EquipCast

Archdiocese of Omaha
  • 4.8 (25)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Sharing your Catholic faith with family and friends can sometimes feel daunting. Where do I start? How do I make an impact? Welcome to EquipCast, a weekly podcast from the Archdiocese of Omaha. We want to support your faith journey and equip you with the tools to express your faith authentically in your everyday life. Each week, we’ll discuss practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world. Each episode is filled with encouragement and inspiration so you can make an impact and make disciples in your own faith community. For more information and to stay connected with us, head to equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

  1. Coach’s Corner 27: What Parents Really Want

    3D AGO

    Coach’s Corner 27: What Parents Really Want

    What if the biggest thing parents want from us is to know they belong? When I listen to parents—really listen—I hear something deeper than frustration about busy schedules or kids who can’t sit still at Mass. I hear an ache. Parents want to engage. They want their kids to love the faith. They want to grow spiritually themselves. But so many of them carry this quiet fear that they or their kids don’t quite fit in. And honestly? I’ve felt that myself. In sports leagues and school activities, parents often feel more welcomed, more supported, more seen than they do at church. That should get our attention. In this episode, I walk through new data from nearly 200 school and religious ed families across our archdiocese—and the message is striking. Parents aren’t uninterested. They’re not disengaged because they don’t care. Most are hungry for community, for guidance, for help passing on the faith… but they feel unsure, overwhelmed, or out of place. And the good news? We can do something about that. It starts with listening—really listening—so we can respond not with frustration, but with empathy, clarity, and hope. If you’ve ever wondered how to genuinely draw parents into the heart of parish life, this episode will encourage you. Give it a listen. [00:34] Understanding What Parents Want [03:40] Survey Insights: Why Parents Skip Parish Events [05:41] Challenges of Taking Kids to Mass [07:00] Biggest Challenges in Passing on Faith [08:15] Parents' Needs for Faith Development [09:14] If Parents Had More Time [11:14] The Importance of Listening to Parents [12:38] Closing Thoughts and Prayer Take a deeper dive into the survey data! And check out our Listening Circle Guide. For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

    14 min
  2. Witness before Wisdom: What Couples Need When Preparing for Marriage

    JAN 27

    Witness before Wisdom: What Couples Need When Preparing for Marriage

    How can we expect couples to live a sacramental marriage when they’ve never seen one lived? So many of the couples who walk into our parishes today aren’t rooted in the life of the Church. Nine out of ten aren’t attending Mass, many have simply “slid” into the relationship, and most have never witnessed a joyful, vibrant Christian marriage up close. And yet—we hand them content, classes, and checklists and hope it changes their lives. In this conversation with Ryan Verret, we dive into why that model is breaking down and why the real answer isn’t more information, but more relationship. Ryan shares the deeply human insight at the heart of Witness to Love: that authentic conversion only moves at the pace of a friendship… and that the simplest act—having someone waiting for you in the pew—can open the door for grace to take root. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly draw couples into the heart of parish life, this episode will encourage you. Take a listen. [01:13] Ryan Verret's Background and Upbringing [09:35] State of Marriage Preparation in the Church [18:11] Witness to Love: Vision and Approach [26:19] The One Change That Made a Difference [29:39] The Need for Comprehensive Faith Formation [32:45] The Mentor Couple Model [40:38] The Impact of Witness to Love [44:29] Personal Reflections and Broader Implications [53:02] Connecting with Witness to Love Check out Witness To Love, or connect with Ryan by emailing connect@witnesstolove.org. For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

    56 min
  3. How to Break Your Clear Path (Part 2)

    JAN 20

    How to Break Your Clear Path (Part 2)

    What happens when we start trusting programs more than we trust people? Discipleship slows down—because programs don’t accompany anyone. People do. Programs support the mission, but people are the mission. In part two of this conversation on what really breaks a clear path to discipleship, we talk honestly about why great programming isn’t enough, how over commitment burns out your best leaders, and why accompaniment and simplicity matter more than adding one more initiative. If you’re longing for a parish that actually helps people take their next step with Jesus, this conversation will challenge how you think about ministry—and invite you to build a clear path that’s relational, sustainable, and truly missionary. [00:57] Defining a Clear Path to Discipleship [03:34] Number 6: Skip the Connectors [14:35] Number 7: Have Something for Everybody [23:51] Number 8: Start with a Big Public Launch [29:20] Number 9: Exempt Current Members [36:50] Number 10: Build it for Your Current Members [42:28] Final Thoughts and Encouragement ClearPathBook.com For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

    44 min
  4. How to Break Your Clear Path (Part 1)

    JAN 13

    How to Break Your Clear Path (Part 1)

    Why do discipleship efforts that start with so much hope sometimes stall—or fall apart? In this episode, I sit down with coaches from our Parish Support Team to talk honestly about how Clear Paths to discipleship can break down—often before we even realize it’s happening. We walk through five common ways parishes unintentionally derail discipleship—and what faithful leaders can do differently. We talk about slowing down to listen to the Holy Spirit, why conversion has to come before strategy, and how real fruit grows through relationships, not just programs. If you care deeply about your parish and want to build something that actually helps people encounter Jesus and grow as disciples, this conversation will meet you right where you are. The Clear Path isn’t complicated—but it does require patience, humility, and a willingness to stay rooted in the Gospel. Take a listen—and let’s make sure we’re building with God, not just working for Him. [00:38] Overview of the Clear Path to Discipleship [02:20] Meet the Parish Support Team [04:10] Number 1: Don’t Discern [10:46] Number 2: Do it alone. [18:27] Number 3: Do it all at once. [26:50] Number 4: Wait for them to come to you. [33:49] Number 5: Assume Conversion ClearPathBook.com For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

    39 min
  5. Coach's Corner 26: Rediscover the Heart of Evangelization

    JAN 6

    Coach's Corner 26: Rediscover the Heart of Evangelization

    How do you keep the Gospel alive and at the center of your work? Start with the quiet, world-changing truth that Jesus loves you. He gave His life to save you. And He is with you today—right now—to enlighten, strengthen, and free you. When we put that message at the heart of everything—our conversations, our ministries, our families—it changes everything. In this episode, I’ll share why this matters and how you can make it part of your everyday life. [00:34] Understanding Evangelization [02:01] Defining Evangelization [03:22] Misconceptions About Evangelization [06:34] The Heart of Evangelization [09:54] Practical Steps for Everyday Preaching [12:08] Closing Thoughts and Prayer For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

    13 min
  6. Confronting the Ghost of St. John Vianney: A Vision for Modern Parish Life

    12/16/2025

    Confronting the Ghost of St. John Vianney: A Vision for Modern Parish Life

    Is the ideal of priesthood stuck in the past? I love the saints—especially guys like St. John Vianney—but trying to imitate their circumstances can leave today’s priests feeling defeated before they even begin. In this episode, Fr. Scott Traynor and I get honest about how different our world is now, and why that’s not a problem to mourn but a mission to embrace. We talk about the heart of priesthood today: prayer, the sacraments, and investing deeply in a few people who can carry the Gospel into a culture that’s drifting away from Christ. And here’s the hope: renewal isn’t about going backward. It’s about priests doing what only they can do—celebrate, preach, shepherd—and unleashing the laity to live their mission with confidence. If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations you can’t live up to or wondered whether your parish can actually flourish in a secular age, this conversation will help you imagine a future filled with purpose and hope. 01:21 Meet Father Scott Traynor 04:34 The Legacy of St. John Vianney 10:51 Historical Context of Parish Life 21:25 Modern Parish Challenges and Solutions 31:49 The Role of the Parish Priest 37:07 The Power of Relationships in Evangelization 48:36 Building a Leadership Culture in Parishes 51:20 The Transmission of Faith in Parish Life 56:18 Practical Steps to Start Evangelizing 59:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Books mentioned in this podcast: From Christendom to Apostolic Mission The Advantage The Parish as a School of Prayer For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

    1h 3m
  7. Where is God Leading You? An Ignatian Approach to Setting Goals

    12/09/2025

    Where is God Leading You? An Ignatian Approach to Setting Goals

    Feeling stuck and longing for clarity? I invite you to take a moment to pause, pray, and discern where God is calling you. Today’s guest, Lisa Kelly, leadership coach, author of The Spiritual Path, and expert in Ignatian spirituality, shares an Ignatian-inspired process that helps you slow down, notice what’s stirring in your heart, and make choices with clarity and peace. If you’ve ever wondered, “Where is God leading me?” this conversation will give you hope and courage for the road ahead. [02:29] Lisa's Faith Journey and Education [06:54] Discovering the Ignatian Associates [09:43] Living in the Dominican Republic [13:42] Writing 'The Spiritual Path' [18:52] The Cycle of Growth: A Tool for Discernment [30:08] Understanding Consolation and Desolation [33:42] Markers of Desolation [35:33] Discerning Priority Relationships [37:51] The Importance of Environmental Relationships [39:52] Practical Goal Setting and Relationships [46:56] Personal Testimonies and Reflections [51:20] Leadership and Communal Discernment [57:06] Final Thoughts and Resources Check out LaStorta or contact Lisa. Also, register for the Spiritual Path Retreat. For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

    1 hr
  8. Coach's Corner 25: Pope Leo's Christmas List: Six Gifts That Could Change the Church

    12/02/2025

    Coach's Corner 25: Pope Leo's Christmas List: Six Gifts That Could Change the Church

    What’s on Pope Leo’s Christmas list—and can you fulfill it for him? He’s not asking for gifts wrapped in paper and bows. His wish is for a Church renewed in mission, united in love, and bold in proclaiming Christ first. Imagine communities that listen deeply, care tenderly for the least, and engage the world with courage and hope. That’s the heart behind his six desires—and together, we can make them real. [00:34] Introducing Pope Leo's Christmas List [01:32] Pope Leo's Priorities: A Breakdown [03:33] The Primacy of Christ in Proclamation [06:43] Missionary Conversion of the Christian Community [08:47] Growth in Collegiality and Synodality [09:43] Attention to the Sense of the Faithful [10:52] Loving Care for the Least and Rejected [11:39] Dialogue with the Contemporary World [12:38] Closing Thoughts and Prayer For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

    14 min
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4.8
out of 5
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About

Sharing your Catholic faith with family and friends can sometimes feel daunting. Where do I start? How do I make an impact? Welcome to EquipCast, a weekly podcast from the Archdiocese of Omaha. We want to support your faith journey and equip you with the tools to express your faith authentically in your everyday life. Each week, we’ll discuss practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world. Each episode is filled with encouragement and inspiration so you can make an impact and make disciples in your own faith community. For more information and to stay connected with us, head to equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

Information

  • Creator
    Archdiocese of Omaha
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    248
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Archdiocese of Omaha
  • Show Website
    EquipCast

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