What does it really mean to grow in holiness — and is there a clear, time-tested path for doing so as a Catholic today?

In this episode of A Reason for Hope, Jack Garno sits down with Director of Theology Dr. David Hajduk for a deep dive into the Three Ways of the Spiritual Life — an ancient Catholic framework taught by the saints that explains how souls actually grow in holiness. Drawing from Scripture, St. Thomas Aquinas, and centuries of Catholic spiritual theology, this conversation explores what conversion really requires, why humility is essential, and how grace transforms us over time.

Dr. Hajduk explains the Purgative Way, Illuminative Way, and Unitive Way, showing how each stage builds upon a deeper conversion of heart. The discussion covers the role of confession, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and mental prayer, as well as the difficult but necessary experiences known as the dark nights of the soul — moments when God seems absent but is actually drawing the soul closer.

This episode offers both clarity and hope for Catholics seeking real spiritual growth in 2026, reminding us that holiness is not reserved for a few saints, but is the universal call of every Christian — made possible by grace and our cooperation with it.

Whether you feel stuck, discouraged, or simply hungry for deeper union with God, this conversation provides a faithful roadmap for the journey.

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:08 Start of Interview

01:54 Are there certain steps to take to become more Holy?

04:59 Importance of the Crucifix

06:33 What is the goal of our lives?

09:06 How to Become Friends with God

11:41 3 Ways to Grow in Holiness

13:28 The Purgative Way

21:01 The Illuminative Way

27:12 the Unitive Way

36:04 How do we approach setbacks?

39:34 End of Interview

Spiritual warfare is real — but it’s often misunderstood.

In this episode of A Reason for Hope, Alanis and Matt delve into what spiritual warfare truly entails in everyday Catholic life. From anxiety and distraction to temptation, fear, and isolation, this conversation sheds light on how the enemy works subtly — and how Christ has already given us everything we need to overcome.

Together, we break down:

• The three types of spiritual warfare (oppression, obsession, possession)
• Why Hollywood gets demons and exorcism wrong
• How spiritual attacks often increase when you’re walking in God’s will
• The connection between mental health, anxiety, and spiritual warfare
• Why the devil thrives on distraction, isolation, and fear
• The power of Scripture, fasting, order, silence, and the sacraments
• Why community is one of the strongest weapons against the enemy
• How hope, grace, and childlike dependence on God lead to victory

This is not a fear-based conversation. It’s a Catholic, Christ-centered discussion rooted in Scripture, Church teaching, and lived experience — meant to bring clarity, peace, and hope.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Am I under spiritual attack?
• Why do anxiety and temptation feel so intense?
• How do I fight spiritual battles as a Catholic?

— this episode is for you.

📿 “The battle belongs to the Lord.”

Hope doesn’t disappoint.

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

03:20 What is Spiritual Warfare?

11:31 What are the devil's abilities?

12:49 Common Tactics of the Devil

20:09 The Power of Fasting

21:51 Practical Tips from an Exorcist to Combat Spiritual Warfare

27:37 What are the Devils Motives?

30:08 Why Fear is Sinful

31:14 Importance of Community

36:08 Hope in the Darkness

In this episode, acclaimed Catholic author and radio host Jesse Romero joins our Executive Director, Mario Costabile, to discuss his book Prayer as a Weapon and the critical role prayer plays in spiritual warfare. Drawing from Scripture, Tradition, and his own experiences, Romero shares practical insights for modern Catholics—especially men—on how to strengthen their spiritual armor and defend against the forces of evil.

We cover the types of prayer, the power of the St. Michael Prayer, the Rosary, and how specificity and humility can amplify prayer’s effectiveness. Jesse also explains why a return to personal prayer is essential not just for individual spiritual growth, but for making an impact on the wider culture.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your prayer life, understand spiritual warfare, or become a joyful soldier for Christ, this conversation provides guidance, encouragement, and real-life examples of prayer’s transformative power.

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Website: https://jesseromero.com/

⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:22 Start of Interview

03:09 The Role of Humility in Prayer

09:40 Types of Prayer and Their Importance

18:05 Adoration

18:50 Understanding Spiritual Warfare

26:30 The Power of Saints and Intercessory Prayer

32:52 The Power of the Rosary

37:50 Spiritual Training and Discipline

43:33 Witness of Miraculous Healing from Prayer

49:29 The Effectiveness of Intentional Prayer

54:02 Finding Joy in Prayer

58:24 Upcoming Initiatives and Resources

What is Stoicism and can it coexist with Christianity? In this episode of A Reason for Hope, host Jack and theologian Dr. David Hajduk break down the rising appeal of Stoic philosophy among modern audiences—especially young adults searching for peace in a chaotic world. With influencers like Ryan Holiday championing Stoicism as the key to emotional resilience and success, we explore:

• What Stoicism really teaches
• Why it’s trending now
• The spiritual hunger behind its rise
• Where Stoicism aligns with and diverges from the Catholic worldview
• Why Christ offers more than calm—He offers salvation
• 
  

📌 Whether you're a curious Catholic, a student of philosophy, or just looking for peace in the storm, this episode will challenge and inspire you to go deeper.

👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share for more Catholic perspectives on modern issues.

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:34 Start of Interview

03:20 What is Stoicism?

05:48 Stoicism's Conception

07:26 Marcus Aurelius

07:58 What are the main tenets of Stoicism?

10:16 Stoicism's View on Psychology

19:47 In What Ways is Stoicism Compatible with Christianity

32:49 Ways that Stoicism Differs from Christianity

44:56 Why is Stoicism becoming so popular?

48:27 Gender Roles in our Society

49:41 What is real masculinity?

In this powerful episode of A Reason For Hope Podcast, host Alanis Gonzalez sits down with Catholic worship leader, songwriter, and author Sarah Kroger for an honest conversation about identity, fear, calling, humility, and worship.

Sarah shares her journey from childhood bullying and insecurity to leading worship around the world — and how discovering her belovedness in Christ transformed her faith, ministry, and personal life. Drawing from Catholic spirituality, Scripture, and her own testimony, she unpacks what it means to say “yes” to God even when fear, comparison, and self-doubt are loud.

In this episode, we explore:

• Catholic worship beyond the Mass
• Identity and healing through Jesus Christ
• Discernment of vocation and calling
• Fear, humility, and surrender in ministry
• What it’s really like being a Catholic worship leader
• The inspiration behind Belovedness (song, devotional & children’s book)

This episode is for anyone seeking hope, clarity, and renewal in their Catholic faith.

🙏 “You are my beloved.” — Mark 1:11

🔔 Subscribe for more Catholic conversations on faith, worship, and identity.

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Website: https://www.sarahkroger.com/

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#CatholicPodcast #CatholicFaith #SarahKroger #CatholicWorship #Belovedness #ChristianIdentity #CatholicTestimony #AReasonForHope

⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Start of Interview

07:54 Confronting the fear of stepping into our calling

11:37 How do you prepare spirituality to Lead Worship?

22:05 Did you ever feel pulled to make more ecumenical music?

23:23 Staying humble in the spotlight

27:03 Belovedness

33:33 Biggest Misconception about Touring

34:30 Sarah's Desert island prayer

35:10 How Sarah navigates humilitiy

36:17 How do you push through spiritual dryness

37:45 Final remarks

In this powerful episode of A Reason for Hope Podcast, Alanis Gonzalez and Matt Pana dive deep into one of the most important questions in the spiritual life: What truly moves the heart of God in prayer?

Why does God answer some prayers and not others? How do we discern His timing? What does it actually mean to “find favor” with the Lord? And how can we grow in a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him—especially in seasons of silence, spiritual dryness, or waiting?

Drawing from Scipture, the story of Hannah, the teachings of the Church, and personal testimony, this conversation explores:

✨ Bold, authentic, heart-level prayer

✨ God’s providential timing vs. our expectations

✨ Spiritual apathy, comparison, and performative faith

✨ How intimacy with God transforms our desires

✨ Why unanswered prayers are not unheard prayers

✨ The role of humility, endurance, and purification in the Catholic spiritual life

✨ How sacraments—especially the Eucharist—restore, strengthen, and favor us

Sciptures Quoted:

1 Samuel

Isaiah 43

Romans 5

Genesis 6

Exodus 3

Whether you're struggling to hear God, longing for spiritual renewal, or seeking a deeper prayer life, this episode will bring clarity, encouragement, and hope.

You are favored. You are chosen. And God bends His ear toward every prayer you breathe.

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:20 Start of Interview

03:40 Common Misconceptions about Prayers Being Answered

09:44 What are the requirements to be favored by God?

13:00 How do we strengthen our relationship with the Lord?

15:28 Why does God not answer some prayers

20:58 Biblical Figures Who Found Favor with the Lord

23:04 Importance of Receiving the Sacraments

25:28 Importance of the Eucharist

How can Catholics discern whether interior suffering is the result of demonic oppression or struggles like anxiety, depression, or emotional trauma? In this episode of A Reason For Hope Podcast, Mario Costabile sits down with Catholic priest, exorcist, and Thomistic philosopher Fr. Chad Ripperger, who explains how the Church approaches spiritual warfare, using the rich intellectual tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas to distinguish between spiritual and psychological afflictions.

We explore how demons interact with the intellect, will, and passions, and how Catholics can recognize signs of spiritual attack, while understanding that not all mental or emotional challenges are demonic in origin. Fr. Ripperger shares practical guidance on discernment of spirits, the role of grace, virtue, and the sacraments, and how Catholic mental health perspectives can complement spiritual care.

This conversation is essential for anyone seeking clarity in the modern world, especially for those facing inner struggles and trying to navigate the overlap between psychological challenges and spiritual realities. Learn how to protect your soul, strengthen your spiritual life, and approach suffering with a clear and faithful Catholic framework.

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-Book Links Discussed in Episode-

For Lay People

For Clergy + Healthcare Professionals

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

01:58 Start of Interview

02:37 The Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas

04:41 Distinguishing Spiritual and Psychological Suffering

06:09 Patterns of Possession and Obsession

12:33 The Rise of Demonic Activity in Modern Culture

14:16 Father Ripperger's Journey as an Exorcist

20:14 The Role of Saints in Exorcism

28:07 The Role of Grace and Sacraments in Exorcism

36:08 Integrating Thomistic Psychology in Mental Health

39:26 Dangers of Over or Under Spiritualizing Attacks

41:33 The Nature of Free Will and Moral Responsibility

44:48 The Impact of Sin and Trauma on Vulnerability

47:52 Initial Steps for Those Feeling Oppressed

50:16 Why God Allows Demonic Affliction

52:45 Final Remarks