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Artwork for Messy Family Podcast : Catholic Conversations on Marriage and Family

Messy Family Podcast : Catholic Conversations on Marriage and Family

Mike and Alicia Hernon : Catholic Marriage Parent and Family
Parenting
Marriage
Child Development
Family Life
Family Dynamics
Catholicism
Technology
Divorce
Aggression
Family Culture
Marianist Family Retreat Center
Boys
Masculinity
Hope
Forgiveness
Family Bonding
Cana 90
Family Communication
Roughhousing
Therapy

Parenting is not a clean-cut, simple process for those who like to follow the rules. Family life is messy and unpredictable, but it is the greatest adventure you will ever have. We are Mike and Alicia Hernon, parents of 10 children with a growing number of grandchildren, and we would like to invite you into some of the conversations we have had with each other about marriage, parenting, and Cathol... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes373Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChristianityParentingReligion & SpiritualityKids & Family

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Artwork for Messy Family Podcast : Catholic Conversations on Marriage and Family

Latest Episodes

Summary How do we help our children discover the gift that they are? In this episode, we explore the powerful cycle of identity, belonging, and mission—and how it unfolds across the key stages of childhood. From the early years of wonder and dependen... more

YouTube

Summary There is so much noise in the world of parenting today, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by pressure, comparison, and fear. In this episode, Mike and Alicia remind parents that there is not just one way to raise a family well. God has given ... more

"Without a life of prayer, you are really not living as a Catholic" - Matt Leonard

Summary What does it really mean to "go deeper" in prayer? And what if you pray every day but don't feel anything? This week we're joined by Matthew Leonard, founder... more

YouTube

Love is not a feeling. It's a daily choice, a habit practiced proactively.

Summary What if intimacy isn't built in the big moments, but in the small ones you almost miss? In this episode, we explore the idea of bids for connection, the everyday way... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Matt Leonard
Founder of The Science of Sainthood, international speaker, author, and friend of the hosts
The Science of Sainthood
Episode: MFP 372: Prayer for Beginners - Interview with the Science of Sainthood
Father Sean Monahan
Priest at the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, novice master, and certified spiritual director.
Oblates of the Virgin Mary
Episode: MFP 370: The Path to Healing our Broken Hearts
Emily Stimpson Chapman
Best-selling Catholic author and speaker
Word on Fire
Episode: MFP 361: The Story of All Stories: Catholic Parenting & Hospitality with Emily Stimpson Chapman
Dr. Gregg Bottaro
Founder and leader of Catholic Psych, clinical psychologist
Catholic Psych
Episode: MFP 360: Don't be Afraid of Screwing Up Your Kids (because you already are!)
Regina Doman
Sibling of Alicia and experienced parent discussing toy selection
Episode: MFP 359: How to Choose Toys for Christmas
Dr. Ray Guarendi
Psychologist, author, and stand-up comedian
drray.com
Episode: MFP 352: Laughter and Limits in the Family with Dr. Ray
Catherine Pakaluk
Economist, researcher, author of "Hannah's Children"
Episode: MFP 349: Why Have Kids? an Interview with the author of Hannah's Children
Jake Khym
Counselor and cohost of Restore the Glory podcast
Franciscan University
Episode: MFP 346: Jake & Heather Khym on Discipleship, Parenting, and Authentic Connection
Heather Khym
Co-host of Abiding Together podcast
Abiding Together
Episode: MFP 346: Jake & Heather Khym on Discipleship, Parenting, and Authentic Connection

Hosts

Mike Hernon
Co-host of the Messy Family Podcast, Messy Family Project
Alicia Hernon
Co-host of the Messy Family Podcast, Messy Family Project

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • New Listener (Really Enjoy)

    Really enjoy this podcast as it provides very insightful and practical advise for young families. Me and my wife 3 under 5 and this podcast helps me to identify that we are in survival mode lol.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    eassef1
    United Statesa month ago
  • Intimacy episode 2024

    Its not always the man with the higher sex drive. I like the work but big miss there

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Funnyguy105$
    United States7 months ago
  • Like Getting Advice from you own Faithful Parents

    This is THE best Christian parenting podcast there is. Listening to Mike and Alicia feels like I’m in a room with my parents giving me advice. I want this podcast to reach more people - secular and Christian!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    EMontellano
    United States8 months ago
  • Real. Raw. Helpful. Catholic.

    As a mom of 4 young kids I cannot appreciate this podcast more. It gives me real, raw and helpful parenting tips and helps me to navigate family life in a Catholic way.

    Mike and Alicia thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    OHNurseMomma
    United States8 months ago
  • Grant!

    God bless! Thanks for your work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    OSJAcarlos
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A must listen for Catholic Parents: Fantastic podcast. Transforming the way I parent.
Doesn't feel like a podcast: Easy to listen to. It calls you to surrender and recognize that these children are God's and not your own.
My #1 favorite podcast: As a mom of two young children, I absolutely LOVE listening to this podcast. The topics are always so relevant.
Awesome show: I will tell my sisters to listen to it and I will keep listening.
Practical and Solid Advice: They are mentors for many listeners, helping shape family culture and values.
Honest and Insightful: Mike & Alicia are honest about parenting challenges while providing hope and guidance.
Must listen for building strong families: This show is helpful to my husband and I as young parents, I often share with others.
It's always messy...: 21 years in to marriage with kids ages 19 down to 5, every time I listen I gain nuggets for parenting/marriage toolbox.
Intimacy episode 2024: It's not always the man with the higher sex drive. I like the work but big miss there.
Transform your family: This podcast and ministry is important for Catholics seeking stronger marriage and family life.
Incredibly Helpful: Not afraid to hold kids accountable and provide direction for parenting teens.
So insightful!: Thank you for the thought you put into each podcast. Your podcast is a blessing to me.
Best Marriage and Parenting Advice!!: A long-running resource for marriage and parenting within a Catholic framework.
A Godsend for a new parent: I'm a mom of 3 kids ages 3, 2, and 7 months. I listen weekly and find encouragement and practical advice.
Like Getting Advice from your Faithful Parents: This is THE best Christian parenting podcast there is.
Weekly listen!: It's a weekly reminder of vocation and what's truly important.
Grant!: God bless! Thanks for your work!
Real. Raw. Helpful. Catholic.: As a mom of 4 young kids I cannot appreciate this podcast more. It gives me real, raw and helpful parenting tips and helps me to navigate family life in a Catholic way.
Grateful!: A blessing to stumble upon this ministry for married couples.
Great parenting, faith, child rearing advice!!!: I LOVE the Messy Family Podcast!!!

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

MFP 372: Prayer for Beginners - Interview with the Science of Sainthood
Q: How can a dad lead prayer in the home without being overbearing?
Lead with practical, regular structures such as a shared rosary and family intentions, model personal prayer consistently, and invite children to pray for specific needs, then revisit outcomes to show impact.
MFP 372: Prayer for Beginners - Interview with the Science of Sainthood
Q: Can couples pray together in contemplative prayer, and how should they approach joint prayer?
Couples can share set prayers like night prayer or the rosary, and may Lectio Divina together; however, contemplative prayer remains an individual experience guided by God, not something they mediate for each other.
MFP 372: Prayer for Beginners - Interview with the Science of Sainthood
Q: What is the best starting point for prayer with Scripture during Lent?
Begin with the Gospels, focusing on the words of Christ to become more like Him, and start with Matthew before venturing into other parts of Sacred Scripture.
MFP 363: Growing Up Hernon - What it's like in a large, loud, loving family
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the parents that mom and dad work with or the parents that are listening, based on our experience growing up, what would it be?
Intentionality beats perfection; parents should strive to be present and work on conflict resolution, establishing strong family bonds and traditions.
MFP 360: Don't be Afraid of Screwing Up Your Kids (because you already are!)
Q: What are some of the baby steps for anxious parents?
Start with grounding techniques like mindfulness, realize you can find time for small breaks, and focus on being present.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on Catholic marriage and parenting through the lens of a large Catholic family, offering practical, faith-aligned guidance for raising children, strengthening marriages, and building a family culture rooted in faith. Episodes frequently feature candid conversations about parenting challenges, communication, forgiveness, and belonging, often anchored in Catholic thought and real-life family dynamics. Listeners can expect actionable tips, guest perspectives from religious educators and practitioners, and a warm, down-to-earth approach that treats family life as a mission rather than a checklist. A standout aspect is its emphasis on community, intentional family rituals, and faith-led strategies that are accessible to both pr... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Abiding Together
2. Saints Alive Podcast
3. The Lila Rose Show
4. Catholic Sprouts: Daily Podcast for Catholic Kids
5. Restore The Glory Podcast

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 11 years ago and published 373 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Matt Leonard
2. Father Sean Monahan
3. Emily Stimpson Chapman
4. Dr. Gregg Bottaro
5. Regina Doman
6. Dr. Ray Guarendi
7. Catherine Pakaluk
8. Jake Khym

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