Catholic media, events, & community
The Prodigal Life
Hosted by
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
Nick De La Torre
Ellen Holmes Steeves-LeBlanc
Ep93. Recruiting Priests for The Army & Bearing the Burden of War w/ Fr. Peter Pomposello
Our second episode with Father Peter Pomposello we discuss his mission to recruit priests for the army. In our conversation we address the sacrifice of being a soldier, the necessary threat of violence, just war, moral injury of taking life, and Catholic moral teaching. This is a powerful episode you do not want to miss!
Ep92. Torn Between Getting Married and Becoming a Priest w/ Fr. Peter Pomposello
In this episode we are joined by military chaplain Father Peter Pomposello to talk about his life story. Father Peter shares about growing up Catholic, falling away, joining the army, and breaking up with his girlfriend to become a priest.
Ep91. Q&A: Death and Mortal Sin, Origins of the Universe, and Addressing Atheism
In this episode we take your questions and comments from the last 6 months and respond to the most interesting and controversial ones. We begin addressing what it means to be made in the image of God, the origins of the universe, could something have created God, the importance of “free will”, and the issue of mortal sin and death.
Ep90. The Creation of Parousia Media | Humble Beginnings with Fiery Purpose - Pt.2 w/ Charbel Raish
In our second episode with Charbel Raish we learn about what inspired him to found Pouresia Media. It all started with Charbel’s need to understand his own faith, some cassettes of Scott Hahn, learning apologetics, and recognizing a need in Australia for Catholic media. From humble beginnings, to financial struggles, the temptation to give up, and random blessings along the way Parousia Media is now a growing media distributor and production company serving Australia and New Zealand.
Ep89. Islam Made Me a Better Catholic - Pt.1 w/ Charbel Raish
In this episode we are joined by Charbel Raish, the founder of Parousia Media. Charbel describes his journey of faith and how his interest in Islam ultimately made him a better Catholic. From being born into a Catholic family, to being drawn to Islam as a teenager, beginning his search for truth, discovering Christ in the Tabernacle, and having respectful discussions with Muslims, Charbel’s incredible story reveals the power of one's openness to God and truth.
Ep88. Building a Positive Online Catholic Community w/ Danielle Bean
In our second episode with Danielle Bean we dive into what inspired her to become an author and podcaster as well as her work building an online community with Good Catholic. We discuss the longing to connect with people, the impact of online communities, how to balance family and work, and recognizing that you’re not the only one struggling with life.
Ep87. The REAL Way to Keep Your Kids From Leaving the Church w/ Danielle Bean
In this episode we are joined by Danielle Bean, host of the “Girlfriends” podcast on Good Catholic. Danielle talks about growing up in a large Catholic family, building the foundation of a consistent faith life, and raising her own children to know and love the Lord. Through our discussion we address raising strong Catholic kids, faith as part of your identity, being the example to your children, and the struggle of keeping your kids from leaving the Church.
Ep86. Overcoming Temptations and Banishing the Devil From Your Life w/ Charles Fraune
In our second episode with Charles Fraune, the founder of Slaying Dragons Press, we dive into spiritual warfare and learning how to fend off the devil. Charles explains how he started writing his books on spiritual warfare and we dive into understanding the authority our Lord has over the demons, why you should not be afraid, Sacraments, Sacramentals, prayers, the rise of the occult, being in a state of grace, and much more. Learn how you can overcome temptations and banish the devil from your life!
Ep85. God Saved Me From Crippling Anxiety, Depression, and Deep Insecurities w/ Charles Fraune
In this episode we are joined by Charles Fraune, Founder of Slaying Dragons Press and author of several celebrated books on exorcism and spiritual warfare. Charles shares his personal story of falling away from the Church, growing up with deep insecurities, dealing with severe anxiety and depression, panic attacks, medication, and the healing that came through seminary. He discusses how important it is for young men to have a seminary gap year without the pressure to become a priest and the power of letting go and allowing God to use you.
Ep84. Speak Truth in Love Against the WOKE Culture - Pt.3 w/ Fr. Chris Alar
In our third and final episode with Father Chris Alar, we dive deep into the confusion of modern Western culture. We address the need to speak truth in love in the face of woke transgender ideology, racism, the BLM agenda, and fear mongering. American society is lost in a mire of confusion and the Catholic Church has the tools to help heal the brokenness. It is up to faithful Catholics to remind the world of its original goodness, speak the truth of the gospel, and minimize the casualties of this war between heaven and hell.
Ep83. The Divine Mercy Shrine and Spiritual Experiences - Pt.2 w/ Fr. Chris Alar
In this episode we welcome back Father Chris Alar to discuss The Divine Mercy Shrine and spiritual apparitions. We address why some people have mystical experiences while others don’t, how apparitions can help our faith, and the importance of visiting shrines to experience Christ in a profound way.
Ep82. Suicide, Divine Mercy, and Discerning the Priesthood - Pt.1 w/ Father Chris Alar
We are joined by Father Chris Alar, popular author, speaker, and show host at EWTN. Fr. Alar shares his amazing life journey from feeling forced to go to mass, to the suicide of a family member, being engaged to be married, a miraculous encounter with Christ in the Eucharist, confession, and the Divine Mercy. We discuss how God’s mercy stands outside of time, praying for those who have died, forgiveness, and discernment between marriage or the priesthood.
Ep81. Racism | Unpacking the Complexities of Discrimination
In this episode we discuss what defines racism and what Catholics can do to change the culture. The conversation covers racism vs prejudice, ignorance, institutional racism, minorities, personal experiences of discrimination, and how Catholics can help heal the racial divide.
Ep80. Ordinariate Catholics, Liturgy, Culture, and Married Priests w/ Fr. William Waun
In this episode we are joined again by Father William Waun, an Ordinariate priest of the Chair of Saint Peter. Father Wuan talks about the Ordinariate, Old English Catholicism, the cultural differences between Catholic rites, and serving as a Navy chaplain.
Ep79. How a Fundamentalist Pastor’s Kid Became a Catholic Priest w/ Fr. William Waun
In this episode we are joined by Father William Wuan, a Catholic priest of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter. Father Wuan shares about being raised in a Fundamentalist home with a very strict upbringing, going to Seminary, becoming a Methodist pastor, and eventually being ordained a married Catholic priest.
Ep78. The Source of Morality, Types of Sin, the Bible & Salvation, and How to Follow Jesus
In this episode we address some of the most recent comments on our show. We address whether you can set your own moral laws, what the Church teaches about morality, what is sin, did the Catholic Church burn the first Bibles, is the Bible necessary for salvation, and what God require from you to be a follower of Christ? We appreciate everyone who has commented over the years and continue to pray for all of you!
Ep77. The Post Roe Future | A New Way Forward w/ Eric Scheidler
In this episode we are joined again by Eric Shceidler, the executive director of the Pro-Life Action League to discuss his organization and the work they do. We address why every Catholic is called to be pro-life, the morality of life issues, losing friends over Roe, social justice, debating with pro-choicers, loving your enemies, and how to move forward in the post Roe future.
Ep76. From Atheist to Activist for Life w/ Eric Scheidler
In this episode we are joined by Eric Scheidler, the executive director of the Pro-Life Action League. Eric shares his story about being the son of a prominent Pro-Life activist, becoming an agnostic/atheist, and how an NFP class brought him back to the Catholic Church. He details his journey to becoming a leading activist in the pro-life movement and the challenges of organizing large events, protests, dealing with Planned Parenthood, and encounters with the police.
Ep75. Leadership Begins with You w/ Christopher Pereyra
In this episode we are joined by Christopher Pereyra, the CEO of Tepeyac Leadership Initiative. Christopher shares about the international mission of TLI to equip everyday Catholic lay people with the tools for leadership roles within their places of business and within their communities. Don’t sit idly in the pews waiting for the pastors to do everything. It is the task of every Christian to help lead other people to Christ.
Ep74. Spiritual Warfare | Defend Yourself Against the Devil w/ Steve Cunningham
Joined again by Steve Cunningham, we dig deep into spiritual warfare and discuss how to protect yourself against attacks from the devil. It’s important to know your spiritual weapons, such as holy water, ashes on Ash Wednesday, praying the rosary, and other sacramentals. The Good News of the gospel is that Jesus already won the ultimate victory but we still have battles to wage!