Strength Training for the Soul

You think you've given your life to Jesus. But have you? There's a difference between an obligation mindset and a surrender mindset; most of us are living in the first one without realizing it. Spiritual director Jill Fischer joins me to get honest about what real surrender actually requires: not a one-time decision, but a constant, daily conversion. Jill gives us loads of great takeaways (hint: the fruits of the Holy Spirit are your measuring stick), and one small prayer you can start saying today.

In Part 2, Kevin Malloy shares what the Camino actually does to you. After walking it three times, he comes home more aware, more grateful and less attached to what doesn't matter. We talk about burdens, gratitude and a deacon from Barcelona who walked the whole Camino with nothing but a grocery bag, to see if strangers would take care of him. This episode isn't about walking across Spain. It's about what you're carrying, and whether it's time to put it down.

My friend Kevin Malloy went on the Camino for the adventure. He didn’t expect the conversations. He didn’t expect the encounters. And he definitely didn’t expect how much it would change the way he sees people. In this episode, we talk about what happens when you stop rushing and start noticing. Because those moments you think are random… might not be.

Saint expert and Fish on Fridays creator Al McCauley is back, and this time we're getting practical. How do you actually build a relationship with a saint? Where do you even start? Al breaks it down the same way he'd describe making a new friend: show up, get curious, and leave room for the Holy Spirit. We also talk about saints you already know but probably underuse (Mary Magdalene and Nicodemus will surprise you), how your team of saints is supposed to change as your life does, and what parents can do to quietly plant seeds of faith in their kids. Your roster is waiting. Get in the game.

I’m about to start the Camino de Santiago, and my first stop isn’t the trail. It’s Lourdes, France to visit Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine. Every year, millions of people go there looking for healing. Many don’t get it. So why do they keep coming? Because Mary is there, and she’s telling everyone: Come. I am here. You are suffering, and I want to help you heal. In this episode, I talk about who Mary really is, what she’s meant in my life, and why you don’t have to be in crisis to let her in.

I used to think "holy helpers" meant mentors or accountability partners. Turns out, it's a lot bigger than that. In this episode, Jill and I talk about the "Capital S" Saints and "Lowercase S" saints who are already part of your life — whether you realize it or not. We get into how one saint showed up through a Mother's Day gift, why Joan of Arc became a lifeline during the hardest season of my life, and what it actually means to build a "team" you can call on when things get hard. You're not doing this alone. Not even close.

I thought I didn't do Lent very well. Too much TV. Too much solitaire. Not enough discipline. But when I stopped grading myself… I realized I was asking the wrong question. This week, I walk through what actually changed, what I almost missed, and how I'm heading into Holy Week without trying to make up for anything.

You're ready to go. And God says wait. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Fr. Tim Schumaker to talk about that restless feeling of doing everything right and still feeling stuck. We dig into why God works in "coulds," not "shoulds," and how that single shift can take you from spiritual pressure to genuine freedom. Because sometimes you're not stuck. You're just not in charge.

In John 9, the only person who starts out blind is the only one who ends up truly seeing. Most days, I have to admit I'm a lot closer to the Pharisees than the blind man. This episode is about the kind of blindness we don't always notice, and learning (just like a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago) to look for the arrows to find The Way.

What does it actually look like to follow the Shepherd? In this episode, I sit down with Jill Fischer to unpack Habit Seven of the 10 Habits of a Disciple: Follow the Shepherd. We talk about how God’s voice often shows up in the most ordinary places: a prayer walk, a moment of awe, even a tough email that tempts you to react instead of pause. Because discernment rarely arrives with fireworks. More often, it begins with a quiet question: “Lord, what would you have me do here?”

"Share what you have." Easy to say. Hard when you don't have much. This week, Eileen Belongea's final Camino rule collides with Mark 8 — and I'm not sure I like what it asks of me. What are your seven loaves?

Newsflash: I don’t have to wait for the first mile to start a pilgrimage. In this episode, I sit down with pilgrim veteran Eileen Belongea to talk about what actually happens before the journey begins — the training, the packing, the fears we carry, and the control I’m learning to loosen. As Lent begins and Camino prep ramps up, I’m seeing the overlap: take less, notice more, and trust God with what I can’t control. Because preparation isn’t separate from the journey. It’s where it truly begins.

I didn’t plan on talking about this Gospel… but one word in it wouldn’t leave me alone: scurry. In Mark 6, people drop everything and run to get near Jesus. Meanwhile, I’m over here staring at my calendar, my Camino packing list, and one more church email thinking… do I really have room for all this stuff? In this episode, I wrestle with what it means to move toward Christ when life already feels full, why some invitations feel like joy and others feel like weight, and how I’m trying to figure out what’s actually mine to carry before I set out to walk 500 miles. Spoiler: I don’t have a neat answer. But I am paying attention.

"I'm good" might be the two words quietly holding us back from real community. In this episode, Jill Fischer and I talk about holy friendships, hiding when we say we want connection, allowing ourselves to receive help when pride tells us we should do it alone—and why community doesn't have to be big to be meaningful. We close with simple reflection questions to carry into the week ahead, because growth doesn't happen in isolation, and none of us is meant to walk alone. We all need community!

I need to confess something. No, not that kind of confession—though the guilt is real. Turns out committing to walk 500+ miles across Spain has a way of completely hijacking a carefully planned podcast schedule. In this episode, I wrestle with what happens when God’s pull is stronger than my to-do list, why my training logbook has become my prayer journal, and how “loving your neighbor” gets a whole lot less abstract when I’m just trying to figure out what’s right in front of me. Spoiler: The Charisms series isn’t dead. It’s just… in pilgrim season.

Loving your neighbor sounds easy...until real life gets involved. In this episode, I talk with my friend Jill Fischer about what it actually means to love others the way Christ calls us to: not by being “nice,” but by staying rooted in prayer, Scripture, and worship. We unpack why love takes time, why awareness matters and why the people who challenge us most may be doing more work in us than we realize. Fair warning: eye rolls may be involved.

This year, my "word" for 2026 found me through three wise men who followed a star instead of a strategy. The Magi expected a palace. They found a barn. They planned to return to Herod. God warned them in a dream to go home another way. Those moments of surrender they had all along their journey? That's trust. In this episode, I'm choosing the word that makes me most uncomfortable: trust. Not because I'm good at it (I'm a planner, a strategist, a control enthusiast), but because I'm walking 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago this spring, and it's going to force me to train and strengthen that trust muscle--starting right now. What's the one virtue God might be inviting you to practice this year? Not admire from a distance but actually practice. Maybe it's the thing you'd rather not choose. That might be the invitation. Let's go home by another way together.

Writing can be a skill. It can be a profession. But sometimes it's something deeper than both. In this episode I sit down with Merridith Frediani, an accountant by day and a writer by charism. We talk about how those two very different worlds live inside one person, how she discovered her charism through the Called & Gifted program and what it really feels like to let God lead the words. Merridith shares how writing became an act of obedience for her, why vulnerability is unavoidable when faith is part of the story and how God gives just enough encouragement to keep her going without letting pride take the wheel. If you've ever wondered whether something you love is just a talent or something God is actively inviting you to use, this conversation will give you a lot to pray with.

What does extraordinary faith look like in real life? In this episode I sit down with Anne Haines, founder of St. Bakhita House in Milwaukee, a home for women recovering from sexual exploitation. We talk about joy as a sign of true calling, the quiet courage of radical trust and what it means to say yes before the resources appear. Anne's story is a powerful reminder that charisms don't live on paper—they build homes, restore dignity and change lives.

Tim Cornell cries when he finishes writing a song—not from pride, but from gratitude. "I just hope He likes it," he says. This episode takes you inside the creative process of a Catholic singer-songwriter who sees music as elevated speaking, a way of giving thanks that goes beyond words. We talk about Monday Funeral (his performance name), raising five kids in a loud, musical household, and why embarrassment keeps us silent in the pews. I also share a story about what changes between kindergarten and eighth grade when it comes to singing—and what we lose along the way. It might make you rethink not singing at mass. Plus, Tim wows us with a live performance from his latest original work.

Ever wonder how to tell if something you do is a true charism (a gift God gave you to serve others) or just something you happen to be good at? In Part 2 of my conversation with Margaret Rhody, we dig into the real discernment work: the fruit, the feedback, and that unmistakable sense of fulfillment that shows up when God is moving through you. We talk about why charisms are more than skills, why they point directly to your God-given mission, and why discovering them is less like taking a personality test and more like going on a treasure hunt. Margaret also breaks down the most common roadblocks people hit and how to start experimenting with your gifts in a way that's rooted in prayer and totally doable. f you’ve ever felt that tug that says, “I think God might be doing something here," this episode will help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. Tune in, take a breath, and let the Holy Spirit surprise you.

I'm hitting pause on the charism series this week because something lined up too perfectly to ignore. At St. Dominic, we're focusing on Habit #3 of our 10 Habits of a Disciple—Repent and Believe—and this week's Gospel brought it all together. In Luke 18, a blind man cries out to Jesus with two of the most honest prayers in Scripture: "Jesus, have mercy on me," and "Lord, let me see." And Jesus responds with a question that gets right to it: "What do you want me to do for you?" In this episode, I explore why those simple prayers matter so much for all of us, and why Confession is where real spiritual clarity begins. I share a personal example of how naming the same sin over and over in the confessional actually led to real change—not through willpower, but through grace. Whether you go to Confession regularly or haven't been in years, I hope this gives you a fresh look at what's really happening in that sacrament.

Ever notice how sometimes you help someone and it feels like… more than you? Like you showed up with almost nothing, but somehow something beautiful happened anyway? That’s what charisms are all about. My guest, Margaret Rhody, explains them in a way that’ll have you wondering, “Wait, what’s MY charism?” We talk about the spiritual gifts (yes, gifts) the Holy Spirit gives each of us, why they’re meant to flow through us (not sit on a shelf), and how they move us from followers to something much greater. If you’ve ever thought, that went better than I could’ve planned, you might just be seeing a charism in action.

I'll be honest—last week got the best of me. Between grief, caregiving, and exhaustion, I couldn't record. And for someone who prides herself on showing up, that felt like failure. Then God reminded me: even Jesus was never in a hurry. This Check-In Day episode is about giving yourself permission to pause—and why that might be the strongest thing you can do right now. If you've been running on fumes lately, you're not alone.

Ever try saying “thank you” in Polish? Spoiler: it’s harder than it sounds. Fresh off a trip to Poland, I discovered that “Dziękuję” (jing-koo-yeh… kind of?) is a tongue twister that’ll humble you real quick. My brother-in-law Kurt tried it out a lot and sounded like a kazoo every time. Let’s just say we kept many a Pole entertained. But somewhere between the butchered pronunciations and airport chaos, I realized something: saying thank you is hard—even in English. Jesus gave thanks seven times in Scripture—often before the miracle, not after. If God Himself paused to say thanks, what’s our excuse? Gratitude isn’t just good manners—it’s a spiritual reflex, a form of trust, and serious strength training for the soul. So today, even if it feels awkward, try saying thank you. Your heart will catch up eventually. Dziękuję for listening!   

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, I sit down with Jason Simon, president of Evangelical Catholic and author of Mission Ready Friendship. We talk about what it really means to move beyond surface-level conversations and love people the way Christ loves us: through intentional, Spirit-led friendship. Jason shares how one friend’s persistence changed his life, and how we can all be that kind of friend to someone else. From breaking through the “I’m fine” facade to trusting the Holy Spirit when we don’t know what to say, this conversation reminds us that evangelization isn’t a program—it’s personal. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your faith more relational, this episode will both challenge and encourage you to take one small step toward someone who needs a lifeline of hope.

Have you ever noticed how uncomfortable silence can be? I'm the queen of filling every moment with noise—TV in the background, radio in the car, Earth, Wind & Fire while I'm cleaning. But lately, God's been challenging me on this. While reading Luke's Gospel, I stumbled onto something fascinating about Archangel Gabriel's visits to Zechariah and Mary. He asks them both to trust him with impossible news, but his response to their questions couldn't be more different. One gets silenced for nine months, the other gets a beautiful explanation. Why? What I discovered changed how I think about silence completely. It's not what you might expect, and it's definitely not punishment. Join me as I explore what happened to Zechariah and why embracing a little silence might be exactly what our souls need right now.

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, I sit down with Jill Fischer to talk about St. Faustina, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and why her message matters today. Jill shares the meaning behind the Divine Mercy image and introduces a simple but powerful practice—ABC: Ask for mercy, Be merciful, Completely trust in Jesus. Whether you’re weighed down by conflict, fear, or frustration, this tool helps move you toward compassion, trust, and light.

“What difference does it make anyway?” A friend’s question hit me harder than I expected. Was this podcast my midlife crisis? My grief project? Just a hobby? I wasn’t sure, until God gave me an answer in a homily about a girl saving sea stars, one at a time. In this episode, I share how that moment anchored my why: encouraging souls, building strength, and carrying forward my son Jack’s legacy to change the world one heart at a time.

Season 2 kicks off with my favorite duo, Jill and Claire, and somehow we found ourselves in a whole lot of boat stories! We're talking about stepping into new seasons with new strengths—whether that's casting nets when you're exhausted, resting with Jesus during storms, or navigating new roles with trust and surrender. Jill shares how humility has become her endurance muscle as she launches the "10 Habits of a Disciple"—a 10-month project for thousands of parishioners. Claire opens up about God's healing work as she prepares for 21 retreats this year. Together, we explore how the basics—prayer, sacraments, and Scripture—keep us anchored. You'll walk away with practical next steps: trying the Surrender Novena, leaning on friends and saints, and simply showing up even when faith feels ordinary. If you're ready for a fresh start, this conversation will encourage you to keep lifting your prayers and let God do the heavy work.

What role do saints play in our spiritual lives? In this episode replay, Director of Adult Faith Formation Al McCauley shares his extensive knowledge about saints and their significance in Catholic tradition. Through engaging stories and examples like Saint Veronica, Al explains how saints serve as spiritual guides, showing us that holiness is achievable despite our human struggles. Learn why saints aren't just figures in stained glass windows, but relatable role models who demonstrate courage, empathy, and humility. Whether you're Catholic or simply curious about saints, this conversation offers fresh insights into how these extraordinary individuals can inspire our own faith journeys today.

Joe Meyer, director of the Catholic Ecology Center and science teacher, shares how his passion for faith and nature led to creating a unique ministry. From his personal journey to the founding of the CEC, Meyer discusses how spending time in nature can deepen our spiritual lives and help us hear God's voice more clearly. He offers practical wisdom for answering God's call and finding divine beauty in the natural world.

Join me for the Season 1 finale as I sit down with my good friend and retreat regular, Bernadette Trucco, to take the mystery out of spiritual retreats. Bernadette calls them her “spiritual reset sessions,” essential soul maintenance that keeps her on God’s path and helps her show up as her best self. From the nerves of her very first retreat to now scheduling them as non-negotiables, she shares how these sacred pauses have carried her through life’s toughest decisions and deepest joys.

What happens when Scripture suddenly feels like it was written just for you? The responsorial psalm at a recent Mass I attended hit different; it seemed so special and personal to me. Then I noticed it was Psalm 66, and I was born in 1966. Coincidence? There’s no such thing. When I got home to dig deeper, what I discovered just clicked with me and helped me better understand my path and the role of God's word. Those verses became my roadmap for the life I'm building now. And by the end of this episode, you'll have a challenge that might just reveal the psalm God's been saving for you your whole life.

What happens when a brand-new college grad walks away from the “safe” career path to take a year of service with no teaching degree, a modest stipend and a classroom full of teenagers who think he’s ancient at 22? In this special episode closing out my Gen Z series, I sit down with my son, Ben Kujawa. Fresh out of Iowa State with a forestry degree and a minor in wildlife ecology, he’s back at his old high school teaching environmental science and coaching football, basketball and lacrosse. We talk about choosing service over career advancement, holding onto faith through loss and setbacks, and how simply living authentically can become quiet but powerful evangelization. Ben shares why “all things must pass” has become a life motto, for the highs as much as the lows, and why sometimes the best foundation is the one you build at rock bottom.

Pope Leo totally changed my episode plans when he delivered an incredible homily to a million young people at the Jubilee of Youth in Rome. They're calling it a "Catholic Woodstock," and honestly, that energy comes through even in a foreign language. His message made me want to share it: aspire to something more, find joy in what you give (not what you get), and stop settling for less than the holiness you were made for. Sure, he was talking to Gen Z, but this message is for all of us who feel that tug toward something bigger. I break down three key reflections that'll make you stop thinking your life is small - because it's not. Come for the Pope content, stay for the permission slip to live fully.

I like free and I like easy, so Kylie Flores came back for a second episode with her honest take on the apps, podcasts, and playlists that are actually helping her Catholic journey. Struggling with confession anxiety or looking for daily prayer habits that actually stick? This episode delivers practical, Gen Z-tested tools for staying connected to faith in the digital age.

At just 26, Kylie Flores has lived a story marked by deep wounds—an abortion she was pressured into, and the devastating loss of her father to suicide. But through RCIA, confession, and community, she discovered that the Catholic Church had what she needed: mercy, healing, and a way home. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too far gone or too broken for faith—this conversation will meet you right where you are. Trigger warnings: suicide, abortion

You probably already evangelize—without even realizing it. You recommend books, share songs, rave about restaurants, and invite friends to your favorite workout class. So why do we clam up when it comes to our faith? In this episode, I explore what everyday evangelization really looks like, what’s holding us back, and how Gen Z Catholics are modeling a bold, beautiful way forward. And yes—we’ll even talk about how to share Jesus like you’d share your favorite salad dressing. No pressure. No bullhorns. Just small, honest steps to build your evangelical muscle.

What does a real relationship with Christ look like when you're 15? Meet Sami Jones—a Gen Z Catholic who's choosing adoration over scrolling, and kindness over judgment. Sami shares her journey from outright skepticism to baptism, her devotion to St. Veronica (patron saint of kindness), and how she's learning to "do her part" in building her faith. With wisdom that puts most adults to shame, Sami reminds us that spiritual strength isn't about age—it's about intention. This conversation will challenge you to reflect on what it means to truly grow in faith, and how Gen Z might be showing the rest of us a new way forward.

We’ve all heard that young people are leaving the Church—but I’m seeing something different. In this episode, I share what I witnessed in Rome, what my 22-year-old son is noticing, and what the latest data says about Gen Z’s growing connection to the Catholic faith. This is the kickoff to a new series of conversations with young adults who are choosing to follow Christ in a noisy world—and why their stories matter.

Meet Hadley Mueller—23 years old and sparking a spiritual movement that's bringing dozens of young adults to Christ through running, community, and contagious joy.  As founder of Run With Christ Chicago, Hadley has grown her faith-fueled run club from 8 people to 70+ in just six months. But this isn't about the numbers—it's about tearing down walls, building authentic friendships, and creating space for people to meet Jesus one mile and one heart at a time. In this episode, we dive into Hadley's powerful return to faith, what it means to say yes to God's calling, and how Gen Z is redefining spiritual community. Whether you're a runner, a seeker, or just someone who needs hope—this conversation will inspire you to lace up and see where God might be calling you next.

On Day 7 of my 150-mile pilgrimage along the Wisconsin Way, I found myself on a narrow, rain-soaked stretch of the Ice Age Trail—with no alternate routes and limited cell service. That day became a powerful metaphor for another time in my life when the only way forward was God’s way. In this episode, I share what it was like to surrender control during my son Jack’s mental health journey and how I discovered that even the hardest climbs can lead to incredible beauty. If you’re facing fear, uncertainty, or feel stuck on your own path—I hope this story gives you strength.

What do a glass of water, homemade lasagna, and a hug from a 110-pound Bernese Mountain Dog have in common? They were all unexpectedly given to me by Trail Angels during my 150-mile Wisconsin Way pilgrimage. Discover how ordinary people (and a dog) with extraordinary hearts showed up at exactly the right moments, and learn to recognize the angels in your own life—while remembering that you might be someone else's unexpected blessing. You don't need wings, just a willing heart.

What do you get when you mix Mass, a tailgate, and a Brewers game? For Bob Simi, it turned into a 15-year apostolate that's expected to bring more than 1,300 people together under one giant tent on June 15, 2025. In this episode, Bob shares how Ballpark Day of Faith started with a simple invitation to head to the ballpark with some brats and beer—and grew into something that's changing lives at American Family Field in Milwaukee. We dive into charisms, the difference between comfort and faithfulness, and what happens when you say yes to the Holy Spirit… even when you feel completely unqualified. If you've been waiting for a sign to step into something new, this conversation might be exactly what you need.

What do a Scottish hymn, a 150-mile walk, and the feast of St. Rita have in common? This episode. I’m diving into The Summons—a song that hit me straight in the heart at Mass—and sharing why it’s the perfect companion for the pilgrimage I’m about to begin. I’ll talk about feeling unworthy, walking with saints (and blisters), and how one line from my son Jack has become a mission I carry every day: to change the world, one heart at a time. Grab your walking shoes—or at least your coffee—and join me. Trigger warning: suicide is discussed.

Fasting isn’t about punishment—it’s about love. In this episode, Peter Andrastek, from Evangelical Catholic breaks open the deeper meaning of fasting and how small, intentional sacrifices can transform your daily life and unite you more closely with Christ. Whether you’re giving up cream in your coffee, your scrolling habit or intentionally being the first to do the dishes, this conversation will help you fast with purpose, not pride.

Join me as I share my preparation for my first-ever pilgrimage on the Wisconsin Way! From treadmills to trails, I'm getting ready to walk from the National Shrine of Our Lady, in Champion Wisconsin to Holy Hill Basilica over 10 days. Between physical setbacks, logistical curveballs, and moments of doubt, I'm learning to surrender my worries and let God carry the weight. This pilgrimage is more than a test run for my future Camino de Santiago dream - it's becoming a spiritual journey all its own. Whether you're carrying stress, doubt, or an overpacked schedule, this episode reminds us that we never walk alone. He is always with us.

Are you trying to figure out what's next in your life? Well, so is my good friend Tracy Josetti. She's one of those women who seems to do it all so well, but today she opens up about the real work behind navigating uncertainty. Together, we delve into Father Mike Schmitz’s “Four Helpful Rules for Discernment” and talk about the messiness, grace, and growth that come with standing at life’s crossroads. Whether you're facing a big decision or just trying to take the next right step, this conversation will remind you: you're not alone on the journey.

This week I’m talking about something highly spiritual: my email sign-off. After years of using the classic “Best” or “Best Regards,” I started wondering if I should close my emails with something a little more faithful. The problem? Everything I came up with sounded like I was trying too hard to be holy. Enter one of Fr. Dennis’ favorite reminders: when your mind starts to wander, bring yourself back to gratitude. And just like that, In Gratitude became my new go-to. That little shift made me stop and reflect on how grateful I am — for this podcast, for my guests, and especially for you. If you’ve ever wondered how email habits, faith, and the Holy Spirit can collide, this episode’s for you. Oh, and if you like the show? Share it with a friend. In Gratitude, of course.