Living Lit

*to download audio, click the "SHARE" button and select download audio. Author, educator, and beloved friend of Living LIT—Katie Bogner—returns to the podcast for a timely and thoughtful conversation on the papacy, the Conclave, and how to bring these sacred realities into the heart of our homes and classrooms. As the Church prepares for the election of a new pope, Katie joins Robyn to talk about how we can help our children and families understand this sacred and historic time. Drawing from her beautiful book We Have a Pope, Katie shares how to explain the Conclave, the papacy, and the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding the Church—all in ways that are clear, reverent, and meaningful for kids. The Conclave isn't just for Cardinals-it's a time for the whole Church to pray…

*to download audio, click the "SHARE" button and select download audio. Have you ever wondered what really happens inside the Sistine Chapel when a new pope is elected? In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn is joined by Dr. Chris Burgwald, diocesan theologian, to unpack the sacred and fascinating process of papal elections. From conclaves and cardinal ballots to white smoke and divine guidance, we explore how the Holy Spirit moves in the heart of the Church to raise up the next successor of St. Peter. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or just pope-curious, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the beauty, mystery, and tradition behind this momentous decision. Plus, we break down key terms and answer questions like: What happens when a pope dies—or resigns?…

*to download audio, click the "SHARE" button and select download audio. What do forgiveness, Divine Mercy, a crooked jester, the Last Rites… and Babe Ruth have in common? A whole lot more than you might think! In this lively and truth-packed episode, Robyn is joined by the one and only Susan Joy Bellavance—Catholic author, storyteller, and joyful evangelist—to talk about her brand-new children’s book, The Crooked Court Jester and the Last Knight. This fictional tale, rich in Catholic Truth, opens the door to big conversations about mercy, reconciliation, sin, and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Susan is full of Holy Spirit fire and this episode will have you laughing, learning, reflecting and maybe even shouting a few "Amens!" as Suan drops truth bombs wrapped in joy! Whether…

*to download audio, click the "SHARE" button and select download audio. In this special Holy Week episode of Living LIT, Robyn invites listeners into her family’s cherished Holy Thursday celebration—a prayerful and meaningful meal that ties Scripture to symbolic foods. For years, this tradition has shaped her children’s understanding of the Last Supper, and now it’s something they look forward to each year. Robyn shares: The special menu and what each food represents Scripture verses that accompany each course How this meal brings the Gospel to life in the heart of the domestic church She also reflects on another family favorite—The Seven Churches Visitation,  after Holy Thursday Mass, a powerful tradition of keeping watch with Our Lord as He begins His Passion. Whether you’re looking to start a new tradition or…

*to download audio, click the "SHARE" button and select download audio. In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn welcomes the ever-creative and faith-filled Megan from One Festive Mama to share how her family celebrates Holy Week in a way that is both meaningful and doable. Megan has created an incredible Holy Week booklet—a thoughtfully curated guide that brings together everything you need to walk through the holiest week of the year with your family. Inside, you’ll find simple how-tos, Scripture, prayers, liturgical projects, recipes, playlists, printable banners, and more—all in one beautiful, easy-to-use resource. Megan and Robyn chat about how to embrace the solemnity and beauty of Holy Week without overwhelm, how to draw your children into the story of our salvation, and why living the liturgical year at home forms the…

*to download audio, click the "SHARE" button and select download audio. In this special episode, I sit down with Fr Scott Traynor to explore the profound meaning of the Jubilee Year — a time of renewal, mercy, and pilgrimage deeply rooted in Scripture and Jewish tradition. Together, we unpack why the Church celebrates Jubilee Years, what it means to embark on a pilgrimage, and how these sacred experiences invite us to encounter God’s abundant grace. Whether you’re planning a physical pilgrimage or journeying spiritually at home, this episode offers practical ways to enter into the Jubilee Year with intention and hope. Discover how this year is an opportunity for every Christian to embrace renewal & rest, seek reconciliation, and walk forward as a pilgrim on the path of faith. Tune…

*to download audio, click the "SHARE" button and select download audio. What if fasting could transform not only your body but also your soul? In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, I sit down with Beth Bubik, the Catholic Fasting Coach, to discuss her powerful Delay and Pray method of spiritual fasting. Beth shares insights from her new book, explaining how this approach integrates biology, neurology, and theology to help Catholics (or anybody) grow in virtue and deepen their relationship with God. Rooted in Thomistic thought, Delay and Pray isn’t just about food—it’s about renewing the mind, strengthening the will, and embracing fasting as a path to holiness. Whether you’re new to fasting or looking to deepen your spiritual discipline, this conversation will inspire you to see fasting in a whole new light.  …

*to download audio, click the "SHARE" button and select download audio. Have you ever wondered if Mary had other children? Why do Catholics believe you must be a member of the Church to receive Holy Communion? And what’s the deal with faith and works when it comes to salvation? In this episode, Dr. Chris Burgwald, Doctor of Theology, joins me to tackle some of the most commonly debated Catholic questions. We dive into Scripture, Church teaching, and historical context to clarify these important topics. Whether you're Catholic or just curious, this conversation sheds light on why the Church believes what it does—and why it matters. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPMj--RG8C0[/embed] Resources To reach Dr Burgwald: discipleship@sfcatholic.org 559: Do Catholics worship Mary? | Ignition 520: Getting to Know Our Big Brothers and Sisters | Ignition…

*to download audio, click the "SHARE" button and select download audio. Betsy Hoyt--the Integrated Catholic Woman is back on Living LIT to chat about what it means to live fully integrated with our Faith in every aspect of our life--mind, body and soul.  She uses her charism of knowledge to bless others in showing, leading and teaching women how this lifestyle truly is possible and leads to holiness. Betsy also brings a Lent flair to our chat--as she is part of the powerhouse team leading the incredible Lent Course, Live & Move with Mother and Home.  Besty tells us a bit about this great Lenten opportunity and gives us some practical tips to Live Lent a little bit better. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8y-kWi4_74[/embed] Resources Pietra Fitness 14-Day free trial:  https://pietrafitness.com/?via=betsy  -- ICW New member Coupon - NEWMEMBER2025 -- this…

*to download audio, click the "SHARE" button and select download audio. In this episode, I sit down with Katie Bogner from Look to Him and Be Radiant to chat about her brand-new book, All About Lent & Holy Week, Sharing the Season of Repentance & Salvation—the perfect companion to her beloved All About Advent. This beautifully designed and incredibly versatile book is packed with everything you need to understand and observe Lent in a meaningful way (including beautiful illustrations by Shari Van Vranken).   Whether you're diving in as an individual, incorporating it into family traditions, or using it in a classroom (for both religious education and school settings), All About Lent is a staple resource that can be used year after year—becoming an heirloom of Lenten traditions. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ4O91LpZmQ[/embed] Resources Katie also shares practical and inspiring ideas…