A Pondering Heart Podcast
Emi Namoro and Rachel Wong
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Two friends on the journey to sainthood. Join us as we dive deeper into our Catholic faith, reflect on our call to holiness, and like Mary, ponder all these things in our hearts.
Let’s ponder out loud together!
Available episodes
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Jan 14, 2022
S2E5 | One Final Heart to Heart
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” So begins chapter 3 of the Book of Ecclesiastes, and an apt sentiment for this episode. We won’t beat around the bush: in this episode, we share the bittersweet news about taking a step back from A Pondering Heart Podcast. Over the past year, we’ve taken a beautiful journey that has allowed us to dive deeper into our faith, have challenging conversations, and ponder out loud. We’ll talk about what’s next, embracing change in our lives, and extending our gratitude for your continued support and listenership with each episode.
All of you have played such a beautiful role in this journey, and for that, we thank you! Onwards and upwards, ad majorem Dei gloriam! — Emi & Rachel
Things to ponder in this episode:
* A popular practice for the new year is to take on a word for the year. For 2022, Emi’s is ‘receive’ and Rachel’s is ‘intimacy’ (Rachel shares more here: https://rachelwong.substack.com/p/a-word-for-2022). Do you take on a word for the year? If so, what is it, and how might God be speaking to you through it? If you don’t take on a word for the year, no worries! There are other ways that God speaks to us. Take some time to reflect on the year that has passed, and how God might be calling you to deeper relationship for this year.
* Change is inevitable in our life, and this is felt most acutely as we go from year to year, or from one state of life to another. How do you cope with transition, and what does that look like for you? Read through Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: it’s a powerful reminder of the temporal nature of our life, and how ultimately we will one day belong to God alone.
* As we wrap up A Pondering Heart, what has been a key takeaway for you? How will you continue to ‘ponder out loud’ with the Lord?
What’s on our heart?
* Emi: “End of a chapter, the start of something new” — a line from a musical that Emi was in a few years ago, called “Right Here, Write Now.”
* Rachel: An Address of Pope Paul VI, entitled “Reflections at Nazareth”: https://www.papalencyclicals.net/paul06/p6reflect.htm
You can continue to listen to (and re-listen to!) A Pondering Heart on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and beyond. Our Instagram and Facebook is @aponderingheartpodcast.
Here are some ways you can keep in touch with Emi and Rachel beyond A Pondering Heart:
Emi is a Vancouver-based Catholic writer and artist. You can follow her on Instagram @restlessnightwriter. You can also read her reflections on her website at eminamoro.com.
Rachel is the host of The Feminine Genius Podcast, which you can listen to on all major platforms. You can follow her on Instagram @femgeniuspod and @rchlcwng. You can also read some of her reflections at rachelwong.substack.com.
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
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Dec 10, 2021
S2E4 | In Pursuit of Holy Friendship with Father Richard and Father Raffaele
"Picture a lot of jagged rocks, and then put them in a blender, and the push 'on.'" This was how Fr. Richard Conlin, one of our guests for this episode, described his experience of being at the seminary. But our relationships with people in general can be characterized in this way: unique beings coming into contact with one another, engaging in fun times and conflict, with the 'end product' being mutual and reciprocal love for the other.
Today, we chat with Fr. Richard and returning guest Fr. Raffaele about the beauty of holy friendships: what the important building blocks are for it, why it's important for our life as Catholics, and the need for prayer as the central part of our relationships.
Fr. Richard Conlin is an ordained priest in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, currently serving at Corpus Christi Parish in Vancouver. Fr. Raffaele Salvino is an ordained priest in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, currently serving at St. Matthew's Parish in Surrey.
Thoughts to ponder in this episode:
* "It's a really interesting insight: We see that Jesus is alive by seeing how He can bring certain people together that otherwise wouldn't naturally come together." — This was certainly the case for Fr. Richard and Fr. Raffaele, and perhaps is applicable for a lot of folks who find themselves in intentional community or formation of some kind. How has Jesus brought you together with your friends? Was it someone that you expected, or in a way that you expected?
* "This likeness reveals that man, who is the only creature on earth which God willed for itself, cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself." (Gaudium et Spes, 24) — As humans, we have the opportunity to form relationships with other people. From the beginning, we were never meant to be alone, though sometimes we act in ways that isolates us from others or we act out of selfish means. When have you made a gift of yourself for others? How did the other person respond? What did you learn about yourself in the process?
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast to stay up to date with us!
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
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Nov 12, 2021
S2E3 | Instagram is Not Your Bible
For many of us, there probably isn't a day that goes by without checking in on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or the host of other social media sites out there. Social media is a great way to stay connected with friends, learn something new or even share your faith, but as with all things we can also run the risk of spending too much time on our apps and lose sight of our intentions. As Catholics, how can we be good stewards of social media and use is to glorify God? It's a fine balance and a great opportunity: one that God can certainly use and work through, if only we cooperate with Him.
Thoughts to ponder from this episode:
* On average, how much time do you spend on social media? If you have access to Screen Time or a similar kind of app, check to see how much time you spend on any given social media. Is it more or less than you expected? If it's more and you're hoping to curb it, what are some things that you can do to intentionally fill that time instead?
* The use of social media for evangelization is a beautiful way to use the tools we've been given for good, and can be a great way to live out the New Evangelization. How can you ensure that your online and offline life is aligned? How can you be more intentional with your use of social media?
* Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." We'll be the first to admit that sometimes we post on social media to seek attention or draw praise to ourselves! In everything that we do, we need to remember whose we are and why we're doing what we're doing, and with social media and digital evangelization, this is no different.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast to stay up to date with us!
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
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Oct 8, 2021
S2E2 | How do you pray? 🙏🏼
One of the pillars of our faith is prayer. But... sometimes prayer is difficult. Painful. Boring, even! But in the same way that we need to grow and invest in our relationships with our loved ones, we also need to grow in our relationship with God — and prayer is a great way to do that. Join us as we dive deep into what prayer is, share our own prayer routines, and share encouragement and solidarity. We all struggle in prayer: You aren't alone, and God delights in your efforts. He can't wait to share time with you!
Thoughts to ponder from this episode:
* What does your current prayer routine look like? If you find it difficult to pray or keep a consistent prayer routine, what do you see as an impediment? Ask God to help you pray and to encourage you.
* 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "pray without ceasing." While we can't always be in front of the Blessed Sacrament, there is a beautiful opportunity to invite God into every moment, even the mundane, boring moments, and use that as a time of prayer. How can you bring God into every moment of your life?
* From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 2560: "The wonder of prayer is revealed beside the well where we come seeking water: there, Christ comes to meet every human being. It is he who first seeks us and asks us for a drink. Jesus thirsts; his asking rises from the depths of God’s desire for us. Whether we realize it or not, prayer is the encounter of God’s thirsts with ours. God thirsts that we may thirst for Him." Jesus desires to have a relationship with you! How does this make you feel? How can you deepen your relationship with Him?
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast to stay up to date with us!
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
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Sep 10, 2021
S2E1 | Balancing Mary and Martha
Welcome to Season 2 of A Pondering Heart Podcast! In this episode, we share some podcast and life updates, which sets us up quite nicely for the topic of today. Using the story of Jesus visiting His friends Mary and Martha, we dive into the topic of busyness in our lives. We look at what being too busy can do to our lives and relationship with God, the importance of observing the Sabbath (#Sabbathing), and some practical ways we can balance action and contemplation in our daily lives.
Thoughts to ponder from this episode:
* "How are you?" / "Oh you know, I'm busy." — This is a common refrain in our conversations with people, to the point where we may not even realize how busy we are or what is keeping us busy. What keeps you busy? What does the busyness come at the expense of in your life?
* "Burnout is not a badge of honour." — Taking on different responsibilities, service roles, or tasks are not inherently evil. But if we find that there is too much going on in our life, we run the risk of becoming overwhelmed, stressed, and potentially burning out. What does burnout look like in your life? What are some steps you can take to prevent burnout?
* Balancing our inner Mary and Martha — The point of this episode is not to say that doing things is bad! Rather, call to mind your active life. Do you make time for rest, contemplation, and prayer? How can you honour the Sabbath in your particular way?
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast to stay up to date with us!
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
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Jun 25, 2021
S1E14 | Season 1 Finale!
How did this happen!? Just three months after starting this podcast, we're here at the end of season 1 — and what an adventure it's been! Join us as we celebrate some of the great ways God has moved through the season: inspiring us and our guests, the incredible conversations we've had, and some takeaways that we'll bring with us into our next season.
A big thank you to our guests from season 1: Deacon Raffaele Salvino, Mike & Camille Mendoza, Sr. Mary Sabina, and Fr. Mark McGuckin. And of course, thank you to all of you for supporting us and listening in! We look forward to bringing you more conversations and things to ponder in season 2!
Thoughts to ponder from this season:
* What is your key takeaway from this season?
* What is something that you want to go deeper into this summer?
* What would you like us to ponder next season?
We're taking a break this summer, but we'll be back soon! For all the latest updates on what's next for the podcast, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast.
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
God bless you! — Emi & Rachel
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Jun 18, 2021
S1E13 | Dreams, Desires, and Asking Big Things of God
St. Teresa of Avila once said, "You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him." God delights in us and desires for all of us to dream big and dream with Him. But as we get older, sometimes we find it difficult to open up and dream. We may get self-conscious, afraid of failure, or maybe even afraid of putting in the work. But ultimately, God has made us for more than mediocrity: He calls us to live magnanimously, welcome Him into our dreams, and desires for us to succeed in them. Let's pay Him a compliment by being bold and magnanimously!
Thoughts to ponder from this episode:
* From Be Healed by Bob Schuchts: "We were 'promised boundless treasures from the Father’s storehouse.' Jesus says all we have to do is ask. The Father delights in giving us good gifts." — Have you ever found yourself stopping short from asking God to fulfill the desires of your heart? What stops you from asking God? What might encourage you to be bold and ask?
* In Matthew 7, Jesus talks about asking, seeking and knocking. If even evil people give good gifts to their children, how much more will God give to those who ask Him? (Matthew 7:11) — Do you trust that God has your best interest at heart, and that He has nothing but the best for you? Ask Him for whatever it is that you need, seek His face, and knock on the door of His heart today.
* The story of the pearl necklace is a great example of God providing us with incredible things, and sometimes we hold onto the 'fake' pearl necklace out of insecurity or fear — What is your fake pearl necklace that you are holding on to? What might it take for you to surrender it to our Lord and trust Him?
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast to stay up to date with us!
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
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Jun 11, 2021
S1E12 | Following God Through the Drama of Life with Fr. Mark McGuckin
Many times we think we know what we want in our life, and we pursue our dreams and desires independent of God. For Fr. Mark McGuckin, he had a desire to work in the TV and film industry. Ultimately, he got his wish: He graduated from the University of British Columbia's film program and then worked in Vancouver's TV and film industry. But through a powerful moment of conversion, Fr. Mark started asking the big questions about what life is all about. This led him to leave his work and followed God to the seminary, and in 2016, he was ordained a priest.
Fr. Mark McGuckin is an ordained priest in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, currently serving at St. Joseph's Parish in Port Moody.
Thoughts to ponder from this episode:
* Fr. Mark described some of the emptiness that he felt in the work that he was doing, which led him to ask deeper questions about life and God's existence. Have you ever found yourself asking life's "big questions"? How does this impact your current work and vocation?
* "We're co-authors of this life that we've been given. God is the main author, and we get to co-author this story with Him. He knows the major plot-points already, and He doesn't inhibit our free will, and He's inviting us to collaborate here." — The 'drama of life' as Fr. Mark describes it can be challenging, heart breaking, and terrifying, but it is never boring. God desires to write our story with us, though it requires an immense amount of trust especially in the more difficult parts. How is He calling you to co-author your story with Him?
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast to stay up to date with us!
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
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Jun 4, 2021
S1E11 | Our Friends, the Saints
In a recent Wednesday audience, Pope Francis spoke on the communion of saints and their relationship to us, decades and centuries later: "The saints are still here not far from us; and their representations in churches evoke that “cloud of witnesses” that always surrounds us." The saints are not only historical beings and exemplars of holiness — they also are our friends, continuously interceding for us and proving to us that no matter how far we stray from the path, there is always hope. In this episode, we share our love for the saints, the many medals we wear to honour their legacy, and share some of our favourite saints and how they continue to pray for us.
We mentioned:
* Jennifer Fulwiler's Saint Name Generator, which you can find here: https://saintsnamegenerator.com/
* Modern Saints: Their Lives and Faces by Ann Ball
* Meg Hunter Kilmer is a saint ninja! She also is the author of the book Saints Around the World.
Thoughts to ponder from this episode:
* From Pope Francis' Wednesday audience (April 7, 2021): "The saints remind us that even in our lives, however weak and marked by sin, holiness can unfold." — What is your personal relationship with saints? Do you feel that they are out of reach or difficult to related to?
* Who are some of the saints in your life that you seek the intercession of? Who are some of the saints who have befriended you? Ask them to pray for you today and always!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast to stay up to date with us!
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
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May 28, 2021
S1E10 | The Beauty of Accompaniment with Sr. Mary Sabina, OP
When it comes to discerning God's will for our lives, it becomes almost impossible when we try to do it all on our own. We may feel scared to reach out to other people because of judgement or insecurity. But in our conversation with Sister Mary Sabina, she challenges us to not be afraid and to be bold in seeking accompaniment.
In this episode, Sr. Mary Sabina shares her beautiful vocation story, the importance of accompaniment, and how she was tasked to create a community for discerning women in the Archdiocese of Vancouver and what a blessing that has been for the community and herself. And as a religious sister, she has a lot of advice when it comes to women who may be discerning a religious vocation!
Sr. Mary Sabina is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia currently stationed in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. She teaches at a local Catholic high school and also works for the Archdiocese of Vancouver as the Archbishop’s Delegate for Consecrated Life.
Thoughts to ponder from this episode:
* "God speaks gently, and He unfolds His plan for salvation in time, over history, and He took time to do it. But it's really hard for us who are in time to wait for Him who is outside of time." — We've made different mentions this season of timelines, patience, and working with God in His time rather than our own. What does it mean for you to wait for His timing? How might you practice that in your life right now?
* Sister Mary Sabina emphasized the importance of accompaniment, and we can find that through spiritual directors, vocations directors, and even friends. Do you have people who are accompanying you on your journey? Take note of who they are in your life, and give thanks for them today.
* Regardless of what vocation you are called to, Sister Mary Sabina talks about the need for freedom in our lives, especially during discernment. This could be freedom from physical ailments, previous trauma, or chronic sins. What are some things that are keeping you from experiencing true freedom? What might some steps be that you can take to seek freedom?
Learn more about the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia by visiting their website, https://www.nashvilledominican.org/.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast to stay up to date with us!
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
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May 21, 2021
S1E9 | Can You Get Angry at God?
Everyone's prayer life and relationship to God is unique and personal, but one thing that comes up often is the question of getting real with God and showing our true emotions — especially if it is frustration, anger, or hurt. Many times, we even struggle with telling those around us that we are angry at them! Are we allowed to get angry at Him in prayer, or do we have to put our anger in a box and leave it at the door of the chapel? In this episode, we talk through the misconception of holding our emotions away from God in prayer and discuss the key to openness with Him: trust!
Remember: God created you for joy! We are not meant to stay angry or upset all the time, but God wants to experience our pain and suffering and journey with us. Bring it to Him!
Thoughts to ponder from this episode:
* "You can be angry at God, but that doesn't mean that you actually tell Him that." — Have you ever felt 'angry' at God? Have you ever felt like you needed to hold back your pains, hurts, a…
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May 14, 2021
S1E8 | A Partnership Rooted in God with Michael and Camille Mendoza (pt. 2)
Oftentimes we hear about the need to 'work on ourselves' or 'focus on us' during those times of singlehood. And during our conversation with Michael and Camille Mendoza, this was the thing that they found was the key for their own marriage.
In part 2 of our conversation, we continue to explore this idea of working on ourselves, pursuing our own passions, and the need to put the focus on God, and why spending our time well in singlehood will not only help us in our vocations, it will also naturally help us grow closer to God.
Michael and Camille Mendoza have been married for almost two years at the release of this episode, and are parents to a beautiful girl. They live in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. You can find them on Instagram @mjmendz and @camillermendz, as well as at mendozacollective.com.
*Thoughts to ponder from this episode:*
* "If you are in a point of singlehood and you aren't at peace, or you aren't whole, or you aren't depending on God as your source for wholeness...…
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May 7, 2021
S1E7 | A Partnership Rooted in God with Michael and Camille Mendoza (pt. 1)
We hear stories of happily ever after, and at some level, we all desire to be seen, known, and loved. But behind all the #couplegoals and cute date ideas, there is real and hard work that needs to go into the individuals and the marriage for it to work.
To break this topic open for us, we welcome Michael and Camille Mendoza, a couple living in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. We admire their marriage and partnership dearly, and in part 1 of our conversation we dive into Michael and Camille first as individuals and friends, and how that served as the foundation for their love story and marriage. They recount the story of how intentionality, clarity, and God was the center of their lives, and how by His grace, He brought them together.
Michael and Camille Mendoza have been married for almost two years at the release of this episode, and are parents to a beautiful girl. They live in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. You can find them on Instagram @mjmendz and @camillermendz and also at mendoza…
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Apr 30, 2021
S1E6 | Trusting God with Our Growth
As children and adolescents, there is a natural progression to life: you go from one grade to the next and you follow what the rest of the world prescribes as the rational next steps. But at some point, adults come to a place of choice — choosing what's next in their life's plan of growth. It can be overwhelming and scary, especially when you thought you knew where you were going, only to have plans change or fall through. Join us as we live through our own existential crises and place our confidence in Jesus, the True Vine: the master gardener who will help us grow to be who He's called us to be.
Bible passages referenced this episode:
* "Jesus, the True Vine" - John 15:1-8
* "Abraham tested" - Genesis 22:1-19
Thoughts to ponder from this episode:
* "There's no manual. Everyone's path will look so different, but how will I know that I'm on the right path?" — In this era of social media, Instagram highlights and putting our best foot forward, we can sometimes feel like we…
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Apr 23, 2021
S1E5 | Vocation, Timelines, & Spiritual Battles with Deacon Raffaele Salvino
Each of us desire to know God's will for our lives. But despite our best efforts, the answers may not be as clear as we'd like for it to be. What happens when God's timeline doesn't line up with our own?
In this episode, we're blessed to hear the vocation story of Deacon Raffaele Salvino and some of the insights that he's gained from his own journey. We also discuss the anxiety around the beauty of God's invitation to deepen our relationship with Him, vocational timelines, and the spiritual battles that can be fought—and won—with the grace of God. Deacon Raffaele also shares his favourite spiritual book, a childhood memory, and a definitive answer as to whether or not pineapples belong on pizza.
Deacon Raffaele Salvino is currently a deacon ordained in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. You can follow him on Instagram @raffyasco.
Thoughts to ponder from this episode:
* "From your birth to now, Raffaele, I know you. I've known you, I am with you. Do you want to be with me?" — God…
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Apr 16, 2021
S1E4 | Holiness For You, Too!
The Second Vatican Council makes it clear that there is a "universal call to holiness". We sometimes think that this call is impersonal or reserved for the saints, those who have religious vocations, or our very holy grandmothers. Taking some inspiration from Pope Francis and some of the saints, we unpack this idea of holiness for each of us and how God intentionally built His church to help us succeed in being holy men and women.
Our icebreaker question: What is your favourite apparition or title for Mother Mary?
Emi: Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of the Smile
Rachel: Our Lady, Undoer of Knots
Quotes from the episode to ponder further:
* From Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate ('Rejoice and Be Glad') - On the Call to Holiness in Today's World kicked off our conversation: "In the Church, holy yet made up of sinners, you will find everything you need to grow towards holiness. The Lord has bestowed on the Church the gifts of scripture, the sacraments, ho…
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Apr 9, 2021
S1E3 | St. Joseph: A Patient Man of Few Words
St. Joseph is a quiet man. No really, he is: in all of the Gospels, St. Joseph doesn't say a single word. And yet, St. Joseph is revered as one of the greatest saints in the universal church. In this episode, we take the time to share our favourite titles for St. Joseph, the reason why we sought St. Joseph's patronage for A Pondering Heart, and the incredible witness and faith of the foster father of Jesus.
Our conversation centered around Pope Francis' apostolic letter Patris Corde ("With a Father's Heart").
This is the Litany of St. Joseph that we were basing our responses off of for our ice breaker question!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast to stay up to date with us!
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
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Mar 26, 2021
S1E2 | Meet Your Hosts!
In this episode, we introduce you to the voices behind the microphone: Emi Namoro and Rachel Wong! We share the story of our friendship and different parts of our life, including our favourite foods, what we used to want to be when we grew up, our favourite saints, and where we've encountered the heart of God.
Podcasts we love!:
* Poco a Poco Podcast
* Abiding Together
* Word on Fire Show
* 99% Invisible
* Clerically Speaking
* Sleep With Me
* Sleepy
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast to stay up to date with us!
Our theme music is "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more at scottbuckley.com.au.
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Mar 19, 2021
S1E1 | Welcome to A Pondering Heart Podcast!
Welcome to A Pondering Heart Podcast — a podcast hosted by two friends learning and growing together in our Catholic faith. In this first episode, hosts Emi and Rachel introduce you to the podcast, share a little bit of the insight behind the name, and where we hope to go with you on this podcast journey!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aponderingheartpodcast to stay up to date!
Our theme music is called "Yellow" by Scott Buckley. Learn more about him at scottbuckley.com.au.
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