The family is the domestic church—and the enemy knows it.

In this episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn Bruggeman is joined by Catholic author and theologian Dr. Dan Schneider for a powerful conversation on spiritual warfare and the battle for the family. This episode explores how spiritual warfare affects individuals, parents, children, and family life—and what Catholic families can do to stay spiritually alert, protected, and rooted in Christ.

Together, Robyn and Dan discuss:

1. What spiritual warfare really is (and what it is not)
2. 
   
3. How the enemy targets the family and the home
4. 
   
5. The spiritual authority parents have in the domestic church
6. 
   
7. Practical ways to protect your family through prayer, sacraments, and vigilance

This episode is especially for parents who want to safeguard their homes/families, raise spiritually resilient children, and reclaim the family as a place where Christ reigns.

📖 Learn more about Dr. Dan Schneider’s books and ministry:

Holy League Institute Resources | Holy League Institute

The Liber Christo Method: A Field Manual for Spiritual Combat use code “LIVINGLIT15” for discount

📍 Detail coming soon about Dan’s upcoming speaking engagement in the Black Hills, South Dakota. Stay tuned!

🔔 Subscribe to LIVING LIT for more episodes on Catholic family life, liturgical living, and the Domestic Church Living.

What does it really mean to fix our eyes on Jesus—not just spiritually, but practically—in the middle of real life?

In this episode, I’m joined by Meg Hunter-Kilmer, speaker, evangelist, and author, to talk about her book Eyes Fixed on Jesus and the heart behind it. Together, we explore how developing a real, personal relationship with Jesus begins and grows through time spent in the Word of God.

We talk about the important difference between simply reading Scripture and truly praying with Scripture—allowing God’s Word to speak to us, form us, and meet us exactly where we are. Meg shares how her book intentionally points readers directly to Scripture, helping them become more comfortable opening the Bible and spending time with Jesus there, no matter their season of life or level of experience.

This conversation is an encouragement to anyone who has ever felt intimidated by Scripture, unsure how to pray with it, or distracted in their prayer life. We talk honestly about how Jesus meets us in the midst of ordinary, messy, beautiful life—and how fixing our eyes on Him again and again transforms everything.

Whether you’re new to Scripture or longing to go deeper, this episode is an invitation to slow down, open the Word, and encounter Jesus—who is always waiting to meet us there.

📖 Eyes Fixed on Jesus by Meg Hunter-Kilmer is published by Our Sunday Visitor Our Sunday Visitor - Eyes Fixed on Jesus, Vol. 1: A Journey into the Gospels

Meg’s Bible Reading Plan One-Year-Bible-Chronological.pdf

Meg on Instagram

Robyn on Instagram

🎧 Listen in and be encouraged to lift your gaze, open the Scriptures, and begin again.

Before you take down the Christmas tree or pack away the lights—pause. The party is just getting started.

In this joyful episode of Living LIT—Living In Truth, Robyn sits down with Catholic children’s book author Katie Warner to talk about celebrating Christmas the Catholic way—as a season, not a single day.

Katie shares the inspiration behind her books Christmas Carols and My True Love Gave to Me, the latter beautifully introducing children to the meaning behind the 12 Days of Christmas. Together, they explore how story, song, and simple traditions can help families slow down, keep the focus on Christ, and enter more deeply into the Church’s rich liturgical rhythm.

This conversation will encourage you to:

Keep Christmas going beyond December 25 (the way it's meant to be savored and celebrated.)

Help children understand the faith through tradition and symbolism

Celebrate Christmastide with joy, intention, and simplicity

Embrace the Church’s calendar as a gift that teaches us how to rejoice well

Because the Catholic Church doesn’t rush the celebration—we super celebrate. And your home, your “little church,” is the perfect place to do it.

Special resources mentioned in podcast and how to find Katie:

http://firstfaithtreasury.com/shop/

https://katiewarner.com/

In this special Advent replay, Robyn shares one of her favorite conversations from her time co-hosting Ignition with Dr. Chris Burgwald- theologian, OG Catholic podcaster, and now Chancellor of the Diocese of Sioux Falls.

Together they dive into the beauty, history, and meaning of Our Lady of Guadalupe-and highlight the astonishing symbolism and miraculous details woven into Juan Diego's tilma and this Marian Aparition—those little mind-blowing tidbits that make you fall even more in love with Our Lady and God’s creativity. This one will leave you marveling at the faith like a child!

Our Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12.

537: The Miracle of Guadalupe | Ignition

In this quick episode, I share how our family celebrates St. Nicholas Day each year — a simple little tradition we “kick up a notch” that actually helps simplify the rest of our Advent and Christmas season. If you're looking for a meaningful way to honor St. Nicholas while keeping your December peaceful and Christ-focused, this mini episode is for you!

Here are some of the books we enjoy about St Nicholas:

Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Nicholas-Story-Christmas-Legend/dp/0758613415/ref=sr_1_3?crid=23YVJ1LKQA5D4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P-_PM1I9mTp-AtbyaGoUcoqg4IzAKWyHacHuSQ-VPe-heBYmCYDwDhMPmNdNf8yBryzyRCMsbQG-9YdN6E1urx0Eny-7X5UteLw_Z3yaP5SOLy870QYsTKh-p7wzpmbu8vgD4BvoRKc3Fx4rtdTsboWURZEfn-H0sIDQ_VOv4ykH-Ya_3FqvPnU_khSTW6011X7p7xJ1Ox-9t8OVNOAf4EkMemqNtwTeTTJr6PqmL14.w18JpngKw8h8jCojMtgwSSjgE1wkxUBsjKbdasRGMC4&dib_tag=se&keywords=st+nicholas+books+for+kids&qid=1764946977&sprefix=St+Nicholas+b%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-3

Amazon.com: Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: The History and Legends of the Real Santa Claus: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Nicholas-Giftgiver-Ned-Bustard/dp/1514001802/ref=sr_1_8?crid=23YVJ1LKQA5D4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P-_PM1I9mTp-AtbyaGoUcoqg4IzAKWyHacHuSQ-VPe-heBYmCYDwDhMPmNdNf8yBryzyRCMsbQG-9YdN6E1urx0Eny-7X5UteLw_Z3yaP5SOLy870QYsTKh-p7wzpmbu8vgD4BvoRKc3Fx4rtdTsboWURZEfn-H0sIDQ_VOv4ykH-Ya_3FqvPnU_khSTW6011X7p7xJ1Ox-9t8OVNOAf4EkMemqNtwTeTTJr6PqmL14.w18JpngKw8h8jCojMtgwSSjgE1wkxUBsjKbdasRGMC4&dib_tag=se&keywords=st+nicholas+books+for+kids&qid=1764946977&sprefix=St+Nicholas+b%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-8

The Miracle of Saint Nicholas: Gloria Whelan, Judith Brown: 9781883937188: Amazon.com: Books: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-St-Nicholas-Golden-Books/dp/1883937183/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17C5559PKIFZL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.r3K6sJNREgWAqUw64Olc2DC2_aLJkU2DQ1NecfWuVhs.64EKjlVKPL3ihdBt7AGHfvf9dnfcXUkM_PSAESeSMaM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+miracle+of+saint+nicholas+by+gloria+whelan&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1764947344&sprefix=the+miracle+of+saint+%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1

The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale, with Bonus Cookie Recipe and Pattern for St. Nicholas Christmas Cookies (25th Anniversary Edition): https://www.amazon.com/Bakers-Dozen-Nicholas-Christmas-Anniversary/dp/1620355728/ref=sr_1_1?crid=130N2Z0NGKDKS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RmOmloMUHHOhR_AD7SqYY7L1b_WW8sP511HY6Vn1ecIl3__ViNHNX_EDdfYzyU3uZVirQON-pzy879jC7fjWyy9uwRErosIPRkIREkYnJfrLhqa_iJSyqK-oYQBEvbBgUem4fq5Ga0wy0gsuPSVX0w.FPo8bWueEZ176OXo0eOL1lJhQGP9ABWM4LHRQC-JRSw&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+baker%27s+dozen+aaron&qid=1764947434&sprefix=the+Baker%27s+Dozen%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1

The Legend of Saint Nicholas (Incredible Lives for Young Readers (ILYR)): Grun, Anselm, Ferri, Giuliano: 9780802854346: https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Saint-Nicholas-Anselm-Grun/dp/0802854346/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EBOZ31S98HFF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XMNupubQOQYV2DCny6DUog.3gHcIPc31cmH0GC-Lkk9Qfh4UMxX8IFBh1q6fVf6DMc&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+legend+of+saint+nicholas+anselm+grun&qid=1764947501&sprefix=the+legned+of+saint+nicholas+anselm+grun%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1

December is overflowing with beautiful feast days — and yet, it’s also a month when our hearts crave stillness, intention, and the quiet waiting of Advent. In today’s episode, we’re walking through the Top 5 Feast Days of December and exploring simple, meaningful ways you can celebrate them without losing the peace and prayerfulness of the season.

We’ll look at:

* St. Nicholas — the saint of hidden generosity

* The Immaculate Conception — Mary’s pure “yes” preparing the way for Jesus

* Our Lady of Guadalupe — the Mother who draws near to her children

* St. Lucy — a bearer of light in the darkness

* The Nativity of Our Lord — Christmas, the feast of all feasts

For each one, we’ll talk about what the feast celebrates and one or two simple, doable ways to live it out right in the little church you call home — without overwhelming your family or overfilling your calendar.

You’ll also hear a reminder of what the month of December is dedicated to in the Catholic Church and how Mary, under her Immaculate Conception, gently guides us in preparing our hearts for Jesus.

If you desire a December marked not by chaos but by quiet wonder, not by pressure but by presence, this episode will help you root your family in the beauty of the Church’s rhythm — simply, joyfully, and intentionally.

The Immaculate Conception: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhQsBmJM478&t=26s

537: The Miracle of Guadalupe | Ignition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6_W7yUts0A&list=PLqSqcaJSjAjac-QUMpppZWPG316qGvlC7&index=116

In today’s episode, Robyn sits down with Catholic children’s author Maura Roan McKeegan, known for her beautiful Old and New children's book series inspired by St Augustine’s insight that “the New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old is unveiled in the New.”

Maura’s award-winning series of “Old & New” (as in Old & New Testament) books open the door for readers of all ages to discover the hidden wonders of biblical typology. This episode will introduce you to Biblical Typology (if you aren’t already familiar with it), and open your eyes to these amazing treasures nuggets that Our Lord so intentionally placed within Scripture - so you can bring this alive in your home.

Maura shares the inspiration behind the series, how to bring biblical truth to life, and why children are capable of understanding deep Scriptural connections when they’re presented simply and beautifully.

You’ll walk away with practical ideas for bringing Scripture alive in your domestic church, and helping your children (and you!) see Jesus woven through the story of salvation history.

Perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone who desires to root their home more deeply in God’s Word.

The “Old & New” book series is available at Old and New Series Complete Set - St. Paul Center: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/old-and-new-series-complete-set

Original episode from Nov. 22, 2024

Fr Cowles helps set the stage for us to start thinking about and preparing for Advent NOW, yep before it even starts. In this episode, we dive into practical and spiritual ways to prepare for Advent before the season even begins. It's easy to get caught off guard and not be fully prepared to enter into Advent with a heart open and ready to receive, especially when it sneaks up so quickly after Thanksgiving! With Fr's practical tips, ideas and encouragement--You'll be prepared to step away from the busyness of the world and reflect on the coming of Christ. Bring on the "Splash of Purple & a little bit of Penance!"