In this episode, Kathleen and FOCUS Director of Collegiate Outreach Ben Kelly dive into the spiritual challenges and opportunities that come with heading home for a holiday or break. Kathleen and Ben discuss: The importance of having a plan going into a break.How breaks can be a time of true growth and maturity in your prayer life. The unique challenges of being at home and out of routine.Opportunities for evangelization with family and friends.Ben Kelly is in his 9th year wi...

When you say “yes” to something you genuinely believed God was asking of you—a mission trip, graduate school, even becoming a FOCUS missionary—what do you do when later everything feels too heavy, too complicated, or simply not what you expected? In this episode, Jessica sits down with Fr. John Ezratty to explore the tension between commitment, freedom, and discernment through the lens of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Together they walk through real situations missionaries and students face: ...

In this episode, Kathleen and Chris Vander Woude reflect on the extraordinary life of Tom Vander Woude — a devoted husband, father, and disciple of Christ. As Chris shares personal stories of his father, the conversation honors Tom’s quiet heroism, deep Catholic faith, and unwavering love for his family. Tom gave his life to save his son Joseph, who has Down Syndrome. With discussions on fatherhood, faith, and pro-life convictions, this episode also explores the inspiring legacy t...

It's no secret our world is suffering and under deep spiritual attack. In this episode, Kathleen sits down with Brock Martin to dive into a deeply personal and spiritual conversation about the power and beauty of the Rosary. Brock shares his journey from seeing the Rosary as a routine task to embracing it as a vital devotion and spiritual weapon of the Church. We discuss: Deeper Devotion: Hear Brock's personal story of a renewed love for the Rosary and how it became a powerful par...

Why did Jesus sometimes say things that seem puzzling—or even contradictory—at first glance? In this episode, Dr. Edward Sri joins Jessica to unpack some of the most misunderstood sayings of Jesus in Scripture. Together, we explore the deeper meaning behind His words and actions, revealing the wisdom, mercy, and divine intention that underlie them. In this episode, Dr. Sri explains: John 8:6–8 – The Woman Caught in Adultery: Why did Jesus bend down to write in the dirt—and what might H...

Scrupulosity can feel like a prison—distorting one’s image of God, sowing constant doubt, and making the spiritual life heavy instead of freeing. In this episode, Jess sits down with Fr. Denis Nakkeeran, Dean of Men at St. John’s Seminary to explore the roots of scrupulosity and the path toward healing. We discuss: What scrupulosity is and how it differs from OCDHow scrupulosity distorts our image of God—and what vision of God brings healingPractical guidance for confessors, missionarie...

In 1965, there were 178,000 religious Sisters. In 2024, there were less than 35,000. In less than 60 years, the landscape of women’s religious life has dramatically changed. Can there be a revival in women’s religious vocations? In this episode, Jessica talks with Kathleen Calvin and Sr. Jacinta Man about FOCUS’ new project to promote women’s religious vocations. Jess, Kathleen, and Sr. Jacinta discuss: The sharp decline in women’s religious vocations and what it means for the Church.How FOCU...

Have you ever wondered if spiritual direction is only for people discerning big decisions — or if lay people can really be spiritual directors? In this episode of He Leadeth Me, Jess is joined by Fr. Anthony Weick, a spiritual director at Grand Coteau retreat center, and Eve Doran, Program Director for the FOCUS Spiritual Development Team, to answer your top questions about spiritual direction. Together, they discuss: Whether lay people can serve as spiritual directors and what the Church say...

Have you ever wished you could hit the “reset button” in your spiritual life? In this episode, we explore the wisdom of Venerable Bruno Lanteri and his timeless maxim: Begin Again. Fr. Mark Yavarone, OMV, joins Jessica to unpack how this simple but profound counsel can transform the way we approach prayer, failure, and discouragement. You’ll hear about: Who was Venerable Bruno Lanteri? The founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and his vision for a hopeful spirituality.Why “Begin Aga...

What if the key to growing closer to Jesus is letting His mother into your heart? In this episode, Sr. Gabriella, Vocations Director for the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, helps us unpack what it means to know Mary not just as a figure of devotion, but as a real, living mother who wants to walk with us. Sr. Gabriella and Jess discuss: How Scripture invites us to personally receive Mary as our motherCommon obstacles to Marian devotion—and how to overcome themSimple, mean...

Why does Jesus make such bold promises to those devoted to His Sacred Heart—like turning “tepid souls” into “fervent” ones? In this episode, Jess sits down with Fr. Joe Laramie, SJ, director of the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Sedalia and former director of the Apostleship of Prayer, to explore how this centuries-old devotion speaks directly to the heart of the missionary. Whether you’re feeling spiritually dry, fervent, or somewhere in between, the Sacred Heart offers a deeply person...

What if spiritual warfare is more strategic than we think—and the battlefield is closer than we realize? In this episode, Jess sits down with Jesuit priest and Naval Chaplain Fr. Christopher Krall for a powerful conversation on spiritual warfare. Drawing from his experience as a naval chaplain and spiritual director, Fr. Krall offers insight into how we can recognize and resist the subtle tactics of the enemy—especially after moments of grace or spiritual growth. In this episode, Fr. Krall an...

What really happens when you're confirmed? In this episode, liturgical expert Chris Carstens takes us into the heart of the Sacrament of Confirmation—far beyond the idea of a “graduation ceremony.” We explore how this sacrament completes what began at Baptism, and how it becomes a personal Pentecost—a moment when the Holy Spirit is poured out for strength, mission, and spiritual battle. Chris walks us through the rich symbols of the rite, from the laying on of hands to the anointing wit...

In this deeply encouraging episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to talk about one of the most misunderstood aspects of the spiritual life: how to view our faults through the lens of faith. Drawing on decades of experience as a spiritual director and confessor, Fr. John shares wisdom that combats perfectionism and opens a new way of seeing failure — not as defeat, but as an invitation to deeper intimacy with God. In this episode, Fr. John and Jess discuss: Why becoming more aware of y...

This September, "Triumph of the Heart", a movie about St. Maximilian Kolbe, will hit theaters. In this episode, Fr. Gabriel Gillen joins Jess to review the film. Fr. Gabriel and Jess discuss: Their overall impressions, including acting, pacing, and cinematographyThe director's approach to storytelling as a spiritual meditationThe amount of violence in the film and whether it serves or distracts from the deeper message Whether you're a fan of Catholic cinema or simply inspired by the life...

What happens at the Rite of Consecration of a Virgin? In this episode, host Jessica is joined by liturgical expert Chris Carstens and Elizabeth Black, a Consecrated Virgin, to explore the ancient rite of Consecrated Virginity. Together, they unpack: What makes the vocation of a Consecrated Virgin distinct from religious lifeThe beauty and symbolism of the Rite of Consecration, including the veil, ring, and prayer of consecrationWhat it’s like to live out this vocation in daily life, rooted in...

In this episode, Jess sits down with Cheryl Hansen, a Tribunal Advocate, to talk about what it looks like to walk closely with someone going through the painful and often confusing journey of divorce and annulment. Jess and Cheryl discuss: How to support someone considering divorce while still encouraging hope for healing in their marriage.Why people often seek validation from faithful friends—and how to respond with both clarity and love.What words and attitudes are most helpful (and u...

The Church has declared this the Jubilee Year of Hope- but what does that mean for you? In this episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to explore how this special year invites you to delve deeper in the virtue of hope and increase your trust in God. Fr. John and Jess discuss: What makes hope different from mere optimismHow to navigate desires, dreams, and unanswered prayers with trust in God's willPractical ways to grow in the virtue of hope in your everyday life Fr. John Ignatius Ezr...

What will Pope Francis be remembered for? In this episode, Dr. Edward Sri joins Jessica to reflect on the defining themes of Pope Francis' papacy- and what may come next. From his pastoral heart to his global vision, Dr. Sri and Jess explore the impact of a pope who led with compassion. Dr. Sri and Jess discuss: Compassion at the Core- Dr. Sri shares how Pope Francis' papacy emphasized mercy, encounter, and a deep awareness of human suffering.Wounds and the Human Heart- Dr. Sri shares how the...

What was Jesus doing on Holy Saturday? While the world lay silent, Christ was at work- accomplishing in His Spirit what He had completed in the flesh. In this episode, the hosts of the FAD & Dad podcast, Fr. Andrew Dickinson and Joshua Burks, join Jessica to explore the hidden glory of Christ's descent into the realm of the dead and what it means for us today. Fr. Andrew, Josh, and Jess discuss: What the Church means when it says Jesus "descended into Hell"The famous Holy Saturday r...