The Joyful Friar
The Joyful Friar Podcast explores the soulful, the meaningful, and the mystical in three different ways. First, Afterlife, Interrupted stories, in which someone who died suddenly and traumatically seeks my help and the help of my prayer partners.Second, Compassionate Responses, to readers’ and listeners’ questions and concerns that arise from those stories. And third, Spiritual Practices, influenced by the Catholic Christian tradition I’ve been shaped by that reveal how goodness is at work throughout the universe and within each of us. Each episode reveals insights about living in the present with faith and joyful hope. Be inspired to more fu...
Afterlife, Interrupted: Ern, Who Did Nothing
Father Nathan introduces us to Ern, Who Did Nothing. This story is new and not in any of the previous "Afterlife, Interrupted" books. You are hearing it for the first time.
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Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
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Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase boo...
Spiritual Practice: Shelly, Who Used to Tipple.
Father Nathan shares the spiritual practices arising from Shelly, Who Used to Tipple. This story is in honor of the 8th anniversary of the publication of "Afterlife, Interrupted Book 1: Helping Stuck Souls Cross Over."
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Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
...Compassionate Response: Shelly, Who Use to Tipple
Father Nathan shares the compassionate responses to Shelly, Who Used to Tipple. This story is in honor of the 8th anniversary of the publication of "Afterlife, Interrupted Book 1: Helping Stuck Souls Cross Over."
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
...
Afterlife, Interrupted: Shelly, Who Used to Tipple
Father Nathan introduces us to Shelly, Who Used to Tipple. This story is in honor of the 8th anniversary of the publication of "Afterlife, Interrupted Book 1: Helping Stuck Souls Cross Over"
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5...
Finding Joy with Guest: Dr. Yvonne Kason
Fr. Nathan discusses the work of Dr. Yvonne Kason, MD, MEd, CCFP, FCFP, a world-renowned pioneer in the field of “Spiritually Transformative Experiences.” She talks about her near-death experience (NDE) and the founding of Spiritual Awakenings International and her new book: "Roadmap to the Great Awakening."
Yvonne Kason MD, MEd, CCFP, FCFP, is a Canadian Family Physician and Transpersonal MD-Psychotherapist (retired), author of 6 books, public speaker, originator of the term “Spiritually Transformative Experience” (STE), and STE Researcher.
Dr. Kason has had five Near-Death Experiences, and multiple STE experiences. She was previously on faculty at the Universit...
Four-Year Anniversary with Guest: Donna Rebadow
Father Nathan and his prayer partner, Donna Rebadow, celebrate four remarkable years of The Joyful Friar Podcast and share how it all started. Throughout this journey, Father Nathan shared stories from his Afterlife, Interrupted, book series; engaged in enlightening conversations with NDE and joy experts; cultivated compassionate responses to life’s difficult moments; and developed spiritual practices to help us move closer to joy. We couldn't have done it without you! Thank you for your support!
Consider sending a Happy 4th Anniversary gift with a donation to Father Nathan's ministry. Click the link here:
https://nathan-castle.co...
Spiritual Practice: Sheila Rose, "Fast Girl" Turned Homecoming Queen
Father Nathan shares the spiritual practices to Sheila Rose, "Fast Girl" Turned Homecoming Queen. This story is new and not in any of the previous "Afterlife, Interrupted" books. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA...
Compassionate Response: Sheila Rose, "Fast Girl" Turned Homecoming Queen
Father Nathan shares a compassionate response to Sheila Rose, "Fast Girl" Turned Homecoming Queen. This story is new and not in any of the previous "Afterlife, Interrupted" books. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA...
Afterlife, Interrupted: Sheila Rose, "Fast Girl" Turned Homecoming Queen
Father Nathan introduces us to Sheila Rose, "Fast Girl" Turned Homecoming Queen. This story is new and not in any of the previous "Afterlife, Interrupted" books. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://app...
Spiritual Practice: Greg, the Scholar
Father Nathan shares the spiritual practices that arise from Greg, the Scholar. This story is new and does not appear in any of the previous "Afterlife, Interrupted" books. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA...
Compassionate Response: Greg, the Scholar
Father Nathan shares the compassionate responses to Greg, the Scholar. This story is new and not in any of the previous "Afterlife, Interrupted" books. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Pur...
Afterlife, Interrupted: Greg, the Scholar
Father Nathan introduces us to Greg, the Scholar. This story is new and not in any of the previous "Afterlife, Interrupted" books. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase books: htt...
Encore Episode: Finding Joy with Guest: Dr. Raymond Moody
This encore episode of The Joyful Friar podcast has over 10,000 views!
This episode features Dr. Raymond Moody’s groundbreaking book, "Life After Life." As the International Association for Near Death Studies (IANDS) Conference begins next week, Fr. Nathan and Dr. Moody reflect on the origins of this influential research and share insights into what first inspired the study of near-death experiences.
My Prayer Partner Kimberly Sharp, LMFT, is speaking at the IANDS Conference on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 3:15 pm on a panel: "Mental Health Support for Near-Death and Related Experiences." It qualifies for the Academic and Professional Trac...
Finding Joy with Guest: Cathryn Castle Garcia
Father Nathan and his sister, book publisher Cathryn Castle Garcia, discuss finding joy when the world feels heavy. Together, they explore the difference between joy and happiness, the "just for now" theory, and practical tips for creating more joy in everyday circumstances.
Cathryn Castle Garcia loves words and water and wild places. She delights in helping people cultivate joy, ease, and abundance in their personal and professional lives. Her motto is, “Make it fun. Let it be easy.”
As the owner of ClearStoryCoach.com, she specializes in writing coaching, editing, publishing, and marketing. Together with her h...
Spiritual Practice: Craig and Charlie, the Watch Repair Guy with prayer partner Kimberly Sharp
Father Nathan, along with prayer partner Kimberly Sharp, LMFT, shares the spiritual practices to Craig and Charlie, the Watch Repair Guy. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series publications.
Kimberly Sharp, LMFT, DTM, is a psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals connect with their inner selves to foster greater joy, peace, and relief. Utilizing a mind-body-spirit perspective, she has seen firsthand how engaging in reflective inner work leads to a more meaningful, joyful, and fulfilling life.
As a prayer partner with Father Nathan, Kimberly has witnessed the incredible benevolence, k...
Compassionate Response: Craig and Charlie, the Watch Repair Guy
Father Nathan shares the compassionate responses to Craig and Charlie, the Watch Repair Guy. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series publications.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase books: https://ti...
Afterlife, Interrupted: Craig and Charlie, the Watch Repair Guy
Father Nathan introduces us to Craig and Charlie, the Watch Repair Guy. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series publications.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase books: https://tinyurl.com/34bh...
Spiritual Practice: The Divine Miss M
Father Nathan shares the spiritual practices to the Divine Miss M. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series publications.
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Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
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Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase books: https://tinyurl.com/34bhp2t4...
Compassionate Response: The Divine Miss M
Father Nathan shares the compassionate responses to the Divine Miss M. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series publications.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
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Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase books: https://tinyurl.com/34bhp2t4...
Afterlife, Interrupted: The Divine Miss M
Father Nathan introduces us to the Divine Miss M. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series publications.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase books: https://tinyurl.com/34bhp2t4
...
The Book of Jonah
Father Nathan departs from his usual podcast format to share a day in the life of his experience discussing the book of Jonah with the young adult group at his parish.
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Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
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Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Pu...
Spiritual Practice: Van Getting the Party Started
Father Nathan shares the spiritual practice arising from Van Getting the Party Started. This story is new and not included in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series publications.
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Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
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Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase books: https://ti...
Compassionate Response: Van Getting the Party Started
Father Nathan, along with prayer partner Michael Quinn, shares the compassionate responses to Van Getting the Party Started. This story is new and not included in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series publications.
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Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
...Afterlife, Interrupted: Van Getting the Party Started
Father Nathan introduces us to Van Getting the Party Started. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series publications.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase books: https://tinyurl.com/34bhp2t4
...Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Father Nathan explains the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, as described by the prophet Isaiah: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, courage, piety, and awe.
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Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase books: https://tinyurl.com/34bhp2t4
D...
Spiritual Practice: Reg, the Helpful Hardware Man
Father Nathan shares the spiritual practices to Reg, the Helpful Hardware Man. This story is new and not told in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted series. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
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Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
<...Compassionate Response: Reg The Helpful Hardware Man
Father Nathan shares the compassionate responses to Reg, the Helpful Hardware Man. This story is new and not told in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted series. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
<...Afterlife, Interrupted: Reg the Helpful Hardware Man
Father Nathan introduces us to Reg the Helpful Hardware Man. This story is new and not told in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted series. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Pur...
Spiritual Practice: Mika, Yugoslav Prisoner, Angel Clement, Mother Mary and Toto
Father Nathan shares the spiritual practices arising from Mika, a Yugoslav prisoner; Angel Clement; Mother Mary; and Toto. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series. You are hearing it here for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to th...
Compassionate Response: Mika, Yugoslav Prisoner, Angel Clement, Mother Mary and Toto
Father Nathan shares the compassionate response to Mika, a Yugoslav prisoner; Angel Clement; Mother Mary, and Toto. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series. You are hearing it here for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the po...
Afterlife, Interrupted: Mika, Yugoslav Prisoner, Angel Clement, Mother Mary and Toto
Father Nathan introduces us to Mika, a Yugoslav prisoner; Angel Clement; Mother Mary, and Toto. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series. You are hearing it here for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://app...
Easter Triduum
Father Nathan shares the Easter Triduum.
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Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
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Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase books: https://tinyurl.com/34bhp2t4
Donate: https://nathan-castle.com/donate
My Dominican brothers and I live a vow of poverty. Th...
Spiritual Practice: Brian and Nurse Michelle
Father Nathan shares the spiritual practices arising from Brian and Nurse Michelle. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
<...Compassionate Response: Brian and Nurse Michelle
Father Nathan shares the compassionate responses to Brian and Michelle. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted book series. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Pur...
Afterlife, Interrupted: Brian and Nurse Michelle
Father Nathan introduces us to Brian and Nurse Michelle. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted Books. You are hearing it for the first time.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
Purchase books: htt...
Prayer Practices
Father Nathan shares his prayer practices.
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Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
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Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
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Donate: https://nathan-castle.com/donate
My Dominican brothers and I live a vow of poverty. Th...
Spiritual Practice: Livonia, Angel Stella, and Ellen
Father Nathan shares the spiritual practices arising from the story of Livonia, Angel Stella, and Ellen. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted Books. You are hearing it for the first time.
*This episode contains sensitive content, including discussions of sexual violence.
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Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
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Compassionate Response: Livonia, Angel Stella, and Ellen
Father Nathan shares the compassionate responses to Livonia, Angel Stella, and Ellen. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted Books. You are hearing it for the first time.
*This episode contains sensitive content, including discussions of sexual violence.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
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Lent
Father Nathan shares the Catholic tradition of Lent and how anyone can participate.
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Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
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Listen to the podcast: https://apple.co/3ssA9b5
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Donate: https://nathan-castle.com/donate
My Dominican brothers and...
Afterlife, Interrupted: Livonia, Angel Stella, and Ellen
Father Nathan introduces us to Livonia, Angel Stella, and Ellen. This story is new and not in any of the Afterlife, Interrupted Books. You are hearing it for the first time.
*This episode contains sensitive content, including discussions of sexual violence.
Click this link and let us know what you love about The Joyful Friar Podcast!
Support the show
Connect with Father Nathan Castle, O.P.:
http://www.nathan-castle.com
https://www.facebook.com/fathernathancastle https://www.instagram.com/father_nathan_castle https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastleOP
Lis...
