Holy Rebels

Holy Rebels

You're listening to Holy Rebels, where ancient wisdom meets modern spirituality to help you connect with your soul so you can become who you were born to be. Each week, we take a fresh look at the wisdom of the mystics—You’ll discover luminaries such as Mary Magdalene, Francis of Assisi and Teresa of Avila, and find inspiration in the practical spirituality of trailblazers like Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. Along the way, we journey to the world’s sacred sites (think Chartres Cathedral, the Isle of Iona, and the Camino de Santiago), and unearth the secrets of cultural treasures like the Book of Kells and the Song of Songs. Your host Nina Hirlaender is a Franciscan Sister, expert on mystical theology, and founder of Dancing Spirit Tours. If you feel curious about life’s most profound questions, this vibrant audio tapestry will leave you spellbound. Join our global community of listeners in 50+ countries and find out why Holy Rebels has become an irresistible sensation! www.HolyRebelsPodcast.com

Episodes

July 22, 2024 25 mins

In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the life and legacy of Mary Magdalene, one of history's most enigmatic and influential figures. Journey with us as we explore medieval tales of Mary's final years in the south of France, uncovering the sacred mountain of Sainte Baume and the astonishing discovery of her supposed remains in Saint Maximin. We unravel the intriguing forensic research that brings Mary's stor...

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Mary Magdalene is a woman shrouded in mystery and misinterpretation. We journey through the Gospels to unravel her true identity, exploring her profound roles and the symbolism she carries. Through careful examination of biblical texts, we shine a light on her secret knowledge that transcend the understanding of even Jesus' closest male disciples. This episode portrays Mary as a "wise woman," intimately linked with t...

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What should you do when you feel distant from God? In this episode, we dive deep into the concepts of Spiritual Desolation and the Discernment of Spirits as taught by Ignatius of Loyola.  We explore the three main reasons why desolation might be showing up in your life: neglecting your spiritual life, learning to love the Divine for its own sake, and being reminded of your ultimate dependence on God. We also discuss how to prevent,...

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The mystical teachings of Ignatius of Loyola guide us through the complexities of our spiritual journey. Applying the principles of Discernment of Spirits will help you navigate the highs and lows of your spiritual life.


Discover the essence of Spiritual Consolation—those moments when you feel an unshakable connection to your deeper self and the divine, bringing clarity and joy to your spiritual journey. Contrastingly, we'...

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March 20, 2024 2 mins

If you've ever felt called to walk the Camino, this is for you! Imagine packing your bags and taking a break to connect with yourself on a deeply personal level.. The Camino offers a unique opportunity to do so. This mini-episode is your invitation to a potentially life-changing adventure.

Sign up for The Camino Experience Live Class. This 90-minute PACKED info session will give you everything you want to know about w...

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In this deeply enriching episode, we explore the concepts of the Cosmic Christ, Teilhard de Chardin, and the Mystical Body of Christ, guiding listeners through a transcendent yet practical understanding of how these ideas can inspire and impact our daily lives.

  • Cosmic Christ: Discover how the Cosmic Christ concept offers a unique perspective on spirituality that transcends traditional religious boundaries, inviting us ...
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There's extraordinary power in sacrifice— the enduring light of hope that can emerge from the depths of darkness. In today's episode, we explore the heroic life of Maximilian Kolbe. A man who, in the face of indescribable evil, chose to embody the purest act of love—laying down his life for another.

We will journey through his inspiring story, reflecting on what it means to truly live for others and how, even in...

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How can the pursuit of peace become not just a noble idea, but a radical act of courage? In this episode, we dive into the heart of peacemaking, inspired by the beautiful paradox of the seventh beatitude: 

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."

Explore what it truly means to make peace — not just to avoid conflict, but to actively create harmony in every sphere of ou...

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Are you being true to yourself? It’s a loaded question . . . and if the answer is “I’m not sure,” that’s normal. In your busy life, it’s easy —and completely human!—to feel pulled in dozens of different directions, from romantic relationships and family dynamics to your job and your creative dreams.

But if you get bogged down by the demands of daily life and it leads you to stray from the center of your heart, you can lose sight of ...

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How can we extend forgiveness to those who've caused us pain? How do we resist the urge for revenge when we feel wronged? In this thought-provoking episode, we grapple with an often-overlooked virtue—mercy.

We navigate the tricky balance between justice and grace, all through the lens of the Beatitude 5: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."

If you're seeking to understand mercy ...

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January 23, 2024 39 mins

Injustice is all around us, from suffering in our own communities to tragic news stories from the complete other side of the world. Think about the last time you saw injustice or unfairness in your life. Maybe you saw a coworker being treated harshly, encountered a homeless person struggling to find shelter on a cold night, or read a news story about children in the Middle East suffering during a humanitarian crisis.

How ...

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Mastering the art of self-control is essential to finding peace and happiness in life. In this episode, we explore the often-misunderstood virtue of "meekness", drawing inspiration from Mother Teresa, who often demonstrated composure under stressful circumstances. It takes great strength to face challenges with patience and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.

Our conversation also touches on the role suff...

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Grief is a non-linear journey. It requires courage and grace. In this thoughtful episode, Nina shares a personal story—she recounts a roadside accident and a heartbreak that resurfaced long-buried sorrow. Challenging experiences serve as a reminder that a one instance can trigger deeply buried pain, causing a flood of emotions to resurface and be unblocked.

Our discussion centers around the second beatitude: "Blessed ...

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This episode challenges societal norms by questioning our widely accepted definitions of wealth and success. It dives deep into the first Beatitude—"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"—unraveling its profound implications on personal and spiritual growth. 

As we dive into this conversation, we begin to understand that true wealth is not measured by material possessions, but by our...

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December 27, 2023 18 mins

The Beatitudes serve as a compass in our journey towards authentic happiness. They embody the core principles of humility, empathy, and peace, guiding us to transform not just our perspective, but our very way of life.
 
In this insightful episode, we delve into the concept of true happiness and how it contrasts with the fleeting happiness that many of us pursue. When we internalize the Beatitudes, we begin to realize that ...

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How do you tell the difference between fear and intuition? Can you learn to be more intuitive? In this episode, we'll demystify the energy anatomy of your inner compass so you can make breakthrough choices that free you from second-guessing yourself. 

We'll look at how spiritual principles, like those proposed by Ignatius of Loyola in ‘The Spiritual Exercises’ are essential for harnessing your most powerful asset...

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January 18, 2023 35 mins

 What is the Holy Spirit? How do the Divine Mind and our own human intellect intertwine? Join us as we decipher the metaphysics of the Trinity, gain insight into mystical prayer, and uncover the power of forging a direct connection with God. 

All this and more awaits you in this podcast episode decoding the spiritual nature of reality. We discuss how metaphysics is not only a philosophical concept, but an experiential one ...

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Have you ever heard the saying, "There are no atheists in foxholes?" Most of us have found ourselves in situations so dire that—religious or not—we have tried to bargain with God. But bargaining is not the same as praying.

In this episode, we’re exploring the tricky and sometimes uncomfortable questions that come up when we pray for help. From cancer to heartbreak, divorce, rejection, or any kind of suffering, s...

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What actually happens during prayer? Prayer is not about trying to manipulate the Divine for personal gain. It's a sacred practice that can offer insight into our deepest desires and needs. 

Let us take an unprecedented approach—when we lift up our hearts in prayer, it will open doors of awareness that allow us to accept life with grace and courage. Prayer does not change God; rather, it changes US! 

In this ...

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November 29, 2022 19 mins

Mystical experiences are utterly mysterious and difficult to articulate, but it’s common enough that we have reports of mystical experiences across time and cultures. It’s a state of consciousness, a phenomenon that simply happens to us and we don't know why. It’s impossible to achieve through your own efforts alone, because it’s given to you—by grace. 

When this happens to you, there’s no doubt because it's not ...

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