The Brooke Taylor Show

TBTS #269: Saint Patrick: From Slave to Shepherd of Ireland - featuring Br. Richard Hendrick OFM. Cap.

On this episode: Excitement for the Christ in Her Conference and preparing for Total Consecration to the Holy Face. Plus, special guest Richard Hendrick returns to explore the life and spiritual journey of St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. Discover how Patrick's experiences of slavery, prayer, and land shaped his mission and spirituality, offering timeless lessons on trust, presence, and divine grace.

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 #264: A Catholic Wedding Guide with Jo from Four Loves Photo & Film

Brooke Taylor and Jo Schnitzer explore the beauty and significance of Catholic marriage, emphasizing the importance of family support, prayer, and the sacramental nature of weddings.

They discuss the challenges couples face in planning their weddings, including navigating costs, cultural influences, and the impact of social media.

The conversation highlights the role of traditions and rituals in Catholic weddings, the importance of creating a peaceful environment, and the meaningful touches parents can contribute.

Ultimately, they express hope for the future of Catholic marriages and the excitement of young couples embracing the sacrament.

 

Chapters

00:00The Beauty of Catholic Marriage

02:51Role of Family in Marriage Preparation

05:31Navigating Wedding Planning

08:26Understanding Costs and Logistics

11:22Cultural Influences on Weddings

13:58The Importance of Prayer and Support

16:44Traditions and Rituals in Catholic Weddings

19:37Creating a Peaceful Wedding Environment

22:14Attire and Aesthetics for the Ceremony

25:00Meaningful Touches from Parents

27:41Hope for the Future of Catholic Marriages

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 #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

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 #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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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: Journey to Bethlehem with Shibly Kando

This is the last episode of the season! Thank you for supporting The Brooke Taylor Show and for all the many ways you inspire our team and keep the show going. There are lots of exciting things coming!

On today's show: Special guest Shibly Kando takes us on a retreat to Bethlehem, his home. Hear what it's like to live so near the birth of Jesus Christ and about the customs and faith of the people. Shibly also talks about the lesser known challenges of living as a Christian in the West Bank.

 

To support families in Bethlehem, click here.