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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
Family Life
Child Development
Family Dynamics
Catholic Faith
Communication
Family Culture
Mental Health
Forgiveness
Catholicism
Catholic Parenting
Catholic Church
Family
Community
Spiritual Growth
Catholic Family Life
Faith
Natural Family Planning
Divorce

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes384Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Kids & FamilyParentingChristianityReligion & Spirituality

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

Latest Episodes

Relationships are built with the material of time.

Summary Strong marriages don't happen by accident—they require intentional time, attention, and sacrifice. This episode encourages couples to prioritize their relationship above the busyness of fam... more

YouTube

"Kids are always processing what happens around them. Stories give them a way to do that." - Paul McCusker

Summary Today on the podcast we welcome Paul McCusker, an award-winning writer whose stories have shaped the imaginations of families for dec... more

YouTube

For more information about the Play + Pray Challenge visit our website: messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/

If you want to pray with your kids, you need to play with them

Summary If you want your kids to pray with you, it starts long before... more

YouTube

"Some call it chaos, we call it family."

Summary In this listener-driven episode we will tackle the real-life tension of raising a big family through changing seasons. What happens when your college kids come home expecting independence, but your h... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Paul McCusker
Author and writer known for Adventures in Odyssey and Welcome to Hope Springs
Adventures in Odyssey; Welcome to Hope Springs (Catholic version)
Episode: MFP 384: Paul McCusker and the Power of Story
Katie McGrady
Author and speaker, co-host of Family Mass Prep on Halo app
Halo app; Blessed Is She; Our Sunday Visitor
Episode: MFP 381: The Secret to Raising Kids Who Love the Sacraments
Tommy McGrady
Author and speaker, teacher, and co-host of Family Mass Prep on Halo app
Halo app
Episode: MFP 381: The Secret to Raising Kids Who Love the Sacraments
Father Carter Griffin
Priest in the Archdiocese of Washington, rector of St. John Paul II Seminary
St. John Paul II Seminary / Archdiocese of Washington
Episode: MFP 378: Training Children to Master Themselves
Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse
Economist, founder of the Ruth Institute, author
Ruth Institute
Episode: MFP 375: The Family and the Sexual Revolution
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!)

Hosts

Mike Hernon
Host of the Messy Family Project and related media; co-host focusing on marriage, parenting, and Catholic family life.
Alicia Hernon
Co-host and key collaborator on family, parenting, and Catholic life content.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • The most encouraging podcast for parents

    What I love about Mike and Alicia is that they are always so encouraging! I never feel ashamed or feel any regret for past mistakes after listening to their advice or opinions on marriage and family life. They inspire me to build up my family culture, be a better wife and mom. Thank you 🩵

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NDaveySA
    South Africaa month ago
  • So helpful

    What an incredibly helpful podcast for the growing family!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CatholicCrunchyMama
    United States2 months ago
  • 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 States4 months 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 States9 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 States10 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise practicality and compassion in parenting guidance.
Feedback often notes the hosts' honesty about family messiness and commitment to spiritual growth.
Many appreciate the faith-centered, authentic approach to family life.
The show's guests and topics are described as actionable and hopeful for Catholic families.

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 382: The Shape of a Growing Family
Q: What strategies help you create meaningful time with each child?
Prioritize older kids for regular one-on-one time, keep it simple and doable, and use recurring opportunities like driving them to activities or quick meals to build connection.
MFP 382: The Shape of a Growing Family
Q: How do you manage adult children returning home and set expectations?
Have a conversation about boundaries and shared responsibilities, acknowledge their maturity, and adjust rules to reflect their independence while maintaining family cohesion.
MFP 381: The Secret to Raising Kids Who Love the Sacraments
Q: What role do the books play for parish staff and catechists?
The books provide conversation starters and child-friendly explanations of Scripture, serving as a bridge between home and parish life, while the accompanying videos and kits support catechetical work.
MFP 381: The Secret to Raising Kids Who Love the Sacraments
Q: How can parents keep the love of the Eucharist alive after First Communion?
By treating the Eucharist as a lived, personal journey, having ongoing conversations about what it means to walk with Jesus, and integrating family practices that reinforce reverence and belonging in the faith community.
MFP 375: The Family and the Sexual Revolution
Q: How has no-fault divorce changed the social contract around marriage?
No-fault divorce removed the need to prove fault to end a marriage, which initially appeared as a simpler path for consenting adults but ultimately shifted incentives for everyone, undermining the permanence of marriage and affecting children's sense of security and belonging.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

This program focuses on Catholic marriage and parenting within a messy, authentic family life. It centers practical, faith-based guidance for building a strong family culture, Catholic sacramental life, and healthy marriage through everyday routines, transparent conversations, and parental leadership. Guests range from priests and theologians to authors and speakers who offer actionable spiritual and relational strategies. Listeners are likely parents and caregivers seeking practical faith formation, marriage enrichment, and tools to navigate modern family challenges while staying anchored in Catholic values. The show often emphasizes intentional family rhythms, accountability in parenting, and community resources for Catholic families, wit... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Saints Alive Podcast
2. Abiding Together
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 384 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. Paul McCusker
2. Katie McGrady
3. Tommy McGrady
4. Father Carter Griffin
5. Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse
6. Matt Leonard
7. Father Sean Monahan
8. Emily Stimpson Chapman

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