Episode 4: Confession - GUEST

Episode 1: THE HOLY EUCHARIST - SPECIAL GUEST

In this episode of Rooted: A Catholic Podcast for Teens, we dive into one of the deepest and most misunderstood teachings of the Catholic faith: the Eucharist. Joined by a Roman Catholic seminarian, we explore what Catholics mean when they say the Eucharist is truly the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ — not merely a symbol, but the Real Presence of Christ Himself. Through Scripture, Church teaching, stories from the saints, and honest conversation, this episode unpacks why the Eucharist is called “the source and summit of the Christian life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324). Together, we discuss Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, the Bread of Life discourse in John 6, and how the early Church understood the Eucharist from the very beginning. We also tackle common questions teens may have: Why do Catholics believe in transubstantiation? Why is Mass so important? How can receiving the Eucharist transform your spiritual life? The episode also highlights the wisdom of Saint Thomas Aquinas and his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, showing how faith and reason work together in understanding this sacred mystery. Whether you’ve grown up Catholic your whole life or are still trying to understand what happens at Mass, this episode invites listeners to encounter Jesus in a deeper and more personal way through the Eucharist. Thought-provoking, practical, and rooted in authentic Catholic teaching, this conversation encourages teens to move beyond routine and rediscover the incredible gift waiting for them at every Mass.

Episode 3: Seasons Change

As life changes, faith gets tested. In this episode of Rooted, John and Sam talk honestly about growing up, leaving comfort behind, entering new seasons, and what it means to carry your faith into the unknown. From friendship and fear to trust and purpose, this conversation is for anyone standing in the middle of transition.

Episode 2: Habitual Sin

Why do we keep falling into the same sins even when we genuinely want to change? In this episode of Rooted: A Catholic Podcast for Teens, we talk honestly about habitual sin, spiritual burnout, shame, temptation, and the frustration of feeling stuck in the same cycle over and over again. This is not an episode about pretending to have everything together. It is about fighting for holiness even when progress feels slow. We discuss confession, prayer, accountability, grace, and what it actually looks like to keep getting back up after falling. God’s mercy is bigger than your worst habits, and failure does not disqualify you from becoming who He created you to be. If you have ever felt exhausted by your own weakness or wondered if change is even possible, this episode is for you.

Episode 1: Getting Back to God

Season 4 starts with something simple, but honest: getting back to God. In this episode, I talk about what happens when faith stops being a priority, and how easy it is to drift without even realizing it. This isn’t about being perfect or having everything figured out. It’s about recognizing when something’s off and choosing to come back. If you’ve ever felt distant, distracted, or just not as connected to your faith as you used to be, this episode is for you. This season is different. Less surface-level, more real conversations about what it actually means to live your faith every day. Let’s get back to what matters. -John

Easter Special!

Easter isn’t just a holiday; it’s everything. In this special episode of Rooted: A Catholic Podcast for Teens, I’m joined by Sam and Claire to talk about the Resurrection, whether it’s actually real, and what it means for your life if it is. We get into real questions:Why does Easter feel less important than Christmas?Does God actually love me, or just “everyone”?And if Jesus already won… why is life still hard? We talk about struggles like loneliness, pressure, and doubt, and how the Cross and Resurrection speak directly into them. If Jesus really rose from the dead, this isn’t just something you believe…it’s something that should change how you live. So the real question is:Do you actually believe it?