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The Holy Rebels Podcast is for spiritually literate, psychologically aware seekers who want a mature, grounded relationship with God.
Hosted by Nina Hirlaender, Franciscan Sister and mystical theology teacher, this show pulls the Western mystical tradition off the shelf and into the daily grind, with more grace and less spinning.
Each episode blends vivid storytelling with practical formation, so your spiritual life feels alive, connected, and unmistakably real. You will meet mystics like Mary Magdalene, Francis of Assisi, and Teresa of Avila, not as saints on pedestals, but as wise companions for real life.
Expect practices that sharpen discernment, strengthen intuition you can trust, and bring steadier decisions, deeper prayer, and more peace that holds up under pressure.
No fluff, plenty of heart.
www.HolyRebelsPodcast.com
33 Episodes
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You've been the strong one for so long you've forgotten what it feels like to be held. And your body is starting to keep score. Sound familiar? In Episode 4 of The Soul's 8 Thresholds of Transformation, Nina Hirlaender OFS takes you to St Michael's Mount off the coast of Cornwall, where the land itself asks you a pointed question: Are you shining, or are you burning out? This is the Summer Solstice threshold — the place where your full visibility, leadership, and power either become sustainab...
There's a waterfall hidden in the woods of Cornwall that makes grandmothers kick off their boots and dance on wet stones. Something about this place strips away the performance — and gives you permission you didn't know you needed. In episode 3 of The Soul's 8 Thresholds of Transformation, Nina Hirlaender OFS guides you across the Beltane threshold: the return of desire, creative energy, and embodied joy. She explores what happens when longing wakes up after a long silence — and why so many s...
You already know what needs to end. You've known for a while. You're just waiting for someone else to make it obvious—so you don't have to be the one to choose. In this second episode of The Soul's Eight Thresholds of Transformation, Nina Hirlaender OFS explores the Spring Equinox threshold: the moment when you stop drifting between options and consciously decide what stays and what goes. This is the threshold of chosen endings—the act of stepping out of "maybe" and into clarity, even when yo...
There's a moment when you realize waiting has started to cost you something. The old pattern still works, technically. But something in your chest knows the window is closing. In this first episode of an eight-part series, Nina Hirlaender OFS introduces The Soul's Eight Thresholds of Transformation—a framework drawn from the Celtic Wheel of the Year that maps the inner seasons every seeker moves through. This episode explores Imbolc, the threshold of awakening: that quiet moment when change h...
Part 4 of a 4-week Advent series released every Sunday. There comes a point in the spiritual journey where effort quietly runs out. Where striving no longer works. Where something in you longs not for improvement, but for rest. If you’ve ever felt like love was something you had to earn—through goodness, productivity, spirituality, or self-control—this final Advent episode is for you. Welcome to the fourth week of Advent on the Holy Rebels Podcast, where we make space for grounded spiritual p...
Part 3 of a 4-week Advent series released every Sunday Joy is everywhere in the culture — sold, studied, optimized, hashtagged — and yet so many people feel flat, numb, or quietly exhausted instead of joyful. If you’ve ever wondered why joy feels harder to trust than it should, this episode is for you. Welcome to the third week of Advent on the Holy Rebels Podcast, where we make space for grounded spiritual practices, nervous system awareness, and the deep wisdom of the Christian mystical tra...
Part 2 of a 4-week Advent series released every Sunday. Life doesn’t slow down during the holidays just because you want it to. The emails keep coming, the world keeps moving, and your mind keeps spinning—even as something in you longs for quiet. If that’s been your experience this year, this week’s episode is where you’ll find grounded support. Welcome to Week Two of Advent on the Holy Rebels Podcast, where we make space for spiritual honesty, nervous-system awareness, and practical ways to ...
Part 1 of a 4-week Advent series released every Sunday. There’s a moment at the beginning of Advent when something in you finally exhales. A small but real sense of relief that you don’t have to be fully “ready” to begin again. If you’ve been carrying more than you want to admit — the anxiety, the uncertainty, the subtle fear that the future is shrinking instead of opening — this episode is where you’ll feel held. Welcome to the first week of Advent on the Holy Rebels Podcast, where we make s...
In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the life and legacy of Mary Magdalene, one of history's most enigmatic and influential figures. Journey with us as we explore medieval tales of Mary's final years in the south of France, uncovering the sacred mountain of Sainte Baume and the astonishing discovery of her supposed remains in Saint Maximin. We unravel the intriguing forensic research that brings Mary's story into the modern era. As we continue, we confront the complex cultural and p...
Mary Magdalene is a woman shrouded in mystery and misinterpretation. We journey through the Gospels to unravel her true identity, exploring her profound roles and the symbolism she carries. Through careful examination of biblical texts, we shine a light on her secret knowledge that transcend the understanding of even Jesus' closest male disciples. This episode portrays Mary as a "wise woman," intimately linked with the sacred cycles of life and death, and underscores her monumental significan...
What should you do when you feel distant from God? In this episode, we dive deep into the concepts of Spiritual Desolation and the Discernment of Spirits as taught by Ignatius of Loyola. We explore the three main reasons why desolation might be showing up in your life: neglecting your spiritual life, learning to love the Divine for its own sake, and being reminded of your ultimate dependence on God. We also discuss how to prevent, endure, and conquer Spiritual Desolation, and the import...
The mystical teachings of Ignatius of Loyola guide us through the complexities of our spiritual journey. Applying the principles of Discernment of Spirits will help you navigate the highs and lows of your spiritual life. Discover the essence of Spiritual Consolation—those moments when you feel an unshakable connection to your deeper self and the divine, bringing clarity and joy to your spiritual journey. Contrastingly, we'll tackle the challenging phases of Spiritual Desolation in a f...
If you've ever felt called to walk the Camino, this is for you! Imagine packing your bags and taking a break to connect with yourself on a deeply personal level.. The Camino offers a unique opportunity to do so. This mini-episode is your invitation to a potentially life-changing adventure. Sign up for The Camino Experience Live Class. This 90-minute PACKED info session will give you everything you want to know about what it takes to walk the Camino. 🚀 what to pack 🚀 how to train phys...
In this deeply enriching episode, we explore the concepts of the Cosmic Christ, Teilhard de Chardin, and the Mystical Body of Christ, guiding listeners through a transcendent yet practical understanding of how these ideas can inspire and impact our daily lives. Cosmic Christ: Discover how the Cosmic Christ concept offers a unique perspective on spirituality that transcends traditional religious boundaries, inviting us into a deeper, more inclusive relationship with the divine and the univer...
There's extraordinary power in sacrifice— the enduring light of hope that can emerge from the depths of darkness. In today's episode, we explore the heroic life of Maximilian Kolbe. A man who, in the face of indescribable evil, chose to embody the purest act of love—laying down his life for another. We will journey through his inspiring story, reflecting on what it means to truly live for others and how, even in the darkest times, the human spirit can shine with an unquenchable light. Thi...
How can the pursuit of peace become not just a noble idea, but a radical act of courage? In this episode, we dive into the heart of peacemaking, inspired by the beautiful paradox of the seventh beatitude: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Explore what it truly means to make peace — not just to avoid conflict, but to actively create harmony in every sphere of our lives. We take you on a journey from the bystander’s chair to the frontline of re...
Are you being true to yourself? It’s a loaded question . . . and if the answer is “I’m not sure,” that’s normal. In your busy life, it’s easy —and completely human!—to feel pulled in dozens of different directions, from romantic relationships and family dynamics to your job and your creative dreams. But if you get bogged down by the demands of daily life and it leads you to stray from the center of your heart, you can lose sight of your true self. And when you lose your true self, your connec...
How can we extend forgiveness to those who've caused us pain? How do we resist the urge for revenge when we feel wronged? In this thought-provoking episode, we grapple with an often-overlooked virtue—mercy. We navigate the tricky balance between justice and grace, all through the lens of the Beatitude 5: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." If you're seeking to understand mercy at a deeper level, to not only forgive but to empathize and love, then this episode is a must...
Injustice is all around us, from suffering in our own communities to tragic news stories from the complete other side of the world. Think about the last time you saw injustice or unfairness in your life. Maybe you saw a coworker being treated harshly, encountered a homeless person struggling to find shelter on a cold night, or read a news story about children in the Middle East suffering during a humanitarian crisis. How did you react, or want to react? For some of us, the natural reaction ...
Mastering the art of self-control is essential to finding peace and happiness in life. In this episode, we explore the often-misunderstood virtue of "meekness", drawing inspiration from Mother Teresa, who often demonstrated composure under stressful circumstances. It takes great strength to face challenges with patience and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. Our conversation also touches on the role suffering plays in shaping our free will. Would you prefer a world without ...
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