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Open Seat: A Holy Family Podcast
Welcome to Open Seat, the podcast where we create a space for authentic conversations about faith—unfiltered and unapologetic. With each episode, we invite guests from all walks of life to share their personal journeys, struggles, and revelations moments of doubt, discovery, and everything in between. Here, we believe that every story matters, and in the open seat, there’s room for honesty, vulnerability, and community. Whether you’re questioning, seeking, or steadfast in your beliefs, you’ll find something relatable in these heartfelt discussions. So grab your seat, get comfortable, and let’s dive in to today’s story here - at the Open Seat.
Episodes
22 episodes
Becoming Catholic: A Search for Truth & Healing
In this episode of Open Seat, Jenna Duckett, who recently came into the Catholic Church this year along with her husband and two children, shares her profound journey into the Catholic faith, discussing the initial hesitations, her quest for an...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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28:23
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Fr Pat McDaid: Saint with a Past, Sinner with a Future
This week on the Open Seat, we’re joined by Father Pat McDaid, SM, who shares his inspiring journey of faith and vocation as a Marianist Priest. From his beginnings in Adrian to his current ministry in San Antonio, Father Pat reflects on the ke...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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36:05
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Marriage and Mercy: Living a Sacramental Life with Mike Towler
This week on Open Seat, Mike Towler shares his inspiring journey of finding the love of his life unexpectedly, discovering a new career in dentistry, and embracing a deep connection with the Catholic Faith. Mike and his wife, Jodi, serve in the...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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26:22
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Hot Seat Edition Q&A: January 2025
Join us as Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS and Open Seat Podcast host, Katie Love answer questions submitted by you! Tune in as they answer questions about:Favorite ThingsPets in heavenSchool ChallengesGetting in...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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50:07
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Hometown Healing with Maria Jaimez
In this episode of the Open Seat podcast, we welcome Maria Jaimez, affectionately known as the godmother of Adrian. Maria shares her journey of faith, rooted in her upbringing in Adrian's Sunnyside area and heavily influenced by her mother's st...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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47:46
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Making of an Oblate Part 2: Salesian Spirituality in a Changing World
In this episode of Open Seat, we continue the conversation with the Fr. Mike Newman, OSFS, as he shares his journey of faith, from his early years of teaching to his involvement in what would become Holy Family Parish. You will hear Fr.Mike's p...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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36:43
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The Making of an Oblate Part 1: Miracles from Mexico
Join us in this gripping episode of Open Seat, as we sit down with the Very Reverend Michael E. Newman, OSFS, the pastor of Holy Family Adrian. Fr.Mike shares his incredible life story filled with divine intervention, life-threatening med...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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27:38
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Gratitude in Every Calling with Ivelisse Auffant
In this episode of Open Seat, we delve into the inspiring journey of Ivelisse Auffant. Ivelisse shares her path from growing up in Puerto Rico to dedicating her life to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, her academic endeavors, and her extensi...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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30:36
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Encounters with the Spirit
In this episode of Open Seat, Joe Baker shares his transformative experiences with the Holy Spirit throughout his life. From unexpected job opportunities to profound personal realizations, Joe reveals how faith and spiritual encounters have gui...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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22:35
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Redefining Strength: Men's Mental Health and Healing
In this emotionally charged episode of Open Seat, DJ Vallejo shares his journey of faith when overcoming challenges, battling suicidal thoughts, and regaining faith. Raised by a single mother who battled cancer, DJ discusses the struggles of gr...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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27:46
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Among the Living Grief Support with Jesusa Arnett
In this heartfelt episode of Open Seat, Jesusa Arnett shares her inspiring life story of living with addiction while pursuing higher education, and coping with profound grief. Jesusa talks about her journey from being a high school dropout to e...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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18:40
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A Heart Full of Helping
In this episode of Open Seat, our guest, Lily Vazquez shares her inspiring journey of rediscovering faith and reconnecting with family after an abusive relationship and the loss of her father. From her upbringing in Adrian, Michigan, to her col...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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50:42
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Deacon Randy Koenigsknect: Rummage Sales, Saloons & Faith-filled Adventures
In this episode of Open Seat, we sit down with Deacon Randy Koenigsknecht, a seminarian with the Diocese of Lansing, as he shares his experiences and insights into his journey towards priesthood. Before becoming a Deacon, Randy spent a summer w...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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36:20
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Recovery & Resilience
Join us on Open Seat as Veronica Sanchez shares her miraculous journey of faith and resilience. From early childhood immigration to a challenging stroke during her pregnancy, Veronica discusses how her unwavering belief and prayer helped her na...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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24:37
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Faith Through The Generations
Today in the Open Seat, we have Shahina Ramirez, a 16-year-old high school junior who shares her journey of faith, family, and personal growth. Shihina shares her experiences of faith, family and culture from how her parent's faith helps her to...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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33:19
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Jesus, Send Me: Big Acts, Small Actors
Join us as with sit in the Open Seat with Ken Freshcorn today. From his early life as the youngest of ten children to his time at Boysville of Michigan, Ken shares his experiences and struggles on his journey of faith, family, and helping other...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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32:41
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Fiorella Diaz: Story of the Socks and Saintly Souls
We recommend you watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrianIn this episode of Open Seat, Fiorella Diaz joins the podcast to share her inspiring journe...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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24:03
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We Belong Together with Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS
Join us for a special episode of Open Seat, where we engage in an unfiltered and heartfelt conversation with the Very Reverend Joe Newman, OSFS. Fr. Joe Newman reflects on his journey from growing up in Toledo, Ohio, to becoming a Provinc...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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31:46
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Finding Home at Holy Family: Africa to Adrian
Join Ariane Ouedraogo on a heartfelt episode of Open Seat as she shares her inspiring journey from Burkina Faso to Adrian College in Michigan. Ariane discusses the crucial role of faith in her life, cultural differences between the Catholic Chu...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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20:31
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Venezuela to Victory: Baseball and Belief
With Victor Diaz, a Venezuelan baseball star and now coach, explores his remarkable journey from Venezuela to the United States. Victor shares his struggles with the economic crisis in Venezuela, the challenges of obtaining asylum in the U.S., ...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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31:05
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A Life of Faith, Sacrifice & Service
In this episode, Kathy Wickham shares her life story, reflecting on her Catholic upbringing, the sacrifices made for her education, and her journey from nursing aspirations to a fulfilling 53-year marriage. Kathy recounts how her spiritual jour...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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35:47
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