Bad Catholic

In this episode of The Bad Catholic Podcast, Trisha shares a deeply personal and vulnerable experience: her first confession in over 30 years. Nervous and unsure of what to expect, she opens up about the emotions leading up to the moment and her disappointment when she didn’t feel the release or connection she anticipated afterward. Joined by her dad, Deacon David, they explore the purpose and power of the sacrament of confession, the importance of preparation, and how God’s grace often works in unexpected ways. Whether you’ve been to confession recently or are hesitant to go, this episode offers an honest and heartfelt look at the complexities of reconciliation and faith.00:00 Introduction to The Bad Catholic Podcast01:02 Confession Experience: Nervous Beginnings01:21 Facing the Priest: Overcoming Anxiety02:38 The Act of Confession: Expectations vs. Reality05:42 Understanding Reconciliation and Its Importance07:41 Steps to a Good Confession12:29 The Role of Community in Faith16:51 Sacraments: Connecting the Supernatural and the Physical22:03 Daily Examination of Conscience23:49 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsThanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.

What’s an annulment, and why does it matter? Trisha dives into one of the most misunderstood aspects of Catholic marriage with her father, Deacon David. They break down what an annulment really means, why it’s not just “Catholic divorce,” and how the Church views marriage as a lifelong sacrament. From surprising real-life stories to insights on faith, healing, and second chances, this episode sheds light on why annulments are more than just paperwork—they’re a path to reconciliation and spiritual freedom. Plus, learn why delaying your annulment could cost you more than time. Tune in to laugh, learn, and maybe even start your own process!Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.

In this episode of Bad Catholic, Trisha shares how she started reading the Bible on a whim after an unexpected moment at a bookstore—right where God placed it, front and center. Now she’s wondering, “Am I doing this right?” She brings these questions to her dad, Deacon David, and together they explore how Catholics can approach scripture with curiosity and faith. David dives into the Bible’s rich, layered history and what it means to read scripture as a Catholic—not just as a literal story, but as a guide to discovering God’s presence in every chapter and in everyday life. They tackle questions about which books to start with, how to interpret confusing passages, and the meaning behind some memorable Bible stories (why did Pharaoh wait to get rid of those frogs, anyway?).With humor and heart, Trish and David invite you into a relatable conversation that captures the journey of finding God in both scripture and life’s little moments. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting out, this episode encourages you to see the Bible—and the world—through eyes wide open to grace.Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.

In this episode of Bad Catholic, host Trisha and her sister Lisa recount how their spontaneous trip to Croatia took an unexpected turn after watching the documentary Apparition Hill, which inspired them to detour to the pilgrimage site of Medjugorje, known for its Marian apparitions.They share the excitement, emotional and physical challenges, and wondrous moments they experienced—like the scent of roses filling their car and the profound peace they felt while praying. Yet, their pilgrimage also stirred memories of past divine detours to Mexico City, Rome, and Fatima—experiences they now regret not fully appreciating. One of the most pivotal moments they reflect on is their father's miraculous healing from terminal congestive heart failure 20 years ago—a moment of grace neither sister truly acknowledged as a miracle at the time. Instead of seeing it as a blessing, they moved on as if nothing had changed. Now, they carry the pain of how they handled such a significant moment in their family's history.With unfiltered honesty, Trisha and Lisa grapple with feelings of guilt, admitting for the first time—both to themselves and each other—that they not only felt like bad Catholics but also bad daughters. It's a painful admission that they wrestle with throughout the episode, as they reflect on how their younger selves failed to recognize the magnitude of those experiences.Now, both sisters feel a renewed calling to deepen their relationship with God, committed to continuing their spiritual journey in the hope of growing in faith and making amends for past mistakes.This episode offers a sincere, heartfelt exploration of imperfect faith, spiritual growth, and the life-changing impact of divine detours—sure to resonate with anyone coming to terms with their own imperfection.Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.

What would you do if your spouse, only 49 years old, was given a terminal diagnosis? When doctors told Toni her husband would only live a few years if he didn't get a heart transplant, her world fell apart. Desperate for hope, she turned to prayer—pleading, bold, unwavering prayer. And then, on Christmas Eve in South Texas, something miraculous happened.In this episode of The Bad Catholic Podcast, Toni shares the incredible story of how God answered her prayers with an undeniable sign: snow in a place where it never snows. Together, we explore the power of prayer, what it means to truly surrender to God’s will, and how moments of crisis can lead to extraordinary faith.The story comes from A Christmas Miracle, a chapter in Bending Palms, the mother-daughter memoir Toni co-wrote with Trisha. Set to release on Amazon on December 23, 2024, the book shares inspiring stories of faith, resilience, and God’s grace. You can download the chapter for free at https://trishaespinoza.com/christmas-miracle.Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.

In this heartfelt episode of The Bad Catholic Podcast, Trisha and her mom, Toni, open up about their personal journeys through grief and the challenges their family is facing. Toni reflects on the recent loss of her brother Emilio, who passed away just a month before this episode was recorded. Still grappling with that fresh wound, Toni reveals she hasn’t yet fully processed the grief from losing her other brother, Joe, two years earlier. Together, Toni and Trisha explore what it means to grieve while holding onto faith, even when the pain feels overwhelming. With raw honesty, they discuss the messy, unpredictable nature of grief and how it's changed their relationships—with each other, within their family, and with God. This episode offers a vulnerable, hopeful conversation for anyone struggling with loss and searching for grace in the hardest moments. Join us as we uncover how to keep faith alive, even when the road feels impossible.Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.

In this episode of the Bad Catholic Podcast, host Trish Espinoza and her mother, Toni, engage in a heartfelt conversation about what it means to be a 'bad Catholic.' Toni shares her spiritual journey, touching on periods of anger and separation from the Church due to family issues and a complicated pregnancy. Despite drifting away, Toni recounts how moments of crisis ultimately brought her back to her faith. The discussion highlights the balance between structured religious beliefs and a personal relationship with God, the role of community in religion, and the struggles of integrating faith into daily life without judgment. This episode captures the complexities and personal nature of maintaining faith amidst life's challenges, underscoring the universal aspect of God's love and the various paths to spiritual fulfillment. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.

In this deeply personal episode, follow co-host David Espinoza’s faith journey from a casual Christian to an ordained deacon. It’s a heartwarming story filled with unexpected twists, miracles, and moments that’ll leave you all in awe. At first, David wasn’t really connected to his faith—church was more of a routine than anything. But after his wife, Toni, had a life-changing experience at a retreat, everything started to shift for him. What really changed things? A series of miraculous events, including his own healing from terminal congestive heart failure. Through it all, he found himself on a new path that led him to serve as a deacon in the church. It’s a heartfelt chat between father and daughter about faith, divine intervention, and what happens when you trust in a bigger plan—even when it doesn’t seem to make sense.  Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.