
Advertise on podcast: The Inner Life
Rating
4.7from
This podcast has
2171 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Relevant RadioExplicit
No
Date created
2013/01/16
Latest episode
2026/02/03
Average duration
52 min.
Release period
2 days
Description
The Inner Life® with Patrick Conley is one-on-one Spiritual Direction on the radio. Every day, a Catholic priest or religious sister joins listeners to offer spiritual advice and guidance designed to assist you along your faith journey, speaking about a variety of topics to help you overcome sin, grow in virtue, and strengthen your faith.
Unlock The Inner Life podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details
Email contact information
Direct podcast contact details

Listeners
Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details
Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from The Inner Life podcast
Marriage: Part 2 - The Inner Life - February 3, 2026
2026/02/03
Fr. Peter Armenio joins Patrick to discuss Marriage: Part 2
(2:17) Fear of something better when it comes to dating. What does service have to do with Marriage? (26:59) Break 1
What is the importance of children in a strong marriage? (31:54) What happens when marriage gets boring? When should you start looking for outside help in your marriage?
Presentation of the Lord - The Inner Life - February 2, 2026
2026/02/02
Fr. Matthew Widder joins Patrick to discuss The Presentation of the Lord
What is happening in our Church today? (2:01) Why does Mary get purified if she is perfect? (12:57) Nick - Love the presentation. Love the old testament connection. Amazing how Jesus celebrates major accomplishments through the old. Waiting for something...I wait for so much because there's so much to overcome. How the law is given to us...how it is written into our hearts. What does the sacrifice mean in the bible? (21:49) Michael - I'm a parishioner of Fr. Matthew's parish. I've been going through a lot of stuff and might not be here without Fr. Matthew. (23:59) Break 1
What is Candlemas, and how are we called to be light? (31:09) What is a world day of consecrated life? (38:29) what does Simeon’s prophecy mean in the Bible? How can we turn over our trails to the Lord?
Ministering to the Youth - The Iner Life - January 30, 2026
2026/01/30
Fr. Eric Nielsen joins Patrick to discuss Ministering to the Youth
(3:31) What makes working with Youth different from ministering to adults? Why is ministering t the youth so important for the life of the Church? (15:59) threats that young people are facing? (19:15) Break 1
How do we have good boundaries for our children? (23:26) Lourdes - Resiliency - Fr. is right about it. As a young person, I went to Catholic school and when I complained about getting hit on the knuckles, mom said, 'well, I'm sure you weren't praying the Rosary dear.' But I did well in school. The danger of self-esteem. Mary - I think it's never too late to turn it around. Even in their 70's my parents shared that they wished they hadn't sweated the little things. It's ok to make mistakes. God loves everyone. How do you pray the family rosary? (36:52) Break 2
(42:29) Helen - I'm a teacher who teaches theology of the body to teens. We need to get down to the middle schoolers and educating them better about our faith and TOB is a wonderful program that ministers to them. Teresa - I have a new family that moved in next door. Little girl is in 4 or 5th grade. She likes me. We haven't related that much, but I noticed she's doing an exercise and I think she's a cheerleader. Doing suggestive gyrations. How can I be there for her without being judgmental? (46:10) Theresa - I am a widow with 7 kids. Can't get my kids to go to church. Such a heavy burden on my shoulders. When the father is taken out of the home, it's tragedy. Feel so wounded.
Confession - The Inner Life - January 29, 2026
2026/01/29
Fr. Rob Kroll joins Patrick to discuss Confession
Why do we need the Sacrament of Confession? What are the parts of confession? (14:05) What if someone hasn’t been in confession in a long time? (19:30) Kevin - I was in confession the other day. At the end, I had a feeling to say thank you Jesus, and the priest said you're welcome. He's in persona Christi and sometimes we forget that. (22:27) Break 1
(23:58) Lynn - Not Catholic yet, going through the OCIA program. Through that process, there's the first confession. Am I supposed to make a list of every sin in my life, or how am I supposed to do that? (32:54) Paul - 40 years as a Baptist, I felt the need to go to confession which lead me to RCIA and into the church. How should non-Catholics feel about confession and approach the sacrament? (37:51) George - I'm having a little trouble with confession. Every day I can't forgive myself. Am I doing something wrong by doing that? (43:12) Break 2
Barbara - I'm in a parish that had a priest who was moved several years back due to behaviors. I wonder sometimes if the confessions or baptisms were valid because of what was going on with him.
St. Thomas Aquinas - The Inner Life - January 28, 2026
2026/01/28
Fr. Michael Hurley joins Patrick to discuss St. Thomas Aquinas
(4:43) who was St. Thomas Aquinas (11:15) what is the Albigensian heresy? (18:19) Brendan - The one that impacted me was Thomas Aquinas' 5 proofs. I saw a video in middle school that challenged atheists. I didn't know there were such intellectual people in the church. It really shook my faith and eased my anxieties in it and have more faith in God. (25:05) Break 1
Madeline - He's not my saint...I'm trying to love him as a brother and I don't know how to reconcile. I love St. Faustina. I don't like him because he said pets don't go to heaven and that's why I left the faith. I'm back in the faith now because of St. Faustina and St. Maximilian Kolbe. (32:53) Role of Reason in our life today (34:47) Jean - My most favorite thing about him...he admitted at the end of his conversations that all of his writings meant nothing. He found what he was writing was useless. Once he spoke to the Lord, he found that he was so inadequate from what he learned from the Lord. (39:48) Break 2
(40:52) Regina - He taught that women are defective. I want to know how to get around that. It's offensive. I have a reference from Summa Theologica. (45:03) Thomas Aquinas’ Devotional life Where should people start when reading about St. Thomas Aquinas?
Marriage: A Catholic Perspective on Cohabitation - The Inner Life - January 27, 2026
2026/01/27
Fr. Peter Armenio joins Patrick to discuss Marriage
What is marriage? (13:40) why are couples not wanting to get married? (20:56) Break 1
(22:39) Brendan - Anxiety among young people. I'm very anxious. I want to get in a relationship and married, but now I don't have a job and anxiety is causing issues for me. I hear it's good to get married young, but I feel I'm dealing with a road block. What do I do? (30:45) Ureli – People living together and not married. What if your parents aren't married. IS there something I can do to help them? They both want to marry. I feel I'm a mediator sometimes. Any advice as to what to do? I do pray for them a lot. (39:07) Break 2
(40:27) Paul - Married 44 years. Work with engaged couples. Biggest challenge is communication. We're all so different. Any advice where to find good communication teaching? Anything out there from a Catholic perspective? Email from Julie – How do you know if Marriage is your vocation?
Catholic Education - The Inner Life - January 26, 2026
2026/01/26
Fr. Bobby Blood joins Patrick to discuss Catholic Education
Why is Catholic schools week important? (4:46) what does the Church teach about Catholic education? What is the connection between the intellect and the will? (17:35) Nicole - My experience....My grandchildren are going to Catholic school. My daughter also went. I used to volunteer. I most admire is that I attend the children's Mass and we end with adoration. Getting used to adoration and the importance of a relationship with Jesus. (22:00) Break 1
(23:25) Ann - I had Catholic education back in the 40's and 50's. I thank God for it every day. Those nuns really instilled the faith. (26:15) Tammy - I am a product of Catholic schools from the 70's and 80's. I have 4 kids. One struggled academically. Just wondering if the school system is looking into this. Not everyone is academic. Do they have other avenues to help people? (31:50) Carol - Our Catholic school closed 7 years ago. Wanted to re-open, but I get backlash every time it comes up. Any advice? (35:43) Break 2
What should parents be looking for in Catholic Schools? (40:24) Alex - I'm dating someone right now. Trying to figure out where to educate my kids once we have them. There is a local SSPX school. It looks like it's the only place I can afford to send them. What should I do about that? Can you send your kids to a non-Catholic school? (44:17) what are the biggest challenges facing Catholic schools today? (48:03) Maria - We've been blessed with our kid's education. Just wanted to give a quick testimony.
Holiness in your State of Life - The Inner Life - January 23, 2026
2026/01/23
Fr. Joseph Illo joins Patrick to discuss Holiness in your State of Life
(4:17) who was Saint Francis de Sales? Introduction to the devout life, How can you be holy in the world? (18:26) Break 1
What are ways lay people can become holy? How does God multiply your time when you devote some to him? (34:34) Norb - Suggestion to multitask with prayer. That's what I do. Robin - I joined the Guard of the Sacred Heart. I get up and whatever hour it is, I will go through that process. I say the precious blood devotion, and after that, I go to the Legion of Mary, Rosary, and I do my best to go to Mass/adoration. (38:40) Break 2
How is holiness a work of God first? (43:00) Maria - My experience...we all struggle with prayer time. I humble myself and ask the Lord to organize my prayer time. (46:11) Robert - St. Francis De Sales....been reading that over and over for years. What I still struggle with...what is my state in life? What does that mean and how does it correspond to my time in prayer? I feel like I'm always robbing my work and myself by studying an hour. The four books which Father Illo recommends everyone reads.
Protecting the Unborn - The Inner Life - January 22, 2026
2026/01/22
Fr. Dave Heney joins Patrick to discuss Protecting the Unborn
What is the Church’s teaching on the sanctity of life? What is at the core of the reason people get abortion? (18:34) Break 1
Teresa - I just wanted to say that I'm trying to start a walking with moms with need at my parish in Ohio, so we can do what Father was talking about. Help through pregnancy centers and walk with them on their journey before the baby is born and after. (23:23) Richard - I lead a 40 days for life campaign in the Midwest. Prayer is most important, but we're also dealing with Satan in this evil. I think it needs to be approached from that reality. (28:00) Craig - We just have celebrated Christmas, but it's not the first and biggest feast we should be celebrating. We should be celebrating the incarnation and then the resurrection. It all begins at conception. That's when God became present on Earth. Jane - I belong a group called Holy Innocents. We raise funds for various pro-life organizations. Just wanted to talk about that. (38:05) Break 2
(39:59) Connie - I'm in OCIA and joining the church in a couple months. Something that slowed me down was encountering those who claim to be Catholic, but support abortion. What do you say to 'pro-choice Catholics?' (43:53) Norma - I am a counselor at a pregnancy center. Want to say thanks for all who can help those centers. How can we speak about protecting the unborn with truth and compassion?
Overcoming Pornography - The Inner Life - January 21, 2026
2026/01/21
Fr. Allen Hoffa joins Patrick to discuss Overcoming Pornography
What is Pornography? What is integrity restored? (14:31) Is pornography a private sin? (20:01) Mike - I'm a porn addict. I've been able to find sobriety from counseling and 12 steps. Want to give a word of encouragement to those struggling. (23:11) Break 1
How does pornography play a role in the abortion issue? (29:41) How is AI used for pornography harmful to people? (34:58) Norman - When you see a woman come into church and try to battle with thoughts. It's a sin and you have to watch out. It can be a distraction. (39:59) Break 2
(41:09) Raquel - 17-year-old son. Struggling with this issue. It could be a same sex issue as well. Not knowing what to do. What can people do who struggle with pornography? Resources:
Integrity Restored https://integrityrestored.com/
Beauty of the Liturgy - The Inner Life - January 20, 2026
2026/01/20
Msgr. Robert Dempsey joins Patrick in studio to discuss the Beauty of the Liturgy
(4:58) What does liturgy mean? How is the liturgy primarily an act of God? What is worship? (13:55) Alex - People responding verbally during the Mass. Sometimes they respond loudly and other times softly. Is there anything official on this? (21:29) Break 1
Natalia - How verifiable is it (the liturgy) that it hasn't changed from the original? Even going back to the Old Testament (translations). (27:06) Email about who put together the Mass as we now celebrate it? (31:11) Patrick - New pastor that refuses to continue with the use of incense during Mass. How can I speak to him about this? Henry - Our new priest, during the peace offering goes into the Lamb of God and doesn't allow for the sign of peace. Wanted your opinion/more info on this. (39:06) Break 2
Can you use incense during the liturgy of the hours at home? (45:15) Jim - The liturgy and how it's celebrated. Sometimes it seems so far off the rubrics. What is the right response for me internally in that situation? Do I offer it up?
Catholic Social Teaching - The Inner Life - January 19, 2026
2026/01/19
Fr. Marcel Taillon joins Patrick to discuss Catholic Social Teaching
What is Catholic Social Teaching? (10:03) What are the main themes on Catholic Social teaching? (17:07) what does the “common good” mean? (23:45) Break 1
(25:51) Lillian - When we talk about Catholic social teaching and catholic social justice, there is some confusion with one world order. The issue for us to be closer to God, but when it comes to this communal thing, we become confused and become more involved with community and not Jesus Christ. What are things that we can do for the poor? (38:52) Break 2
Cynthia - In my work with the homeless, we are trying to make them aware of their dignity. So many people have a negative view of the homeless. We do not have a strong Catholic presence in the streets of Austin. Any advice to help with that? (45:45) Richard - There's a document from the synod about 9 months ago...Life is Always a Good. It gives parishes a structure to put together a structure for the dignity of the individual as a person. Getting back to basics and having our faith and every person is valued. It's really a blue print to make that concept a reality on the ground. Resources:
https://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/laityfamilylife/en/life-is-always-a-good.html https://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/dam/laityfamilylife/Lavitasempreunbene/BROCHURE_EN.pdf
Praying With The Scripture - The Inner Life - January 16, 2026
2026/01/16
(2:46) Fr. Sam Martin joins to discuss praying with Scripture.
(6:05) Pray to the Holy Spirit when reading the Bible.
Break 1 (23:05) Camille - It's amazing how the Scriptures have changed my life. (30:33) Vanessa - I had back surgery and was praying for healing, and this scripture, Mark 2:30 changed how I looked at everything and how Christ is here to heal me.
Break 2 (39:22) Susan - I grew up learning the stories of the Bible. In 2023, my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and six months later, I got very sick and needed a bone marrow transplant. I was angry with God for the first time in my life. One night, dark and alone, I said the Lord's prayer and it changed my life.
Reliance On God - The Inner Life - January 15, 2026
2026/01/15
(11:03) Fr. Ryan Brady joins Patrick to talk about Reliance on God.
(11:08) God works at a completely different schedule than we do.
(12:08) Car shopping is a great example and also very biblical.
(15:40) Patty - I am waiting and discovering God's way to help me with weight loss.
(19:17) Email: Leanne - Relying on God as a young adult, cancer survivor.
Break 1
(23:58) Email: Gloria – I’m afraid of trusting the Lord.
(27:43) Patrick - Relevant Radio brought me back to the church 5 years ago. Also, I've overcome addictions and now am faced with a new challenge of leukemia. It's a new opportunity to evangelize.
Break 2
(40:23) God’s mercy will endure far longer than our desire to ask for it. Jesus relied on his friends and disciples to support his ministry. He was not alone. In your struggle talk to your priests and other faithful friends. Jesus humbled himself and relied on His Father in heaven and His friends on earth and the world was never the same.
Friendship with Christ - The Inner Life - January 14, 2026 [ENCORE]
2026/01/14
Here is a great encore from July 22, 2025
Fr. Peter Armenio joins Patrick to Friendship with Christ
How can we have friendship with God? (12:19) How do we understand some of the euphemism that saints use to describe their love for Christ? (18:25) Bob - I once went to confession and told the priest I was having trouble getting angry with God over disappointments. Angry about it and yelling at God. Fr. told me you probably think I'll get down on you for getting angry with God, but you know God and trust him enough that you can get angry with Him and you can handle that. I was really moved by that. Relationship with God is everything. (26:05) Break 1
Marsha - I'm a cradle Catholic. I've had a relationship with Jesus. The Baptists brought me into that relationship. They gave me a deeper dive into the intimacy with Christ. I hope they saw the beauty of the Catholic church. How does interior life help us from our relationship with Jesus? (40:40) Deedee - My relationship is one of a father and daughter. Trying to be friends with God is sacrilegious. Wouldn't there be a spiritual boundary of some sort? What does friendly speech sound like instead of prayer? (43:43) Break 2
(44:49) What can Mary Magdalene teach us about friendship with Christ?
Podcast reviews
Read The Inner Life podcast reviews
G, MD 2020/06/20
Great Support for the Spiritual Journey
Very supportive and encouraging show that helps us to understand God’s message of love in the world and how we can grow closer to him. My favorite mom...
umca001 2017/10/16
Interesting
Love be to listen and always learn something new
Podcast sponsorship advertising
Start advertising on The Inner Life relevant audience podcasts
You may also like to advertise on these Podcasts

4.4371061566
The Megyn Kelly Show
SiriusXM

4.888901269
Fearless with Jason Whitlock
Blaze Podcast Network

4.8118931000
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, Doug Egge

4.8102131585
Tara Brach
Tara Brach

4.541561215
Something You Should Know
Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media

4.513841343
Strictly Anonymous Confessions
Kathy Kay

4.8292781897
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Fantasy Football

4.62382612
Football Weekly
The Guardian

4.45387666
Two Judgey Girls
Two Judgey Girls

3.8258501152
The Viall Files
Nick Viall