The Freedom to Love Podcast

We continue our series with Katie Hejna, a licensed professional clinical counselor and mom of three. Today, we are discussing the concept of emotional regulation -what it means, why it’s crucial for kids, and how parents can help their children learn to manage big emotions.

Katie shares practical and playful co-regulation techniques, from deep pressure hugs to fun breathing exercises, all designed to help children calm their bodies...

In this episode, child and adolescent mental health therapist Katie Hejna discusses how parents can foster secure attachment in their children to build emotional resilience and long-term mental health. 

She explains the foundational role of consistent caregiving, emotional validation, and repair after relational ruptures, and how these practices influence a child's ability to regulate emotions and trust others. 

The conversation...

In the final episode of this series with Matt Dalton, co-founder of Marriage Missionaries, we explore how parents can transform everyday interactions into meaningful teaching moments for their children.

Building upon themes from the past two episodes, Matt emphasizes the importance of modeling authentic love and healthy relationships.

The conversation goes into the deeper meaning of chastity, presenting it not mer...

This week, we welcome back Matt Dalton from Marriage Missionaries for a powerful conversation on how parents can model authentic love and healthy relationships for their children. 

Building on last episode’s focus on forgiveness, Jeremy and Matt dive into the deeper meaning of chastity—not as a set of rules, but as a path to real freedom and joy in marriage.

Drawing inspiration from Pope John Paul II, they discuss how understanding o...

Matt Dalton, co-founder of Marriage Missionaries, is here for a powerful discussion on strengthening marriages and raising children to understand authentic love. 

Drawing on his 34 years of marriage and extensive ministry experience, Matt emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, living faith in the home, and the critical role parents play as the first teachers of love and sexuality. 

Together, Jeremy and Matt off...

Jeremy is back this week with Linda Kracht to discuss the powerful framework of “The Seven Desires of Every Heart,” inspired by Dr. Mark and Debbie Laaser’s book.

Jeremy and Linda break down the seven core desires every child has - like being heard, blessed, safe, touched, chosen, included, and affirmed - and share practical ways parents can nurture these needs, especially in their children’s early years.

They rev...

In this episode, Jeremy is joined by Linda Kracht, a veteran parent, author, and founder of Fortifying Families of Faith. Linda is an accomplished author of numerous resources designed to support families in their faith journey. 

In this episode, we'll dive into her book "Daughters and Sons Forever: Parenting Against the Tide," which offers insights into the sacred duties of parenting, especially in guiding ...

We have the pleasure of hosting veteran Youth Ministers, Hollie Danis and Anna Scherber, who open up about the realities of guiding young people in today's world. 

Hollie and Anna share their journeys and experiences in youth ministry, from their backgrounds to the impactful roles they play in nurturing relationships with youth. 

As they dive into the challenges and changes in ministry over the years, they ex...

In this episode, we hear from Jim O’Day, Executive Director of Integrity Restored, to discuss the growing challenge of pornography exposure among children and how parents can take proactive steps to protect and guide their kids.

Jim shares his personal journey, insights into the science behind behavioral addiction, and practical tools for fostering open conversations. 

Learn how to equip your children with a strong foundation for nav...

We're joined by two wonderful guests today: Deacon Pat Gierl and Lacy Apfelbeck, founder of Edge of the Red Sea Ministries. 

We discuss the dynamics of building emotional peace in our lives - both personally as individuals and as parents - and how that flows into nurturing harmony within the family. 

Deacon Pat and Lacy offer valuable insights and practical advice on marriage dynamics, coping mechanisms, forg...

In this inaugural episode of Season 2 of the Freedom to Love Podcast, I am joined by Fr. Brian Park once again, to tackle the critical issue of protecting our children from the allure of pornography. 

Drawing on his 12 years of priesthood, Fr. Brian discusses the alarming trends in early exposure to pornography, largely driven by technology like smartphones. 

The conversation highlights the addictive nature of por...

Today, Jeremy shares a conversation from his guest appearance on the "Forgiveness is for You" podcast with Dr. Carron Silva.

Together, they explore the profound impact of pornography on young people, the trauma it creates, and the path to healing through human formation and faith.

Jeremy reflects on his journey, sharing practical strategies and insights to help parents, mentors, and young men break free...

In this milestone episode, Jeremy shares a talk he gave recently, which unpacks the modern challenges young men face with pornography and the transformative role fathers can play in guiding their sons toward virtue and freedom. 

Jeremy introduces practical strategies, rooted in St. John Paul II's teachings, to foster emotional resilience, build strong human foundations, and embrace God's plan for relationships. <...

We have Deacon Mike Engel back with us today. He is the founder of Reborn Ministries, a men's accountability group tackling pornography addiction.

Deacon Mike shares lessons from his journey of helping men seek freedom from habitual sin. He challenges the misconception that God's grace works like pixie dust and emphasizes the necessity of personal responsibility and cooperation with grace.

We'll d...

Deacon Mike Engel joins us to share his transformative journey from struggling with pornography as a young man to founding Reborn, a ministry offering accountability and support for men seeking freedom.

Deacon Mike talks about his personal battles, his life-changing encounter with Christ, and how Reborn offers a safe haven and accountability for men to break free from addiction.

Listen in to learn about the cycl...

We continue our conversation with Mama Jane and delve into the benefits of Natural Family Planning (NFP), exploring its role in aligning our marriages with God's will for chastity and love.

Mama Jane shares personal insights on embracing NFP, navigating its challenges, and nurturing love and tenderness within marriage.

Discover how abstaining during fertile times can strengthen self-mastery and mutual respec...

Today, we welcome Jane Snyder, also known as Mama Jane, as she shares her wealth of knowledge on Natural Family Planning (NFP).

In this episode, we explore how NFP ties into living the virtue of chastity by aligning with God's plan for our sexuality.

Whether you're single, newly married, or a parent, Jane's passion for fertility awareness and the divine design of a woman's body offers enlight...

We're thrilled to have Justin Kortuem back with us. Together, we'll delve into St. Ignatius' contemplative prayer as a tool for young men to deepen their relationship with God.

We'll immerse ourselves in the story of the woman caught in adultery from John 8:1-11, exploring the powerful themes of fear, anticipation, and mercy.

Justin will guide us in experiencing scripture as an active encount...

Welcome to a new series with Justin Kortuem to explore the transformative practice of Ignatian prayer.

From his roots as an athlete in Minnesota to finding his spiritual path through a challenging health journey and seminary life, Justin shares how Ignatian spirituality has deepened his relationship with God.

As the host of the "Lift Up Your Hearts" podcast, he guides us through the steps of Ignatian c...