Breadbox Media

The Storytellers - Episode 031: Sarah Christmeyer

Sarah Christmyer is a Catholic author, speaker, and adjunct faculty member at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is the codeveloper and founding editor of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible study program, where she served as director from 2010 to 2013.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Gordon College in 1981 and a master’s degree in theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary/School of Theological Studies in 2017.

Christmyer is a member of the board and executive committee of Malvern Retreat House, where she serves as chair of the spiritual programs development committee. She is the author, coauthor, editor, or contributor to more than twenty-five books and bible study programs, including Gaze Upon Jesus and Walk in Her Sandals. She has blogged for WINE: Women In the New Evangelization, the American Bible Society, and Ascension Press. Christmyer has been a guest on Relevant Radio, Breadbox Media, Radio Maria, Iowa Catholic Radio, and Holy Spirit Radio.

She lives in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area with her family.

The Storytellers - Episode 030: Joe Daczko

This book is for everyone who looks at our society, our culture, our church and ourselves, wondering, "How did we get to this point" and "Can anything be done to make things better?" As this thought hits many of us, we tend to shut down because the issues and concerns seem so big and unsolvable. However, relying heavily on scripture, the wisdom of the saints and Sacred Tradition, this book presents a way of personal transformation that can ultimately result in the changing of culture and society. The simple practice of the Cardinal and Theological virtues requires our will, our actions, and the grace of God to be successful. Therefore, this way of transformation integrates the whole person, body, mind and spirit. This book will inspire you to stand up, take responsibility and be a part of the wave of personal holiness God is calling all men to. This is not an academic treatment and description of the virtues, rather, it is a call to all Catholic and Christian men to sincerely begin practicing the virtues in the quiet and simple moments of everyday human living. It is a call to practice virtue with our family, with our friends, in our workplaces, in church, at the gym, on the highway, everywhere. Not only will we find freedom and joy in practicing virtue in this small and achievable way, but it is the authors contention that the transformation of culture and society begins with individuals and therefore we are all responsible. This book has quotes and questions for reflection at the end of each chapter and is therefore appropriate for individual reflection as well as group study and sharing.

The Storytellers - Episode 029: Sonja Corbitt

What are the sources of anxiety, stress, and fear you experience in your life? Popular Catholic speaker and author Sonja Corbitt believes that these often-paralyzing emotions are the direct result of our everyday battles against sin and temptation. In Fearless, she equips us with the spiritual tools we need to restore our spiritual well-being.

Sonja Corbitt is a Catholic author and speaker who has produced several multimedia Bible studies, including Unleashed, Fearless, Ignite, and Fulfilled. She also created LOVE the Word Bible study method.

A Carolina native who was raised as a Southern Baptist, Corbitt attended Mitchell College and the Southern Baptist Seminary Extension and before converting to Catholicism. She has since served as director of religious education at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Gallatin, Tennessee, and as executive director of Risen Radio in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Corbitt is the host of Bible Study Evangelista Show on radio and podcast. She is in formation as a Third Order Carmelite. Corbitt is a columnist at The Great Adventure Bible Study blog and a contributor to Magnificat. Her book/Bible study Unleashed was featured as a thirteen-part series on CatholicTV.

She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Bob, and two sons

 

The Storytellers - Episode 028: Fr Michael White

Michael White earned his bachelor's degree from Loyola University Maryland and his graduate degrees in sacred theology and ecclesiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. During White's tenure as pastor at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, the church has almost tripled in weekend attendance. More importantly, commitment to the mission of the Church has grown, evidenced by the significant increase of giving and service in ministry, and much evidence of genuine spiritual renewal. White is the coauthor of Rebuilt--which narrates the story of Nativity's rebirth--Tools for Rebuilding, and Rebuilding Your Message.

 

Drawing on the wisdom gleaned from thriving mega-churches and innovative business leaders while anchoring their vision in the Eucharistic center of Catholic faith, Fr. Michael White and lay associate Tom Corcoran present the compelling and inspiring story to how they brought their parish back to life.

Rebuilt is a story of stopping everything and changing focus. When their parish reached a breaking point, Fr. Michael White and lay associate Tom Corcoran asked themselves how they could make the Church matter to Catholics, and they realized the answer was at the heart of the Gospel. Their faithful response not only tripled their weekend mass attendance, but also yielded increased giving, flourishing ministries, and a vibrant, solidly Catholic spiritual revival. White and Corcoran invite all Catholic leaders to share the vision, borrow their strategies, and rebuild their own parishes. They offer a wealth of guidance for anyone with the courage to hear them.

The Storytellers - Episode 027: Kathryn Whitaker

Popular blogger Kathryn Whitaker is a Dr Pepper super fan, Aggie-loving, type A mom of six with a personality the size of her native Texas. The stressful premature birth of her fifth child threw her orderly world into chaos and ultimately led her to rethink her priorities. In Live Big, Love Bigger, Whitaker shares her journey and challenges readers to understand that they, too, can live a life of authenticity with joy-filled purpose, love, and faith. Along the way, she’ll help readers see that choosing to say no is the only way they’ll be able to say yes to what matters most—Jesus.

It’s not every family who would plan a week-long Texas barbecue pilgrimage for a family of eight, much less expand the idea to a multi-month quest to experience the state, eat amazing food, and visit some awesome religious sites along the way. But Whitaker did it—when she decided imperfect family road trips trumped a vacation at a luxury resort. “Barbecue encouraged us to hit the road, while Jesus met us at every single stop along the way—proof that he loves brisket as much as we do, right?”

Ditching the fancy vacation was one way Whitaker learned to give up control and say no to perfectionism and over-achievement in order to live a new, more intentional life and discover what God truly has in store for her family.

Whitaker’s sassy authenticity will make readers laugh—and cry—while encouraging them to be honest about mistakes in every area of their life, embrace them, and find a way to let God redeem it all.

The Storytellers - Episode 026: Barb Gaskell

Barbara A. Gaskell is the founder and director of the Mother Angelica Tour in Canton, Ohio, the hometown of Rita Rizzo, the future Mother Angelica. The Mother Angelica Tour was an outgrowth of a 2010 EWTN Family Celebration. The theme of the celebration was "In the Beginning: The Life and Legacy of Mother Angelica."

She is the author of the book, The Amazing Life of Rita Rizzo: The Early Years of Mother Mary Angelica.

The Storytellers - Episode 025: Dr Greg Bottaro

My guest on this weeks Storytellers is Dr. Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist, is the director of the CatholicPsych Institute and the developer of the Catholic Mindfulness online course. Before getting his doctorate, he spent four years living as a Franciscan friar, serving the poor in the tradition of St. Francis. He ultimately discerned a call to pursue family life. Six years after leaving NYC as a friar, Dr. Bottaro returned as a psychologist. His aim is fundamentally the same to serve. Instead of serving those suffering material poverty, he now seeks to serve those with psychological needs.

Greg is the author of the book, Mindful Catholic.

The Storytellers - Episode 024: Joel Stepanek

Joel Stepanek grew up believing that humility required shunning success, never accepting praise, and embracing a crummy life so that God would reward him in heaven. Then he became successful—at being a missionary. On a quest to find balance, Stepanek discovered powerful wisdom hidden within a nineteenth-century prayer that radically changed his life: the Litany of Humility. He shows you what he has learned about true Christian humility and how to right-size your expectations for living this crucial virtue.

As Stepanek, director of resource development at Life Teen, began to study and pray with the Litany of Humility, he discovered a pattern for spiritual growth that now anchors the way he lives. In Chasing Humility, he helps you explore eight essential aspects of humility in the life of a Christian: authenticity, confidence, gratitude, love, praise, empowerment, mentoring, and breaking barriers.

In addition to humorous and engaging stories and theological reflections, each chapter gives you practical exercises for spiritual growth such as:

 

• creating an authenticity diagram to explore how you see yourself, how you think God sees you, and how you believe others do;
• learning to keep a gratitude journal; and
• developing habits of speech that acknowledge and praise others for successes, rather than remaining focused on your own accomplishments.

 

The Storytellers - Episode 023: Phillip Kim

Dr. Philip Kim is an Author, Speaker, and Consultant. Raised by first generation Korean immigrants, Phil has worked at all of his parents' businesses including 7-11 convenience stores, gas stations, diners, and restaurants. He understands the value of hard work and education. He is the author of "Chase One Rabbit" which is dedicated to helping individuals create better lives for themselves.

His latest book, "Zebras & Ostriches" is about the 5 rules needed to increase employee engagement and productivity.

Phil is also an Assistant Professor of Business at Walsh University where he teaches both undergraduate and MBA courses. His areas of expertise and research topics include technology, organizational development, and productivity. Phil's research has been published in numerous academic journals and conferences.

The Storytellers - Episode 022: Patti Maguire Armstrong

Do you wish there was a more practical way to live your faith in the midst of a busy life?

Bestselling author and National Catholic Register columnist Patti Maguire Armstrong created what she calls “holy hacks” to help. This fun and fast-paced resource is full of concrete tips for living the faith right where you are. With about two-hundred simple and creative ways to grow in holiness, you can find something to help you engage your faith and grow in Christ every day.

The idea for Holy Hacks: Everyday Ways to Live Your Faith and Get to Heaven came from three popular columns Armstrong wrote in the National Catholic Register. The book provides fun and simple tips that make holiness attainable by everyday Catholics in everyday ways:

• Humility—Do good deeds in secret.
• Relationships—Consider how much you want God to bless you, and pray for that same blessing on the people you find difficult or who have hurt you.
• Gossip—Nurture good habits to prevent gossip by appreciating family, friends, and people who serve you.
• Prayer—SpePractitioners of Holy Hacks will discover that holiness is less about doing big things than about making use of countless and simple ways for us to love God and our neighbors.nd time thinking of all the ways Jesus has shown his love to you.

Practitioners of Holy Hacks will discover that holiness is less about doing big things than about making use of countless and simple ways for us to love God and our neighbors.

The book also includes hacks from notable and high-profile Catholic writers and speakers, including Rev. Donald Calloway, MIC; Fr. Mitch Pacwa; and Kathryn Jean Lopez.

The Storytellers - Episode 021: Kevin Lowry

A preacher's kid at a Catholic university, Kevin Lowry settled into a double major in beer and billiards soon followed by uncomfortable run-ins with pious students, failing grades, increasing anxiety, a missing night and the startling realization that some fellow students actually attended Mass the morning after a party instead of sleeping it off.
After getting kicked out, Kevin got his act together, got the MBA, and also got the girl. Meanwhile God was working, drawing him to the inevitable conclusion that Catholicism was all true despite his objections.
Kevin Lowry's journey to Catholicism is fascinating, often funny, and demonstrates God's unfailing, patient love for all of us.

The Storytellers - Episode 020: Geri Guadagno

Geraldine Guadagno has written articles and books for children and adults, including Irene the Elephant and 5 Steps to Facing Suffering, also published by New City Press. She is the author of the book "John of Smiles. This is the story of a 5-year-old boy with cancer who brought a ray of sunshine into the lives of people around him. John seemed to have an innate understanding of and ability to love. Those qualities endeared him to many, and were the driving force behind the worldwide spread of his story. Like all stories of heroes facing impossible odds, it deserves telling and retelling.

The Storytellers - Episode 019: Deacon Greg Kandra

Beloved author Deacon Greg Kandra knows all too well what it is to be busy. Drawing from his own experience, and those of fellow Catholics, and the saints lives, Deacon Kandra helps us realize the importance of prayer and offers practical tips for making it a part of each day. Prayer includes regular participation in the Sacraments (Mass, Confession) but is also about a constant communication with God and a way to plan our day each morning and evaluate our progress each evening.

The Storytellers - Episode 018: Dawn Eden Goldstein

Love and beauty. From when she was a little girl, Dawn Eden Goldstein knew she wanted those things that in them, somehow, she would find God. But her life s search led her away from the temples of her childhood Judaism to the music clubs of Greenwich Village, where she became an acolyte of a new religion: rock & roll. Over the years she earned renown as a rock critic and historian, moving among some of popular music's biggest names, all the while straining to capture that transcendent love and beauty in their every note and lyric.

Yet her longing only deepened; the hole in her heart only grew. God s voice was calling her, but first she needed ears to hear.

In Sunday Will Never Be the Same, Goldstein (The Thrill of the Chaste) recounts her spiritual journey in beautifully wrought detail, mixing powerful accounts of trauma, healing, and epiphany with funny and poignant anecdotes from inside the music scene. It is the rare conversion story that delights as it inspires, amuses as it edifies and ultimately lays before the reader a lived testimony to the transforming grace of Christ.

The Storytellers - Episode 017: Kendra Von Esh

I don't need God ... Or Do I?

 

Kendra Von Esh was a corporate executive who had it all—high powered job, prestige, summer home, and fantastic family, friends and social life. She didn’t need God, nor did she have time for Him.

 

When she decided to get in shape and “cleanse” her body, she realized that she sorely lacked in the “spirituality” department.

 

She thought about going back to the Catholic Church but was conflicted because she didn’t know much about the faith. She wasn’t going to church at all, didn’t agree with most of its teachings, and certainly wasn’t ready to change her lifestyle.

But she decided to go anyway and what she found changed her life forever….

Join Kendra as she recounts the struggles, triumphs and “God-incidences” that paved her way from the back pew to a state of grace, peace, and joy that can only come from the Catholic Church and a personal relationship with God.

The Storytellers - Episode 016: David & Mercedes Rizzo

Take it from people who know! Being a special needs parent comes with deep, often unexpected challenges that can shake your faith to the core. Drawing from their personal experience, David and Mercedes Rizzo share openly the myriad challenges of parenting a special needs child, while offering grace-filled counsel on practical steps you can take and suggested prayers to invite God into your situation. Topics include finding doctors and specialists who will treat your child with respect and kindness; advocating for your child's individualized education plan; preparing your child to receive the Sacraments; giving attention to your marriage and your other children; and preparing your child for adulthood.

Face your challenges with the power of prayer! For every parent and caretaker of a special needs child, this resource will build your faith and offer practical ways to incorporate hope and prayer into your daily life.

The Storytellers - Episode 015: August Turak

Brother John is the true story of a meaningful encounter between a man going through a mid-life crisis, and an umbrella-wielding Trappist monk. This magical encounter on Christmas Eve eventually leads the author, and us all, to the redemptive power of an authentically purposeful life. Uplifting, deeply moving, Brother John is dramatically brought to life by over twenty full color paintings by Glenn Harrington, a multiple award-winning artist. Brother John's moving story takes place at Christmastime, and its inspirational message and rich illustrations are sure to bring the reader back again and again throughout the year.

AUGUST TURAK is a successful entrepreneur and award-winning author who attributes much of his success to his 20-year stint as a frequent monastic guest of the Trappist monks of Mepkin Abbey. As a monastic guest, he lives and works alongside the monks sometimes for months at a time.

In 1996 Turak was the CEO of his own company when a skydiving accident triggered the emotional crisis or “Dark Night of the Soul” that sent him to Mepkin Abbey in search of the spiritual solace that he so desperately needed and that the monks so graciously provided.

The Storytellers - Episode 014: Fr Donald Calloway

Father Donald Calloway, MIC, is the vicar provincial and vocation director for the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, as well as the author of a number of books. His books Champions of the Rosary: The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon, No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy, and Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest are Catholic bestsellers.

The Storytellers - Episode 013: Haley Stewart

Do you ever feel caught in an endless cycle of working harder and longer to get more while enjoying life less? The Stewart family did—and they decided to make a radical change. Popular Catholic blogger and podcaster Haley Stewart explains how a year-long internship on a sustainable farm changed her family’s life for the better, allowing them to live gospel values more intentionally..

In The Grace of Enough, Stewart shares essential elements of intentional Christian living that her family discovered during that extraordinary year on the farm and that they continue to practice today.

The Storytellers - Episode 012: Patty Schneier

On this episode of The Storytellers, Patty Schneier author of the book Letters from Mom on What Matters Most, a compilation of personal letters written by Patty to her three children as they mature into adulthood and venture out on their own. Without preaching or scolding, she candidly discusses the joys of living a faith-filled life, what it means to be a Catholic in the world today, and why it matters. It is a book to inspire and encourage all mothers and their children - no matter what their age - to live for Christ, to strive for holiness and desire Heaven.