Homeward by BigAppleCatholic

Mariana and Katie
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

There is a road beneath the road we walk every day. A deeper story humming under the ordinary. This is where we follow that echo— through longing and laughter, beauty and ache — trusting that this life is leading somewhere, and to Someone, truer than we can yet see. I am overjoyed to welcome as co-host fellow artist, and G.K. Chesteron enthusiast, and friend, Katie Jones for this chapter and cannot wait for you to join this journey home. This is for those who love and ache a little like us in this world. Those who who like us are on Homeward road. Keep up with us @homeward.pod Write us here: bigapplecatholic.com/contact Or email us here: HomewardPodcastInfo@gmail.com

Episodes

  1. 11h ago

    How Authentic Affirmation Transforms Lives and Relationships with Jeff Mazzone, MA, LPC, MA

    In this episode, we sit down with licensed professional counselor Jeff Mazzone, who shares insights on the transformative power of affirmation, its roots in spiritual and psychological growth, and practical ways to cultivate authentic affirmation in daily life and relationships. Key Topics:The connection between affirmation and emotional maturityThe role of nature and beauty in fostering affirmationThe importance of relationship and community in healingThe distinction between true affirmation and pseudo-affirmationPractical steps to cultivate rest, wonder, and affirmation in daily lifeJeff Mazzone on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/discalced_counselor Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:06 The Importance of Affirmation 05:57 Understanding Affirmation vs. Self-Affirmation 09:09 The Role of Relationships in Affirmation 12:01 The Impact of Unaffirmation 14:54 Navigating Emotional Maturity 18:01 The Challenges of Modern Life 20:55 Finding Beauty and Wonder 24:05 The Healing Power of Relationships 27:09 Practical Applications for Parents 30:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 45:06 Affirming Emotions in Parenting 48:16 Delighting in Our Children 50:23 The Journey of Affirmation 53:40 The Power of Intergenerational Relationships 56:06 The Importance of Community and Connection 01:01:23 The Gift of Self in Relationships 01:06:21 Slowing Down to Find Community 01:10:01 Practical Steps to Self-Affirmation 01:12:58 Resources for Further Exploration Resources:Born Only Once by Conrad Baars – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Born+Only+Once+Conrad+BaarsJeff Mazzone on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/discalced_counselorHealing the Unaffirmed by Conrad Baars and Anna Terruwe – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Healing+the+Unaffirmed+Conrad+Baars+Anna+Terruwe

  2. Jul 8

    Lazarus and The God of Mystery

    Most of us live in a state of obsession with certainty — but within faith and life itself, mystery reigns supreme. This week, we explore why embracing uncertainty isn’t just a choice, but a vital part of our spiritual journey Join us as we walk through the story of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, highlighting how their experience of loss and resurrection embodies the core of Christian hope amid unanswered questions. Key Topics The story of Lazarus and its spiritual significanceThe concept of divine mystery and wonder in faithHow saints exemplify trust in God's plan amidst sufferingThe importance of embracing the unknown in spiritual lifeThe role of faith and hope in difficult trials Chapters 00:00 Embracing the Mystery10:28 The Story of Lazarus30:25 The Saints and Their Trials40:48 Embracing the Mystery46:46 The Witness of the Saints53:13 The Interior Perfection01:04:55 The Human Person as a Mystery

  3. Jun 10

    Born to Never Die: What Chiara and Enrico Petrillo Offer a World Afraid of Suffering

    If Homeward is ultimately about learning how to live with our eyes fixed on heaven, then few people have taught Katie and I more than Enrico and Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo. Their story reminds us that we were born for eternity, and that even in the deepest suffering, the road home remains open. Key Topics: Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo's life storyFaith and resilience in sufferingThe power of hope and love Trust in God's plan during sufferingThe resurrection as the foundation of hope Resources: Enrico Petrillo - Sharing their story (short video we mentioned) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXX Born to Never Die | Enrico Petrillo and Angelo Carfi | New York Encounter 2019 (long video of their full story that we also mentioned) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw_PEXQyhik A Witness to Joy (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+Witness+to+Joy Letter from Chiara and Enrico to Francesco - https://www.chiaracorbellapetrillo.org/en/chiaras-writings/ Let's Connect! As always, we would love to hear from you. You can follow along with us and stay in touch at @homeward.podcast and @bigapplecatholic. You can also visit bigapplecatholic.com for more!

  4. May 27

    Have We Lost Our Sense of Wonder? With Bill Donaghy

    What is the importance of wonder in the human experience? And what may be the obstacles to wonder in our present age? For this episode Katie and I are joined by the wonder-full Bill Donaghy who helps us wrestle through these questions and more. “If you are wise, you will understand that life is more like a pool than a channel. A channel immediately releases what it receives. The pool is gradually filled until it naturally overflows without diminishing itself.  There are many Christians who behave like channels. Deep pools are the exception. We become eager to let the Spirit flow through us. We begin to pour it out before we are filled. We speak when we should be listening. We try to teach lessons we have not yet learned. We would direct others when we are not sure where we are going ourselves...  There needs to be a careful balance here. Outflow follows inflow. We must be filled to overflowing before what we pass on to others will have any substance. Otherwise, it is vacuous yawning. Take care that you do not embarrass yourself while assisting others. Be sure you are full.”  - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Homily 18, Song of Songs. (b. 1090 AD- d. 1153 AD) Takeaways Reenchantment as a Path to WonderThe Neuroscience of Wonder Re-enchantment of life through wonder and beautyThe battle for re-enchantment is a matter of life and death Resources The Evidential Power of Beauty by Father Thomas DubayLeisure, The Basis of Culture by Joseph PieperMark Twain's Joan of Arc Connect with Bill Donaghy: Theology of the Body InstituteWord Made Fresh PodcastThe Way of Beauty Course July 12-17, 2026 - Join Bill Donaghy at his course this summer! As always, we would love to hear from you. You can follow along with us and stay in touch at   / homeward.pod   and   / bigapplecatholic

  5. May 13

    What Does it Mean To Be Human? With Dr. Sarah Maple

    In this conversation, Katie and I sit down with Dr. Sarah Maple to explore one of the most foundational questions we can ask: what does it mean to be human? Together, we talk about the nature of being human, beauty, and the artistic vocation rooted in divine love. We delves into how beauty reveals our origin, purpose, and ultimate destiny, inviting all of us into a deeper wonder of life and creation. We also reflect on original solitude and unity, the gift of the human heart, the role of wonder, and the quiet ways Christ calls us back to Himself through beauty, suffering, and love. Dr. Maple’s work as a painter, theologian, and professor shines throughout this conversation, especially in the way she speaks about artists, beauty, and the human person with both intellectual depth and real tenderness. More than anything, we were struck by her attentiveness, wisdom, and the sense that these are questions she has truly lived with herself. You can learn more about Dr. Maple, her upcoming book The Resurrection of Beauty (Saint Augustine Press), as well as her work through her Instagram at @dr.sarahmaple and her emerging project at lagiardina.org. Takeaways The meaning of being human in a disenchanted worldThe role of beauty in revealing our divine origin and purposeThe artistic vocation as a response to divine love and creation Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Humanity05:10 Exploring the Essence of Being Human09:07 The Role of Beauty in Human Existence14:00 Understanding Desire and Its Implications18:58 The Transcendentals: Beauty, Truth, and Goodness23:05 The Importance of Community and Dependency27:22 The Garden of Eden: A Blueprint for Humanity33:33 The Call to Love and Response37:06 Awakening to Enchantment39:44 Re-enchantment and Vulnerability43:34 The Art of Hospitality47:38 Experiencing Life's Enchantment53:18 The Journey of Being Human As always, we would love to hear from you. You can follow along with us and stay in touch at @homeward.podcast and @bigapplecatholic. You can also visit bigapplecatholic.com for more!

  6. Apr 28

    We're All Just Trying to Get Home

    The day has finally come! We are so eager to start this new chapter with you and embark on the Homeward journey together. In this episode we give a glimpse of our heart behind this project, why we felt like we needed it for ourselves, and our hopes for everyone that will join us. Thank you for being here. It is a privilege to walk this with you xo Mariana and Katie Episode Guiding Quote: "The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing — to reach the Mountain, to find the place where all the beauty came from — my country, the place where I ought to have been born. Do you think it all meant nothing, all the longing? The longing for home? For indeed it now feels not like going, but like going back." — C. S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces Major Points: The significance of longing and wonder in faithBuilding a community centered on beauty and truthThe journey of living with an open heart amidst painThe role of art, story, and community in spiritual growthHope and vulnerability in the Christian life Links Mentioned: Mariana and Katie's infamous Irish Farms Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldjBfJqS9UoGo To The Limits of Your Longing Poem: https://onbeing.org/poetry/go-to-the-limits-of-your-longing/ The best way to keep us with us right now is on Instagram! @homeward.pod Otherwise feel free to reach out via bigapplecatholic.com we'd love to hear from you! 3

  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

There is a road beneath the road we walk every day. A deeper story humming under the ordinary. This is where we follow that echo— through longing and laughter, beauty and ache — trusting that this life is leading somewhere, and to Someone, truer than we can yet see. I am overjoyed to welcome as co-host fellow artist, and G.K. Chesteron enthusiast, and friend, Katie Jones for this chapter and cannot wait for you to join this journey home. This is for those who love and ache a little like us in this world. Those who who like us are on Homeward road. Keep up with us @homeward.pod Write us here: bigapplecatholic.com/contact Or email us here: HomewardPodcastInfo@gmail.com

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