Best Joyful Missionary Disciples Podcasts (2024)

1
Presence and Proclamation 1:21:08

1+ y ago1:21:08

1:21:08

In this interview with Lisa, we get to hear her heart for people and the perseverance that she and her husband have had in the more than two decades of life and experience. Despite the trials, suffering and persecution, Lisa and her husband have only grown in their love for the lost and in their desire to "be the presence of Jesus, proclaim the mes…

1
Life as a Disciple of Jesus Christ 52:02

2y ago52:02

52:02

Have you ever thought that a commitment to having fun or creating an environment where people can enjoy themselves is a great model for ministering to others? Do you feel the freedom to fail and see it as a valuable way to grow? Is suffering your constant companion? If so, this episode is for you! Warren Janzen, the International Director of SEND I…

1
Bonus Episode: The Impact of Catholic Schools 21:16

2y ago21:16

21:16

The role of Catholic schools in unleashing the Gospel must not be underestimated. Archbishop Vigneron writes that, “Our catholic schools must be training grounds for future saints.” It’s these training grounds where countless young people are invited to encounter Jesus, grapple with the tough questions, and grow into a wholehearted Christian worldv…

1
Bonus Episode: Grief and Hope 21:52

2y ago21:52

21:52

Loss, as painful as it can be, is something we all will face in this life. And being thrust into a season of grieving can be disorienting and overwhelming. Yet, our faith in Jesus and his resurrection always gives us a reason to remain hopeful. In this episode, hear from three courageous women who have suffered tremendous loss yet, through it all, …

1
Bonus Episode: Called to Serve our Parish Communities 24:55

2y ago24:55

24:55

Join Open Door Policy as we revisit the inspiring stories of guests who have responded to the call to share their gifts in service of their parish communities. Our spiritual homes at our parishes are supposed to be founded upon prayer and a culture of encounter with Jesus. Listen as your peers share how God is unleashing the Gospel through them by …

1
Bonus Episode: The Journey of Discernment 37:30

2y ago37:30

37:30

The process of discernment is oriented towards the life that God created you for—a life of holiness, and authentic happiness! In this episode, hear from joyful missionary disciples whose lives have been marked and changed forever through a process of discernment, and allow their witnesses to inspire you and the way you live according to God’s missi…

1
Bonus Episode: The Impact of Grandparents 5:56

2y ago5:56

5:56

In this Open Door Policy mini-sode, we revisit some of the conversations with two of our guests who recognize and celebrate the importance of their grandparents on their paths to becoming joyful missionary disciples. Take a listen! (00:00 - 02:10) We introduce this episode’s topic, by highlighting the importance of grandparents in the life of Jesus…

1
Bonus Episode: Confession, a Tenderizer of Hearts 19:59

2y ago19:59

19:59

In this bonus episode, hear from some of our guests from our most recent Open Door Policy season, as they share about their experiences of Confession, how they handle the nerves that can accompany seeking the sacrament, and their desire to share the goodness of it with others. In this episode, you’ll hear great anecdotes from our guests and our co-…

1
Bonus Episode: Love For the Eucharist 15:51

2y ago15:51

15:51

In the inaugural edition of Open Door Policy “mini-sodes,” listen to some of our favorite moments from past shows, where guests share why they love the Eucharist and how it has changed their lives. Hear how Sr. Maria Veritas encounters Jesus as her spouse daily, in the Blessed Sacrament, how Melissa Florian’s desires that fueled addiction were tran…

1
Episode 88: Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau 37:51

2y ago37:51

37:51

“It’s like sitting in God’s living room.” This episode of Open Door Policy is a season finale! Join hosts Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau as they share their highlights from the previous season. Together they marvel at how God is alive and active in the life of each guest who has joined them. From storytelling to music, from mental health str…

1
Episode 87: Deacon Fred Billotto 42:48

2+ y ago42:48

42:48

Hosts Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau welcome Deacon Fred Billotto, who has been propelled into service of the Gospel by a great love for the laity and docility to the Holy Spirit. Listen in as Dcn. Fred shares about his discernment to become a permanent deacon, the impact of investing in his parish community, the role of scripture in his lif…

1
Episode 86: Sr. Mary Martha and Sr. Maria Veritas 46:18

2+ y ago46:18

46:18

This episode of Open Door Policy is overflowing with consecrated love for Jesus in the Eucharist. Two members of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, Sr. Mary Martha and Sr. Maria Veritas share insight into how they have encountered the Lord, grown to serve the Lord as brides of Christ, and witness to God’s love through their ser…

1
Episode 85: Anna Picasso 47:31

2+ y ago47:31

47:31

Open Door Policy brings you the inspiring testimony of a young Catholic missionary serving in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Anna Picasso serves as a Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) missionary at Wayne State University, and surrounding campuses. Anna shares her story of growing up Catholic, but falling away from the faith in high sc…

1
Episode 84: Dr. Marlon De La Torre 45:54

2+ y ago45:54

45:54

In this episode of Open Door Policy, Dr. Marlon De La Torre, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Director of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, shares his story – one that, at times, might sound like the words from a great audiobook. Listen as he describes his journey from a culturally Catholic youth, to an adventurous and faithful disciple, foll…

1
Episode 83: Eileen Newell 40:14

2+ y ago40:14

40:14

This episode of Open Door Policy is a generous taste of modern Irish Catholicism. Eileen Newell joins hosts Emily Mentock and Fr. Patrick Gonyeau in this discussion of Eileen's walk with the Lord. Her upbringing, the witness of her parents’ faith, and a trip to El Salvador helped her answer the big questions of life that she encountered in college.…

1
Episode 82: Elizabeth Spencer 43:48

2+ y ago43:48

43:48

Elizabeth Spencer joins Fr. Patrick and Emily in the virtual studio, where she shares how her experience of encountering Jesus in a personal way as a college student led to her career dedicated to ministry in youth and family faith formation. (0:35) Fr. Patrick opens by asking Emily about her highlights from her recent trip to Rome, where she repre…

1
Episode 81: Alex Lynch 38:53

2+ y ago38:53

38:53

Emily and Fr. Patrick welcome Alex Lynch to the podcast, and she reflects on her journey as a joyful missionary disciple as she has cultivated faith and community in her family and ministry involvement in her parish. (1:05) Emily reflects on her two-year anniversary working with the Archdiocese of Detroit. Fr. Patrick asks her what her favorite mem…

1
Episode 80: Bishop Donald Hanchon 36:12

2+ y ago36:12

36:12

Emily and Fr. Patrick welcome Bishop Donald Hanchon, who shares the story of his journey through the priesthood and how his many years serving minority communities in Detroit have formed him as a joyful missionary disciple with a heart for God’s people. (0:55) Fr. Patrick and Emily discuss what they are excited about and grateful for in the liturgi…

1
Episode 79: Josh Ross 41:12

2+ y ago41:12

41:12

Emily and Fr. Patrick welcome guest Josh Ross, worship leader and music director at St. Anastasia parish. Josh shares his story of how God has worked in his life through his pursuit of a vocation in music and the power of music as worship to transform the communal Church. (0:45) Fr. Patrick and Emily discuss what they are grateful for during this T…

1
Episode 78: Fr. David Pellican 41:08

2+ y ago41:08

41:08

Father Patrick and Emily speak to guest Father David Pellican about his journey as a joyful missionary disciple, from his childhood growing up with seven sisters in rural Michigan raising pigs, to his call to the priesthood, to his current work of bringing students at Divine Child Schools into encounters with Christ. (0:25) Fr. Patrick and Emily op…

1
Episode 77: Sheila Breen 43:42

3y ago43:42

43:42

Sheila Breen joins Emily and Fr. Patrick to share her story of growth throughout her faith journey. She reflects on how her husband Deacon Breen’s illness set them on the path to opening themselves fully to God’s grace and taking up their cross as an offering in service to others as prayer warriors. (0:50) Emily and Fr. Patrick share stories of gra…

1
Episode 76: Mike Stechschulte 36:58

3y ago36:58

36:58

Mike Stechschulte has served as the Editor-in-Chief for Detroit Catholic for almost ten years. He shares with Fr. Patrick and Emily how he developed a love for storytelling, and how his current role gives him a unique birds-eye view on all the different ways that God is working here in Southeast Michigan. "We just have such a robust dynamic archdio…

1
Episode 75: Marek Dziekonski 39:44

3y ago39:44

39:44

Marek Dziekonski joins Emily and Fr. Patrick in the virtual studio (back from summer break!) to tell his story of meeting Jesus after a parachuting accident and moving to the United States to serve as a missionary. (2:00) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up after taking a few months off for “summer break,” and introduce the episode guest. (4:45) Welcome…

1
Episode 74: Laura Sparling 40:30

3y ago40:30

40:30

Marquette Method instructor Laura Sparling discusses her journey to joyful missionary discipleship and how she witnesses God changing lives through NFP. (0:18) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and talk about the beauty of Michigan water and some of our Archdiocese of Detroit parishes that sit right on the waterfront. (3:27) Emily introduces this epis…

1
Episode 73: Colleen Vermeulen 42:04

3y ago42:04

42:04

Colleen Vermeulen, Director of the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan, shares her experience of reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church, how it empowered her faith journey, and how the scriptures keep discipleship grounded. (0:32) Emily and Fr. Patrick share updates, reflect on the Solemnity of Pentecost, and introduce this episode’s guest, …

1
Episode 72: Fr. Jake VanAssche 38:59

3y ago38:59

38:59

Fr. Jake VanAssche, administrator at St. Damien of Molokai Parish in Pontiac, discusses his priestly vocation and the graces that come when we remain open to God. (0:25) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and share some updates from their lives, including Tigers games, street ministry, reading Romans, a trip to South Bend and more. (6:45) Fr. Patrick i…

1
Episode 71: John Hale 37:32

3y ago37:32

37:32

John Hale, President and Co-Founder of Corporate Travel, discusses the importance of always being open to God’s grace, and what he learned during the trials of the pandemic. (0:44) Emily and Fr. Patrick share updates of what’s going on in their lives, from new opportunities for fellowship to the birth and baptism of a baby girl for previous ODP gue…

1
Episode 70: Melissa Florian 36:55

3y ago36:55

36:55

Ave Maria Radio producer Melissa Florian shares how the Lord healed her of addiction and gave her a hunger for the Eucharist instead (0:07) Fr. Patrick and Emily catch up and discuss their excitement for spring and the month of May, and what graces have been flowing in their lives. They also discuss a possible ODP field trip soon! (5:06) Fr. Patric…

1
Episode 69: Deacon Chris Beltowski 45:10

3+ y ago45:10

45:10

New Associate Director of the Permanent Diaconate Deacon Chris Beltowski talks about his discernment, his new role, and the ministry of the diaconate. (0:30) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up on what’s been going on in their lives, the lovely weather we’re having, and their experiences this Holy Week and Easter season. (4:47) Emily introduces this wee…

1
Run with the Horses 21:32

3+ y ago21:32

21:32

Do you want to know how to live the good life? Today we turn to the prophet Jeremiah to learn what it means to have an intimate relationship with God and how to discern lies from the truth. We'll also get a lot of insight from the late Eugene Peterson on his life. If you want to grow in your understanding of Jeremiah and in your prayer life, you're…

1
Episode 68: Kate Bryan 37:37

3+ y ago37:37

37:37

Kate Bryan, Founder and CEO of 1 Girl Revolution, shares her experience of growing up with chronic illness and how it inspired her to amplify the stories of women across the country. (2:42) After Fr. Patrick and Emily briefly catch up and discuss spring and the great sunshine, Emily introduces this episode’s guest, Kate Bryan. (5:11) Kate discusses…

1
Episode 67: Jordan and Napoli Beachnau 54:05

3+ y ago54:05

54:05

Jordan and Napoli Beachnau join Fr. Patrick and Emily to discuss marriage as a vocation, a sacrament, and a way to live the Gospel. Show notes: (0:59) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and discuss the hope that comes with the first signs of spring, the way individuals are coming back to Mass with the end of the general dispensation, and the graces fou…

1
Episode 66: Beth Allison 45:03

3+ y ago45:03

45:03

St. Aloysius Parish Engagement Coordinator Beth Allison shares her journey from interior design to ministry, and the universal connection of the Catholic faith she’s experienced as she’s travelled the world. (0:42) Fr. Patrick and Emily catch up, and Fr. Patrick shares the joy he had of opening his parish as a coronavirus vaccine site. Emily mentio…

1
Episode 65: Chris Leach 42:12

3+ y ago42:12

42:12

Chris Leach, Director of Evangelical Charity for the Archdiocese of Detroit, enters the studio to reflect on the ministry of healing and the role it has played in his missionary journey. (0:16) Emily and Fr. Patrick catch up and share what they’ve been up to since our last episode. Emily shares that she’s visiting family in California and Fr. Patri…

1
Fighting Sin and Temptation 20:42

3+ y ago20:42

20:42

For all of us we are living in a time where we can easily be overcome by frustration with all of the things we can't control. Do we have any control over our thoughts and feelings? We discuss this as we dive into Dallas Willard's Renovation of the Heart. We also talk about the seriousness of sin and how we must be fighting daily against sin and tem…

1
Episode 64: Michelle Piccolo 54:19

3+ y ago54:19

54:19

Michelle Piccolo shares her inspiring story of conversion through the passing of her mother, the transformative power of Theology of the Body, and the joy of returning to confession. This episode highlights Michelle’s journey to realizing her call to be a “consecrated virgin living in the world” and the beautiful witness of this “rare” vocation. Ta…

1
Episode 63: Curtis Simpson Jr. 56:40

3+ y ago56:40

56:40

Curtis Simpson, Christian Service Coordinator at Corpus Christi Parish, reflects on catching the Holy Spirit, how he uses Christian Service as a vehicle for evangelization, and if coincidences exist (or not). (1:51) Curtis introduces himself and gives an overview of his role as Christian Service Coordinator at Corpus Christi Parish in Detroit. He s…

1
Episode 62: Ricardo Hernandez 48:31

3+ y ago48:31

48:31

From a teenager embedded in the party scene of Southwest Detroit to a young adult minister with Jornadas — and with a vision of the Blessed Mother along the way — Ricardo Hernandez shares the journey of realizing God’s endless love. (0:47) Ricardo discusses his current experiences living as a joyful missionary disciple, his work at the Basilica of …

1
Episode 61: Fr. Steve and Danielle Pass the Mic 40:30

3+ y ago40:30

40:30

Fr. Steve, Danielle, and new hosts Fr. Patrick Gonyeau and Emily Mentock reflect on seasons past and look forward to what Open Door Policy has in store. (1:38) Fr. Steve and Danielle reflect on the great successes they’ve had as hosts of 54 episodes of Open Door Policy, and they announce the transition to the podcast’s new hosts, Emily Mentock and …

1
Good Investments 24:16

4y ago24:16

24:16

In this interview with Lynn Jackson, you'll get a glimpse of what ministry looks like through the many seasons of life. Lynn boils it down to something simple found in 1 Thessalonians 2:8: sharing the Gospel of God but also sharing ourselves. It's never a bad idea to invest yourself in others whether that be your kids or the people that are in your…

1
Episode 60: Laura Knaus joins Fr. Steve and Danielle in the virtual Open Door Studio! 51:06

4y ago51:06

51:06

Laura Knaus, Associate Superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit discusses moving from Nebraska to Detroit, her passion for Catholic education, and eggs benedict. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 03:45 She worked as a soccer ref, had a profound encounter with God in Broomtree, South Dakota, hung with some rock dudes and c…

1
Episode 59: Fr. Marko Djonovic discusses his passion to provide a better way for Detroit's homeless. 31:40

4y ago31:40

31:40

Fr. Marko Djonovic talks about his ministry to Detroit's homeless, "Betterway Detroit", his path from boxing to the priesthood and being called the "barbaric chef". Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 1:38 His path to the priesthood began as a dishwasher, he's met Mr. T and his mom will always be his hero. Fr. Marko gets his turn at Rapid Fire Ques…

1
Training vs. Trying 19:14

4y ago19:14

19:14

Rabbits with swords, rabbit trails, multiplication? Rabbits are a big theme in this week's episode as we discuss the Green Ember series especially as it has to do with the importance of training for our goals. We also talk about a couch to 5k program but we'll probably want to run like the tortoise rather than the hare in this race! All of the rabb…

1
Episode 58: Danielle Brown discusses the challenge of responding to racism as an African American and as a Catholic. 49:19

4y ago49:19

49:19

Danielle Brown, the Associate Director of the Ad Hoc Committee on Racism for the USCCB, talks about our struggle with racism, the importance of looking to Scripture as "God's playbook" for guidance and the spiritual dimensions of needlepoint. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 03:25 Danielle tells us about her early career as a needlepoint prodigy…

1
Episode 57: Fr. Steve Pullis is interviewed By Danielle Center 44:30

4y ago44:30

44:30

The ODP virtual guest chair sits empty as Danielle interviews our own Fr. Steve Pullis, Director of Evangelization and Discipleship for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 0:25:18 An omelette loving former Subway sandwich artist, Fr. Steve Pullis talks scripture, cassocks and Wayne Gretsky. Testimony 10:02 Danielle asks …

1
Episode 56: Fr. Mario Amore talks about his faith journey and pastoring a church in downtown Detroit 43:53

4y ago43:53

43:53

Fr. Mario Amore, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in Detroit, talks about pastoring a downtown congregation, surprising generosity and old churches and their key rings. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 1:21 Fr. Mario tells us about his family's Italian Restaurant, a chapel in South Dakota and a recent musical "Journey". Testimony 9:46 Fr. Mario tal…

1
Kingdom Building Never Stops 31:10

4y ago31:10

31:10

Join me as I interview Bill Schroeder, who works in Member Care with SEND International. We'll discuss some valuable lessons he's learned from a lifetime in ministry including the importance of keeping an eye on your gauges, being mindful of your shadow mission and the good thing about being weak. You won't want to miss this episode!…

1
Episode 55: Suzanne and Al Croll talk about faith, hope and choir. 32:55

4y ago32:55

32:55

Suzanne and Al Croll, parishioners at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and members of the Archdiocesan Chorus, join Danielle and Fr. Steve to talk about the importance of giving people hope, the power of invitation and singing for the Pope. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 01:10 Al and Suzanne share their first jobs, breakfast favorites and singing a…

1
Become Like a Child 16:43

4y ago16:43

16:43

For some reason, it is so easy to become boring, old or cynical. In this episode, we look to Jesus, Peter Pan, C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton to rediscover what it means to become like a child. If you want to remain forever young, listen in! And no, unfortunately, there's no 80's music in this episode.…

1
Episode 54: Nicholas Kristock talks about Australia, playing professional soccer and developing an attitude of gratitude. 35:38

4y ago35:38

35:38

Nicholas Kristock, Executive Director of “Fleece and Thank You” and pro soccer player, joins Fr. Steve and Danielle to talk about his journey to Australia to play soccer and how that led to his charity work with children. Rapid Fire Questions and Discussion 0:12 Nick shares his Australia experiences and a favorite smoothie recipe. Testimony 8:00 In…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Joyful Missionary Disciples Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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