The Brooke Taylor Show

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# 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

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 #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: Servant of God Rose Wise: A Family Member Speaks

On this episode: A rare and candid interview with Darlene, the granddaughter of Rhoda Wise.

In 2017, Rhoda Wise was declared a Servant of God. This is the first step of canonization as a saint in the Catholic Church.

The life of this mystic, stigmatist, and

mentor of Mother Angelica will move your heart and soul.

It is a great privilege to be able to bring you Rhoda’s story.

 

Click here for the official website of the Rhoda Wise home.

 

TBTS Bonus Episode: Preparing for Lent

*Bonus Episode*

Preparing for the season of Lent. Listen to a portion of Brooke's interview with Kennedy Hall, author of Terror of Demons: Reclaiming Traditional Catholic Masculinity. Originally airing on Relevant Radio, this segment explores themes of self-mastery, fasting and prayer. 

Plus, Brooke shares news about ending of the podcast, fasting from technology, and more. 

 

Click here for the original, full interview with Kennedy Hall on Relevant Radio.

Click here to listen to Brooke's interview with Patrick O'Hearn, author of Parents of the Saints.

Click here for Brooke's interview with Leila Miller on Relevant Radio.

TBTS #239: Lieutenant Commander Ali Ghaffari

On this episode: Lieutenant Commander Ali Ghaffari -an American hero.

Ali is a former atheist turned devout Catholic. After being confronted about the existence of God by a Marine veteran, Ali began a journey that changed his life.⁣

⁣

While flying F-18's over Taliban occupied Afghanistan, he was also earning Master’s degrees in Catholic Theology and Philosophy.⁣

Today, Ali is the headmaster of Divine Mercy Academy, a school founded by LCDR Ghaffari and Mrs. Ghaffari. His approach is to revive and grow the Classical Education model -freeing the mind so that it can understand God and the world He created in order that we may serve Him better. ⁣

⁣

 

TBTS #234: Leila Marie Lawler and The Summa Domestica

On this episode: Leila Marie Lawler and The Summa Domestica. Leila talks about her background as a secular humanist feminist and eventual conversion to Catholicism. 

Leila shares her wisdom of the role of women in the home, and how to manage burnout and depression.

The Summa Domestica is a three volume work available for pre-order, here. 

Visit Leila's blog Happy Despite them, here. 

We love hearing from you. Feedback is always welcome at: TheBrookeTaylorShow@gmail.com

Click here to subscribe to Brooke's You Tube channel.

Instagram: 1brooketaylor

If you enjoy the show, please share. Prayers always appreciated! Thank you for your support.

TBTS Bonus Episode: Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers

This episode is brought to you by Select International Tours and Cruises. Join Brooke on pilgrimage.

Click here for more information. 

 

Broadcasting from the Catholic Marketing Network trade show, Brooke sits down with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers. Deacon Harold has been a fixture of Catholic evangelization for many years. On this episode, The Dynamic Deacon talks about everything from forgiveness and mercy, a personal story of healing with his father,
marriage preparation for couples, favorite books and much more. 

TBTS #231: Cathy Gilmore and Cheri Blomquist

This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Select International Tours. Click here to see a list of upcoming pilgrimages with Brooke and Fr. John Michael Paul, CSJ. 

 

Episode #231: Cathy Gilmore is spokesperson and conference coordinator for CMN -Catholic Marketing Network Momentum '21.  This premiere event is a can't-miss for anyone in ministry. Cathy gives us the full scoop.

Click here to register for the conference. 

Cheri Blomquist is the author of Before Austen Comes Aesop: The Children's Great Books and How to Experience Them. Her website is http://www.onceuponapen.studio/