Youth for Truth

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!

You Are Who Your Friends Are

Welcome to the debut episode of the Youth for Truth Podcast! On this first one, Fr. Simon Esshaki is joined by a couple young men to talk about true friendship, drawing from their experiences and looking at how an ancient thinker like Aristotle defines it. They discuss the balance of having fun while maintaining Christian life, the impact of social media, and what 'hanging out' looks like for them. They also look at the popular TV show 'Friends' and how it shaped millennials' views on relationships. And as with every Qurbana Media show, we try some amazing food at the end!