The Catholic Couple

What does real renewal in the Church actually look like—and why do so many parishes struggle to move from maintenance to mission?In this episode of The Catholic Couple Podcast, we sit down with our good friend Ron Huntley, a seasoned Catholic leadership coach who works with dozens of dioceses and countless priests across the country. Ron has spent years helping Church leaders build healthy cultures, authentic discipleship, and truly evangelizing parishes—and his work is rooted in one clear mission: bringing the Great Commission (Matthew 28) to life.We dive deep into Ron’s new book, Road to Renewal, which features 14 total chapters—12 written by priests and Church leaders who candidly share their struggles, breakthroughs, failures, and victories, and 2 written by Ron himself, offering wisdom and clarity from decades of walking alongside parish leadership. Together, these chapters paint an honest picture of what it really takes to move a parish from maintenance to mission. Checkout Ron's website, Huntley Leadership for a lot of free resources and his links to podcast and youtube episodes. In this conversation, we discuss:Why so many parishes are stuck in “maintenance mode”What renewal actually requires from priests and parish leadersThe common obstacles that prevent authentic discipleshipHow relationships—not programs—fuel evangelizationWhat the Church can learn from leaders who are courageously trying something newHow moving toward mission brings life back into parishesWhether you’re a priest, parish leader, ministry volunteer, or a Catholic who longs to see the Church fully alive, this episode will challenge, encourage, and equip you to think differently about renewal—and your role in it.📘 Learn more about Ron’s book: Road to Renewal 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, marriage, leadership, and discipleship 📩 Share this episode with someone who cares deeply about the future of the Church“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19) This episode is about making that command real—right where you are.https://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85

What does the sanctuary candle really mean—and how can it help our children fall in love with Jesus in the Eucharist?In this powerful and heartwarming episode, we sit down with Catholic author Susan Joy Bellavance to discuss her new children’s book from Sophia Institute Press, This Little Light of Thine. This beautifully illustrated story follows the sanctuary candle as it travels from church to church, gently teaching children (and adults) the profound truth it represents: Jesus Christ is truly present in the Tabernacle.Susan explains how the sanctuary candle points us to the same holy reality revealed in Scripture—from God’s presence in the burning bush to His dwelling among us today in every Catholic church around the world. The book is a simple yet profound tool to help restore reverence, awe, and joy for the Eucharist, especially in the hearts of our children.But this conversation goes even deeper.Susan also shares the miraculous story that brought this book to life, along with unforgettable personal testimonies from the three years she spent discerning religious life in Mother Teresa’s order. Living, praying, and serving alongside Mother Teresa herself, Susan witnessed extraordinary moments of faith, humility, and trust in God’s presence—experiences that continue to shape her life and mission today.This episode will:Help parents teach children why the sanctuary candle mattersRekindle reverence for Jesus truly present in the EucharistOffer rare, firsthand stories of Mother Teresa’s holiness and miraclesInspire deeper faith through powerful storytelling and witnessWhether you’re a parent, catechist, or simply longing to grow in Eucharistic devotion, this episode will remind you that God is not distant—He is here, waiting for us, in every tabernacle.https://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85

In this episode of The Catholic Couple Podcast, we sit down with Charlie McKinney, President of Sophia Institute Press, to talk about one of the most exciting developments in Catholic media today—the Saintifi app.Saintifi is a Catholic audiobook app designed for busy Catholics who want to grow in their faith but struggle to find time to read. With unlimited access to over 250 Catholic books, and 8–10 new titles added every month, Saintifi allows you to listen to trusted Catholic teaching wherever life takes you—whether you’re commuting, working out, or doing chores.We dive into:Why audiobooks are becoming a powerful tool for Catholic formationHow Saintifi helps Catholics grow spiritually without adding more to their scheduleThe vision behind Sophia Institute Press and their commitment to faithful, orthodox Catholic contentHow listening to great Catholic books can transform marriages, families, and personal discipleshipWhy this app may be a game-changer for modern Catholic evangelizationIf you’re serious about growing in your faith—but feel overwhelmed, distracted, or too busy—this episode will show you a practical, accessible way to keep Jesus and the Church at the center of your daily life.🎧 Listen now and discover how Saintifi can help you build a stronger Catholic mind, heart, and home—one book at a time.https://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85

Parenting can feel exhausting, confusing, and downright overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this powerful episode of The Catholic Couple Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Ray Guarendi, renowned Catholic psychologist, bestselling author, radio and TV host, and father of ten, to talk about his newest book, Drama-Free Disciple: Dr. Ray Coaches You To Parneting Success from Sophia Institute Press.With his signature humor, clarity, and no-nonsense wisdom, Dr. Ray helps Catholic parents cut through cultural confusion and reclaim their God-given role as calm, confident leaders in the home. Drawing from decades of clinical experience—and the real-life chaos of raising a big family—Dr. Ray shares practical, battle-tested strategies for parenting with both authority and grace.In this conversation, we dive into how parents can stop overtalking, reduce constant frustration, and create peace in their homes through clear communication and effective discipline—without yelling, gimmicks, or “psychobabble.”In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Diffuse sibling rivalry and stop constant bickeringUse “blackout discipline” to establish calm, consistent authorityCreate bedtime routines that actually bring peaceReplace ineffective countdowns with tools that foster obedienceTeach honesty as a habit and protect your child’s integrityMake wise decisions about smartphones, driving, and privilegesDr. Ray also walks through real-life parenting scenarios—from school-morning chaos and family road trips to technology use, disrespect, and disagreements between parents—offering ready-to-use scripts that help you communicate clearly, argue less, and lead with confidence.This episode is a must-listen for Catholic parents, married couples, and anyone raising children in today’s culture who wants practical wisdom rooted in truth, love, and responsibility. This isn’t theory—it’s proven guidance from a father who’s lived it and a psychologist who’s counseled families for decades.If you’re looking to raise respectful, resilient children while preserving peace in your marriage and home, this conversation with Dr. Ray Guarendi will equip you to become the parent your kids need—and deserve.🎧 Listen now and start parenting with clarity, confidence, and grace.https://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85

What if one prayer could change your home… your family… and even your work?In this episode of The Catholic Couple Podcast, Bobby sits down with Jonathan Conrad, CEO and founder of The Catholic Woodworker, to talk about the prayer that quietly transformed his life: the Rosary.What began as a woodworking business slowly became something much deeper—a mission centered on beauty, prayer, and helping families grow closer to God. As Jonathan shares his faith journey, we unpack why the Rosary matters, why praying together strengthens families, and how sacred beauty can draw hearts back to Christ.This conversation isn’t just about rosaries—it’s about:Why the Rosary is one of the most powerful prayers for familiesHow prayer shapes the culture of a homeWhy beauty in our faith life matters more than we realizeHow The Catholic Woodworker has become both a successful business and a ministry, employing over 30 stay-at-home moms who create rosaries from their own homesIf you’re longing for deeper prayer in your family, struggling to stay consistent, or simply curious why so many Catholics are rediscovering the Rosary, this episode is for you.👉 If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes on faith, marriage, and building a Christ-centered home.💬 We’d also love to hear from you: Do you pray the Rosary as a family? Why or why not? Drop a comment below and join the conversation.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube and don't forget to follow, subscribe, like and share!https://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85

In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of The Catholic Couple Podcast, we sit down with internationally acclaimed Italian journalist and author Costanza Miriano to discuss her newest book from Sophia Institute Press, Blessed Is the Day We Got It Wrong.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “failing” at marriage, this conversation will set your heart free.Costanza invites us into a refreshingly honest vision of marriage—one where mistakes aren’t signs of failure but sacred opportunities for grace, humility, and deeper unity. Drawing from the wisdom in her book, she reminds us that marriage isn’t a project we master but a lifelong journey where two imperfect people learn, fall, rise, and grow together with God’s help.In this episode we explore:Why a “perfect marriage” doesn’t exist—and that’s good newsHow God uses our failures to teach us how to “get it right”The beauty of forgiveness, surrender, sacrifice, and starting againWhy the world misunderstands marriage successHow couples can transform conflict into communionThe power of choosing love—especially on the days we get it wrongCostanza’s joyful, grounded, distinctly Catholic perspective on love and married life will inspire you to see your relationship in a new light: not as something to perfect, but as something to continually renew through grace.If you and your spouse want to grow closer—not by avoiding mistakes, but by learning from them—this is the episode to watch.Because in God’s hands, even the messiest moments can become miracles.https://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Dr. Carrie Gress to discuss her upcoming book, Something Wicked: Why Feminism Can’t Be Fused with Christianity.Together, we walk through the origins of the feminist movement, the key players who shaped it, and how the ideology has evolved into the modern wave we see today. Dr. Gress exposes the hidden philosophies, spiritual influences, and cultural currents that have guided feminism from the very beginning—many of which directly contradict the Christian worldview.We explore tough but essential questions:Is it possible to be both Christian and feminist?What are the underlying motives embedded in the movement?Why has feminism so often undermined marriage, motherhood, and the dignity of women?How did we get from women’s rights to today’s aggressive, anti-family activism?Dr. Gress brings clarity, history, and deep insight to a topic that shapes nearly every corner of the culture. Whether you agree or not, this conversation will challenge you to look beyond the slogans and see what’s really at work.If you’re passionate about faith, culture, marriage, and the future of the Church, you won’t want to miss this episode.Subscribe, share, and join the conversation as we dive into one of the most important cultural debates of our time.https://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85

Did Jesus appear far more after the Resurrection than most Catholics have ever learned? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Michael Lichens, who wrote the introduction, to dive into the astonishing and deeply moving accounts of Christ appearing throughout history — not only in Scripture, but in documented apparitions to saints, mystics, and ordinary people.Drawing from the incredible new book published by Sophia Institute Press, World of Jesus’ Apparitions by Wincenty Laszewski, we uncover apparitions of the Risen Lord you were never taught in CCD — from early Christianity all the way to modern times.🔥 In this episode we cover: • The hidden history of Jesus’ post-Resurrection apparitions • Astonishing encounters with saints like Padre Pio, St. Faustina, St. Margaret Mary, and more • How Christ continues to speak, guide, and appear throughout the ages • Why these appearances matter for your spiritual life today • The difference between private revelation and dogma — and why the Church encourages authentic devotion • The role these apparitions play in strengthening faith, hope, and trust in the living JesusWhether you’ve been Catholic your whole life or you’re new to the faith, this conversation will change the way you understand the Resurrection, the supernatural, and the truth that Jesus is alive, active, and still appearing in our world.📘 Get the book from Sophia Institute Press: World of Jesus’ Apparitions by Wincenty Laszewski🙏 If this episode helps you grow in your faith, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who loves the Catholic faith!Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube and don't forget to follow, subscribe, like and share!#CatholicPodcast #TheCatholicCouple #JesusApparitions #MichaelLichens #SophiaInstitutePress #CatholicChurch #RisenJesus #PrivateRevelation #CatholicSaints #CatholicFaith #PadrePio #StFaustina #CatholicYouTube #ChristianPodcasthttps://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85

If you’ve ever wondered why people are flocking back to tradition — incense, Latin, pilgrimage, ritual, reverence — you’re gonna want to hear what a former Hollywood actor discovered across Spain that most Catholics have never seen.What happens when a Hollywood actor spends years chasing truth… and finds it in the last place he expected?In this week’s episode of The Catholic Couple Podcast, Bobby sits down with Austin Peck — former soap-opera star turned Catholic storyteller — for a raw, fascinating, and deeply human conversation about his journey from Hollywood sets to the heart of the Church.After a powerful conversion, Austin dove into Scripture, wrestled with Christian identity, and walked a long road through evangelicalism. But the deeper he searched, the more he was drawn toward something ancient, rooted, and shockingly alive: Catholic Tradition.Now, Austin is helping the world rediscover it.He joins us to talk about his newest project with Mass of the Ages: the all-new series Discover Tradition, where he serves as host and co-producer. In Episode 1, Austin travels across Spain during Holy Week, uncovering the breathtaking rituals, devotions, and cultural expressions that point to the depth and beauty of the Catholic faith.🔥 Why You’ll Want to ListenThis episode explores: • Austin’s Hollywood-to-Catholicism conversion — and the surprising moments that changed everything • Why so many Christians are being drawn back to Tradition in a world that feels unmoored • Behind the scenes of Discover Tradition and what makes this series different from anything Mass of the Ages has done before • The power of embodied faith — processions, penance, beauty, and why Spain’s Holy Week hits so deeply • What Austin learned about masculinity, meaning, and mission by rediscovering the ancient practices of the Church • Why Tradition isn’t “going backward,” but going deeperhttps://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85

“Marriage is an adventure, like going to war.” – G.K. ChestertonIn this powerful episode of The Catholic Couple Podcast, Bobby and Katie dive deep into the reality that Catholic marriage is both a battle and a beautiful adventure. Drawing from Chesterton’s wisdom, they explore how marriage requires commitment, strategy, courage, sacrifice, and faith — the same virtues needed by any great warrior.Marriage isn’t a war against your spouse — it’s a spiritual battle for your spouse, for your family, and for the love that mirrors Christ and His Church. Together, Bobby and Katie share real-life stories, Biblical insights, and practical Catholic marriage advice to help couples strengthen their relationship, grow in holiness, and fight for each other every day.If you’re looking for Catholic inspiration for your marriage, encouragement to keep fighting for love, or ways to make your marriage stronger through faith and virtue, this episode is for you.💍 Tune in, grab your spiritual armor, and discover how to win the daily battles of love with God at the center of your marriage.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube and don't forget to follow, subscribe, like and share!https://linktr.ee/bobbyfred85