The Fire Up Podcast

In this episode, Simon interviews Catholic Apologist Tim Staples on Marriage, Divorce and Annulments. Tim Staples is a convert to Catholicism and is the Director of Apologetics and Evangelisation at Catholic Answers. For more information on Catholic Answers or Tim Staples, visit the Catholic Answers website.

In this episode, Simon shares insights and lessons that he has learned from Saint Joseph on how to live out the Masculine Mission. Consecration to Saint Joseph

In this episode Simon and Madeleine discuss tools and strategies to argue in a way that will build intimacy, not destroy it. Join them for a lively discussion that is sure to increase the unity in your relationships while allowing you to respectfully express your needs and frustrations. 

Do you ever feel like something is missing in your life? Like there’s more to living than the emptiness or routine you’re experiencing? In this episode, Simon takes you on a journey to uncover the deepest longings of the human heart—the yearning for love, intimacy, and connection.

Should I be forced into an arranged marriage? Among some cultures, the idea of arranged marriage is still very common. Although we may not see it playing out to the same extent in Australia, the mentality is certainly here. In this video, Simon shares some important points to consider before agreeing to an arranged marriage or from dismissing it as foolish altogether.

In this episode, Simon and Madeleine discuss the power words have in transforming a relationship. They share practical insights and personal examples to highlight the positive effect of affirming words and the importance of being intentional about how you communicate. 

Do Catholics worship Mary? Does praying to saints take away from Christ’s role as the One Mediator? In this episode, Simon sits down with Catholic apologist Tim Staples to break down these common questions. Together, they explore why praying to Mary and the saints is not only biblical but also deepens our relationship with Christ.If you’ve ever wondered how saints can hear our prayers or if intercession contradicts God’s authority, this episode is for you!

How do I get my husband to initiate more? In this episode, Simon reveals how Satan is hell-bent on encouraging men to become more passive and women to become more controlling, which is destructive to a healthy marriage. If you are a wife asking this question, find out how you could be a major reason why your husband is failing to initiate and what you can do to encourage him to initiate more!

In this episode, Madeleine interviews Dr Monique Ruberu, a Catholic Napro Technology trained Pro Life Ob/Gyn. She shares her knowledge and wisdom on Women's healthcare and fertility.  Dr Monique's passion for this topic is contagious as she shares about her upcoming plans to release an online course that gives everyone access to vital knowledge about Napro Technology and fertility.  Fertility Solved Online Course Dr Monique Ruberu's website Rising with Roses Conversion Story (available on Amazon) Dr Monique's YouTube Channel Fertility Solved FB support group

Doesn't romance and passion die after marriage? Only if you let it I say!  A key to ensuring your love continues to grow after marriage is for the couple to remember their love story. Here is a fun date idea that you can do with your spouse tonight that will inject some romance and passion into your marriage!

In this episode, Simon and Madeleine interview Mike and Alicia Hernon, founders of The Messy Family Project.  Mike and Alicia give great advice on many topics from how to deal with two worlds coming together in the early stages of marriage to adjusting to a new baby! For more information on The Messy Family Project, visit their website.

What’s wrong with sleeping around until I meet the person I want to settle down with? In this video, Simon comes at this question from four different angles, showing the underlying problem with this mentality, the difference between love and lust, the kind of person you want to be and how your future spouse might feel about this promiscuous lifestyle. Link to How to Date With Passion and Purpose course: https://fireup.kartra.com/page/Wq199

In this episode Simon and Madeleine discuss how art can enhance family prayer in the home. This podcast was sponsored by Kate Capato, founder of Visual Grace - www.visualgrace.org. Check out her amazing Sacred Art and fill your home with beauty!  Challenge for the week: Simon - Look for God's beauty in the small things Madeleine - Set up a prayer space and have a look at the Visual Grace website Show Notes:  1. Sacred Artwork: Home, by Kate Capato - https://www.visualgrace.org/portfolio-item/home/ 2. St Augustine, Confessions: Late have I love You, O Beauty so ancient and so new; late have I loved You! For behold You were within me, and I outside. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more.

Is it possible to become such a catch, that you will be left on the shelf because you were too good for everyone? In this episode, Simon will share the importance of having high standards, how as a Christian you are never alone and the importance of living singleness with humility!

In this episode Simon and Madeleine interview Jason Evert on the reality of pornography. They discuss the damaging effects of pornography and strategies to overcome it.  Jason Evert has spoken to over 1 million people about the virtue of Chastity! For more information on Jason and his ministry visit his website. 

In this episode, Simon reveals how pornography affects the brain on a neurological level, exposing its addictive nature and the long-term changes it can cause. Learn how consuming porn rewires the brain, similar to the effects of powerful drugs.

In this episode, Simon and Madeleine discuss Theology of the Body by addressing common misconceptions about it, why it was written as well as key themes explained throughout the writings.  Challenge for the week Simon - Receive ongoing formation in the Theology of the Body by becoming a Fire Up Family member (committing to a minimum of $10 p/m) -  Maddie - Listen to a talk by Christopher West on Theology of the Body. Here is a great starting video. Show notes Quotes to pray with: 'The Theology of the Body is a “theological time bomb set to go off with dramatic consequences sometime in the third millennium of the Church…” - George Weigel Scripture of the Week: "I came so that they may have life and have it to the full." - Jn 10:10

In a relationship, shouldn't love be 50/50? In this video, Simon shares a powerful encounter with Antoun, a man who totally challenged his idea of love. Learn the secret that helped Antoun and his wife endure 53 years of faithful, marital love filled with both joy and suffering. If you’re ready to challenge your own views on love, this episode is for you. --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

When can I begin sharing the beauty of chastity and the Theology of the Body with my child? In this episode, Simon will share some easy and practical ways to begin sharing the key principles of the Theology of the Body with your child, whether they are a toddler or in their late teens. It is never too early or too late to begin teaching them the importance of self-giving love.

In this episode Simon and Madeleine discuss the challenges of being single and what to do about it. You will discover, through this conversation that a time of singleness is a profound gift that can lead to the fulfilment of your desires.  Scripture:  ‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ - Jeremiah 29:11 St Teresa of Avila Prayer -  “May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.” Challenge:  Simon: Get involved in an apostolate or ministry where you can serve others. Madeleine: Go on a date with Jesus... spend some time in Eucharistic Adoration handing over your desires to God. 

In this episode, Simon and Madeleine discuss practical ideas to growing in holiness.  Thank you to our sponsor for this episode - Ramcon Group.  Challenge:  Simon - Commit to 15 mins of prayer at a set time each day! Maddie - Read the writings of a Saint! Show Notes: Litany of trust  Peter Kreeft Book  Saint writings There are many great writings from the saints. You can find many of the pope’s writings on the Vatican website. Some of our favourite Saint writings include: Story of a Soul - St Therese of Lisieux Divine Mercy in My Soul - St Faustina Interior Castle - St Teresa of Avila Letters by Padre Pio Confessions - St Augustine Theology of the Body - St John Paul II Dark Night of the Soul - St John of the Cross Come be my light - Mother Teresa True Devotion to Mary - St Louis de Montfort Letters by St Gianna Beretta Molla Essays on Women - St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Letters by Saints Louis and Zelie Martin Journal Question: Do I desire holiness? What can I do or change in my daily life that will allow me to be more focussed on being holy? What nets am I clinging on to in my life that keep me from God? Quotes to pray with: ‘Follow the saints because those who follow them will become saints’ - Pope St Clement I ‘A wise man first makes himself a reservoir before a channel.’ - St Bernard of Clarivaux Scripture of the Week: ‘Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect.’ -  Mt 5:48

In this episode Simon and Madeleine discuss the essential teaching in the Catholic Church that every single person is called to Holiness! The fall of man in the garden of Eden made way for sin which causes division and death. Living a life of virtue brings about true integration of body and spirit, allowing us to become whole in Christ.  Show notes Virtue - Catechism of the Catholic Church 1803 Holiness - Catechism of the Catholic Church 2012 -2013 The Wounded Healer by Audrey Assad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejrg3zXOW-k Journal Question: What does holiness mean to you in your life? Can you identify any idols in your life that prevent you from striving for holiness? Why do you want to be holy? Quotes to pray with: “Do not be afraid of holiness, do not be afraid to aim high, to let yourself be loved and purified by God, do not be afraid to let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit.” – Pope Francis ‘Holiness doesn’t depend on superhuman powers, but rather demands a heart filled with courage, hope, and grace that strives for conversion each and every day.’ - Pope Francis Scripture of the Week: 'I am the vine, you are the branches.' - Jn 15:5 'Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the Faith" - Col 2:7 'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.' - Mt 26:41 --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠⁠⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

Is virginity something you can actually lose? In this episode, Simon interviews Theology of the Body speaker Katrina Zeno, who shares her unique perspective on the true meaning of virginity. Offering hope and freedom to everyone, regardless of their past. Her insights are unlike anything you’ve heard before! To learn more from Katrina Zeno, check out her website http://katrinazeno.com --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

In this episode we discuss the deepest longings and desires of the human heart. We all long for happiness and fulfillment, we all ache for the infinite. What does this desire for God really mean and how can we attain it. Challenge for the week Simon - Identify an idol in your life that keeps you from communion with God, and get rid of it. Maddie - Get in touch with your ache for God - spend some time in prayer or pondering some spiritual reading. Don't run from your desire, press into it.  Show notes St Teresa of Avila's Ecstasy  Look up St Teresa of Avila's Ecstasy. This beautiful marble sculpture by Bernini encapsulates a great saint on fire with desire for God!  This is what she had to say about her mystical ecstasy which Bernini uses for his inspiration: “Beside me, on the left, appeared an angel in bodily form. … He was not tall but short, and very beautiful; and his face was so aflame that he appeared to be one of the highest rank of angels, who seem to be all on fire. … In his hands I saw a great golden spear, and at the iron tip there appeared to be a point of fire. This he plunged into my heart several times so that it penetrated to my entrails. When he pulled it out I felt that he took them with it, and left me utterly consumed by the great love of God. The pain was so severe that it made me utter several moans. The sweetness caused by this intense pain is so extreme that one cannot possibly wish it to cease, nor is one’s soul content with anything but God. This is not a physical but a spiritual pain, though the body has some share in it—even a considerable share.” For more on St Teresa of Avila and her mystical experience, watch this video by Christopher West. Journal Question: Jesus asks the same question to you, that he asked His disciples - ‘What do you seek?’ What would your response be? Quotes to pray with: “Jesus always gives me what I want because I only want what he wants.” - St Therese of Lisieux "If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S Lewis "The Fathers of the Church say that prayer, properly understood is nothing other than becoming a longing for God." - Pope Benedict XVI "You have made us for yourself O Lord and our heart is restless until it rests in you." - St Augustine Scripture of the Week: John 1:35-42 Catechism Reference:  CCC #27 The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for. 

Ever wonder what it takes to date with true passion and purpose, without losing sight of your faith? In this special episode, Simon and Madeleine share their beautiful story—how they met, their favorite dates, and the unforgettable proposal that brought them together. Originally an interview with Isobel Wright on her For Better, For Worse podcast, this conversation dives deep into love, intentionality, and building a relationship that honors your soul. --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

Sometimes in life we can battle with the idea or temptation that we are not good enough, and that we are defined by our sin. We often fail to believe that God could still forgive and love us when we have sinned. In this episode we explore God's radical love for you and how we are called to see ourselves and everyone we encounter as a GIFT! You are loved beyond measure. God loves you infinitely, perfectly and unconditionally! Challenge for the Week:  Simon - Stand in front of the mirror and thank God for how beautifully he made you! Maddie - Let love, love you! - Do a Eucharistic Holy Hour. Ponder the Crucifixion. Extra Resources:  'The Sea and Spirituality' by Peter Kreeft  'The Hound of Heaven' by Francis Thompson Journal Questions:  1. After listening to this podcast, has your understanding of God's love changed in anyway?  2. What prevents you from seeing yourself as a gift?  3. Have you ever thought about yourself as 'a thought of God'? How has this changed your understanding of yourself?  Scripture to Pray with:  “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you!” - Jeremiah 1:5 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - Psalm 139:13-14 "In the image of God he created them, male and female, he created them." - Genesis 1:27 "God is love" - 1 John 4:8 "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.." - 1 Corinthians 6:19 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11 Quotes to Reflect on:  “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become the image of his Son.” - St John Paul II, Toronto WYD 2002 “Every single person, is a thought of God.” - Pope Benedict XVI --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

Is masturbation really a harmless way to handle sexual tension, or is it quietly damaging your relationship and future marriage? In this episode, we explore how masturbation affects intimacy and the true meaning of sexuality. Whether you're currently in a relationship or planning for marriage, this habit can wreak havoc on your ability to connect deeply with your spouse. Discover why breaking free from this can transform your relationship and set the stage for a stronger, more fulfilling marriage! --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

In this episode, Simon and Madeleine interview Sarah Swafford, author of Emotional Virtue.  Sarah is a wife and mother of 5. She is internationally respected for her honest and sincere explanations on how to navigate the dating world without drama and confusion. For more about Sarah and her ministry, visit her website.  --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

"I’m so sorry, I didn’t do it intentionally. I just forgot!"  Heard this before from your spouse? In this episode, Simon will share how remembering is a sign of care and love, and forgetting shows indifference and carelessness toward your spouse’s heart. Find out why remembering is so important and why forgetting is hurtful too! --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching

Can guys and girls truly be best friends, or is there always something more? In this episode, Simon interviews Dr. Andrew Swafford, husband of the beloved Sarah Swafford, to explore everything from love and dating to the dynamics of male-female friendships. Wondering if you're being too picky or why men seem indecisive about relationships? We dive into these questions and more! --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

Chastity is a powerful virtue, but how do you effectively share it with others? In this episode, we reveal the some approaches to inspire and guide others towards living a chaste life. Discover the method that can make a real difference! --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

Most people know they need to break free from porn, but few are willing to do what it takes. In this episode, we reveal the step you can do to set you on the path to freedom. --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

While every marriage and family is unique, the call to authentic intimacy is universal. But what does true intimacy look like, especially in the context of our faith? How can we build deeper, more meaningful connections with our wife and family that reflect God’s design for love and unity? Let’s explore the keys to authentic intimacy that are fulfilling and truly transformative. --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

In this episode, Madeleine interviews Bill Donaghy on The Way of Beauty and discusses the relationship between beauty and suffering.  Bill Donaghy is a senior lecturer and content specialist at the Theology of the Body Institute. For more on Bill and his mission, visit TOB Institute website.  --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: ⁠https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching⁠

In this episode, Madeleine will explore the transformative power of beauty and its profound connection to the divine. Let beauty guide you to a deeper understanding of your faith. --- Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind. Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey: https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching