Best Carmelite Conversations Podcasts (2024)

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On the Mountain by Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS 7:34

16d ago7:34

7:34

Mountains play a prominent role in Carmelite Spirituality and in Prayer. What does the mountain represent? In the scriptures, we read about the Prophet Elijah and mountains. What did the mountains represent for Elijah? Even our Lord went to the mountains many times in His life. How does that connect to our lives today?…

1
Lumen Gentium and The Mystery of the Church 50:16

7h ago50:16

50:16

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Father Stephen explore Pope John XXIII's vision of the Pilgrim Church as detailed in Lumen Gentium, emphasizing the Church's ongoing mission away from a triumphalist view. They reflect on the veneration of saints, with a special focus on Mary, and how these practices weave into the Church's mission …

1
Vatican History and Lumen Gentium 47:39

3h ago47:39

47:39

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Fr. Stephen delve into the historical context of Vatican II. Take a walk through history with us as we revisit the abrupt end of the First Vatican Council in 1870 and the unresolved issues it left behind. Fast forward to 1958, when Pope John XXIII initiated the Second Vatican Council with a focus on…

1
Dead for Seven Minutes with Robert and Steven Dominguez 1:16:03

18d ago1:16:03

1:16:03

Send us a Text Message. Prepare yourself for an emotionally charged episode as the co-hosts from the Bigfoot Club podcast, Robert Dominguez and his nephew, Steven Dominguez, step in for Father Stephen Sanchez. Robert recounts his terrifying health ordeal — from severe weight loss to a critical diagnosis which led to surgery. We explore the emotiona…

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Ancient Sources of Truth for Modern Faith with Chris Colleps 57:20

11d ago57:20

57:20

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Chris go on a profound journey into the intricate world of biblical translations, specifically comparing John 14:12-28 in the NIV and Catholic versions. You'll learn the deeper significance behind Jesus' repeated use of "amen," extending beyond the simple "very truly" and delving into its profound i…

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Reflection on Our Lady of Mt. Carmel 7:24

18d ago7:24

7:24

How did the title of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel come about? What is the connection with the Prophet Elijah? How did the spirituality of Elijah spread across the world? What happened on July 16th that is so significant to Carmelites? What is the connection of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to the Church approved apparitions of Our Lady in Lourdes and in Fatima?…

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Drops of Ink with Chris Colleps 55:43

1M ago55:43

55:43

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Chris consider ink as a metaphor Chris developed in a song he wrote after dropping off his oldest daughter at college. Our upbringing and relationships significantly shape us, much like ink colors a page. Drawing from personal stories—including the contrasting influences of a paralyzed uncle and a d…

1
Alien Life, Mary's Assumption, and Divine Encounters with Mark Gansle 1:00:00

1M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Mark's discussion ranges from the philosophical themes inspired by "Groundhog Day" to pondering whether intelligent alien species would be considered children of God. Can the gospel be preached to alien beings? What are the theological implications of extraterrestrial life? They also reflect on how …

1
An Integrated Faith and Intimacy with God with Mark Gansle 57:24

1M ago57:24

57:24

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Mark Gansle continue their conversation and take a heartfelt look at the unique challenges and blessings that come with being a deacon's wife. They discuss how growing closer to God can enhance intimacy, promoting patience, love, and gratitude. They reflect on the powerful practice of praying the Di…

1
Joy and Discerning God's Will with Mark Gansle 50:07

2M ago50:07

50:07

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Mark Gansle ponder the profound distinction between happiness and joy through Mark's experience so far a year into his discernment to become a Catholic deacon. They consider the thought that while happiness is a fleeting emotion, joy is a deep-seated state rooted in following God's will and living i…

1
Understanding Typology in Sacred Scripture 50:18

2M ago50:18

50:18

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Father Sanchez emphasizes the necessity of understanding the sacred authors' intentions in their historical and cultural contexts, and we explore how metaphors like the good shepherd or parables like the sower and the seed reveal deeper spiritual insights. Drawing on guidance from the Catechism, we highlight…

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Fashion, Faith, and Resilience with Anthony Alexander 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Anthony discuss the importance of open, respectful conversations in a world increasingly divided by differing beliefs. Anthony shares the inspiration behind his innovative clothing brand aimed at making the elegant sport of croquet appealing to a younger audience while fostering memorable moments wi…

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Fatherhood and Legacy with Anthony Alexander 48:10

2M ago48:10

48:10

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John is joined by Anthony Alexander for a heartfelt conversation about fatherhood. Navigating blended families and past relationships can be a minefield, and Anthony candidly shares his experiences with these challenges. They talk about the emotional intricacies and personal growth required to maintain respe…

1
Navigating Life's Storms 41:24

2M ago41:24

41:24

Send us a Text Message. Ever found yourself caught in a storm of confusion and wondering how to discern God’s voice amidst the chaos? In this episode, John and Father Stephen discuss navigating life's tumultuous moments with trust and faith. Drawing from Bishop Barron's insights on the story of Jonah, they explore how resisting God's will can lead …

1
Fleeting Joy, Our Salvation, and Healing with Chris Colleps 35:32

3M ago35:32

35:32

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Chris talk about finding joy in good times, difficult times, and trusting in God to provide comfort. We open up about healing and redemption through Christ, drawing parallels between personal struggles and the suffering of Jesus on the cross. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of finding profou…

1
The Fear of Loss with Chris Colleps 1:01:50

3M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Chris explore a compelling examination of the fine line between the fear of the Lord—a reverence that shapes our purpose—against the fear of losing earthly roles and relationships that often define us. This intricate tapestry of discussion leads us to question our own priorities and the true source …

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The Link Between Jewish Marriage Customs and The Last Supper 34:03

3M ago34:03

34:03

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we discover the profound connections between ancient Jewish wedding customs and the Christian faith. Our fascinating discussion takes us on a journey through time, exploring the historical significance of wine, the ceremonial cup in betrothal rituals, and the manner in which a Jewish groom traditionally 'acq…

1
Exploring the Symbolism of Wine and Marriage in Jewish and Catholic Tradition 34:58

3M ago34:58

34:58

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Father Stephen Sanchez helps us explore the intricate symbolism of wine in the sacred context of Jewish marriage. From the Talmud we uncover the cultural and theological significance of Jewish nuptial customs and their parallels in Catholic theology. This episode isn't just an exchange of ideas; it's a celeb…

1
Unveiling the Mystery of Jesus: Son of God, Son of Man 42:15

4M ago42:15

42:15

Send us a Text Message. Are the titles "Son of God" and "Son of Man" simply echoes of ancient scripture, or do they offer a gateway to the profound mystery of Jesus Christ? Step into a captivating conversation with Father Stephen Sanchez, a Discalced Carmelite Priest, as we navigate the historical and theological landscapes that these enigmatic tit…

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Divine Empowerment Over Satan and the Fallen Angels 34:21

4M ago34:21

34:21

Send us a Text Message. Join us in the third and final part our conversation on the reality of Satan. Discover the divine authority that pulses within you as we reflect on quotes from St. Teresa of Avila, a Carmelite nun who commanded power over darkness through her identity in Christ. Our exploration brings her timeless revelations to light, offer…

1
Marriage is Free, Full, Faithful, and Fruitful 18:49

4M ago18:49

18:49

In marriage preparation, Catholic couples are instructed about the Covenant of Love. The elements in particular that are addressed are being free, full, faithful, and fruitful. Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, analyzes these same elements as it relates to Carmelite spirituality. It is very enlightening and enriching.…

1
Angelic Essence and Demonic Destinies 35:54

4M ago35:54

35:54

Send us a Text Message. Discover the profound triumphs of the divine as we navigate the enigmatic realm of spiritual beings with Father Stephen Sanchez. Our journey into the essence of angels and demons reveals their shared origins, despite their starkly contrasting destinies. We dissect the intricate roles these ethereal entities play in the grand…

1
The Fall from Grace and the Reality of Satan 40:35

5M ago40:35

40:35

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a journey into the heart of spiritual doctrine with Father Stephen Sanchez, a Discalced Carmelite Priest, as we confront the truths about Satan, the reality of angels, and their pivotal place in Catholic Christian faith. As we explore these profound teachings, you're promised an awakening to the deeper layers of ou…

1
Final Judgment and the Promise of Eternal Life: A Catholic Perspective 35:57

5M ago35:57

35:57

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever pondered what it means to stand before the God at life's end? Join us as we explore this mystery with Father Stephen Sanchez, a Discalced Carmelite priest, whose insights into the Catholic tradition's views on the afterlife and final judgment are nothing short of illuminating. We scrutinize the intimate moment …

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Exploring Contemplation with St. John of the Cross (part 9) 1:00:53

5M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

The “Will” in the Prayer of Contemplation (Ch. 13 of the book). Soren Kierkegaard said, Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing. This one thing of course is God's Will. St. John of the Cross speaks about the activity of the will as much if not more than any of the other faculties of the human person. The other two are intellect and memory. But it is t…

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Good Friday: Contemplating the Cross 34:24

5M ago34:24

34:24

Send us a Text Message. As we approach the solemnity of Good Friday, Father Stephen Sanchez joins us to navigate the depths of emotion and tradition that shroud this holy day. Together, we grapple with the weighty acknowledgment of our own roles in Christ's crucifixion, teetering between the heartache of remorse and the solace of gratitude for His …

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The Easter Triduum: Reflections on Good Friday 34:48

5M ago34:48

34:48

Send us a Text Message. Step inside the solemnity of the Good Friday Liturgy with Father Stephen Sanchez and witness how the Church's traditions invite us into a journey of reflection and profound understanding. Together, we unveil the mystagogical significance of the Good Friday liturgy and discover how this sacred day bears the weight of our salv…

1
The Christian Eschaton: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell 37:59

5M ago37:59

37:59

Send us a Text Message. Journey with us as we grapple with the profound mysteries of the four last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. Father Stephen provides an enlightening perspective on these eschatological themes. Literature and Christian teachings intersect as we navigate the rich tapestry of eschatology, with insights from C.S. Lewis'…

1
Confronting Doctrine and Division in Christianity 36:24

5M ago36:24

36:24

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a spiritual expedition with Fr. Stephen Sanchez as we traverse the terrain of Christian schisms, seeking the unity once envisioned by the ecumenical council fathers. Our heartfelt discussion navigates the rich diversity of Christian thought, encouraging a blend of intellectual curiosity and compassionate outreach. …

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Thinking about the Samaritan Woman During Lent 8:13

6M ago8:13

8:13

During this Lenten season, and by focusing on a few important points in the scripture passage on the Samaritan Woman, Deacon Mark Danis uses the lense of contemplation to highlight the importance of coming to know the truth about ourselves so that by coming into the light, we may be transformed by God.…

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Exploring Contemplation with St. John of the Cross (part 8) 1:10:32

6M ago1:10:32

1:10:32

So often in the spiritual journey, we can run into roadblocks. We can mistakenly perceive that we have gotten off course, and we might immediately seek to turn back to find the right path again. However, if we are walking the path of contemplation, there will most certainly be times of darkness, instances where we may feel we have done something wr…

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The Tumultuous Origins of Modern Christian Sects 39:14

6M ago39:14

39:14

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a riveting journey back to the tempestuous days of the Reformation in Germany, where Fr. Stephen Sanchez offers his profound insights into the religious and political whirlwind that reshaped the Christian faith. Prepare to unearth the roots of denominationalism and discover the painstakingly woven influences of fig…

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Exploring Contemplation with St. John of the Cross (part 7) 49:20

6M ago49:20

49:20

If you feel as though you have reached a plateau in your prayer life, or after many years of active prayer, you feel as though you are suddenly stuck, it may be the Lord is calling you to a deeper encounter with Him. The spiritual life is not static, it moves through different phases. And, like any relationship, if it is going to continue to grow, …

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The Renaissance and Its Impact on Church-State Dynamics 35:59

6M ago35:59

35:59

Send us a Text Message. Prepare to be transported through time as we uncover the historical tapestry of church and state separation. Our episode may kick off with a chuckle over tortillas and feline antics, but the conversation soon picks up where we left off in our previous episode and sails into the profound ocean of the past, where the power str…

1
Exploring Schisms and the Fabric of Modern Christianity 29:56

6M ago29:56

29:56

Send us a Text Message. Uncover the deep-rooted connections and divisions that have sculpted Christianity into the diverse tapestry we see today. We navigate the historical and theological nuances that differentiate the Catholic Church from other Christian traditions. Unpacking the significance of the Second Vatican Council, we confront how Catholi…

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Necessary for Christianity: The New Testament Sacrifice 24:55

7M ago24:55

24:55

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John explores how an understanding of the New Testament transformed his understanding of Christian faith. From the blood of the lamb in Exodus to the transformative sacrifice of Christ, John breaks down how Jesus's new perpetual Passover is a necessary part of Christianity. Contemplate with us what it all tr…

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Are You Really a Christian? 21:04

7M ago21:04

21:04

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John unravels the threads of apostolic authority that anchor the Church in divinely ordained leadership, a concept as pivotal today as it was in Jesus' time. He casts light on the 'binding and loosing' entrusted to the apostles, an indisputable authority that continues to shape God's will through the Church'…

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Contemplating the Epiphany of the Lord 37:46

8M ago37:46

37:46

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Fr. Stephen and John reflect on the oft-overlooked Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. They shed light on the intricacies of this feast, which is rich in history and spiritual significance but frequently finds itself overshadowed by the preceding Christmas festivities. Their dialogue traverses the liturgical …

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Interior Castle (part 12): Seventh Dwelling Place; Ch. 1-2: The Grand Entrance and Spiritual Marriage 1:12:35

8M ago1:12:35

1:12:35

What is like to enter into the 7th Dwelling Place? What was it like for St. Teresa? Then we turn to a discussion about spiritual marriage. We focus on what this experience/union with God was like for St. Teresa. These chapters truly help us to have Holy Amazement! RESOURCES: “Interior Castle, Study Guide, 2nd Edition” by St. Teresa of Avila; Transl…

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The Eschatological Heartbeat of Advent 42:42

8M ago42:42

42:42

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, John and Father Stephen uncover the profound anticipation of the Nativity and the second coming of Christ. Feel the pulse of ancient traditions come alive in our present, binding the sacred with the rhythm of our daily lives. Their conversation offers a unique perspective on the dual focus of Advent, delving…

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Prayer: Building a Relationship with God Beyond Words 38:01

8M ago38:01

38:01

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Fr. Stephen, John, and Bertha finish their exploration of prayer through the fourth pillar Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode isn't about merely reciting prayers; it's a deep dive into the essence and the art of praying. Fr. Stephen stresses the importance of teaching children how to relate with …

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Christmas Preparation for Carmelites 11:38

9M ago11:38

11:38

Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS, shares ways to prepare during Advent for the birth of our Lord. He provides suggestions specific for Secular Carmelites. This talk was given during a Holy Hour.By Carmelite Conversations

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