Terminal Vocation

Mark and Erin Voorheis
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Weekly

Join hosts Deacon Mark and Erin Voorheis on Terminal Vocation, a practical Catholic marriage podcast for engaged and newly married couples and those navigating the first five years of matrimony. Combining standard textbook tenets of the Catholic faith with relatable, everyday humor, this marriage and family life show dives into the real-world challenges couples face—from money and in-laws to kids and communication. Discover how to lean into sacramental grace, laugh through the mistakes, and embrace holy matrimony as a lifelong, joyful vocation. New episodes weekly!

  1. Oct 5

    Ep 22 - We Can Work It Out: Practical Strategies for Discipline, Part 2

    Welcome to another episode of Terminal Vocation as hosts Deacon Mark and Erin kick things off by talking about a recent birthday celebration for Erin going to see a local 80's band. In the "This Just In" segment, the hosts dive into a viral hiring debate sparked by a recruiter's post about candidates bringing iced coffee into job interviews. They analyze what casual habits communicate to hiring managers and draw parallels to dating etiquette and first impressions. Moving to the main topic, Mark and Erin explore practical family discipline methods. They discuss what worked, what didn't, the importance of timing and proximity, and why consistency with tools like age-based timeouts is key to setting clear boundaries. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a fresh conversation!

    Ep 22 - We Can Work It Out: Practical Strategies for Discipline, Part 2

  2. Sep 18

    Ep 21 - Authority Song: Remembering Who's the Boss

    Welcome back to another episode of Terminal Vocation with your hosts, Deacon Mark and Erin. This week, the hosts kick off the show by catching up on their respective weeks. Deacon Mark recounts his trip to Arizona for a work conference, while Erin shares the excitement of going to a Nats game (and celebrating a great comeback win!). This Just In: The hosts talk about a recent CNN report discussing a study on dogs and their ability to read emotional cues from human facial expressions. The results reveal how canine brains process human emotion, sparking a broader conversation about connection, communication, and the importance of face-to-face interaction in our digital world. Authority: The hosts explore the fine line between commanding respect and earning it. Drawing parallels from everyday life, parenting, and even specialized dog training, they break down why relying purely on titles or constant self-promotion often backfires. They share three core strategies for building and maintaining genuine authority and trust: Calm Beats Loud: Why emotional regulation and a steady presence outweigh intensity. Comprehension Over Compliance: Moving past blind obedience to foster true understanding. You’re Not Their Friend: Striking the right balance between being approachable and maintaining necessary boundaries. Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and join us next week for more Terminal Vocation!

    Ep 21 - Authority Song: Remembering Who's the Boss

  3. Sep 11

    Ep 20 Life is a Highway: Road Tripping Do's and Don'ts

    Updates Family Adjustments: Deacon Mark and Erin share that they are preparing their home to welcome Mark's aging uncle. Moving things from one room to another and throwing out a lot. Sentimental Belongings: Erin reflects on going through a trunk of her late father's memorabilia from his life, including finding an airmail letter detailing Kraft shipping cheese to India, as well as the original 1972 receipt for a Ford Pinto.Labor Day Weekend & Family News: The hosts recount enjoying a long hike and a church club pool party. They also celebrate news from their adult children: their son and daughter will be serving in California and Ohio as team leads with NET Ministries. Seasonal Trends & Relationship Advice Fall Flavor Debates: Mark and Erin discuss whether the Pumpkin Spice Latte has "jumped the shark," noting McDonald's decision to feature a McCafe Caramel Apple Pie flavor instead for fall.Keeping Marriage Fresh: Using the coffee comparison as a launchpad, they reflect on their 26-year marriage. They discuss avoiding burnout by discovering new shared interests, maintaining independent hobbies, and treating love as an active verb of continuous care and service rather than a passing feeling. The Do's and Don'ts of Road Trips Bring (and Agree On) Travel Snacks: Both hosts emphasize having dedicated road trip snacks. They recommend balancing healthy options (nuts, fruit, protein bars) with iconic road trip junk food like Bugles and gummy candies. Stop at Quirky Tourist Traps: Mark recommends embracing spontaneous detours to absurd roadside attractions (such as Wall Drug, South of the Border, or the World's Largest Bison) to keep the journey fun and lighthearted. Plan Frequent Rest Stops: Erin highlights stopping every two hours without judgment for bathroom breaks or stretching, noting that taking brief pit stops keeps everyone comfortable and energized. Avoid High-Stakes Discussions: Mark advises against using road trip drive time to schedule "Define the Relationship" (DRT) talks or heavy emotional confrontation, emphasizing that vacation travel should remain stress-free. Resist Over-Planning: Erin cautions against trying to cram too many states or destinations into a single itinerary, advocating instead for establishing a base camp to settle in and explore surrounding areas comfortably. note: cover art image generated using AI

    Ep 20 Life is a Highway: Road Tripping Do's and Don'ts

  4. Sep 4

    Ep 19 - Hard Habit to Break: Dealing with Addiction

    This episode of Terminal Vocation, hosted by Deacon Mark and Erin, explores how habits and addictions impact romantic relationships and individual identity. Personal Updates & Celebrations In Memoriam of Penny: The hosts share the sad news of passing away of Penny, their 15-year-old dog and occasional podcast "guest." 26th Wedding Anniversary: The hosts celebrate 26 years of marriage, reminiscing about getting married in the year 2000 and poking fun at preferred numbers and dates. Reflections on Scientific Discovery & Relationship Foundations Dark Matter Research: Deacon Mark highlights a news story regarding scientists searching for dark matter using liquid xenon underground. Identity and Fulfillment: The hosts draw a parallel between dark matter—something known to exist long before direct evidence is found—and human relationships. Referencing both St. Augustine and Cool Runnings, they emphasize that a person must first find fulfillment in God and self-worth before seeking a relationship, as a partner cannot fill a missing core piece. Navigating Addictions and Habits in Relationships The Business Analogy: Drawing from the book The Goal, Deacon Mark notes that just as businesses must prioritize their primary resources, relationships require prioritizing God and core vocation; addiction subverts this hierarchy by prioritizing a substance or habit above all else. Defining Addiction: The hosts define addiction—psychological or physical dependence on drugs, substances, or behaviors—and distinguish between unconscious habits and addictive dependencies. Observation and Communication: When noticing an annoying habit or potential red flag (e.g., constant phone usage, heavy drinking, gambling), early observation and open-ended, non-defensive communication are essential to gauge a partner's self-awareness and willingness to change. Testing Boundaries with Lent: Deacon Mark shares his practice of giving up alcohol for 40 days during Lent as a periodic proof of self-control. The hosts suggest using temporary breaks or Lenten sacrifices to help reorder priorities rightly. Making the Final Decision: Ultimatums often backfire by causing resentment or secretive behavior. Ultimately, an individual must decide whether they can accept a partner's struggles as they are or if the behavior represents a definitive deal-breaker.

    Ep 19 - Hard Habit to Break: Dealing with Addiction

  5. Aug 29

    Ep 18 - I'll Be There For You: Supporting Your Friends in the Sacraments

    In this episode of Terminal Vocation, hosts Deacon Mark and Erin discuss what it means to support friends through the sacraments, covering Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Baptism. Weekly Recap & Current Events Movie Night & In Memoriam: Deacon Mark and Erin catch up on seeing the newly released The Odyssey, comparing its modern structure to Homer's classic text, and honor the legacy, music, and philanthropy of Dolly Parton following her passing. Supporting Friends in Holy Matrimony Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties: The hosts advocate shifting pre-wedding celebrations away from "last hurrah" tropes toward meaningful connection. Effective Wedding Toasts: Erin shares her guidelines for a great toast: keep it under three minutes, practice beforehand, and focus on the couple's virtues and future together. Sacramental & Spiritual Support: Friends are encouraged to pray specifically for the couple and support them through their formal marriage preparation (such as Pre-Cana) rather than focusing solely on party logistics. Supporting Friends in Holy Orders (Ordination) Understanding the Journey: The hosts outline the long formation path for religious life. Practical & Spiritual Accompaniment: Friends can support candidates by attending their ordination Masses and other rites, assisting with practical needs during the transition to a parish, praying for their perseverance, and offering continued encouragement as they adapt to their new state in life. Supporting Friends in Baptism The Role of Godparents & Community: The hosts examine the spiritual responsibilities of godparents, emphasizing that their role is to help raise the child in the faith rather than serve as a mere honorary title. Ongoing Sacramental Encouragement: Beyond the baptismal day, friends and godparents are called to celebrate baptismal anniversaries, model a faithful life, and support parents in their duty as the primary educators of the faith.

    Ep 18 - I'll Be There For You: Supporting Your Friends in the Sacraments

  6. Aug 21

    Ep 17 - Episode 17 - "Choosin’ Texas": When your significant other waves a red flag, pay attention!

    In this episode, we dive into the subtle warning signs in relationships, exploring why so many of us fall in love with someone’s potential rather than their present reality. We unpack why it’s so tempting to ignore early red flags in favor of an idealized future, and what happens when you find yourself competing with a partner’s unresolved past. We kick off catching up on our week including the newly empty nest after the kids have returned to their jobs and missions, and the start of OCIA and Erin's school kids returning. Then as a bit of a change to our usual episode, our "This Just In" topic is our main topic as we use Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" as a way to talk about navigating relationship red flags and the trap of trying to fix or wait on someone. We discuss the weight of unresolved longings (whether it's an ex, an old lifestyle, or a city left behind), how to recognize when you're being treated like an outsider in your partner's world, and why someone’s reluctance to commit is a reflection of their own readiness, not your worth. Together in Holiness Conference

    Ep 17 - Episode 17 - "Choosin’ Texas": When your significant other waves a red flag, pay attention!

  7. Aug 14

    Ep16 Lean on Me: How Teams of Our Lady Strengthens Catholic Marriages

    In this episode of Terminal Vocation, Deacon Mark and Erin catch up on family life, back-to-school season, and the bittersweet dynamics of launching adult children into their next chapters. Reflecting on a recent news story about Ariana Grande taking a step back from her tour, they discuss how similar it can be as parents to both love your family, and sometimes need a break to recharge and renew. The main focus of this week's discussion centers on Teams of Our Lady—an international Catholic lay movement dedicated to enriching married spirituality and helping couples strive for holiness together. What is Teams of Our Lady? The origins of the movement founded by Fr. Henri Caffarel and its core mission to make good marriages better. How Teams Work: The structure of a monthly meeting, from sharing a meal and prayer to deep sharing during difficult life moments. The Core Endeavors: Practical spiritual tools for couples, including scripture reading, daily prayer, family/couple devotions, a personal "rule of life," and the invaluable monthly "sit-down" with your spouse. Our Personal Journey: What nearly 20 years of participating in Teams taught us about community, marriage, and balancing family commitments through different seasons of life. Whether you're looking for ways to strengthen your marriage, curious about small group movements within the Church, or just trying to navigate the busyness of family life, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement! Enjoying the show? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend!

    Ep16 Lean on Me: How Teams of Our Lady Strengthens Catholic Marriages

  8. Jul 31

    Video Killed the Radio Star: Social Media Video Trends for Couples

    Hosts Deacon Mark and Erin introduce this episode on social media trends. Weekly Catch-Up: Erin talks about sixth-grade orientation at school, while Deacon Mark details an adventurous scuba diving trip to the Florida Keys with his son. Mini Topic on Care and "Sunk Costs": Mark recounts a situation from his diving trip involving a couple on the dive boat. The story prompts a conversation about relationship dynamics, prioritizing a partner’s well-being over personal desires or "sunk costs," and making sacrifices for the people you are with. This Just In: The hosts touch on a news article featuring actor Tom Holland reflecting on his early career. They discuss the relatable experience of looking back at past work or early life choices with a mix of embarrassment and growth, drawing parallels to the learning curves of early parenting. Social Media Trends: The core of the episode shifts to analyzing viral relationship-focused social media trends. "Kiss Your Crush" / "Shoot Your Shot" Videos: The hosts discuss the trend of individuals filming themselves taking a sudden romantic leap with a friend or crush. They examine the awkwardness of putting someone on the spot and the ethics of recording private, vulnerable moments for public content."Rage Bait" & Dessert Pranks: The conversation turns to staged or unexpected public pranks—such as a partner opting out of ordering dessert while their significant other orders. They highlight how these trends play on public embarrassment, manipulation, and the potential cruelty of making a partner the punchline for online views.Pranking Within Limits: The hosts contrast public online manipulation with lighthearted, harmless pranks among family members at home, sharing a brief personal anecdote about an April Fool's Day joke.He Won't Let Me Open My Door: The final trend discussed is one where couples film the gentleman not allowing the lady to open her own door, playing on the notion of chivalry to the extreme. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of communication, consent, and prioritizing real-life relationships over internet views.

    Video Killed the Radio Star: Social Media Video Trends for Couples
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About

Join hosts Deacon Mark and Erin Voorheis on Terminal Vocation, a practical Catholic marriage podcast for engaged and newly married couples and those navigating the first five years of matrimony. Combining standard textbook tenets of the Catholic faith with relatable, everyday humor, this marriage and family life show dives into the real-world challenges couples face—from money and in-laws to kids and communication. Discover how to lean into sacramental grace, laugh through the mistakes, and embrace holy matrimony as a lifelong, joyful vocation. New episodes weekly!

Information

  • Creator
    Mark and Erin Voorheis
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mark and Erin Voorheis
  • Show Website
    Terminal Vocation