The Life of a Priest

Laughter and Mercy: The Life and Mission of Fr. Matthew Phelan, O. of M.

n this episode of Life of a Priest, Allie Moroney sits down with Fr. Matthew Phelan, O. de M., a Mercedarian priest serving in Philadelphia, to hear his incredible journey from broadcast journalism to the religious life. From late-night Eucharistic adoration after UPS shifts to a game of “Bible roulette” that changed everything, Fr. Matthew shares how God led him—through humor, Marian devotion, and unexpected moments—to a vocation rooted in mercy.

Coaching Souls & Running the Race with Fr. Jonathan Meyer

In this episode of Life of a Priest, Allie Moroney sits down with Fr. Jonathan Meyer, a dynamic and passionate priest serving in Southeastern Indiana. Fr. Meyer shares his incredible journey to the priesthood, from growing up in a faith-filled but divided household to experiencing a powerful revival during college that set his heart on fire for Christ.
But Fr. Meyer’s mission doesn’t stop at the parish—he’s also a high school cross-country coach at a public school, bringing faith into the heart of a secular setting. He reveals how sports serve as a powerful analogy for discipleship, sacrifice, and perseverance, and how his role as a coach has allowed him to evangelize in unexpected ways.
Throughout the conversation, he shares insights on the intersection of faith and athletics, the power of Eucharistic Adoration in discernment, his passion for art, beauty, and church restoration, and the importance of priestly fraternity and living in community. With his joyful spirit, deep wisdom, and relentless energy, Fr. Meyer is living proof that the priesthood is anything but boring. Tune in for an episode that will inspire, challenge, and encourage you in your own faith journey!

Theology of the Body, Peter Kreeft & the Call to Priesthood – Fr. Martin Connor LC

In this inspiring episode of Life of a Priest, Allie Moroney sits down with Fr. Martin Connor, LC, to explore his journey to the priesthood. Growing up in Maryland, Fr. Martin shares how his time at Boston College, studying under the legendary Dr. Peter Kreeft, ultimately led him to his vocation with the Legionaries of Christ.
As an author and expert on St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, Fr. Martin unpacks topics like integrated living and emotional chastity, offering deep insights for Catholics striving for holiness in today’s world. As the National Vocation Director for the Legionaries of Christ, he also sheds light on the importance of discernment and answering God’s call.
Don’t miss this engaging and wisdom-filled conversation that will inspire, challenge, and encourage you in your faith journey!

Cultural Catholicism to a Joyful Priesthood: The Journey of Fr. Bernabé Rico

In this episode of Life of a Priest, Allie Moroney sits down with Fr. Bernabé Rico, a vibrant diocesan priest from the Archdiocese of Madrid, Spain. From his unexpected British accent (wait till you hear why he has it!) to his inspiring journey from cultural Catholicism to a deep, personal relationship with Christ, Fr. Bernabé shares how philosophy, family struggles, and God's tender love led him to the priesthood.
You'll hear about his passion for ministry, his love for the Eucharist, and how he's helping to rebuild parish life in Madrid. Whether you're discerning a vocation, feeling distant from your faith, or just curious about the life of a priest in Spain, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and heart.
Tune in for an inspiring story of God's relentless pursuit and a priest who said "YES" to it all.

From Miami to Rome: Fr. Christian Saenz S.J's Journey of Faith and Adventure

On today’s episode, Allie Interviews Fr. Christian Saenz S.J. Father is a priest with the society of Jesus, originally from the Archdiocese of Miami, but currently serving as a professor for the Pontificia Universita Gregoriana in Rome, Italy. From a transformative backpacking pilgrimage across Europe to his studies in Rome and his deep love for history and Latin, Fr. Christian shares how God has guided his life at every turn. Discover how his Jesuit calling aligns with St. Ignatius’s spirituality, hear tales of providence and perseverance, and find inspiration in his advice for those discerning a vocation. Whether you’re exploring your faith journey or love a good vocation story, this episode is for you!
Interested in being featured on the podcast or know a priest who would like to be on our show? Email media@tabella.app for all suggestions and inquiries!

Fr. Markus Stehmer LC: The Ski Trip that Changed his Life and Vocation

In this inspiring episode, Allie Moroney sits down with Fr. Markus Stehmer, LC, whose journey from his upbringing in a largely secular Germany to his mission work in Catholic Philadelphia offers a profound glimpse into the transformative power of God’s call. Fr. Markus shares how a Catholic ski trip brought him back to the faith after spending his teenage years away from God and partying. Fr. Markus took a leap of faith and entered seminary, discovering his path was not to remain in his home country, but to serve as a Legionary priest in the United States.
In this episode, Fr. Markus and Allie explore themes of beauty, trust, and sacrifice, showing us how God draws us in unique ways—even far from home—to build up the Church and participate in His mission of salvation. Whether you’re discerning your path or seeking to strengthen your faith, this conversation is packed with wisdom and encouragement.
Interested in being featured on the podcast or know a priest who would like to be on our show? Email media@tabella.app for all suggestions and inquiries!

From College Life to Clergy: Father Robbie’s Vocation Story

In this episode of Life of a Priest, Allie Moroney interviews Father Robbie Cotta from the Diocese of Atlanta. Father Robbie shares his unique journey to the priesthood, from growing up in a faithful Catholic family to navigating college life and rediscovering his vocation. He reflects on how serving as an altar boy first sparked his desire to become a priest and offers insight into how Christ courted him into saying "yes" to his vocation.
Now a chaplain at St. Pius X Catholic High School, Father Robbie's story is both inspiring and down-to-earth, offering a glimpse into the joys and challenges of priestly life. Tune in for an honest, joyful, and insightful conversation that reminds us that God calls each of us by name into a meaningful mission of love!
Interested in being featured on the podcast or know a priest who would like to be on our show? Email media@tabella.app for all suggestions and inquiries!

From the Courthouse to the Court of Christ - Father Vine Mary Carrasco, OFM

Today Allie interviews Father Vince “Vinny” Mary, a Capuchin priest, worship leader, singer-songwriter, Itinerant preacher, speaker, podcast host, media evangelist, adventurer & sports fanatic. Father shares about how his growing up years in the Texas panhandle led him to the priesthood. Father is currently serving as the Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Colorado Springs.
Interested in being featured on the podcast or know a priest who would like to be on our show? Email media@tabella.app for all suggestions and inquiries!

A Priest of Might Deeds - Fr. Jonathan St. Andres TOR

On today’s episode, Allie Interviews Fr. Jonathan St Andres, TOR, the Vice President for Franciscan Life at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Father shares about his growing up years in Virginia, his studies at Steubenville, as well as his eventual call to the priesthood. Father shares what it’s like be the right-hand-man of the President of Franciscan, as well as how his family life and growing up years has influenced his priesthood.
Interested in being featured on the podcast or know a priest who would like to be on our show? Email media@tabella.app for all suggestions and inquiries!

Paragliding, the Priesthood, and Faith in Christ with Father Jesús Salinas

In this episode of Life of a Priest, we sit down with Father Jesús Salinas, a Legionary Priest serving in Cincinnati, Ohio. Father Salinas shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Mexico City to discerning his vocation with the Legionaries of Christ. With honesty and warmth, he discusses the challenges and blessings of priestly life, the importance of community, and the pivotal moments that strengthened his trust in God's plan.
Father Salinas also opens up about his ministry at Royalmont Academy, where he serves as chaplain, offering spiritual coaching to students and providing pastoral care to families. He reflects on the power of encouragement, his personal charism, and the joy of guiding others toward holiness. Whether you are discerning your own vocation or simply curious about the life of a priest, this episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the daily life and spiritual journey of a dedicated servant of God.
Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, personal stories, and a profound message of trust in God's providence.
Interested in being featured on the podcast or know a priest who would like to be on our show? Email media@tabella.app for all suggestions and inquiries!