The Walk

Fr. Roderick Vonhögen
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The Walk

A weekly walk with Fr. Roderick during which he shares his thoughts as a priest on the struggles and challenges as well as the joys and surprises of day-to-day life.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    The Walk: How To Have a Merry Little Christmas

    The other day, I woke up with a Christmas song in my head. It wasn’t just any version—it was the Muppets and John Denver, singing 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'. Nostalgia hit hard, reminding me of simpler, cozier moments from childhood. But here’s the thing: the world today feels far from cozy or simple. How can we have ourselves a Merry Little Christmas when the world is on fire? Still, the story of the Nativity holds lessons that matter even more now.  I talk about it in this week's episode of my podcast 'The Walk'. Some takeaways:  ☑ Focus on what you can control ↳ Global problems can feel overwhelming. ↳ Your local actions still create real impact. ↳ Small, consistent kindness changes lives around you. Jesus was born as a powerless child in a world that was in turmoil. Christmas is about small beginnings that end up changing the world. ☑ Turn Worry Into Prayer ↳ Worry drains energy. ↳ Focus on gratitude for what’s going well, even amidst challenges. ↳ Set aside five minutes each morning to sit quietly and pray. 'Do not be afraid,' is the message of the angels. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. ☑ Embrace small acts of kindness ↳ Find a need in your immediate circle.↳ Commit to one action you can do today.↳ Reflect on how it impacted you and others. Mary wrapped her newborn son in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. Jesus' first experience is the simple, gentle care of his mother. Celebrating Christmas isn’t trying to escape reality. It’s about seeing the power in small actions and shared moments. So... have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

    37 min

  2. DEC 17

    The Walk: How To Avoid Christmas Stress

    Christmas stress hit me hard this week.   I was sitting at my desk after hours of non-stop work when it dawned on me: Christmas Eve is less than an week away. My brain went into overdrive. So much to do. So many obligations. How am I this far behind? I imagined the chaos—rushing to clean the house, prepare meals, and meet commitments I’d promised without thinking. Sound familiar?   We romanticize the holidays—lights, calm evenings, and joy. But in reality, we’re sprinting through the season. Here’s how I’m learning to slow down, reclaim calm, and actually enjoy Christmas this year:   ☑ Start with a list. ↳ Write down everything you’ve committed to. ↳ Ask: “What can I cut, postpone, or simplify?” ↳ Overcommitting helps no one—not you, not them.   ☑ Create 15-minute calm moments. ↳ Light a candle. Sit in silence. Breathe. ↳ Dedicate this time to slowing down. ↳ Say, “This moment is for me and for God.”   ☑ Simplify social obligations. ↳ Perfect meals? Spotless homes? Not necessary. ↳ People value your presence over perfection. ↳ Be available, not overwhelmed.   ☑ Move at a human pace. ↳ Deliberately walk slower. Talk slower. Think slower. ↳ Recognize when you’re rushing and pause.   ☑ Make room for God at Christmas. ↳ Attend a church service. ↳ Arrive super early and take time to slow down. ↳ Let go of all stress, take a deep breath and open your heart.   ☑ React to stress with calm. ↳ Stress is contagious. Calm is, too. ↳ Choose to smile, breathe, and move forward deliberately.   The goal isn’t a stress-free life. It’s you learning to move through it differently. Christmas isn’t a performance. It’s an invitation to slow down, unburden yourself, and make space for joy.   In this week's episode of my podcast 'The Walk', I share how I am trying to implement these tips.   What’s one small way you’ll slow down this Christmas?

    47 min

  3. DEC 10

    The Walk: Why Dreams Matter

    A couple of weeks ago, I found myself standing on the windswept Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. During the bus ride, I had been listening to an audiobook about the life of Saint Patrick, and I was surprised to learn how dreams had played a significant role in his decision to return to Ireland. Those dreams changed the course of history. Like many other saints that lived in Ireland, Patrick changed the world with nothing but faith and determination. I kept asking myself: How did he do it? No armies, no wealth—just stories and dreams. That question stayed with me, and now it’s shaping how I approach my own work and goals. Most people set goals, but many miss the deeper step: dreaming big. What if achieving your ambitions started with rediscovering your dreams? Maybe this is why Saint Patrick made the most important decisions in his life after reflecting on the dreams he had at night. In this episode of my podcast 'The Walk', I share how storytelling and dreaming transform how we connect with others—and ourselves. ☑ Why I traveled to Ireland for answers: ↳ The secret behind how ancient saints inspired entire nations. ↳ What their stories teach us about courage and purpose. ↳ Why their methods remain shockingly relevant today. ☑ The power of storytelling in your goals: ↳ How stories make your message unforgettable. ↳ Why data alone won’t inspire action. ↳ How I’m using storytelling to bring faith alive in a modern world. ☑ Why writing dreams down changes everything: ↳ A simple exercise to uncover what truly drives you. ↳ How visualizing your goals keeps you on track daily. ↳ Why combining prayer and planning creates unstoppable momentum. This isn’t just about storytelling or faith—it’s about finding the "why" behind what you do. If you’ve felt stuck or uninspired lately, this episode is for you. What’s one dream you’re ready to write down and pursue?

    47 min

  4. DEC 3

    The Walk: Time To Make Room For Advent

    In this episode of The Walk, I take you along as I reflect on a small but meaningful change in my life: transforming an old coatroom into a cozy winter office. This tiny space has become my retreat, a place to focus and create without distractions. But the process of clearing out the clutter wasn’t just about tidying up—it became a lesson in making room for what’s really important, both in my home and in my life. As Advent begins, I share how this season invites us to do the same: to simplify, refocus, and create space for the things that truly matter. From letting go of distractions to carving out time for creativity, prayer, or meaningful connections, I hope this episode encourages you to look at how you can find clarity and purpose during this special time of year. And who knows? Maybe it will inspire you to tackle a little project of your own.Fr. RoderickP.S. Join my online community, support my work and get access to my weekly Premium Podcast by going to https://fatherroderick.com/join

    39 min

  5. NOV 27

    The Walk: Why You Keep So Much Clutter

    I'll admit it - I'm a bit of a digital hoarder. My internet browser is like a virtual junk drawer, with tabs upon tabs open at any given time. Why do I insist on keeping so many tabs open, even when they're just cluttering up my computer and slowing everything down? It's not just the browser either - I used to have bookshelves overflowing with tomes from my university days, and a closet full of memorabilia from my travels. Maybe it all comes down to this deep-seated fear of losing information, ideas, and memories. As the years go by, it's like I'm trying to hold onto every little thing, terrified that if I let go, I'll forget or miss out on something important. But is that really the healthiest approach? In this episode of my podcast 'The Walk', I dive into the bittersweet process of aging - the physical changes, the nostalgia, and the challenge of learning to let go. It's not all doom and gloom, though. I also explore the benefits of embracing each stage of life, and how a little gratitude can go a long way in reframing the experience of getting older. So if you, like me, find yourself drowning in a sea of open tabs and half-forgotten keepsakes, give this episode a listen. You might just find some wisdom and humor to help you navigate the journey of growing older (and wiser). After all, as they say, with age comes...well, a lot of stuff. But also the opportunity to reflect, appreciate, and move forward in a meaningful way.

    39 min

  6. NOV 19

    The Walk: What's The Point Of A Reading Challenge?

    In this episode of The Walk, I share with you a conversation I had with someone who was wondering what the point is of reading books when you probably have no time of life left to do anything with the knowledge you gain? And what's the point of reading altogether? I share why I try to read 150 books this year, how I manage to read so many books and how the reading process affects me on various important levels. Check out my book reading challenge here: https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/50362078 👉 Join my online community, support my work and get access to my weekly Premium podcast here: https://fatherroderick.com/join

    44 min

  7. NOV 12

    The Walk: How I Calm My Mind

    Ever notice how some days the hum of a leaf blower or other background noise can be more aggravating than others? I explore how my own tolerance for these everyday sounds can fluctuate, and how it reflects my level of sensory regulation (or disregulation and overload). The Impact of Overstimulation In a world filled with constant distractions, it’s easy to find ourselves overstimulated, which can lead to irritability and stress. Growing up, I was taught to be productive every moment, a habit that led to my own state of chronic overstimulation. During my recent trip to Ireland, I experienced this firsthand as I adapted to new surroundings daily. Even sleeping in hostels brought sensory overload, with unfamiliar sounds, background music and social interaction. Finding Relief Through Decompression Techniques Coming home, I focused on winding down through sensory decompression techniques. Noise-canceling headphones, calming music, and scheduled time to reset became essential. I also found that the Pomodoro Technique, paired with realistic prioritization, helps me manage my tasks without feeling overwhelmed. Calming Activities: Audiobooks and Low-Effort Gaming Reading is another outlet—particularly audiobooks, which I listen to at different speeds based on what I need. I also turned to cosy, low-effort videogames, which have become valuable ways to unwind without guilt. I've learned how much relaxation is crucial for mental well-being. The Power of Social Connection Although I’m more introverted, being around others—even without active interaction—brings a sense of calm. My running group has been a great help in maintaining that balance. Rational vs Irrational Thoughts I share some ideas from a particularly insightful book I read this weekend (check out my Goodreads review). I realized how I've already been applying the method described in this book for a while now, which helped me work through strong emotional reactions and catastrophizing thoughts and replace them with rational perspectives. This shift has had a profound impact on managing emotional overwhelm and staying grounded. I hope that by sharing these experiences and the methods that helped me, this episode can help you reclaim calm amid life’s noise as well.

    48 min

  8. NOV 6

    The Walk: What The Monks of Glendalough Taught Me

    After a month-long hiatus, I'm back with a new episode of The Walk! During my time away, I traveled to Ireland to explore the rich Catholic tradition and the influence of the early Celtic saints. This trip was also a personal quest for me, as I normally like to have everything planned out. But this time, I decided to let go of my fear and just dive in, and I'm so glad I did. The time away gave me a chance to reflect on the direction of my two public podcasts - The Walk and The Break. For The Walk, I plan to keep the same format of taking listeners on a walk with me and discussing life's challenges and how faith can help guide us. For The Break, I'm rebranding it as "Geek Priest" to better align with my love of movies, TV, and all things geeky. I'm also going to focus each episode on a specific topic that I'm passionate about, and add some random topics in the second half of the show. One of the stories I want to share with you today is about the monastic site of Glendalough in Ireland. This place, founded by St. Kevin in the 5th century, endured many hardships over the centuries, including Viking raids and political upheaval. But through it all, the main tower at Glendalough has remained standing as a symbol of God's enduring presence and the resilience of faith. It's a powerful reminder that no matter what challenges we face, or how anxious we sometimes feel, God will never abandon us.Get early access to my video course on the Celtic Saints by supporting my work with a donation: https://fatherroderick.com/celticsaints

    33 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
94 Ratings

About

A weekly walk with Fr. Roderick during which he shares his thoughts as a priest on the struggles and challenges as well as the joys and surprises of day-to-day life.

Information

  • Creator
    Fr. Roderick Vonhögen
  • Years Active
    2007 - 2024
  • Episodes
    309
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2005-2024 Stichting Trideo. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Walk

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