Plugged In - The Official Podcast for JSerra Catholic High School
Plugged In is a monthly podcast offering personal and professional insights from guests with hands-on involvement in the life of adolescents and expertise in education and related fields. Our goal is to partner with parents and adults involved in the formation of young men and women by inviting them to tune into ongoing and engaging conversations that offer insight into the lives, habits, culture, gifts, and challenges of the current generation of adolescents. We hope these insights will enable all of us to raise young men and women of deep faith, sound intellect, and exceptional character.
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Parents as Primary Educators, Part 4 - with Dr. Leonard Sax
04/23/2024
Parents as Primary Educators, Part 4 - with Dr. Leonard Sax
In his sixth appearance on the podcast, Dr. Leonard Sax takes on what it means for parents to be the first and most important educators of their children. “Kids are not born knowing what’s right and what’s wrong,” attests Dr. Sax. Accordingly, parents serve the foundational role in the life of their sons and daughters of teaching them how to live well, that is, how to live virtuously. As always, Dr. Sax offers insights that will embolden parents of adolescents and younger children alike to embrace the primacy of their God-given role as their kids’ most necessary and respected role models, while suggesting practical tips for shaping the minds and hearts of their sons and daughters with confidence.
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High School is Not the Finish Line
02/14/2024
High School is Not the Finish Line
Adolescence does not end when young men and women go off to college. In a sense, their education for life has only just begun. That’s why it is crucial to send our sons and daughters to universities that understand how to complete the comprehensive education they need to live a flourishing life. Join University of Dallas President Jonathan J. Sanford as he talks to parents about the essential role the college years play in forming young men and women of virtue, and what makes some Catholic colleges and universities more suited for that than others.
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Helping Teens Pray with Hallow
01/31/2024
Helping Teens Pray with Hallow
Every parent and every educator who has tried knows that getting teenagers interested in daily prayer requires perseverance and a commitment to the long game. Getting Gen Z-ers to put down the cell phones and turn to contemplation makes that task even more daunting. Now they don’t have to give up one for the other. Hear Hallow App co-founder, Alessandro DiSanto, walk us through the genius of the technology that is marrying social media and the interior life and helping millions to return to Christ through prayer. Alessandro explains the personal crises that led him and two friends to begin seeking God at a deeper level, why he believes they were able to create a platform that would resonate with over 14 million subscribers, and the warp speed with which Hallow has taken not only the Catholic world, but the digital world by storm.
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Parents as Primary Educators, Part 3: It Starts with You
01/18/2024
Parents as Primary Educators, Part 3: It Starts with You
“You don’t build the house; you give them the foundation.” In this inspiring podcast, the “Dynamic Deacon” and father of five outlines practical tips for how to build your sons’ and daughters’ spiritual muscle memory. Engaging, entertaining, deep, and practical! Listen to Deacon Harold, the “Dynamic Deacon,” as he coaches parents in concrete ways to lay the foundation for their sons’ and daughters’ growth in personal maturity. Pulling from talking points he shared the evening before in his presentation to JSerra parents, Deacon extrapolates on: What ;”e Church means when it calls parents “educators”; the importance of one-on-one time with children as well as weekly family time; modelling Christ-like behavior; taking full advantage of “teachable moments”; and the what and the why of discipline in the life of our kids. You will walk away from this conversation edified, inspired, and full of ideas for how to be the primary educator your children need… and God made you to be!
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Parents As Primary Educators, Part 2: What is a "Primary Educator?"
12/19/2023
Parents As Primary Educators, Part 2: What is a "Primary Educator?"
In this second part of our series on, “Parents as Primary Educators,” Catholic school leader, Debbie Nearmeyer, shares some basics on how to move forward confidently in our vocation as mothers and fathers. In this second episode of “Parents as Primary Educators,” mother of five and Vice President of Faith and Mission, Debbie Nearmeyer, elucidates with detail the meaning of being a “primary educator.” With gentleness, depth, and humor, Debbie explains what it means to educate in the real sense of the word , while sharing examples from home and school life that serve to make the task realistically accessible. Tune in to this month’s podcast and hear how Debbie steers parents towards success and fulfillment in their number one vocation.
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Parents As Primary Educators, Part 1: Powerfully Connected Parenting
11/08/2023
Parents As Primary Educators, Part 1: Powerfully Connected Parenting
In this first episode in our series on “Parents as Primary Educators,” former JSerra teacher and personal counselor, Cara Morales, LMFT, explains why that is more than an overused cliché. Cara attests that God has chosen all moms and dads as the ones he has specifically ordained to raise the children he has given them. And she assures them that He will also provide the help needed to fulfill that unique responsibility. With an eye to the practical, Cara shares tips on how to parent through the trying teenage years with confidence, serenity, and fruitful results. Always original and engaging, Cara recommends concrete steps parents can take to stay connected to their teens even while they seem to be pulling away, and to ensure they remain their kids’ number one confidants.
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Navigating College Confidently
09/05/2023
Navigating College Confidently
On this month’s episode of Plugged In, Emily Wilson talks about the difficulties she faced as a young Catholic woman going off to an enormous public university with the goal of keeping her faith and her ideals intact. As she faced those difficulties head on and navigated those challenges, Emily found her faith and her convictions intensifying. Those experiences shaped a desire in her to help other young women prepare for the onslaught of temptations and the assaults on faith and moral principles that characterize so much of college campus life today. Emily’s practical advice for parents of young women (and for high schoolers themselves) inspired hope that it is indeed possible to thrive in college without forsaking the Christian beliefs and values you hold dear.
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Risk Reaps Rewards with Dr. Leonard and Sarah Sax
08/22/2023
Risk Reaps Rewards with Dr. Leonard and Sarah Sax
Is resilience as important as everyone is saying? According to the studies, yes, but perhaps not in the way you think. Why are so few teens unwilling to take risks? And what are the consequences for a generation that lives by the fabricated rules of “safety-ism”? How does the lack of resilience in teen boys play into their susceptibility to today’s most paralyzing addiction: pornography use? Join renowned author, speaker, physician, and psychologist, Dr. Leonard Sax, and his daughter Sarah Sax on this special edition of Plugged In, as they share about Sarah’s extreme summer adventure and the real-life lessons that pushing a teen to such limits provides.
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Their Story Isn’t Over with Fr. Mike Schmitz
03/14/2023
Their Story Isn’t Over with Fr. Mike Schmitz
“Parents," says Fr. Mike Schmitz, “are the prototype.” In this lively conversation, Fr. Mike shares about what inspired his vocation and gives parents advice on how they can best equip their children to be life-long disciples of Christ. With his well-known wit and wisdom, Fr. Mike talks about his call to the priesthood, his work with college students, and the origins of his media ministry and #1 Spotify podcasts. Always determined to lead by example, he explains how parents can best pass on the faith by looking at their own practice and devotion, and by trusting in the God who loves their children more than they do. Don’t miss this special edition on Plugged In! ABOUT THE GUEST Fr. Mike Schmitz is the Chaplain of the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He is best known for his series of short videos on faith and culture by Ascension Press and for being the host of two of the top religious podcasts of all time: The Bible in A Year and The Catechism in a Year. He has published several books, including How to Make Great Decisions and Untroubled by the Unknown: Trusting God in Every Moment. Fr. Mike speaks around the country to a variety of audiences but places a high priority on the young adults he is called to serve on campus.
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Sacred Balancing Act with Lisa Hendey
02/15/2023
Sacred Balancing Act with Lisa Hendey
Parents have never been busier. Professional responsibilities, kids' schedules, and non-stop extracurricular events can make the idea of creating a family culture seem almost impossible. Lisa Hendey came to that same conclusion. Married to a successful doctor, flourishing in her own career, and trying to raise two children, she realized something had to give. In fact something had: it was family time. On this episode of Plugged In, full-time professional and fuller-time mom Lisa Hendey explains what it took to "put first things first" in her own family life and walks us through the struggles, challenges, and ultimate triumphs she speaks and writes about across the nation. Sober, humble, and hopeful, she shares how she and her husband prioritized family without compromising a full life outside the home. ABOUT THE GUEST Lisa Hendey is a best-selling author, speaker, radio producer, and podcast host. She is the founder of CatholicMom.com, the host of "Lisa Hendey and Friends" and the co-host of "Catholic MomCast." Her books include The Grace of Yes, I'm a Saint in the Making, The Handbook for Catholic Moms, and I Am God's Storyteller. Lisa's fiction series for children, called Chime Travelers, has been read in elementary schools and Church groups worldwide. While maintaining a thriving career, Lisa raised two children in a faith-filled home -- something she sees as her greatest joy and accomplishment.
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Arthur C. Brooks on the Science of Happiness
01/24/2023
Arthur C. Brooks on the Science of Happiness
Arthur C. Brooks has done the homework on happiness. The tenured Harvard Business professor, who is also a best-selling author and sought-after speaker, shares with us the secrets to finding true and lasting happiness — the scientific way. In this full-length recording of a talk he delivered recently to the JSerra community, Brooks lays out the facts about happiness according to brain science, facts that may surprise many of us. The good news is happiness is not as hard to attain as we imagine. Tune in to this entertaining and transformational presentation with the potential to change your way of looking at life. ABOUT THE GUEST Arthur C. Brooks is the William Henry Bloomberg Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School, where he teaches courses on leadership and happiness. He is also a columnist at The Atlantic, where he writes the popular weekly “How to Build a Life” column. Brooks is the author of 12 books, including the 2022 #1 New York Times bestseller . He speaks to audiences all around the world about human happiness, and works to raise well-being within private companies, universities, public agencies, and community organizations. His upcoming book, co-written with Oprah Winfrey, will explain why suffering is necessary for ultimate happiness.
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Reading the Right Books with Dr. John Boyle
10/29/2022
Reading the Right Books with Dr. John Boyle
For Dr. John Boyle, co-founder of the Catholic Studies program at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, not all books are made equal. Tune in as he explains why reading for reading's sake is not enough, and why reading the right books matters. In this extraordinary insightful conversation, Dr. Boyle explains why books impact who we become, and gives parents tips for determining what makes a book "good." His explanation may surprise you! ABOUT THE GUEST Dr. Boyle is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. He holds a Licentiate in Mediaeval Studies from the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies in Toronto and a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies from the University of Toronto. His published works on the thought of Thomas Aquinas are many; among them are Master Thomas Aquinas and the Fulness of Life and The Order and Division of Divine Truth: St. Thomas Aquinas as Scholastic Master of the Sacred Page. Aquinas on Scripture: A Primer will be available later this fall from Emmaus Academic. His awards and honors include a National Endowment for the Humanties Fellowship, the Aquinas Medal from the University of Dallas, and he has delivered the Aquinas Lecture at the National University of Ireland. Dr. Boyle lives in St. Paul with his wife, Dia; they have three grown children.
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The Rise of Fentanyl with Sgt. Brian Gunsolley
10/10/2022
The Rise of Fentanyl with Sgt. Brian Gunsolley
Fentanyl is now the number one cause of death among American adolescents. Declared a national emergency by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the alarming rise of this drug is that much more precarious due to its deceptive nature and its overpowering addictive qualities. Fifty times more potent than heroine and one hundred times stronger than morphine, the tiniest dose of Fentanyl has lethal implications. Tune into this sobering interview with Orange County Sheriff’s drug education expert and learn what parents can do to protect their sons and daughters from this growing threat. ABOUT THE GUEST Sergeant Brian Gunsolley is a 23-year Orange County Sheriff’s Department veteran with experience working in Corrections, Patrol, and Critical Incident Response Team, as well as serving as a Field Training Officer, Drug Liaison Officer, DUI Task Force member, and School Resource Officer. Sergeant Gunsolley currently supervises the Community Engagement Unit, responsible for providing safety education for schools and the general community. Sergeant Gunsolley has a BA in Economics from UCLA and a Master of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego.
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Making the Case for Morality with Fr. Robert Spitzer
09/22/2022
Making the Case for Morality with Fr. Robert Spitzer
In this recording of a recent talk given by Fr. Robert Spitzer, the famed author, television host, and international advisor gets into the nitty gritty of the most contentious moral controversies confronting American young people today. With his trademark brilliance-made-simple, Fr. Spitzer identifies the undergirding bases of several modern moral stances and counters each one point by point with clarity and persuasion. Buckle up for this exhilarating, high-speed presentation that will have you on the edge of your seat and eager for more! About Fr. Robert SpitzerFr. Robert Spitzer is a Jesuit priest, the former president of Gonzaga University, and former Rector of JSerra Catholic High School. Fr. has authored over 10 books and made innumerable media appearances including The History Channel PBS series (multi-part series entitled Closer to the Truth), the Today Show (debating euthanasia), and Larry King Live(debating Stephen Hawking). His myriad of published articles has appeared in major publications Philosophy and Science and the Business and Professional Ethics Journal. Fr. Spitzer has spoken the world over, including addressing government officials in Costa Rica, Tony Blair's Cabinet in London, and on both sides of the conflict in Northern Ireland. He is the founder of numerous major national institutes such as Magis Center, Spitzer Center, and Healing the Culture. Additionally, Fr. has produced multiple television series for EWTN, most recently Fr. Spitzer's Universe. Fr. Spitzer has been a frequent speaker at JSerra and a regular presider at our all-school and Baccalaureate Masses.
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What You Need to Know About Your Teen’s Culture with Dr. Leonard Sax
08/16/2022
What You Need to Know About Your Teen’s Culture with Dr. Leonard Sax
In this episode of Plugged In, Dr. Leonard Sax and his 16-year old daughter Sarah explore the factors contributing to America's current "culture of disrespect." They answer questions such as: What's different about today's teen culture and why does it matter? How much social media is too much? Does limiting your child's social media use make any significant impact? Is TikTok good for my son or daughter? Is there evidence to support decisions around these issues or is all just guesswork? Tune in for the answers to these questions and many more on this month's episode of Plugged In.
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From Coven to Convent with Sr. Maria Catherine
03/19/2022
From Coven to Convent with Sr. Maria Catherine
Sr. Maria Catherine wasn't always a Jesus fan. Far from it. Before meeting Christ, she was an actress who was involved in a host of non-Christian practices and thought Christianity and its "superstitious belief system" would be the last thing she would ever give in to. Then something changed — dramatically. Tune in to hear how this now deeply committed religious sister took the long road to Christ. In this dynamic podcast, Sr. Maria Catherine shares in depth about her miraculous journey from black magic to the foot of the Cross. You won't believe it until you hear it! ABOUT THE GUEST Sr. Maria Catherine, O.P. is from the great state of Texas. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, she worked in various industries but mainly banking and administration before entering the convent. Sister has traveled widely and has been one of a few representatives of her community on The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is a published author in the Catholic San Francisco, The Imaginative Conservative, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. She loves teaching English and Theology and continues to be grateful for the opportunity to study Aquinas at Ave Maria University. She is currently teaching English at JSerra Catholic High School.
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Mentoring Struggling Students with Drew Clute
03/10/2022
Mentoring Struggling Students with Drew Clute
Students struggle in school for a variety of reasons. How do parents recognize when their son or daughter's academic struggle deserves expert attention? How do they help their teenage child to overcome the stigma associated with learning challenges? In this mini-podcast, JSerra's Director of Learning and Academic Support, Drew Clute, tackles a topic which is touching upon more and more parents via their teenagers' academic experience. Drew steps us through the methods and the means parents and teachers can use together in order to hearten young people facing academic trials and arm them with the tools to bring them through with confidence and success. ABOUT THE GUEST Drew Clute is the Director of Learning and Academic Support at JSerra where he oversees multiple programs that provide support for various student groups on campus. Drew earned a bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration Fresno State University (2006) and a certificate in serving under-privileged and at-risk youth. In 2010 he complete his M.A. in Secondary Education, as well as two credentials in social studies and mild-moderate special education. Drew spent six years teaching special education, History, Economics, and US Government in Fresno before coming to JSerra. He and his wife, Kristen, live with their two daughters, Chloe and Nora, in Laguna Beach, Calif.
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Finding Joy in Waiting with Cara Morales
12/15/2021
Finding Joy in Waiting with Cara Morales
Cara Morales is back! Join her in this mini-podcast as she shares her thoughts about how to prepare well during the days leading up to Christmas so we can experience the fullness of joy this season is meant to offer.
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Why We Teach Virtue with Sr. John Michael
11/29/2021
Why We Teach Virtue with Sr. John Michael
With a vibrant Catholic curriculum already in full stride, why would a school like JSerra feel the need to add a campus-wide virtue program? Dominican Sister John Michael explains in this brief mini-podcast.
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How to Discipline with Dignity with Dean Bridget Desmond
11/09/2021
How to Discipline with Dignity with Dean Bridget Desmond
Bridget Desmond is a woman who sees her role of disciplinarian at a Catholic school as exactly that: a call to equip young people with the disciplines — the habits and virtues — that will enable them to achieve the greatness for which they are made.
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American Teens At Risk with Dr. Leonard Sax
08/30/2021
American Teens At Risk with Dr. Leonard Sax
Always informative, our most popular guest, Dr. Leonard Sax, returns to the podcast this year with a special guest in tow: his daughter. Join Dr. Sax and Sarah as they detail what it is that puts American teens today at risk and what parents can do to fortify them against those risks, with proven success.
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Should We Have Black History Month? with Fr. Claude Williams
02/28/2021
Should We Have Black History Month? with Fr. Claude Williams
Amid the heated conversations our culture is steeped in, race is at the forefront. Black History Month, its purpose and its necessity, continues to raise questions for many Americans. In this candid podcast, Fr. Claude Williams shares his framework for answering this and other questions in a way leads us closer to each another and to Christ.
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The Catholic School Difference with Sr. Maria Catherine
02/10/2021
The Catholic School Difference with Sr. Maria Catherine
With public schools gone virtual across America, students are finding face-to-face interaction in Catholic schools, and more and more parents are willing to pay for it. The question is: Will these new families stay? In this dynamic podcast, Sr. Maria Catherine explains why she believes they will. Tune in as she explains the Catholic Difference.
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Connecting Parents to Teens and One Another with Cara Morales
12/14/2020
Connecting Parents to Teens and One Another with Cara Morales
Is it too late to connect with my high school teen? Not according to licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Cara Morales! During the challenging adolescent years, communication can get stifled or even conflicted. Cara shares tips for overcoming common obstacles parents face and explains why strong relationships are the key to our children's success — and to our sanity.
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Broken Mary with Kevin Matthews
11/10/2020
Broken Mary with Kevin Matthews
One of the nation's most listened-to and award-winning radio hosts Kevin Matthews shares about the seemingly random encounter that changed the trajectory of his career from popular entertainer to ambassador of Christian hope and love. Hear about his amazing journey with Broken Mary.
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Racism in America with Damon Owens
10/16/2020
Racism in America with Damon Owens
Is there racism in America? Do we need sweeping law enforcement reform? Catholic lay leader Damon Owens shares his thoughts on race, injustice, the current political unrest, and the proper Catholic response.
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Pandemic Parenting with Dr. Leonard Sax
08/18/2020
Pandemic Parenting with Dr. Leonard Sax
Can we really say how the pandemic is affecting our kids? According to recent studies, we can. Join doctor, speaker, author, and scholar, Dr. Leonard Sax, as he discusses the affects of the pandemic on our teens and how parenting with wisdom and intention is crucial for moving them through this time with positive outcomes.
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Pivoting Your Parenting: How to Stay Sane in a Quarantine
05/15/2020
Pivoting Your Parenting: How to Stay Sane in a Quarantine
Week nine of the shelter-in-place has almost everyone on edge. What seemed like a dream come true to teenagers has become more like an unbearably monotonous version of Groundhog Day. High school students are now reporting a host of conflicting reactions to being isolated from their normal outlets for support. How can parents deal and manage their own work-from-home schedule simultaneously? JSerra counselors Olivia Huie and Cara Morales offer sound and timely advice for working moms and dads with kids.
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Sports Reveal Your Teen's Character
02/06/2020
Sports Reveal Your Teen's Character
Do good guys and girls always finish last? Not according to JSerra Athletic Director Chris Ledyard. Chris shares with parents the secrets of raising great kids through the medium of sports and shares his strategy for teaching young people how to achieve excellence in mind, heart, and spirit without sacrificing excellence on the field.
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This Is the Pro-Life Moment
10/23/2019
This Is the Pro-Life Moment
In this episode of Unplugged, host Pat Reidy discusses the pro-life movement with activist Lila Rose, who describes her pro-life journey starting at 15 years old. Rose handles the delicate topic with love, compassion, and eloquence.
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