Homeward by BigAppleCatholic

About Homeward by BigAppleCatholic

There is a road beneath the road we walk every day. A deeper story humming under the ordinary. This is where we follow that echo— through longing and laughter, beauty and ache — trusting that this life is leading somewhere, and to Someone, truer than we can yet see. I am overjoyed to welcome as co-host fellow artist, and G.K. Chesteron enthusiast, and friend, Katie Jones for this chapter and cannot wait for you to join this journey home. This is for those who love and ache a little like us in this world. Those who who like us are on Homeward road. Keep up with us @homeward.pod (https://www.instagram.com/homeward.pod) Or email us here: HomewardPodcastInfo@gmail.com

Publisher

Mariana and Katie

Category

arts · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Apr 2026

Latest episode

5 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Aug 2026

   The One Where We Wonder - Final Episode of Season 1

   In this episode Katie and I reflect on this last season and all we have learned from eachother, from our guests, and from you! We will be going on break but will se you back in November! Key Topic The importance of seasons in life and faith Reflections on community and relationships The beauty of reality and seeing with faith Upcoming break and future plans for the podcast The significance of wonder, gratitude, and presence

2. 

   22 Jul 2026

   How Authentic Affirmation Transforms Lives and Relationships with Jeff Mazzone, MA, LPC, MA

   In this episode, we sit down with licensed professional counselor Jeff Mazzone, who shares insights on the transformative power of affirmation, its roots in spiritual and psychological growth, and practical ways to cultivate authentic affirmation in daily life and relationships. Key Topics: The connection between affirmation and emotional maturity The role of nature and beauty in fostering affirmation The importance of relationship and community in healing The distinction between true affirmation and pseudo-affirmation Practical steps to cultivate rest, wonder, and affirmation in daily life Jeff Mazzone on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/discalced_counselor (https://www.instagram.com/discalced_counselor) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:06 The Importance of Affirmation 05:57 Understanding Affirmation vs. Self-Affirmation 09:09 The Role of Relationships in Affirmation 12:01 The Impact of Unaffirmation 14:54 Navigating Emotional Maturity 18:01 The Challenges of Modern Life 20:55 Finding Beauty and Wonder 24:05 The Healing Power of Relationships 27:09 Practical Applications for Parents 30:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 45:06 Affirming Emotions in Parenting 48:16 Delighting in Our Children 50:23 The Journey of Affirmation 53:40 The Power of Intergenerational Relationships 56:06 The Importance of Community and Connection 01:01:23 The Gift of Self in Relationships 01:06:21 Slowing Down to Find Community 01:10:01 Practical Steps to Self-Affirmation 01:12:58 Resources for Further Exploration Resources: Born Only Once by Conrad Baars – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Born+Only+Once+Conrad+Baars (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Born+Only+Once+Conrad+Baars) Jeff Mazzone on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/discalced_counselor (https://www.instagram.com/discalced_counselor) Healing the Unaffirmed by Conrad Baars and Anna Terruwe – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Healing+the+Unaffirmed+Conrad+Baars+Anna+Terruwe (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Healing+the+Unaffirmed+Conrad+Baars+Anna+Terruwe)

3. 

   8 Jul 2026

   Lazarus and The God of Mystery

   Most of us live in a state of obsession with certainty — but within faith and life itself, mystery reigns supreme. This week, we explore why embracing uncertainty isn’t just a choice, but a vital part of our spiritual journey Join us as we walk through the story of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, highlighting how their experience of loss and resurrection embodies the core of Christian hope amid unanswered questions. Key Topics The story of Lazarus and its spiritual significance The concept of divine mystery and wonder in faith How saints exemplify trust in God's plan amidst suffering The importance of embracing the unknown in spiritual life The role of faith and hope in difficult trials Chapters 00:00 Embracing the Mystery 10:28 The Story of Lazarus 30:25 The Saints and Their Trials 40:48 Embracing the Mystery 46:46 The Witness of the Saints 53:13 The Interior Perfection 01:04:55 The Human Person as a Mystery

4. 

   10 Jun 2026

   Born to Never Die: What Chiara and Enrico Petrillo Offer a World Afraid of Suffering

   If Homeward is ultimately about learning how to live with our eyes fixed on heaven, then few people have taught Katie and I more than Enrico and Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo. Their story reminds us that we were born for eternity, and that even in the deepest suffering, the road home remains open. Key Topics: Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo's life story Faith and resilience in suffering The power of hope and love Trust in God's plan during suffering The resurrection as the foundation of hope Resources: Enrico Petrillo - Sharing their story (short video we mentioned) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXX (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXX) Born to Never Die | Enrico Petrillo and Angelo Carfi | New York Encounter 2019 (long video of their full story that we also mentioned) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw_PEXQyhik (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw_PEXQyhik) A Witness to Joy (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+Witness+to+Joy (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+Witness+to+Joy) Letter from Chiara and Enrico to Francesco - https://www.chiaracorbellapetrillo.org/en/chiaras-writings/ (https://www.chiaracorbellapetrillo.org/en/chiaras-writings/) Let's Connect! As always, we would love to hear from you. You can follow along with us and stay in touch at @homeward.podcast (https://www.instagram.com/homeward.pod) and @bigapplecatholic. (https://www.instagram.com/bigapplecatholic) You can also visit bigapplecatholic.com (http://bigapplecatholic.com) for more!

5. 

   27 May 2026

   Have We Lost Our Sense of Wonder? With Bill Donaghy

   What is the importance of wonder in the human experience? And what may be the obstacles to wonder in our present age? For this episode Katie and I are joined by the wonder-full Bill Donaghy who helps us wrestle through these questions and more. “If you are wise, you will understand that life is more like a pool than a channel. A channel immediately releases what it receives. The pool is gradually filled until it naturally overflows without diminishing itself. There are many Christians who behave like channels. Deep pools are the exception. We become eager to let the Spirit flow through us. We begin to pour it out before we are filled. We speak when we should be listening. We try to teach lessons we have not yet learned. We would direct others when we are not sure where we are going ourselves... There needs to be a careful balance here. Outflow follows inflow. We must be filled to overflowing before what we pass on to others will have any substance. Otherwise, it is vacuous yawning. Take care that you do not embarrass yourself while assisting others. Be sure you are full.” - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Homily 18, Song of Songs. (b. 1090 AD- d. 1153 AD) Takeaways Reenchantment as a Path to Wonder The Neuroscience of Wonder Re-enchantment of life through wonder and beauty The battle for re-enchantment is a matter of life and death Resources The Evidential Power of Beauty by Father Thomas Dubay (https://www.amazon.com/Evidential-Power-Beauty-Thomas-Dubay/dp/0898707474) Leisure, The Basis of Culture by Joseph Pieper (https://www.amazon.com/Leisure-Basis-Culture-Joseph-Pieper/dp/0898707474) Mark Twain's Joan of Arc (https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Arc-Mark-Twain/dp/0486262454) Connect with Bill Donaghy: Theology of the Body Institute (https://tobinstitute.org/) Word Made Fresh Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/@WordMadeFresh) The Way of Beauty Course July 12-17, 2026 (https://tobinstitute.org/) - Join Bill Donaghy at his course this summer! As always, we would love to hear from you. You can follow along with us and stay in touch at   / homeward.pod   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDVaZWcxZVphLVZvZHdWVkRlVHZUMVFFVDRxQXxBQ3Jtc0tuZWlUR3dPVzRQSjZZa2djYWRJYzE4QXZYSnpLOXg2dGFmWE1sd0cxeUdVNlVkTk5ZX2tRaEhicmE3cHRoLWpuOEtMSllXeDJ3aWMyZHc1c2JkWXZoUDdhU1lhVVRVd01NOGNCTjVMeGdteUh3eGZqMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fhomeward.pod&v=oC09FJ0JpO4) and   / bigapplecatholic   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnp3TEZkZjZDRlVCekNRTGZlUjJkeDlLS2hKd3xBQ3Jtc0tuMk1DajBFRWR6R2g3U2ZCWXRJSzMydTFIMWdUREFWQjdwOEdoUGFzYkxIWjczR0oxSkp2eUIzQUNjMWVMX0NxUXd0Y1phNUs3RUVDZmZQV1ZVMlA1cWJHcmZXbjB1M0lsaVY0UkV0QjlRU3dfaUlSNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbigapplecatholic&v=oC09FJ0JpO4)

6. 

   13 May 2026

   What Does it Mean To Be Human? With Dr. Sarah Maple

   In this conversation, Katie and I sit down with Dr. Sarah Maple to explore one of the most foundational questions we can ask: what does it mean to be human? Together, we talk about the nature of being human, beauty, and the artistic vocation rooted in divine love. We delves into how beauty reveals our origin, purpose, and ultimate destiny, inviting all of us into a deeper wonder of life and creation. We also reflect on original solitude and unity, the gift of the human heart, the role of wonder, and the quiet ways Christ calls us back to Himself through beauty, suffering, and love. Dr. Maple’s work as a painter, theologian, and professor shines throughout this conversation, especially in the way she speaks about artists, beauty, and the human person with both intellectual depth and real tenderness. More than anything, we were struck by her attentiveness, wisdom, and the sense that these are questions she has truly lived with herself. You can learn more about Dr. Maple, her upcoming book The Resurrection of Beauty (Saint Augustine Press), as well as her work through her Instagram at @dr.sarahmaple (https://www.instagram.com/dr.sarahmaple) and her emerging project at lagiardina.org (http://lagiardina.org). Takeaways The meaning of being human in a disenchanted world The role of beauty in revealing our divine origin and purpose The artistic vocation as a response to divine love and creation Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Humanity 05:10 Exploring the Essence of Being Human 09:07 The Role of Beauty in Human Existence 14:00 Understanding Desire and Its Implications 18:58 The Transcendentals: Beauty, Truth, and Goodness 23:05 The Importance of Community and Dependency 27:22 The Garden of Eden: A Blueprint for Humanity 33:33 The Call to Love and Response 37:06 Awakening to Enchantment 39:44 Re-enchantment and Vulnerability 43:34 The Art of Hospitality 47:38 Experiencing Life's Enchantment 53:18 The Journey of Being Human As always, we would love to hear from you. You can follow along with us and stay in touch at @homeward.podcast (https://www.instagram.com/homeward.pod) and @bigapplecatholic. (https://www.instagram.com/bigapplecatholic) You can also visit bigapplecatholic.com (http://bigapplecatholic.com) for more!

7. 

   28 Apr 2026

   We're All Just Trying to Get Home

   The day has finally come! We are so eager to start this new chapter with you and embark on the Homeward journey together. In this episode we give a glimpse of our heart behind this project, why we felt like we needed it for ourselves, and our hopes for everyone that will join us. Thank you for being here. It is a privilege to walk this with you xo Mariana and Katie Episode Guiding Quote: "The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing — to reach the Mountain, to find the place where all the beauty came from — my country, the place where I ought to have been born. Do you think it all meant nothing, all the longing? The longing for home? For indeed it now feels not like going, but like going back." — C. S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces Major Points: The significance of longing and wonder in faith Building a community centered on beauty and truth The journey of living with an open heart amidst pain The role of art, story, and community in spiritual growth Hope and vulnerability in the Christian life Links Mentioned: Mariana and Katie's infamous Irish Farms Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldjBfJqS9Uo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldjBfJqS9Uo) Go To The Limits of Your Longing Poem: https://onbeing.org/poetry/go-to-the-limits-of-your-longing/ (https://onbeing.org/poetry/go-to-the-limits-of-your-longing/) The best way to keep us with us right now is on Instagram! @homeward.pod (https://www.instagram.com/homeward.pod) Otherwise feel free to reach out via bigapplecatholic.com (http://bigapplecatholic.com) we'd love to hear from you! <3

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

18 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

29 ratings

Contact Homeward by BigAppleCatholic

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.