The Brooke Taylor Show

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!

 

 

TBTS #251: The Path to Saint Patrick -A Lenten Irish Retreat with Br. Richard Hendrick OFM Cap.

In this episode,  Brother Richard Hendrick, OFM Cap. joins Brooke from Dublin, Ireland.  They discuss themes of Lent, repentance, and the life of St. Patrick. Starting out with the call to deep sorrow for sins, and the grace of compunction. Brother Richard shares insights on the journey of conversion, the importance of hope, and the power of St. Patrick's prayer and life. The second half of the show looks at Saint Patrick's Confessio and little known facts about one of the most fascinating saints in history.  

 

Click here to join us on a pilgrimage to Ireland. 

 

Takeaways

• Lent is a time for fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.
• Compunction is a grace that leads to deeper conversion.
• Repentance involves recognizing our sins in the light of God's love.
• St. Patrick's life exemplifies hope and transformation through suffering.

TBTS #250: Preparing for Lent with the Catholic Fasting Coach

In this conversation, Brooke Taylor and Beth Bubik discuss the significance of fasting during Lent, exploring its spiritual and practical implications. They delve into the Delay and Pray method, emphasizing the integration of body and soul in the fasting process. The discussion also highlights the importance of redemptive suffering and how to offer up personal struggles for the greater good. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the challenges of Lent and find ways to grow spiritually through fasting and prayer.

Click here for The Catholic Fasting Coach

Click here for information on pilgrimage to Ireland.

 

 

Takeaways

• Fasting is one of the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
• The Delay and Pray method focuses on delaying sugar, flour, and alcohol to enhance spiritual growth.
• Weight loss is a side benefit of spiritual fasting, not the main goal.
• Redemptive suffering can transform personal struggles into opportunities for growth.
• Emotional components play a significant role in overcoming food and alcohol cravings.
• Integrating body and soul is essential for effective fasting.
• Offering up suffering can lead to deeper spiritual conversion.
• Lent is a time to embrace challenges and grow closer to God.
• The importance of community and support in the fasting journey.
•  

 

Chapters

00:00Setting the Tone for Lent 2025

11:30The Integrated Approach to Fasting

21:44Redemptive Suffering and Its Importance

TBTS #149: Catholic Rites of Passage and Building Virtuous Sons -with Guest Steven Arms

n this conversation, Brooke Taylor and Stephen Arms discuss the importance of rites of passage for boys, particularly in the context of modern challenges they face.  The discussion emphasizes the role of fathers and male mentors in guiding boys towards virtuous manhood, sharing personal stories and practical advice for families. 

Click here for the Milestone to Manhood website.

 

Click here for more information on the pilgrimage to Ireland.

 

Takeaways

• Boys thrive in environments that challenge them and teach resilience.
• Rites of passage provide a clear transition from boyhood to manhood.
• Jesus's finding in the temple serves as a model for rites of passage.
• Modern society lacks formal rites of passage, leading to extended boyhood.
• Father absence contributes to boys seeking validation in unhealthy ways.
• Engaged fatherhood is crucial for raising virtuous men.
• Personal stories of rites of passage can inspire families to create their own.
• Single mothers can organize rites of passage with the help of male role models.
• It's never too late to initiate a rite of passage for a young man.

 

 

TBTS #148: Humility and the Pursuit of Happiness

In this episode,  Brooke introduces the theme of humility, emphasizing its importance in the pursuit of true happiness. Joined by Father Basil Cole, we explore the virtue of humility through the lens of literature, particularly Tolkien's Frodo Baggins, and the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas. The conversation delves into the role of virtue in human flourishing, the distinction between true humility and counterfeit self-hatred, and practical applications of humility in daily life, including in corporate culture. The episode concludes with a reflection on how humility can lead to true happiness and fulfillment in life. 

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Introduction to Humility

03:49 Understanding Humility Through Literature and Faith

08:04 The Role of Virtue in Human Flourishing

12:02 Distinguishing Humility from Counterfeit Self-Hatred

18:02 Practical Applications of Humility in Daily Life

24:11 Navigating Humility in Corporate Culture

30:03 The Path to Happiness Through Humility

 

Join Brooke on a pilgrimage to Ireland. Click here for details.

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