Escape Doomscrolling: The Epstein Files & The Weight of Constant Bad News [Ep. 76]

This one’s pretty straightforward: we’re talking about virtue signaling — that thing where people post their “good deeds” or hot takes online mostly to look good or feel important. We get into why it feels like everyone has to say something about everything these days, how filming charity for views can actually make the whole thing feel kind of gross, and why St. Joseph’s quiet, private life is honestly the better way. We cover: - How even priests catch themselves wanting to look holy online. - How silence and just doing your job for God beats all the noise. - That viral clip of Shia LaBeouf saying he’d just kiss Jesus’ feet and nothing else — raw faith or virtue signaling? - The trap of judging the people closest to you while preaching to strangers on the internet. ––– 00:00 Hospital Visit Story 02:01 Pride and Hidden Motives 03:35 St Joseph and Silence 06:33 Social Media Noise 12:57 Charity for Views 16:23 Judgment at Home 18:24 Priesthood Not Politics 21:53 Wonder vs Curiosity 27:37 Mother Olga Hidden Works 29:15 Old Internet Nostalgia 31:33 Shia LaBeouf's Honesty 34:27 Saints Who Struggled 36:00 Embracing the Fight 38:35 Shia LaBeouf Clip 41:33 Meeting Jesus Today 46:03 Tacos and Party Game 53:11 Chaotic End ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/7aw2sHO8GhM  📲 Follow us on social media: "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter 📧 Email us at [email protected] if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab!    

In our big Lenten episode, we explore Jesus's three temptations in the desert and all things Sawma Rama (the Great Fast). We break down Matthew's account of Jesus tempted by Satan and reflect on how Jesus overcomes each temptation through love—and how we can apply the same strength during Lent through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving to grow in love of God, love of neighbor, and proper love of self. In this Lent special, we cover: - The deeper meaning of Jesus entering the wilderness to be tempted - The unforgettable Grand Inquisitor scene from Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov" - Why Jesus had to face real temptation as a man? - Pope Leo's practical Lenten message - We revisit the topic of mixed marriages in the Chaldean and Assyrian diaspora: balancing cultural preservation, language, heritage, and community concerns with the Church's priority on salvation of souls and sacramental validity. - And we BLIND RANK our favorite Lenten foods! Featuring: Fr. Chris Somo, Fr. Andrew Younan, Fr. Tristan Farida, Fr. Augustine Joseph ––– 00:00 Sawma Raba Begins 02:51 Dostoevsky’s Grand Inquisitor: Love as Christ’s Response 08:37 First Temptation (Bread): Deeper Hunger & Deuteronomy 13:28 Temptation vs. Exorcism: Grace, Sacraments, and Spiritual Realism 15:21 Second Temptation (Temple): Pride, Forced Faith, and Misusing Religion 23:06 Why Jesus Had to Fast: New Adam, Identity Tested, and Defeating Sin 30:45 Pope Leo’s Lent Message: Fasting from Hurtful Words 33:17 Beyond ‘Not Sinning’: Lent as Freedom to Love 35:20 Do Priests (and the Pope) Forget Their Homilies? 38:01 Responding to Comments on Marrying Outside the Culture 49:38 The Top 7 Lenten Foods (Blind Ranking) ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/65XzF8s52qY    📲 Follow us on social media: "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter 📧 Email us at [email protected] if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab!    

🤯 Feeling overwhelmed by the 24/7 news cycle? Trapped in a loop of doomscrolling? You're not alone. On this episode, we tackle the monumental challenge of digital well-being in an age of constant information overload. We dive deep into our personal battles with endless scrolling, the mental toll of consuming a relentless stream of bad news – including topics like the Epstein files – and the surprising freedom found in disconnecting. What you'll discover in this episode: - Strategies to escape doomscrolling - The true cost of constant news consumption and how to set healthy boundaries. - Practical tips for navigating social media overload without losing touch. - Insights into processing difficult news and other heavy topics without being consumed by them. Plus, a fun segment called "Faith or Fiction" and a mouth-watering Korean BBQ review! This isn't just about turning off your phone; it's about finding clarity, focus, and joy in a chaotic digital world. If you're looking for heartfelt conversation, practical advice, and a path to better mental health in the digital age, this episode is for you. Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Peter Patros, Fr. Augustine Peter, Fr. Fadi Auro ––– 00:00 Impact of News and Social Media on Mental Health 06:49 Balancing Awareness and Mental Well-being 09:33 The Virtue of Limiting Information 11:16 Practical Advice for Managing Information Overload 18:33 The Role of Curiosity and Wonder 25:07 Navigating Social Media Addiction 30:09 Advice for Parents and Professionals 33:59 The Trap of Gossip 38:45 The Challenge of Correcting Others 45:36 "Faith or Fiction" & Korean BBQ 54:17 Comment of the Week ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/SoWajyxtRT0    📲 Follow us on social media: "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter 📧 Email us at [email protected] if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab!  

Family is where we learn to love, but it’s often where we experience our deepest wounds. Whether it's navigating conflicts with siblings, figuring out how to raise kids with faith in a secular world, or the difficult journey of healing family trauma, home life is rarely simple. We aren't just giving generic advice, we look at family dynamics through the lens of those who live in intense community life, like monks and nuns, to see what they can teach us about resolving conflict. We also have an honest conversation about when family situations turn abusive, and how therapy, community, and our Catholic Faith play a role in true healing. Plus, is AI replacing human connection? We react to what Pope Leo recently said about AI being "too affectionate" and discuss why an algorithm can never replace the empathy of a real person. Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Tristan Farida, Fr. Fadi Auro ––– 00:00 Why Family Relationships Are So Hard 01:48 Religious Life Teaching Us to Resolve Conflict 07:08 Catholic Parenting: How Methods Have Shifted Over Time 12:13 Raising Children with both Faith and Reason 27:59 Healing Family Trauma 32:58 Finding Emotional Support in a Digital Age 35:41 Why AI Can't Provide True Empathy 38:39 Vital Importance of Real Human Connection 44:21 'Bless or Pass?' Chaldean Food Edition 50:35 Comment of the Week! ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/v2h987Fiims  📲 Follow us on social media: "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter 📧 Email us at [email protected] if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab!  

Fr. Andy's Narsai Book: https://a.co/d/9lCSfFa ––– We talk about the upcoming Chaldean mini-season of Ba'utha, the Supplication of the Ninevites, and the story of Jonah — and why all of it still hits close to home today. We get honest about what it means to face ourselves, why we often run from the things we know we should deal with, and how discomfort can actually be part of healing and growth. We connect Jonah’s journey to everyday life, talk about fasting, and even throw in some surprisingly good fasting-friendly food ideas – falafel anyone? While we eat we play an entertaining round of "Would You Rather" that goes off the rails pretty quick... Featuring: Fr. Christopher Somo, Fr. Andy Younan, Fr. Daniel Shaba, Fr. Tristan Farida ––– 00:00 Significance of Ba'utha in the Church of the East 05:07 The Role of Discomfort and Fasting 14:55 Jonah's Reluctance and Racism 20:25 Cultural and Religious Identity in Marriage 24:50 Embracing Pain During Fasting 27:56 Misconceptions About Fasting 29:49 Uniting Suffering with Christ 33:27 BOMB BUNS 34:47 "Would You Rather" ––– ▶️ Video versions of 'Feeding Fathers' available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QurbanaMedia  📲 Follow us on social media: "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@qurbana.media 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter 📧 Email us at [email protected] if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab!  

We get real about sin, temptation, and the stuff we all wrestle with but don’t always talk about. We share personal stories, practical ways to actually deal with your desires, and why God’s love isn’t just a nice idea—it’s the key to real change. We talk about where sin really starts, why love has to be at the center of your life, and how something as simple as going to Mass more intentionally can honestly change everything. We also have some fun and play a round of “Pope or President?” and talk about the legacy of Fulton Sheen we await the official announcement of his beatification. It’s an honest, encouraging conversation for anyone who wants to break free from habitual sin and grow without pretending they have it all together. Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Augustine Joseph, Fr. Christopher Somo ––– 00:00 Reflecting on #SEEK26 02:37 Confession and Overcoming Sin 05:09 Roots of Sin 11:01 The Importance of Relationship in Healing 19:50 Jesus' Approach to Sin and Repentance 24:58 Loving Ourselves and Others Through God's Love 29:35 Understanding Boundaries and Trust in God 31:13 Embracing and Ordering Our Desires 33:31 Going to Mass 36:30 Pope or President? 41:03 Fulton Sheen & Chick-fil-A ––– ▶️ Video versions of 'Feeding Fathers' available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QurbanaMedia  📲 Follow us on social media: "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@qurbana.media 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter 📧 Email us at [email protected] if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab!

This is a special episode of 'Feeding Fathers' recorded at the SEEK26 Catholic conference in Columbus, Ohio in front of a live audience, and it’s a really honest one. We got to talk about something a lot of people experience but don’t always know how to put into words: spiritual dryness and feeling far from God. We share real stories about doubt, discouragement, and what it actually looks like to keep showing up when your faith feels hard or empty. We talk about the role of community, why daily prayer still matters even when it feels pointless, and how to keep going through seasons of desolation. If you’ve ever felt stuck, tired, or disconnected in your spiritual life, this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air. Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Christopher Somo, Fr. John Jaddou, Dn. Brandon Elias ––– 00:00 Experiences at the Seek Conference 03:18 Spiritual Desolation 05:21 The Role of Feelings in Faith 06:24 Scripture and Continuous Relationship with God 17:37 Importance of Community and Prayer 23:54 Daily Acts of Love and Commitment 28:24 Importance of Sacrifice 30:11 Marriage and Sacrifice 34:38 The Power of Prayer 36:33 Trying Ohio Snacks 39:58 Bible Trivia and Giveaways ––– ▶️ Video versions of 'Feeding Fathers' available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QurbanaMedia  📲 Follow us on social media: "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@qurbana.media 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter 📧 Email us at [email protected] if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab!

It's the last episode of the year as Christmas and the new year is approaching! On this very special episode, we get into the essence of Christmas and why what Catholics believe about God can be seen as scandalous. We look at the symbolism behind the nativity scene and the profound theology of God becoming man. This episode is packed with reflections on vulnerability, spiritual friendships, and the transformative power of Christ’s love. So sit back, pour some chai, bring out the kuleche (Christmas cookies) and baklava, and enjoy the conversation! Featuring: Fr. Augustine Joseph, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Fadi Auro, Br. Sinan Salim

Our discussion centers on addressing scandals within the Church and how to deal with them. We begin with a detailed look at the HBO documentary "Marcial Maciel: The Wolf of God" – a series chronicling the decades of abuse, deception, and downfall of the founder of the Legionaries of Christ, who was involved in severe scandals including sexual abuse and misuse of power. We explore the implications of such scandals on faith, trust in priests and religious authorities, and the importance of accountability and transparency. Examining the responsibilities of spiritual leaders and the impact of personal failings on their communities is an important part of the discussion. We reflect on repentance, mercy, and the critical role of human formation in preventing future abuses. Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Andy Younan, Fr. Daniel Shaba, Fr. Christopher Somo

This week we’re talking Christian unity, sparked by the Pope’s recent trip to Turkey and Lebanon. We get into the real stuff: why Catholics and Orthodox Christians still aren’t on the same page, what keeps them apart, and why Fr. Simon politely said “nope” to an interview with an Orthodox priest. We also get honest about the big roadblocks—history, theology, culture—and why love and truth actually matter if unity is ever going to be a thing. Plus, we chat about Catholic–Orthodox marriages, the traditions that shape both communities, and, of course, the absolute blessing that is "Sacos Tacos." Featuring: Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Augustine Joseph, Fr. Tristan Farida