Hope in the Good Life Podcast

Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
  • 5.0 (9)
  • EDUCATION

Listen to learn how Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is bringing HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE to our southern Nebraska neighbors!

  1. 180 with Katie - February was a Short month with Lots of Impact

    MAR 23

    180 with Katie - February was a Short month with Lots of Impact

    In the latest 180 with Katie—a quick, three-minute update—CSS Executive Director Katie Patrick and Development Officer John Soukup share how your support is making a real difference in both immediate needs and lasting transformation. From a powerful story of faith and generosity at “Mercy Station” in Lincoln to record numbers of families served with basic necessities—and lives being changed through the prison and reentry apostolate—February was filled with impact made possible by you. You’ll also hear how growing donor support and expanding sustainability efforts are helping strengthen our mission of providing more Hope in the Good Life for the future.

    4 min
  2. Episode 67: Honoring Hope - The Seminarians Behind the Heart of Christ Award

    MAR 3

    Episode 67: Honoring Hope - The Seminarians Behind the Heart of Christ Award

    “Christ is in the poor. Christ loves the poor. Christ desires for us to love the poor.” In this episode of Hope in the Good Life, we hear from seminarians of St. Gregory the Great Seminary who volunteer with Catholic Social Services Community Street Outreach. Together with Alexis Broulliette who leads this program, they share powerful stories of encounter, transformation, and what it truly means to bring the Heart of Christ to the streets of Lincoln. This year, these men will be honored with the Heart of Christ Award at the Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction — a celebration of hope lived out in action.

    16 min
  3. Episode 66: Encore – Johnny Ray From Life Sentence to Living Hope

    FEB 13

    Episode 66: Encore – Johnny Ray From Life Sentence to Living Hope

    As we prepare for this year’s Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction on March 14, we’re bringing back one of the most powerful conversations shared on the Hope in the Good Life Podcast. In Episode 58, John Soukup sits down with Johnny Ray for a raw and deeply moving conversation about transformation, redemption, and the mercy of God. Once serving a life sentence, Johnny shares how his life was radically changed through faith, accountability, and the support of those who refused to give up on him. Johnny Ray will be the featured speaker at this year’s Celebration of Hope Gala because his story powerfully reflects the mission of the Catholic Social Services Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA). His journey is proof that no one is beyond hope — and that restoration is possible when faith and community walk alongside those seeking a second chance. Register today for the Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction at csshope.org.

    19 min
  4. Episode 66: Raising Hope Through Music -Trumpet Fest 2026

    JAN 26

    Episode 66: Raising Hope Through Music -Trumpet Fest 2026

    On this episode of Hope in the Good Life, John Soukup talks with Kevin Murray about Trumpet Fest, an annual concert that combines musical excellence with a mission of service. Kevin shares how the event began in 2004 and highlights the high caliber of musicians involved—from talented young students to seasoned professionals—performing a surprising variety of music in the beautiful acoustics of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lincoln. He also reflects on Trumpet Fest’s impact as a fundraiser for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, raising more than $50,000 since its inception, and what continues to inspire him to bring the event back each year, including this year’s concert on February 15.

    10 min
  5. 180 with Katie - Hope in Action - December at CSS

    JAN 21

    180 with Katie - Hope in Action - December at CSS

    The latest 180 with Katie highlights December at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska as a powerful month of “hope in action.” John Soukup and Executive Director Katie Patrick share how staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners came together across southern Nebraska to serve families, support those experiencing homelessness, and bring comfort during the holiday season. From food markets, thrift stores, and outreach efforts to record-breaking generosity and life-changing moments of personal care, the episode shows how small acts—meals shared, coats given, prayers offered—made a lasting impact on hundreds of lives throughout December.

    3 min
  6. Episode 65: From Crisis to Community - Welcoming the Stranger Together

    JAN 5

    Episode 65: From Crisis to Community - Welcoming the Stranger Together

    In this episode of Hope in the Good Life, John Soukup revisits a story of welcome that still matters today. In the aftermath of the 2021 evacuation of Afghanistan, CSS Volunteer Jeff Kanger opened his home to an Afghan family seeking safety and security, hosting them until Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska helped secure a permanent home through its refugee resettlement efforts. As the new year begins, this conversation reminds us that welcoming the stranger isn’t a one-time response to crisis, but an ongoing commitment to mercy, dignity, and Hope in the Good Life.

    13 min
  7. 180 with Katie - November saw compassion meet commitment

    12/22/2025

    180 with Katie - November saw compassion meet commitment

    In this November episode of 180 with Katie, Executive Director Katie Patrick and Development Officer John Soukup look back on a month of strong community engagement, increasing need, and hopeful moments across southern Nebraska. The 180 second episode highlights record social media reach, generous donor and grant support, and meaningful impact through food assistance, family support services, immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, sustainability efforts, and the Prison & Reentry Apostolate. From Thanksgiving baskets and holiday outreach to community events and behind-the-scenes ministry, this episode offers a snapshot of how Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska continues to bring Hope in the Good Life to thousands of neighbors each day.

    3 min
  8. Episode 64: Meaningful and Tax-Wise Ways to Support CSS

    12/16/2025

    Episode 64: Meaningful and Tax-Wise Ways to Support CSS

    In this episode, we take a look at meaningful and tax-wise ways to give as the year comes to a close. Host John Soukup sits down with planned giving expert Jim Gustafson, to explore simple year-end gifts, monthly giving, IRA charitable distributions, appreciated assets, grain donations, Donor Advised Funds, and more. If you’re considering a year-end gift to CSS or another nonprofit, this conversation offers clear, practical insight on how your generosity can make a real impact.

    16 min
See All (80)

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Listen to learn how Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is bringing HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE to our southern Nebraska neighbors!

Information

  • Creator
    Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Hope in the Good Life Podcast

You Might Also Like