Transforming Hearts Podcast

Transforming Hearts through Listening with Kindness and Curiosity, an Interview with Fr. Derek Sakowski

In this Transforming Hearts podcast interview, Kristin from the Institute for Ministry Formation interviews Fr. Derek Sakowski, a priest from the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, who has done extensive work in healing ministry.
Fr. Derek shares his personal healing journey as well as the critical importance and healing power that comes from loving attunement to the heart of another. This is possible only through listening with genuine kindness and curiosity.
 
The link to Fr. Derek's blog, 'Brave Shepherds,' can be found here: https://braveshepherds.com/about-the-author/.
The link to Fr. Derek's blog, 'Abiding in Truth and Love,' can be found here: http://www.abideinlove.com"

Transforming Hearts through Benedictine Leadership Studies: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Krom

In this Transforming Hearts episode, Kristin from the Institute for Ministry Formation sits down with Dr. Michael P. Krom, PhD—Professor and Chair of Philosophy at St. Vincent College and Director of both the Benedictine Leadership Studies and Faith and Reason Summer Program.
Dr. Krom shares how the Benedictine Leadership Studies (BLS) program at St. Vincent College forms servant leaders through Catholic teachings and Benedictine spirituality, including stories of students’ growth and transformation within the program.
 
To learn more about the BLS program, click here
To learn more about Faith and Reason Summer program, click here

Transforming Hearts Through Accompaniment in Parishes: A Conversation with Kim Fleming

In this podcast, Kristin Molitor from the Institute for Ministry Formation interviews Kim Fleming from St. Joseph Catholic Community in Eldersburg, Maryland. 
Kim's parish was the first to engage with the IMF's parish accompaniment formation, which included workshops and a retreat. She reflects on how this formation has been incredibly fruitful for both the parish and for her personally, and discusses how the principles of accompaniment have been integrated into her intergenerational women's group, 'Women at the Well.'
Kim's women's group focuses on vulnerability, personal testimony, and small group sharing, fostering a safe space for women to share their hearts and growth in their faith, leading to significant personal transformations and healing.
Kim shares how being intentional about accompaniment can transform parish groups and nurture genuine spiritual growth.

Transforming Hearts through Daily Interactions: A Conversation with Robin Schiefelbein

In this podcast episode, Kristin interviews Robin Schiefelbein, a current student in the IMF's Spiritual Direction program. Robin shares how the program has transformed her spiritual life and relationships, as well as how she applies her formation in daily life.
 
Click here to learn more about the IMF's Spiritual Direction Program

Transforming Hearts through CGS and Spiritual Direction: a conversation with Celine Mitchell

On this episode of Transforming Hearts, Kristin from the Institute for Ministry Formation interviews Celine Mitchell, a CGS catechist, formation leader, and IMF instructor, to discuss  the beautiful parallels between spiritual direction and the atrium.
Celine reflects on the beauty of accompanying children as they encounter God, while she and Kristin discuss the parallels between the atrium and spiritual direction—particularly the practice of vulnerable listening as taught in the IMF's Art of Accompaniment course. They emphasize the importance of creating a space of reverence, where both the spiritual directee and the child are free to discover God in their own way.
Their conversation also touches on the beautiful experience of the catechist encountering God through the child and the spiritual director experiencing God through the directee. 
 
Click here to learn more about the IMF's Introduction to Liturgical and Kerygmatic Catechesis course taught by Celine Mitchell.
Click here to learn more about the IMF's Art of Accompaniment course.
 

Transforming Hearts through CliftonStrengths Small Groups: A Conversation with Br. Francisco Whittaker, O.S.B.

In this podcast episode, Kristin interviews Br. Francisco Whittaker, O.S.B.,  a Benedictine monk from St. Vincent Monastery in Latrobe, PA, who serves in campus ministry at St. Vincent College. Br. Francisco shares his experience accompanying college students through CliftonStrengths as part of Formed and Fashioned, a small group program he developed. This program helps students deepen their self-knowledge, embrace their God-given uniqueness, and grow from self-awareness to self-acceptance to self-gift. Through Formed and Fashioned, students have been transformed, empowered, and equipped to recognize and share their unique gifts with the world.
 
Click below to learn more about Br. Francisco's Podcast "All Good in the Brotherhood" https://www.youtube.com/@allgoodinthebrotherhood/videos 

Transforming Hearts through Accompanying Priests: A conversation with Alex Rodriguez

In this podcast episode, Kristin from the Institute for Ministry Formation speaks with Alex Rodriguez, an IMF student and the founder of Avila Coaching and Consulting. Through one-on-one coaching and consulting, Alex helps priests step into greater freedom as spiritual fathers. Together, Alex and Kristin discuss the essential role of  supporting priests through one-on-one accompaniment, exploring how this approach fosters deeper self-awareness, healing, and transformation—not only in their priesthood but also in the parishes they serve.
To learn more about Avila Coaching and Consulting, click here:
https://www.avilacoaching.org/ 
 

Transforming Hearts through Whole Person Executive Coaching: A Conversation with Pat Molyneaux

In this podcast, Kristin from the Institute for Ministry Formation interviews Pat Molyneaux, President and Co-Founder of the Human Formation Coalition. Pat discusses accompanying leaders through whole-person leadership coaching. They explore the significance of Jesus’s model of deeply investing in a few individuals to change the world. By focusing on developing self-awareness in leaders, organizations can foster a more relational and transformative culture. Transforming leaders ultimately leads to transformed cultures.
Learn more about the Human Formation Coalition Here: https://humanformationcoalition.org/ 

Transforming Hearts through Transforming Trauma: A Conversation with Ann Virnig

In this podcast episode, Kristin chats with Ann Virnig, Director of Mission Engagement at the Avila Foundation, to discuss how trauma can be transformed into a source of grace through deeper vulnerability, trust in prayer, and meaningful connections with others. They talk about the ways the body stores trauma, explaining how recognizing physical sensations linked to emotional wounds can pave the way for healing. Ann emphasizes that the path to restoration begins with acknowledging our feelings and inviting God into those tender, vulnerable spaces.
 
Find out more about the Institute for Ministry Formation’s Art of Accompaniment course by clicking here.
Check out some of the work at the Avila Foundation at spiritualdirection.com.
Explore the Boundaries course with Ann Virnig here: Purification of Your Fiat: Let Your Yes Mean Yes and Your No Mean No.
Learn about Grief to Grace retreats by checking out their official page: Grief to Grace.

Transforming Hearts through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: A Conversation with Anita Wright

In this podcast episode, Kristin Molitor interviews Anita Wright, Assistant Program Manager at the Institute for Ministry Formation. Anita is a seasoned catechist trained in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS).
Anita shares her experience with the CGS method and provides valuable insights into its transformative approach to accompanying children in their relationships with God.