Desert Wanderers Podcast

Salt & Light Catholic Radio

Salt & Light Podcast is the home to Desert Wanderers Podcast and Previously S.A.L.T Podcast. Desert Wanderers focuses on faith & Vocational Journies from Priests, religious, and laity. Get to know the person in the pew next to you. Come & See what the Lord is calling you to!

  1. Sep 17

    Unplanned Pregnancies: Adoption not Abortion

    In this episode, we welcome Terri Marcroft, a passionate advocate for adoption, to share her personal journey and the importance of open adoption. Terri discusses how her own experience with adoption led her to create Unplanned Good, a platform aimed at educating and supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies. Join us as we explore the statistics of unplanned pregnancies, the benefits of open adoption, and the legislative efforts being made in Idaho to support birth mothers and promote adoption as a viable option. This enlightening conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the beauty and complexities of adoption. Recourses: Terri Marcro ft https://unplannedgood.com Idaho Department of Health and Welfare https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov Unplanned Good https://unplannedgood.com Safe Haven Laws https://www.nationalsafehavenalliance.org Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Desert Wanderers Podcast and Interview with Terri Marcroft (00:40) Terri Marcroft's Personal Adoption Story and Vocation Journey (01:53) Exploring Adoption as an Option for Unplanned Pregnancies (02:44) The Beautiful Experience of Adoption and its Connection to Vocation (04:44) Founding Unplanned Good to Promote Open Adoption's Benefits (06:07) Adoption as a Positive Choice in Unplanned Pregnancies (08:05) Starting Unplanned Good and Educating Young Women on Adoption Options (11:02) The Adoption Process: Navigating Agencies and Creating Personal Brochures (12:57) Birth Mother's Criteria for Adoption and God's Divine Plan (14:12) The Impact of Roe v. Wade Overturn on Adoption Ministry (15:13) Statistics on Unplanned Pregnancies, Abortions, and Adoption Rates (16:56) The High Demand for Adoptive Parents and the Adoption Statistics Discrepancy (17:59) How Women Choose Adoption and Navigating Adoption Agencies (19:07) State Oversight of Adoption Agencies and Connecting with Birth Mothers (20:22) Promoting Adoption as a Viable Option Amidst Societal Pressures (22:24) Understanding Open Adoption vs. Foster Care Adoption (24:13) The Evolution of Adoption: From Closed to Open and Birth Mother Empowerment (27:08) Open Adoption Dynamics and Maintaining Relationships (28:09) Birth Mother's Right to Change Her Mind and State Adoption Laws (29:10) Benefits of Open Adoption for Children and Supporting Birth Mothers (32:38) Birth Mother's Bill of Rights and Support Systems (34:03) Making Adoption Resources More Accessible and Understanding the Process Timeline (35:13) The Waiting Game: Adoptive Parent Timelines and Expenses (36:56) Funding Adoptions and the Thorough Vetting Process for Adoptive Parents (39:09) Post-Adoption Checks and Resources for New Parents (41:24) Preparing for Open Adoption: Education, Merging Relationships, and Birth Father Involvement (44:38) Navigating Differences in Open Adoption: Values and Parental Authority (46:44) Age of Disclosure in Adoption and Honesty in Open Adoption (48:55) The Beauty of Open Adoption and Terri's Legislative Work in Idaho (50:19) Advocating for Adoption Education and Legal Reforms in Idaho (52:46) Empowering Birth Mothers and the Importance of Choice in Adoption (54:00) Legislative Victories in Idaho: Banning Unlicensed Agencies and Supporting Birth Mother Expenses (55:51) Safe Haven Laws and Fetal Development Education in Idaho (57:35) Securing Federal Funding for Adoption Programs and the 'Third Option' Initiative (59:03) Addressing Misinformation and Promoting the 'Third Option' in Idaho (01:01:02) The Impact of Proposition 1 and Promoting Adoption as a Viable Choice (01:03:04) The Profound Impact of Terri Marcroft's Work and God's Guidance (01:03:45) Conclusion: Appreciation for Terri's Work and Desert Wanderers Podcast Outro

  2. Sep 10

    Understanding Prop 1: The Hidden Truths Behind the Initiative

    In this episode of the Desert Wanderers podcast, we engage in a crucial discussion about the Stop Prop 1 initiative in Idaho, which aims to defeat a deceptive abortion measure on the ballot. Join us as we interview Sarah from Stop Prop 1, who outlines the implications of Proposition 1, its extreme definitions, and what it means for women's health and parental rights. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the complexities surrounding reproductive rights in Idaho. Stop Prop 1 https://stopprop1.org Idaho Family Policy Center https://idahofamilypolicycenter.org Idaho Board of Medicine https://bom.idaho.gov Chapters: (00:00) The Desert Wanderers interview priests, religious and laity in Boise (00:35) Stop Prop 1 exists to defeat the deceptive and extreme abortion initiative (01:43) Proposition 1 would create right to abortion before fetus viability in Idaho (07:30) Prop 1 would allow abortion up to fetus viability without any regulations (12:11) Viability is when a baby has a significant likelihood of survival (14:54) The initiative defines extraordinary medical measures, but it's very vague (19:16) You worked on this initiative in 2024 in Florida. Have other states run similar initiatives (25:11) An initiative to legalize abortion in Idaho would eliminate many of the state's current protections (28:18) Florida's anti-abortion initiative removes parental consent for teen abortions (29:34) Idaho law says abortion is only abortion if the baby still is alive (32:38) Idaho law makes clear abortion is only an abortion if the baby is viable (40:31) Proposition 1 would expand abortion for mental health purposes in Idaho (47:13) Proposition 1 would put more money into post birth care than abortion care (53:17) Proposal would allow any person to participate in Idaho abortion process (56:18) Proposition 1 would remove parental consent for abortions in Idaho (01:00:09) Bill removes accountability for anyone involved in an abortion (01:05:33) So what happens if, um, January 1st comes around and this passes (01:12:11) What resources do we have in Idaho for women going through unplanned pregnancy

  3. Aug 28

    Balancing Life and Faith: Tips for Modern Moms W/ Hope Ryan & Carol Brown

    In this enlightening episode, we explore the intricacies of balancing family life, work, and faith with guests Carol and Hope. They share their personal experiences in homeschooling, managing household responsibilities, and nurturing their children's spiritual growth. Discover practical tips and heartfelt insights on how to navigate the challenges of motherhood while fostering a strong family bond. Join us for a conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and encouragement as we journey together in building the city of God! Resourses: Read Aloud Revival https://readaloudrevival.com Atomic Habits by James Clear https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits FlyLady https://flylady.net Mother's Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Rule-Life-Organizing-Yourself/dp/1933184210 Chapters: (00:00) The Desert Wanderers interview priests, religious, and laity (00:34) Carol and Hope talk about parenting techniques and systems (01:37) Hope and Carol talk about balancing motherhood and family life (02:32) Hope Ryan didn't start working until her daughter was 12 (08:34) I was active in the campus ministry there. So I was the campus minister (12:31) Hope uses Seton Home Study to homeschool her three children (16:36) You had conversations with your husband early on that you wanted to homeschool (23:00) There's more to education than just the books and the curriculum (28:14) A lot of people say that homeschooling is different from public school (32:27) How do you balance the needs of everyday life? Or how did you balance (35:42) You can train your kids to do a lot of things in 15 minutes (38:46) You're constantly evaluating whether homeschooling is working or not (40:45) How did you manage needs and expectations from your children while working (45:12) How do you teach your kids how to behave in mass (46:17) What is appropriate mass behavior? Because my oldest is not quiet (49:19) You know, address their need. Go to a daily mass if you need quiet time yourself (52:45) What were the hidden costs of working outside of the home or homeschooling (57:08) What systems and habits helped you through different stages of homeschooling (01:02:18) Sometimes you just have to take a breath and accept what's going on (01:02:42) What does a normal homeschooling day look like for you (01:06:13) Mass was very important to our homeschooling, too (01:09:10) Also something that I really, really value is prayer at 9 o' clock (01:13:03) With an autistic kiddo, we had to be very regimented (01:14:53) So going back to the behavioral piece, though, did you ever fight with your kids (01:18:50) What are some tips specifically for schooling boys that you think are valuable (01:22:13) How do you deal with burnout when there's so much to do (01:24:53) When did your kids start doing chores? What kind of chores were you expecting (01:28:55) Lower your expectations and you'll be happier, she says (01:29:35) Did you intentionally outsource or just stop doing or skipping things (01:32:40) Was there anything that you guys intentionally skipped or didn't do (01:34:38) How is your husband taking on different tasks throughout the season (01:35:47) Every family is different. And there's different techniques to homeschooling (01:40:33) What would you give parents starting out or really in the thick of it (01:42:43) Being intentional in your parenting is important, Hope says

  4. Aug 20

    Navigating Adult Friendships: Going Beyond the Surface W/Dr. Kathy Edwards

    In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Kathy, a forensic psychologist and former lawyer, to delve into the complexities of adult friendships. Kathy shares her journey from practicing law to helping families navigate the emotional landscape of divorce and custody. Together, we explore the importance of friendships at every stage of life, the impact of social connections on mental health, and the challenges adults face in making and maintaining friendships. Join us as we uncover practical tips for fostering meaningful relationships and the role of vulnerability in friendship. Chapters: (00:00) Kathy is talking about friendship and how to create adult friendships (00:49) You work as a forensic psychologist in family law cases (04:38) Why is it important for kids to have friends outside of family (06:02) Your friendships can shape what you do as an adult, right (08:54) What is the main purpose of friendship? You know, it depends on person (11:46) It's important to cultivate friendships with a wide variety of people (15:00) Generally, kids are more open to friendship when they're younger, right (17:25) Do you think people need to prioritize social events more than in their life (21:36) As an introvert, do you feel like you hold things to yourself (25:57) I work with kids on this. And I think even for my own children (28:56) How do we balance technology and in person relationships when making friendships (34:03) How does autism affect making friends? It depends on the level of autism (36:05) What about ADHD and ADD then? Um, that also impacts you socially (39:38) How important is vulnerability in friendship? It depends on the level of friendship (42:08) What about friends of the opposite sex? Are there boundaries (44:45) What duties do we have for our friends once we have a friend (45:40) How do you stay on your own page when helping someone make a bad decision (48:17) How important is it to have friends in the same vocation as you (49:24) Is it important for parents to not live in a bubble as well (50:56) There are different ways to help facilitate friendships with your younger children (54:37) Sam: Start getting to know who you are before forming new friendships

  5. Aug 13

    From Dumpster Fires to Divine Will: Understanding the Will with Fr. Dail

    In this episode of the Desert Wanderers podcast, we welcome Father Nathan Dale to discuss the importance of willpower and how it influences our ability to choose good in our lives. Together, we explore the intersection of beauty, vocation, and self-discipline, and how cultivating a strong will can lead to a more fulfilling spiritual life. Join us for an insightful conversation that bridges the gap between faith and everyday choices. Chapters: (00:00) The Desert Wanderers interview priests, religious and laity in Boise (00:34) Father Nathan Dale joins us from his office to talk about Catholicism (00:53) I put this whole thing together with seminarians because I wanted beauty (02:38) When we talk about beauty, it's far easier for us to choose good (03:58) We're going to talk about willpower and the will in a new podcast (06:25) When I hear willpower, I don't necessarily think Catholic (10:16) For anybody, I would say waking up early is the hardest habit (14:51) You touched on this briefly. I feel like this goes a little bit into forming your conscience (23:46) You have to grapple with mysteries in our life and our will and God's will (27:24) How has original sin affected our wills, concupiscence (32:37) The difference between Protestant and Catholic theology is Protestantism says our will is broken (36:20) Christ talks about going to confession but not filling it with anything good (38:23) There is discipline and there's obsession. Motivation. Obsession. I don't know if it's discipline or obsession (42:59) Roland Martin says the only things that remain are discipline and obsession (48:18) I do have a question. Because I think in marriage, (50:15) Self discipline and self denial are beneficial for us, right (52:43) Are there practical ways laypeople can practice self denial as laypers (55:33) Self denial is leading us to Christ versus just building us to do things (57:29) Turn off all input audio or visual an hour before you go to bed (58:33) Bronco Catholic is looking for help with Newman Nights for 70 students

  6. Aug 5

    Building a Well-Formed Conscience With Deacon Bill Burns

    In this enlightening episode of the Desert Wanderers podcast, we are joined by Deacon Bill Burns, who shares his remarkable journey of faith and vocation. From his childhood experiences of role-playing as a priest to his eventual return to the Catholic Church after a 20-year hiatus, Deacon Bill offers profound insights into the importance of understanding one's conscience and the moral teachings of the Church. Join us as we explore how to navigate spiritual challenges and the role of a well-formed conscience in making ethical decisions. Don't miss this inspiring discussion! Chapters: (00:00) The Desert Wanderers interview priests, religious and laity in Boise (00:34) Bill Burns is a deacon at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (04:44) North was ordained in October of 2023 after 20 years outside the church (11:29) Whenever you're opening yourself up to spiritual influences, you're putting yourself in danger (13:01) What are the top few things that you wish people knew about spiritual warfare (15:52) What would you say to someone who says they were born Catholic but don't practice (18:30) What would you say to someone who says they left because of Catholic rules (20:11) The Vatican is becoming more open to women in leadership positions (23:19) When Catholics say conscience, what exactly are we talking about (25:05) Natalie: I was driving through the canyon and I was nervous (27:32) Let's discuss some ways we can decide on moral issues (32:12) How does the conscience guide us toward good and evil (33:47) How do we distinguish between strong opinions and a well formed conscience (40:19) Dominic: Understanding the church and why behind the church is important (46:13) What does a well formed conscience look like in practice (47:58) This kind of ties into what we were talking about, about choosing the good (49:52) How does the society and culture around us shape our conscience (56:39) Catholic Church teaches that it's better to save the mother than the embryo (58:24) The church teaches that we have to act according to our conscience (01:03:36) How do we help someone or how do we ourselves move from being stuck (01:05:24) How can we help our children find spiritual advisors (01:09:15) Complacency is the worst habit that keeps us from changing and improving (01:10:47) Any kind of spontaneous prayer is going to be good. Like state your intention, Lord (01:11:52) Roman Flames Band has a YouTube channel with maybe six videos

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Salt & Light Podcast is the home to Desert Wanderers Podcast and Previously S.A.L.T Podcast. Desert Wanderers focuses on faith & Vocational Journies from Priests, religious, and laity. Get to know the person in the pew next to you. Come & See what the Lord is calling you to!

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