How can we navigate parenting, relationships, and emotional growth in a world filled with challenges? In this heartfelt episode of Father and Joe, Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks dive deep into the art of parenting, emotional resilience, and building meaningful relationships. Drawing from personal experiences, psychological insights, and spiritual perspectives, they discuss topics that resonate with parents, couples, and anyone seeking to strengthen their connections with loved ones and with God.

Joe begins with a personal parenting story about his son, who experienced a small but meaningful injury, sparking reflections on the importance of communication and emotional understanding in relationships. “A lot of times we don’t know the right question to ask,” Joe observes, echoing a theme we all face in our daily interactions. How do we truly understand others, or even teach our children to ask the right questions? Joe’s story sets the stage for Father Boniface to offer wisdom on navigating life’s challenges with empathy and faith.

Father Boniface shares a powerful insight: “Trauma happens not so much from the pain itself, but from being alone in the pain.” Using an example from Bonnie Badenoch’s The Heart of Trauma, he illustrates the crucial role of secure relationships in helping children—and adults—process difficult emotions. Whether it's a preschooler overwhelmed by the world or an adult navigating relational pain, the message is clear: connection and validation are key to healing.

Joe and Father Boniface also explore the delicate balance of parenting. Joe reflects on the fear many parents feel: “What if I mess up when it matters most?” Father Boniface reassures listeners with the concept of “good enough parenting,” emphasizing the importance of building resilience and secure attachments. “It’s not about getting everything perfect,” Father Boniface explains, “but about teaching repair mechanisms and showing your children they’re never alone.”

From parenting challenges to fostering emotional curiosity in relationships, the conversation expands to explore the universal desire for better connections. “Relationships thrive when we seek to understand, not just to answer,” says Father Boniface, encouraging us all to develop empathy and wisdom in our interactions.

Whether you're a parent worried about making the "right" decisions, a spouse striving to improve communication, or simply someone seeking more fulfillment in relationships, this episode offers invaluable insights rooted in faith and humanity.

As always, Joe and Father Boniface invite listeners to join the conversation:
💬 Share your feedback and experiences at fatherandjoe@gmail.com.
📢 Have a question or topic you’d like covered? Let us know!

Thank you for watching, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to help us reach others seeking a deeper connection in their relationships and faith.


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In this episode of Father and Joe, hosts Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks dive into a profound yet often overlooked aspect of faith and life: curiosity. While curiosity isn't explicitly commanded in scripture, its presence is seen throughout the Gospel, serving as a catalyst for growth, understanding, and deepening relationships. Father Boniface shares, “Curiosity in one sense is a luxury. It’s the kind of thing you can only do when you’re not in danger of being eaten,” highlighting how essential safety and freedom are to allowing curiosity to flourish.

Curiosity, as Joe and Father Boniface discuss, isn't just a casual interest; it’s a choice—a vital force that encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, fostering new connections and enhancing the relationships around us. By choosing curiosity, we open ourselves to discovering new insights, encountering diverse perspectives, and building deeper bonds with others and with God.

Father Boniface explains that when we feel secure and supported, curiosity has the freedom to grow. He uses the analogy of children, who explore confidently when they have a “secure attachment” with their parents. Similarly, a strong faith and supportive community allow us to venture out, be curious, and deepen our understanding of the world and our faith without fear. Joe adds, “Curiosity, to me, is one of those moving parts that's essential, almost like drinking water, but we don't really think about it.” The hosts explore how curiosity enriches our lives by keeping us engaged, interested, and continually learning—both spiritually and personally.

The conversation also touches on why curiosity can sometimes be difficult. In moments of stress or fear, like when we’re in a “threat response,” our curiosity tends to shut down. Father Boniface emphasizes, “If you're in a position of saving your life, you’re not wondering why that flower is purple.” The discussion turns toward practical ways to nurture curiosity, such as setting aside time to explore interests, creating supportive environments, and surrounding ourselves with others who are open-minded and engaged.

Towards the end of the episode, Joe challenges listeners to embrace curiosity in their daily lives and relationships. “If there's an opportunity to be curious about something, take it,” he urges, suggesting that the simple act of asking questions and exploring new ideas can bring us closer to others and to God. By being open to new perspectives and stepping outside our own assumptions, we not only grow personally but also enhance our spiritual journey.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your faith, improve your relationships, or simply live a more fulfilled life, this episode offers valuable insights into the importance of curiosity. Join Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks as they discuss how to actively incorporate curiosity into your life, deepen your relationships, and grow in faith.

Tags:
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In this episode of Father and Joe, Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks dive into the powerful concept of nurturing and strengthening relationships by focusing on the future. Over the course of nearly 400 episodes, one recurring theme has been how relationships form the foundation for living a holy and fulfilling life. Today, they discuss a unique and practical tool that Joe shares with his clients—recording regular voice or video messages for loved ones, addressing them at future milestones in their lives.

Joe explains, “The real secret of life has really not been articulated correctly. It’s not the accumulation of power, money, or time. It’s building the best relationships.” These weekly messages—crafted with love and intention—are intended to help us visualize the long-term development of our relationships, ensuring they remain strong over the years. Joe suggests setting aside 20 to 30 minutes on Fridays to record a message, thinking about how you want your relationship to look a decade from now.

Father Boniface reflects on how this practice connects with spiritual exercises and insights from psychology, drawing comparisons to Jordan Peterson’s concept of self-authoring, which involves looking ahead to one's future and visualizing a positive path. He shares a touching story from his own life where his mother chronicled his childhood, and how that long-term reflection offers a deeper understanding of our relationships.

Joe also provides insight into how this practice has worked with his clients, even those who are introverted or pessimistic, helping them see a more positive and realistic future. As he says, “Problems and barriers that used to be insurmountable start to fade over time.”

Key points covered in this episode:

The Power of Future-Focused Messages: Joe outlines a practical way to improve relationships by recording messages for loved ones to receive years down the road, helping to foster stronger, more loving bonds.
Real-Life Client Examples: Joe shares stories of clients whose lives have been changed by this exercise, explaining how it helps them face and overcome fears, improve communication, and strengthen relationships.
A Practice for Everyone: Father Boniface emphasizes that this exercise is not only valuable for those who have a naturally optimistic outlook but can be transformative for anyone, regardless of their emotional disposition.
Spiritual and Psychological Perspectives: Reflecting on how this practice aligns with spiritual growth and psychological principles, the discussion brings out the profound benefits of focusing on the future with hope and love.
As Father Boniface says, "Just going out of ourselves and thinking positively about other people has a really positive effect on ourselves as well." This episode encourages everyone to try this practice—whether for a spouse, child, or friend—and experience the ripple effect of improved relationships in all areas of life.

We invite you to listen and take this exercise into your own life. Discover how intentional, future-focused messages can deepen your relationships and make a lasting impact on both you and your loved ones.

Thank you for joining us in another insightful conversation. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with those who are looking to bring more love and intention into their relationships. We'll be back next week with more.

Tags: relationships, future-focused, positive messages, family bonds, relationship advice, Father Boniface Hicks, Joe Rockey, spiritual growth, Catholic podcast, love and faith, faith-based relationships, long-term relationships, strengthening family, communication tips, life advice, Jordan Peterson, self-authoring, personal development, faith and relationships, podcast, relationship building, spiritual exercise, family communication, future planning, emotional intelligence,

In this heartfelt episode of Father and Joe, Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks explore the deep-rooted issues of trust, control, and healing. Through an insightful conversation, they uncover how past wounds, fear, and betrayal shape our present lives, impacting everything from relationships to business leadership. Joe opens up about his experiences as a consultant, where he helps business owners learn to delegate and trust others. The challenge many face, however, is letting go of control and learning to trust after being hurt.

Father Boniface reflects on how our need to control, whether in business or personal relationships, often stems from past pain and disappointment. "If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together," he shares, illustrating the importance of collaboration and trust. He emphasizes that it’s essential to look inward and explore the reasons we struggle with these control issues: “We don't trust unless we have a reason for it…often an experience of betrayal or disappointment."

In this episode, we are reminded that healing begins with understanding and nurturing our hearts. By revisiting past experiences and facing them with compassion, we can break the cycle of fear and control. Joe describes a practice of "quietly entering your mind and witnessing memories without judgment." This gentle process, as discussed, can lead to significant personal growth: "It's remarkable how the Google search of past hurts in your mind starts to shrink."

Father Boniface offers wisdom on how to approach this healing process, encouraging listeners to engage with trusted friends or spiritual counselors when needed. The journey of healing and trust is not one to walk alone—God is there with us every step of the way. "God has a vested interest in you," Father Boniface reminds us, underscoring the importance of relying on God’s love to heal our deepest wounds.

By the end of this episode, you’ll gain profound insights into:

How to recognize the root causes of control and trust issues.
Practical steps to begin healing emotional wounds from the past.
The importance of letting others into our lives and learning to trust again.
As you listen to Father Boniface and Joe’s conversation, consider this gentle invitation: Where in your life are things not working, and what steps can you take toward healing? Whether it’s in your personal relationships, parenting, or business life, God invites you to start the process of letting go, trusting others, and finding peace.

Tune in and discover how faith and reflection can lead you to greater healing and wholeness!

Please subscribe, share, and leave a review if you found this episode meaningful.

Tags:
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In this insightful episode of the Father and Joe Podcast, Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks delve into a profound and timely issue – loneliness. As society faces an unprecedented wave of isolation, driven largely by the modern digital world and changing social structures, it can often feel impossible to form meaningful, Christ-centered relationships. But, as Father Boniface shares, these relationships are not only vital for our emotional well-being, they are essential for our spiritual growth.

"We cannot grow as human beings without what kind of relationships? Well, let’s just call them Christ-like relationships, in the sense that relationships of real trust and mutual love."
Father Boniface explains the importance of cultivating relationships of love and trust, where individuals affirm each other’s goodness and uniqueness. It is through such bonds that we truly thrive as human beings. This episode explores the detrimental effects of being relationally starved, and how loneliness can become a self-perpetuating cycle of pain and isolation.

"That loneliness can be more pervasive... and has a way of isolating me more. Sometimes other behaviors can come out, either collapsing in on myself or acting out, which ends up driving people away from me even more."
Father Boniface also highlights the danger of negative feedback loops, where loneliness breeds more loneliness, and discusses practical ways to break free from this harmful cycle. Whether you are in a relationship or not, this episode provides thoughtful guidance for anyone who is struggling with feelings of isolation and wants to nurture deeper, more meaningful connections.

The episode also touches on important social issues like homelessness, addiction, and political division, as Father Boniface argues that many societal problems stem from relational breakdowns. He points out that "a lot of symptoms we spend time on politically, like homelessness or drug abuse, are often a symptom of the breakdown in relationships."

For those feeling the weight of loneliness, the episode offers hope, practical advice, and spiritual wisdom. Joe Rockey and Father Boniface discuss how to start forming quality relationships, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. From the loneliness of a broken heart to the relational trials of adolescence, this conversation will resonate deeply with anyone seeking true connection in today’s world.

As Father Boniface reminds us, "We need relationships of affirming love... where we are blessed by our existence and help others experience that gift." Tune in to hear more about the path to healing, meaningful connections, and the transformative power of relationships rooted in Christ.

If you found this episode helpful, explore our archives for more discussions on relationships and other important topics. We don’t charge for any of our content, and our goal is to help others grow in their faith and relationships. Please consider subscribing, sharing this episode with someone in need, and leaving a comment below to join the conversation.

Tags:
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In this enlightening episode of Father and Joe, Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks dive deep into the journey of becoming a saint, breaking down the practical steps that lead to holiness. Drawing parallels between mastering worldly skills and growing in faith, they offer insights into how we can gradually build the habits of virtue that will lead us closer to Christ.

Joe starts by reflecting on how seemingly difficult tasks, like getting on the front page of Google, appear impossible until we learn the specific steps. He compares this to the spiritual journey: “Many people have this feeling of becoming a saint as so strange or foreign that there’s no way I'd be able to do it.” However, just as with learning a skill, holiness requires consistent effort and daily practice.

Father Boniface builds on this by discussing the importance of making Christ a part of our everyday actions. He explains that “learning Christ” is more than a mental process—it's something that must be embodied, much like learning to play a musical instrument. “We grow through repetition, we grow through failure, we grow through learning from our mistakes,” Father says, emphasizing that holiness isn’t a talent we’re born with; it’s something we cultivate through persistent practice and effort.

One of the most powerful points Father makes is that grace is not something we "do" alone—it’s something we let God do through us. “What steadily happens is His thoughts become my thoughts, His logic becomes my logic.” As we practice virtue and live in Christ, we begin to see the world through His eyes. This spiritual growth transforms us internally, allowing us to naturally live out our faith with ease, joy, and promptitude, even in difficult situations.

Father Boniface also addresses the fear many Christians have of failure. “Nothing of value is possible to do the first time perfectly. We have to keep growing in it and figure out where the hard spots are for us.” This applies to every aspect of our faith journey. By embracing vulnerability, sharing our struggles with trusted individuals, and recognizing that growth often comes through trial and error, we can make meaningful spiritual progress.

The conversation also turns to the challenges of standing up for faith in a world where not everyone will understand or agree. As Joe points out, many of us fear alienation when we speak about our beliefs. But Father reminds us that even Jesus wasn't liked by everyone: “There’s never going to be a moment when everyone is happy with us.” Nevertheless, we must have the courage to share our faith, trusting that God will guide our steps.

Whether you're someone struggling with how to live out your faith in everyday life, or just looking for practical ways to deepen your relationship with Christ, this episode will inspire and guide you. It’s a powerful reminder that holiness is not only possible—it’s something within reach if we practice, trust, and allow God’s grace to work through us.

Join Joe and Father Boniface as they tackle these vital topics:

How consistent practice and failure lead to holiness
Why holiness is a skill you develop, just like any other
How to build habits of virtue in your everyday life
Overcoming the fear of failure and social rejection
The importance of relationship and vulnerability in your spiritual growth
Learning how to embody Christ in everything you do
If you’re looking for a way to make your faith an integral part of your daily life, this episode is for you. Hit the subscribe button, leave us a review, and start your journey toward holiness today.

Tags:
holiness, christian life, father and joe podcast, spiritual growth, building virtue, living in christ, daily faith practice, embracing faith, becoming a saint, christian habits, developing holiness, how to live like christ, overcoming failure, catholic podcast, joe rockey, father boniface hicks

In this insightful episode of Father and Joe, Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks dive deep into the concept of silence and how it plays a crucial role in strengthening your relationship with God. For many of us, silence is often misunderstood as just the absence of external noise, but it goes far deeper than that. As Father Boniface explains, silence is not just about the absence of sound, but about achieving interior peace. It's about quieting the mind and soul amidst the distractions and chaos of everyday life.

Joe opens up about his personal struggles with finding silence, saying, “There’s always something going on, whether it be inside my mind trying to think of a solution, or listening to a book or podcast, or falling asleep with the TV on. Yet in prayer, that’s not the case, and it feels weird sometimes.” Father Boniface thoughtfully responds by breaking down what silence truly means, highlighting that it's more about calming our inner restlessness rather than simply eliminating noise. "We’re really looking for interior peace," he notes, emphasizing that inner silence is more about order, harmony, and focusing on what’s truly important.

In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded by distractions—from social media, work, and technology—that prevent us from finding peace. In this episode, Joe and Father Boniface offer valuable insights on how to cultivate silence in our lives as a means of drawing closer to God. Father Boniface touches on the beauty of the church as a peaceful space, explaining how the quiet of a church can serve as a refuge, helping us to slow down and get in touch with our innermost thoughts, desires, and fears.

Father Boniface provides practical advice for reducing external stimulation and creating moments of silence in our daily lives. Whether it's turning off your phone, getting adequate sleep, or spending time in nature, these small but powerful actions help bring order to the busyness in our hearts. As Father Boniface explains, “Peace is not a lack of things, but it’s the tranquility of order.” It is through this ordered silence that we find God and establish a deeper, more meaningful connection with Him.

Throughout the conversation, Joe and Father Boniface share relatable anecdotes and spiritual wisdom that resonate with anyone seeking peace and a deeper relationship with God. Whether you’ve struggled with finding quiet moments in your busy life, or simply want to improve your prayer life, this episode is packed with guidance on how to embrace silence as a way to listen to God.

Join us in this powerful episode as we explore the transformative nature of silence and its ability to bring clarity, order, and peace to our lives. Be sure to like, comment, and share this episode with others who may benefit from these insights. Your support makes a difference!

Quotes from the Episode:

• "We’re really looking for interior peace." - Father Boniface
• "Peace is not a lack of things, but it’s the tranquility of order." - Father Boniface
• "There’s always something going on...whether it be inside my mind or outside. Yet in prayer, that’s not the case." - Joe Rockey

Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to being with you again next week. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with others who are seeking more peace in their lives.

Tags: finding peace through silence, how to listen to God, deepening your relationship with God, prayer and silence, overcoming distractions, Father and Joe podcast, spiritual growth, Catholic podcast, achieving interior peace, cultivating silence in a noisy world, spiritual silence, Father Boniface Hicks, Joe Rockey, Christian spirituality, how to hear God in prayer, peaceful prayer life, reducing distractions in prayer, quieting the mind, overcoming mental restlessness,

In this thought-provoking episode of Father and Joe, Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks explore how to live a life rooted in faith, even when it seems overwhelming or impossible. Can we truly live like Christ? What does it mean to be called to holiness in our everyday lives? Drawing from the lives of saints like Pope John Paul II and Blessed Karl of Austria, Father Boniface sheds light on how we can all respond to God's call to holiness.

Joe begins the conversation by reflecting on the miracles attributed to saints like John Paul II, who lived in recent history. While the temptation is to think that holiness is reserved for people like popes and priests, Joe and Father Boniface delve into how everyday people can grow closer to Christ, even amidst the demands of family, work, and societal pressures. Father Boniface explains, “We can either draw principles about how to live from the gospel, see them applied in the lives of the saints, and then see how they apply in our own life, and then we’re setting out on a process.”

Through the lens of scripture and spiritual insight, Father Boniface encourages us to not just look to the saints as unreachable models, but to recognize that the same Holy Spirit working in their lives can work in ours. He beautifully says, "Maybe it's not for somebody else. Maybe it's for you. Maybe you can try this."

This episode also tackles the subtle barriers we place between ourselves and holiness. With the rise of technology and social media, many feel consumed by messages that imply their situation is unique, often resulting in a detachment from the gospel. Joe poignantly reflects, “We know there are better options. We intellectually know it...but we don’t do them.” The conversation challenges listeners to bridge the gap between knowing what is right and actually doing it.

As Father Boniface emphasizes, one key step is prayer and scripture. He states, “Listening to Jesus in prayer and reading the scriptures...that’s the two most common answers.” These are practices that keep us connected to the source of holiness and allow us to grow in trust.

The episode concludes with an actionable challenge: "Try it." Father Boniface encourages all listeners to begin small and take concrete steps toward living the gospel in their lives. Whether it's giving your full attention to a loved one, changing your habits at work, or taking a moment of prayer, the message is simple yet powerful: “Try it.”

Join us in this deeply spiritual conversation and find encouragement to take your own steps toward holiness. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from these insights. As Joe mentions, “If people just knew it would work, they would do it.” Let’s help spread the word.

#ChristianLife #Holiness #FaithJourney #CatholicPodcast #PrayerAndScripture #TrustingJesus #SpiritualGrowth #LivingLikeChrist #FatherBonifaceHicks #JoeRockey

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