EquipCast

What do you do when the strategy, the program, or the plan just isn’t enough? Because I’ve been there—and in this episode, I talk about why our “silver bullets” so often fail us. We love quick fixes, big programs, and shiny solutions, but real renewal—personal or parish-wide—only happens when we stop trying to use God and finally turn to Him with honest hearts. In this conversation, I walk through one of my favorite (and most surprising) stories in Scripture and share the uncomfortable but hopeful truth it reveals: God isn’t asking us for better strategies. He’s asking for conversion. If you’ve ever felt discouraged, overwhelmed, or tempted to chase one more magic solution, this episode will help you breathe, refocus, and remember that God has a plan—not a gimmick—waiting for you.

What if everything changes when people finally feel seen, known, and accompanied? In this republished conversation from the Great Catholic Parishes podcast, I join host John Poitevent to unpack why this simple shift lies at the very heart of parish renewal. People don’t grow because we tell them to—they grow because someone offers friendship, listens without judgment, and walks with them patiently. I unpack how accompaniment transforms not just individuals but the entire culture of a parish, unlocking a sense of belonging that leads people to recognize that God sees them the same way. Together, John and I try to paint a hopeful picture of what becomes possible when a parish truly commits to walking with people in love…and how everything can change from there.

What if your home isn’t just messy… but actually pulling you away from God’s call? I know—that question stopped me in my tracks too. In this week’s episode, I sit down with simplicity consultant Katie Sciba, and she helped me see something I honestly never connected before: the state of our space deeply affects the state of our soul. Here’s another one: Are your possessions shaping you into a disciple… or slowly distracting you from becoming the one God made you to be? Katie has this gentle way of revealing the attachments we don’t even realize we’ve made—the stuff we keep “just in case,” the clutter that drains us, the rooms that quietly stress us out before we take a single step inside. And she shows us how letting go isn’t about losing anything… it’s about creating the freedom to say a deeper yes to God. And maybe the biggest surprise: Could clearing your home be the key to hearing God more clearly? The more we talked, the more I realized: when our homes become places of peace, our hearts become places where God’s voice doesn’t have to fight so hard to be heard. This is practical, it’s freeing, and honestly—it’s beautifully Catholic. So if you’re craving more peace, more clarity, more space to actually live the life God is calling you to… this episode is for you. [00:00] Meet Katie Sciba: Simplicity Consultant [01:53] Katie's Background and Early Life [06:49] Discovering the Blessing of Simplicity [14:01] Dealing with Sentimental Items [17:58] Creating a Peaceful Home Environment [21:29] The Roots of Consumerism and Simplicity [25:20] Helping Others Simplify Their Lives [28:28] The Spiritual Side of Minimalism [33:51] The Iceland Experience [38:10] Practical Steps to Decluttering [51:46] Addressing Common Challenges [54:53] Client Success Stories [58:47] Conclusion and Contact Information For more from Katie, check out KatieSciba.com or email her at [email protected]. For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

What does it mean to face death well? In this conversation, Steve and I talk about the healing that comes when we confront our mortality and the immense dignity that every person deserves at the end of life. Steve shares the story of his father in law’s beautiful passing, the principles every Catholic should understand about end of life care, and the spiritual posture that transforms fear into hope.

What if the biggest thing parents want from us is to know they belong? When I listen to parents—really listen—I hear something deeper than frustration about busy schedules or kids who can’t sit still at Mass. I hear an ache. Parents want to engage. They want their kids to love the faith. They want to grow spiritually themselves. But so many of them carry this quiet fear that they or their kids don’t quite fit in. And honestly? I’ve felt that myself. In sports leagues and school activities, parents often feel more welcomed, more supported, more seen than they do at church. That should get our attention.