Strength Training for the Soul

EP 48: Kylie's Digital Catholic Toolkit

I like free and I like easy, so Kylie Flores came back for a second episode with her honest take on the apps, podcasts, and playlists that are actually helping her Catholic journey. Struggling with confession anxiety or looking for daily prayer habits that actually stick? This episode delivers practical, Gen Z-tested tools for staying connected to faith in the digital age.

EP 47: Unbroken: Kylie's Story of Faith After Trauma

At just 26, Kylie Flores has lived a story marked by deep wounds—an abortion she was pressured into, and the devastating loss of her father to suicide. But through RCIA, confession, and community, she discovered that the Catholic Church had what she needed: mercy, healing, and a way home. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too far gone or too broken for faith—this conversation will meet you right where you are.Trigger warnings: suicide, abortion

EP 46: The Evangelist You Didn’t Know You Were

You probably already evangelize—without even realizing it. You recommend books, share songs, rave about restaurants, and invite friends to your favorite workout class. So why do we clam up when it comes to our faith?
In this episode, I explore what everyday evangelization really looks like, what’s holding us back, and how Gen Z Catholics are modeling a bold, beautiful way forward. And yes—we’ll even talk about how to share Jesus like you’d share your favorite salad dressing.
No pressure. No bullhorns. Just small, honest steps to build your evangelical muscle.

EP 45: Locked In. A 15-Year-Old's Guide to Faith

What does a real relationship with Christ look like when you're 15? Meet Sami Jones—a Gen Z Catholic who's choosing adoration over scrolling, and kindness over judgment. Sami shares her journey from outright skepticism to baptism, her devotion to St. Veronica (patron saint of kindness), and how she's learning to "do her part" in building her faith. With wisdom that puts most adults to shame, Sami reminds us that spiritual strength isn't about age—it's about intention. This conversation will challenge you to reflect on what it means to truly grow in faith, and how Gen Z might be showing the rest of us a new way forward.

EP 44: Gen Z and the Catholic Comeback: A Preview

We’ve all heard that young people are leaving the Church—but I’m seeing something different. In this episode, I share what I witnessed in Rome, what my 22-year-old son is noticing, and what the latest data says about Gen Z’s growing connection to the Catholic faith. This is the kickoff to a new series of conversations with young adults who are choosing to follow Christ in a noisy world—and why their stories matter.

EP 43: Saying Yes to God: Hadley's Race of Faith

Meet Hadley Mueller—23 years old and sparking a spiritual movement that's bringing dozens of young adults to Christ through running, community, and contagious joy. 
As founder of Run With Christ Chicago, Hadley has grown her faith-fueled run club from 8 people to 70+ in just six months. But this isn't about the numbers—it's about tearing down walls, building authentic friendships, and creating space for people to meet Jesus one mile and one heart at a time.
In this episode, we dive into Hadley's powerful return to faith, what it means to say yes to God's calling, and how Gen Z is redefining spiritual community. Whether you're a runner, a seeker, or just someone who needs hope—this conversation will inspire you to lace up and see where God might be calling you next.

EP 42: The Wisconsin Way--God's Path, Not Mine

On Day 7 of my 150-mile pilgrimage along the Wisconsin Way, I found myself on a narrow, rain-soaked stretch of the Ice Age Trail—with no alternate routes and limited cell service. That day became a powerful metaphor for another time in my life when the only way forward was God’s way. In this episode, I share what it was like to surrender control during my son Jack’s mental health journey and how I discovered that even the hardest climbs can lead to incredible beauty. If you’re facing fear, uncertainty, or feel stuck on your own path—I hope this story gives you strength.

EP 41: Trail Angels on The Wisconsin Way

What do a glass of water, homemade lasagna, and a hug from a 110-pound Bernese Mountain Dog have in common? They were all unexpectedly given to me by Trail Angels during my 150-mile Wisconsin Way pilgrimage. Discover how ordinary people (and a dog) with extraordinary hearts showed up at exactly the right moments, and learn to recognize the angels in your own life—while remembering that you might be someone else's unexpected blessing. You don't need wings, just a willing heart.

EP 40: Holy Smokes & Brats! A Day of Faith at the Ballpark

What do you get when you mix Mass, a tailgate, and a Brewers game? For Bob Simi, it turned into a 15-year apostolate that's expected to bring more than 1,300 people together under one giant tent on June 15, 2025.
In this episode, Bob shares how Ballpark Day of Faith started with a simple invitation to head to the ballpark with some brats and beer—and grew into something that's changing lives at American Family Field in Milwaukee. We dive into charisms, the difference between comfort and faithfulness, and what happens when you say yes to the Holy Spirit… even when you feel completely unqualified.
If you've been waiting for a sign to step into something new, this conversation might be exactly what you need.

EP 39: Will you Follow? Reflections from the Road

What do a Scottish hymn, a 150-mile walk, and the feast of St. Rita have in common? This episode. I’m diving into The Summons—a song that hit me straight in the heart at Mass—and sharing why it’s the perfect companion for the pilgrimage I’m about to begin. I’ll talk about feeling unworthy, walking with saints (and blisters), and how one line from my son Jack has become a mission I carry every day: to change the world, one heart at a time. Grab your walking shoes—or at least your coffee—and join me.
Trigger warning: suicide is discussed.