Episodios

  • The Heart of a Seminarian: Ryan's Story of Faith Ep 50
    Aug 15 2025

    In this episode of Desert Wanderers, we sit down with Ryan, a seminarian from Boise, who shares his inspiring journey of faith and discernment. From his early days in Pocatello to his experiences at St. Paul Seminary, Ryan opens up about the challenges and blessings he has encountered along the way. Discover how he navigated through moments of doubt and rediscovered his calling, all while emphasizing the importance of community and prayer in the vocation journey. Join us as we explore the beautiful path of becoming a priest and the significance of support from the Catholic community.

    🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of faith, hope, and community!

    👂 Tune in and be inspired!

    Social Media: Instagram ( / desertwandererspodcast )

    Tiktok ( / desertwandererspodcast )

    Chapters: (00:00) Welcome to Desert Wanderers, produced by Salt and Light Radio

    (01:14) Ryan's introduction

    (08:03) At what point did seminary first come on your radar

    (16:47) Was there anyone specifically who prompted you to join the seminary

    (18:41) What is the hardest part of saying yes to your vocation

    (20:47) Moment that strengthened your faith

    (24:05) What do you think you're most excited for once you become a priest

    (28:57) What are some of your interests in hobbies outside of the seminary

    (31:02) How can the Catholic community in Idaho best support you and your Fellow seminarians

    (35:36) What is your favorite saint or scripture verse and, and why

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    41 m
  • Guillermo Gutierrez (Memo): A Journey of Faith and Community
    Aug 7 2025

    In this episode of Desert Wanderers, we sit down with Memo, a seminarian in Boise, who shares his unique journey to the priesthood. From his vibrant upbringing in a Catholic family to his experiences in seminary life, Memo discusses the importance of community and the role it played in his discernment process. He reflects on the challenges and joys of preparing for a life dedicated to serving others, emphasizing the significance of the sacraments and the calling to be present in the lives of parishioners. Join us as we explore faith, vocation, and the beauty of responding to God's love.

    Chapters:
    (00:00) Desert Wanderers Intro
    (01:16) Memos vocation story
    (13:42) Did you start the seminary down in Mexico, or did you come to Idaho
    (23:08) What do you think the hardest part of saying yes to the priesthood has been
    (27:28) How has seminary strengthened your faith at this point, then?
    (39:03) People in the diocese are coming to support seminarians
    (42:30) What is your favorite saint?

    Más Menos
    47 m
  • Embracing the Call: With Ian Willnerd Ep.48
    Jul 31 2025

    In this episode of Desert Wanderers, we welcome Ian, a seminarian currently studying in Minnesota, who shares his profound vocation story and journey towards the priesthood. Join us as we explore the significance of community, the challenges of seminary life, and the beauty of spiritual fatherhood. Ian reflects on the importance of prayer, relationships, and the unique calling of priests to serve others. This insightful conversation invites listeners to deepen their understanding of vocation and the role of faith in everyday life. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of faith, hope, and community! 👂 Tune in and be inspired! Social Media: Instagram ( / desertwandererspodcast ) Tiktok ( / desertwandererspodcast ) Chapters: (00:00) Intro (01:01) Prayer (01:35) Ians Background (06:04) Was there any encouragement that helped you make the decision to become a priest (07:56) What has been the hardest part about saying yes to your calling (10:09) Can you share a moment in seminary that has strengthened your faith (16:45) priesthood and the spiritual fatherhood (30:08) Being seen and known by your friends (36:17) What advice would you give someone who is nervous about becoming a priest (43:19) chasing ideals in discernment (44:17) What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of seminary right now (46:54) What does it mean to you personally when people support your vocation (49:19) What is your favorite saint and or scripture verse?

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    53 m
  • The Gentle Call: Boise Seminarian, Nathan Ribb
    Jul 23 2025

    In this episode of Desert Wanderers, we sit down with Nathan, a seminarian from the Boise Diocese, who shares his inspiring journey towards the priesthood. From his early life in California to his current studies in seminary, Nathan opens up about the challenges and joys of discerning his vocation. He discusses the importance of community support, the role of prayer, and the profound impact of his experiences in seminary. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about faith, calling, and the journey to becoming a shepherd for others. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of faith, hope, and community! 👂 Tune in and be inspired!

    Social Media:

    Instagram ( / desertwandererspodcast )

    Tiktok ( / desertwandererspodcast )

    Chapters:

    (00:00) Desert Wanderers interviews priests, religious and seminarians in Boise diocese

    (00:44) Meeting Nathan

    (03:57) When did you start to think more seriously about the priesthood

    (13:01) What was the hardest part about saying yes in your vocation

    (14:27) You've received these abundant gifts through the seminary

    (19:35) Seminary is a constant purification of faith and hope

    (22:19) You talked about how your view of Christ has changed a little bit

    (31:20) What does it mean to you when people support you in your vocation

    (34:05) Nathan: Where is Christ calling you to excellence? Where is mediocrity

    Más Menos
    40 m
  • Firepit: Navigating Faith and Community
    Jul 17 2025

    In this episode of Desert Wanderers, we gather around the Fire Pit with a dynamic group of young adults from the Boise diocese. Join us as we explore the vibrant community of Fire Pit, a social organization for those in their 20s and 30s, and hear personal stories of faith, connection, and the journey back to Catholicism. Our guests share their experiences, the importance of building community, and how Fire Pit is addressing the loneliness many young adults face today.

    Don't miss this insightful conversation about faith, friendship, and finding your place in the Church!

    🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of faith, hope, and community!
    👂 Tune in and be inspired!
    Social Media: Instagram ( / desertwandererspodcast )
    Tiktok ( / desertwandererspodcast )

    Chapters: (00:00) Intro
    (03:37) What is Firepit, and who is behind this ministry
    (11:58) Fire Pit has three directors: social director, communications director, and programming director
    (13:35) Fire pit puts on Tap Into Theology
    (15:37) People are struggling to make friends because they're lonely
    (18:09) Breaking away from your phone and joining a live group
    (19:44) Let's go into some of the events that you have going into the fall
    (25:31) What is everyone's favorite event that Firepit hosts
    (30:16) You met your fiancé through a fire pit event
    (37:07) If someone's curious about a fire pit or they're new to Catholicism
    (41:14) Fire Pit hosts several events, not just faith-building
    (47:11) Fellowship in the Park
    (48:39) Do you guys think you'll ever do an alumni event
    (56:32) What is your upcoming events? Where can people find you
    (59:06) We talk about firepit and social media in this Desert Wanderers podcast

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    1 h
  • Bridging Generations: The Heart of Catholic Family Life
    Jul 10 2025

    In the latest episode of Desert Wanderers, Father Cintra introduces the Generational Catholicism series, a vital exploration into how families can successfully pass on their Catholic faith to the next generation. This episode is particularly significant as it highlights the sobering reality that only 15% of children raised in Catholic households remain faithful as adults. This statistic serves as a wake-up call for parents and families who wish to foster a deeper connection to their faith.

    Father Cintra leads us in a thoughtful discussion about the importance of creating a warm and affectionate home environment. He emphasizes that this nurturing atmosphere is foundational for children to feel seen, known, and loved, which ultimately translates into a stronger faith. Through engaging conversations with four couples, listeners gain insights into the practical ways these families have cultivated their faith at home.

    The episode also delves into the role of grandparents in shaping the faith of younger generations. As families often find themselves in a multi-generational living situation, the influence of grandparents can provide a unique perspective on faith transmission. This discussion encourages listeners to consider how family dynamics can either support or hinder their faith journey.

    One of the standout themes of the episode is the balance between high expectations and high affection in parenting. Father Cintra and the guests share that while it’s essential to have expectations for children, it’s equally important to envelop them in love and support. This balance creates an environment where children feel valued and understood, thus fostering their desire to embrace their faith.

    The episode wraps up with practical advice on family rituals, particularly the significance of shared meals and open communication. By establishing traditions that promote connection and dialogue, families can cultivate a sense of belonging and community that extends beyond just Sunday Mass.

    Overall, this episode of Desert Wanderers serves as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of intentional parenting and the power of family in nurturing faith. Tune in to discover how you can create a lasting legacy of faith in your family.

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    1 h
  • The Joy of Religious Life: Father Jonathan's Vocation Journey
    Jul 10 2025

    In this episode of Desert Wanderers, we sit down with Father Jonathan, a priest/Brother from Fraternity Verbum Spei , to explore his unique vocation journey. From his beginnings in New Zealand to his experiences in Mexico and Luxembourg, Father Jonathan shares insights about the importance of community, the role of priests in nurturing young faith, and the beauty of living a religious life. Discover how his upbringing and the influence of dedicated priests shaped his path to the priesthood and why he believes in the power of discernment. Join us for this inspiring conversation! 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of faith, hope, and community! 👂 Tune in and be inspired! Social Media: Instagram ( / desertwandererspodcast ) Tiktok ( / desertwandererspodcast ) Chapters: (00:00) Intro (01:54) Father Johnathan's background. (01:00:09) What would be your advice to anyone interested in pursuing religious life

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    1 h y 3 m
  • Father Hippolytus: Priest on Mission (A Vocation Story)
    Jun 26 2025

    Today Father Hippo sits down at the Desert Wanderers Podcast table to talk about his vocation story. He talks about how he was formed by his family, what inevitably lead him to want to be a priest and how he joined the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy at 17. Join us to get to know our local priest a little better and see how the gift of "Mission" is healing the USA.

    As always if you want to support us please subscribe, like, and give us your feedback in the comments. We read and engage with all our comments on the podcast and we would love to hear who you would like to hear from next!

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    1 h y 21 m