Best Sember Podcasts (2025)

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A Sign That God Is With Us | #1604 15:35

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3d ago15:35

15:35

Advent, 4th Sunday (A) A young King Ahaz faces a complicated and difficult political situation. He doesn't need a plan, a strategy, or powerful allies because God will be with him. God wants to give him a sign, but he doesn't want a sign. Does he feel ashamed? Is he trying to be the one in control? Is he afraid to trust? Or maybe me thinks he doesn…

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A Sign That God Is With Us | #1604 15:34

4d ago15:34

15:34

Advent, 4th Sunday (A) A young King Ahaz faces a complicated and difficult political situation. He doesn't need a plan, a strategy, or powerful allies because God will be with him. God wants to give him a sign, but he doesn't want a sign. Does he feel ashamed? Is he trying to be the one in control? Is he afraid to trust? Or maybe me thinks he doesn…

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Waiting In Joyful Hope | #1603 13:20

7d ago13:20

13:20

Advent, 3rd Sunday (C) For twenty years, Franciscan missionaries labored in Mexico with very little success. Finally, God acted through Mary, and in 10 years, over 8 million Aztecs and Chichimecas became Catholic. Zachary Feldker served as a missionary to teens through the Spiritus program. He often prayed at Champion Shrine and complained that God…

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Waiting In Joyful Hope | #1603 13:19

12d ago13:19

13:19

Advent, 3rd Sunday (C) For twenty years, Franciscan missionaries labored in Mexico with very little success. Finally, God acted through Mary, and in 10 years, over 8 million Aztecs and Chichimecas became Catholic. Zachary Feldker served as a missionary to teens through the Spiritus program. He often prayed at Champion Shrine and complained that God…

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The Most Perfect Gift | #1602 7:13

18d ago7:13

7:13

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary • Which Catholic teaching is the most difficult to accept? It's not the Immaculate Conception, the Incarnation, or Transubstantiation. Most people seem to have a really hard time with the idea that every child is a gift from God. Thanks to original sin, every child is perfect and pre…

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The Most Perfect Gift | #1602 7:12

18d ago7:12

7:12

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary • Which Catholic teaching is the most difficult to accept? It's not the Immaculate Conception, the Incarnation, or Transubstantiation. Most people seem to have a really hard time with the idea that every child is a gift from God. Thanks to original sin, every child is perfect and pre…

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Episode 104: Learning With, Not For: A Conversation with Basil Safi 51:20

20d ago51:20

51:20

In this fall-finale, Erin and Toral sit down with Basil Safi, Executive Director of the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, for a closer look at community-engaged learning — an approach that goes beyond traditional volunteerism. Basil explains how Cornell empowers students to work with communities, not just for them, and why curiosity…

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Be Ready With This One Simple Habit | #1601 11:54

23d ago11:54

11:54

Advent, 1st Sunday (A) Winter was coming, but were you prepared? Advent was coming, were you ready? Jesus is coming; are you prepared to meet him? Some of our Protestant brothers and sisters use today's Gospel to justify "the rapture." But in the days of Noah, the evil people were taken and the good people were left. The rapture is the opposite: th…

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Be Ready With This One Simple Habit | #1601 11:53

26d ago11:53

11:53

Advent, 1st Sunday (A) Winter was coming, but were you prepared? Advent was coming, were you ready? Jesus is coming; are you prepared to meet him? Some of our Protestant brothers and sisters use today's Gospel to justify "the rapture." But in the days of Noah, the evil people were taken and the good people were left. The rapture is the opposite: th…

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What Do You Need to Entrust to the King? | #1550 18:06

1M ago18:06

18:06

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (C) Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, a relatively new feast in the church year. It was added to the church calendar in 1925. It is not a celebration of the idea that it would be really nice if Jesus were our king. Nor does it celebrate the fact that Jesus will be a future …

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What Do You Need to Entrust to the King? | #1550 18:05

1M ago18:05

18:05

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (C) Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, a relatively new feast in the church year. It was added to the church calendar in 1925. It is not a celebration of the idea that it would be really nice if Jesus were our king. Nor does it celebrate the fact that Jesus will be a future …

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Episode 103: Community Affirmation: The Key to Self-Empowerment 47:07

1M ago47:07

47:07

Erin and Toral welcome Sharifa Wip (she/her), Associate Dean of Students and Director of Black Student Empowerment, and Cameron White (he/him), graduate fellow and MHA student in the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, to explore how creating spaces of affirmation can transform a student’s experience at Cornell. Sharifa shares her vision…

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Set Apart for the Worship of God | #1549 11:18

1M ago11:18

11:18

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome • The consecration or dedication of a church building sets it apart for the worship of God. Every Christian is consecrated to the Lord. We were Baptized and Confirmed and received Holy Communion. The church is holy so we can be holy. We should be no less holy than our local Catholic Church! So…

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Set Apart for the Worship of God | #1549 11:17

2M ago11:17

11:17

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome • The consecration or dedication of a church building sets it apart for the worship of God. Every Christian is consecrated to the Lord. We were Baptized and Confirmed and received Holy Communion. The church is holy so we can be holy. We should be no less holy than our local Catholic Church! So…

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Episode 102: Redefining Leadership Through Vulnerability 44:42

2M ago44:42

44:42

Coming out later in life reshaped how Mark Dembo (he/him/his), Area Director for Cornell Custom Executive Education, leads and lives. Erin and Toral welcome him to the podcast to discuss how that experience transformed not only his personal journey but also his approach to leadership. Mark reflects on the years he spent hiding parts of his identity…

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Funerals Have Much in Common with Baptisms | #1548 15:58

2M ago15:58

15:58

All Souls Day • The dead are not so very far away. They have a message for you: "What you are, I once was. What I am, you will be." I want to start my homily by talking about funerals. Funerals and Baptisms have more in common than you might realize. We greet the body at the door, we sprinkle the casket with Holy Water, and we unfold a white pall o…

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Hastening to the Heavenly Jerusalem | #1547 12:09

2M ago12:09

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Solemnity of All Saints • What are we celebrating today? The Preface for All Saints explains: For for today, by your gift, we celebrate the festival of your city, the heavenly Jerusalem, our mother, where the great array of our brothers and sisters already gives you eternal praise. Towards her we eagerly hasten, as pilgrims advancing by faith, rejo…

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Funerals Have Much in Common with Baptisms | #1548 15:57

2M ago15:57

15:57

All Souls Day • The dead are not so very far away. They have a message for you: "What you are, I once was. What I am, you will be." I want to start my homily by talking about funerals. Funerals and Baptisms have more in common than you might realize. We greet the body at the door, we sprinkle the casket with Holy Water, and we unfold a white pall o…

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Hastening to the Heavenly Jerusalem | #1547 12:08

2M ago12:08

12:08

Solemnity of All Saints • What are we celebrating today? The Preface for All Saints explains: For for today, by your gift, we celebrate the festival of your city, the heavenly Jerusalem, our mother, where the great array of our brothers and sisters already gives you eternal praise. Towards her we eagerly hasten, as pilgrims advancing by faith, rejo…

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Persistent Prayer Changes the World | #1546 11:40

2M ago11:40

11:40

Ordinary Time, 29th Sunday (C) Welcome to our Stewardship Commitment Sunday. When it comes to stewardship, I feel like the little old lady who is constantly badgering the judge. "Turn in your card!" When God doesn't answer our prayers, we need to step back and notice our underlying need. The Lord wants to grow deeper in a relationship with us. We a…

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Episode 101: The Next 100 Starts Now 30:39

2M ago30:39

30:39

In part two of the 100th episode celebration, Erin and Toral continue their conversation with the show’s original creators and past cohosts Dr. Cornell Verdeja-Woodson, Sherron Brown, and Anthony Sis. The group reflects on the roots and ripple effects of the podcast by sharing more behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and the laughter and mo…

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Persistent Prayer Changes the World | #1546 11:39

2M ago11:39

11:39

Ordinary Time, 29th Sunday (C) Welcome to our Stewardship Commitment Sunday. When it comes to stewardship, I feel like the little old lady who is constantly badgering the judge. "Turn in your card!" When God doesn't answer our prayers, we need to step back and notice our underlying need. The Lord wants to grow deeper in a relationship with us. We a…

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The Healing That Flows From Obedience | #1545 11:30

2M ago11:30

11:30

Ordinary Time, 28th Sunday (C) Naaman the Syrian is powerful, wealthy, and successful. But his strength and wealth are not enough to make him healthy. He encounters love and truth through his obedience to God's will, and experiences wholeness and communion. When we started our stewardship program, I thought everyone else needed to learn stewardship…

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The Healing That Flows From Obedience | #1545 11:29

3M ago11:29

11:29

Ordinary Time, 28th Sunday (C) Naaman the Syrian is powerful, wealthy, and successful. But his strength and wealth are not enough to make him healthy. He encounters love and truth through his obedience to God's will, and experiences wholeness and communion. When we started our stewardship program, I thought everyone else needed to learn stewardship…

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Episode 100: Guess Who's Back? 50:11

3M ago50:11

50:11

In a special two-part celebration marking 100 episodes of the IE Podcast, Erin and Toral welcome back the show’s original creators and past cohosts Dr. Cornell Verdeja-Woodson (he/him/his), Sherron Brown (she/her/hers), and Anthony Sis (he/they). Together, they revisit the untold stories behind the podcast’s humble beginnings, the “scrappy” days wi…

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The Devil's Secret Plot to Take Over the World | #1544 15:02

3M ago15:02

15:02

Ordinary Time, 27th Sunday (C) "I cry out to you, 'Violence!' but you do not intervene. Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord." Was the prophet Habakkuk looking over my shoulder as I watched the evening news? We come to Sunday Mass to get a new vision, a…

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The Devil's Secret Plot to Take Over the World | #1544 15:01

3M ago15:01

15:01

Ordinary Time, 27th Sunday (C) "I cry out to you, 'Violence!' but you do not intervene. Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord." Was the prophet Habakkuk looking over my shoulder as I watched the evening news? We come to Sunday Mass to get a new vision, a…

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Winners and Losers | #1543 14:04

3M ago14:04

14:04

Ordinary Time, 26th Sunday (C) I saw a lot of amazing things on my pilgrimage to Italy: medieval towns, Pope Leo, three Eucharistic miracles, the four major basilicas... but the most amazing thing was our Italian bus driver, Pino. I used to think that Italian driving was highly competitive. But I watched Pino and the other drivers cooperating with …

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Winners and Losers | #1543 14:03

3M ago14:03

14:03

Ordinary Time, 26th Sunday (C) I saw a lot of amazing things on my pilgrimage to Italy: medieval towns, Pope Leo, three Eucharistic miracles, the four major basilicas... but the most amazing thing was our Italian bus driver, Pino. I used to think that Italian driving was highly competitive. But I watched Pino and the other drivers cooperating with …

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Episode 99: Where Are They Now? Voices From Past Episodes 55:35

3M ago55:35

55:35

As the IE Podcast approaches its 100th episode, we’re catching up with three familiar voices: Caleb Yu (Season 4), Mia Ferraina (Season 3), and Cyrus Hamilton-Ferguson (Season 5). In this special conversation, they reflect on how their lives and perspectives have evolved since their first appearances, what being on the podcast meant to them, and th…

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Snake! (Look at the Cross) | #1542 10:49

3M ago10:49

10:49

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross • Anti-venom comes from animals who were poisoned but survived. Jesus drank the poison of our sins and it killed him. But he rose from the dead and now his body is the antidote to sin and death. Grumbling is a kind of poison. If left unchecked, it will kill our spirits. When you suffer, look at the cross. K…

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Snake! (Look at the Cross) | #1542 10:48

3M ago10:48

10:48

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross • Anti-venom comes from animals who were poisoned but survived. Jesus drank the poison of our sins and it killed him. But he rose from the dead and now his body is the antidote to sin and death. Grumbling is a kind of poison. If left unchecked, it will kill our spirits. When you suffer, look at the cross. K…

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Discipleship Only Works When You Do This | #1541 8:03

3M ago8:03

8:03

Ordinary Time, 23rd Sunday (C) We think we are free, but many of us are slaves. We are burdened by the needs and worries of the flesh. The book of Wisdom says, "For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns." In today's Gospel, Jesus seems to be adding more burdens: Hate your family, t…

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Discipleship Only Works When You Do This | #1541 8:02

4M ago8:02

8:02

Ordinary Time, 23rd Sunday (C) We think we are free, but many of us are slaves. We are burdened by the needs and worries of the flesh. The book of Wisdom says, "For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns." In today's Gospel, Jesus seems to be adding more burdens: Hate your family, t…

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Episode 98: Why We Keep Showing Up: Welcome to Season 8 24:18

4M ago24:18

24:18

In this season opener of the Inclusive Excellence Podcast, co-hosts Erin Sember-Chase and Toral Patel pause to reflect on their podcast journey as they approach a major milestone — 100 episodes. They share why they keep showing up behind the mic, how their approach to hosting has evolved, and what they’ve learned from the many voices and stories sh…

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Why Would Anyone Choose Poverty? | #1540 14:01

4M ago14:01

14:01

Ordinary Time, 22nd Sunday (C) Jesus goes to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the guests at the banquet are observing them carefully. Jesus is also watching them. He offers some sage advice, a radical suggestion: fight for the lower spot. Make yourself as humble as possible, and wait for the host to exult you. Two news stories …

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Why Would Anyone Choose Poverty? | #1540 14:00

4M ago14:00

14:00

Ordinary Time, 22nd Sunday (C) Jesus goes to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the guests at the banquet are observing them carefully. Jesus is also watching them. He offers some sage advice, a radical suggestion: fight for the lower spot. Make yourself as humble as possible, and wait for the host to exult you. Two news stories …

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Discipline Makes Good Camping | #1539 16:01

4M ago16:01

16:01

Ordinary Time, 21st Sunday (C) Tent-camping is the best kind of vacation, because when you come home, your ordinary life feels like a luxury vacation! Fr. Michael is a very disciplined camper. He taught me the importance of doing the important things first, then relaxing and enjoying yourself afterwards. When we hear the word "discipline", we think…

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Discipline Makes Good Camping | #1539 16:00

4M ago16:00

16:00

Ordinary Time, 21st Sunday (C) Tent-camping is the best kind of vacation, because when you come home, your ordinary life feels like a luxury vacation! Fr. Michael is a very disciplined camper. He taught me the importance of doing the important things first, then relaxing and enjoying yourself afterwards. When we hear the word "discipline", we think…

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Jesus Helps His Leaders with the Heavy Lifting | #1538 15:40

4M ago15:40

15:40

Ordinary Time, 20th Sunday (C) Leadership isn't cool. People lead badly when they start trying to look good. Jesus wasn't worried about being cool. Jeremiah wasn't worried about being cool. When we are called to lead, we can't worry about trying to be cool. Thank you, men, for coming to Mass today. The world tells you that you should be anywhere el…

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Jesus Helps His Leaders with the Heavy Lifting | #1538 15:39

4M ago15:39

15:39

Ordinary Time, 20th Sunday (C) Leadership isn't cool. People lead badly when they start trying to look good. Jesus wasn't worried about being cool. Jeremiah wasn't worried about being cool. When we are called to lead, we can't worry about trying to be cool. Thank you, men, for coming to Mass today. The world tells you that you should be anywhere el…

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A Humble Little Ark | #1537 15:44

4M ago15:44

15:44

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mass during the Day) • Mary was assumed into heaven at the end of her earthly life. There have been many incorruptibles through history that are awaiting the resurrection. Mary is the ark of the new covenant. As David welcomed the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, so Jesus welcomes his Ark, …

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A Humble Little Ark | #1537 15:43

4M ago15:43

15:43

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mass during the Day) • Mary was assumed into heaven at the end of her earthly life. There have been many incorruptibles through history that are awaiting the resurrection. Mary is the ark of the new covenant. As David welcomed the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, so Jesus welcomes his Ark, …

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Most of Us Are Living Irrational Lives | #1536 18:36

5M ago18:36

18:36

Ordinary Time, 19th Sunday (C) Today we hear a witness from one of our Diocesan seminarians. He helps us see that faith is not a made-up fairy-tale. When we see the world through the eyes of faith, WE SEE IT AS IT REALLY IS. The reason why faith is comforting is ultimately because it's actually true. Jesus is real. We can trust him. Jesus promised …

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Most of Us Are Living Irrational Lives | #1536 18:35

5M ago18:35

18:35

Ordinary Time, 19th Sunday (C) Today we hear a witness from one of our Diocesan seminarians. He helps us see that faith is not a made-up fairy-tale. When we see the world through the eyes of faith, WE SEE IT AS IT REALLY IS. The reason why faith is comforting is ultimately because it's actually true. Jesus is real. We can trust him. Jesus promised …

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What's In God's Wallet? | #1535 13:48

5M ago13:48

13:48

Ordinary Time, 18th Sunday (C) What's in God's wallet? Certainly not cash, credit cards, receipts, or insurance cards. The only thing in God's wallet is photos of his kids. Lots and lots of photos, because God has lots and lots of kids. And he knows each one's name and their story. God loves every child like an only child. The Catholic Church belie…

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What's In God's Wallet? | #1535 13:47

5M ago13:47

13:47

Ordinary Time, 18th Sunday (C) What's in God's wallet? Certainly not cash, credit cards, receipts, or insurance cards. The only thing in God's wallet is photos of his kids. Lots and lots of photos, because God has lots and lots of kids. And he knows each one's name and their story. God loves every child like an only child. The Catholic Church belie…

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Jesus the Good Samaritan, According to Bishop Barron | #1534 9:59

5M ago9:59

9:59

Ordinary Time, 15th Sunday (C) I was away on a Steubenville youth conference. I had the privilege of listening to Bishop Barron preach on how Jesus is like the Good Samaritan. My favorite part of the homily is that the Catholic Church is kind of like the inn. We are helping those wounded by sin recover from their injuries. (13 July 2025) Going Deep…

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Jesus the Good Samaritan, According to Bishop Barron | #1534 9:58

6M ago9:58

9:58

Ordinary Time, 15th Sunday (C) I was away on a Steubenville youth conference. I had the privilege of listening to Bishop Barron preach on how Jesus is like the Good Samaritan. My favorite part of the homily is that the Catholic Church is kind of like the inn. We are helping those wounded by sin recover from their injuries. (13 July 2025) Going Deep…

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Sent as Missionaries Two-by-Two | #1533 17:20

6M ago17:20

17:20

Ordinary Time, 14th Sunday (C) The Jews think that Jerusalem is invincible because they are the Chosen People and they have the Temple. But they fail to obey God and He allows Babylon to destroy the city. Many are tempted to adopt the lifestyle and beliefs of the Babylonians. But God calls his people to continue to be faithful to him while living i…