The Poco a Poco Podcast with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

From Son to Orphan (Lent 2026)

Episode 285 - From Son to Orphan How does a beloved son end up living like an orphan? As Lent begins, the friars enter deeply into the parable of the Prodigal Son, not starting with the return, but with the rupture. What happens in a heart that makes someone walk away from home? What wounds, doubts, shame, or disappointments lead us to take our inheritance and try to live without the Father? In this episode, they reflect on the subtle shift that happens long before the son leaves: the movement from trust to self-reliance, from intimacy to isolation, from sonship to an orphan spirit. They explore how sin and shame distort our vision of God's goodness, and how easy it is to believe we're better off on our own. This conversation isn't about condemnation, it's about awareness. Because before we become "prodigal," we often become wounded. Join us as we begin Lent by asking the Lord to reveal where we've chosen distance and to restore us to the truth of being sons and daughters again. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at https://www.pocomerch.com/

Signs of Hope

Episode 284 - Signs of Hope Is it still possible to hope when so much feels heavy, confusing, or broken? In this episode, the friars take an honest look at the state of the Church and the world and refuse to stop at discouragement. They talk about suffering, darkness, and the temptation to despair, but also about the quiet, real ways God is at work bringing renewal, healing, and new life. From families choosing faith in small, daily ways, to renewed hunger for prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments, this conversation names the concrete signs of hope that often go unnoticed. Not flashy movements or quick fixes, but steady, faithful people responding to grace where they are. Join us as we learn to see with hope again and recognize the Holy Spirit already at work, even now. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at https://www.pocomerch.com/

Franciscan Jubilee

Episode 283 - Franciscan Jubilee What do we do when the Church invites us to slow down and then calls us to go deeper? In this episode, the friars reflect on the newly announced Jubilee Year of St. Francis and what it means not just for Franciscans, but for the whole Church. They share why this moment feels like a continuation of grace rather than a reset, an invitation to keep living the Jubilee spirit of holiness, simplicity, and trust. They talk about St. Francis not as an unreachable saint, but as a brother who shows us how to follow Jesus with clarity and freedom. This conversation explores holiness as something concrete and lived: simplifying our lives, returning to prayer, falling in love with the Eucharist, and letting ourselves be captivated by Christ again. Join us as we begin this Jubilee year together, learning, little by little, how to follow Jesus more simply and more fully. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at https://www.pocomerch.com/

Human Stuff

Episode 282 - Human Stuff Why are the most ordinary parts of life often the hardest to navigate? In this episode, the friars lean into the everyday realities we all deal with: conflict, communication, expectations, and the awkward moments we'd rather avoid. From navigating tough conversations to managing unspoken expectations and misunderstandings, they talk honestly about how "human stuff" can quietly shape our relationships for better or worse. Rather than offering quick fixes, the conversation invites us to grow in maturity, courage, and clarity to stop avoiding discomfort and start choosing honesty, vulnerability, and charity in the messiness of real life. Join us as we laugh, reflect, and learn how God meets us right in the middle of our very human stuff. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at https://www.pocomerch.com/

A Pro-Life Examen

Episode 281 - A Pro-Life Examen Have you ever felt overwhelmed or unsure about what being "pro-life" actually looks like in your everyday life? Rather than focusing on politics or arguments, this conversation centers on discipleship: prayer, sacrifice, courage, and small, concrete steps that flow from the Gospel. It's an invitation to examine our hearts with humility and let God show us where He's calling us to deeper faithfulness. In this episode, the friars invite us into a yearly pro-life examen. A prayerful pause to notice where indifference, distraction, or fatigue may have crept in, and to remember why the dignity of human life matters so deeply to our faith. They speak honestly about how easy it is to grow numb and why staying awake to this reality is an act of love. Join us as we ask the Lord to renew our hearts and teach us how to love and defend life more intentionally. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at https://www.pocomerch.com/