Your Best Yes with Claire Dwyer

About Your Best Yes with Claire Dwyer

A podcast to help you discern God's will and make good, confident decisions - with interior freedom for a greater gift of self. "...that you may be able to discern what is best." (Philippians 1:10) yourbestyes.substack.com (https://yourbestyes.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Claire Dwyer

Category

religion & spirituality · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Jul 2026

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Episode 15: Deliberative or Decisive: The Different Discernment Processes of Melancholics and Cholerics with Erin Ingold

   In this episode, I continue my conversation with Erin Ingold on the four temperaments and we focus on how the melancholic and choleric temperaments can shape the way we discern and make decisions. We explore the strengths and areas for growth of each, from the melancholic’s thoughtful thoroughness and desire to make the right decision to the choleric’s decisiveness, efficiency, and drive towards action. We also share practical ways to recognize when our natural inclinations are helping us discern well and when they might be leading us towards overthinking, urgency, or control. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * Claire admitted that as a melancholic, she can be slower to decide and act. Since it was God who made her that way, she’s wary of opportunities, invitations, or ideas that require a quick response. In her life, she’s noticed that He seems to honor her design and give her the space she needs to ponder, discern, and become ready. How do you think the Lord honors your temperament when He invites you to something? * Some of us process externally - talking, doing. Others process internally–so when they make a decision, it might look to others to come out of nowhere. The reality is, there’s been a lot of thinking and planning going on interiorly. Claire compares it to a teacher who wants students to “show their work” when they’ve done all the computing in their heads. How do you evaluate and make decisions? If you are an internal processor, might it benefit you to “show your work” to those close to you a little earlier in the discernment process? * The 80% rule can help us avoid the perfection trap and finish projects that might otherwise drag on for an inordinate length of time. Basically, when you recognize that something is good “enough” you ship it, publish it, call it good. Usually the only person who knows it could be 20% better is you. Why might the enemy of our souls want us to chase after perfection? Why is this always a losing battle? * For every yes, there’s an opportunity cost. Meaning once we’ve committed, we can’t say yes to any other competing–and possibly better or more important– opportunity. How can knowing and remembering that help us avoid agreeing to fill out time with lesser things? Resources Mentioned: * A Spacious Place: A Spiritual Journey with Saint Edith Stein (https://www.sojolk8trk.com/J6SQHS/2JD3ZZ8/) by Claire Dwyer (Use the code Partner2026 for 20% off!) * Metanoia Catholic (https://metanoiacatholic.com/) * Temperaments Assessment (https://metanoiacatholic.typeform.com/thetemps?typeform-source=www.metanoiacatholic.com#temperaments_assessment=xxxxx) We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

2. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Episode 14: It’s Not Navel-Gazing: Understanding the Temperaments as the Natural Foundation of Discernment with Erin Ingold

   In this episode, I sit down with Erin Ingold, co-founder of Metanoia Catholic (https://metanoiacatholic.com/), to begin a four-part conversation on the four temperaments: cholaric, melancholic, sanguine, and phlegmatic. Erin explains where the temperaments come from, how the Catholic tradition understands them, and how they can point us towards our individual strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth in virtue. Temperaments aren’t meant to put us into a box. Rather they can give us a starting point for recognizing how God may be inviting us to grow and become more fully ourselves in Christ. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * Understanding the foundational, biological part of our personality called our temperament can help us grow in self-knowledge and therefore, hopefully, make better decisions. Not just, as Claire pointed out, “vocational decisions or big life decisions, but even smaller decisions about how to grow in virtue.” What are some examples of decisions we make everyday: what time to get up; how much to eat; how long to pray; whether to stop and talk to our neighbor, for example, that shape the people that we are and that we are becoming? Give personal examples if you can. * Having heard an overview of the four temperaments, can you guess which one best describes you? Or perhaps you’ve taken an assessment and already know. It is possible that the Lord is inviting you to a deeper level of self-understanding? Not necessary that you are different than you originally thought (as Claire shared) but could there be aspects of your personality that you need to explore or develop? Resources Mentioned: * A Spacious Place: A Spiritual Journey with Saint Edith Stein (https://www.sojolk8trk.com/J6SQHS/2JD3ZZ8/) by Claire Dwyer (Use the code Partner2026 for 20% off!) * Metanoia Catholic (https://metanoiacatholic.com/) * Temperaments Assessment (https://metanoiacatholic.typeform.com/thetemps?typeform-source=www.metanoiacatholic.com#temperaments_assessment=xxxxx) We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

3. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Bonus: You’ll Burn Yourself Out // On Trying to Sustain a Best Yes All Alone

   “What you are doing is not wise,” said Moses’ father-in-law when he saw Moses trying to judge every dispute of the entire nation of Israel by himself. Crazy, right? But how often to do we do the same thing, thinking some version of I guess it is all up to me. Well, you have an enemy, and he would like you to keep thinking that way. Because he knows that when you do, you and your work for the Kingdom will be diminished to the point of total ineffectiveness, or worse. “Dependence,” wrote Fulton Sheen, “Is the very essence of my creaturely existence, for no person is sufficient unto himself.” So when you’re getting closer to a best yes - and yet you feel utterly incapable of making or sustaining it alone, congratulations. It’s actually an indicator that this might be someone else’s best yes, too. And remember what the Lord promised when two or more are gathered? When you collaborate with other believers, you also bring on board the best Colleague of all. * Note: In this episode, I mention “Memoir with a Message”, my upcoming course for Catholics who want to explore writing their story. In this, too, you do not have to go at it alone! Find out more here: https://www.writethesewords.com/memoir-with-a-message-course (https://www.writethesewords.com/memoir-with-a-message-course) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

4. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Episode 13: Sink the Ships: Bishop Peter Dai Bui on Escaping Vietnam and Finding the Safe Harbor of God’s Will

   In this episode, I’m joined by Bishop Peter Dai Bui, Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix, to hear his incredible story of faith, from fleeing Vietnam as a young child to discerning his call to the priesthood. We talk about what it means to trust God when we can’t see where He is leading us and how He can transform our desires into something far greater than we could have imagined. Bishop Bui also shares four ways God may respond to our prayers—yes, no, slow, and grow—and how each one invites us into deeper trust in His love and providence. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * Bishop Bui describes the experience of escaping Vietnam in his father’s small fishing boat. As a very little boy, he was told to swim toward the single light on the boat in the darkness of night. He uses that metaphor now to describe the experience of journeying back to God with the light of Christ, even when everything around you is shrouded in darkness. Are there times in your life when you’ve had to move forward in total trust? * When his family arrived in Thailand, his father sank the boat to avoid being towed back out to sea by the Thai government. Is there an area of your life where you might be called to “sink the ship”? That is, commit to something with your whole heart and not hesitate or look back? * After finding refuge in the United States, Bishop Bui started going to Mass everyday as a boy to pray for an Atari gaming system. Instead, through the graces of the Eucharist, God enlarged his heart, changed his desires, and gave him a clear and distinct call to the priesthood. Have you ever prayed for one thing, only to find that your desires have shifted to something better? * Although he was extremely nervous when the papal nuncio called asking him to accept the appointment of auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Phoenix, the bishop immediately said yes. This was because, as he said, “I found out that every time I said yes to God, only blessings, peace would come from it. So I trusted that right now what God is asking of me is what He wants. So I said yes, even though I don’t know the implications.” Can you look back over your life and see the graces that have come when you’ve said yes to God? Does that increase your confidence and trust? Resources Mentioned: * A Spacious Place: A Spiritual Journey with Saint Edith Stein (https://sophiainstitute.com/product/a-spacious-place/?srsltid=AfmBOop6zA7-SXsZeHqHCYwH_Tw6irSW7TharO_cyIJb74_DlCB9UR_a) by Claire Dwyer * “Boat of No Smiles (https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Boat_of_No_Smiles)” photographs by Eddie Adams We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

5. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Episode 12: When You Don’t Have Perfect Clarity: Taking the Next Step Forward with Fr. Will Schmid

   In this episode, I continue my conversation with Fr. Will Schmid to hear more about his own journey of discerning the call to the priesthood and the “calls within the call” that have shaped his vocation. We talk about the role of holy friendship and community in discernment, as well as the importance of consistent prayer and creating space to listen to God. Fr. Will also shares practical wisdom for bringing our questions and decisions into the light with trusted people who can help us discern well. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * Fr. Will found himself daydreaming about giving homilies while listening to others’ preaching. Did your daydreams reveal anything about your future calling? * Another priest told Fr. Will that he’d been praying for him and his vocation even before he was discerning it. Do you know or believe that someone was praying for you and your calling? Are you being called to pray for someone who you believe may have a particular mission? * As he discerned, Father Will got some clarity – not the assurance that he was definitely called to the priesthood, but that he should certainly enter seminary. Often, we get just enough clarity to take one more step forward. Are you waiting for perfect certainty about the big picture before you take the next small step forward? Why might this be a mistake? * Mother Teresa had a “call within a call.” Within his call to the priesthood, Fr. Will found that he was approached by police officers to be their chaplain. This allowed him to be present and accompany them during times of great tragedy and suffering. Within your primary vocation, have you discerned that you’re equipped to serve in an every deeper, more specific way? Resources Mentioned: * Write These Words (https://www.writethesewords.com/) We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

6. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Episode 11: God Discerns Us: Fr. Will Schmid on the Call of the Disciples and the Spirit’s Scrutiny

   In this episode, I sit down with Fr. Will Schmid, the vocations director for the Diocese of Phoenix, to talk about how God discerns us before we ever discern His call. We discuss what Jesus’ calling of the twelve apostles reveals about how intentionally God knows us, sees our potential, and calls us for a specific purpose. Fr. Will also shares how God can bring gifts out of us that we didn’t even know we had and why we don’t need to have everything figured out before we give God our yes. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * There is always deeper meaning even in simple scripture passages. Fr. Will suggests that when Jesus “saw” the disciples in the Gospel (Mark 1: 16-19), there was much more to it than that. What might he have “seen” about them, in them? * Fr. Will never thought he’d be good at public speaking, seeing himself as a “numbers guy,” but as he said, “God sees not just who we are now. God sees who we can become.” Now he gives powerful homilies every day. What things are you doing now that you never thought you’d be doing? What did God know about you that you couldn’t see? * Does looking back at God’s vision for you allow you to look forward to a future full of more possibilities than you dared to hope for? Resources Mentioned: * Write These Words (https://www.writethesewords.com/) We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

7. 

   12 Sept 2026

   5 Signs it May Be Time to Stop

   Goals, rules of life, plans -- they are all only meant to serve the big goal: our union with God. That means we need to have a clear sense of freedom to change or stop moving toward them when circumstances change or when we get more clarity. Here are five signs that stopping may be a best yes. And here's the coaching page I mention: https://www.writethesewords.com/coaching (https://www.writethesewords.com/coaching) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

8. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Episode 10: You Can Trust Him: Michelle Benzinger on Letting the Holy Spirit Illuminate Each Yes and No

   In this episode, I am joined by Michelle Benzinger, wife, mother of six, and co-host of the Abiding Together Podcast, to talk about discerning in each season of life. We discuss the importance of knowing ourselves, protecting margin, and creating space for prayer, creativity, and family. Michelle also shares how she discerns what to share publicly, how she gracefully says no to good opportunities, and the difference between being anointed for something and being appointed for it in God’s timing. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * Michelle reflects that since she was a child, she saw the world through a “creative gaze”, a magical technicolor lens, not unlike the stories in the books she was devouring. But in an attempt to fit in, she felt like she had to “forget” something of the creative woman she was. Is there any part of you that you jettisoned along the way in an attempt to fit in? Have you been able to reclaim it, and has it been, perhaps, refined as you’ve matured? * “We all,” pointed out Michelle, “often feel like we’re the exception to the rule.” In other words, that no one else understands. No one else has gone through this. No one knows. She says of the enemy, “if he isolates you then he’s got you.” But telling our stories, sharing–to the degree it is appropriate–is a way of revealing not only something of ourselves but revealing to others that they, in fact, are not alone or hopelessly estranged from the rest of humanity. This is a great gift. Who might benefit from knowing the story of what God has done for you? * Do you need more margin in your life, or “ponder time” as Michelle calls it? What are we missing out on when we fill our schedules with back-to-back plans and appointments? One of our greatest “yeses” could be a “no” to a crammed calendar. * Michelle had a beautiful word of encouragement for all those in seasons of waiting, of being anointed for a purpose but still without a divine appointment. She suggests that God may be using this season to enlarge your spirit, that His glory be more fully revealed through you. If we try to force different relationships or collaborations and not wait for the Holy Spirit, we will encounter a lack of “ease” that can indicate we’re trying to force something that is not ready yet. That doesn’t mean there won’t be sacrifice required within a genuine call. But sacrifice and straining are different. How have you experienced that difference? Resources Mentioned: * The Abiding Together Podcast (https://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/) * Be Loved Litany Prayer Cards (https://store.faithandfamilypublications.com/collections/claire-dwyer/products/be-loved-litany-prayer-cards) We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

9. 

   5 Sept 2026

   Bonus episode: The Motives of Our Hearts

   Here’s why waiting until your motives are perfect might just be what the enemy wants more than anything. The reality is, the purification happens in the process, not in living in paralysis. We all feel a little pang when we realize that our desires are also mixed up in what we wish were perfectly detached and purified intentions. It's okay, because as St. Paul reminded us in today's reading, we're not to be the judge - even of ourselves. And because this is a long game of sanctification, we'll wait until the end for all things to come to light and God to call it good. This special bonus episode gives listeners a taste of what I record regularly for paid supporters. Their generosity makes this podcast possible. I mention our Catholic writers' community in this episode. Find out more about PraiseWriters here. (https://www.writethesewords.com/praisewriters-catholic-membership-1) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

10. 

    2 Sept 2026

    Episode 9: Spirit-led Strategy: Ascension CEO Jonathan Strate on Taking the Pulse of the Church, Highlighting Others’ Charisms, and the New Liturgy of the Hours

    In this episode, I am joined by Jonathan Strate, President and CEO of Ascension, for a conversation about discerning what the Church needs and how Ascension makes decisions to meet those needs. We explore how prayer and research can work together, the importance of recognizing the unique giftings of others, and their exciting new edition of the Liturgy of the Hours. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * Jonathan Strate describes how Ascension Press offers smaller opportunities to new online evangelists to see if these presenters connect well to their audience. In other words, they place “small bets” before going all-in and investing a lot of time and money. Why is this wise? How can this technique of “risk minimizing” translate to your life? For example, you may be considering launching an apostolate that would dramatically change your life; how could you “try it on” before committing a large amount of resources? * One of our best yeses–hands down–is a daily, set-apart prayer time. Doesn’t have to be long, doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it should be personal. It should also be anchored somehow to the prayer of the Church. Do you pray with the Liturgy of the Hours? The Daily Readings? Daily Mass? If not, are you open to starting? Do you see the beauty in the way that the entire Catholic Church prays together each day? * Why do you think there is a resurgence in interest in what is beautiful and true, for example, the sacred art that Claire spoke of or the new translation of the Liturgy of the Hours as Jonathan explained it? How is this a “best yes” for the Church – the embrace of Spirit-led renewal while staying anchored to our sacred past? * Jonathan said one of his best yeses – really, a series of yeses - is the openness to life that has led to a family of seven children. How can you make a more radical “yes” to the tremendous gift of life–whether taking better care of your own, nurturing others’ inner lives through spiritual motherhood or fatherhood, or advocating for those who cannot defend their own right to life? Resources Mentioned: * Ascension’s new Liturgy of the Hours (https://ascensionpress.com/pages/content-hub/liturgy-of-the-hours?gad_campaignid=23078280916&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADkUcNQ8Sa91ybCA7HVLifwYYO08t&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnbrUBhDOARIsAKKhPpdZlwOIltK9rtcRcb5n78yCnSmPPl_gl_e4g21MBG66OMhPInZ-AtsaAmD4EALw_wcB&hsa_acc=6348451465&hsa_ad=776775725415&hsa_cam=23078280916&hsa_grp=190173241430&hsa_kw=liturgy%20of%20the%20hours&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-18720300&hsa_ver=3&utm_campaign=Bibles%20Team%20%E2%80%93%20LOTH%20Search%20Ad&utm_id=23078280916&utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=adwords&utm_term=liturgy%20of%20the%20hours) (Second Edition) * Liturgy of the Hours Assistance Fund (https://ascensionpress.com/pages/content-hub/liturgy-of-the-hours-assistance-fund) * Meet Ruth Strickland (https://ascensionpress.com/pages/content-hub/the-liturgy-of-the-hours-second-edition-commissioned-sacred-artwork) (Video) * The Perfect Prayer (https://spiritualdirection.com/series/the-perfect-prayer) (Video) * Into the Deep (https://spiritualdirection.com/series/into-the-deep) with Dan Burke (Video) We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

11. 

    26 Aug 2026

    Episode 8: After Twenty Years of No: Seasons of Life with Carrie Schuchts Daunt

    In this episode, I continue my conversation with Carrie Daunt, and we talk about how to faithfully navigate discernment in the midst of everyday responsibilities. Carrie shares how she has learned to balance motherhood and ministry, how God prepared her for ministry through years of hidden life, and how He always supplied her grace once she stepped out in faith. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * After a long season of necessary “nos” to most things outside of her primary vocation as a wife and homeschooling mom, Carrie admits that, “I was so used to saying no that I couldn’t even hear when God was saying yes.” Has anything similar happened to you–you get so used to the status quo that you come close to missing the ‘new thing’ God is doing? (Is 43:19) * Once she realized that the door was now open for a wider apostolic work, Carrie still wasn’t quite sure how everything on the homefront was going to work out. “God wanted me to jump before he showed me where I was going to land,” she remembers. What is the Lord doing in our hearts when He doesn’t show us the whole plan? * Especially when traveling with her young children, Carrie relies on a team. Who is in your support system? Do you need to accept more help in your “yes” to God’s call? Resources Mentioned: * Undone: Freeing Your Feminine Heart from the Knots of Fear and Shame (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1594719691?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback) by Carrie Daunt * The Interior Castle (https://www.amazon.com/Interior-Castle-Dover-Thrift-Editions/dp/0486461459/ref=sxin_19_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.292df443-b323-44ae-8b40-9a666975b8b5%3Aamzn1.sym.292df443-b323-44ae-8b40-9a666975b8b5&crid=1J6SFVCCAQAG1&cv_ct_cx=interior+castle&keywords=interior+castle&pd_rd_i=0486461459&pd_rd_r=35448575-af04-4969-87d6-45ab899b9cd5&pd_rd_w=NtdVi&pd_rd_wg=99dRT&pf_rd_p=292df443-b323-44ae-8b40-9a666975b8b5&pf_rd_r=CF5BB4RABXRPP4THAMF0&qid=1784728179&s=books&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=interior+cas%2Cstripbooks%2C215&sr=1-3-6024b2a3-78e4-4fed-8fed-e1613be3bcce-spons&aref=G3FqGEmwvL&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1) (https://www.amazon.com/Interior-Castle-Dover-Thrift-Editions/dp/0486461459/ref=sxin_19_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.292df443-b323-44ae-8b40-9a666975b8b5%3Aamzn1.sym.292df443-b323-44ae-8b40-9a666975b8b5&crid=1J6SFVCCAQAG1&cv_ct_cx=interior+castle&keywords=interior+castle&pd_rd_i=0486461459&pd_rd_r=35448575-af04-4969-87d6-45ab899b9cd5&pd_rd_w=NtdVi&pd_rd_wg=99dRT&pf_rd_p=292df443-b323-44ae-8b40-9a666975b8b5&pf_rd_r=CF5BB4RABXRPP4THAMF0&qid=1784728179&s=books&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=interior+cas%2Cstripbooks%2C215&sr=1-3-6024b2a3-78e4-4fed-8fed-e1613be3bcce-spons&aref=G3FqGEmwvL&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1)by St. Teresa of Ávila * JPII Healing Center (https://jpiihealingcenter.org/) * This Present Paradise (https://www.amazon.com/This-Present-Paradise-Claire-Dwyer/dp/1644132877/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s8TK2OOry8sOd05ewUdrPaW5atjzXynn93FN53JUwHBTlc_Vx1f6JLToQkDVjfiC_jfzwZVxAs2dbwSzFXWLh8gr1vUeDMAliqzzKbw53OxZ87p5-ypEx5NNpkIJBctSIhbVXZ-7XTE_JnFNwuHl8IVHzz5YtrbnErxqdzFYXwxp48l_JJua_zn6ruRc1dmykgLuiPr3hrJyflcrkmyDj5Q-haHL4JQDoodyND5ZC7I.xggczjwu7eK5cD1yCFsUT-xzRUkYJ4joLQCe_RcJMzI&qid=1784727349&sr=1-1) by Claire Dwyer We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

12. 

    19 Aug 2026

    Episode 7: This is What I’m Made For: From Shame to Freedom with Carrie Schuchts Daunt

    In this episode, I welcome Carrie Daunt, a presenter for the John Paul II Healing Center, for a conversation about how God desires to meet us in the places of shame that often shape our decisions without us even realizing it. Carrie shares her own journey of healing from the wound of shame and reflects on how encountering God’s love restored her freedom to live confidently as His beloved daughter. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * With a mom who worked as a labor and delivery nurse, and a father who worked in the field of inner healing, Carrie realized that her own calling just seemed to “fit.” Do you see any kind of familial, inter-generational vocation in your family? Can you identify a charism that your family seems to have? This could be a confirmation of the “consistency” test of discernment. * Carrie said, “Shame is the detour that prevents us from being gift. It’s the thing that keeps us hidden and keeps us afraid to give of ourselves because we don’t feel worthy of giving it.” Does this resonate with you? What does the enemy use to keep you hidden and holding back? * In sharing what feels shameful, we experience a sort of liberation. Carrie remembers opening up about an area of personal struggle: “Saying the words out loud, acknowledging them, putting them into space…they lost their grip and their hold on me.” Have you experienced release and freedom simply in opening up to a safe person? Resources Mentioned: * Undone: Freeing Your Feminine Heart from the Knots of Fear and Shame (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1594719691?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback) by Carrie Daunt * Man Your Post: Learning to Lead Like St. Joseph (https://www.amazon.com/Man-Your-Post-Learning-Joseph/dp/150512137X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=281ZTX9ET2BSW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.h-bA1jdGpr7CU4eGThr07tS3OEqdxw0bPi2uvygIKtY.86_sDju1j1sKYw3W_HogdttrItiAGERNEL99G8fZ0t4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Man+Your+Post%3A+Learning+to+Lead+Like+St.+Joseph&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1784727257&s=books&sprefix=man+your+post+learning+to+lead+like+st.+joseph%2Cstripbooks%2C188&sr=1-1) by Duane and Carrie Daunt * Born Only Once (https://www.amazon.com/Born-Only-Once-Third-Affirmation/dp/1498288154/ref=sr_1_1?crid=130UOU67UU0N&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rTw9_O_g2D2zTt_jAxnU0DnzAJLO2n861jbCY7LOh9Fq92vmYJQmJYTsWjCJVvDFCh_XrYDauGqf2p0dHGVPkg.uci3KlVZX2tQtmXfdiYeR4ROeYSKLAjzUb6gRb_Lvz8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Born+Only+Once&qid=1784727295&s=books&sprefix=born+only+once%2Cstripbooks%2C205&sr=1-1) by Dr. Conrad Baars * Mere Christianity (https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926/ref=sr_1_1?crid=P3UXUD0HSP74&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Dsx69lTutVTsIV8cCb8cGqkLARX-nYMdzhz4sGVz04ELTp1PedpMVW67v_d3w9qVm1__OPSDuPBLg6Xm9IGnwG-s-ovO0_EfC_U4_rh0qdqhE3Ev2U4w-6TMjQpNQSysFGMXD2Nz022spdyqcT923pSzaiNVVEYDtuVcYaTQsagk1A9c23J70EwsWoPAzonSEX88V9bGFmYlAHg2CI0nOC5y341u-StzzhlJQBc4qCg.eIu2jev_Mam5Az0v2SR8v3qCxDXhST5VgRAGKRtxkDo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mere+Christianity&qid=1784727327&s=books&sprefix=mere+christianity%2Cstripbooks%2C178&sr=1-1) by C.S. Lewis * This Present Paradise (https://www.amazon.com/This-Present-Paradise-Claire-Dwyer/dp/1644132877/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s8TK2OOry8sOd05ewUdrPaW5atjzXynn93FN53JUwHBTlc_Vx1f6JLToQkDVjfiC_jfzwZVxAs2dbwSzFXWLh8gr1vUeDMAliqzzKbw53OxZ87p5-ypEx5NNpkIJBctSIhbVXZ-7XTE_JnFNwuHl8IVHzz5YtrbnErxqdzFYXwxp48l_JJua_zn6ruRc1dmykgLuiPr3hrJyflcrkmyDj5Q-haHL4JQDoodyND5ZC7I.xggczjwu7eK5cD1yCFsUT-xzRUkYJ4joLQCe_RcJMzI&qid=1784727349&sr=1-1) by Claire Dwyer We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

13. 

    12 Aug 2026

    Episode 6: Discovering a Pattern in our Gifts: Dr. Joshua Miller on Finding and Protecting Our Best Work

    In this episode, I continue my conversation with Dr. Joshua Miller, and we talk about what personal vocation looks like in everyday life. Dr. Miller shares stories from his own vocational discernment, the many “yesses” that shaped his path, and the confirmations God provided along the way. Learning to protect our deepest call helps us to discern what truly matters. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * Dr. Miller describes how his family of origin’s commitment to the defense of unborn life helped him to discover his particular passion for each human life as unique and “precious before the Lord.” Do you see any continuation or consistency in your upbringing as it relates to what you know of your personal vocation? * “God crafts us with a certain kind of hunger for those goods that are ours to seek out,” reflects Dr. Miller. He adds that we are better able to serve those entrusted to us when we find something to do professionally that “taps into that hunger.” Have you been able to find that “something”? Ideally, we can work in a profession that fills us up. Sometimes, we must find it in other parts of our life. Reflect on what fills–and fulfills–you, and how engaging in it, rather than being selfish, may actually help you make a greater gift of yourself? * We may notice a pattern or rhythm to our best work, as Dr. Miller did when he realized that his drive to understand and process a body of knowledge and then develop teachable content around it was not only personally satisfying but deeply fruitful. He noticed a “pattern of gift.” The challenge then is to guard our time and energy to ensure we say, as he did, “no to other invitations if they take me away from that rhythm.” Look over your calendar. What obligations and invitations tend to take you away from your most fruitful rhythms? Could you say “no” to any of these? Resources Mentioned: * Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1947792679?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback) by Dr. Joshua Miller and Luke Burgess * Personal Vocation: God Calls Everyone by Name (https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Vocation-Calls-Everyone-Name/dp/159276021X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PLKP6G9ETEE7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dgpgHn7oXluh7HcGN5lw8A.i5t1auEY4MhY8bdGD_DXruzdL-x-0B7BX_mRm2_VJes&dib_tag=se&keywords=Personal+Vocation%3A+God+Calls+Everyone+by+Name+by+Russell+Shaw+and+Germain+Grisez&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1784726170&s=books&sprefix=personal+vocation+god+calls+everyone+by+name+by+russell+shaw+and+germain+grisez%2Cstripbooks%2C309&sr=1-1) by Russell Shaw and Germain Grisez * Christifideles Laici (http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_30121988_christifideles-laici.html) (The Lay Members of Christ’s Faithful People) by St. John Paul II We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

14. 

    5 Aug 2026

    Episode 5: There are No “Generic” Relationships with God: Dr. Joshua Miller on Personal Vocation

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joshua Miller, the Director of Coaching and Programming for the Office of Personal Vocation at Franciscan University of Steubenville, to explore how we discern our personal vocation. We discuss what it means to discover the unique way God has created and called each of us, why discernment begins in the present moment, and how our deepest joys, gifts, and even wounds, can reveal the path He is inviting us to walk. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * Dr. Miller now works with people professionally, listening to their stories and helping them recognize patterns in their narrative that point to a personal vocation. It is possible to trace our vocations back to the beginnings of our lives because God’s unique call to each person by name is, as he says, constant. What “hints” or prophetic moments can you remember about growing up that you can now see pointed to your particular call? * “In every story of personal fulfillment,” says Dr. Miller, “invariably the person is engaged with other people and things in the world. And invariably, the unique potentialities of those things are also being realized.” That means that when we are operating in our gifts, participating in the work of the Father that we’ve been distinctively designed for and called to, we are also helping other things and people reach their full potential. Reflect back on your personal stories. Can you see how you are not the only one being blessed in these stories? How are you equipped to help other people find fulfillment, or orient the things of the world to God? * Dr. Miller makes the point that no fulfillment story can totally fulfill us. Why? How can our “moments of authentic fulfilment” in this life indicate what we might look forward to in the next? Do you find that freeing? Does it change your idea of what heaven is like? Resources Mentioned: * Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1947792679?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback) by Dr. Joshua Miller and Luke Burgess * The Motivation Code (https://www.amazon.com/Motivation-Code-Discover-Hidden-Forces/dp/B0B8TB464V/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XXLY7qbrTTxxmuGmlO1hh0IIoBXWg8NJVTo1KHaF0tH5F91fgfAQ0lQhdeVaam3ZoP9sRfm0ZHB66rhGwO1IDaTIKp6bYAz6_WYj4oYSRhrHjNsTaXQUhcf1XxkQUGtfHidlEc3OORYtIbeX96IXi_2vJ1SQ_7EbrVn8-21hDfgNVbU7LxpusyQrF5Mf8wkyHWkwp1UzHXU43FGi1dAPWc0SuzADdpM8vflyS9fQp9I.dGYEOnrEF3nsrcMhxkGkgcpAhWSvPmVVC2op-sven-E&qid=1784725477&sr=1-1) (contributing author: Dr. Joshua Miller) * The Problem of Pain (https://www.amazon.com/Problem-Pain-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652969/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9stIydLGFonF7MHhRpXDEptRrx9aypebv-MAs_UAX9pc4eLhwH0wgYKhO7OZJ1x5scTiGFtlD2ZHhQyxWlOzvFqka_fwZPjkwocxuWIVvHSWK0Zifag59wxs7tAbeS9Srq3Q1rUD8nDLpXDk78G2O1UkPRh10SyXkTxFoSGGSlxzqSgH-mSjLxROJTPP-kxw1TpFouowSicx2hQi7P1ddM0o_CHMefGJ6n7388r5_vQ.Indx8lssYd8_7XHTdEC4y0wnVeZaPryj1nuRgelSaXQ&qid=1784725528&sr=1-1) by C.S. Lewis We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

15. 

    17 Jul 2026

    Episode 4: Saying Yes to a God Who Holds Nothing Back: Dr. Bob Schuchts on Healing and Wholeness for a Fuller “Yes”

    In this episode, I continue my conversation with Dr. Bob Schuchts to discuss the connection between inner healing and our ability to discern God’s will. We talk about how wounds, fears, and distorted images of God can create interior division that makes discernment difficult, even when we sincerely desire to follow Him. Dr. Bob also offers insights into how God’s love restores what has been fragmented within us, leading us toward greater wholeness, trust, and communion. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * One thing that holds us back from giving God our Best Yes is fear–fear that isn’t always rational, that can come from our wounds. In that sense, inner healing can free us to make better, freer decisions. God’s love heals us, says Dr. Bob, but truth is also necessary for healing. How so? What happens if we seek to love but bypass truth? * According to Dr. Bob, someone who has been healed from trauma “can have a communion with God and hear God at a deeper level and have more freedom than most of us”? This is a beautiful example of how God works all things for good (Romans 8:28). Does his observation give you hope for your own wounds? Resources Mentioned: * JPII Healing Center (https://jpiihealingcenter.org/) * Restore the Glory Podcast (https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/) * Be Healed (https://jpiihealingcenter.org/product/be-healed-dr-bob-schuchts-copy/) by Dr. Bob Schuchts * Do You Want to be Healed? (https://jpiihealingcenter.org/product/dywtbh-dr-bob-schuchts/) by Dr. Bob Schuchts We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

16. 

    17 Jul 2026

    Episode 3: Called Out of Our Comfort Zone: Dr. Bob Schuchts on Starting the JPII Healing Center

    In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Bob Schuchts, founder of the JPII Healing Center, to talk about how he discerned the creation of this life-changing ministry. Dr. Bob shares about the decisions, confirmations, and moments of surrender that led him from a successful counseling practice into helping others encounter Christ’s healing love on a larger scale. As he reflects on the ways God guided him through trusted mentors, family, and unexpected circumstances, I invite you to consider how the Lord may be leading you in your own decisions. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * Dr. Bob describes “Pentecost Thursday” – the moment of an “explosion of power of the Holy Spirit’s grace to heal;” on that day he received a “mandate from God” to start the JP II Healing Center. And yet, he still submitted to the discernment of spiritual directors and advisors. Even when God seems to move powerfully, why is it necessary to discern the source and wise to ask for input and counsel? Who should we go to about important discernment questions? * When Dr. Bob sat down with his wife to discuss the Center’s potential impact on their family life, it was agreed that half of the events would happen in their hometown to reduce his time away from their grandchildren. Sometimes, as we seek to obey God’s call, we can be creative and come up with solutions to mitigate any negative impact on our primary vocation. How have you navigated new calls amidst existing obligations? * Sometimes God calls us out of our comfort zone. Dr. Bob shares candidly that he initially didn’t want to offer large retreats. “I’m an introvert,” he said. “I like one-on-one. I like teaching; I was happy in a classroom with 30 or 50 people. And so the real stretching was going to larger audiences.” He also had ongoing health issues that made such intensive work and travel difficult. Have you ever had to do something that felt bigger than your natural giftings, desires, or capacity? What happened? * Renouncing a spirit of dread also freed him to continue his travel schedule. Sometimes, it is not just the circumstance itself but our thoughts about it, which may or may not be our own. Understanding Discernment of Spirits, a framework proposed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, can help us determine the proper course of action. Are you familiar with Discernment of Spirits? Have you used it to understand your thoughts? Resources Mentioned: * JPII Healing Center (https://jpiihealingcenter.org/) * Restore the Glory Podcast (https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/) * Be Healed (https://jpiihealingcenter.org/product/be-healed-dr-bob-schuchts-copy/) by Dr. Bob Schuchts We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

17. 

    17 Jul 2026

    Episode 2: Conviction vs. Certainty: Fr. Dave Pivonka on the Five “C’s” of Discernment

    In this episode, I continue my conversation with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, and explore Fr. Michael Scanlan’s practical framework for discerning God’s will. Through personal examples, Fr. Dave uses the “Five C’s” of decision-making, to help walk us through what discernment can look like. God is not a distant game show host waiting for us to choose the “wrong door,” but a loving Father who desires to guide us towards deeper trust and union with Him. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * Fr. Dave shared that God typically gives him little glimpses that “something’s coming” before a door opens in his life. It’s a distinctive, recognizable, and reassuring part of the “consistency test”. Reflect back on times when God was moving in your life, doing something new. Can you discern a pattern to how things unfold? Remember - God is mysterious and sometimes surprising, but He’s not random or erratic. * Fr. Dave makes an important distinction between conviction and certainty. Conviction, he points out, still requires faith, testing, and working through “the feelings and fickleness” of our hearts. Have you ever hesitated in a decision because you didn’t have certainty? What might God have been asking of you instead? Resources Mentioned: * What Does God Want? (https://www.amazon.com/What-Does-God-Want-Practical/dp/0879735848#:~:text=This%20book%20is%20about%20making,God's%20voice%20from%20the%20Devil's.) by Father Michael Scanlan We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

18. 

    15 Jul 2026

    Episode 1: Choosing Between Two Goods: Fr. Dave Pivonka Shares His Discernment Story

    Welcome to Your Best Yes, the podcast! In this first episode, I sit down with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, the president of Franciscan University, to explore the often hidden journey of discernment and the graces given when we make decisions with God. Fr. Dave shares his own story of discerning the priesthood and how his “big yes” was formed through countless smaller acts of surrender throughout his life. Reflection and Discussion Questions: * We are prepared for bigger “yeses” by a lifetime of smaller ones. Fr. Dave said, “I was able to say yes to the priesthood only because I’ve said yes 100 times before.” Do you realize that with every small choice you make everyday, you are freeing yourself a little more to hear more distinctly and respond to God more generously when the big decisions come? Does that shift your perspective on the eternal value of what seems, in the moment, to be ordinary or not significant? * Fr. Dave suggests that when making a big decision–new job, moving, considering priesthood, marriage, or religious life–that we actively enter into a time of discernment that has a start and and an end. “There’s a distinction between thinking about something and being open to something and actually discerning something,” he said. Have you been generally open to something but not committed to discerning it? Could the Lord be calling you to such a time of dedicated, active discernment? * Fr. Dave remarks that since authentic discernment is between two goods, it would be natural and even healthy to feel a sense of sadness or loss when we know that choosing one thing means saying no to another good thing. He remembers that marriage was something he knew from growing up to be beautiful and holy. What good things have you given up or sacrificed for the sake of other goods? Did you feel a sense of sadness? Did it make you second-guess? * Speaking of second-guessing, Fr. Dave reminds us that the level of “success” or the outcome of our discernment can’t always be measured by human standards. Just because something doesn’t seem to bear immediate earthly fruit does not mean it was discerned wrongly. Does that offer you any consolation about decisions you’ve made in your life? Resources Mentioned: * What Does God Want? (https://www.amazon.com/What-Does-God-Want-Practical/dp/0879735848#:~:text=This%20book%20is%20about%20making,God's%20voice%20from%20the%20Devil's.) by Father Michael Scanlan * The Wild Goose (https://wildgoose.tv/programs/collection-wlknyrzsacq) series by Father Dave Pivonka * Sign of Contradiction (https://wildgoose.tv/programs/st-francis-of-assisi-sign-of-contradiction-46401f?category_id=24291) documentary by Father Dave Pivonka * My Father’s Father (https://wildgoose.tv/programs/my-fathers-father?category_id=23145) documentary by Father Dave Pivonka We’d love to hear from you! If this podcast has encouraged you, consider supporting Your Best Yes on Substack (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe) to help us continue creating conversations and resources to help others seek God’s will with greater clarity, confidence, and trust. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe (https://yourbestyes.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

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Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

11 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Contact Your Best Yes with Claire Dwyer

Guest appearances

Books guests

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