The Brooke Taylor Show

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 #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

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 #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: 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 #238 Former Atheist Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP, and Memento Mori

On this episode: 

Former atheist turned religious sister, Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP, joins Brooke in this "Best of" interview. Originally recorded in 2019, this episode explores the ancient practice of Memento Mori-Remember your death. Sister also talks about why this approach is so effective in reaching an atheistic world and why it can be considered a "conversion within a conversion." 

Next week on the show, Lieutenant Commander, Ali Ghaffairi is back for a must-listen interview.  Click here for his first conversation with Brooke on Relevant Radio. 

Feedback? We love to hear from you. Please reach out at: thebrooketaylorshow@gmail.com

This episode is brought to you by Select International Tours. 

 

TBTS #236: Understanding Divine Mercy with Fr. Chris Alar

The Brooke Taylor Show is brought to you by Select International Tours. Click here to learn more about pilgrimages with Brooke and Fr. John Michael Paul,  CSJ.

On this episode: Fr. Chris Alar talks about his book, Understanding Divine Mercy. 

Click here for his new show Living Divine Mercy.

Click here for TheDivineMercy.org.

 

 

TBTS#210: Recliners, Retreats and Brother Richard

On this episode: Sharing exciting news at Brooke's House. A recap of the Cleveland Catholic Women's Conference and a throwback interview with our favorite Irish monk, Brother Richard Hendrick, OFM Cap. You don't want to miss Brother Richard's powerful words about preparing for the feast of All Souls' and All Saints Day, including a beautiful personal story to conclude the program. 

 

Enjoy the show? Please consider becoming a Podbean Patron to support the work of the ministry. Thank you so much for your support!

Feedback: TheBrookeTaylorShow@gmail.com