The Prodigal's Purpose

What happens when a prayer I whispered at 15 isn’t answered until 15 years later?In this episode of The Prodigal’s Purpose Podcast, I take you to Lourdes, the sacred hillside where Saint Bernadette encountered Our Lady of Lourdes—and where God quietly began a work in my own heart long before I understood what faith would eventually ask of me.I share the extraordinary story of a poor, sickly, uneducated girl chosen by heaven and ridiculed by the world, alongside my own journey of visiting Lourdes as a naïve teenager and returning years later after seasons of loss, deep wrestling, and conversion. It was only then that I began to recognize how God answers prayers not instantly, but intentionally—through time, surrender, and trust.This episode is for anyone who has prayed for healing, struggled to trust God’s timing, or wondered if their ordinary, broken story could ever be used for something holy. Lourdes reminds me that God sees us where we are, chooses us in our weakness, and heals us in ways deeper than we ever thought to ask for.

We say we want heaven. We say we want God. But then Sunday comes… and suddenly sleeping in, brunch, or “I’ll pray later” feels easier than going to Mass. In this episode, I get real about a struggle many of us have had (me included): intentionally skipping Mass. If Jesus gave everything for us, what does it mean when we won’t give Him one hour a week? We talk about how Mass isn’t a show or entertainment—it’s a sacrifice. It’s where we come not to get something, but to give something: our praise, our gratitude, our intentions, and our presence. When we skip, we’re not just missing a homily—we’re missing an encounter with the living God. This episode isn’t about shame; it’s about honesty. If we truly desire eternity with God, our choices now should reflect that. And the Mass—this weekly moment where heaven touches earth—is a gift we can’t afford to ignore. If you’ve been drifting or inconsistent, I hope this gently challenges you and reminds you what (and who) you’re missing. Because if we want eternity, we can’t skip the encounter.

What do we do when Jesus says something that makes everyone uncomfortable—and then lets them walk away? In this episode, we dive into John 6:35–67, one of the most challenging and misunderstood moments in all of Scripture: when Jesus declares, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” Together, we’ll explore why this moment caused so many followers to leave, what Jesus truly meant when He said “Eat My Flesh” (and how the original Greek reveals even more), and how this passage unveils the profound mystery of the Eucharist—not as a symbol, but as the true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. This was the moment that divided believers and tested discipleship, yet Jesus never took His words back. He stood firm, even as many turned away. As we reflect on this passage, we’ll consider what it reveals about faith, trust, and the courage to believe when understanding feels impossible. Whether you’re Catholic, curious, or questioning, this episode invites you to sit with the tension, read John 6 for yourself, and rediscover the mystery of what it means to believe that He is truly present.“This is one of the hardest teachings to believe—and maybe the most important one to understand.”

Saint Padre Pio. I’ve never met him while he was alive, but our friendship runs deeper than death itself. We’ll dive into the miracles, mysteries, and holy mayhem surrounding this beloved monk — from his stigmata that bled for fifty years, to stories of bi-location, reading souls, and even fistfights with the devil. You’ll hear about the time American pilots claimed they saw him in the sky, the healings that stunned doctors, and the humble obedience that silenced his doubters. But this episode isn’t just a history lesson — it’s personal. I’ll share how I “met” Padre Pio, how he’s shown up in my own story, and what it means to have a saint as a friend and intercessor. So grab your rosary and your curiosity, and let’s talk about a man who reminds us that miracles still happen, heaven is closer than we think, and holiness is anything but boring.

When I first cracked open a glitter-covered notebook in 2014, I had no idea it would change the way I pray forever. What started as clumsy “Dear God…” letters slowly grew into a practice that helped me hear His voice, process life’s ups and downs, and discover my own prayer love language. In this episode of The Prodigal’s Purpose, I’m sharing how prayer journaling went from something that felt awkward and intimidating to becoming my favorite way to pray. My journals were filled with messy handwriting, tear stains, even frustration—and those pages became a scrapbook of God’s faithfulness. I’ll walk through the pros and cons of journaling, practical ways to start, and why even a single sentence on a page can be a prayer. If you’ve ever felt stuck, distracted, or distant in prayer, this episode will remind you that every word, doodle, and page can be a prayer.

The best is yet to come.” My stepdad Matt lived those words with every choice he made. He was a father who didn’t have to love me, but did—stepping into the role God had written for him and showing me what it means to be chosen, loved, and carried by both an earthly father and my heavenly Father. His witness continues to invite me to ponder the purpose behind God's plan, to embrace the journey even when it’s marked by suffering, and to let his example of carrying the cross of cancer with faith inspire how I carry my own. "One day at a time. One moment at a time. Jesus, I trust in You.

What if the place you go to hide is the very place Jesus is waiting for you? In this episode, we step into John 4:7 -30 and encounter the Samaritan woman at the well. Her daily routine of avoidance becomes the setting for the longest recorded dialogue with Jesus—a conversation marked by honesty, truth, and unexpected grace. Together we reflect on the “wells” we run to that never satisfy, and how Jesus offers something deeper: living water that frees us from the cycles of shame and sin. We’ll linger on the moment she leaves her jar behind—a powerful symbol of letting go of the old life—and watch how her testimony brings her entire town to faith. From isolation to honesty, from thirst to testimony, we’ll see how one encounter with Jesus can rewrite a whole life. If you’ve ever felt stuck in old habits, weighed down by routine, or unsure how to start again, this conversation is your invitation to recognize your own well, meet Jesus there, and carry living water back to others.

When Peter tried to flee Rome, he encountered Christ on the road and asked, “Quo Vadis?”—“Where are you going?” That question echoes in every follower of Jesus today. In this episode, we discuss the story of Peter’s courage and what it teaches us about evangelization in our own lives. Through scripture, real-life stories, and honest reflection, we break down five simple steps for sharing the faith— prayer, relationship, listening, invitation, and joyful witness. Whether facing the lukewarm Christians, non-believers, or even your own fears, this episode will encourage you to live boldly, love like Christ, and see every encounter as an opportunity to lead others closer to Heaven. Because when someone asks, “Where are you going?”—the answer we hope to give is simple: “I’m going to Heaven. Want to come with me?”

He was a man feared by Christians everywhere. A persecutor. A murderer. A name that brought dread. And yet—on one unexpected road to Damascus—everything changed.In this episode of The Prodigal’s Purpose, we step into the story of Saul, who became Paul: from enemy of the faith to one of its boldest voices. His dramatic encounter with Christ didn’t just stop at conversion—it set him on a lifelong mission to live it out, no matter the cost. Shipwrecks, prison cells, beatings, betrayals… and still, Paul pressed on with joy.But here’s the real question: what about us? If we’ve encountered Christ—even in smaller, quieter ways—how are we letting that encounter reshape our lives? Does our “yes” look different in our daily choices, our habits, our relationships? Or have we settled into comfort while forgetting the call to live the conversion we claim?In this episode, we look at Paul’s story not as distant history, but as an invitation. An invitation to let our faith be seen, to be transformed from the inside out, and to live with the same bold conviction that turned a persecutor into a preacher.

Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan—scratch that, most times it doesn’t. In this episode, I toss out my carefully prepared notes and get real about what it means to embrace the journey when everything feels like it’s falling apart.From career doors that closed to friendships that shifted, I’ve had a front-row seat to God rewriting my plans in ways I didn’t expect (and honestly, didn’t want). In the middle of it all, I’ve wrestled with trust, cried a lot of messy tears, and been reminded—through wise words from my little brother, the saints, and even a story about the great St. Thomas Aquinas—that the only thing we truly need is Jesus.If you’ve ever found yourself in a season of suffering, feeling like God flipped your “bulletproof plan” over a cliff, this one’s for you. Together, we’ll unpack what it looks like to: Embrace the journey even when it hurts, Trust that suffering can have meaning, Find peace in saying “Only You, Lord”This episode is a little raw, a little scatterbrained, and very real. But maybe that’s the point, because God can work with the unplanned.

In this episode, I share the most honest moment I’ve ever had with God—one night in Adoration when I let it all out. I came undone in front of Him. I blamed Him for everything that had gone wrong in my life. I cried, I yelled (internally), and I wrestled with every question, every ache, every “why me?” like a toddler having a meltdown in front of their Father. But the most powerful part?He didn’t leave.  He didn’t correct me. He stayed. This is a story about a God who doesn’t flinch at your honesty, who waits patiently for the storm in your soul to calm, and who meets you right there—in the wreckage—with love. If you’ve ever wondered if you were “too much” for God, this episode is for you.

What kind of friend are you—the kind who will stop at nothing to bring someone closer to Jesus? In this episode, we dive into the story of the paralytic in Luke 5, whose friends tore through a roof just to lay him at the feet of Christ. It’s a powerful reminder that real friendship doesn’t just cheer from the sidelines—it carries, it intercedes, and it believes for miracles even when someone can’t believe for themselves.Together, we’ll reflect on the kind of friends we’re called to be for one another, the importance of community in our faith journey, and what it means to let others carry us when we’re too weak to stand. And beyond that, we’ll look deeper at the most important relationship of all—our own friendship with Christ—and how He is the one who never stops carrying us back to the Father.If you’ve ever questioned the impact of your relationships—or longed for friendships that strengthen your faith—this episode will inspire you to love more boldly and draw nearer to the truest Friend of all.

What do you do when prayer doesn’t feel like “enough,” yet the world’s answers still leave you empty? In this episode, I share a vulnerable season of my life where I realized I needed both therapy and theology to truly heal. Faith alone didn’t mend my unprocessed wounds, and therapy alone couldn’t give those wounds eternal meaning. Therapy gave me the tools to name the pain and break unhealthy cycles, while theology gave that pain purpose and anchored me in God’s grace. Together, they helped me heal my mind and soul in a way that neither could have done alone.If you’ve ever felt torn between practical help and spiritual guidance—or wondered if God could meet you in a therapist’s office—this conversation is for you.

She was the woman everyone whispered about—the sinner, the outcast, the one with a past. Yet in the Gospels, Mary Magdalene becomes one of the most powerful witnesses of God’s mercy. In this episode, we look at two defining moments of her life: when she knelt at Jesus’ feet in repentance, pouring out her love despite the judgment of others, and when she became the first to discover the empty tomb and was entrusted to proclaim the Resurrection to the Apostles. But perhaps the most powerful moment of all was when the Risen Christ simply said her name—Mary. In that instant, shame was replaced with love, confusion with clarity, and sorrow with purpose. Her story reminds us that no past is too messy for God to redeem. The very things the world uses to shame us, Jesus transforms into a testimony. If you’ve ever wondered if your past disqualifies you from your purpose, Mary Magdalene’s life—and the God who calls you by name—says otherwise.

In this honest and hope-filled episode, we talk about what it means to carry the cross of depression while clinging to the promise of resurrection. Inspired by the words of Venerable Fulton Sheen and Romans 8:18, we explore simple yet powerful ways to find Christ in the suffering, not just after it. From the grounding gift of movement and natural light to the quiet strength of prayer when you feel absolutely nothing, this conversation offers real, grace-soaked practices for the days that feel heavy. We’ll talk about the lifelines that help: staying hydrated, nourishing your body, reaching out to your “person,” and finding purpose—even when it feels out of reach. Whether you’re in the thick of it or loving someone who is, may this episode remind you: there is never a cross without a resurrection.

 I grew up in Catholic school, knew all the prayers, and had all the answers in religion class. But eventually, I had to face the question: Did I believe any of it for myself? This episode is about growing up in the Church—from church traditions to real wrestling, we unpack what it means to move from knowing about God to actually knowing Him. This is my story of being raised in the Church—and what happened when the faith I inherited had to become the faith I chose.

For this episode, we’ll explore the story that inspired the podcast. We’ll read, reflect, and identify ourselves in one of Jesus’ most well-known and deeply personal parables: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15). It’s raw. It’s relatable. And it still speaks to every wandering heart. GRAB YOUR BIBLES, PEOPLE! This is where The Prodigal’s Purpose begins.

In this episode, I’m sharing the deeper meaning behind The Prodigal’s Purpose — a podcast created for cradle Catholics, reverts, and spiritual seekers navigating life between wandering and homecoming. Rooted in honesty, healing, and hope, this space is an invitation to ponder the purpose, embrace the journey, and live the conversion. We’ll explore what it means to live a life of ongoing transformation — not just a one-time return to faith, but a daily “yes” to grace, growth, and purpose. I also share the story behind the name, the heart of the mission, and the prayer I’ve been holding for every person who finds their way here. If you’ve ever felt like the “prodigal” in your own story — you’re in the right place.

Great question—I’ve been asking myself that a lot lately! In this first episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I started this podcast, what’s been stirring in my heart, and how God’s been moving in the middle of my mess. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or just plain curious about what God might be doing in your life… you’re in good company. Let’s dive in!