The AWAKEN Catholic Show

 

Not your grandmother's Catholic talk show. Join Nick De La Torre in hilarious, thought-provoking, and tear jerking conversations about faith, life, and God.

Nick De La Torre

Nick has served in Catholic ministry for over 10 years. He is the founder of AWAKEN Catholic and has served around the country as a musician and speaker for Dynamic Catholic, Renewal Ministries, Extraordinary Mission and Life Teen retreats, conferences, and events.
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The AWAKEN Catholic Show
Hosted by Nick De La Torre

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26. "The BODY MATTERS" T.O.B.E.T. @ Momentum'21 CMN Conference

In this episode Nick interviews Monica, founder and author of the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team (T.O.B.E.T.) Monica discusses the importance of Theology of the Body and how it lead her and her team to create educational materials for children based around this fundamental view of humanity. Find out why the body matters and what it means to have a sacramental view of reality in this special live broadcast from Chicago.

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25. Fear, Cuba, and the Eucharist

In this episode Nick takes us on a journey into a serious discussion about Cuba, the protests, its history, and how government put itself in the place of God. We see how fear played a role in the enslavement of Cuba to Communism and the corrolation with how fear enslaves our hearts and minds. Yet Christ is always with us! He waits for us to call upon and trust Him. Be encouraged as Nick talks about the importance of entrusting our lives to the Son of God rather than to man made institutions.

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24. Kickstart the Mission Campaign!

We are starting a glorious new chapter at AWAKEN Catholic and we need your help to make it possible! Join us as Nick shares the joys and struggles of running a non-profit orginization, the hard work and faith it took to get this far, and the power of support in helping the mission to move forward.

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23. Learn to Love Your Own Story w/ Liv Harrison

Radio host, podcaster, and motivational speaker Liv Harrison joins the show in this deeply personal episode about emotional trauma, going through identity crises, and giving yourself permission to be human. Liv opens up about her past as an obese child, how weight became her sheild against the world, and finding healing through the power of the Sacraments. Find out how Liv learned to love her own story by sharing her gift with others.

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22. Thou Shalt Love w/Jason Evert

Renowned Catholic speaker Jason Evert joins the show to discuss true sexual freedom. Jason delves into his past as a youth addicted to porn, living a double life, and discovering that the best witness to faith is seeing it quietly lived every day. Find out how Jason discovered his own healing through St. John Paul 2's writings and how it shaped him into the man that he is today.

In this Catholic Weird Stuff segment we discuss what makes Natural Family Planning the BEST form of birth-control. We compare it to the pill and consider why the Church cares about the difference.

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21. Marketing the Catholic Way w/ Cathy Gilmore

Cathy Gilmore comes onto the show to talk about the Catholic Marketing Network (CMN), the Momentum Conference, and her journey back to the Catholic Church.

In this segment of Catholic Weird Stuff, Cathy talks about her series of children's books, "Tiny Virtue Heroes". She also teaches Nick the 3 steps of becoming a virtue hero, as well as the real meaning of virtue.

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20. Spreading Pro-Life on TikTok w/ Hannah Scheramic

In this episode, Hannah Scheramic, a pro-life TikToker and mother of two, comes onto the show. Hannah shares how her pro-life channel on TikTok came to fruition. She also talks about her journey through hurt to find freedom and hope, as well as her story of how she became pro-life.

In this segment of Catholic Weird Stuff, Nick and Hannah discuss the new Eve, Mary. They chat about why Jesus addresses her as "woman", why she is the new Ark of the Covenant, and Mary's sassiness.

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19. Knowing About God vs Knowing God w/ Kirk Ross

In this episode, host Nick De La Torre welcomes Kirk Ross to the show. They talk about Kirk's conversion story (including his escapades in Austria), what it was like transitioning to Catholic teaching and seeing Jesus in a different way, and so much more!

In this segment of Catholic Weird Stuff, Nick and Kirk talk about bad popes in Church history. They touch on calling out the actions of a pope, while still obeying the word of the Church, the authority of the Office versus the person, and more. Join us!

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18. Keith Nester Comes to Town w/ Keith Nester

Host Nick De La Torre welcomes former pastor and convert to Catholicism, Keith Nester, to the show. Keith tells his conversion story (including his church-going escapades in Austria), talks about his wonderful "Rosary Crew", discusses learning to let go and follow God's will, and so much more! Also, in this segment of Catholic Weird Stuff, Keith and Nick talk about the Latin Mass, including music versus silence, and what drew Keith in.

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17. Awesome Updates w/ Nick De La Torre

Join Nick De La Torre for some crazy updates about AWAKEN Catholic. He discusses some events to look forward to, including: Christopher West’s episode of Pop Culture Catechism, Jason Evert’s events on Why Be Catholic and Sex, Love, and Porn, Night of Worship, the Momentum Conference in Chicago, and more!

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16. We Were Attacked w/ Nick De La Torre

In this episode, join Nick in an honest conversation about devastating news for AWAKEN Catholic, and taking audience questions about the Catholic faith.

Nick talks about how the results of a hacking situation have affected the studio, the support of the show hosts, and how the recent events helped him think of others suffering through more serious trials. He also covers viewer questions on various topics, including purgatory, novenas, and baseball vs. hockey!

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15. Christine in Action w/ Christine Merriman

In this episode, Nick interviews Christine Merriman, a singer, songwriter, and creator of Christine in Action, a YouTube channel that helps kids learn the Catholic Faith through music! They also discuss Christine's faith journey, the importance of catechism for both parents and kids, and asking Siri about who established the Catholic Church!

In this “Catholic Weird Stuff” segment, Nick and Christine discuss the Incorruptibles! And no, they are unfortunately not affiliated with the Incredibles, but they're even cooler! Nick and Christine talk about these saints, whose bodies have not been corrupted. Spooky!

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14. Pop Culture Can Make You Holy w/ Nick De La Torre & Mike Tenney

In this episode Nick interviews the hip host of Pop Culture Catechism, Mike Tenney! Nick talks with Mike about how his show came about. Mike also shares his faith journey, his life as a Catholic speaker, and the episodes of PCC that have stuck out to him so far.

In this “Catholic Weird Stuff” segment, Mike and Nick discuss indulgences and purgatory. What are some common misconceptions about indulgences in the Church’s history? What is the purpose of purgatory? These burning questions and more will be addressed in this segment.

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13. Young Adults and Avoiding Apathy w/ John Trabbic

Nick brings to the show musician, athlete, and husband, John Trabbic . The two discuss how the Church can provide for young adults, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide, and Acedia-The Noonday Devil.

In this “Catholic Weird Stuff” segment, we discuss the Seder meal. What in the world is it? How does it tie back to our Jewish roots? How cool is it that the Old Testament connects with the New!

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12. Authentic Christianity w/ Edmund Mitchell

Nick brings to the show speaker, podcaster, creative consultant, and evangelist, Edmund Mitchell. Meet the man who helped inspire the creation of AWAKEN Catholic! The two discuss authentic faith, working in ministry, and understanding how evangelization is all about encountering the person of Christ.

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11. Courtship and Ministry w/ Annie & Colin

Nick interviews Annie Schlueter and fiance Colin Stroud talking podcasts, stepping into ministry, and what it’s like working with your fiance.

In this “Catholic Weird Stuff” segment we discuss what is up with the Latin Mass. Why do some Catholics like celebrating mass in a dead language? Why doesn’t the priest face the congregation? Where did this practice come from and why is it important?

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10. Music, Math, and Spiritual Leadership

Nick De La Torre interviews rockstar musician and prominent math professor, Deacon Dan Brahier of St. Thomas More University Parish. Deacon Dan shares the moment he realized he was meant to be a deacon, how being a professor at Bowling Green State University impacts his role in the church, and vice versa, and how pastoral leadership has changed him. He discusses his work with students as they embark on their spiritual journeys and how his identity as a deacon has reshaped who he is as a man of God.

In this “Catholic Weird Stuff” segment we learn why Catholics venerate saint relics. What is up with Catholics revering body parts, pieces of clothing, and items touched by saints? Isn’t this a form of idol worship? We take a deep dive into Scripture to evaluate the origins of saint relics and the miracles associated with them.

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9. Following the Call w/ Chris Bray

Nick De La Torre invites to the show Canadian Catholic speaker and musician, Chris Bray.

Together Nick and Chris discuss the difficulties of working in ministry, and the struggle to keep sight of the original purpose of focussing on Christ as the center. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers or in the fear of taking risks. Ultimately, it all comes down to whether we are being faithful to God’s call and living lives modeled after Christ.

In this “Catholic Weird Stuff” segment Nick and Chris discuss why the leadership of the Catholic Church is important. Why do Catholics hold on to the teaching authority of the Church in the Magisterium? And how the unchangeableness of God is reflected in the unchageablness of the Church.

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8. The Power of a Pilgrimage w/Edita Krunic

In this episode Nick De La Torre invites to the show Edita Krunic, Founder, Manager, and President of Select International Tours.

Edita shares her life story as a young girl emigrating from Communist Yugoslavia to the United States and her appreciation for her strong family faith being raised Christian Orthodox. Years later, in 1986, she went back to Yugolsavia and had an experience in the village of Medjugorje where she felt God calling her, through Mary, to completely alter her life. This began the incredible journey toward founding the first Christian Pilgrimage Tour Company to bring pilgrims to the site of Marian apparitions in Medjugore. A Company that now brings pilgrims to several significant Christian sites around the world.

In this “Catholic Weird Stuff” segment we learn about baptism! Why do Catholics baptize infants? What are the qualifiers for a proper baptism? What is the significance of baptism and what scripture supports it?

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7. Finding Heaven in the Feast w/ Fr. Leo

In this episode Nick De La Torre talks with Catholic author, speaker, and award winning chef, Father Leo Patalinghug. As a young man Fr. Leo learned the the joy of sharing food with others and how this communion with people through breaking bread can become a holy experience. We discuss the importance of becoming bread for other people, seeing Christ in ourselves and each other, and living lives filled with the bread from heaven.

In the “Catholic Weird Stuff” segment Nick talks about Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist, the power of the ritual, and why it’s not just a symbol.

Food brings us together and has a power to open up the soul to deeper relationship with one another.

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