Feeding Fathers

Fr. Simon Esshaki hosts engaging conversations and shares a meal with three of his brother priests. This Catholic podcast offers candid, informal discussions on theology, faith, and contemporary issues, seen through a distinct Chaldean Catholic lens.

Explore the profound ancient spirituality of the Church of the East, bringing unique and fresh perspectives to Christianity and modern culture. This show is for anyone seeking spiritual insights, Catholic wisdom, and meaningful dialogue about faith in today's world.

Listen in for discussions that truly nourish your soul, enlighten your understanding, and make you hungry!

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify

Episodes

Thursday Apr 17, 2025

Fr. Andy and Fr. Simon share meditations for Holy Week from the Chaldean Liturgy, highlighting the profound prayers of Passion Friday and Holy Saturday (Saturday of Light). They uncover the significance of one specific prayer ("madrashe") that focuses on the prophets waking up from their graves after Christ's Passion. Meditations like this one are so powerful and unique to the Church of the East.
Purchase "The Book of Before and After" here: https://a.co/d/0HMzOpd
Download the "Emmanuel Prayer" app
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/emmanuel-chaldean-prayer/id893831013 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cc.emmanuel.prayer&pcampaignid=web_share
 

Thursday Apr 10, 2025

Fr. Simon and Fr. Andy sit down on this very special episode of 'Feeding Fathers' and delve into the rich traditions of the Chaldean Liturgy in preparation for Holy Week. Learn about the historical development of liturgical practices, the significance of the Basilica Hymns during Holy Week, and the spiritual reflections inherent in Palm Sunday celebrations. They explore the thematic elements of joy and sadness that frame Holy Week, using translation of texts from St. Ephraim and others from the Chaldean Liturgy.
 
Purchase "The Book of Before and After" here: https://a.co/d/0HMzOpd

Thursday Mar 27, 2025

On this episode, we discuss the challenges of sexual sin, the importance of chastity, and how to effectively seek God's grace through confession. We also get into the double standards in family expectations, the theological nuances of sins like adultery and lust, and practical advice on overcoming sinful habits. And there's advice on battling temptation, the impact of consistent prayer life, and finding hope and renewal in God's grace.

Sin & Scrupulosity [Ep. 35]

Thursday Mar 20, 2025

Thursday Mar 20, 2025

We're blessed to see so many people embracing the sacrament of confession. However, we've noticed a growing trend — individuals confessing frequently, sometimes weekly, without being in mortal or even venial sin. In this episode, we dive deep into common misconceptions about sin and temptation. We break down the Ten Commandments, helping you distinguish between grave and lesser sins. Most importantly, we emphasize why confession isn't just about following rules — it's about nurturing your relationship with God. And stick around — there's a dolma flip at the end you won't want to miss!

Monks and Sisters [Ep. 34]

Thursday Mar 13, 2025

Thursday Mar 13, 2025

We are so happy to be joined again by two Chaldean nuns and, for the first time on our show, one of our Chaldean monks (other than Fr. Ankido)! They discuss their unique experiences, from their missions and daily routines to discerning vocations in the Chaldean tradition. Discover the distinctions between different orders, their roles in the Catholic Church, and get an inside look into their recent pilgrimage to Italy and stay in Iraq.

Priest Life [Ep. 33]

Thursday Mar 06, 2025

Thursday Mar 06, 2025

Our dear brother priest, Fr. Patrick Setto joins us for a deep dive into the everyday life of a priest, discovering personal talents, dealing with burnout, and finding balance. We examine everything from how we try to navigate our busy schedules to offering practical advice for silencing the mind during prayer. We also share some funny and heartwarming stories and answer some fan questions! Oh and there's sushi!

Do You Even Lent, Bro? [Ep. 32]

Thursday Feb 27, 2025

Thursday Feb 27, 2025

We dive deep into discussions about Lenten fasts, explaining Church laws, and the spiritual significance of fasting. We have a lively debate on the concept of fasting as a sin and about what we should do for food on "Feeding Fathers" episodes during Lent.

Thursday Feb 20, 2025

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the impact of Bishop Sarhad Jammo on our understanding of the liturgy and priesthood in the wake of his recent passing. We share personal stories that reveal the deep connections and lessons learned from his devotion to the Church. We discuss the beauty of Chaldean liturgical prayers and their significance, highlighting the release of "The Book of Before and After: The Liturgy of the Hours of the Church of the East" by our very own Fr. Andrew Younan.
Purchase "The Book of Before and After": https://a.co/d/0Ficl4t Download the Emmanuel Prayer app iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/emmanuel-chaldean-prayer/id893831013 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cc.emmanuel.prayer&pcampaignid=web_share

Thursday Feb 06, 2025

This episode is all about Ba'utha (Supplication of the Ninevites): a liturgical mini-season of the Chaldean rite that involves fasting and prayer. We discuss the origins of Ba'utha, its theological significance, and share our personal experiences of fasting and praying during this time. Learn about the story of Jonah and its connection to Ba'utha, as well as the importance of fasting in fostering spiritual growth. At the end, we enjoy a favorite snack that's commonly eaten during Ba'utha and Lent. 
Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Fr. Daniel Shaba, and Fr. Ankido Sipo

Thursday Jan 30, 2025

Join Fr. Simon, Fr. Andy, Fr. Daniel, and Fr. Chris as they discuss the intricacies of crafting meaningful homilies, handling fanboy culture in the Church, and the delicate balance of delivering sermons that both challenge and inspire the faithful. We also get an update on what video game Fr. Andy is playing now (hint: it's "Ghost of Tsushima"). Finally, they enjoy an amazing sushi feast during meal time.

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