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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.

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Rebel Saints: A Catholic Podcast for Restless Hearts

Ash Wednesday: From Dust to Glory

February 12, 2024 • Nicole Olea • Episode 5

0:00 | 14:11

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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, renewal, and God's unwavering love. Perfect for teenagers and young adults, this episode offers a fresh perspective on Ash Wednesday, inspiring listeners to embark on a meaningful Lenten journey. Tune in to kickstart your spiritual renewal and dive deeper into the rich traditions of the Christian faith.

Show Notes:

As promised, here is where you can find references to Ashes/Sack Cloths in the Bible.

1. Genesis 3:19 - "you are dust and to dust you shall return" - Reflects on human mortality and the return to dust.
2. Matthew 11:21 - Jesus mentions the practice of sackcloth and ashes, emphasizing its significance.
3. Jeremiah 6:26, 25:34 - Prophets speak about sackcloth and ashes symbolizing humility after committing sin.
4. Daniel 9:3 - Daniel adopts the practice of sackcloth and ashes as a sign of repentance.
5. Ezekiel 27:30 - References sackcloth and ashes as a symbol of mourning and humility.
6. Genesis 18:27, Ecclesiastes 3:20, Job 30:19 - Reflect on the human condition and mortality.
7. Job 2:12, 42:6 - Sackcloth and ashes used as symbols of mourning and repentance after loss.
8. 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1, 4:3, Jonah 3:6 - Instances where sackcloth and ashes are worn in mourning and repentance.

I used these websites to help write this podcast:

Catholic Productions. (n.d.). The Biblical Roots of Ash Wednesday. Retrieved from https://catholicproductions.com/blogs/blog/the-biblical-roots-of-ash-wednesday
Museum of the Bible. (n.d.). The Biblical Foundations of Lent and Ash Wednesday. Retrieved from https://www.museumofthebible.org/magazine/featured/the-biblical-foundations-of-lent-and-ash-wednesday
Vatican News. (2018, February). Ash Wednesday: Commentary. Retrieved from https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2018-02/ash-wednesday-commentary.html
LTParentLife. (n.d.). Why Do Catholics Put A

This episode was written and produced by Nicole Olea

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