What does it look like to truly discern as a family—not just in theory, but in the real, complicated choices of work, money, parenting, and faith? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, we welcome back Keith Cieplicki, Executive Director of the Jail Ministry in Onondaga County, New York. You may remember Keith from our earlier episode on accompanying the incarcerated. This time, Keith joins us for our Family Discernment series to reflect on the radical, uncomfortable, and deeply faithful decisions that reshaped his family’s life. Keith shares the story of leaving a successful Division I basketball coaching career to work in a homeless shelter and eventually lead a jail ministry—choices that required profound trust, sacrifice, and ongoing discernment within his marriage and family. Together, we explore how values take shape in everyday decisions, how fear can quietly drive parenting choices, and how faith sometimes calls us not toward comfort, but toward transformation. This episode is especially for parents and caregivers navigating big and small decisions: careers, youth sports, financial security, presence with children, and the courage to say both yes and no with intention. In this episode, we explore: What family discernment really looks like in practice Letting go of status, security, and consumerism for a faith-rooted life Trust, doubt, and learning to “breathe underwater” Parenting beyond grades, achievements, and cultural pressure The freedom found in simplicity, presence, and relational love Why the Gospel often calls us to become uncomfortable How children grow when they see faith lived, not just taught Along the way, Keith reflects on the influence of saints like Dorothy Day, the tension between fear and freedom, and the enduring invitation to “live church” every day. As Keith reminds us, discernment doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means being willing to take the next faithful step. “Be not afraid.”   If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave a review. Your support helps these stories reach more families walking the journey of faith together. Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

In this episode of In Good Faith, we're joined by two people we deeply admire — Cecilia Flores and Jonathan Lewis — for a rich, wide-ranging conversation about Dilexi Te, the first apostolic exhortation of Pope Leo XIV. This document has been sitting with us since its release. While it doesn’t introduce new principles of Catholic social teaching, it does something arguably more important: it re-centers them — unapologetically, historically, and pastorally — as the beating heart of the Church’s mission. We wanted voices who could help unpack both the theology and the lived reality behind the text, and Cecilia and Jonathan bring exactly that. Cecilia Flores is the Executive Director of the Catholic Volunteer Network and a longtime leader in community organizing and faith-based justice work. Jonathan Lewis serves as Mission Strategy Officer for the Paulist Fathers. Both bring deep experience from Rome, the Vatican, and grassroots ministry — and both read this document with eyes wide open. Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

In this solo-hosted episode, Maggie talks with Allison Beyer, a multidisciplinary artist, minister, and contributor to Goodfaith’s Family Matters program. Allison shares the story behind her Jesse Tree Advent ritual, which was born during the pandemic as a creative, prayerful practice for her young children. Together, they explore how art, ancestry, and faith shape the season of Advent, and how remembering the “family tree” of our spiritual tradition can ground us in belonging during difficult times. Allison also reflects on the religious communities that formed her and why beauty and creativity keep us spiritually awake. The conversation turns toward the current climate around immigrants in the U.S., where both Maggie and Allison name the hope they’re finding in bold, clear leadership from the Church. Maggie also shares a personal story of loss and healing, offering a gentle reminder that Advent meets us exactly where we are. This episode invites listeners to return to the simple rituals that steady us, trust the God who is with us, and begin again. Instagram: @allisonbeyermakesart "Emmanuel!" by Allison Beyer Jesuit Media Lab Goodfaith YouTube: Works of Mercy & Five-Finger Examen   Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

In Part Two of our conversation with Ike Ndolo, we dive even deeper into the fire at the heart of Ike’s work: reclaiming the Jesus who stands with the poor and the oppressed. We talk about how Ike’s social media presence grew out of heartbreak and awakening, beginning with the killings of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. He shares what it was like to speak out publicly when so many in his own ministry circles stayed silent, and how telling the truth cost him gigs and jobs, but also connected him to a wider community of justice-minded Christians who refuse to look away.   Together, we explore: How Ike’s justice formation “woke back up” during the Ferguson uprising Why speaking about race, violence, and Catholic social teaching online still feels radical How algorithms shape the false “Jesuses” people encounter Why WWJD needs an update—and why “What did Jesus do?” is the better spiritual mirror The cost of telling the truth in church spaces (and the freedom that comes with it) The 100+ day vigil behind God in the Rubble—and why Ike won’t stop singing until Palestine is free The role of music in liberation movements, justice work, and spiritual imagination Ike’s new vision for teaching and mentoring through Ike’s Music Makers The story and heart behind his new single “City of God” There’s laughter, lament, resistance, and hope in this episode. Ike’s honesty invites us to re-anchor ourselves in the Gospel, rather than the algorithm, and to remember that following Jesus means standing where He stands.   Ike's Songs Featured in Pt. 1 & 2 🎵 God in the Rubble 🎵 City of God (new release) Connect with Ike Website: www.ikendolo.com Instagram: @ikendolo Facebook: facebook.com/ikendolo Spotify: Ike Ndolo on Spotify   Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

In this episode of In Good Faith, we sit down with Ike Ndolo — husband, dad, songwriter, and longtime minister — to talk about what it means to hold on to faith, creativity, and justice in a changing Church. Ike shares how a high school class and a teacher who believed in him unexpectedly sparked his songwriting journey. We trace his path from a youth minister in Missouri to leading worship in Arizona’s charismatic Catholic scene, and how that world shaped (and challenged) his understanding of God, justice, and belonging. Together we reflect on: What happens when our faith traditions fracture into “different flavors” — and how we might learn to breathe with both lungs again The tension between passion for worship and the call to justice What it’s like to work inside the Church, deconstructing and rebuilding belief while trying to stay rooted in love How a mother’s courage for truth and justice can shape a lifelong faith Ike’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and reorientation — from youth ministry to music to confronting the hard edges of institutional life — and still choosing to believe in a God who shows up “in the rubble.”   Ike's Songs Featured in Pt. 1 & 2 🎵 God in the Rubble 🎵 City of God (new release) Connect with Ike Website: www.ikendolo.com Instagram: @ikendolo Facebook: facebook.com/ikendolo Spotify: Ike Ndolo on Spotify   Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

What happens when we truly see one another? In this moving conversation, youth minister and theologian Sherine Green and writer and humanitarian Vince Gallagher share stories that reveal the transforming power of mercy and encounter. From mission trips in Jamaica and Latin America to classrooms and communities across the U.S., they reflect on what it means to be present to the suffering and beauty of the world — and to respond with love. Together, they explore with us how encounter bridges divides, why trust is at the heart of mission, and how even small acts of kindness can pierce the veil and let us glimpse the kingdom of God among us. Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape our parent series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

In this installment of The Confessional, we sit down with Cecilia Flores, Executive Director of Catholic Volunteer Network, to talk about what it really looks like to raise kids in faith and justice — with honesty, joy, and a whole lot of grace. Cecilia shares stories from her life as the daughter of Filipino immigrants, her years in mission work in Honduras, and the daily realities of parenting her two kids, Kiara and Jacob. Together, we talk about the spaces where Church teaching meets real life — where faith, service, and family all collide in the everyday mess and beauty of love. Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

Welcome to the first installment of our new parent series, The Confessional. The name comes from the repurposed confessional we use as our recording space, but it also reflects what we hope this series will be: a place for parents to speak honestly about the joys and challenges of raising kids in today’s complicated, noisy world. In this episode, we sit down with Molly and Benno Lauer, who share how their family created a tradition of annual retreats—weekends away where they step back from daily life to reflect, set goals, and name their shared values. What began during the pandemic, when their oldest turned their house into a “hotel” just to break the routine, has grown into a practice that shapes everything from chores to morning routines to how they hold each other accountable with kindness. Together, we explore how family discernment can be both practical and faith-filled: creating simple rituals (like “glows and grows”), giving kids ownership of family goals, and remembering that intentionality matters more than perfection. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible when a family pauses the chaos and chooses direction together, this conversation is for you.   Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Parent Series! In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions  

Introducing Our New Parent Series: "The Confessional" In this mini-episode, share some exciting news: the launch of a brand-new series within In Goodfaith focused on the joys and challenges of parenting. Recorded in our repurposed confessional booth in Trenton, NJ, we discuss some of our own parenting journeys—toddlers, teenagers, and everything in between—and preview the kinds of conversations listeners can expect this fall. From grandparents and single parents, to priests and families navigating sports and spiritual life, this series will highlight the real, messy, hopeful stories of parents raising children in faith today. Join the conversation: We want to hear from you! What questions or challenges are you facing as a parent or caregiver trying to nurture faith in your family? Share your thoughts and help shape the series by submitting questions through the link or on social media. Stay tuned for the first full episode of the Parent Series, dropping soon—and new episodes every other week throughout the fall. In Goodfaith Podcast Topic Submissions

In this episode, we explore how Catholic teaching shapes the lives of athletes seeking to balance their love of sports with their life of faith. From the discipline of competition to the demands of family schedules, youth sports can both enrich and challenge spiritual life. Our guest, Father Josh Whitfield of Dallas, Texas, shares pastoral insights and personal experiences on how families can stay grounded in faith while navigating the whirlwind of practices, games, and tournaments. Together, we’ll hear stories and reflections that shed light on what it means to integrate faith and athletics, offering fresh perspectives for parents, athletes, and parish communities alike.

This episode is Part 2 of our conversation with Angela Patterson from Springtide Institute. We delve into the evolving landscape of faith formation, exploring both the challenges and opportunities it presents. Join us as we discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people's spiritual lives, the importance of community, and innovative approaches in youth ministry. We also examine how faith intersects with cultural issues, mental health, and the diverse experiences of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Tune in to discover what's working in faith formation today and how we can support young people in their spiritual journeys.

In Part One of our conversation with Angela Patterson from Springtide Research Institute. Our conversation explores the dynamic shifts in faith and spirituality among Gen Alpha and delves into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by this generation, including the influence of technology, mental health awareness, and the celebration of diversity. Listen and here how these factors are reshaping spiritual practices and what it means for the future of faith communities. Join us for an insightful conversation that sets the stage for understanding the evolving spiritual landscape.  In Part Two, coming soon, we discuss the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people, the importance of community, and what's working in youth ministry today.  Thanks for listening!

Join Stephanie Peddicord and Maggie Smith as they welcome Seán Sanford, founder of the New Jersey Service Project, now known as Goodfaith. In this episode, Sean shares his journey from community organizing to founding a transformative organization that has impacted thousands of lives. Discover the power of encounter, the importance of relationality in faith, and how Catholic social teaching can be woven into everyday life. Key Topics: The origins of the New Jersey Service Project The evolution of Good Faith and its mission The role of encounter in bridging divides Personal stories of transformation and impact The intersection of Catholic social teaching and sacramental theology "Encounter doesn't ask us to set aside our commitments; it asks us to bring our whole selves." "We need to continue to be in meaningful encounter with those on the margins."   #GoodFaith #CatholicSocialTeaching #Encounter #CommunityImpact

In part two of our conversation with Sharon Browning and Brenna McGinnis of Just Listening, we go deeper into the science behind what happens when we truly listen. Sharon and Brenna share insights from neuroscience and physiology—how deep listening shapes our brains, calms the nervous system, and builds empathy. We explore how the simple act of being present can become a practice of justice, healing, and transformation, both personally and collectively. Whether you’re a ministry leader, teacher, parent, or simply someone who wants to show up more fully for others, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiring reflection on how listening itself can be a radical act of love. Learn more about Just Listening: https://justlistening.net

Discover how “just listening” can transform relationships, foster justice, and become a radical act of love—at home and in the world—in this powerful conversation with the co-leaders of the Just Listening initiative.

In Part 2 of our inspiring conversation with Marisally Santiago, Director of the Office for Ministry with Youth in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, hosts Stephanie Peddicord and Maggie Smith dive into the nuts and bolts of youth ministry done differently.

In this episode of "In Goodfaith," hosts Stephanie Peddicord and Maggie Smith sit down with Marisally Santiago to explore the concept of accompaniment and youth protagonism in the Church.

What does it truly mean to accompany the most vulnerable among us? In this pivotal episode of Goodfaith, Stephanie Peddicord sits down with Marlene Lao Collins, a leader with decades of experience in social justice and advocacy, to spotlight the very real challenges facing communities in New Jersey—and the hope that faith and action can bring.

This episode invites us to challenge our perceptions and live the gospel in our daily interactions.

Join hosts Maggie Smith and Stephanie Peddicord as they explore the transformative power of sacred listening in ministry and personal relationships with guests Dr. Josh Packard and Megan Bissell in part two of "In Goodfaith Episode 3."