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 #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 #246: Healthy Habits and Hormones Part Two with Special Guest Marna Revlock , APRN, NP-C

Show Notes:

Sign up for our newsletter! Click here to join. 

Join Brooke and Fr. JMP, CJ on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Click here for details. 

Click here for MetPro.

Resources:

VitalityMed.
MyCatholicdoctor.com.

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.⁣

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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. ⁣

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TBTS #237: Sister John Dominic, OP, and Education in Virtue

On this episode: Sister John Dominic Rasmussen, OP.

Sister entered the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in 1982.

In 1997, she and three other Sisters founded the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Sister has been involved in Catholic education for over 30 years as both a teacher and administrator.  Sister has developed Disciple of Christ: Education in Virtue, a curriculum structured on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas regarding the virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Plus, a clip from a recent interview with Lieutenant Commander Ali Ghaffari. Click here to listen to the full-length show on Relevant Radio's Trending with Timmerie.  Click here for the episode entitled: Divine Mercy: An Atheist Fighter Pilot Finds God. 

This episode is sponsored by Select Tours International. Click here to lean more.

Click here for The Brooke Taylor Show You Tube channel. 

Your feedback is important! E-mail: TheBrookeTaylorShow@gmail.com

Thank you for your support!

TBTS #235 Moved by Faith: Why Some Catholic Families are Relocating

This episode is sponsored by Select International Tours. Click here to learn more about pilgrimage with Brooke.

 

On today's show: Brooke and Jim travel to Greenville, SC and sit down with realtor, Chris Ortiz and his family. They discuss why many Catholic families are relocating to the area (and other hotspots). Also, an interview with Troy and Kathleen Billings about why they moved from Illinois to South Carolina. Plus, more!

 

Your feedback is appreciated! Reach out at TheBrookeTaylorShow@gmail.com.

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. 

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