Practicing Catholic

What does La La Land have to do with living the Catholic faith? More than you think.

 

In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger and Taylor Kemp dive into the beauty, heartbreak, and moral tension at the heart of this modern musical. As we unpack the love story between Mia and Sebastian, we wrestle with a deeply human question: Is chasing your dreams worth the cost of love? Through the film’s unforgettable final montage, we explore sacrifice, vocation, hierarchy of goods, communication in relationships, and what true happiness really looks like.

 

This conversation is a reminder that Catholics don’t have to avoid “secular” films—we can engage them thoughtfully, find what is true and beautiful, and allow great storytelling to sharpen our understanding of faith, love, and the choices that shape our lives.

 

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What are the three most impactful books you’ve ever read? In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger share the books that profoundly shaped their faith, prayer life, and approach to work.

 

From Genesis 1–4 to Deep Work, they reflect on how Scripture, the saints, and thoughtful reading can transform the intellectual life, spiritual life, and daily responsibilities of lay Catholics. They also discuss practical takeaways: creating a reading plan, committing to a prayer schedule, and developing a personal rule of life. If you’re looking for faithful book recommendations—or inspiration to grow in holiness—this episode is for you.

 

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Lent is almost here, and the question returns every year: What should I give up—and what should I take on? In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger walk through how Catholics can approach Lent with intention, freedom, and joy.
 
Together, they explore the three pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—and share practical, lived examples of how these practices can shape family life, reorder desires, and make room for deeper intimacy with God. From navigating media and technology to forming children in generosity and prayer, this conversation offers a grounded, realistic approach to Lenten commitments.
 
Whether you’re discerning your Lenten plan or looking to reframe Lent as an invitation rather than a burden, this episode will help you enter the season with clarity, humility, and hope.
 
Want to go deeper this Lent? Check out these resources on Formed!
How to Lent: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1096760
Foretold: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1096357
The Heart of Prayer with Bishop Andrew Cozzens: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/1473553
 
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In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, hosts Taylor Kemp and Dr. Scott Hefelfinger conclude their inaugural Bible study by diving deep into the second half of the Book of Ruth. What initially seems like a strange or even uncomfortable story unfolds into one of Scripture’s most beautiful portraits of hope, virtue, and redemption.
 
Together, they explore the dramatic threshing floor scene, the role of the kinsman-redeemer, and how Ruth and Boaz break destructive patterns from Israel’s past through freedom, courage, and moral clarity. Set against the chaos of the period of the Judges, Ruth reveals how God’s providence works through ordinary choices marked by fidelity, chastity, and self-giving love.
 
This conversation highlights why Ruth stands at the heart of salvation history — pointing forward to King David and ultimately to Christ — and why its message still speaks powerfully to modern Christians seeking holiness in family life, marriage, and everyday decisions.
 
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The Book of Ruth can feel strange to modern readers—but beneath its unfamiliar customs is one of Scripture’s most beautiful stories of fidelity, love, and God’s providence. In this episode of the Practicing Catholic Podcast, we begin a new Bible study by taking a fresh look at Ruth and why this short Old Testament book matters so much for Christians today.
 
Together, we explore the historical and cultural context of Ruth, unpacking themes of loyalty, family, and redemption that often get overlooked. This conversation helps listeners see how Ruth fits into the larger story of salvation history—and why the Church continues to return to it as a source of wisdom and hope.
 
This is part one of our Practicing Catholic Bible study on the Book of Ruth, setting the foundation for a deeper dive in the next episode.
 
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