Youth for Truth

Christian Women on Relationships, "Situationships," & Red Flags for Guys

Two young Chaldean women sit down and say what a lot of us are thinking but nobody says out loud.
They talk about how terrifying it feels to hand your whole life to one person in front of God, why "situationships" are straight-up emotional torture, and the pressure in our community that’s making dating feel impossible.
We get brutally honest about:
- Why the person you marry will either make you or break you. - The in-law drama that quietly destroys so many marriages. - Attachment styles, purity, boundaries, and why waiting actually builds real love. - The scary reality that people change… and how faith and willingness to grow matter more than any checklist.
If you’re single, dating, or thinking about marriage, this one hits different. It’s honest, relatable, and full of the kind of straight-talk advice you actually need.
Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki
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Why “Good Church Kids” End Up Spiritually Lukewarm

Ever feel like you’re physically at Mass or singing in choir but your mind is a million miles away? Like you’re just checking “faith stuff” off your list instead of actually meaning any of it?
That’s exactly what our guests open up about in this Youth for Truth episode. These two have been in choir since they were kids and they get super honest about how easy it is to slip into lukewarm faith even when you’re one of the “good Church kids.”
Fr. Simon walks through that heavy Bible verse in Revelation where God basically says, “I’d rather you be cold than lukewarm—I’ll spit you out of my mouth.” They break down why being lukewarm is actually more dangerous than being straight-up cold, what it looks like in real life (mind wandering during Mass, singing the words but not feeling them, doing stuff just because it’s expected), and how to fight it without faking a spiritual high.
You’ll hear why simply showing up still matters, how love for God is more about action than feelings (just like a real marriage or friendship), and why the valleys in your faith don’t mean you’re failing. Plus there’s boba, fun stories, and a lot of laughs along the way.
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00:00 Why Lukewarm Happens 04:21 Staying Present at Mass 06:00 Showing Up Still Matters 08:07 Revelation Lukewarm Verse 10:45 Take Your Vocation Seriously 12:21 Peaks and Valleys 16:05 Spiritual Highs 19:57 Love Is Action 22:56 Faith As Relationship 28:10 Teaching Kids The Faith
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▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EpgThArSig4
 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia
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College or Straight to Hustle? How to Plan Your Future & God's Will

Sometimes the biggest thing on a young person's mind is that quiet fear of “what if I mess up my future and let my whole family down?”
We chat with three teens about the pressure they feel to be “successful,” why so many dads flip out if their daughter wants to marry a guy without a college degree, and whether you actually need college or if you can go straight into hustling.
Alden tells us how he started his pancake side gig as a freshman, and Angel breaks down his whole Pokémon card reselling game.
We also get real about the dark side of chasing money: how it can tear families apart, plus a J. Cole bar that hit home and some straight-from-the-Bible talk on greed. Most importantly, we chat about how to go after a good future while still keeping God first so you don’t lose your peace or your relationships.
Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki
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00:00 Future Planning Fears 03:02 College Or Business? 09:02 AI And College Costs 14:00 Faith Over Money 18:11 Vocation And Priesthood 19:42 Money And Family Feuds 23:18 J Cole On Chasing Cash 26:52 Using Money in Godly Ways 27:26 Mini Pancakes! 28:57 Pokemon Cards Side Hustle 32:19 Scalping Ethics And Pricing –––
▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2DCu7wWJLE0
 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia
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Why We Gossip & How to Stop

Today we’re diving into one of those everyday struggles we all deal with — gossiping. Is it really a sin? When does it cross the line into something serious? And how do you even know if you’re doing it without realizing?
We talk about why gossip feels so natural, especially in group chats, or at school or work, the difference between venting, getting advice, and straight-up gossip, and what the Catechism and Jesus actually say about it. We also get into the telephone game effect, how one small comment can blow up into something huge, and how jealousy and curiosity sneak in so easily.
Most importantly, we discuss practical ways to shut gossip down and redirect conversations without sounding preachy, plus the simple Golden Rule: Would you say this in front of the person? What would Jesus do?
The Girls' First Appearance on Qurbana Media: https://youtu.be/Hv13RyRm6zA?si=EFyEacQOEILFPGx4
Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki
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00:00 Is Gossip a Sin? 02:58 Rumors and Exaggeration 04:55 When Truth Is Gossip 07:52 Jealousy and Mindset 10:25 Jesus and Human Nature 12:18 Stopping Gossip in Groups 18:45 Damage You Can't Undo 22:26 Snack Time! 25:35 AI Trust And Errors 30:21 Redirecting Gossip Gently
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▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7AOcQUUXJhQ
 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia
📧 Email us at media@qurbana.org if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab!
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I Keep Confessing the Same Sins Over and Over: Scrupulosity & Gravity

Hey, if you go to confession a lot but keep falling into the same sins over and over, you're not alone—and this episode is for you.
Fr. Simon sits down with two high school guys who are super active in their faith and talk honestly about what mortal sin actually feels like, why some "sins" aren't as big a deal as we think, and how to tell the difference between something grave and just a small slip-up.
We break down the three conditions for mortal sin, chat about scrupulosity (that anxious voice that makes every little mistake feel like the end of the world), and why God isn't a strict judge waiting to punish you—He's a loving Father who wants to heal you and feed your soul with the Eucharist.
You'll hear real talk about building better habits, not depriving yourself of Communion over venial stuff, and seeing confession as a reset instead of a loop of guilt. Plus, we touch on Bible shows, snacks, and keeping your faith balanced without burning out.
Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon
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00:00 Why Confession Feels Stuck 02:10 What Mortal Sin Feels Like 03:50 Donuts and Grave Matter 06:22 Mortal Sin Checklist 08:46 Breaking Commandments Examples 11:01 Venial Sins Add Up 13:36 Scrupulosity Explained 16:50 "Pebble to Mountain" Mindset 17:55 Confession Before Communion 18:21 God as Father Not Judge 21:35 Chip Snack and Gummies 24:35 Bible Shows and Adaptations 30:59 Jokes and Reverence
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▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AFaNBG-Go9s
 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia
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How to Actually Forgive Someone (Even When You Can't Forget)

Fr. Simon sits down with three young women from Temecula to have a real, no-filter conversation about one of the hardest things ever: forgiveness.
We all get hurt by friends, family, or people we trusted. You want justice when someone does you wrong… but when you mess up, you’re hoping for grace. Sound familiar? We dive into what real Christian forgiveness actually looks like — it’s NOT pretending it never happened or forcing yourself to be besties again. You can forgive without forgetting, set healthy boundaries, and still treat people with respect and love like Jesus calls us to.
We talk about:
- The difference between loving someone and actually liking them - When to walk away slowly from toxic friendships (and why family is a little different) - Why the “put yourself first” self-care advice from the world doesn’t always line up with being Christ-like - And this perspective: if we’re gonna spend eternity together, why not start making peace now?
If you’ve ever wondered “Do I have to forget to forgive?” or “How do I protect my peace without being selfish?” — hit play.
Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki
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00:00 Setting Up Forgiveness 03:17 Forgive But Not Forget 06:31 Boundaries After Getting Hurt 10:58 Love Versus Like 13:16 Selfishness And Self Care 18:52 Choosing Friends Wisely 21:20 Time Heals Old Grudges 23:57 Forgive Then Step Back 24:22 "Unforgiving Servant" Parable 26:26 Can People Change? 28:49 Dubai Chocolate Strawberries 30:53 What is Temecula? 33:12 Church Community Growth
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▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WiYfbLWLaVo
 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia
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Can You Get Rich AND Keep God First?

🚨 Can You Get Rich AND Keep Your Faith in Jesus Strong?
What if you could chase big money, build real success, and still keep God FIRST? We try to answer the exact question many young Christians are asking: Is it okay to want to be rich? How do you hustle hard without losing your soul? And what does the Bible actually say about wealth?
We sit down with two very successful young brothers and have an open and honest discussion about how to stay Christ-centered while aiming to be financially wealthy.
🔥 What You’ll Learn:
• How to keep God #1 while grinding for success and financial freedom
• Jesus’ real words on riches (Rich Young Ruler + the camel through the eye of a needle explained)
• The powerful Zacchaeus story and how one rich guy got right with God
• Why generosity, tithing, and giving back is a good formula to staying in check.
• True freedom: It’s NOT about what money can buy, it’s about what money can’t control
• Balancing big (even “delusional”) dreams with humility, prayer, Mass, and family
If you’ve ever felt pulled between chasing success and staying faithful, this conversation will change how you think about money forever.
 
Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki
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00:00 Meet Kevin and Carlo 03:49 Learning, Earning ,Returning 08:39 Prosperity Gospel Debate 11:43 Unethical Wealth Question 14:30 Rich Ruler Scripture 16:14 Why Riches Tempt 23:05 Zacchaeus and Repentance 27:05 Freedom vs More Money 30:10 Tithing and Sacrifice 34:39 Dream Big Mindset 37:01 Aspire to Be Saints 37:59 Oy Chamoy! and NBA Dreams 40:49 Sacrifice Family Priorities 44:43 Money and True Freedom 49:58 Worry Trust and Surrender 52:39 Riches and Heaven Warning 56:27 Practical Faith Checklist 58:56 Small Steps to Big Sins
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▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0eSnBr-6PWU
 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia
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Gen Z Catholic Girls: Toxic Friends, Gossip, Parents, & Identity Crisis

Teen girls and young women: feeling torn between your culture, school drama, social media pressure, and trying to stay true to your faith? You’re not alone. In this episode we’re diving deep into the real struggles young women face today — from toxic friendships & gossip, to modesty battles, cultural clashes (Iraqi/Middle Eastern home vs. Western world vibe), insecurity, seeking love in the wrong places, and finding your TRUE worth. Fr. Simon and Andrew are joined by Kayla (millennial big sis energy), and Gen Z college girl Bianca as they share honest advice, personal stories, and Christ-centered solutions. Learn how to build trustworthy sisterhood, stop people-pleasing, resist peer pressure/partying temptations, put God first (adoration, confession, Eucharist!), and embrace authenticity as a daughter of Christ.
Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki
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00:00 Meet Kayla and Bianca 02:14 Culture Clash at Home 03:53 Sisterhood and Real Friends 05:45 Gossip and Trust Problems 08:42 Staying Authentic 11:20 Role Models and Imperfection 14:51 Identity and Self Worth 18:32 Secular Pressure and Social Media 21:22 Practical Faith Solutions 25:38 Sacraments and True Love 28:56 Mary Magdalene and Mercy 32:25 Banana Milk and Turtle Chips 36:40 Crunchy Parents Talk 38:25 Teen Party Temptations 46:57 Parents Raising Teens 51:29 Girls Supporting Girls Viral
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▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0iNJdzcJ7RE
 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia
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Teen Drinking Parties: High School Struggles & Temptations

High school can be tough—peer pressure, parties, drinking, and staying true to your faith don't always mix. Fr. Simon chats with a couple teenage boys about real struggles: temptation at parties, the "you only live once" mindset, lust, disconnection from God, and how to have fun without sinning. They share honest confessions, why drinking to get drunk isn't worth it, and practical ways to build strong faith and friendships. Discover how Christian teens navigate public school life, resist influences, and choose sober fun.
"Lust" episode of Kids Bible Study: https://youtu.be/RhTqMiluVNc?si=nrc9lKVgeB2424Ia
"Friendship" episode of Youth for Truth: https://youtu.be/G8htBsh0RA0?si=GMieOhGDRi1W_z96
Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki
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00:00 High School Temptations03:49 Church vs Party Life 06:13 Fun Without Sin 07:59 Why Drinking Is Normalized 12:02 Peer Pressure to Drink 13:10 When Parties Get Dangerous 19:33 Reputation and Double Life |21:44 Drinking vs Weed Dynamics 24:14 Speaking Up At School 26:23 Friends Shape Choices 28:29 Parents And Party Rules 32:17 Real Friends Vs Utility 37:48 Can We Trust The Bible 41:30 Normalize Coffee Hangouts 42:56 Priest At A Party
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▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C3QjPHy0GH0
 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia
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7+ Hours a Day on Your Phone?! How to Fight Social Media Addiction

Struggling with 7+ hours of doomscrolling everyday? You're not alone!
Fr. Simon has an honest conversation with two young Catholic women from the Chaldean diocese in Michigan, and they open up about social media addiction, the spiritual dangers of endless scrolling, brain rot, and how it pulls us away from prayer, adoration, and true rest in God. We share real screen time numbers, practical tips like deleting apps, setting limits, praying for self-control, and inviting Jesus into daily habits.
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00:00 Meet Our Guests 01:25 Is Doomscrolling Spiritually Dangerous? 04:54 Why Scrolling Feels Bad 06:54 Winding Down Without Scrolling 09:47 App Blockers and Accountability 12:26 Screen Time Reality Check 15:36 Practical Steps to Cut Back 16:46 Silence and Prayer for Self Control 20:22 Starbucks Line-Cutting Story 22:29 Snack Taste Test Ratings 26:30 Serving in Church Ministries 29:09 Community Over Social Media–––
▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LUnYF8i9DqQ
 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia
📧 Email us at media@qurbana.org if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab!
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