Working With Family

Host Aaron reflects on a homily by Fr. David Hemann and a story often, but incorrectly, attributed to C.S. Lewis. The most effective spiritual temptation may be the belief that there is no hurry. He connects the story to "memento mori", the demands of agricultural life, and the need to make room for faith now rather than postponing it for later.

A dreary day, falling markets, and a heavy week can drag your mind into tomorrow's worries fast. Aaron shares the reminder many farmers, ag professionals, and anyone carrying stress needs right now: peace is not found in the markets, the weather, or the news cycle. "Always be ready with an answer when they ask you a reason for your hope." (1 Peter 3:15)

On this episode of Soil and Soul, host Aaron interviews Dr. David Brown, a licensed marital and family therapist, who currently serves as the Behavioral Health State Specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (ISUEO). This timely and important conversation covers the mental health struggles farmers and others who work in agriculture face and the tools to help address them. Dr. Brown and Aaron make connections to their Catholic faith and the common mission we all share to look out for the people around us. This is an interesting and important conversation you won't want to miss!

Host Aaron reflects on patience in farming, family life, and the Christian faith. He connects the long waits and frustrations of agricultural work with the harder seasons of prayer, grief, discernment, and relationships. Then he considers how real-life community and spiritual companionship can help people persevere.

In this short solo reflection, host Aaron Lorch records from the field during soybean harvest and considers how noticing everyday beauty can counter the pull of worry and complaint. He connects gratitude for God’s creation with faith, the pressures of farming, and a deliberate choice to be a source of encouragement for others.

In this episode, guest Lucas Wendl shares his journey in crop insurance, the importance of relationships in farming, and how faith and community shape his daily life. We explore the nuances of agricultural life, the value of safety nets, and the deep roots of local history.

Welcome back to Soil and Soul and our second episode of this harvest season. Today, host Aaron shares insights on managing family relationships in farming, balancing faith during busy seasons, and finding positivity in daily challenges. It offers practical advice for farm families and anyone navigating work and family dynamics.

Welcome back to another season of Soil and Soul! Returning for another harvest opening episode, Aaron shares personal reflections on faith, change, and the importance of community and prayer, especially for those in rural and farming communities. He discusses how to navigate life's transitions with faith and resilience.

Welcome back to Soil & Soul and another episode of Tuesday's Toolbox. Today, host Aaron reflects on the value of a good strong spotlight as a tool, to illuminate our path forward and our tasking before us. And it's certainly the same within our faith lives as well, where we need spotlighting tools to help guide us forward and also in our calling to do so for others in illumination. And as our Catholic Passage mission tagline reads, "Inspiring Passageways for Christ".

Welcome back to another week of Soil & Soul! We're kicked off again by Fr. Brian Feller and Passing on the Faith Through Farming. He's joined by guests, Tyler and Tessa Hoffman, who share their background, faith, and involvement in agriculture and community service, all while balancing family life. You'll be sure to enjoy this relatable conversation with insight and heart.