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: 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 #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.

Hope and Healing: The Story of Paul Darrow

On this special episode, Father Patrick Shultz speaks to Catholic women from the "heart of a father." You can listen to his full talk, here. 

Paul Darrow shares his incredible story as a former atheist and gay-activist who experienced a profound healing after years of living of decadence with drug use, promiscuity and many dark moments. 

 

#Pride #Humilty #TheSacredHeartofJesus #CourageInternational #Courage #RelevantRadio #Healing 

#Culture 

 

 

TBTS: Miracle Hunter Michael O’Neill on the Life of Rhoda Wise

On this episode: Miracle Hunter Michael O'Neill talks about a new episode of his acclaimed series They Might be Saints featuring Servant of God Rhoda Wise. 

 

Click here to listen to the interview with Fr. Lawrence Daniel Carney III about his new book The Secret of the Holy Face.

Click here to listen to the interview with Coach Joe Kennedy and Jessica Echeverry.

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: An Examination of Conscience for Social Media + Personal News

On this episode: Personal news. Also, thoughts about ministry, media, and maintaining peace in the digital age. 

TBTS #229: Dr. Peter Kreeft

Dr. Peter Kreeft is one of the most respected and prolific authors of our time. Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, he has written 80 books on philosophy, theology and spirituality. 

Dr. Kreeft's new book is entitled  How to Destroy Western Civilization and other Ideas from the Cultural Abyss. '

This episode is brought to you by Select International Tours. Click here to join Brooke on pilgrimage. 

 

The Brooke Taylor Show with Special Guest Fr. Frank Pavone

On this episode: Preparing for Advent. Plus, special guest Fr. Frank Pavone, President of Priests for Life shares a powerful message. 

Support the work of Fr. Pavone here.

Let us know your thoughts about the show at Thebrooketaylorshow@gmail.com Your feedback is so appreciated.

Join Brooke on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Click here for details.