Podcast
The Normal Christian Life
Hosted by Frs. Michael and Christopher Trummer, Mary Bielski · EN
What does ”ordinary Christianity” look like exactly? Using Scripture, Church history and personal testimony, two Catholic priests, Frs. Michael and Chris Trummer, and Mary Bielski offer a renewed vision of what our lives can be like as Christians. Far from being ”ordinary”, the normal Christian life is an entirely new life empowered by the Holy Spirit -- drawing upon a divine inheritance, manifesting supernatural power, and bearing a staggering promise of glory.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
That They May Be One: A Docudrama on Christian Unity w/Adriana Gonzalez | S3 E7
2w ago00:57:01Tap to summarizeFILM WEBSITE: https://thattheymaybeonefilm.com/ Fr. Michael and Fr. Christopher welcome Adriana Gonzalez back to The Normal Christian Life to discuss her new docudrama on Christian unity, That They May Be One. The film uses documentary storytelling and dramatic reenactments to trace a historical thread from Pentecost through 20th-century outpourings of the Holy Spirit, including figures such as St. Elena Guerra and Agnes Osman, with contributors including Francis Chan, Randy Clark, Mary Healy, and Cardinal Cantalamessa. In this conversation, Adriana shares the vision behind the film and explains why Christian unity is central to Jesus’ prayer in John 17. She also reflects on her childhood experiences in Charismatic Renewal prayer meetings, her own “personal Pentecost,” and the connection between revival, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and unity in the Body of Christ. The discussion also explores receptive ecumenism, unity vs. uniformity, doctrine, evangelization, and how the Holy Spirit draws believers into deeper communion and mission.
Transcribe →Praying from Heaven to Earth w/Frankie Garcia | S3 E6
4w ago01:08:33Tap to summarizeFr. Michael and Fr. Christopher welcome their friend Frankie Garcia, who shares her background growing up with a Catholic mother and Protestant father, officially entering the Catholic Church in 2021, and encountering the Holy Spirit through a simple prayer and powerful ministry experiences. The conversation that follows reframes intercessory prayer as a paradigm shift away from persuading God, performance, anxiety, and “spiritual orphanhood,” toward praying as beloved children aligned with the Father’s will, listening first, and praying “from heaven to earth” with confidence in God’s generosity. They also discuss Scripture on asking in Jesus’ name, the Spirit’s action in prayer, discerning God’s will in particular situations, and examples of Spirit-initiated prayer leading to healing and deeper conversion.
Transcribe →Why Most Christians Avoid Greatness (And Call It Humility) w/ Doreen Morehouse | S3 E5
Apr 1301:15:23Tap to summarizeThis episode explores the tension between humility and greatness in the Christian life. Doreen Morehouse shares her journey from interior emptiness and crisis to encountering God’s power, discovering her identity, and eventually entering the Catholic Church. The conversation challenges the assumption that holiness means remaining small or hidden, arguing instead that God often calls people to real fruitfulness and impact. The hosts examine how fear, comfort, and misunderstanding humility can prevent Christians from stepping into their calling. They also discuss the role of success, influence, and wealth, emphasizing that these must flow from identity and obedience rather than ambition. Ultimately, the episode presents a vision of greatness rooted in surrender, where God works powerfully through those who trust Him. 00:00 Welcome and Theme 01:04 Birthday Wake Up Call 04:24 Spiritual Battle and Rescue 05:36 Called to Prayer 08:44 Holy Spirit and Miracles 09:46 Journey into Catholicism 15:45 Greatness and Humility 21:17 Identity and Kingdom Mindset 31:59 Success Wealth and Beauty 35:41 Marketplace Calling Begins 36:52 Montana Rental Whiplash 37:49 Reinvesting With God 38:49 Wealth For Kingdom Influence 39:47 Money As Moral Tool 41:38 Scripture On Prosperity 44:33 Stewardship And Giving 47:58 Abundance Mindset Shift 50:11 No Manipulation Fundraising 55:13 Kingdom Promotion Explained 01:00:28 Character Before Favor 01:08:40 Holy Desire For Greatness 01:13:57 Final Prayer And Sending
Transcribe →From Eastern Mysticism to the Catholic Church w/ David Mendoza | S3 E4
Mar 1601:06:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Normal Christian Life, Fr. Michael and Fr. Christopher sit down with David Mendoza to hear his powerful testimony of encountering God in dramatic ways — and how those encounters ultimately led him back to the Catholic Church. David grew up in a Catholic family and experienced moments of God’s presence even as a child. But as a teenager he drifted away from the faith, becoming involved in drugs, partying, martial arts culture, and Eastern mystical practices. Despite running from God, the Lord continued pursuing him. David shares incredible moments along his journey — including supernatural encounters, prophetic dreams, experiences of the Holy Spirit, healing prayer, and powerful moments of evangelization where God used him to reach people in unexpected places. Yet even after encountering the power of the Holy Spirit in charismatic and Protestant communities, David felt a growing hunger for something more: the fullness of the sacraments and the historic Church founded by Christ. Through studying Scripture and the early Church Fathers, David eventually discovered that the Church Christ established still exists today in the Catholic Church. In this conversation, David shares: His childhood encounters with God How sin and Eastern mysticism pulled him away from the faith Powerful supernatural experiences after returning to prayer His journey through charismatic Protestant ministry The role of the Holy Spirit in leading him to truth How the Church Fathers convinced him of Catholicism Why the Mass and the sacraments completed his faith This episode is a powerful reminder that God never stops pursuing us, even when we wander far from Him. And sometimes the Holy Spirit leads us through a long journey — only to bring us home. 00:00 Meet David Mendoza 02:07 Childhood Faith Sparks 03:40 Teenage Double Life 07:40 Martial Arts And Mysticism 11:15 Providence Meets His Wife 12:45 Leaving Mass For Baptist 14:21 Hunger For Holy Spirit 16:38 Seven Day Fast Fire 20:20 Healing And Prophetic Gifts 27:11 Word Of Knowledge Lessons 28:49 Spirit-Led Ministry Shift 30:05 Hunger for Sacraments 30:56 Charismatic Episcopal Bridge 32:38 Church Fathers Conviction 34:05 Sacramental Love Story 35:46 Cain and Abel Challenge 37:33 Back to Rome Fulfilled 37:54 Charismatic and Hierarchical 40:40 God Uses Imperfect Vessels 42:57 Apple Tree Growth Analogy 47:47 Confession and Prophecy 49:18 Eucharist Desire and Sacrifice 53:34 Unity and Renewal Call 01:01:58 Final Blessing and Prayer
Transcribe →Reduced to Sonship: How God Reveals Your True Identity w/Mike Nolan | S3 E3
Feb 1601:11:49Tap to summarizeThe hosts welcome back Mike Nolan for a conversation on Christian identity—why it matters today, how it appears in Scripture, and why it often doesn’t move from head knowledge to lived experience. They discuss identity as something primarily imparted through prayer, encounter, and relationships with people living as beloved sons and daughters, rather than merely taught. They explore common obstacles like the orphan mindset, performance and success-based self-worth, shame, and problem-centered spirituality. Then they explain how God dismantles false identities through pruning, suffering, and seasons of desolation. Finally, they reflect on the role of emotions in forming identity, clarify the difference between humility and low self-esteem, and emphasize that mission flows from relationship with God.
Transcribe →Beyond Being Nice: The Christian Difference in Love w/ Mike Nolan | S3 E2
Jan 2601:21:11Tap to summarizeWhat does it actually mean to love—not just in theory, but in real life? In this episode, Fr. Michael Trummer is joined by Fr. Christopher Trummer and Mike Nolan for a deep, honest conversation on love (charity) as the greatest theological virtue. Moving beyond clichés and sentimentality, they explore why love is both a gift of grace and something we must actively cooperate with—and why knowing about love is very different from actually living it. The conversation touches on: Why love is the only virtue that endures into heaven How love is fulfilled not by doing more, but by delighting in the other The difference between Christian love and merely “being nice” Why loving difficult people is essential for spiritual growth How unhealed wounds and failure to receive love make loving others so hard The relationship between agape (self-giving love) and eros (delight and desire) Why heaven is not a glorified vacation—but perfect communion This episode challenges listeners to examine whether their love is rooted in busyness, duty, and performance—or in real communion, hope, and grace. It’s a practical, demanding, and deeply hopeful vision of love as preparation for heaven and participation in God’s own life. "Support Our Mission through Patreon patreon.com/TheNCLPodcast" 00:00 Introduction to Theological Virtues 00:58 The Paradox of Love and Grace 02:07 Love in the Context of Faith and Hope 03:38 The Uniqueness of Christian Love 08:21 Love as Preparation for Heaven 12:09 The Role of Emotions in Love 22:43 The Challenge of Loving Difficult People 25:55 Integrating Agape and Eros 41:35 Understanding Self-Agreement and Interior Brokenness 42:26 The Difficulty of Receiving Love 42:48 The Trinity and the Nature of Love 44:05 The Impact of Being Loved 44:43 The Heart Magnifies What It Receives 47:36 The Role of Security in Love 48:41 Experiencing True Friendship and Love 54:48 The Importance of Hope in Love 59:19 Patience and the Unveiling of Love 01:06:36 The Impossible Vocation of Love 01:11:55 The Necessity of Gentleness in Love 01:17:04 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
Transcribe →Faith That Endures: Trusting God Through Doubt, Suffering, and Silence w/ Katie O'Donnell | S3 E1
Jan 1701:00:48Tap to summarizeWhat is faith—really? In this episode of The Normal Christian Life, we continue our series on the theological virtues by exploring faith: what it is, what it isn’t, and why it cannot be reduced to intellectual agreement or apologetics alone. This conversation unpacks: Why biblical faith is relational and lived, not merely believed How faith engages the whole person—mind, heart, will, and action The proper role of reason in the life of faith Why dryness, doubt, and desolation do not mean faith is failing How God’s hiddenness can actually deepen trust The importance of community, testimony, and perseverance Drawing from Scripture (especially Hebrews 11), the saints, and lived experience, we show that faith is not emotional hype or blind guessing—but a conviction that endures even when God feels absent. If you’ve ever wondered: “Why doesn’t God feel close anymore?” “Is my faith weak if I don’t feel anything?” “How do I keep believing through suffering or silence?” This episode offers clarity, realism, and hope. Faith is a gift—and a response—that matures through trust, surrender, and perseverance. "Support Our Mission through Patreon patreon.com/TheNCLPodcast" 00:00 Introduction to Theological Virtues 02:17 Understanding Faith: Beyond Intellectual Assent 06:25 Personal Faith Journeys 09:48 Faith and Reason: A Harmonious Relationship 13:12 Experiencing God: Faith and Feelings 23:11 Faith in Action: Living Out Beliefs 30:07 Struggles with Faith and Desolation 31:44 Understanding God's Hiddenness 34:58 The Role of Suffering in Faith 50:35 The Importance of Community in Faith 53:24 Evangelization and Personal Testimonies 58:55 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer
Transcribe →Hope Does Not Disappoint | S2 E30
Dec 1901:11:57Tap to summarizeAs the Church concludes the Jubilee Year of Hope, the hosts discuss the profound significance of hope in the Christian life. They explain that hope is more than just a feel-good sentiment, highlighting its roots as a theological virtue that is central to overcoming adversity and recognizing God's hand in the midst of trials. They offer practical ways to cultivate this virtue day by day, face unavoidable suffering with faith, and keep hope alive in the dark times. This conversation emphasizes that true hope is anchored in the character and promises of God, surpassing mere human optimism. 00:00 Introduction to Hope 00:13 The Theological Virtues 01:12 A Poem on Hope 03:01 Hope in Practice 4:34 Hope Amidst Anxiety 07:43 Hope as a Choice 17:44 Hope and Suffering 24:54 Hope Beyond This Life 35:46 Acknowledging Discouragement and Hopelessness 36:30 Signs of Lacking Hope 37:25 The Importance of Dreaming with God 38:58 Living with Hope and Avoiding Cynicism 41:26 Balancing Grief and Hope 59:51 Daily Habits to Cultivate Hope 01:05:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Transcribe →A Life Set Apart: The Beauty and Adventure of Holiness | S2 E29
Dec 501:10:23Tap to summarizeJoin hosts Fr. Michael Trummer, Fr. Christopher Trummer, and Mary Bielski as they discuss what it truly means to be holy. This episode tackles the common misconception that holiness is boring and instead presents it as an adventurous pursuit of God. They explore how genuine holiness involves our humanity, unique personalities, and the transformation by God's grace. Be inspired by the call to live a life set apart and discover what makes sainthood appealing in today's world. Whether you're curious about holiness or seeking to deepen your spiritual journey, this conversation will embolden you to embrace the adventure of becoming a saint. "Support Our Mission through Patreon patreon.com/TheNCLPodcast" 00:00 Introduction to Holiness 01:36 The Call to Adventure 03:17 Understanding True Holiness 04:54 Inspiration from the Saints 08:26 The Battle for Holiness 23:15 Embracing Trials and Suffering 34:35 The Radical Commitment to Holiness 35:34 Inoculated Against Authentic Christianity 36:02 The Joy of Following Christ Fully 36:30 Living a Life in the Spirit 37:47 The Process of Acquiring a Taste for God
Transcribe →Being "Religious" Is a Good Thing | S2 E28
Oct 2801:03:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Father Michael Trummer and Father Christopher Trummer take on the often-misunderstood topic of religion—a word that many Christians today regard with suspicion. They acknowledge that much of the criticism directed at “being religious” arises from real problems: hypocrisy, self-reliance, transactional love, and an overemphasis on outward appearances. Yet, rather than dismissing religion altogether, the hosts argue that it is a divine reality—instituted by God in the Old Testament, fulfilled and transformed by Christ, and sustained in the life of the Church. They invite listeners to recover a renewed understanding of religion as a virtue: a purified way of relating to God through ordered worship, teaching, and community. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:35 Words and Semantics 01:55 Religion vs. Relationship 04:52 Criticisms of Religious Practices 12:36 Self-Reliance and Striving in Faith 28:30 The Virtue of Religion 33:19 Forgotten Passages and Jesus' Jewish Roots 34:15 Old Testament Laws and Christian Practices 37:05 The Early Christian Worship and Eucharist 39:17 Development of Christian Liturgy 45:25 Authority and Hierarchy in the Church 52:58 The Role of Rituals and Symbols in Worship 01:01:42 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
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