Podcast
He Leadeth Me
Hosted by Jessica · EN
A spiritual formation podcast for FOCUS staff, students, and friends.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What Am I Meant to Do? A Discussion on Vocational Discernment
Jan 2100:39:58Tap to summarizeRecorded live from SEEK26, Kathleen and Sr. Jacinta discuss the following points about vocational discernment: Why this topic brings up mixed emotions for young adultsPrinciples of general discernmentThe purpose and call of each vocation Practicals to help you discern your vocationKathleen Calvin and Sr. Jacinta Man, OP, both serve on the FOCUS Spiritual Development Team.
Transcribe →Home for the Holidays: Navigating a Prayer Life During Break
Dec 1800:35:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kathleen and FOCUS Director of Collegiate Outreach Ben Kelly dive into the spiritual challenges and opportunities that come with heading home for a holiday or break. Kathleen and Ben discuss: The importance of having a plan going into a break.How breaks can be a time of true growth and maturity in your prayer life. The unique challenges of being at home and out of routine.Opportunities for evangelization with family and friends.Ben Kelly is in his 9th year with FOCUS and currently serves as Director of Collegiate Outreach. He has also served as a missionary at Bowling Green, George Washington University, and Harvard University. Ben and his wife Eliza reside in Rhode Island with their 4 children.
Transcribe →Did God Really Ask Me to Do This? Discernment When Life Gets Hard
Nov 2000:41:18Tap to summarizeWhen you say “yes” to something you genuinely believed God was asking of you—a mission trip, graduate school, even becoming a FOCUS missionary—what do you do when later everything feels too heavy, too complicated, or simply not what you expected? In this episode, Jessica sits down with Fr. John Ezratty to explore the tension between commitment, freedom, and discernment through the lens of St. Ignatius of Loyola.Together they walk through real situations missionaries and students face: • What if I discerned something well, but now I feel overwhelmed and want to step back? • What if I didn’t pray about a commitment beforehand—am I still bound to it? • Can difficult circumstances be a sign that God is redirecting me? • How do I know when perseverance is holy… and when letting go is faithful?Drawing from Ignatian wisdom, Fr. John offers practical steps, prayerful tools, and spiritual clarity for anyone wrestling with a “yes” that suddenly feels uncertain. Whether you’re tempted to break a commitment or unsure what God is communicating through your current season, this conversation will help you discern with peace, freedom, and maturity.Fr. John Ignatius Ezratty is a priest with the Archdiocese of Denver. He is also a popular speaker at SEEK and a former FOCUS national chaplain.
Transcribe →A Father's Legacy: The Life and Faith of Tom Vander Woude
Oct 3000:39:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kathleen and Chris Vander Woude reflect on the extraordinary life of Tom Vander Woude — a devoted husband, father, and disciple of Christ. As Chris shares personal stories of his father, the conversation honors Tom’s quiet heroism, deep Catholic faith, and unwavering love for his family. Tom gave his life to save his son Joseph, who has Down Syndrome. With discussions on fatherhood, faith, and pro-life convictions, this episode also explores the inspiring legacy that has led to early steps toward Tom’s potential canonization. Chris Vander Woude is the 5th of 7 sons born to Tom and Mary Ellen Vander Woude. He has worked in Catholic education for 18 years, serving as Dean of Students and Athletic Director. Chris lives in Virginia with his wife of 18 years, Katie, and daughter Zellie.
Transcribe →Why Missionaries Need the Rosary
Oct 1700:32:28Tap to summarizeIt's no secret our world is suffering and under deep spiritual attack. In this episode, Kathleen sits down with Brock Martin to dive into a deeply personal and spiritual conversation about the power and beauty of the Rosary. Brock shares his journey from seeing the Rosary as a routine task to embracing it as a vital devotion and spiritual weapon of the Church.We discuss: Deeper Devotion: Hear Brock's personal story of a renewed love for the Rosary and how it became a powerful part of daily spiritual life.From Obligation to Intimacy: Honest reflections on overcoming challenges with the Rosary and moving beyond a “check-the-box” mindset.Mission and Prayer United: Why the Rosary is a powerful tool for missionaries — simple, repeatable, and deeply aligned with the heart of evangelization. Brock Martin is in his 12th year as a missionary with FOCUS. He has served in various roles within FOCUS from campus missionary, Team Director, Regional Director, Sr. Director or Regional Evangelization, and currently serves as Vice President of Parish Outreach. Brock and his wife, Alisha live in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with their three daughters.
Transcribe →Why Did Jesus Say That?
Oct 1000:45:13Tap to summarizeWhy did Jesus sometimes say things that seem puzzling—or even contradictory—at first glance? In this episode, Dr. Edward Sri joins Jessica to unpack some of the most misunderstood sayings of Jesus in Scripture. Together, we explore the deeper meaning behind His words and actions, revealing the wisdom, mercy, and divine intention that underlie them.In this episode, Dr. Sri explains:John 8:6–8 – The Woman Caught in Adultery: Why did Jesus bend down to write in the dirt—and what might He have written?Matthew 5:39 – Turning the Other Cheek: Does Jesus really mean we should never defend ourselves? How do we understand this teaching without confusing it with passivity or enabling abuse?Luke 22:36–38 and 22:49–51 – The Command to Buy a Sword: Why did Jesus first tell the disciples to arm themselves, then forbid them to use the sword? What was He really teaching about spiritual readiness and His mission?John 20:17 – The Risen Jesus and Mary Magdalene: Why did Jesus tell Mary not to hold on to Him after the Resurrection? What does this moment reveal about the Ascension and our relationship with Christ today?Mark 10:18 – “Why Do You Call Me Good?” If Jesus is God and good, why does He ask this question? What truth is He leading the rich young man—and us—to see? Dr. Sri helps us see how each passage points us to the heart of Jesus: His divinity, His mercy, and His call to deeper discipleship. Dr. Edward Sri is a theologian, author, speaker, and FOCUS' Sr. Vice President of Apostolic Outreach. Dr. Sri has written several best-selling books and is also the presenter of several Ascension Press and Augustine Institute faith formation film series. He hosts the acclaimed podcast, "All Things Catholic" and is an adjunct professor at the Augustine Institute. He and his wife Beth reside in Littleton, Colorado. They are blessed with 8 children and one grandchild.
Transcribe →Finding Freedom From Scrupulosity
Sep 2500:40:19Tap to summarizeScrupulosity can feel like a prison—distorting one’s image of God, sowing constant doubt, and making the spiritual life heavy instead of freeing. In this episode, Jess sits down with Fr. Denis Nakkeeran, Dean of Men at St. John’s Seminary to explore the roots of scrupulosity and the path toward healing.We discuss:What scrupulosity is and how it differs from OCDHow scrupulosity distorts our image of God—and what vision of God brings healingPractical guidance for confessors, missionaries, and friends accompanying those who struggleWhether you wrestle with scrupulosity yourself or walk alongside someone who does, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and hope in rediscovering a God of mercy.Fr. Denis Nakkeeran has been ordained for 5 years and currently serves as the Dean of Men at St. John Seminary in Boston. He is a moral theologian and formator.
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