Youth for Truth

Nuns Who Write Vampire Books & Watch Anime for Jesus?! Sr. Orianne Tells All

A nun who grew up reading the Bible AND Quran becomes a media missionary?! Sr. Orianne Pietra René (Daughters of St. Paul) shares her incredible journey: multi-faith home (Protestant dad + Druze/Islamic mom roots), confusion about God, accidental First Communion in Catholic school, personal conversion at age 12, and finding Jesus MOST fully in the Eucharist. Now a joyful Daughter of St. Paul, she evangelizes through books, social media, and yes—even anime! Hear her top 4 anime series of all time, and about Catholic vampire novels (shoutout to Sr. Allison's In Aeternum series). She spills on daily life (4+ hours prayer, adoration, community), why vows bring TRUE freedom, and not settling for less than EVERYTHING.
💡 Fr. Roderick Reviews "Neon Genesis Evangelion": https://youtu.be/H1Mjd6osCA8?si=Lv_GUAfXmrOFn9Vj
💡 Learn more about Sr. Orianne's order: https://daughtersofstpaul.com Daughters of St. Paul IG: https://www.instagram.com/daughterstpaul/ Sr. Orianne's IG: https://www.instagram.com/orianne_jn/ "Dare to Dwell" Podcast: https://connect.pauline.org/daretodwell/
"Youth for Truth" podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki –––
00:00 Meet Sr. Orianne 01:53 Her Conversion Story 06:41 Called to Daughters of St Paul 08:39 Evangelizing Through Media 11:28 Prayer Life Behind the Scenes 14:11 Freedom in Religious Life 16:56 Advice for Youth 18:41 Day in the Life 22:12 Anime as Mission 24:09 Faith Themes in Anime 25:59 Accents and Languages 27:30 Where to Find Us
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▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7DBtFaPKdnk
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Life as a Catholic Athlete: MLB Pitcher Trevor Williams on Faith & Baseball

Welcome to an incredibly exciting episode of Youth for Truth! Today, we're honored to host professional baseball player, Trevor Williams, for a candid conversation that goes beyond the diamond. In this exclusive interview, Trevor opens up about the unique challenges and blessings of balancing a demanding MLB career with a strong Catholic Faith. Discover his journey from a childhood Padres fan to pitching for major league teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, and Washington Nationals. ⚾️✝️
What you'll learn in this episode:
- How Trevor integrates his Catholic faith into his daily life as a professional athlete.
- The pivotal role his family plays in his career and spiritual growth.
- Behind-the-scenes insights into his pre-game rituals and mental preparation.
- Which athletes push him to be his best on the field.
- Strategies for staying grounded amidst the immense pressures of professional sports.
- The highs, the lows, and the unwavering conviction that guides him.
Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan, deeply interested in faith and sports, or simply seeking powerful motivational insights, this episode is packed with wisdom. Trevor's story is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and living out the Faith authentically. 🙏
Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki
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00:00 Trevor Williams' Baseball Journey 02:24 Playoff Experiences and Reflections 05:48 Balancing Faith and Baseball 08:22 Catholic Athletes for Christ and Prayer Routine 16:12 Public Expression of Faith 19:22 Advice for Aspiring Athletes 26:29 The Importance of Trust in Baseball 29:18 Catholic Athletes in Major League Baseball 31:16 The Art and Evangelism of Tattoos 35:09 Balancing Baseball and Family Life 36:24 Game Day Routines 40:10 Challenges of Playing on the Road 42:46 Facing Tough Hitters and Baseball Nightmares 47:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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▶️ Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v2h987Fiims
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Emily Wilson on Modesty, Body Image, and Catholic Dating

The way we teach modesty is broken. For years, Catholic women heard one message: "Cover up so men don't sin." But what if that approach misses the point entirely? In this special episode, Emily Wilson joins Fr. Simon, Fr. Chris, and Andrew to completely re-frame the modesty conversation—moving away from shame and toward dignity. If you are tired of the "Modesty Police" or feel pressured by a culture that equates showing skin with female power, this conversation is the breath of fresh air you need. We focus on why your identity is not your sexuality, the cultural pressures to conform, and why men aren't off the hook when it comes to the virtue of modesty. 
Emily Wilson's Website: https://emilywilsonministries.com
SacredSpark Catholic Dating: https://www.sacredspark.app Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki
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00:00 The Importance of Modesty 01:49 Modesty for Oneself, Not for Others 03:33 Cultural Pressures and True Identity 09:03 Men's Role in Upholding Dignity 16:49 Practical Modesty Guidelines 18:49 Current Projects and Final Remarks
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▶️ Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1GdtS1kTMjY?si=EKYTKTpOd76Vdyuo
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A Day in the Life of a Chaldean Sister

We welcome Sisters Rose and Cecilia, who share their inspiring journeys of faith and their lives in the convent. From heartfelt stories of their personal transformations to the joy of community life, they give us a rare glimpse into the daily routines and missions of the Chaldean nuns. Discover how they balance prayer, teaching, and even recreation while deepening their relationship with Jesus.
00:00 Meet Sr. Rose and Sr. Cecilia 03:58 A Day in the Life of a Nun 09:22 Charism and Mission of the Chaldean Sisters 11:58 Personal Reflections on Vocation 13:44 Theological Insights and Identity 16:03 Fun and Fellowship
"Youth for Truth" Podcast hosted by Fr. Simon Esshaki
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▶️ Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MPR4DdtFWFc
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'Eleven Is the Virgin Mary?' Stranger Things and Spiritual Warfare

On another edition of 'Youth for Truth' coming to you from #SEEK26, we discuss the wildly popular show 'Stranger Things' (spoiler-free) and its themes of fighting against demonic attacks and possible connections to Christian figures. We, along with a couple young ladies from the Chaldean community in Michigan, reflect on how the show's depiction of unseen realities parallels our spiritual battles and the role of faith. Fr. Simon also makes his bold case for how Eleven can be a symbol of Mother Mary. So if you're a fan of the show or not, tune in to for a lively conversation about the powerful intercession of Mary, how we should consume popular media, and what exactly is improv comedy?
00:00 Intro 01:52 Discussing Stranger Things 05:10 Spiritual Themes in Stranger Things 09:00 Spiritual Battles 15:32 Devotion to Mother Mary 16:20 Understanding Catholic and Protestant Views on Mary 17:37 Mary's Role in Spiritual Warfare 22:33 Improv Comedy 25:10 Candy Review
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Discerning God's Will | Fr. Simon Esshaki | Live at SEEK26 (Full Talk)

"How to Discern Boldly" presented by Seton Teaching Fellows.
In this workshop led by Fr. Simon Esshaki, we explore the journey of discerning God's will in our lives. Whether you're considering the priesthood, the convent, marriage, or a career path, this talk gets into the complexities of making choices between multiple good options God may present us in life. Fr. Simon shares personal stories from his own life and emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with Jesus Christ rather than merely waiting for signs. Learn why knowing who you are in relation to God is crucial in your discernment process and get inspired to start doing God's will today. Father's talk is packed with relatable, real-life examples and wisdom for young adults seeking spiritual guidance.
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00:00 Understanding Discernment and God's Will
02:00 Personal Journey to Priesthood
03:44 Pray and Be Open
10:41 Biblical Examples of Discernment
18:43 Practical Advice for Discernment
24:51 Concluding Thoughts
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▶️ Video Version YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/R3Cd0nln64Y
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Matt Fradd on Joining 'Daily Wire' and Finding Peace in an Online World

What does it really take to stay faithful when the whole world is watching—and judging—your every move? On this very special episode recorded live at SEEK26 in Columbus, we were blessed to sit down with Matt Fradd, host of Pints with Aquinas, for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about faith, pressure, life in the public eye, and the BIG elephant in the room. Matt opens up about his journey joining The Daily Wire, the hidden cost of living online, and the constant pull between staying spiritually grounded and staying relevant. We talk about burnout, protecting your peace, and how to navigate today’s chaotic culture without losing yourself—or your faith. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or torn between who you’re called to be and who the world wants you to be, this episode is for you.
00:00 Matt Fradd and His Love for Chaldeans
02:17 Joining The Daily Wire: Reactions and Backlash
05:00 Social Media and Its Impact on Faith
09:09 Balancing Worldly Concerns with Spiritual Life
15:00 Dangers of Political Media
18:33 How to Find Peace in a War-Torn World
20:18 The "Yamaka" Video
"Youth for Truth" Podcast hosted by Fr. Simon Esshaki
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▶️ Video Version YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/nR-_-pT1_vU?si=7DHtPAgsNDbecQsx
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Self-Image & Reputation: What Mother Mary and Modern Teens Have in Common

Our guests Stella and Jennifer get real about self-image, gossip, and what it feels like to constantly be seen and judged. Framed through the story of Mother Mary, they talk about the pressure to fit certain expectations—especially within the Chaldean community—and how that pressure can wear on your mental health. They open up to Fr. Simon about their own experiences, what’s helped them cope, and why having genuine friendships and a steady sense of faith matters so much. If you’ve ever felt the weight of other people’s opinions, this episode will feel like a much-needed conversation with friends. Also, there may or may not be a Drake vs. Kendrick debate...

The Subtle Art of Not Giving In: Forgiveness & Letting Grudges Go

Fr. Simon and our guests dig into the cultural pull toward revenge—and what it looks like to respond instead with a Christian mindset. Our guests, Nathan and Donovan, are college students and they share what they’ve learned from navigating the “tough guy” persona, managing ego, and finding a healthy balance between competitiveness and humility.
The conversation widens to explore the deeper themes of forgiveness and mercy, drawing on the example of Jesus Christ and various Scriptural teachings. We also reflect on Leo Skepi’s unfiltered reactions as he journeys through the Bible for the first time.
Our producer Andrew shares a look at family reconciliation through a touching moment from "Home Alone," highlighting the power of humility and forgiveness—especially during the Christmas season.

Misunderstanding Manifesting

We’re talking all things manifesting, “signs from God,” and whether these trends are actually helpful or just… a little chaotic.
Our guests, siblings Matthew and Mary, bring their real-life stories, questions, and thoughtful takes. We react to viral manifestation videos and break down why it hits so hard with the youth — and where it might be steering people off course.
We get into that tricky mix of confidence, ambition, and faith, and what it actually looks like to chase your goals without removing God’s will. And yes — Matthew brought his chamoy-infused, freeze-dried candy creations, which we all get to try!