Practicing Catholic

In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger conclude their inaugural Bible study by diving deep into the second half of the Book of Ruth. What initially seems like a strange or even uncomfortable story unfolds into one of Scripture’s most beautiful portraits of hope, virtue, and redemption.
 
Together, they explore the dramatic threshing floor scene, the role of the kinsman-redeemer, and how Ruth and Boaz break destructive patterns from Israel’s past through freedom, courage, and moral clarity. Set against the chaos of the period of the Judges, Ruth reveals how God’s providence works through ordinary choices marked by fidelity, chastity, and self-giving love.
 
This conversation highlights why Ruth stands at the heart of salvation history — pointing forward to King David and ultimately to Christ — and why its message still speaks powerfully to modern Christians seeking holiness in family life, marriage, and everyday decisions.
 
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The Book of Ruth can feel strange to modern readers—but beneath its unfamiliar customs is one of Scripture’s most beautiful stories of fidelity, love, and God’s providence. In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, we begin a new Bible study by taking a fresh look at Ruth and why this short Old Testament book matters so much for Christians today.
 
Together, we explore the historical and cultural context of Ruth, unpacking themes of loyalty, family, and redemption that often get overlooked. This conversation helps listeners see how Ruth fits into the larger story of salvation history—and why the Church continues to return to it as a source of wisdom and hope.
 
This is part one of our Practicing Catholic Bible study on the Book of Ruth, setting the foundation for a deeper dive in the next episode.
 
Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here:  
http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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What does it really mean to live a good and happy life? In this episode of Practicing Catholic, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explore the four cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—and why they are essential for authentic Christian freedom.
 
The conversation unpacks how the virtues form our character, guide our decisions, and help us love God and neighbor more fully. Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and Catholic tradition, the hosts explain how virtue is not about restriction, but about becoming the kind of person who can joyfully choose the good.
 
The episode also tackles practical and timely questions, including whether Catholics should have retirement accounts, how to live simply without fear or attachment, and how the living can help the souls in purgatory. This thoughtful discussion offers both spiritual depth and concrete guidance for everyday Catholic life.
 
Looking for more? Check out these resources:
Watch the Art of Living series on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1482207
Buy the Art of Living book here: https://catholic.market/gifts/women/the-art-of-living-the-cardinal-virtues-and-the-freedom-to-love/?searchid=1413125&search_query=art+of+living 
Purchase the Parish Program version of Art of Living with Leader and Participant Guides here: https://catholic.market/programs/the-art-of-living/
 
Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here:
http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
 

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Learn more about Welcome to Hope Springs at http://hopesprings.org/ or listen on Formed at https://watch.formed.org/welcome-to-hope-springs.  
 
Raising faithful Catholic kids can feel overwhelming—especially when there’s no formula, no mute button, and no guarantee of outcomes. In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect honestly on what they’ve learned as parents striving to hand on the faith in everyday family life.
 
From modeling prayer and making faith incarnational to building strong community, loving your spouse well, and learning not to over-spiritualize every parenting decision, this conversation offers grounded, hopeful wisdom for Catholic parents at every stage. The hosts also answer practical listener questions, including how to balance family life with service and when to take misbehaving kids out of Mass—all while trusting that our children ultimately belong to God.

Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com

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Why are stories so powerful—especially for children—and why do they matter so much for passing on the Catholic faith? In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger sit down with acclaimed storyteller Paul McCusker to explore how stories shape the imagination and open hearts to truth.
 
From audio drama to family storytelling, Paul explains why narrative is such a natural way to communicate faith, form virtue, and spark meaningful conversations between parents and children. The episode also introduces Welcome to Hope Springs, a newCatholic audio drama created to bring families together through engaging, faith-filled stories kids and parents can enjoy together.
Have a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com
Check out the new Hope Springs Audio Drama Series at HopeSprings.org!
More audio dramas written by Paul McCusker and produced by the Augustine Institute - https://app.formed.org/app/collections/115518 
Hope Springs Book Series by Paul McCusker - https://catholic.market/books/hope-springs/the-adventures-of-nick-sam/ 
A Landscape with Dragons by Michael O’Brien - https://catholic.market/books/a-landscape-with-dragons-the-battle-for-your-childs-mind/ 

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