In this episode, we sit down with licensed professional counselor Jeff Mazzone, who shares insights on the transformative power of affirmation, its roots in spiritual and psychological growth, and practical ways to cultivate authentic affirmation in daily life and relationships.Key Topics:The connection between affirmation and emotional maturityThe role of nature and beauty in fostering affirmationThe importance of relationship and community in healingThe distinction between true affirmation and pseudo-affirmationPractical steps to cultivate rest, wonder, and affirmation in daily lifeJeff Mazzone on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/discalced_counselorChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction03:06 The Importance of Affirmation05:57 Understanding Affirmation vs. Self-Affirmation09:09 The Role of Relationships in Affirmation12:01 The Impact of Unaffirmation14:54 Navigating Emotional Maturity18:01 The Challenges of Modern Life20:55 Finding Beauty and Wonder24:05 The Healing Power of Relationships27:09 Practical Applications for Parents30:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts45:06 Affirming Emotions in Parenting48:16 Delighting in Our Children50:23 The Journey of Affirmation53:40 The Power of Intergenerational Relationships56:06 The Importance of Community and Connection01:01:23 The Gift of Self in Relationships01:06:21 Slowing Down to Find Community01:10:01 Practical Steps to Self-Affirmation01:12:58 Resources for Further ExplorationResources:Born Only Once by Conrad Baars – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Born+Only+Once+Conrad+BaarsJeff Mazzone on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/discalced_counselorHealing the Unaffirmed by Conrad Baars and Anna Terruwe – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Healing+the+Unaffirmed+Conrad+Baars+Anna+Terruwe

Most of us live in a state of obsession with certainty — but within faith and life itself, mystery reigns supreme. This week, we explore why embracing uncertainty isn’t just a choice, but a vital part of our spiritual journeyJoin us as we walk through the story of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, highlighting how their experience of loss and resurrection embodies the core of Christian hope amid unanswered questions. Key TopicsThe story of Lazarus and its spiritual significanceThe concept of divine mystery and wonder in faithHow saints exemplify trust in God's plan amidst sufferingThe importance of embracing the unknown in spiritual lifeThe role of faith and hope in difficult trialsChapters00:00 Embracing the Mystery10:28 The Story of Lazarus30:25 The Saints and Their Trials40:48 Embracing the Mystery46:46 The Witness of the Saints53:13 The Interior Perfection01:04:55 The Human Person as a Mystery

If Homeward is ultimately about learning how to live with our eyes fixed on heaven, then few people have taught Katie and I more than Enrico and Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo. Their story reminds us that we were born for eternity, and that even in the deepest suffering, the road home remains open.Key Topics:Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo's life storyFaith and resilience in sufferingThe power of hope and love Trust in God's plan during sufferingThe resurrection as the foundation of hopeResources:Enrico Petrillo - Sharing their story (short video we mentioned) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXXBorn to Never Die | Enrico Petrillo and Angelo Carfi | New York Encounter 2019 (long video of their full story that we also mentioned) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw_PEXQyhikA Witness to Joy (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+Witness+to+JoyLetter from Chiara and Enrico to Francesco -https://www.chiaracorbellapetrillo.org/en/chiaras-writings/Let's Connect!As always, we would love to hear from you. You can follow along with us and stay in touch at @homeward.podcast and @bigapplecatholic.You can also visit bigapplecatholic.com for more!

What is the importance of wonder in the human experience? And what may be the obstacles to wonder in our present age?For this episode Katie and I are joined by the wonder-full Bill Donaghy who helps us wrestle through these questions and more.“If you are wise, you will understand that life is more like a pool than a channel. A channel immediately releases what it receives. The pool is gradually filled until it naturally overflows without diminishing itself. There are many Christians who behave like channels. Deep pools are the exception. We become eager to let the Spirit flow through us. We begin to pour it out before we are filled. We speak when we should be listening. We try to teach lessons we have not yet learned. We would direct others when we are not sure where we are going ourselves... There needs to be a careful balance here. Outflow follows inflow. We must be filled to overflowing before what we pass on to others will have any substance. Otherwise, it is vacuous yawning. Take care that you do not embarrass yourself while assisting others. Be sure you are full.” - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Homily 18, Song of Songs. (b. 1090 AD- d. 1153 AD)TakeawaysReenchantment as a Path to WonderThe Neuroscience of Wonder Re-enchantment of life through wonder and beautyThe battle for re-enchantment is a matter of life and deathResourcesThe Evidential Power of Beauty by Father Thomas DubayLeisure, The Basis of Culture by Joseph PieperMark Twain's Joan of ArcConnect with Bill Donaghy:Theology of the Body InstituteWord Made Fresh PodcastThe Way of Beauty Course July 12-17, 2026 - Join Bill Donaghy at his course this summer!As always, we would love to hear from you. You can follow along with us and stay in touch at   / homeward.pod   and   / bigapplecatholic  

In this conversation, Katie and I sit down with Dr. Sarah Maple to explore one of the most foundational questions we can ask: what does it mean to be human?Together, we talk about the nature of being human, beauty, and the artistic vocation rooted in divine love. We delves into how beauty reveals our origin, purpose, and ultimate destiny, inviting all of us into a deeper wonder of life and creation.We also reflect on original solitude and unity, the gift of the human heart, the role of wonder, and the quiet ways Christ calls us back to Himself through beauty, suffering, and love.Dr. Maple’s work as a painter, theologian, and professor shines throughout this conversation, especially in the way she speaks about artists, beauty, and the human person with both intellectual depth and real tenderness. More than anything, we were struck by her attentiveness, wisdom, and the sense that these are questions she has truly lived with herself.You can learn more about Dr. Maple, her upcoming book The Resurrection of Beauty (Saint Augustine Press), as well as her work through her Instagram at @dr.sarahmaple and her emerging project at lagiardina.org. TakeawaysThe meaning of being human in a disenchanted worldThe role of beauty in revealing our divine origin and purposeThe artistic vocation as a response to divine love and creationChapters00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Humanity05:10 Exploring the Essence of Being Human09:07 The Role of Beauty in Human Existence14:00 Understanding Desire and Its Implications18:58 The Transcendentals: Beauty, Truth, and Goodness23:05 The Importance of Community and Dependency27:22 The Garden of Eden: A Blueprint for Humanity33:33 The Call to Love and Response37:06 Awakening to Enchantment39:44 Re-enchantment and Vulnerability43:34 The Art of Hospitality47:38 Experiencing Life's Enchantment53:18 The Journey of Being HumanAs always, we would love to hear from you. You can follow along with us and stay in touch at @homeward.podcast and @bigapplecatholic.You can also visit bigapplecatholic.com for more!

The day has finally come! We are so eager to start this new chapter with you and embark on the Homeward journey together. In this episode we give a glimpse of our heart behind this project, why we felt like we needed it for ourselves, and our hopes for everyone that will join us.Thank you for being here. It is a privilege to walk this with youxoMariana and KatieEpisode Guiding Quote:"The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing — to reach the Mountain, to find the place where all the beauty came from — my country, the place where I ought to have been born. Do you think it all meant nothing, all the longing? The longing for home? For indeed it now feels not like going, but like going back."— C. S. Lewis, Till We Have FacesMajor Points:The significance of longing and wonder in faithBuilding a community centered on beauty and truthThe journey of living with an open heart amidst painThe role of art, story, and community in spiritual growthHope and vulnerability in the Christian lifeLinks Mentioned:Mariana and Katie's infamous Irish Farms Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldjBfJqS9UoGo To The Limits of Your Longing Poem: https://onbeing.org/poetry/go-to-the-limits-of-your-longing/The best way to keep us with us right now is on Instagram! @homeward.podOtherwise feel free to reach out via bigapplecatholic.com we'd love to hear from you! <3