Wannabe Saints

We're back with a just-us episode! 🤍

This week, Rachael and Jordyn are diving deeper into the virtue of temperance. We touched on this virtue during our Built on Virtue series this summer, but there's so much more to unpack.

Temperance isn't just about saying no to another glass of wine, spending less time on our phones, or resisting the temptation to overindulge. It's about learning to rightly order our desires so we have the freedom to say yes to what is good.

We get personal about the areas where we're currently struggling with tem...

We’re back with Rich Topf for Part 2 of our conversation on Theology of the Body!

This week, we dive deeper into what it actually looks like to live Theology of the Body in the world we’re in today. Rich unpacks the spousal meaning of the body, what marriage reveals about our relationship with God, and why learning to see ourselves as beloved children of God changes the way we see and treat everyone around us. Pasted text Pasted text

We also get practical about navigating social media and technology, especially with kids, and how...

What is Theology of the Body—and what is it not?

In Part 1 of our conversation with Rich Topf, we dive into what St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body actually teaches us about the human person, our bodies, sexuality, and the way we are called to see one another.

We talk about some of the common misconceptions surrounding Theology of the Body, why it isn’t simply a list of rules or a call to Puritanism, and how understanding the meaning and purpose of the body can change the way we approach chasti...

In this episode, we sit down with our good friend Francesca Janssen for an honest conversation about what charity actually looks like in marriage, motherhood, friendship, and everyday life.

Francesca shares what it was like getting married and becoming pregnant with twins just a few months later—and how learning to be a wife and mother at the same time challenged her understanding of love, sacrifice, and relying on both her husband and the Lord.

We talk about the small acts of charity that make up a vocation, comparison and resentment in marriage, learning to as...

In this episode, we sit down with Catholic psychologist Dr. Matthew Breuninger for a powerful conversation on healing, virtue, and what it actually means to live in the freedom Christ promises.

We unpack the ways our wounds can lead us to live out of self-protection and self-preservation—and how those patterns can quietly keep us from loving freely and growing in virtue. Dr. Breuninger shares practical wisdom on identifying our own self-protections, understanding virtue signaling, and recognizing how our attachment styles and childhood experiences can shape the way we relate to God and others.

We al...

In the final episode of our Built on Virtue mini-series, we're exploring temperance, the virtue that helps us rightly order our desires and enjoy the good things God has given us without allowing them to control us. Together, we'll unpack why temperance is about far more than simply saying “no,” how it brings freedom and balance into our lives, and the practical ways we can grow in self-mastery each day. Whether you're struggling with excess, learning to discipline your desires, or simply striving to grow in holiness, this episode offers practical wisdom for living with greater freedom and becoming the...

In the third episode of our Built on Virtue mini-series, we're exploring fortitude, the virtue that gives us the strength to persevere in the pursuit of the good, even when it's difficult. Together, we'll unpack why fortitude is far more than bravery, how it enables us to face fear, endure suffering, and remain faithful in the midst of trials, and the practical ways we can grow in courage each day. Whether you're carrying a heavy cross, facing uncertainty, or simply striving to follow Christ more faithfully, this episode offers practical wisdom for living with true fortitude.

More...

In the second episode of our Built on Virtue mini-series, we're exploring justice, the virtue that teaches us to give God and others what is rightfully due to them. Together, we'll unpack why justice is far more than fairness, how it orders our relationships with God and neighbor, and the practical ways this virtue shapes how we love, serve, and honor those around us. Whether you're striving to love others more authentically, grow in holiness, or strengthen your relationship with God, this episode offers practical wisdom for living justly each day.

🔗 Linktree – All Our L...

In the first episode of our Built on Virtue mini-series, we're exploring prudence, the virtue that guides all the others. Together, we'll unpack why prudence is far more than simply being cautious, how it brings discernment to completion, and the eight practical habits that help us grow in wisdom and make good decisions. Whether you're discerning a vocation, navigating everyday life, or simply striving for holiness, this episode offers a practical roadmap for living wisely.

🔗 Linktree – All Our Links

📩 Email us: [email protected]

📸 Follow us: @Wannabe_Saints

💛 Support...

⚠️ Listener Discretion Advised: This episode includes candid conversations about marriage, Natural Family Planning (NFP), pornography, addiction, and other sensitive topics. Parents may wish to preview before listening with younger audiences.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Catholic author and speaker Mary Lenaburg, we continue exploring the virtue of prudence through the realities of marriage, suffering, and faithful decision-making.

Together we discuss the challenges of NFP, pornography, addiction, authentic intimacy, and how God meets us in life's most difficult seasons. With honesty and hope, Mary reminds us that prudence isn't about playing it safe—it's about choosi...

Prudence is often called practical wisdom—the virtue that helps us discern the good and choose the right means to achieve it. Yet many people misunderstand prudence as simply being cautious or playing it safe.

In this episode, we sit down with Catholic author and speaker Mary Lenaburg to explore what prudence looks like in real life. Drawing from her experiences of marriage, motherhood, caregiving, grief, and deep faith, Mary shares how God forms wisdom through both joy and suffering.

Together we discuss why prudence is more than good decision-making, how emotions and fears can cl...

We sit down with Fr. Keith Romke to explore what it truly means to live a life of peace. In a world filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and constant distractions, many people search for peace in comfort, control, or the absence of difficulties. Yet the peace Christ offers is something much deeper and more lasting.

Drawing from the Gospel account of Peter walking on the water, we reflect on how faith and trust in God are essential for maintaining peace amid life's storms. Peter was able to walk toward Jesus while his eyes remained fixed on Him, but...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, Jordyn and I talk with Nichole Pullano about humility and patience through grief, addiction, recovery, and returning to her faith.

Nichole shares how losing two siblings at a young age led her down a difficult path involving drugs, alcohol, tarot cards, and the occult, and how her time at Comunità Cenacolo helped her begin healing and rebuilding her relationship with God.

Now serving as a missionary with Amazing Nation / Hard as Nails Ministries, Nichole uses her story to encourage others who are struggling or searching for hope.

M...

Fr. Kevin Menard joins us for an honest and refreshing conversation about chastity and modesty and why both are so often misunderstood. Chastity is about far more than simply abstaining from sex, and modesty is not just about women or what they wear. Together, we explore how chastity is really about integrating our sexuality into the whole person in a healthy and life giving way.

This episode tackles two major misconceptions. Chastity is not repression, and modesty is not shame. Rather than suppressing our sexuality, chastity helps order it rightly so it can become part of a...

You weren’t made for mediocrity.

In this episode, we wrap up our pervious conversation with Fr. DiTomo and what it means to live with purpose and courage. What is God actually calling you to? And what holds us back from becoming who we were created to be? Fr. Ditomo answers these questions and many more!

Listen to Father’s Podcast here:

Youtube- The Grace Filled Life

Spotify- The Grace Filled Life

Book Father Mentions: Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz

More from Wann...

You weren’t made for mediocrity.

In this episode, we unpack the virtue of magnanimity with Fr. DiTomo and what it means to live with purpose and courage. What is God actually calling you to? And what holds us back from becoming who we were created to be? Through timeless wisdom and powerful quotes, we explore how to step into a life of meaning, mission, and bold faith.

Listen to Father’s Podcast here:

Youtube- The Grace Filled Life

Spotify- The Grace Filled Life

More from Wannabe Saints:
🔗 Linktre...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Bobby Kenny to hear his incredible story of transformation. Once trapped in heroin addiction, Bobby shares how his life spiraled into darkness, until he encountered God while he was in jail. 

Bobby opens up about the turning point that led him from addiction to freedom, and how that experience sparked the creation of You Are Loved Mission. Today, he’s using his past to bring hope, purpose, and the love of God to others who feel lost or forgotten.

This episode is a reminder that no story is...

In Part 2, we continue our conversation with Father Sean Grismer on traditional and charismatic Catholicism by diving into more concrete practices and tensions.

We discuss Holy Communion and the different ways it is received, the role of groups like the SSPX, and practices such as veiling and outward reverence. Rather than debating sides, we focus on the meaning behind these expressions and what they reveal about our approach to worship.

Ultimately, this episode challenges us to move beyond labels and rediscover a faith that is both deeply reverent and open to the Holy Spirit.

In this episode, we sit down with Father Sean Grismer to talk about the divide between Catholics who identify as traditional and those who identify as charismatic. We unpack the common misconceptions each group often has about the other and explore how both expressions are meant to exist together within the life of the Church.

Rather than being opposing spiritualities, tradition and charismatic renewal each highlight important aspects of Catholic life—reverence for the Church’s rich heritage and openness to the living movement of the Holy Spirit. Father Sean explains how when we embrace both, we begi...

In this episode, Sr. Gabriela reflects on Mary as the perfect example of obedience to God and purity of heart. Mary’s “yes” shows us what it means to trust God completely and allow His will to guide our lives.

We also discuss how purity is about having an undivided heart, free from unhealthy attachments. Sr. Gabriela reminds us that what we watch, listen to, and consume can fill our minds and hearts with “trash,” so we must choose what is good, true, and life-giving.

Ultimately, obedience and purity are not burdens — they bring order, peace, and r...

Valentine’s Day is more than chocolates, flowers, and romance—it’s about a love that gives. In this short reflection, we dive into the true meaning behind Valentine's Day, exploring the sacrificial love of St. Valentine and how he followed the ultimate example of love: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. As Catholics, we know Valentine’s Day is so much more than what the world tells us. It’s about loving others beyond words—through actions, selflessness, and sacrifice. Let’s rediscover what this day is really about and embrace the deeper, truer love it calls us to. Happy Saint Va...

In this episode, Jordyn and Rachael explore the virtue of kindness and what it truly means to practice it in everyday life. They reflect on how the bar for kindness can feel surprisingly low in today’s world, where simple decency often stands out.

They discuss kindness as more than just being “nice,” breaking down several virtues that fall under it—like dependability, courtesy, politeness, and discipline—as well as vices that work against it, including selfishness, malice, despair, and discouragement. Referencing The Hidden Power of Kindness, they highlight kindness as a transformative strength and a daily choice tha...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, Jordyn and Rachael continue their conversation with Daniel, Rachael’s brother, focusing on humility, courage, and leadership.

Daniel shares about a painful relationship and the difficult season that followed, including what it looked like to make amends and allow God to humble and transform his heart. He reflects on how that hardship became a turning point, inviting deeper surrender and healing.

They then talk about courage and what it meant for Daniel to live differently after that relationship — choosing virtue, responsibility, and truth.

The episode closes with a co...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, Jordyn and Rachael sit down with Daniel, Rachael’s brother, to begin a new conversation on masculinity rooted in virtue. Part One focuses on perseverance and chastity.

Daniel vulnerably shares about growing up in his faith, the loneliness and struggles he faced, and how perseverance was formed through his childhood. He then opens up about his early exposure, his battle with pornography, and the healing journey that led him toward freedom and redemption in God.

This episode points to the reality that authentic masculinity is not about perfection, but ab...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, we reflect on charity and why it is the foundation of all virtues. Drawing from Scripture and the Catechism, we explore what charity truly means — loving God above all things for His own sake, loving ourselves rightly, and loving our neighbor for the love of God.

We look at how charity orders our lives, grounds our identity as “the one Jesus loves,” and perfects every other virtue through justice, humility, and self-gift. We also reflect on the radical call to love our enemies and how this kind of love transforms us and al...

In this week’s Advent miniseries, we reflect on joy and why it can exist even in the midst of suffering and trials. Drawing from Scripture and the Catechism, we explore the paradox of joy, our dependence on God, and the truth that the Lord never abandons or forgets His people.

We look at how living in right order, staying close to Christ, and trusting in God’s sustaining presence shapes the way we walk through hardship. The episode concludes with practical ways to cultivate joy in daily life and the Litany of Joy.

Li...

In this week’s Advent miniseries, we dive into the virtue of peace—what the Church calls “the tranquility of order.” We explore how peace flows from justice, charity, and ultimately living in union with God. Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism, and the wisdom of the saints, we look at how trust, humility, and forgiveness help restore interior peace, especially in our relationships.

We end with practical ways to cultivate peace in daily life and a prayer to Christ, the Prince of Peace.

🕊 Prayer to the Prince of Peace:

Lord Jesus Christ, Pri...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, Rachael begins the Advent series with a reflection on the virtue of Hope. As Jordyn prepares to welcome her baby, Rachael leads us through what Advent prepares us for, why our desires make us restless, and how true hope redirects our longing toward Christ. Drawing from the Catechism, Scripture, the promises of Jesus, and the Beatitudes, Rachael breaks hope into three parts—desire, trust, and grace—and reminds us that hope is not something we create on our own but something God strengthens within us. 

Link to the Surrender Novena

Mor...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Fr. Sean Grismer, we explore how true joy is impossible without forgiveness. Fr. Sean explains how holding onto hurt, resentment, or anger blocks the joy God wants to give us, and he offers simple, encouraging wisdom on how forgiveness opens the heart to freedom and peace.

The episode closes with Fr. Sean leading us in a prayer of forgiveness, inviting listeners to release wounds, forgive others and themselves, and make room for the joy God desires for them.

A short but powerful reminder that joy grows where forgiveness is...

Joy is a grace and a gift God wants to give. But to truly receive it, we must first forgive. In this inspiring episode, Fr. Sean Grismer shares how forgiveness opens our hearts to the joy the Lord longs for us to experience.

Through real-life reflections and spiritual insight, Fr. Sean helps us see that holding onto hurt blocks the grace God desires to pour out. When we choose to forgive, ourselves and others, we make room for a joy that runs deeper than emotion, a joy rooted in God’s mercy and love.

More fr...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, we sit down with Janelle Bauer, Jordyn's sister, whose life is a moving testimony of perseverance through suffering and grace. Janelle opens up about battling health issues from childhood to adulthood, including a near-death experience, and how those trials deepened her faith rather than destroyed it.

She shares the pain of miscarriage, the ongoing challenges of living with health struggles, and the moment where Jesus completely transformed her heart. Through every season, Janelle has discovered that perseverance is not just about enduring hardship but about allowing God to bring beauty and...

In this episode, we sit down with Fr. Trowbridge to talk all things prayer: what it truly is, how to pray, and how to stay faithful when it feels difficult or distracting. Together, we unpack what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about prayer and how to cultivate a deeper, more personal relationship with God.

Fr. Trowbridge offers practical wisdom on handling distractions and growing in presence, persistence, and consistency, learning how to keep prayer alive even when emotions fade.

Prayer isn’t about perfection. It’s about persevering, consistency and being present. Show up...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints,we down with Jordyn's husband, Kyle, to talk about a topic that often gets overlooked: true leisure and the Sabbath day. From a man’s perspective, Kyle shares how he approaches work life balance, the struggle to step away from busyness, and the challenge of truly resting in a world that glorifies productivity.

Together, the three of us unpack what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about keeping holy the Sabbath, not just as a suggestion but as one of the Ten Commandments. We explore how much of its original me...

This episode continues our conversation with Becca Plance, Natalie Schol, and Cindy Jorgensen, three moms with six kids each, living in three different stages of motherhood. In Part 1, we explored the surprises, joys, and challenges of raising children from infancy through adulthood.

In Part 2, we pick up right where we left off—diving into the fears and hopes that come with growing a family, the lessons learned in the midst of chaos, and the faith that carries mothers through every season.

If you loved Part 1, you won’t want to miss this second half of the...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, we sit down with Becca Plance, Natalie Schol, and Cindy Jorgensen—three incredible mothers who each share a unique perspective on raising six children. Together, they represent three distinct stages of motherhood: the early years of infants, toddlers, and elementary-aged kids, the whirlwind of raising teenagers, and the season of launching grown children into the world.

We dive into the joys, struggles, and surprises of motherhood, asking honest questions about what it’s really like to grow a family, navigate changing seasons, and trust God’s provision through it all. Their storie...

In this episode of Wannabe Saints, Chris Plance joins us to discuss the virtue of justice, its meaning, challenges, and implications for our lives. We explore the social kingship of Christ, the role of justice in Scripture, and why obedience to God is central to living justly.

Our conversation also dives into the Church today, the tension between charismatic and traditional worship, the historical context of Vatican II, and the ongoing call for unity under the authority of the Pope. On a personal level, we reflect on how justice shapes parenting, marriage, and friendships, from honoring parents...

In Part 2 of Katie’s powerful story, from rebellion to redemption, we get to hear how God took her rebellious years and turned them into something beautiful.

She opens up about a season that deeply shook her faith and how she got through it. Through the ups and downs, you’ll hear how the three theological virtues—faith, hope, and charity—remain active in her life: how hope is her anchor, how she chose faith even when trusting God felt hard, and how she continues to live out charity through the work she’s done and continues to do.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sensitive topics including binge drinking, sexual assault, and eating disorders. Listener discretion is advised.

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, we sit down with Rachael’s sister, Katie Baynai, as she bravely shares the early chapters of her journey—from teenage rebellion and deep brokenness to the beginning of God's healing work in her life.

Katie opens up about the painful realities of binge drinking, the trauma of sexual assault, and her silent battle with bulimia. But this isn’t just a story of suffering—it’s a testimon...

In this episode, we explore the virtue of introspection, the habit of examining our interior life in the light of God’s truth. Joined by Emma Scordato, we reflect on how true introspection isn't self-centered, but a God-centered self-awareness that leads to freedom, growth, and holiness.

Introspection, rightly ordered, is not self-absorption, it’s the pathway to recognizing both our strengths and struggles in light of grace. It leads to authenticity, deeper trust in God’s mercy, and a life aligned with His will. Rooted in the wisdom of the saints and the Catechism, we uncover how intros...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Fr. Trowbridge, we continue exploring what it truly means to build a life rooted in virtue. Fr. Trowbridge walks us through the three stages of the spiritual life, helping us understand how growth unfolds over time with God’s grace. We reflect on how the Cross, far from being a burden, becomes a source of light, allowing us to see more clearly through the wisdom of sacrifice and the example of Christ. Fr. Trowbridge also breaks down the four key steps to cultivating virtue: it begins with desire, deepens with knowledge and understanding, is...