Practicing Catholic

Jesus tells us that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven—but what does that actually look like in everyday life? In this episode, Taylor and Scott reflect on the surprising spiritual lessons they've learned through raising their children. From wonder and joy to honesty, play, fairness, and presence, they explore how children reveal what it means to live a deeply human—and deeply Christian—life. They also answer listener questions about helping teenagers grow in freedom while staying rooted in the faith, and how to persevere in prayer during difficult seasons when God feels distant. Whether you're a parent or not, this conversation offers practical wisdom for growing in holiness through the ordinary experiences God places before us. Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com/

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What is virtue, and how do we actually become more virtuous? Taylor Kemp sits down with Dr. Joe Scherrer—retired Air Force colonel, leadership coach, and secular Discalced Carmelite—to explore how the habits we practice shape the people we become.

 

Together, they discuss the cardinal and theological virtues, the relationship between prudence and leadership, the need for temperance in everyday life, and why humility is essential for holiness. Dr. Joe Scherrer also offers a practical approach to growth: identify one virtue, practice it through small concrete actions, and cooperate with God’s grace over time.

 

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

 

Learn more about Dr. Joe Sherrer and the Leadership Forge: https://theleadershipforge.com

 

Watch The Rescue Project on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1492637

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Taylor Kemp and Scott Hefelfinger continue their conversation on artificial intelligence, this time focusing on practical principles for using AI well in daily life and work.

 

They discuss why Catholics should think before prompting, protect their areas of expertise, avoid treating chatbots like real relationships, and stay rooted in the human goods of creativity, work, conversation, and prayer.

 

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: https://formed.org/practicing-catholic-podcast

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Artificial intelligence promises greater efficiency, easier access to information, and solutions to many everyday problems. But what happens when efficiency becomes the standard by which we measure human worth?

 

Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger examine the Church’s response to AI and the technocratic mindset behind it. They explore how technology shapes our habits, weakens our capacity for patient thought, and can tempt us to treat people as problems to be optimized rather than persons made for relationship and communion.

 

How can Catholics evaluate new technologies without rejecting their benefits or embracing them uncritically? This conversation invites us to pause, examine our use of AI, and ask whether our tools are truly helping us become more human.

 

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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What does authentic patriotism look like for Catholics? In this Fourth of July episode, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the virtue of patriotism through the lens of gratitude, justice, and Catholic tradition.

 

Drawing from St. Thomas Aquinas, Chesterton, and their own experiences living abroad, they discuss how love of country differs from nationalism and why gratitude is the foundation of patriotism. They reflect on God's providence, civic responsibility, and how Catholics can love their country without idolizing it.

 

The conversation also offers practical ways to contribute to the common good through family life, local communities, and charitable engagement in an increasingly divided culture. Plus, they answer a listener question about maintaining relationships with family members who have left the faith.

 

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

 

Get American Pilgrimage by Dr. Christopher Shannon here:  

https://catholic.market/books/american-pilgrimage/?srsltid=AfmBOopYpTM47rxVjDIxQo7yk3uu7RIJMFnrwvg7mreqtcS6ev9Lp0XJ

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