Special guests talk with host Sissel Anderson about life, faith, and community.
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Catholic Diocese Of Fort Worth Podcasts
An original podcast series produced by Nolan Catholic High School in the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas. Each month, we’ll chat with some outstanding Nolan Catholic leaders about faith, education, truth, beauty and goodness.
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Season 1 Episode 23: Why I became a religious sister
42:21
42:21
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42:21What inspires a young woman in college to leave behind her own plans and embrace the vows of religious life? In this episode, Sister Anne Frances Le shares her journey of discernment—how she wrestled with the idea of becoming a sister, leaned on prayer and community, and eventually found deep peace in saying “yes” to God. With humility and a good d…
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Season 1 Episode 22 (on location): Diving into Jesus' Parables
14:34
14:34
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14:34In this special "on-location" episode of Lights, Catholic, Action! North Texas Catholic Editor Susan Moses chats with Father Mike Schmitz - nationally renowned host of the "Bible in Year" and "Catechism in a Year" podcasts, and chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He talks about parables, the importance of community…
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Season 1 Episode 21: Bringing Faith to the Film World
46:27
46:27
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46:27Hollywood veteran. Catholic filmmaker. Culture warrior. In this powerful episode, Tony Sands shares his journey from special effects on Titanic and Space Jam to producing bold, faith-filled films like Unplanned and Nefarious. Hear how a cradle Catholic rediscovered his faith, ditched the Hollywood grind, and is now helping lead a media movement tha…
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How did four students stumbling through Bible studies turn into a thriving ministry with 70+ students and standing-room-only Masses? Meet Nathan Mena, Tarleton State’s first-ever full-time Catholic campus minister, whose journey to campus ministry is filled with real talk, hilarious stories, and powerful purpose. He shares how faith, food, and fear…
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Lights, Catholic, Action (On Location)! How St. Pio continues to inspire
17:36
17:36
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17:36Join us on this inaugural episode of Lights, Catholic, Action! (On Location)! Guest host Susan Moses, editor of the North Texas Catholic, talks with Luciano Lamonarca, a devotee of Saint Padre Pio and founder of the Saint Pio Foundation. Discover what inspired his devotion to Saint Padre Pio and the story behind the recent donation of a first-class…
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Season 1 Episode 18: From Engineer to Servant Leader
34:32
34:32
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34:32Michael Iglio went from being a chemical engineer to leading Catholic Charities Fort Worth, where he now leads efforts to break the cycle of poverty through long-term, research-backed support, and compassionate case management. Iglio shares how his faith journey and love for helping others led him to a career that’s all about walking with people an…
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Season 1 Episode 17: Faith Fueled My Journey
34:54
34:54
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34:54As a teen new to North Texas and far from home, Karla Silva walked 20 minutes to Mass each week—drawn by a deep desire for community and faith, even before she fully understood the language. Now a vibrant leader in Hispanic young adult ministry, Karla shares how small acts of “yes” led to big transformations, lasting friendships, and a passion for …
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Season 1 Episode 16: Faith, Football, and Finding His Vocation
39:00
39:00
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39:00Seminarian Trent Barton opens up about his journey from small-town Texas and college football coaching to discerning the priesthood. With humor, humility, and heart, Trent offers a personal look into what it means to follow a vocational call. He shares how his strong Catholic upbringing, deepening faith in college, and the quiet nudge of God led hi…
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Season 1 Episode 15: Faith Reignited. Mission Accepted.
31:57
31:57
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31:57In this episode, you'll get a look at one man's "yes" to faith in action. Danny Apodaca shares how his faith was reignited through an ACTS retreat, leading him into deep involvement with the Knights of Columbus and the Serra Club. He opens up about supporting seminarians, the importance of vocations, and why we all need to pray for future priests.…
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Season 1 Episode 14: A Catholic Psychologist’s Mission to Heal Hearts, Fight Trafficking
37:36
37:36
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37:36A near-death experience set Dr. Kim Robinson on an unexpected path to becoming a psychologist and advocate for human trafficking survivors. In this episode of Lights, Catholic, Action!, the conversation dives into how trafficking happens—especially online—and gives practical advice for parents on how to spot red flags and keep kids safe.…
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Season 1 Episode 13: From Opera Singer to Campus Minister
29:01
29:01
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29:01In this episode of "Lights, Catholic Action," Sissel Anderson chats with Catherine Ochoa, an opera-trained vocalist turned vibrant campus minister at Texas Christian University. Catherine shares her faith journey, including her discernment between religious life and marriage, and how she now leads a thriving Catholic ministry with over 800 students…
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Season 1 Episode 12 - God Said 'Go': The Relentless ‘Yes’ of Deacon Juan
39:02
39:02
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39:02Host Sissel Anderson welcomes the first deacon guest on the show, Deacon Juan Molina, who shares his remarkable spiritual journey from an early calling to ministry to his eventual ordination as a deacon. A moving testament to the power of saying “yes” to God’s call, even when the path is long and uncertain. From volunteering as a communion minister…
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Season 1 Episode 11: Music, Mary, and Miracles
30:56
30:56
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30:56A story of heart, hope, and perseverance. Follow along as Catholic singer Carolina Imperial shares how music led her to faith, healing, and purpose. From undocumented beginnings to performing at the Vatican, her story is a testament to God's faithfulness. Bonus: Listen to Carolina's song "Jamas Dejaste Mi Lado" on Spotify, Apple Music, and on YouTu…
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Season 1 Episode 10: Pre-Conclave Insights with the Catholic Bishop of Fort Worth
46:22
46:22
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46:22In this special pre-conclave episode, Most Rev. Michael F. Olson, Bishop of Fort Worth, joins the podcast for a powerful pre-conclave conversation that sets the stage for what’s to come. His pastoral depth resonates with this significant moment in the Church. Don’t miss his insightful reflections filled with wisdom and clarity leading into the big …
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Season 1 Episode 9: From SWAT to Sanctuary
18:22
18:22
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18:22In this episode, Mike Short, Director of Security for the Diocese of Fort Worth, shares how his law enforcement background led him to create the Guardian Ministry, a volunteer-based program providing layered security at parishes and schools. He discusses how the ministry has drawn many men into active service within the Church and looks ahead at it…
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Season 1 Episode 8: Balancing Faith and Logistics
16:50
16:50
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16:50What do IT, cemeteries, and finance have in common? If you are Kevin O’Brien, Director of Parish and School Services for the Diocese of Fort Worth, what they have in common is you! Kevin shares his journey to his unique career and discusses the challenges and joys of managing such varied responsibilities, emphasizing subsidiarity and adaptability t…
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Season 1 Episode 7: Forming minds and hearts faithfully
30:25
30:25
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30:25Frank Perez reflects on his journey to becoming the Associate Superintendent for the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Fort Worth and shares insights of his time in the role as he works to support the mission of forming young hearts and minds in the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the faith.By Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
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Season 1 Episode 6: Trusting God’s Perfect Timing
35:16
35:16
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35:16Waiting can be the hardest. In this episode, UTA Catholic Campus Minister Jeff Hedglen shares his powerful journey of faith, reflects on moments of stillness and struggle that shaped his relationship with God, and offers practical ways to feed one’s spiritual hunger.By Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
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Season 1 Episode 5: Deaf Catholics Find a Home
18:20
18:20
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18:20Our next guest shares how an interest in learning ASL paved the way for an essential faith-based program that ministers to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Discover how the program is growing and making worship services with sign language interpreters accessible to individuals and their families.…
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Season 1 Episode 4: Lent, Tradition, and Teaching the Catholic Faith
36:22
36:22
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36:22Discussing his conversion from Southern Baptist to Catholicism, Jason Whitehead, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis in the Diocese of Fort Worth chats with host Sissel Anderson on embracing Lent, his work in catechesis and faith formation, and the importance of properly transmitting Catholic teachings.…
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Season 1 Episode 3: From jet skis to the altar: A unique vocation story
29:16
29:16
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29:16Tune in to hear Fr. Metzler share his unique call to the priesthood while on a jet ski and other adventures. Host Sissel Anderson chats with him on discernment, faith, and Lent, and offers advice to those exploring vocations.By Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
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Season 1 Episode 2: Visual storytelling for the Church
16:45
16:45
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16:45Tune in to discover how visuals are shaping faith-based narratives and amplifying diverse voices. Host Sissel Anderson chats with Juan Guajardo, the Creative Services Director for the Diocese of Fort Worth. From freelance photographer to leading visual media projects, Juan shares his journey and insights into the evolving landscape of storytelling …
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Season 1 Episode 1: Creating A Safe Church For All
20:16
20:16
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20:16LISTEN to the first episode! The director of the Safe Environment program in the Diocese of Fort Worth shares exclusive insights into how the program protects and empowers communities. Plus, an inside look at the program’s history, its role in preventing abuse, evolving challenges, and ongoing initiatives to educate and protect community members.…
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The Importance of Catholic Education. A Conversation with Bishop Michael Olson
39:51
39:51
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39:51Episode 2 features a faith-filled conversation with Bishop Michael Olson, bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth. He talks about the importance of Catholic education, his journey in faith, the need for human imagination, and being faithful in today's challenging times.By Nolan Catholic High School
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What is Classical Education? A Conversation with Principal Oscar Ortiz
19:01
19:01
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19:01Our inaugural episode features a conversation between an NCHS senior and Oscar Ortiz, principal at Nolan Catholic High School. They chat about the importance of a classical Catholic education, the future of NCHS, and what to look for when evaluating a high school. And we have a little fun as we get to know Mr. Ortiz beyond the classroom.…
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