How is your Lent actually going?

In this honest mid-Lent check-in, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger reflect on what happens when sickness, stress, family life, and temptation derail your carefully crafted Lenten commitments. From giving up sweets and alcohol to family prayer and creative almsgiving, they share practical wisdom on perseverance, flexibility, and beginning again.

They also tackle common questions:

Are almsgiving and tithing the same thing?

How do you structure a Catholic men’s group?

Are the three pillars of Lent equal in weight?

If you’ve struggled, compromised, or feel like you need a reset, this episode is your encouragement: don’t give up. Begin again. Charity is the measure.

This is the Practicing Catholic Podcast, where we explore the often arduous—but always fruitful—practice of holiness in everyday life.

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

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What does La La Land have to do with living the Catholic faith? More than you think.

In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Taylor Kemp dive into the beauty, heartbreak, and moral tension at the heart of this modern musical. As we unpack the love story between Mia and Sebastian, we wrestle with a deeply human question: Is chasing your dreams worth the cost of love? Through the film’s unforgettable final montage, we explore sacrifice, vocation, hierarchy of goods, communication in relationships, and what true happiness really looks like.

This conversation is a reminder that Catholics don’t have to avoid “secular” films—we can engage them thoughtfully, find what is true and beautiful, and allow great storytelling to sharpen our understanding of faith, love, and the choices that shape our lives.

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

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What are the three most impactful books you’ve ever read? In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger share the books that profoundly shaped their faith, prayer life, and approach to work.

From Genesis 1–4 to Deep Work, they reflect on how Scripture, the saints, and thoughtful reading can transform the intellectual life, spiritual life, and daily responsibilities of lay Catholics. They also discuss practical takeaways: creating a reading plan, committing to a prayer schedule, and developing a personal rule of life. If you’re looking for faithful book recommendations—or inspiration to grow in holiness—this episode is for you.

Want to go deeper this Lent? Check out these resources on Formed!

How to Lent: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1096760

Foretold: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1096357

The Heart of Prayer with Bishop Andrew Cozzens: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1473553

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

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