PODCAST · religion
Feeding Fathers
by Qurbana Media
Fr. Simon Esshaki hosts engaging conversations and shares a meal with three of his brother priests. This Catholic podcast offers candid, informal discussions on theology, faith, and contemporary issues, seen through a distinct Chaldean Catholic lens. Explore the profound ancient spirituality of the Church of the East, bringing unique and fresh perspectives to Christianity and modern culture. This show is for anyone seeking spiritual insights, Catholic wisdom, and meaningful dialogue about faith in today's world. <p class="text-1 antialiase
Episodes
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What Is a Chaldean Synod? A Canon Lawyer Breaks It Down [Ep. 105]
As you can see, this is a very special and unique episode of "Feeding Fathers" where Andrew Hermiz, executive director of Qurbana Media, sits down with Fr. Daniel Shaba to answer the questions a lot of us actually have: what even is a synod, and why does this upcoming Chaldean one matter so much?...
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Is Halloween Actually Demonic, or Are We Inventing a New Sin? [Ep. 104]
Every October the same clips show up on your feed: - Halloween is the highest day on the Satanic calendar. - Dressing up is drinking from the cup of demons. - Trick or treating is a pagan practice. - A kid in a Spider-Man costume is practically witchcraft. We watched a few of those and tried to...
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How to Trust a Catholic Influencer: Is That What the Church Teaches? [Ep. 103]
Somebody online says they’re Catholic, then tells you this is a sin, this is the tradition, and this is what the Church has always done. How are you supposed to know if that’s actually true? We get into the part most Catholic content skips: what the Magisterium actually is, why an encyclical…
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Fulton Sheen Gets Beatified. Catholic Media Still Has a Long Way to Go. [Ep. 102]
A Catholic bishop used to own Friday night television. 30 million people watched every week tuned in to watch Fulton Sheen crack jokes, write on his chalkboard, and preach the truth. Today, he is beatified in St. Louis. On the day of Fulton Sheen’s beatification, we reflect on his primetime media...
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Kathryn Krick & Deion Sanders Speaking in Tongues [Ep. 101]
Self-proclaimed apostle, Kathryn Krick, looks into a camera and tells a room that the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues are for every one of you. Deion Sanders walks into a post-game press conference, "calms himself down," and everyone just stares. Nobody here is trying to talk…
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Episode 100! No Topic. Just Your Questions.
We hit 100 episodes. Wow. We have to thank YOU, the listener, for making this possible. We wouldn't be here without you. Last week’s episode set people off with five seconds about Harry Potter, the gluttony comments, the usual... So, in appreciation of our amazing audience, we are celebrating 100...
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Are Parents Raising Atheists? Is Harry Potter Evil? Pray Less, Do More? [Ep. 99]
What do you do when prayer starts feeling like homework? When you’ve said every novena, every rosary, and your kid still won’t talk to you? When church is packed but the way people treat their families doesn’t match the words? When you don’t know the “right” form of prayer, so you just… don’t...
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If My Phone Isn’t Clear, My Brain Isn’t Clear [Ep.98]
Some of us wake up and grab the phone before we even know what day it is. If the notifications aren’t cleared, the brain doesn’t feel settled. And at a red light, 30 seconds of silence is suddenly too much. The question underneath all of it isn’t “Am I efficient?” It’s the one Jesus asked Peter…
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Plastic Surgery, Botox & the Pressure to Stay Young Forever [Ep. 97]
Pope Leo just said something most of us aren’t ready to hear about beauty, aging, and the pressure to stay young forever. In his homily on the feast of the Assumption, he talked about Mary’s body, the way icons always show her young, and what that has to do with the wrinkles, gray hair, and…
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Mary As Our Model: Chaldean-Assyrian Youth Convention 2026 Recap [Ep. 96]
The 2026 Chaldean-Assyrian Youth Convention in Sacramento left more than just trophies: Scorching turf that hit around 170 degrees, feet that still haven’t recovered, antibiotics, and a championship curse finally broken for St. John's. The theme was "Mary As Our Model," so we reflect on why her...
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Catholics Are Forming to Defend the Faith, But Tremble Before Nothing [Ep. 95]
We fear we’re forming a whole generation that can defend every dogma online… yet never actually tremble in front of God. We reacted to a video that argues the point that a religion without mysticism is just philosophy. Then we got honest about the difference between knowing about God and actually...
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Feeling Lonely in a Crowded Room [Ep. 94]
You can be completely alone and feel peace. You can be surrounded by people and feel empty. We get into solitude vs. loneliness, why your social battery dies as you get older, the quiet time parents with little kids desperately need (and how to actually get it), and the kind of loneliness Jesus...
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SSPX Excommunicated & Chaldean Priests Ordained: What Real Unity Costs [Ep. 93]
We got back from Michigan a few days ago after witnessing two new priests, Fr. Brandon and Fr. Lucian, for the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas get ordained. The humidity was brutal, but the time with the Chaldean Sisters and our brother priests was very special. This example of unity contrasts the...
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We Finally Address All the Church Gossip You've Been Hearing About Us [Ep. 92]
You know how something gets said in one corner of the community and somehow reaches the exact person it’s about in under two hours? Yeah… we’re that episode. We get honest about why gossip moves so fast around here, how you literally can’t take words back once they’re out, and why “but it’s true...
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Chaldeans in the Diaspora: Preserving Our Language & Culture in the West [Ep. 91]
What happens when most Chaldeans and Assyrians now live outside Iraq? Will our language disappear? How do we stop our culture from dissolving in the West without losing our Catholic Faith? On this episode we talk about the Church itself as the glue holding our scattered people together — more…
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The Problem with "Bible Alone" and "Faith Alone" [Ep. 90]
This episode is all about the two most common objections that come up between Catholics and Protestants — Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide (Scripture Alone and Faith Alone). We lay out why “Scripture alone” sounds straightforward until you ask the obvious follow-up questions: Who decided which books...
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Chaldean Funerals: Are We Grieving the Right Way? [Ep. 89]
You ever sit at a Chaldean/Assyrian funeral gathering and feel like something about it just doesn’t sit right, even though everybody’s there for a good reason? We get into what actually happens in those halls — the way the room splits, the "hired" wailers doing their thing to get people crying…
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The Catholic Retreat That Converted Me: Feeling Spiritually 'High' & Low [Ep. 88]
Coming off the heals of the latest "Emmaus Retreat," Fr. Augustine shares how he converted through this retreat years ago when he was barely showing up to Church. Now he leads them. That part is strong on its own. But what we really got into is what happens after a retreat for most people. You…
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Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical on AI Just Dropped & We Actually Read It [Ep. 87]
In his very first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV tackles artificial intelligence and the massive technological shift happening right now — comparing it directly to the upheaval of the Industrial Revolution 135 years ago when Leo XIII wrote Rerum Novarum. We walk through the heart of the letter: how AI...
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Holy Spirit & Pentecost: Speaking in Tongues Means Speaking in Love [Ep. 86]
With Pentecost Sunday right around the corner, we sit down to talk about the Holy Spirit and why the "upper-room moment" still matters for everyday Catholics. We cover the Acts passage about the violent wind, tongues of fire, and the apostles suddenly speaking in other languages—but we take it...
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Uniting the Church of the East & A New Chaldean Patriarch [Ep. 85]
His Beatitude Mar Paulos III Nona is now leading the Chaldean Church, and it feels like we’re stepping into a genuinely hopeful new chapter. In this episode we talk about the direction he’s already setting for our Church, what it really means to have a patriarch, and how our ancient structure is...
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What Does a Priest Really Go Through? The Side People Rarely See [Ep. 84]
Have you ever wondered what a priest actually thinks and feels at the end of the day? The real joys, the tough times, and everything in between? In this honest, funny, and laid-back conversation, we open up about our seminary years, the brotherhood that still means everything to us, what being a...
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Slowing Down: Fighting Hustle Culture & the Craziness of Life [Ep. 83]
We talk about something that feels almost counter-cultural today: the power of slowing down. From Fr. Fadi's beautiful multi-course Italian dinner for the Bishop to the everyday grind most of us live in, we explore how constant work, hustle culture, and “rise and grind” thinking are quietly…
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Don’t Let Your Heart Be Troubled: Finding Peace in Jesus [Ep. 82]
We sit down and talk through Christ's’ words in John 14: "Let not your hearts be troubled... I am the way, the truth, and the life." He says this right after telling Peter he’s going to deny him and just before the whole crucifixion. He’s getting the apostles ready for what’s coming and offers…
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Trump "Roasts" Pope Leo... How Should Catholics Feel About It? [Ep. 81]
We couldn’t ignore this story: President Trump’s fiery Truth Social post calling Pope Leo XIV “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” plus that weird (and quickly deleted) AI image that had everyone talking. We break down what actually happened, why the tone feels so off, and what it...
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Plenary Indulgences: What They Really Do (& Don't) + Divine Mercy Sunday [Ep. 80]
On this Easter episode, we discuss Divine Mercy Sunday and the plenary indulgence that many Catholics pursue every year. We explain what a plenary indulgence actually does — and what it does not do — including common misunderstandings about complete forgiveness of temporal punishment, attachment…
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Chaldean Church at a Critical Moment & the Silence of Holy Week [Ep. 79]
🌿 As Palm Sunday approaches and Holy Week begins, many of us are carrying a mix of hope and heaviness — especially in a time when the Church feels wounded and uncertain as we await the election of a new Patriarch of the Chaldean Church and a new Bishop for the Eparchy of the Western United…
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Kiss Jesus' Feet or Post for Likes? Shia LaBeouf & Virtue Signaling [Ep. 78]
This one’s pretty straightforward: we’re talking about virtue signaling — that thing where people post their “good deeds” or hot takes online mostly to look good or feel important. We get into why it feels like everyone has to say something about everything these days, how filming charity for…
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Jesus' 3 Temptations: Dostoevsky's Grand Inquisitor & How Love Wins [Ep. 77]
In our big Lenten episode, we explore Jesus's three temptations in the desert and all things Sawma Rama (the Great Fast). We break down Matthew's account of Jesus tempted by Satan and reflect on how Jesus overcomes each temptation through love—and how we can apply the same strength during Lent...
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Escape Doomscrolling: The Epstein Files & The Weight of Constant Bad News [Ep. 76]
🤯 Feeling overwhelmed by the 24/7 news cycle? Trapped in a loop of doomscrolling? You're not alone. On this episode, we tackle the monumental challenge of digital well-being in an age of constant information overload. We dive deep into our personal battles with endless scrolling, the mental toll...
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Healing Family Trauma, Parenting Advice, & AI Therapy [Ep. 75]
Family is where we learn to love, but it’s often where we experience our deepest wounds. Whether it's navigating conflicts with siblings, figuring out how to raise kids with faith in a secular world, or the difficult journey of healing family trauma, home life is rarely simple. We aren't just...
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Ba'utha and Jonah: What Fasting Can Reveal About Ourselves [Ep. 74]
Fr. Andy's Narsai Book: https://a.co/d/9lCSfFa ––– We talk about the upcoming Chaldean mini-season of Ba'utha, the Supplication of the Ninevites, and the story of Jonah — and why all of it still hits close to home today. We get honest about what it means to face ourselves, why we often run from…
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Are My Desires Good or Bad? Overcoming Habitual Sin and Self-Doubt [Ep. 73]
We get real about sin, temptation, and the stuff we all wrestle with but don’t always talk about. We share personal stories, practical ways to actually deal with your desires, and why God’s love isn’t just a nice idea—it’s the key to real change. We talk about where sin really starts, why love…
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Why Don't You Feel God?: Spiritual Dryness & Desolation | Live from SEEK26 [Ep. 72]
This is a special episode of 'Feeding Fathers' recorded at the SEEK26 Catholic conference in Columbus, Ohio in front of a live audience, and it’s a really honest one. We got to talk about something a lot of people experience but don’t always know how to put into words: spiritual dryness and…
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God Became Man: A Controversial Christmas Story? [Ep. 71]
It's the last episode of the year as Christmas and the new year is approaching! On this very special episode, we get into the essence of Christmas and why what Catholics believe about God can be seen as scandalous. We look at the symbolism behind the nativity scene and the profound theology of…
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Scandal and Corruption in the Church: Where We Go From Here [Ep. 70]
Our discussion centers on addressing scandals within the Church and how to deal with them. We begin with a detailed look at the HBO documentary "Marcial Maciel: The Wolf of God" – a series chronicling the decades of abuse, deception, and downfall of the founder of the Legionaries of Christ, who…
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What True Unity with the Orthodox Church Has to Look Like [Ep. 69]
This week we’re talking Christian unity, sparked by the Pope’s recent trip to Turkey and Lebanon. We get into the real stuff: why Catholics and Orthodox Christians still aren’t on the same page, what keeps them apart, and why Fr. Simon politely said “nope” to an interview with an Orthodox priest....
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Cinema & Synods: Pope Leo Says "Go to the Movies" [Ep. 68]
We look at why the last episode of the liturgical year is kind of a big deal — especially in the Chaldean Church, where the “Crowning of the Church” isn’t just a title, it’s a whole vibe. We unpack what goes on during a Chaldean synod, highlighting the Church’s early (and surprisingly organized)...
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Are We Losing Our Minds to AI? | Feeding Fathers [Ep. 67]
New Studio, Same Shenanigans: AI, Human Connection, and Flip Phones. Welcome to our new studio! Join us as we kick things off on our new set discussing the impact of AI and digital technology on society, the essence of human connection, and some nostalgic memories. We touch on Pope Leo’s...
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Chaldean Catholic Identity Crisis: Youth Embracing Tradition [Ep. 66]
We explore what it truly means to be a Chaldean Catholic by giving historical context, explaining the importance of tradition, and listing the challenges faced by modern youth. We discuss the balance between maintaining our rich heritage and adapting to contemporary times. Also, we examine the…
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The Nightmare Before All Saints' Day: Halloween and Breaking the Matrix [Ep. 65]
Spooky season is upon us! We get into the morality of Halloween traditions, spiritual battles, and All Saints' Day. Learn about the fascinating life of St. Bartolo Longo, a former Satanist turned saint, and discover how other saints can inspire us in our everyday lives. We share our favorite...
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Why Do We Put Our Faith in Politicians? Abortion Pill and Family Planning [Ep. 64]
We have a thought-provoking dialogue on the intricacies of abortion, questioning the societal norms and dissecting the moral implications. The conversation illuminates the importance of liturgy, its transformative power, and how storytelling, beauty, and art can evangelize in an increasingly...
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How Young Generations Save Sacred Traditions [Ep. 63]
We welcome Fr. Fadi Auro to the show as we discuss the rich traditions and unique practices of the Chaldean liturgy. From deep-rooted cultural and liturgical treasures to modern challenges and the impact of secularism, this conversation is a profound exploration of faith. We also touch upon the...
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Controversy of Honoring Pro-Abortion Leaders [Ep.62]
Fr. Chris recounts his recent pilgrimage that included visits to Lourdes, Rome, Florence, and Istanbul. He shares an awesome story of how they happened to find themselves in a very secret part of St. Peter's Basilica. Our conversation takes a deep and meaningful turn as we discuss the ethics of...
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Assassination Aftermath: Forgiveness in a Divided World [Ep. 61]
In the wake of Charlie Kirk assassination, we delve deep into today's culture of anger and division. From criticizing public figures and the Pope to missing out on personal responsibilities, we examine the zeal misplaced in societal judgments. The discussion touches upon recent events…
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Playing Halo to Being Holy: New Saints and New Priests [Ep. 60]
In this episode, we sit down with our newly ordained brother, Fr. Augustine, along with Fr. Matthew Zetouna and Deacon Brandon Elias from the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas in Michigan. From emotional homilies and the power of community to how video games surprisingly connect us to one of our...
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Becoming Fathers: The Journey to Ordination [Ep. 59]
Join us for a special episode where we are joined by 3 individuals who are about to be ordained priests into our diocese! They share their feelings heading into their ordinations, dive into the importance and meaning of the Eucharist, and the unique journey of becoming priests. We also explore...
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Vows, Habits, & Religious Life [Ep. 58]
We are joined again by Sister Bernadette and Brother Augustine, and we are delighted to have on first-time guest, Sister Benedicta! We delve into an engaging conversation with Sister Benedicta, who shares her inspiring spiritual journey and insights on religious life. This episode covers the...
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Jubilee of Young People and Youth Convention [Ep. 57]
We journey through numerous topics, including leading a pilgrimage to the Jubilee of Youth, trying to organize priest schedules, and the efforts that go into organizing big church events like the 2025 Chaldean Youth Convention. We share personal anecdotes about our unique experiences at these big...
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Mary Is a Big Deal: The Assumption in Tradition and Scripture [Ep. 56]
In this episode, we get into the scriptural debates surrounding the traditions and teachings not explicitly detailed in the Bible, using the Assumption of Mary as a central theme. We also touch on the significance of not getting too drawn into unproductive debates and how scripture serves as a…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Fr. Simon Esshaki hosts engaging conversations and shares a meal with three of his brother priests. This Catholic podcast offers candid, informal discussions on theology, faith, and contemporary issues, seen through a distinct Chaldean Catholic lens.
Explore the profound ancient spirituality of the Church of the East, bringing unique and fresh perspectives to Christianity and modern culture. This show is for anyone seeking spiritual insights, Catholic wisdom, and meaningful dialogue about faith in today's world.
<p class="text-1 antialiase
HOSTED BY
Qurbana Media
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Feeding Fathers have?
Feeding Fathers currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Feeding Fathers about?
Fr. Simon Esshaki hosts engaging conversations and shares a meal with three of his brother priests. This Catholic podcast offers candid, informal discussions on theology, faith, and contemporary issues, seen through a distinct Chaldean Catholic lens. Explore the profound ancient spirituality of the...
How often does Feeding Fathers release new episodes?
Feeding Fathers has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Feeding Fathers?
You can listen to Feeding Fathers on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Feeding Fathers?
Feeding Fathers is created and hosted by Qurbana Media.
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