Best Sember Podcasts (2025)

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Persistent Prayer Changes the World | #1546 11:40

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7d 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

8d 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

14d 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

18d 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

21d 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

23d 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

28d 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

28d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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…

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Sent as Missionaries Two-by-Two | #1533 17:19

4M ago17:19

17:19

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…

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A Homily 18 Years in the Making | #1532 15:56

4M ago15:56

15:56

June 30, 2025 • Today I celebrate the eighteenth anniversary of my ordination as a Catholic priest. Babies born the year I was ordained a priest are now graduating from high school! I have a few thoughts to share about priesthood. Blessed to be a Blessing Saturday I attended the ordination of Fr. Nico Stellpflug. At the end of the ceremony, he gave…

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A Homily 18 Years in the Making | #1532 15:15

4M ago15:15

15:15

June 30, 2025 • Today I celebrate the eighteenth anniversary of my ordination as a Catholic priest. Babies born the year I was ordained a priest are now graduating from high school! I have a few thoughts to share about priesthood. Blessed to be a Blessing Saturday I attended the ordination of Fr. Nico Stellpflug. At the end of the ceremony, he gave…

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The Vulnerability of God | #1531 11:47

4M ago11:47

11:47

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (C) We cannot have deep, meaningful relationships with other people unless we are willing to be vulnerable with them. When we know our own worth, then we will be able to open up and share with others even if they don't always receive us well. The Eucharist shows that God is willing to be vulne…

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The Vulnerability of God | #1531 11:46

4M ago11:46

11:46

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (C) We cannot have deep, meaningful relationships with other people unless we are willing to be vulnerable with them. When we know our own worth, then we will be able to open up and share with others even if they don't always receive us well. The Eucharist shows that God is willing to be vulne…

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Mind, Body, Spirit | #1530 14:42

5M ago14:42

14:42

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (C) The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. There are not three gods, but one God. We call this mystery, "The Holy Trinity". Human beings are body, mind, and spirit. When our spirit is led by the Holy Spirit, it can lead the body and mind into a harmony, a communion, a human trinity. The fam…

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Mind, Body, Spirit | #1530 14:41

5M ago14:41

14:41

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (C) The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. There are not three gods, but one God. We call this mystery, "The Holy Trinity". Human beings are body, mind, and spirit. When our spirit is led by the Holy Spirit, it can lead the body and mind into a harmony, a communion, a human trinity. The fam…

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Every Member a Missionary | #1529 15:01

5M ago15:01

15:01

Pentecost Sunday (C) We are made for communion. We are called to communion. But you can't force anyone into communion. God respects our free will so much that if we say "No" to him, he won't override us. This is why we don't pray for the souls in hell; it's too late for them to change their minds. I firmly believe two contradictory things: 1) You n…

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Every Member a Missionary | #1529 15:00

5M ago15:00

15:00

Pentecost Sunday (C) We are made for communion. We are called to communion. But you can't force anyone into communion. God respects our free will so much that if we say "No" to him, he won't override us. This is why we don't pray for the souls in hell; it's too late for them to change their minds. I firmly believe two contradictory things: 1) You n…

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Jesus Ascends and the Spirit Descends | #1528 10:59

5M ago10:59

10:59

Ascension of the Lord • We know that the earth is a giant sphere suspended in outer space. The ancient people thought of the world like a snow globe. Jesus is ascending to the highest point of the universe. From there he can see everything and lead his people to victory. The cloud of God's glory leads the Israelites out of Egypt, meets Moses on the…

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Jesus Ascends and the Spirit Descends | #1528 10:58

5M ago10:58

10:58

Ascension of the Lord • We know that the earth is a giant sphere suspended in outer space. The ancient people thought of the world like a snow globe. Jesus is ascending to the highest point of the universe. From there he can see everything and lead his people to victory. The cloud of God's glory leads the Israelites out of Egypt, meets Moses on the…

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Dunked Into Communion | #1527 16:43

5M ago16:43

16:43

Easter, 6th Sunday (C) The First Reading is from the Sixth Sunday and the Second Reading and the Gospel are taken from the Seventh Sunday. God's deepest desire is to be in communion with us. We can find happiness in many places. But we can only find fulfillment in communion. Our communion with God started with our Baptism when we were dunked into t…

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Dunked Into Communion | #1527 16:42

5M ago16:42

16:42

Easter, 6th Sunday (C) The First Reading is from the Sixth Sunday and the Second Reading and the Gospel are taken from the Seventh Sunday. God's deepest desire is to be in communion with us. We can find happiness in many places. But we can only find fulfillment in communion. Our communion with God started with our Baptism when we were dunked into t…

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The Purpose of Our Parish | #1526 10:58

6M ago10:58

10:58

Easter, 5th Sunday (C) Our parish exists for one reason: Communion. Through Baptism we are "dipped" into God's love for us. When we receive Holy Communion, God enters us. So we are in God and God is in us. That's the very definition of communion! Today Jesus tells us, "As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." I think many of us no…

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The Purpose of Our Parish | #1526 10:57

6M ago10:57

10:57

Easter, 5th Sunday (C) Our parish exists for one reason: Communion. Through Baptism we are "dipped" into God's love for us. When we receive Holy Communion, God enters us. So we are in God and God is in us. That's the very definition of communion! Today Jesus tells us, "As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." I think many of us no…

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A Felt Sense of Safety and Security | #1525 14:59

6M ago14:59

14:59

Easter, 4th Sunday (C) Even from the very beginning, children need a felt sense of safety and security in order to thrive. Physically speaking, we live in a very secure country. And yet, we seem to be suffering from an epidemic of anxiety. Jesus offers a sense of safety and security that no one can take from us. Look how Paul and Barnabas feel safe…

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A Felt Sense of Safety and Security | #1525 14:58

6M ago14:58

14:58

Easter, 4th Sunday (C) Even from the very beginning, children need a felt sense of safety and security in order to thrive. Physically speaking, we live in a very secure country. And yet, we seem to be suffering from an epidemic of anxiety. Jesus offers a sense of safety and security that no one can take from us. Look how Paul and Barnabas feel safe…

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The Pope's Job Description | #1524 12:49

6M ago12:49

12:49

Easter, 3rd Sunday (C) This Gospel is one of my personal favorites. It was given to me on a Teens Encounter Christ retreat in 2004. John chapter 20 ends with these words: Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Now Jesus did many…

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The Pope's Job Description | #1524 12:48

6M ago12:48

12:48

Easter, 3rd Sunday (C) This Gospel is one of my personal favorites. It was given to me on a Teens Encounter Christ retreat in 2004. John chapter 20 ends with these words: Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many…