Practicing Catholic

Augustine Institute
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A weekly podcast for everyday holiness featuring real conversations and practical wisdom to arm you in the ordinary pursuit of sanctification. Join the Augustine Institute’s Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger as they explore topics such as work, family life, prayer, and Catholic culture. Each episode encourages and equips you with timeless wisdom drawn from Scripture, the lives of the Saints, and the Tradition of the Church, offering practical ways to grow in holiness in the midst of daily life. Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: http://bit.ly/3IHWk5q

  1. 4 HR AGO

    The Best Podcasts for Catholics (and Why They Matter More Than You Think)

    In this episode of Practicing Catholic, the team shares their favorite podcasts—both Catholic and non-Catholic—and explores how what we listen to shapes our minds, habits, and spiritual lives. From productivity and business strategy to theology, parenting, and Sunday homilies, they reflect on how podcasts can help us grow in virtue, deepen our understanding of the faith, and live more intentionally.   They also discuss the importance of choosing content wisely in an age of endless information, the balance between input and silence, and how to integrate faith into everyday life—even in the middle of a busy schedule. Plus, they tackle listener questions on artificial intelligence and how young people can live out their Catholic faith in the chaos of high school and college.   Whether you're looking for new podcast recommendations or seeking to be more intentional with your time, this episode offers practical insights for living a faithful and focused life.   Check out Taylor and Scott’s favorite podcasts below! Deep Questions: https://www.thedeeplife.com/listen/ Acquired: https://www.acquired.fm Thomistic Institute Podcast: https://podcast.thomisticinstitute.org Criteria: https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/category/criteria// The Score: https://www.revivalmusicproject.org/podthescore/ Messy Family Podcast: https://messyfamilypodcast.org At the Table with Pat Lencioni:https://www.tablegroup.com/at-the-table/ The Optimal Work Podcast: https://optimalwork.com/podcast Catechism in a Year: https://app.ascensionpress.com/podcasts/catechism Bishop Barron Sunday Sermons: https://www.wordonfire.org/videos/sermons/ Pints with Aquinas: http://pintswithaquinas.com   The Lila Rose Show: https://www.lilaroseshow.com The Pillar Podcast: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/s/the-pillar-podcast Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World: https://sqpn.com/podcasts/jimmy-akins-mysterious-world/   Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    46 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    St. Joseph: The Quiet Strength Every Christian Needs

    Why is St. Joseph such a powerful model for Christians today? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Scott Hefelfinger reflect on the life and example of St. Joseph as husband, father, worker, and disciple. From his silent obedience in Scripture to his courageous leadership of the Holy Family, St. Joseph shows what it means to trust God’s providence—even in uncertainty.   The hosts share personal stories of devotion to St. Joseph, discuss how his example speaks especially to men, fathers, and workers, and explore the virtues that made him the guardian of Jesus and Mary. They also tackle questions about devotion to St. Joseph, superstition, and even why Catholics believe in purgatory.   Whether you're deepening your Lenten journey or looking for a stronger model of discipleship, this conversation invites you to rediscover the quiet but powerful witness of St. Joseph.   Find the Glories of St. Joseph book here: https://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/the-glories-of-st-joseph/p/BKSNT00204?srsltid=AfmBOoq5OYlgy-_GDVrLImWHXG98ZknApPnEOJvR7KwzeX_efNLgJIIz Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min

  3. 8 MAR

    Mid-Lent Check-In: When Your Lenten Plan Falls Apart

    How is your Lent actually going?   In this honest mid-Lent check-in, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on what happens when sickness, stress, family life, and temptation derail your carefully crafted Lenten commitments. From giving up sweets and alcohol to family prayer and creative almsgiving, they share practical wisdom on perseverance, flexibility, and beginning again.   They also tackle common questions: Are almsgiving and tithing the same thing? How do you structure a Catholic men’s group? Are the three pillars of Lent equal in weight?   If you’ve struggled, compromised, or feel like you need a reset, this episode is your encouragement: don’t give up. Begin again. Charity is the measure.   This is the Practicing Catholic Podcast, where we explore the often arduous—but always fruitful—practice of holiness in everyday life.   Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min

  4. 2 MAR

    La La Land & the Cost of Your Dreams

    What does La La Land have to do with living the Catholic faith? More than you think.   In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Taylor Kemp dive into the beauty, heartbreak, and moral tension at the heart of this modern musical. As we unpack the love story between Mia and Sebastian, we wrestle with a deeply human question: Is chasing your dreams worth the cost of love? Through the film’s unforgettable final montage, we explore sacrifice, vocation, hierarchy of goods, communication in relationships, and what true happiness really looks like.   This conversation is a reminder that Catholics don’t have to avoid “secular” films—we can engage them thoughtfully, find what is true and beautiful, and allow great storytelling to sharpen our understanding of faith, love, and the choices that shape our lives.   Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    45 min

  5. 23 FEB

    The Books That Changed Our Catholic Lives

    What are the three most impactful books you’ve ever read? In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger share the books that profoundly shaped their faith, prayer life, and approach to work.   From Genesis 1–4 to Deep Work, they reflect on how Scripture, the saints, and thoughtful reading can transform the intellectual life, spiritual life, and daily responsibilities of lay Catholics. They also discuss practical takeaways: creating a reading plan, committing to a prayer schedule, and developing a personal rule of life. If you’re looking for faithful book recommendations—or inspiration to grow in holiness—this episode is for you.   Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    42 min

  6. 16 FEB

    What Are You Giving Up for Lent—and Why It Matters

    Lent is almost here, and the question returns every year: What should I give up—and what should I take on? In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger walk through how Catholics can approach Lent with intention, freedom, and joy.   Together, they explore the three pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—and share practical, lived examples of how these practices can shape family life, reorder desires, and make room for deeper intimacy with God. From navigating media and technology to forming children in generosity and prayer, this conversation offers a grounded, realistic approach to Lenten commitments.   Whether you’re discerning your Lenten plan or looking to reframe Lent as an invitation rather than a burden, this episode will help you enter the season with clarity, humility, and hope.   Want to go deeper this Lent? Check out these resources on Formed! How to Lent: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1096760Foretold: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1096357The Heart of Prayer with Bishop Andrew Cozzens: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1473553  Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here:  http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min

  7. 9 FEB

    Hope, Redemption, and Chaste Love: The Book of Ruth (Part 2)

    In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger conclude their inaugural Bible study by diving deep into the second half of the Book of Ruth. What initially seems like a strange or even uncomfortable story unfolds into one of Scripture’s most beautiful portraits of hope, virtue, and redemption.   Together, they explore the dramatic threshing floor scene, the role of the kinsman-redeemer, and how Ruth and Boaz break destructive patterns from Israel’s past through freedom, courage, and moral clarity. Set against the chaos of the period of the Judges, Ruth reveals how God’s providence works through ordinary choices marked by fidelity, chastity, and self-giving love.   This conversation highlights why Ruth stands at the heart of salvation history — pointing forward to King David and ultimately to Christ — and why its message still speaks powerfully to modern Christians seeking holiness in family life, marriage, and everyday decisions.   Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here:  http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    51 min

  8. 2 FEB

    The Book of Ruth: A Love Story That Isn’t as Weird as You Think

    The Book of Ruth can feel strange to modern readers—but beneath its unfamiliar customs is one of Scripture’s most beautiful stories of fidelity, love, and God’s providence. In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, we begin a new Bible study by taking a fresh look at Ruth and why this short Old Testament book matters so much for Christians today.   Together, we explore the historical and cultural context of Ruth, unpacking themes of loyalty, family, and redemption that often get overlooked. This conversation helps listeners see how Ruth fits into the larger story of salvation history—and why the Church continues to return to it as a source of wisdom and hope.   This is part one of our Practicing Catholic Bible study on the Book of Ruth, setting the foundation for a deeper dive in the next episode.   Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here:   http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min
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About

A weekly podcast for everyday holiness featuring real conversations and practical wisdom to arm you in the ordinary pursuit of sanctification. Join the Augustine Institute’s Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger as they explore topics such as work, family life, prayer, and Catholic culture. Each episode encourages and equips you with timeless wisdom drawn from Scripture, the lives of the Saints, and the Tradition of the Church, offering practical ways to grow in holiness in the midst of daily life. Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear it! Click here: http://bit.ly/3IHWk5q

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