The Brooke Taylor Show

TBTS #273: The Power of the Sacred Heart for Our Nation with Bishop John E. Keehner

In this episode, we explore the historic moment in our nation's history: the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. With Bishop John E. Keener from the Diocese of Sioux City, we delve into the spiritual implications as we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States. 

The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents profound love and compassion, serving as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice for humanity. In this episode, we discuss:
*The tradition of the Sacred Heart and its relevance in today's society.

*Bishop Keener's personal journey with devotion to the Sacred Heart and its transformative power.

*Resources for homes and families to prepare for the solemnity and consecration.

*The aspect of spiritual reparation in the Sacred Heart devotion.

 

Important Links:

Join us on pilgrimage! Click here for details on the Danube River Cruise.

Resources for the Consecration of the U.S. to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Bishop Keehner pastoral letter 2026.

 

TBTS #271: Major Developments in the Sheen Beatification: Update with Dr. Peter Howard

In this episode, Brooke shares a short recap of her son’s recent wedding and a quick visit to Missouri, including details about the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church.

The second half of the show focuses on major developments in the beatification cause of Venerable Fulton Sheen. Dr. Peter Howard, founder of the Fulton Sheen Institute, joins Brooke to discuss the latest updates, Sheen’s legacy, and why his teachings on the Eucharist and Marian devotion remain important today.

Click here for the Fulton Sheen Institute.  Learn more about the Sheen pilgrimage, and more.

Click here for Celebrate Sheen, for tickets to the beatification.

Click here for TBTS #259 with Br. Richard Hendrick about Catholic wedding traditions, and much more.

Click here for TBTS #264 with Catholic wedding photographer Jo Schnitzer.

 

In your kindness, please consider leaving a positive review and/or sharing this episode with others. Reach out to Brooke at SaintGabrielmedia@gmail.com

 

TBTS #270 The Mission of Men: Lessons from St. Joseph with Devin Schadt

March is the month the Catholic Church dedicates to Saint Joseph. In this episode, Devin Schadt, co‑founder of the Fathers of St. Joseph joins Brooke to explore biblical masculinity, the mission of men, and St. Joseph as a model for fatherhood. Devin shares powerful insights on humility, suffering, and embracing our God‑given identity to become true warrior‑heroes in today’s culture.

Key Topics:

• The spiritual role of St. Joseph as a model for fathers
• The importance of humility and silence in masculinity
• The internal battle between worldly promises and divine peace
• The significance of divine sonship and identity in manhood
• The role of suffering and perseverance in spiritual growth

Click here for the Father of St. Joseph.

TBTS #269: Saint Patrick: From Slave to Shepherd of Ireland - featuring Br. Richard Hendrick OFM. Cap.

On this episode: Excitement for the Christ in Her Conference and preparing for Total Consecration to the Holy Face. Plus, special guest Richard Hendrick returns to explore the life and spiritual journey of St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. Discover how Patrick's experiences of slavery, prayer, and land shaped his mission and spirituality, offering timeless lessons on trust, presence, and divine grace.

TBTS #268: Quirky Catholic Kids: Raising Neurodivergent Saints with Ginny Kochis

In this episode, Ginny Kochis shares her inspiring journey as a Catholic mom and author of Quirky Catholic Kids, offering insights on supporting neurodivergent children through faith and community. We explore challenges, saintly intercessors, and prayer strategies.

We cover:

Understanding neurodivergence: autism, ADHD, OCD, PDA, and more

The spiritual approach: integrating saints and prayers like the litany of humility

Embracing the spectrum: development versus discipline in raising neurodivergent children

Practical tips for Mass attendance 

Personal stories of meltdowns, acceptance, and community support

Saints as intercessors: Therese, Zellie, Louie, and others, inspiring perseverance and patience

Creating sensory-friendly Mass environments and advocacy within parishes

The importance of surrender and trust in God's plan for our families

Resources & Links:

• Quirky Catholic Kids: Navigating Neurodivergence with Faith and Joy
• Sophia Institute Press
• Zellie Society coaching program
• Sensory-Friendly Mass in Burke, VA
• Saint Therese of Lisieux
• St. Dymphna — Patron Saint of mental health
• Prayer Resources

Connect with Ginny Kochis:

• Quirky Catholic Kids Website
• Facebook Group for Catholic Parents of Neurodivergent Kids
• Instagram

 

TBTS #265: Feasting and Fasting: The Work of Lent with Fr. Leo Patalinghug

In this conversation, Brooke Taylor and Father Leo Patalinghug explore the themes of Lent, fasting, and the importance of family meals. They discuss the significance of Shrovetide, the relationship between fasting and spiritual growth, and the impact of technology on modern life. Father Leo emphasizes the need for intentionality in family meals and the sacredness of cooking. The conversation also touches on the value of pilgrimage as a means of spiritual renewal and concludes with reflections on approaching Lent with clarity and sobriety.

 

 

Links

Join Fr. Leo, Bishop John E. Keehner, and Brooke Taylor on pilgrimage!

Click here for details. 

 

Click here for the sermon from Saint John Henry Newman on Fasting as a Source of Trial.

 

Click here for Fr. Leo's Plating Grace

TBTS# 263 Luke Brown LPCC-Carrying What Others Don’t See: Caregiver Fatigue and the Digital Overload

In this episode, Brooke Taylor shares a story about her daughter's equine therapy lesson, highlighting the everyday struggles faced by caregivers, particularly those caring for individuals with special needs. Nearly one in four adults in the U.S. is a caregiver, often juggling their own responsibilities alongside the needs of others. Special guest Luke Brown, a licensed professional clinical counselor, provides valuable guidance on managing caregiver stress.

Chapters

00:00The Glove Story: A Caregiver's Struggle

02:16Understanding Caregiver Burnout

04:42The Importance of Self-Care

09:55Finding Humor in Caregiving

18:04Recognizing Compassion Fatigue

24:08The Role of Community in Caregiving

29:59Setting Healthy Boundaries with Technology

37:28The Joy of Play in Parenting

39:21Final Thoughts on Caregiving and Community

Episode # 262 Breaking Through Spiritual Stagnation: The Power of the Holy Face

Summary

This episode explores the profound devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, featuring Father Lawrence Carney, who discusses the spiritual journey and the significance of reparation, reverence, and reversion. The conversation delves into the historical and spiritual aspects of this devotion, its impact on personal faith, and its relevance in today's world. 

Click here for the book, Preparation for Total Consecration to the Holy Face of Jesus: How God Draws the Soul into the Purgative, Illuminative, and Unitive Ways.

Click here for the first book by Fr. Carney, Secret of the Holy Face.

Takeaways

• Consistent prayer correlates with contentment.
• The Holy Face devotion is cherished by saints like St. Therese of Lisieux.
• Father Carney emphasizes the importance of reparation, reverence, and reversion.
• The devotion offers a blueprint for engaging against spiritual challenges.
• St. Therese's spirituality was deeply connected to the Holy Face.
• Reversion involves returning to the Church and embracing its teachings.
• Spiritual reading is essential for deepening one's faith.
• The devotion to the Holy Face is a remedy for spiritual darkness.
• Father Carney shares personal insights on his spiritual journey.

 

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