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’l ...
Send us a text This week on Open Seat, we welcome Justin Mazur, a state police officer with a profound connection to his faith. Justin shares his journey from growing up in metro Detroit to meeting his wife at Wayne State University, playing professional baseball, and ultimately joining the state police. Justin illustrates how his faith has guided …
Send us a text 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 answers, and healing that led her to embrace Catholicism. Jenna helps to debunk some of the m…
Send us a text 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 key examples and influences that guided his path to the priesthood. He also offers valuable a…
Send us a text 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 Marriage Ministry at Holy Family Parish, guiding engaged couples in meaningful conversatio…
Send us a text 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 Things Pets in heaven School Challenges Getting involved in ministry How to be a good friend Best things about being a Catholic Priest Cremation & Burial Catholic Teaching on H…
Send us a text 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 strong spirituality and the Hispanic community. She speaks candidly about her life's mission …
Send us a text 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 passion for languages, biblical studies involving monsters, and, of course, Salesian Spiritu…
Send us a text 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 medical incidents, and the people who helped him get through it all. From near-death experiences to …
Send us a text 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 extensive travel experiences around the globe. Her narrative also explores the challenges and transition…
Send us a text 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 guided him. He discusses significant milestones, including his time in the army, his involveme…
Send us a text 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 growing up without a father, the importance of mental health for men, and how faith and commu…
Send us a text 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 earning a master's degree, her battle with drug addiction, and finding strength in faith. Sh…
Send us a text 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 college experiences at Eastern Michigan University, Lily discusses the importance of community…
Send us a text 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 with us at Holy Family Parish in Adrian. Before coming, Randy had never heard of Adrian, but…
Send us a text 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 navigate life's toughest challenges. Listen in as she recounts her family's devotion to Our L…
Send us a text 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 pray each day, the relationship with her late grandfather to her vibrant Quinceañera. Shih…
Send us a text 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 others. Hear about his battles with addiction, moments of divine intervention, and his commitmen…
Send us a text We recommend you watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@holyfamilyadrian In this episode of Open Seat, Fiorella Diaz joins the podcast to share her inspiring journey from Venezuela to the United States. She discusses her experiences learning English, her recent confirmation, and the importance of the Dia de los Muert…
Send us a text 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 Provincial Superior of the Oblates in the Toledo-Detroit Province. He shares profound insights on spirit…
Send us a text 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 Church in Africa and the U.S., and how a leadership program enabled her dream of studying abro…
Send us a text 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 journey evolved over the years, with moments of doubt and growth, emphasizing the importance of…
Send us a text 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., and the impact of faith on his life. The episode delves into his experiences at Concordia U…
Send us a text Have you ever wondered if you’re alone in your faith journey? Welcome to Open Seat, the podcast where we create a space for authentic conversations about faith—unfiltered and unapologetic. I’m your host, Katie Love, and each episode, we invite guests from all walks of life to share their personal journeys, struggles, revelations, mom…