The Creative Catholics Podcast

A. Cahill
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  • Christianity

Can creativity become a form of prayer? Is there meaning in the work no one sees? Is this desire to create a calling—or a distraction? The Creative Catholics is a podcast for Catholic creatives who feel called to create— but aren’t sure how to begin or how it fits into their faith and daily life. Hosted by a theatre professor turned homeschooling mother, this podcast explores the meeting place of creativity and faith. Through reflective solo episodes and honest conversations, each episode offers gentle guidance for the real rhythms of creative life—how to begin in small, real ways; how to stay faithful when your work goes unseen; and how to create without chasing recognition. You don’t need perfect conditions or hours of free time—just a small space to begin, even now, as you listen. Come as you are. Bring what is unfinished, unseen, still becoming. Even here—in the hidden, slow work of your hands—something sacred is taking shape.

  1. 2d ago

    Creating with Hope with Jana Pingel

    In this episode of Creative Catholics, I'm joined by artist, author, and founder of January Jane Shop, Jana Pingle, for a heartfelt conversation about creating with hope. Jana shares how prayer shapes her creative process, why beauty has become an anchor in seasons of waiting, and what it means to co-create with the Holy Spirit. Together, we explore the hidden work of faithfulness, the stories behind her beloved saint collections, and how creativity can become an act of surrender, even in the midst of grief and uncertainty. We also discuss: How Jana's childhood nurtured a lifelong love of creativity The inspiration behind Humans of Heaven and the January Jane Shop Finding hope through her Land of the Living collection The role of beauty in suffering and waiting Protecting a prayerful heart while running a creative business Encouragement for artists who feel weary, discouraged, or stuck Please note: This episode includes a conversation about infertility and miscarriage. Whether you're an artist, a maker, or simply someone longing to find God in the ordinary moments of life, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that the Lord is at work—even in the hidden seasons. Connect With The Creative Catholics Follow along for future episodes, guest interviews, and reflections on faith, creativity, craftsmanship, beauty, and the hidden life. Instagram: @thecreativecatholics Website: https://www.creativecatholicspodcast.com/ Sponsors/Links Intro/outro music by Marie Miller This episode is sponsored by Riverside Thank you for listening. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another creative who might need a little inspiration this week.

  2. Jul 20

    The Creative Steward: Why We Confuse Trust with Passivity

    God mean stepping back and waiting for Him to act, or does it mean working as though everything depends on us? In this episode, Alex explores the tension between surrender and responsibility, challenging the common misconception that trust in God requires passivity. Drawing on Scripture, the Catechism, the Parable of the Talents, and the wisdom of St. Augustine, she unpacks what it means to be a faithful steward rather than an owner of the gifts God has entrusted to us. Whether you're an artist, writer, entrepreneur, parent, or simply trying to discern God's will for your life, this conversation offers a freeing perspective on creativity, ambition, and faith. You'll discover why Christian surrender isn't about caring less—it's about holding your work, your dreams, and your gifts with open hands, trusting God with the outcome while giving Him your wholehearted effort. In this episode, we explore: Why "letting go" doesn't mean giving up. The difference between stewardship and ownership. What the Parable of the Talents teaches about creativity and vocation. How our deepest fears are often revealed by what we struggle to surrender. Why God calls us to faithfulness rather than worldly success. If you've ever wrestled with perfectionism, control, or the fear of whether your work matters, this episode is an invitation to work wholeheartedly, trust deeply, and remember that while we steward the gifts, God always owns the harvest. Connect With The Creative Catholics Follow along for future episodes, guest interviews, and reflections on faith, creativity, craftsmanship, beauty, and the hidden life. Instagram: @thecreativecatholics Website: https://www.creativecatholicspodcast.com/ Sponsors/Links Intro/outro music by Marie Miller This episode is sponsored by Riverside Thank you for listening. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another creative who might need a little inspiration this week.

  3. Jul 13

    The Little Way of Creativity with Marie Miller

    Why does beauty move us so deeply? Why can a piece of music, a work of art, or a breathtaking landscape leave us longing for something we can't quite put into words? In this episode of The Creative Catholics, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Marie Miller for a thoughtful conversation about beauty, creativity, and the human longing for God. Together, we explore how music can become a form of prayer, why the writings of the saints continue to inspire new creative work, and what St. Thérèse of Lisieux taught Marie about letting go of the pursuit of success in order to faithfully follow God's will. We also discuss the hidden seasons of the creative life, the tension between excellence and ambition, and why our greatest creative work isn't about building an audience—but about leading souls closer to Christ. Whether you're an artist, musician, writer, homemaker, entrepreneur, or simply someone longing to create with greater purpose, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that every genuine encounter with beauty can awaken within us a hidden nostalgia for God. In this episode, we discuss: How beauty awakens our longing for God Music as prayer and the wisdom of the saints St. Thérèse of Lisieux and the Little Way Moving from performance to purpose Creating through hidden and ordinary seasons Excellence without chasing recognition The importance of personal prayer for creatives Why all authentic creativity ultimately points back to the Creator Resources Mentioned Letter to Artists - John Paul II “Ash Wednesday” Poem - TS Eliot The Letters of JRR Tolkien The Great Divorce - CS Lewis The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien Connect With The Creative Catholics Follow along for future episodes, guest interviews, and reflections on faith, creativity, craftsmanship, beauty, and the hidden life. Instagram: @thecreativecatholics Website: thecreativecatholics.com Sponsors/Links Intro/outro music by Marie Miller This episode is sponsored by Riverside Thank you for listening. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another creative who might need a little inspiration this week.

  4. Jul 6

    Our Creative God: The Lady in the Rock

    What if one of the greatest sources of creative inspiration isn't another artist—but God Himself? In this first episode of a brand-new mini-series, Our Creative God, we begin with one of the most extraordinary Marian shrines in the world: Our Lady of Las Lajas in Colombia. After a simple conversation around the dinner table led me to discover the remarkable story behind this sanctuary, I found myself captivated not only by the apparition of Our Lady, but by the mystery of the rock itself. Why would God choose a mountainside as His canvas? And what does this miracle reveal about the Creator who delights in beauty? Together, we'll explore the official story of Our Lady of Las Lajas, the fascinating mystery of the miraculous image embedded within the rock, and why the breathtaking basilica was designed to highlight—not replace—the miracle at its heart. As Catholic creatives, we spend so much time seeking inspiration from books, nature, architecture, and great works of art. But before there were artists, before there were cathedrals, before there were masterpieces, there was God. Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves as creatives is simply to slow down and marvel at the Original Creator. In this episode, we discuss: The story of Our Lady of Las Lajas The mystery of the miraculous image in the rock Why mountains have such a significant place throughout Scripture How the basilica was built to honour God's creativity Wonder as the beginning of creativity Why every creative work ultimately points back to the Original Creator Welcome to Our Creative God—a new mini-series where we pause to marvel at the beauty, mystery, and creativity of God revealed through His creation.

  5. Jun 29

    The Adventure of Creating Together with Melissa and Alex Dee

    What if we stopped thinking of our creative work as content—and started seeing it as a gift? In this episode of The Creative Catholics, I'm joined by Alex and Melissa Dee, the husband-and-wife team behind Saints Alive, the award-winning Catholic audio drama that brings the lives of the saints to life for families around the world. We explore what it takes to create work of lasting quality, why stories have the power to form hearts, and how pursuing excellence can become an act of love. Alex and Melissa also share the realities of building a creative ministry while raising a young family, working together as spouses, navigating burnout, and protecting the time and space needed for imagination to flourish. Whether you're an artist, writer, entrepreneur, homemaker, teacher, or simply someone trying to create something meaningful, this conversation is a reminder that our work doesn't have to be driven by algorithms or endless output. Instead, we can create with intentionality, beauty, and a desire to offer something that truly serves others. In this episode, we discuss: Why stories help us fall in love with the truth The creative process behind Saints Alive Creating with excellence instead of simply creating more Balancing marriage, family life, and a shared creative mission Recovering from creative burnout and protecting your imagination Why quality always matters more than quantity The difference between making content and giving a gift Helping children discover they are made to become saints If you've ever felt the pressure to produce more, move faster, or constantly create for the algorithm, this episode is an invitation to slow down and remember why you started creating in the first place. Because the most meaningful creative work isn't just content. It's a gift. Resources mentioned: Hallow Saints Alive Catholic Audio Drama Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull   Connect with The Creative Catholics: Instagram: @thecreativecatholics Website: thecreativecatholics.com   Sponsors/Links Intro/outro music by Marie Miller This episode is sponsored by Riverside Follow @TheCreativeCatholics on Instagram to share your creations and join the community.   Share This Episode If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to The Creative Catholics Podcast.   A Catholic podcast exploring creativity, faith, vocation, and the hidden life.

  6. Jun 29

    Creating the Best Option With Fr Michael Rossmann, SJ

    What if discernment isn’t about finding the single “perfect” path… but about committing deeply enough to create something beautiful with God? In this episode of The Creative Catholics Podcast, Alex sits down with Jesuit priest, author, theologian, and creator Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ, for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, vocation, discernment, and the hidden spiritual life. Together, they explore what it means to create a life with God in a culture shaped by endless options, comparison, distraction, and fear of commitment. Fr. Michael shares the powerful idea of “creating the best option” instead of constantly looking over our shoulder wondering if there is something better somewhere else. The conversation dives deeply into: Ignatian imagination and praying with Scripture creativity as a path to holiness vocation and discernment creating with God in ordinary life God as relationship social media evangelisation Catholic creativity and the digital age pre-evangelisation and reaching people before theology young adults returning to the Catholic faith masculinity, identity, and meaning in modern culture Fr. Michael also shares insights from his books The Freedom of Missing Out and Online Pre-Evangelization, reflecting on how Catholics can live more rooted, meaningful, and faithful lives in an age of distraction and endless consumption. Whether you are an artist, homemaker, writer, teacher, entrepreneur, parent, or simply someone trying to live more intentionally and faithfully, this episode is an encouragement to stop endlessly optimizing your life — and instead begin co-creating something meaningful with God. This episode explores: Catholic creativity creativity and faith the hidden life ordinary holiness Catholic creative living faith-filled creativity creativity in ordinary life Catholic vocation and discernment meaningful Catholic living Connect with Fr. Michael: Substack: The Ruckus Instagram: @rossmannsj Fr Michael Rossmann's Books The Freedom of Missing Out Online Pre-Evangelization Sponsors/Links Intro/outro music by Marie Miller This episode is sponsored by Riverside Enter the Launch Giveaway 25 May – 1 June 2026 Follow @TheCreativeCatholics on Instagram to share your creations and join the community. #CatholicPodcast #CatholicCreatives #CreativityAndFaith #OrdinaryHoliness #CatholicLife #FaithAndCreativity #CreativeLiving #HiddenLife

  7. Jun 22

    The Search for Inspiration

    Where do creatives find inspiration? It's a question I've asked nearly every guest on The Creative Catholics, and over the past few months I've noticed a surprising trend. Whether speaking with artists, writers, musicians, illustrators, homemakers, or entrepreneurs, the answers are rarely dramatic. Inspiration isn't usually found through lightning-bolt moments or waiting for brilliance to strike. More often, it begins with paying attention. In this solo episode, I reflect on why Catholic creatives may have a unique advantage when it comes to finding inspiration. If creation truly reveals the Creator, then beauty, wonder, and meaning are all around us—hidden in gardens, conversations, ordinary moments, and even in the overlooked corners of a thousand-year-old abbey. Drawing on a personal story about an obscure stone carving that led to an embroidery project, I explore: Why inspiration is often closer than we think The relationship between beauty, wonder, and creativity What artists mean when they talk about "stealing like an artist" How human creativity differs from artificial intelligence Why not everything we create needs to be monetized The gift of inheriting two thousand years of Catholic beauty and imagination If you've been feeling creatively stuck, uninspired, or overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly produce, this episode is an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and rediscover the beauty God has already placed before you. Because perhaps inspiration isn't something we find. Perhaps it's something we notice. Keywords Inspiration, Creativity, Catholic, Art, Pope Leo, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Artists Resources Mentioned: Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon Recent reflections on AI and creativity Sacred art and architecture of the Catholic tradition Connect with The Creative Catholics: Instagram: @thecreativecatholics Website: thecreativecatholics.com Sponsors/Links Intro/outro music by Marie Miller This episode is sponsored by Riverside Share This Episode If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to The Creative Catholics Podcast. A Catholic podcast exploring creativity, faith, vocation, and the hidden life.

  8. Jun 15

    When Someone Else’s Success Stops Feeling Like a Threat

    For years, I viewed life through the lens of competition. Theatre was competitive. University admissions were competitive. Careers were competitive. And somewhere along the way, I started believing that if someone else succeeded, there was somehow less room for me. Less opportunity. Less purpose. Less possibility. But looking back on my own life—from a devastating rejection from my dream university, to studying theatre, moving to Scotland, meeting my husband, and building a life I never could have planned for myself—I’ve come to realize something: ✨ God’s plan for my life is not threatened by someone else’s success. In this solo episode of The Creative Catholics, I share the story of a closed door that changed everything and explore what Scripture teaches us about competition, calling, comparison, and God’s providence. Together we discuss: 🌿 Why comparison is so exhausting 🌿 What John the Baptist teaches us about abundance and mission 🌿 How the Body of Christ challenges a competitive mindset 🌿 Why God’s providence is often easier to see in reverse 🌿 How to stop measuring your life against someone else’s If you've ever felt like you've fallen behind, missed an opportunity, or watched someone else receive the thing you thought you wanted, I hope this episode encourages you. Because perhaps the goal was never to become the best. Perhaps the goal was to become who God created you to be. ✨ Resources mentioned: One L by Scott Turow John 3:23–30 1 Corinthians 12 Connect with The Creative Catholics: Instagram: @thecreativecatholics Website: thecreativecatholics.com Sponsors/Links Intro/outro music by Marie Miller This episode is sponsored by Riverside Follow @TheCreativeCatholics on Instagram to share your creations and join the community. Share This Episode If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to The Creative Catholics Podcast. A Catholic podcast exploring creativity, faith, vocation, and the hidden life.

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Can creativity become a form of prayer? Is there meaning in the work no one sees? Is this desire to create a calling—or a distraction? The Creative Catholics is a podcast for Catholic creatives who feel called to create— but aren’t sure how to begin or how it fits into their faith and daily life. Hosted by a theatre professor turned homeschooling mother, this podcast explores the meeting place of creativity and faith. Through reflective solo episodes and honest conversations, each episode offers gentle guidance for the real rhythms of creative life—how to begin in small, real ways; how to stay faithful when your work goes unseen; and how to create without chasing recognition. You don’t need perfect conditions or hours of free time—just a small space to begin, even now, as you listen. Come as you are. Bring what is unfinished, unseen, still becoming. Even here—in the hidden, slow work of your hands—something sacred is taking shape.

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