Podcast
Feeding Fathers
Hosted by Qurbana Media · EN
Fr. Simon Esshaki hosts engaging conversations and shares a meal with three of his brother priests. This Catholic podcast offers candid, informal discussions on theology, faith, and contemporary issues, seen through a distinct Chaldean Catholic lens.
Explore the profound ancient spirituality of the Church of the East, bringing unique and fresh perspectives to Christianity and modern culture. This show is for anyone seeking spiritual insights, Catholic wisdom, and meaningful dialogue about faith in today's world.
Listen in for discussions that truly nourish your soul, enlighten your understanding, and make you hungry!
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Problem with "Bible Alone" and "Faith Alone" [Ep. 90]
1w ago00:54:22Tap to summarizeThis episode is all about the two most common objections that come up between Catholics and Protestants — Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide (Scripture Alone and Faith Alone). We lay out why “Scripture alone” sounds straightforward until you ask the obvious follow-up questions: Who decided which books actually belong in the Bible? Why did the Church already have the faith, the liturgy, and the Eucharist long before the canon was settled? And what happens when the same text gets interpreted in completely different ways with no living authority to settle it? We point out that “Do this in memory of me” already assumes tradition and practice that go beyond the text itself. On the salvation side, we take on the “faith alone” claim directly. We explain how baptism actually makes us new creations, how Christ lives and works in us, and why “I never knew you” is such a sobering warning. Intellectual agreement with the right facts isn’t enough if it never becomes real transformation and relationship. We also squeezed in some World Cup banter, Zlatan quotes, celebrate someone's birthday, and play a game of "Holy Hot Takes" while we were at it. If these two topics have ever left you with more questions than answers, this one’s worth your time. Featuring: Fr. Christopher Somo, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Roni Schamoun ––– 00:00 Protestant Label 01:41 World Cup Tangent 06:07 Sola Scriptura Origins 14:41 Church and Canon 18:44 Interpretation and Authority 24:47 Sola Fide Explained 33:55 Faithfulness Not Belief 35:38 Ratzinger On Faith Alone 38:50 Saved By Love And Fruit 41:25 Birthday Cake! 42:45 Holy Hot Takes 44:57 Underrated Saints 47:03 Underrated Bible Books 48:36 Seminary Hot Takes 50:15 Viral Bible Characters 51:21 Popes With Podcasts 52:32 Prayers Not Prayed Enough –––
Transcribe →Chaldean Funerals: Are We Grieving the Right Way? [Ep. 89]
2w ago00:47:47Tap to summarizeYou ever sit at a Chaldean/Assyrian funeral gathering and feel like something about it just doesn’t sit right, even though everybody’s there for a good reason? We get into what actually happens in those halls — the way the room splits, the "hired" wailers doing their thing to get people crying, and how the men usually end up talking business or church stuff while the women are on the other side. We discuss the pressure that falls on the women especially, the black clothes, the 40 days, the skipping weddings and celebrations, and how that can turn into something heavier than anyone meant it to be. We also call out the part that’s harder to say out loud: how mourning can quietly become a competition, or how family drama and judgment show up right when people are already hurting. And the question that keeps coming back is the one that matters most — where is Jesus in the middle of all of it? If you’ve ever left one of these and felt like the traditions were running the show more than the actual grief or the faith, this conversation is gonna feel familiar. Featuring: Fr. Christopher Somo, Fr. Andy Younan, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Daniel Shaba ––– 00:00 Wailing and Grief 08:36 Gender Split Dynamics 10:51 Black Clothing Pressure 14:37 Faith Over Formalities 17:56 Grieving With Structure 24:59 Hope Versus Despair 27:26 Praying for the Dead 28:46 Guardian Angel Myth 32:52 Legacy and Being Forgotten 36:08 Do Dogs Go Heaven 39:46 Mexican Food! 43:05 "30-Second Homily" Game ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/lhLN-AP03Jw 📲 Follow us on social media: "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter 📧 Email us at media@qurbana.org if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab!
Transcribe →The Catholic Retreat That Converted Me: Feeling Spiritually 'High' & Low [Ep. 88]
3w ago00:57:06Tap to summarizeComing off the heals of the latest "Emmaus Retreat," Fr. Augustine shares how he converted through this retreat years ago when he was barely showing up to Church. Now he leads them. That part is strong on its own. But what we really got into is what happens after a retreat for most people. You come home on fire, then real life shows up. The feeling starts to fade. Your family looks at you like they don’t quite recognize you. And you catch yourself wondering how much of it was even real once you’re back in your normal routine. We talked about the honest parts that usually don’t get said out loud. Why chasing the good feeling can actually pull you in the wrong direction. What it costs when you try to go back to your old life after something real happened inside you. And whether you even have to be “ready” before you sign up for a retreat in the first place. If you’ve ever left a retreat or any kind of spiritual experience feeling close to God and then watched it slip away once you got home, you’ll probably recognize a lot of what we said. For the young Chaldean Catholic adults in our diocese, the youth convention is coming up: https://spyouthconvention.org Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Augustine Joseph, Fr. Christoper Somo, Fr. Fadi Auro ––– 00:00 Back from Emmaus 03:16 Emmaus Passage Walkthrough 08:48 Why Retreats Matter 13:03 Retreat Versus Vacation 18:51 After The Spiritual High 23:07 Consolation And Desolation 34:16 Am I Ready For a Retreat 40:53 Perpetual Conversion 47:07 Youth Convention Preview 49:16 Burrito "Draft Day" & Kanafa 53:22 Leo Elects First Female Prefect –––
Transcribe →Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical on AI Just Dropped & We Actually Read It [Ep. 87]
4w ago00:53:36Tap to summarizeIn his very first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV tackles artificial intelligence and the massive technological shift happening right now — comparing it directly to the upheaval of the Industrial Revolution 135 years ago when Leo XIII wrote Rerum Novarum. We walk through the heart of the letter: how AI risks turning human dignity into a “social score” based on productivity, the dangers of transhumanism and posthumanism, and why the Pope says our limitations, struggles, and relationships are actually the most beautiful and important parts of being human. You’ll hear about the Tower of Babel versus the rebuilding of Jerusalem, why AI can never replace real friendship or creativity, the need for real limits and oversight on this technology, and what Catholic social teaching has to say about building a civilization of love in the digital age. What do you think — is AI just a powerful tool, or is it quietly reshaping who we are? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Fadi Auro, Fr. Christopher Somo –––
Transcribe →Holy Spirit & Pentecost: Speaking in Tongues Means Speaking in Love [Ep. 86]
May 2200:50:53Tap to summarizeWith Pentecost Sunday right around the corner, we sit down to talk about the Holy Spirit and why the "upper-room moment" still matters for everyday Catholics. We cover the Acts passage about the violent wind, tongues of fire, and the apostles suddenly speaking in other languages—but we take it further than the usual explanation. We get real and practical about evangelization and why yelling the truth, winning online arguments, or nagging your adult kids about church usually backfires, and why just being a normal, sincere human being who listens and builds real relationships actually works. New episode every week—subscribe and join the table! Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Andy Younan, Fr. Tristan Farida, Fr. Augustine Joseph –––
Transcribe →Uniting the Church of the East & A New Chaldean Patriarch [Ep. 85]
May 1400:53:48Tap to summarizeHis Beatitude Mar Paulos III Nona is now leading the Chaldean Church, and it feels like we’re stepping into a genuinely hopeful new chapter. In this episode we talk about the direction he’s already setting for our Church, what it really means to have a patriarch, and how our ancient structure is meant to carry us forward. We walk through the patriarch’s role as father of the Church, how the synod actually governs, and how we live in full communion with Rome while staying true to our own tradition. We also get real about life in the diaspora — where the vast majority of Chaldeans and Assyrians now live — and what it’s going to take to keep our liturgy, the ancient Anaphora of Addai and Mari, our language, music, and entire patrimony alive far from our historical homeland. One of the most exciting parts of the conversation is the real hope for deeper unity and eventual reintegration with the Assyrian Church of the East — returning together to our shared roots in the historic Church of the East. We also talk about the Sons of the Covenant Monastery and how communities like this are living out our consecrated life and identity right here in the diaspora. This is an honest, hopeful conversation about where our Church is headed. The installation of Patriarch Mar Apolos III Nona is May 29th — please keep him and the entire Chaldean Church in your prayers. Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Daniel Shaba, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Fadi Auro ––– 00:00 Meet the New Patriarch 03:04 What Makes a Patriarch 05:13 Patriarchs vs Major Archbishops 06:04 Synods East and West 07:50 Patriarchal See and Origins 18:45 Preserving Tradition in Exile 22:04 Ecumenism and Reintegration Vision 26:59 Language Loss and Identity 32:42 Reviving Chaldean Monasticism 43:03 Diaspora Distinctions 46:52 'Hot Takes' Game –––
Transcribe →What Does a Priest Really Go Through? The Side People Rarely See [Ep. 84]
May 700:51:51Tap to summarizeHave you ever wondered what a priest actually thinks and feels at the end of the day? The real joys, the tough times, and everything in between? In this honest, funny, and laid-back conversation, we open up about our seminary years, the brotherhood that still means everything to us, what being a spiritual father to a whole community is actually like, and the very human side of priesthood that most people never see. We talk about the formation that shaped us, the frustrations that come with the job, the humility we try to lean on, and why we still need confession and support just like everyone else. Whether you’re curious about priest life, thinking about discernment, or just want to understand us better, sit down with us over some food and hear our real story. Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Christopher Somo, Fr. Tristan Farida, Fr. Augustine Joseph ––– 00:00 Joys and Challenges 02:44 Seminary Brotherhood 08:29 Growing Up in Seminary 11:04 Priesthood as Fatherhood 17:44 Humility 21:22 No Climbing the Ranks 25:49 Priests Go to Confession 28:47 Can Priests Drink? 30:20 Priest Privilege 32:22 Retreats Build Relationships 37:41 Laity Make Ministry Work 43:33 'One Has To Go' Game 49:40 Annoying Questions Priests Get –––
Transcribe →Slowing Down: Fighting Hustle Culture & the Craziness of Life [Ep. 83]
Apr 3000:45:57Tap to summarizeWe talk about something that feels almost counter-cultural today: the power of slowing down. From Fr. Fadi's beautiful multi-course Italian dinner for the Bishop to the everyday grind most of us live in, we explore how constant work, hustle culture, and “rise and grind” thinking are quietly harming our faith, families, and peace of mind. We unpack why true leisure isn’t laziness—it’s actually one of the most human and Christian things we can do. We discuss "Babette’s Feast," how shared meals have shaped Christian culture for centuries, the beauty of real conversation and presence, and why the Sabbath is meant to be a protest against the worship of work and money. We also get honest about the struggle: busy parents, priest life, economic pressures, and how hard it is to break the habit of constant busyness. Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Andy Younan, Fr. Fadi Auro, Fr. Christopher Somo ––– 00:00 A Special Seminary Dinner 02:31 Faith, Culture, and Meals 03:35 Babette's Feast 05:54 Table Manners and Virtue 09:57 Jesus Ministry at Table 12:05 Books, Films, and Slow Art 14:15 Doomscrolling and Lost Attention 16:57 Sabbath and Rest 19:59 Defining Leisure 27:45 Grind Kills Wonder 33:15 Worship Shapes Identity 36:43 Slow Food and Shared Meals 40:37 Dinner with Friends –––
Transcribe →Don’t Let Your Heart Be Troubled: Finding Peace in Jesus [Ep. 82]
Apr 2300:51:11Tap to summarizeWe sit down and talk through Christ's’ words in John 14: "Let not your hearts be troubled... I am the way, the truth, and the life." He says this right after telling Peter he’s going to deny him and just before the whole crucifixion. He’s getting the apostles ready for what’s coming and offers them a kind of peace the world can’t touch. We get into the honest stuff—our own weaknesses, the guilt when we drop the ball, and how running into Christ’s truth can really shake you. We talk about living a Eucharistic life, walking with Jesus instead of trying to sprint ahead, and why a real relationship with Jesus and being vulnerable matters way more than just following the rules. We also react to agnostic Bible scholar Bart Ehrman and what he says about the resurrection appearances, digging into the empty tomb, how the disciples completely changed, and why their willingness to suffer and die for it points to something a lot bigger than hallucinations or myths. Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Augustine Joseph, Fr. Tristan Farida ––– 00:00 John 14 Context 02:12 Peter’s Denial Foretold 04:44 Hold Onto Christ’s Peace 06:09 "The Way, the Truth, the Life" Explained 09:10 Eucharist as the Way 14:05 Rules vs Relationship 20:13 Peter Restored by Love 22:42 Facing Inevitable Suffering 23:44 St Maximilian Kolbe Example 28:57 Walking With Christ 35:16 Keep Struggling Forward 38:27 Pizza and Reacting to Ehrman on Resurrection 44:57 Empty Tomb and Martyrs –––
Transcribe →Trump "Roasts" Pope Leo... How Should Catholics Feel About It? [Ep. 81]
Apr 1600:42:04Tap to summarizeWe couldn’t ignore this story: President Trump’s fiery Truth Social post calling Pope Leo XIV “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” plus that weird (and quickly deleted) AI image that had everyone talking. We break down what actually happened, why the tone feels so off, and what it means for faithful Catholics who supported Trump but also love the Church. We talk respect for the Vicar of Christ, the Pope’s role as the world’s moral conscience (not a politician), why Catholics have to put faith first before any party, and how this whole thing reminds us not to "put our trust in princes." We also celebrate the new Chaldean Patriarch from Alqosh, Mar Paul III Nona, chat about the quiet revival happening among young Catholics, and end with some great middle eastern food and a fun “Saint or Ain’t” game. What do you think we should do as Catholics when politics and faith clash like this? Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Abbot Ankido Sippo, Fr. Daniel Shaba, Fr. Fadi Auro ––– 00:00 A New Patriarch 02:51 Patriarch Paulos Legacy 05:21 Trump Truth Social Post 08:46 Why It Feels Disrespectful 10:39 Catholics Before Politics 17:58 Media Labels and Papacy 18:59 Gen Z Catholic Revival 20:55 Pope Quote and Viral Image 22:17 Vance Defends the President 23:57 Henry VIII Parallel 24:55 Pope and War Morality 28:33 Say Sorry and Repent 34:01 Pope Leo Africa Tour 37:41 'Saint or Ain't' Game ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/LVybYB9PxhM 📲 Follow us on social media: "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter 📧 Email us at media@qurbana.org if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab!
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