The Brooke Taylor Show

TBTS #261: Fresh Star & Full Heart

In this episode, Brooke shares a personal update and reflects on the theme of making room in our hearts and lives. Discussion on home renovation project over the Christmas break, the challenges and lessons learned, and the importance of decluttering both physically and spiritually.

Brooke also shares insights from Pope Benedict XVI and St. John Henry Newman, emphasizing the need for inner renewal and attentiveness to God's presence. The episode concludes with A Prayer for Divine Illumination by Saint John Henry Newman and a preview of upcoming events and topics for the new season.

Takeaways

• Making room in our hearts is essential for spiritual growth.
• Home renovation can be both an exterior and interior journey.
• Decluttering helps focus on what truly matters.
• Pope Benedict XVI's insights on inner renewal.
• St. John Henry Newman's prayer emphasizes divine guidance.
• Social media detox can lead to unexpected peace.
• Upcoming events include retreats and conferences.
• The importance of attentiveness to God's presence.
• The new season of exciting topics and guests.

Click here for the Soul, Mind and Body Retreat in Tennessee. 

Click here for the Christ in Her Catholic Women's Conference in Texas.

Click here to join Brooke on Danube River Cruise and Christmas Markets pilgrimage. 

TBTS #260: Dr. Michael Pakaluk on True Friendship and Why it Matters

 

Summary

In this conversation, Brooke Taylor and Dr. Michael Pakaluk explore the concept of friendship in contemporary society, highlighting the alarming trend of declining close friendships, often referred to as a 'friendship recession.' They discuss the importance of true friendship, its role in mental health, and how Catholic teaching can guide souls in forming and maintaining meaningful relationships. The conversation also touches on the challenges of modern friendships, the significance of friendship in marriage and family life, and concludes with a reflection on the legacy of Ruth Pakaluk, emphasizing the value of community and connection in a fragmented world.

 

Links

Book: The Company We Keep: True Friendship and Why it Matters.

The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of God: The Story of Ruth Pakaluk..

Takeaways

• You are not alone in feeling lonely.
• We are in a friendship recession.
• The percentage of adults reporting no close friends has quadrupled.
• Friendship is necessary, like philosophy, like art.
• True friendship is about sacrifice.
• Friendship is not flattery.
• We need to make ourselves more befriendable.
• Men have a harder time with good, godly friendships.
• Friendship is essential among Christians.
• The legacy of Ruth Pakaluk is inspiring.

Chapters

00:00The Friendship Recession

04:55Understanding True Friendship

10:22The Importance of Friendship in Christianity

15:19Navigating Modern Friendships

19:29Forming Genuine Friendships

28:29The Role of Friendship in Marriage and Family

33:47The Legacy of Ruth Pakaluk

TBTS #259: Br. Richard Hendrick OFM Cap.: Weddings, Confirmation, Advent

In this episode, Brother Richard Hendrick joins Brooke to discuss the rich traditions and spiritual significance of sacraments in the Catholic faith. We explore the use of a bride's veil as a christening gown, the mystery of sacraments, and the journey from baptism to confirmation. The final segment of the show focuses on Advent. 

Takeaways

• The bride's veil can be transformed into a christening gown for the firstborn child.
• Sacraments are visible signs of invisible grace.
• Confirmation marks the transition from disciple to apostle.
• Inclusivity in sacraments is emphasized for those with disabilities.
• The sacraments span the totality of human life.
• Baptism is the seed, and confirmation is the tree beginning to flower.
• The sacraments are a mystery, beyond full human understanding.
• The church encourages understanding the true teachings of sacraments.
• Inclusivity in sacraments is a right for all, regardless of capacity.
• The journey of faith is supported by the community and sacraments.

 

 

TBTS #258: Oliver Bonnassies: God, the Science, the Universe, the Evidence: The Dawn of a Revolution

Brooke Taylor welcomes Oliver Bonnassies to discuss the groundbreaking international bestseller: God, the Science, the Evidence..

This conversation explores the relationship between science and religion, particularly focusing on the historical context of the 'great reversal' where science was seen as a means to explain the world, often in opposition to religious beliefs. Brooke Taylor and Oliver Bonnassies discusses the limitations of scientific explanations in light of recent discoveries in quantum mechanics, relativity, and biology, suggesting that the narrative of science as the ultimate truth may be overly simplistic.

Click here to watch on You Tube

Key Takeaways:

Science has historically been viewed as a means to explain the world.

The 'great reversal' refers to the shift in understanding science's role versus religion.

Key figures like Galileo, Newton, and Darwin contributed to this scientific narrative.

Materialism and scientism have dominated intellectual thought in the past. The idea that science will eventually explain everything is challenged by new discoveries.

Quantum mechanics and relativity reveal complexities in our understanding of the universe.

The discovery of the Big Bang has implications for our understanding of existence.

Biological complexity adds another layer to the scientific narrative.

The relationship between science and religion is complex and evolving.

Recent scientific discoveries suggest that the picture is far from complete.

TBTS #257: Remembering the Dead, Embracing the Cross

On this episode of The Brooke Taylor Show..

Brooke is joined by Jen Gerber, a friend, mother and convert from the Mennonite tradition to the Catholic faith. Jen shares the heart-wrenching and grace-filled story of her daughter Evelyn, who passed away at just 11 years old. Through unimaginable sorrow, Jen and her family discovered profound healing in the sacraments of the Church, learning to unite their suffering to the Cross of Christ.

Also joining the episode is Brother Richard Hendrick, OFM Cap, who offers a powerful reflection on the month of November, a month dedicated to praying for the souls of the faithful departed. 

He invites us to enter more deeply into the mystery of death, remembrance, and hope in the Resurrection

TBTS # 256-What Happened to Modesty? With Patrick O’Hearn and Catherine Rose

Special Announcements
🌍 Join Brooke Taylor on Pilgrimage!
Join His Excellency Bishop John E. Keehner, Fr. Leo Patalinghug, and Brooke Taylor for a storybook Advent pilgrimage, December 5–13, 2026. Visit Select International Tours for more details.

🧘‍♀️ Retreat with Kendra Von Esh
Recharge your soul at the Soul, Mind & Body Retreat hosted by Kendra Von Esh. A transformative experience designed to renew your faith and reconnect with God, inspired by the spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux.

Episode Overview: 
In this episode, Brooke Taylor welcomes two compelling guests who explore how modesty and beauty, rooted in Catholic tradition, can restore femininity and evangelize the culture.

Guest 1: Patrick O’Hearn
Author and speaker Patrick O’Hearn shares profound insights on the virtue of modesty and its spiritual significance in today’s world. Join Patrick O'Hearn on a pilgrimage to France.
Key Takeaways:
•  Modesty is a lost virtue in modern culture
•  Fathers play a vital role in teaching and modeling modesty
•  Sin affects others more deeply than we realize
•  Cultural pressures challenge the practice of modesty
•  Balancing personal freedom with virtue
•  Patrick’s personal journey and reflections on modesty

 Featured Books by Patrick O’Hearn

Parents of the Saints: The Hidden Heroes Behind Our Favorite Saints

Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion

Saints Come in All Shapes and Sizes

 

👗 Guest 2: Catherine Rose
Catherine Rose joins Brooke to discuss her book A Return to Beauty, which reclaims the sacredness of fashion through the lens of Catholic tradition.
Highlights from the Interview:
•  The spiritual symbolism behind feminine dress
•  Reconnecting with ancient Catholic aesthetics
•  Beauty as a pathway to holiness
•  Encouraging women to embrace their God-given dignity

Featured Book by Catherine Rose: Ancient Catholic Fashion for Modern Women

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
Share your thoughts on this episode and tag Brooke on social media. Subscribe, rate, and review to help spread the message of truth, beauty, and goodness.
 

Distraction & Devotion: Saving Our Kids in a Digital Age TBTS #255: Featuring Paul Sanfranseco and Betty B. Borsarge O.S.F.

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we explore the life-and-death consequences of social media on children and teens, inspired by a chilling new documentary called Can't Look Away: The Case Against Social Media. The film reveals the emotional and psychological toll of our digital world. 

Tech expert Paul Sanfranseco joins us to unpack the hidden dangers lurking behind the screen,  from algorithmic addiction to online harassment,  and offers practical strategies for families to reclaim peace, attention, and purpose.
In the second half, we reflect on Our Lady’s Psalter, a meditation on the traditional Rosary, and how ancient prayer practices can offer peace, focus, and spiritual growth in an age of endless distraction.

 

Resources Mentioned:

Documentary: Can't Look Away: The Case Against Social Media

 

Our Lady's Psalter: Meditations on the Traditional Rosary

TBTS: Revenge, Forgiveness, and the Power of Mercy - Episode #254

It’s the month of the Most Holy Rosary, and we’re back with a new episode!

• Checking in after a busy summer guest-hosting Trending on Relevant Radio
• Highlights from summer interviews include:
• Katie Vidmar – Body Literacy Project
• Paul Sanfrancesco – Tech/media expert for Catholic schools
• Catherine Rose – A Return to Beauty
• Maria Gari & Chase Crouse – Health, hormones, and prayer
• Kevin Wells – Priest and Beggar on St. John Vianney

Favorite Things Segment

Books:

Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry 

Our Lady’s Psalter

The Power of the Rosary by Gabriel Castillo 

Learning the Virtues That Lead You to God by Fr. Romano Guardini

 

Fitness:

• iFit Treadmill Program
• Scottish Highlands hike with Graham McTavish (actor from The Hobbit)

 

Main Interview

• Dr. James Kimmel Jr., JD – Author of The Science of Revenge
• Fr. Dave Hene – Spiritual Director

Topics:

• The psychology and spirituality of revenge
• How forgiveness transforms the heart
• Practical tools for overcoming anger and resentment

 

Resources Mentioned

  Relevant Radio archives: www.relevantradio.com

• The Science of Revenge by Dr. James Kimmel Jr.
• Priest and Beggar by Kevin Wells
• A Return to Beauty by Catherine Rose

 

TBTS #253: Requiem for Pope Francis: Reflections on His Funeral Mass

This episode is a recap of of Pope Francis’ funeral as Brooke revisits the highlights of live coverage originally airing on Relevant Radio. Joined by Fr. Ramil Fajardo, this special episode captures snapshots of the reverence, tradition, and depth of the Requiem Mass. 

Click here to learn more about the pilgrimage to Ireland. Only a few spots remain. Join us!

Click here to watch the video coverage of the funeral Mass for Pope Francis. 

 

Show Notes:

• Opening Reflection – The atmosphere in Rome and the global significance of the funeral.

• The Requiem Mass – Key moments, readings, and traditions explained.

• Fr. Ramil Fajardo’s Commentary – Insights into the liturgy, prayers, and papal legacy.

• The Holy Door & Continuity of the Church – Pope Francis’ connection to centuries-old traditions.

• World Leaders & Mourners – Notable attendees and tributes.

• Final Farewell – The burial site, prayers of commendation, and legacy left behind.

TBTS #252: Jonathan Kuplack's 100 Days of Sacrifice: The Via Magna Run for Sebaste

On this episode, Brooke welcomes Jonathan Kuplack, a 36-year-old endurance athlete and missionary currently in the middle of an extraordinary journey: 100 ultra marathons in 100 days. 

Covering 3,500 miles on foot, Jonathan is undertaking the Via Magna ("The Great Road"), a pilgrimage run in support of the apostolate Sebaste, which aims to instill adventure, brotherhood, challenge, and devotion in young men.

This conversation offers a profound reflection on what it means to take bold action for Christ, particularly in this season of Lent. Inspired by Pope Benedict XIV's words describing Lent as "the very badge of Christian warfare," we explore the intersections of endurance running, spiritual devotion, and personal transformation. 

Click here to donate and support The Via Magna Run!