham's unwavering faith, Saint Paul's reassurance of God's presence, and Jesus' Transfigu...
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Episode 9
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9:50
Saintly Inspiration: Embracing Lent with the Saints
In this episode of Rebel Saints, we draw wisdom from the lives of three remarkable saints—St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Teresa of Calcutta—as we explore how to embrace Lent with their exemplary devotion and selflessness. J...
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Episode 8
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7:14
Navigating the Wilderness - Gospel Reflection: First Sunday of Lent (Cycle B)
Join us for our latest podcast episode, "Navigating the Wilderness: A Journey through Faith," where we delve into the rich symbolism of this week's Gospel readings. From the covenant of God's faithfulness in Genesis to the transformative power ...
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Episode 7
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10:16
How to Have A Purpose Driven Lent
In episode of Rebel Saints, your trusted Catholic podcast for teens, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth as we explore the concept of a purpose-driven Lent. Join us as we delve into the rich traditions of the Catholic ...
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Episode 6
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16:09
Ash Wednesday: From Dust to Glory
In this episode explore the significance of Ash Wednesday in the Christian faith. Join us as we uncover the origins, history, and biblical references behind this sacred day, and discover how it serves as a powerful reminder of repentance, renew...
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Episode 5
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14:11
Bold Faith: Gospel Reflection for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)
6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Cycle B - February 11, 2024In this episode of Rebel Saints, we delve into the Gospel passage for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time...
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Episode 4
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15:54
Breaking Down the Seven Deadly Sins: A Guide for Teen Rebels
In this episode of Rebel Saints, we breakdown the seven deadly sins and explore how these sins manifest in our modern world.With relatable anecdotes and practical advice, we help teens navigate the pitfalls of pride, greed, l...
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Episode 3
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15:24
What Is Your Purpose? Gospel Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)
This week's readings highlight Jesus' ability to bring healing in physical and spiritual realms and the importance of community in our Christian journey. We are called to reflect on our purpose and discern our mission to lead others to Him....
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Episode 2
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23:25