Shows
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Influencers, Missionaries, and MartyrsLast week, the Vatican welcomed thousands of Internet evangelists to Rome for the Jubilee for Digital Missionaries and Influencers. Why would they do this? Why does it matter? What are the dangers of Catholics entangling themselves in Influencer Culture? And what does Emily really think about the word “Influencer”? We’re tackling all that and more this week, on Visitation Sessions. (Also, after we recorded this episode, Emily got word that a problem at the printers will be delaying the release of Around the Catholic Table by a few weeks. The new launch date is now set for Tu...2025-08-071h 01
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Have No Anxiety?This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit visitationsessions.substack.comThe Chapmans are back in Illinois this week, so Emily can spend some time with her mom, whose Alzheimer’s continues to worsen. There wasn’t time before they left to record a new episode, but after we recorded our last episode, we did manage to record a quick bonus episode for our full subscribers. We’re sharing that here today. The topic: Anxiety.A read…2025-07-3104 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Mass Chaos: Parenting Littles During the LiturgyEmily and Chris are still recovering from the Worst Mass With Kids Ever, so we thought this week we would swap a few horror stories about parenting little kids during the Mass, discuss why we think it’s important for them to be in church even when they’re misbehaving, and go over a few possible survival strategies for getting through the seasons of littles and Liturgy.A big thank you to Beata Home for sponsoring this episode of Visitation Sessions. Be sure to check out Beata Home’s beautifully curated collection of fine art prints on their...2025-07-2457 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Bus Tales, Honoring Parents, & Heat StrokeWe’re back! After a few weeks on the road, we’re catching up on everyone’s adventures, talking about what it means to honor our parents even when our parents are profoundly broken, and having heat stroke while we’re at it. We literally had to stop recording halfway through to keep Emily from passing out. All rambling, imprecise speech, and bad opinions we blame on a certain un-air-conditioned attic. Show Notes:“Secret Baptisms, Toxic Parents, & Prayer During the Single Years” by Emily Chapman"“Honoring Our Parents, Ethical Adoptions, & Meatless Meals” by Emily Chapman2025-07-171h 23
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Unlocked: The Manosphere and the Marital DebtThe Stapletons are rolling back into town this week and will be heading to Steuebenville on Friday to record a new episode. Until then, enjoy this fiery discussion about the marital debt, which we had with Renzo and Monica Ortega last March, when they visited us to discuss their book Lovemaking: How to Talk About Sex with Your Spouse. This episode originally aired as a bonus episode for full subscribers, but today, we’re sharing it with everyone. To unlock more bonus content like this and receive future bonus episodes, all you have to do is click on...2025-07-0926 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Q&A: Gentle Parenting and Disciplining KidsThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit visitationsessions.substack.comHappy (almost) Fourth of July!The Stapletons are still out on tour, but before they hit the road, we recorded this special bonus episode. One of our listeners asked us to address the quagmire of gentle parenting and parental discipline. Which we did, after much debate and with much more fear and trembling. But only for full subscribers. Some things just…2025-07-0302 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Fruit Flies, Fireflies, and the Lessons of SummerBefore we all headed out of town, we got together at the fruit fly infested Visitation House to talk about summer and what it teaches us about the life of both Heaven and earth. This episode was brought to you by Beata Home, The word Beata is derived from the Latin word for Blessed, and the mission of Beata Home is to bless your home with beautiful art that lifts your mind and heart (and your children’s minds and hearts) to God. Beata offers a large, but carefully curated collection of fine art prints, available as di...2025-06-241h 02
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)True Travel Nightmares (and other stories from the road)We’re all getting ready to hit the road for vacations and/or tours, so we thought we would spend an hour analyzing our own particular form of crazy: traveling with small children. Why do we do it? When don’t we do it? And what’s the very worst that can happen? (Hint, it involves starving children and diesel fuel). In our luggage this week, are some of the really wonderful novels for children and adults published by Ignatius Press. We’re so grateful for the care and attention Ignatius devotes to publishing contemporary (and classic) Catholic...2025-06-191h 11
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Why Good Stories Matter with Haley StewartThis week we talk to Catholic author and Word on Fire Votive editor, Haley Stewart, about what makes stories good (for children and adults), why good stories matter, and how they shape us. We also put together a fantastic summer reading list that is not AI generated!Haley Stewart is the author of seven books: three books for adults, a series of books for children (the Sister Seraphina Mysteries), and most recently, The Catholic Kids C. ookbook: Holy Days and Heavenly Food. She also hosts the Votive podcast, where she explores the world of writing for children...2025-06-111h 05
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)The Dangers of Discernment: Overthinking, Over-Spiritualizing, & Other PerilsKate, Casey, Chris, and Emily hash out out the difference between discerning the will of God and overthinking every life decision.Also, special thanks to the Catholic Balm Company, for sponsoring this week’s episode. Their thoughtfully curated bundles of all natural balms, lotions, soaps, and colognes are safe from harmful toxic ingredient, smell great, and work just as great as they smell. They’re also 15 percent off (and come with a free peppermint lip balm) with the code Visitation15.Show Notes:“School’s Out Forever”Authenticity: A Biblical Theology of Discernmen...2025-06-0456 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Schools Out ... Forever! On Education, AI, and Leaving Teaching BehindNext week, after 29 years in Catholic education (17 in the classroom, 12 in diocesan administration), Chris is (mostly) leaving teaching behind to work with Emily and take over the business side of all she does. This week, after 17 years in the classroom, Casey is also leaving teaching behind to work with Kate on a host of different creative projects, from their music to theatre camps for kids. So this week, we’re talking a little about those decisions and a lot about what they have learned about education during their years in the classroom, from how education has changed over the ye...2025-05-271h 13
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)American-Flavored CatholicismToday, we’re talking to our good friends from the American Catholic History Podcast, Tom and Noelle Crowe, about the saints, sinners, and movements that have made American Catholics who we are and why that matters to the global Church, especially in the wake of Pope Leo XIV’s election. Show Notes:Matt Fradd’s NoteThe American Catholic History PodcastAmerican Catholic History PilgrimagesThe American Catholic Almanac by Emily Stimpson ChapmanLonginqua oceani (1895) Testem Benevolentiae (1899)If you want to hear more s...2025-05-211h 06
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Pope FeverHabemus Papem! All four of us (but especially the resident redhead) have caught Pope Fever, and our new Holy Father is all we can talk about. So, today, we thought we would talk about it with you. In this episode, we’re chatting about our reactions to Pope Leo XIV—first, second, and third reactions that is—as well as our hopes for this new Leonine papacy. We also want to thank one of our favorite Catholic businesses, The Little Rose Shop, for sponsoring this episode of Visitation Sessions. Emily and Chris have acquired so many beautiful items...2025-05-131h 02
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)NFP: Who Calls the Shots?Between Kate’s film festival showings and Emily’s speaking engagements (Buffalo last week, Ottawa this week), the past couple of weeks have been a little insane for the Stapletons and Chapmans. We did manage to squeeze in a short Q&A, though, where we answer some of your questions about NFP and Artificial Intelligence. On Thursday, May 8, though, we have a special thank you gift coming for our full subscribers. On that day, Kate will celebrate the birthday of her first daughter Brigid, whom she placed for adoption 24 years ago. We thought Brigid’s birthday, which is fol...2025-05-0624 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Conclaves Gone WildToday, we’re talking to our good friend Rob Corzine, vice president of Academic Programs at the St. Paul Center, about conclaves past and present, and how despite humanity’s best efforts, the Holy Spirit proves again and again that he is in charge. And our apologies that this episode is dropping later than promised. We decided we wanted to wait until after Pope Francis funeral to drop an episode that was so heavy on conclave talk!Show Notes:Good Pope, Bad Pope: Their Lives, Our Lessons by Mike AquilinaDiscovering the Doctors and...2025-04-2855 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Doubting, Budgeting, Burnout, and Some NEWSBefore Easter, we recorded a podcast for this week. And then some things happened. We’re still sharing this episode, as recorded, but we’ll be back later in the week with a new episode about the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, plus the upcoming conclave, the nine days of mourning, and more. We’re bringing on a special guest who is way more up on his Church history and conclave procedures than we are, so if you have questions, drop them in the comments or send them along in the dms, and we’ll put them to our e...2025-04-231h 06
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Facing Our Fears About FastingWith Good Friday soon upon us, we’re talking through fasting and abstinence, the good of penance, and the penance of Palm Sunday with small children. Mentioned on today’s episode:St. Michael’s AbbeyThe Rule of St. Augustine (as it pertains to fasting)“Fasting: A Source of Trial,” Sermons of Saint John Henry Newman“All About Lent: The Fast,” Emily Stimpson Chapman This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitati...2025-04-141h 01
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Motherhood, Influencers, and the Light in Our EyesIf Chappell Roan is good at anything besides singing, it’s inspiring lively conversation. Buckle up for a free flowing and wide ranging conversation about parenting, influencers, community, country music, the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s shameful maternity leave policy, and mimetic desire (because why not).P.S. This week, a little over 13 months after we launched this podcast, we crossed the 130,000 download mark! That is an amazing feat for a little podcast like ours, and we are so grateful to all of you who are listening and sharing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!Show Note...2025-04-081h 12
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Bonus: The Manosphere and The Marital DebtThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit visitationsessions.substack.comAfter we finished “Let’s Talk About Sex,” our most recent conversation with Monica and Renzo Ortega of Two Become Family , we kept recording as we discussed the Manosphere’s obsession with the marital debt, what they get wrong, and what they get right. This episode is available for full subscribers only. Not a subscriber? We would love for you to become one today. For …2025-03-3103 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Let's Talk About SexHow do you talk with your spouse about sex? How do you communicate your fears, struggles, needs, and love to them? Why are these conversations so very hard? And why also are they so very important? This week, we’re talking about those questions and more, with our friends Renzo and Monica Ortega, authors of the new book: Lovemaking: How To Talk About Sex With Your Spouse and hosts of the podcast and Substack, Two Become Family. You’ll hear about how struggles with sex and communication almost destroyed their marriage, how they overcame those struggles and past sexual sin...2025-03-251h 13
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Drinking, Drunkenness, and St. Paddy's DaySt. Patrick’s Day is almost upon us, so this week we’re talking about heavenly visions of lakes of beer, the goodness of alcohol, the badness of drunkenness, and bizarre stories about St. Patrick himself (courtesy of Casey, of course).Show NotesSt. Brigid’s Fire by Kevin HeiderCorned Beef and Cabbage RecipeDrinking with the Saints by Michael FoleySt. Thomas on BoorishnessSt. Thomas on sobriety and drunkennessThe Communion of Saints and the Consumption of AlcoholWhat the Church...2025-03-141h 09
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Heroes, Anti-Heroes, and MermenRecently, in The Free Press, the writer Chris Arnade penned an essay asserting that “Every Man Wants to Be a Hero.” So, this week, we’re discussing if that’s true, along with what heroism means, the attraction of the anti-hero, forming little boys to be heroes, and why or why not women have the same desire for heroism. Nazis, video games, the Manosphere, and mermen also somehow figure in to the conversation. Because why not!Show Notes:Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America by Chris Arnade“All Men Want to Be Heroes,” b...2025-03-0658 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)The Challenge of IVFWhat is IVF? Why does the Church oppose it? Why do we hear so little about it in our parishes?How does the conversation need to change? What does the Catholic tradition of celibacy have to teach us about sex, marriage, and babies? We’re talking about all this and more, this week?Show NotesRevelations (Alvin Ailey Ballet)Donum Vitae Congregation for the Doctrine of the FaithDignitas Personae Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith“Begotten, Not Made: A Catholic View of Reproductive Technology” by Dr. John Haas2025-02-281h 06
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Bonus : Marriage and the TemperamentsThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit visitationsessions.substack.comMea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa for this delayed bonus episode! Between talks … and film festivals … and photo shoots … and deadlines … and snow days … and all the kids, the four of us are stretched way too thin right now. We are working on a plan to help with that. Until then, we ask for your mercy. Here, though, as promised last week, is a litt…2025-02-2505 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)The Four TemperamentsSorry for the repost! We had a little error that needed fixing!So many of you have asked us to do a more thorough discussion of the Four Temperaments and why this is is such a deeply Catholic (and helpful) understanding of the human person. It turned out to be more of a conversation than we could tackle in an hour, so consider this a solid start.(Also, if you’re a full subscriber, keep an eye on your inbox for a bonus episode tomorrow, in which we talk about how our temperaments play out in...2025-02-211h 04
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)An Interview with Harrison Scott KeyWhat possesses a man to turn the hardest, saddest, most humiliating chapter of his life into a book? How do you write about your wife’s infidelity without losing your wife all over again? What does life look like afterwards?This week, we’re talking about those questions and more with author and humorist, Harrison Scott Key. Back in October, we discussed his book, "How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told. It’s a doozy of a book and it was a doozy of an episode. It was, in fact, our most listened to, mo...2025-02-121h 05
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)In Sickness and HealthIt’s been the winter of non-stop sickness around here, so with germs on all our brains, we decided to unpack what the Church has to say about sickness and suffering and what we learn about ourselves when confronted with our own and other’s weakness.Also, for those of you in or near Wisconsin, the Stapletons are traveling to Door County next week for the world premiere of their documentary film, The Inner Sea. If you are in the area, you can purchase tickets to see the movie on Saturday, February 15 at 5 pm. You can also foll...2025-02-0555 min
The Catholic Morning ShowThe Catholic Morning Show - Emily Stimpson Chapman - 01/27/2025Emily Chapman - Emily Stimpson Chapman is an award-winning Catholic writer based in Steubenville, Ohio. She is the author of nine books. Today we talk with her about her book, "On Influencers, Diets, Food, and Me"Find all of her books on her website:https://emilystimpsonchapman.com/miscellany/
Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Mary Stastny, Matt Wilkom LINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube! You can also find more information on our website.If you would like to support I...2025-01-2711 minThe Catholic Morning ShowThe Catholic Morning Show - 01/27/2025Today on the Catholic Morning Show:Elise Kerr - Get to know our new cohost Elise Kerr. Elise is an Iowa native, musician, faith Catholic and more. She's been a missionary with NET Ministries and a prolife advocate. For the last three years she's worked for our sponsor Innervisions Healthcare. You can always catch Elise on the morning show or anytime on the Catholic Morning Show Podcast.Emily Chapman - Emily Stimpson Chapman is an award-winning Catholic writer based in Steubenville, Ohio. She is the author of nine books. Today we talk with her...2025-01-2757 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Bunkers or Catacombs?The Russians are on the march in Ukraine. The Chinese are rattling sabers in the direction of Thailand. The Middle East is …the Middle East. California is in flames. Snow is falling on beaches in Florida. And Tik Tok may or may not be going dark (please, God, please). Is it the end of the world? Or just another week on earth?This week we’re talking about the end of the world and how Christians are called to prepare for whatever comes next.Show Notes:* “Every Man Should Be Able to Save His Ow...2025-01-2255 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)God's Goals or Ours?We’re kicking off the New Year by talking about the importance (and pitfalls) of making resolutions, setting goals, and crafting a vision for the year. How, as Catholics, should we approach these things? And how, as Catholics, do we make sense of God having different plans for our year than our own?Show Notes:Catechism of the Catholic Church 1500: “Illness and suffering have always been among the gravest problems confronted in human life. In illness, man experiences his powerlessness, his limitations, and his finitude. Every illness can make us glimpse death.”Steubenville’s Nutcra...2025-01-0857 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)The Heroes of Christmas, Part 2Sorry friends, we have all had various versions of the plague these last few weeks, plus Chris and Casey had mountains of finals to grade, so getting this last podcast edited has proven challenging. But we made it, 24 hours before Christmas, so as you finish your wrapping and ready your house for the great feast, you now have something to keep you occupied. It’s basically a bunch of Catholics, trying to remember the details of Bible stores, so Catholics be prepared to be impressed and Protestants be prepared for a good laugh. We hope you all ha...2024-12-231h 04
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)St. Nick, Santa Claus, and John McClaneOver the next two weeks, we’re talking about the heroes of the Christmas story, from the ancestors of Christ to Mary and Joseph, St. Nick, St. Lucy, St. Juan Diego, and John McClane. This week’s episode focuses on St. Nick—the man, the myth, the legend—and how we approach talking about him in our families (so if you’re listening with Santa loving little ones around, definitely use those earbuds!),Show Notes“How to Do Santa Without Lying to Your Kids” by Kendra Tierney“Not Believing in Santa Claus is Like Not Believi...2024-12-1457 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)On Advent (& Coffee, Astrology, & Carols)Today, we’re discussing pressing questions like: should we play Christmas music during Advent? Listen and find out.“Astrology, Politics, and Parenting, Oh My,” by Emily ChapmanThe Simplest of Advent RetreatsNicholas: the boy who became Santariu riu chiu by chanticleer huron carol by the stapletons. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visitationsessions.substack.com/subscribe2024-12-0654 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)FeastThis week, as the world cooks and cleans and barrels along highways to grandmother’s house, we’re talking about feasting—what it is, what it’s not, what the culture gets wrong with it, and what the Church gets right. Show NotesThe Catholic Table: Finding Joy Where Food and Faith Meet by Emily Stimpson ChapmanBabette’s FeastMy 600 Pound Life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes...2024-11-2753 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Dating & The Single LifeWhy does dating have to be so hard? What’s up with men in their forties dating women decades their junior? And is there any such thing as a single vocation? We’re tackling all these questions and so, so much more this week, with the help Kate’s very lovely, very accomplished, and very single sister Clare. Come on guys, get with it. Show Notes:The Catholic Girl’s Survival Guide to the Single Years by Emily Stimpson ChapmanThe Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1658The Dating P...2024-11-201h 19
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Listener Q&A: MarriageThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit visitationsessions.substack.comFor the past few months we have been trying to think of a way to thank those of you who have signed up to become full subscribers to this podcast. As fun as it is to get together to record them, it also has become a part-time job for all of us, and the expense of upgrading equipment and finding the time to record a weekly episode, then do the editing an…2024-11-1205 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)The One Where Father Ted Dances Down the Aisle in TightsThis podcast is late, late, late, and we are sorry, sorry, sorry. The blame falls solely on my (Emily’s) shoulders. I have had the most insane conflagration of deadlines and events the past two weeks, and that, combined with the normal work of mothering three small children and running a household, pretty much broke me. So, mea culpa, mea cupla, mea maxima culpa. As my penance I will unlock an essay I wrote a couple years back on parish switching and post it below. All that being said, here is the much overdue latest episode, where we...2024-11-121h 05
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)How to Stay MarriedIs “How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told,” by Harrison Scott Key, really the best book ever written about marriage? Maybe. Maybe not. But it’s absolutely one of the best. It’s honest, real, and—in its own way—profoundly faithful. If you or someone you love is struggling in your marriage, we recommend putting it at the top of your reading list. Today, we’re talking about the book, about marriage, and about how all couples can learn to love their spouse better. Next week, we plan on continuing the conversation about marriage...2024-10-241h 04
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Voting in 2024No folks, we’re not endorsing any candidates. We’re not even talking candidates. Instead, we try to thread the narrowest needle ever threaded by discussing why elections do and don’t matter, what Catholics need to consider every time we head to the polls, how to fund common ground with those who disagree with us, and what matters most the day after Election Day … all without talking about the actual people running in 2024. Do we succeed? You’ll have to listen to find out. Show Notes:First, as promised, here is Emily’s more succi...2024-10-111h 03
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)The Truth About Exorcists and DemonsToday, we’re joined by a very special guest, our friend Dave VanVickle. Dave is a lay evangelist, spiritual warfare expert, and father of five, who has spent the past 22 years assisting priests and dioceses with exorcisms. Dave is the sanest, most balanced expert we know on this topic, so we were eager to have him share his wisdom on the nature of exorcisms, the dangers of the demonic AND of paying too much attention to the demonic, the problems with “generational curses,” and the best thing all of us can do to protect our families from evil (HINT: It’s n...2024-10-031h 22
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Chasing ChildhoodPlenty of opinions, lots of questions, but very few answers is what we have for you this week as we talk about raising kids in the age of cell phones, Internet, and graphic crime shows streaming eternally on TV.Chasing Childhood (Documentary)The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan HaidtThe War Against Boys: How Misguided Policies Are Harming Our Young Men by Christina Hoff Summers“Honoring Our Parents: Weekly Notes” by Emily Stimpson Chapman This is a pu...2024-09-261h 07
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Bodies, Breast Implants, and the Duties of MarriageTwo weeks ago, Emily answered a question in her newsletter about whether or not a wife should honor her husband’s request that she get breast implants. Everyone felt like there was a lot more to talk about than Emily was able to fit into her answer, so we recorded a whole podcast about it. It’s a perfectly clean conversation, but if you have any 12-year-old boys around who break out into hysteric laughter at the mention of the word breast, maybe put your headphones on for this one. Show NotesThe Subs...2024-09-131h 08
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Pope Francis Gets LIT!Today, the gang is breaking down Pope Francis’ new pastoral letter on literature “On the Role of Literature in Formation.” Why do priests need to read more stories? We do we all need to read stories? What are the very best stories? What do they teach us? And what is wrong with all the people who hate Harry Potter? So. Many. Links. Today. Probably missing a dozen. But here is the best list we could manage.“On the Role of Literature in Formation,” by Pope FrancisThe Catholic Writer Today by Dana Gioia...2024-09-0556 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)"How Do I Become More Myself?"Chris and Casey are back in the classroom, and everyone’s summer vacation is coming to an end, so the Chapmans and Stapletons are officially kicking off the second season of Visitation Sessions by looking back on a summer that was anything but restful and talking about the quest for rest, the purpose of recreation, and the glory of routines. Related to this episode:Leisure as the Basis of Culture by Joseph PieperReasonable Pleasures: The Strange Coherence of Catholicism, Father James Schall“The Forgotten Virtue of Eutrepelia,” Father Jean-Francois Thomas“...2024-08-2754 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)"I Didn't Know Farms that Produced Ballerinas Existed"We crowded into a hot childfree attic on a Sunday night to talk about what everyone else is talking about: Ballerina Farm … and farming … and trad wives … and social media …and minding our own business … and why no matter what we do, the world is going to hate believing Christians (or aspiring Christian as the case may be) who are trying to live our faith. Mentioned in this episode:Meet the Queen of the TradwivesMomforce Podcast with Hannah NeelmanIs There Darkness Behind the Ballerina Farm BrandHow To Stay Ma...2024-08-0157 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)"Let the Catholic Circular Firing Squad Commence"This week, your hosts Chris and Emily Chapman and Casey and KATE Stapleton (not Chris Stapleton 🤦🏼♀️) review some of the flash points in Butker’s Benedictine speech and discuss why both the speech and Emily’s Substack article about it are making so many people so danged crazy. Note 1: This will be our last podcast for the next two to three months, as the Chapmans head off on pilgrimage, the Stapletons head off on tour, and we all try to keep our houses from collapsing down around us. Thank you so much for listening to this first season of Visita...2024-05-221h 06
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Building a Domestic Church (& More)Today, we’re talking about homeschooling, the purpose of the domestic Church, why awkwardness matters, and a whole lot more of listener requested topics, in this special Q&A Episode. In This Episode:Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies by Jared DiamondJohn Henry (Tonie character)John Henry (short—Also available on Disney Plus)Future Faithful Families Project“Every Tech Tool in the Classroom Should Be Ruthlessly Evaluated,” by Jessica Gros“To Fight Less About Books in Schools, Have More Books at Home” by...2024-05-131h 08
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)All Are Welcome (Including Your Chickens)This week, we dive deeper into the Christian obligation (yes, obligation) to practice hospitality and answer your questions about what that looks like when you’re tired, strapped for cash, and would rather just watch Netflix. Mentioned in this episode:Apostolica Acuositatem (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity), Second Vatican Council“Enduring Homelessness Requires More Than Just Survival,” by James DeMasi“Why Dutch People Don’t Mind You Peering Into Their Homes” by Katja BrokkeAround the Catholic Table: 77 Recipes for Easy Hospitality and Everyday Dinners (Cookbook) by Emily Stimps...2024-05-081h 09
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Real Learning In An Age of CuriositasTwo high schoolers, a homeschooling mom, and a sleep deprived writer sit down over drinks to talk about learning. It sounds like the beginning of a very boring joke, but it actually was a fascinating late night conversation about learning, education, technology in classrooms, the virtue of studiositas, the vice of curiositas, the wonder of children, and why Emily dislikes the word “educator” almost as much as she dislikes the word “creative” when it’s used as a noun. Mentioned on Today’s Show“Every Tech Tool in the Classroom Should Be Ruthlessly Evaluated,” by Jessica Gros...2024-05-011h 07
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Traveling MerciesThe Chapmans are counting down the days until they take two three-year-olds and a five-year-old to Italy. The Stapletons are counting down the days until they take six kids on a converted school bus and embark on their summer concert tour. Obviously, when it comes to travel, none of us are sane. But there is a reason for our madness. This week, we’re talking about the graces of travel—why we do it, the different ways it can look for different people in different seasons, and why travel, in some form or another, is so integral to the life...2024-04-221h 01
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)In Search of the Masculine GeniusToday, we welcome our first guest ever to the show, Dr. Matt Breuninger—associate professor of Psychology at Franciscan University, author of Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life’s Hurts, and most important, the former owner of Visitation House.We talked for a solid 90 minutes up in the attic about what it means to be a good man, a good father, and a good husband (including an inordinate amount of time discerning if it involves jiu jitsu), and had way too much fun. Maybe a little too much fun. But once you get past the first 15 minutes of n...2024-04-151h 28
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)"Shirts On, Everyone!"After a two week Easter break, we’re back this week with a new conversation on modesty. Yes, modesty. But we promise, it’s not the conversation you had with your mom (unless your mom is Emily or Kate). Links:* The Summa: Modesty (II-IIae Q.160); Adornment in the Creation of the World (I-I Q. 70)* Daily Life in the Time of Jesus by Henri Daniel-Rops* These Beautiful Bones: An Everyday Theology of the Body, by Emily Stimpson Chapman* The Family (A Netflix Documentary)* Sacred Heart Church (part of Saint...2024-04-081h 02
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)"They're Going to Implant Our Phones in Our Brains"This week, we’re talking about using our phones, navigating social media, cultivating quiet, and how much Emily misses 2004. Links:Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention (Pre-order) by Sarah ClarksonBeauty in the Word: Rethinking the Foundations of Education by Stratford Caldecott“Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer” by Wendell Berry“Why We Can’t Read Anymore,” by Hugh McGuireThe Dating ProjectLove on the Spectrum“What Happens to Frozen Embryos When Couples Break Up?” This is a pu...2024-03-181h 16
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Hard Workin' WomenCasey shares some terrifying family secrets. Emily reveals her deep dislike of Russian literature. And we chat about women’s work—in the home and in the world, why both are important, what the Church has to say about it, how it’s changed with time, and how Catholics can be witnesses to creativity in making family the priority for both men and women. Letter to Women, John Paul IIMulieris Dignitatem, John Paul IIWoman, Edith SteinWomen in the Days of the Cathedrals, Regine PernoudThe Fe...2024-03-111h 12
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Men (and Women) at WorkWhat is work? Why is it so hard? What defines success? Can we serve both God and mammon? How do we rightly order our vocations so that first things come first? And does that ordering look different for men and women?Talking about these things and more in the attic, this week on Visitation Sessions.Not a subscriber? Sign up today (it’s free). Show Notes:Church Documents* Rerum Novarum (On the Condition of Labor)—Pope Leo XIII, 1891* Quadragesimo Anno (After Forty Years)—Pope Pius XI, 1931* Ma...2024-03-041h 08
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Creativity In Life and MarriageToday Chris, Kate, Casey, and I are talking about creativity. What is creativity? What does it mean to be creative? How does pursuing creativity in work, life, marriage, and family make us more alive and help us live more deeply human lives? Also, why does my skin crawl when people use the word “creative” as a noun and not an adjective? (Seriously people, please don’t ever call me “a Creative.”)P.S. This is the last day, these podcast episodes will be available on my Substack. After today, all future episodes (and all back episodes) will be availab...2024-02-2856 min
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)All Things LentToday, Chris, Kate, Casey, and I are talking all things Lent: the meaning of the season, abstinence and fasting, Fish Fries, practical penances, prayer, almsgiving, loving the poor, living Lent in marriage and with children, and what happens when you fail at it all.Mentioned on today’s episode:Approach to Penance by Hubert Van ZellarSt. Michael’s AbbeyFriendship RoomThe Red Door Ministry This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visi...2024-02-281h 00
Visitation Sessions (A Podcast)Visitation SessionsIntroducing Visitation SessionsFor over a year now, I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a podcast. This is partly because I love good conversations, and those have become almost impossible to have on social media these days. It’s also because I’ve wanted you to know my husband Chris better. He is one of the healthiest, wisest, and most mature Christian men I know, and I think a lot of you would enjoy (and benefit from) hearing more of what he has to say.Up until now, this has remained only an ide...2024-02-2859 min
The Based CatholicThe Slowest Burn: When Discernment Looks Different Than You Expected & Ditching Your SmartphoneEpisode 20 Special Guests include: Christopher Chapman & Jacob Beckwith.
Do fools rush in or do men "know?" Ever heard of a decade-long friendship getting out of the friend-zone? After this episode, you will have! Meet the man behind the legend that is Emily Stimpson Chapman. Her husband Chris tells me his vocation story and his perspective in their shared love story. Then I discuss the growing trend of Gen Z ditching their smartphone for a dumbphone with Jacob.
This is the last episode of 2023. Keep a look out for our return after the new year in 2024. 2023-12-2044 min
Messy Family Podcast : Catholic Conversations on Marriage and FamilyMFP 235: Surviving Infertility, Toddlers, and House Renovations - an interview with Chris and Emily Chapman“Before we began the adoption process, before we could be the parents our children needed us to be, I had to grieve those losses. I had to offer my broken dreams to Jesus, and trust He would not permit me to carry the cross of infertility unless He could bring something beautiful out of it.” - Emily Stimpson Chapman This interview with Emily and Chris Chapman is an amazing conversation about some deep and painful topics, but sprinkled with laughter and joy! Emily Stimpson Chapman is an accomplished author and Insta personality, but she is also a wife...2023-04-2456 min
Living Your Big Bold LifeBold Faith: Finding Marriage and Motherhood Later in Life with Emily Stimpson ChapmanToday Emily Stimpson Chapman shares about her faith, dating journey, marriage, motherhood, infertility, adoption and writing career.
Emily Stimpson Chapman married her husband Chris later in life, after years of wondering if marriage and motherhood were going to be in God’s plan for her life. After getting married, she and her husband learned they were unable to conceive. They soon decided to pursue adoption. They adopted their son Toby and then were quickly blessed with two additional blessings, Beckett and Ellie. She and Chris quickly went from no kids to 3 kids under 3.
She shares beautifully about finding marriage and mo...2022-10-1243 min
The UnCommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrCarne and Incarnation -- Emily Stimpson Chapman -- 06/06/18Carne and Incarnation, an interview with Emily Stimpson Chapman, author of several books and articles regarding the intersection of food and faith, accessible at thecatholictable.com. Look folks, its not hard to get Bo and Bud talking about how much they love food...but Emily engages the topic in such a joyful, profound, and practical level, its hard to imagine a more enjoyable show over a splendid topic! From the glory of cheese, the happiness and delight God takes in creation, to difficult discussions of eating disorders and alcoholism, a show that you won't want to miss.
2018-06-0756 min
Love Means MoreEp 9 Love in InfertilityInfertility is a reality for thousands of Catholic women (and men, too). On this episode of Made for Love: how married couples face the cross of infertility together, and find love through it. Sara and Tom Faenhle, Chris and Emily (nee Stimpson) Chapman, Jen and Mark Crowley, and Connie Poulos are featured on the episode.
2018-04-3034 min
USCCB ClipsMade for Love Ep 9: Love that is Fruitful in InfertilityInfertility is a reality for thousands of Catholic marriages. On this episode of Made for Love: how married couples face the cross of infertility together, and find love through it. Sara and Tom Faenhle, Chris and Emily (nee Stimpson) Chapman, Jen and Mark Crowley of Sarah's Hope and Abraham's Promise, and Connie Poulos from the USCCB are featured on the episode.2018-04-0334 min