Youth for Truth

🚨 Can You Get Rich AND Keep Your Faith in Jesus Strong? What if you could chase big money, build real success, and still keep God FIRST? We try to answer the exact question many young Christians are asking: Is it okay to want to be rich? How do you hustle hard without losing your soul? And what does the Bible actually say about wealth? We sit down with two very successful young brothers and have an open and honest discussion about how to stay Christ-centered while aiming to be financially wealthy. 🔥 What You’ll Learn: • How to keep God #1 while grinding for success and financial freedom • Jesus’ real words on riches (Rich Young Ruler + the camel through the eye of a needle explained) • The powerful Zacchaeus story and how one rich guy got right with God • Why generosity, tithing, and giving back is a good formula to staying in check. • True freedom: It’s NOT about what money can buy, it’s about what money can’t control • Balancing big (even “delusional”) dreams with humility, prayer, Mass, and family If you’ve ever felt pulled between chasing success and staying faithful, this conversation will change how you think about money forever.   Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki ––– 00:00 Meet Kevin and Carlo 03:49 Learning, Earning ,Returning 08:39 Prosperity Gospel Debate 11:43 Unethical Wealth Question 14:30 Rich Ruler Scripture 16:14 Why Riches Tempt 23:05 Zacchaeus and Repentance 27:05 Freedom vs More Money 30:10 Tithing and Sacrifice 34:39 Dream Big Mindset 37:01 Aspire to Be Saints 37:59 Oy Chamoy! and NBA Dreams 40:49 Sacrifice Family Priorities 44:43 Money and True Freedom 49:58 Worry Trust and Surrender 52:39 Riches and Heaven Warning 56:27 Practical Faith Checklist 58:56 Small Steps to Big Sins ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0eSnBr-6PWU  📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia 📧 Email us at media@qurbana.org if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab! 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter

Teen girls and young women: feeling torn between your culture, school drama, social media pressure, and trying to stay true to your faith? You’re not alone. In this episode we’re diving deep into the real struggles young women face today — from toxic friendships & gossip, to modesty battles, cultural clashes (Iraqi/Middle Eastern home vs. Western world vibe), insecurity, seeking love in the wrong places, and finding your TRUE worth. Fr. Simon and Andrew are joined by Kayla (millennial big sis energy), and Gen Z college girl Bianca as they share honest advice, personal stories, and Christ-centered solutions. Learn how to build trustworthy sisterhood, stop people-pleasing, resist peer pressure/partying temptations, put God first (adoration, confession, Eucharist!), and embrace authenticity as a daughter of Christ. Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki ––– 00:00 Meet Kayla and Bianca 02:14 Culture Clash at Home 03:53 Sisterhood and Real Friends 05:45 Gossip and Trust Problems 08:42 Staying Authentic 11:20 Role Models and Imperfection 14:51 Identity and Self Worth 18:32 Secular Pressure and Social Media 21:22 Practical Faith Solutions 25:38 Sacraments and True Love 28:56 Mary Magdalene and Mercy 32:25 Banana Milk and Turtle Chips 36:40 Crunchy Parents Talk 38:25 Teen Party Temptations 46:57 Parents Raising Teens 51:29 Girls Supporting Girls Viral ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0iNJdzcJ7RE  📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia 📧 Email us at media@qurbana.org if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab! 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter

High school can be tough—peer pressure, parties, drinking, and staying true to your faith don't always mix. Fr. Simon chats with a couple teenage boys about real struggles: temptation at parties, the "you only live once" mindset, lust, disconnection from God, and how to have fun without sinning. They share honest confessions, why drinking to get drunk isn't worth it, and practical ways to build strong faith and friendships. Discover how Christian teens navigate public school life, resist influences, and choose sober fun. "Lust" episode of Kids Bible Study: https://youtu.be/RhTqMiluVNc?si=nrc9lKVgeB2424Ia "Friendship" episode of Youth for Truth: https://youtu.be/G8htBsh0RA0?si=GMieOhGDRi1W_z96 Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki ––– 00:00 High School Temptations 03:49 Church vs Party Life 06:13 Fun Without Sin 07:59 Why Drinking Is Normalized 12:02 Peer Pressure to Drink 13:10 When Parties Get Dangerous 19:33 Reputation and Double Life |21:44 Drinking vs Weed Dynamics 24:14 Speaking Up At School 26:23 Friends Shape Choices 28:29 Parents And Party Rules 32:17 Real Friends Vs Utility 37:48 Can We Trust The Bible 41:30 Normalize Coffee Hangouts 42:56 Priest At A Party ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C3QjPHy0GH0  📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia 📧 Email us at media@qurbana.org if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab! 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter

Struggling with 7+ hours of doomscrolling everyday? You're not alone! Fr. Simon has an honest conversation with two young Catholic women from the Chaldean diocese in Michigan, and they open up about social media addiction, the spiritual dangers of endless scrolling, brain rot, and how it pulls us away from prayer, adoration, and true rest in God. We share real screen time numbers, practical tips like deleting apps, setting limits, praying for self-control, and inviting Jesus into daily habits. ––– 00:00 Meet Our Guests 01:25 Is Doomscrolling Spiritually Dangerous? 04:54 Why Scrolling Feels Bad 06:54 Winding Down Without Scrolling 09:47 App Blockers and Accountability 12:26 Screen Time Reality Check 15:36 Practical Steps to Cut Back 16:46 Silence and Prayer for Self Control 20:22 Starbucks Line-Cutting Story 22:29 Snack Taste Test Ratings 26:30 Serving in Church Ministries 29:09 Community Over Social Media ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LUnYF8i9DqQ  📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia 📧 Email us at media@qurbana.org if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab! 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter  

A nun who grew up reading the Bible AND Quran becomes a media missionary?! Sr. Orianne Pietra René (Daughters of St. Paul) shares her incredible journey: multi-faith home (Protestant dad + Druze/Islamic mom roots), confusion about God, accidental First Communion in Catholic school, personal conversion at age 12, and finding Jesus MOST fully in the Eucharist. Now a joyful Daughter of St. Paul, she evangelizes through books, social media, and yes—even anime! Hear her top 4 anime series of all time, and about Catholic vampire novels (shoutout to Sr. Allison's In Aeternum series). She spills on daily life (4+ hours prayer, adoration, community), why vows bring TRUE freedom, and not settling for less than EVERYTHING. 💡 Fr. Roderick Reviews "Neon Genesis Evangelion": https://youtu.be/H1Mjd6osCA8?si=Lv_GUAfXmrOFn9Vj 💡 Learn more about Sr. Orianne's order: https://daughtersofstpaul.com Daughters of St. Paul IG: https://www.instagram.com/daughterstpaul/ Sr. Orianne's IG: https://www.instagram.com/orianne_jn/ "Dare to Dwell" Podcast: https://connect.pauline.org/daretodwell/ "Youth for Truth" podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki ––– 00:00 Meet Sr. Orianne 01:53 Her Conversion Story 06:41 Called to Daughters of St Paul 08:39 Evangelizing Through Media 11:28 Prayer Life Behind the Scenes 14:11 Freedom in Religious Life 16:56 Advice for Youth 18:41 Day in the Life 22:12 Anime as Mission 24:09 Faith Themes in Anime 25:59 Accents and Languages 27:30 Where to Find Us ––– ▶️ Video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7DBtFaPKdnk  📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia 📧 Email us at media@qurbana.org if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab! 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter  

Welcome to an incredibly exciting episode of Youth for Truth! Today, we're honored to host professional baseball player, Trevor Williams, for a candid conversation that goes beyond the diamond. In this exclusive interview, Trevor opens up about the unique challenges and blessings of balancing a demanding MLB career with a strong Catholic Faith. Discover his journey from a childhood Padres fan to pitching for major league teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, and Washington Nationals. ⚾️✝️ What you'll learn in this episode: - How Trevor integrates his Catholic faith into his daily life as a professional athlete. - The pivotal role his family plays in his career and spiritual growth. - Behind-the-scenes insights into his pre-game rituals and mental preparation. - Which athletes push him to be his best on the field. - Strategies for staying grounded amidst the immense pressures of professional sports. - The highs, the lows, and the unwavering conviction that guides him. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan, deeply interested in faith and sports, or simply seeking powerful motivational insights, this episode is packed with wisdom. Trevor's story is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and living out the Faith authentically. 🙏 Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki ––– 00:00 Trevor Williams' Baseball Journey 02:24 Playoff Experiences and Reflections 05:48 Balancing Faith and Baseball 08:22 Catholic Athletes for Christ and Prayer Routine 16:12 Public Expression of Faith 19:22 Advice for Aspiring Athletes 26:29 The Importance of Trust in Baseball 29:18 Catholic Athletes in Major League Baseball 31:16 The Art and Evangelism of Tattoos 35:09 Balancing Baseball and Family Life 36:24 Game Day Routines 40:10 Challenges of Playing on the Road 42:46 Facing Tough Hitters and Baseball Nightmares 47:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell ––– ▶️ Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v2h987Fiims 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ 📧 Email us at media@qurbana.org if you'd like to hear about ways you can support Qurbana Media or if you're a content creator wanting to collab! 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter

The way we teach modesty is broken. For years, Catholic women heard one message: "Cover up so men don't sin." But what if that approach misses the point entirely? In this special episode, Emily Wilson joins Fr. Simon, Fr. Chris, and Andrew to completely re-frame the modesty conversation—moving away from shame and toward dignity. If you are tired of the "Modesty Police" or feel pressured by a culture that equates showing skin with female power, this conversation is the breath of fresh air you need. We focus on why your identity is not your sexuality, the cultural pressures to conform, and why men aren't off the hook when it comes to the virtue of modesty.  Emily Wilson's Website: https://emilywilsonministries.com SacredSpark Catholic Dating: https://www.sacredspark.app Youth for Truth Podcast with Fr. Simon Esshaki ––– 00:00 The Importance of Modesty 01:49 Modesty for Oneself, Not for Others 03:33 Cultural Pressures and True Identity 09:03 Men's Role in Upholding Dignity 16:49 Practical Modesty Guidelines 18:49 Current Projects and Final Remarks ––– ▶️ Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1GdtS1kTMjY?si=EKYTKTpOd76Vdyuo 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@qurbana.media  🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter  

We welcome Sisters Rose and Cecilia, who share their inspiring journeys of faith and their lives in the convent. From heartfelt stories of their personal transformations to the joy of community life, they give us a rare glimpse into the daily routines and missions of the Chaldean nuns. Discover how they balance prayer, teaching, and even recreation while deepening their relationship with Jesus. 00:00 Meet Sr. Rose and Sr. Cecilia 03:58 A Day in the Life of a Nun 09:22 Charism and Mission of the Chaldean Sisters 11:58 Personal Reflections on Vocation 13:44 Theological Insights and Identity 16:03 Fun and Fellowship "Youth for Truth" Podcast hosted by Fr. Simon Esshaki ––– ▶️ Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MPR4DdtFWFc 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@qurbana.media 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter  

On another edition of 'Youth for Truth' coming to you from #SEEK26, we discuss the wildly popular show 'Stranger Things' (spoiler-free) and its themes of fighting against demonic attacks and possible connections to Christian figures. We, along with a couple young ladies from the Chaldean community in Michigan, reflect on how the show's depiction of unseen realities parallels our spiritual battles and the role of faith. Fr. Simon also makes his bold case for how Eleven can be a symbol of Mother Mary. So if you're a fan of the show or not, tune in to for a lively conversation about the powerful intercession of Mary, how we should consume popular media, and what exactly is improv comedy? 00:00 Intro 01:52 Discussing Stranger Things 05:10 Spiritual Themes in Stranger Things 09:00 Spiritual Battles 15:32 Devotion to Mother Mary 16:20 Understanding Catholic and Protestant Views on Mary 17:37 Mary's Role in Spiritual Warfare 22:33 Improv Comedy 25:10 Candy Review ▶️ Video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QurbanaMedia  📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@qurbana.media 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter

"How to Discern Boldly" presented by Seton Teaching Fellows. In this workshop led by Fr. Simon Esshaki, we explore the journey of discerning God's will in our lives. Whether you're considering the priesthood, the convent, marriage, or a career path, this talk gets into the complexities of making choices between multiple good options God may present us in life. Fr. Simon shares personal stories from his own life and emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with Jesus Christ rather than merely waiting for signs. Learn why knowing who you are in relation to God is crucial in your discernment process and get inspired to start doing God's will today. Father's talk is packed with relatable, real-life examples and wisdom for young adults seeking spiritual guidance. ––– 00:00 Understanding Discernment and God's Will 02:00 Personal Journey to Priesthood 03:44 Pray and Be Open 10:41 Biblical Examples of Discernment 18:43 Practical Advice for Discernment 24:51 Concluding Thoughts ––– ▶️ Video Version YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/R3Cd0nln64Y 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@qurbana.media 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter  

What does it really take to stay faithful when the whole world is watching—and judging—your every move? On this very special episode recorded live at SEEK26 in Columbus, we were blessed to sit down with Matt Fradd, host of Pints with Aquinas, for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about faith, pressure, life in the public eye, and the BIG elephant in the room. Matt opens up about his journey joining The Daily Wire, the hidden cost of living online, and the constant pull between staying spiritually grounded and staying relevant. We talk about burnout, protecting your peace, and how to navigate today’s chaotic culture without losing yourself—or your faith. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or torn between who you’re called to be and who the world wants you to be, this episode is for you. 00:00 Matt Fradd and His Love for Chaldeans 02:17 Joining The Daily Wire: Reactions and Backlash 05:00 Social Media and Its Impact on Faith 09:09 Balancing Worldly Concerns with Spiritual Life 15:00 Dangers of Political Media 18:33 How to Find Peace in a War-Torn World 20:18 The "Yamaka" Video "Youth for Truth" Podcast hosted by Fr. Simon Esshaki ––– ▶️ Video Version YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/nR-_-pT1_vU?si=7DHtPAgsNDbecQsx 📲 Follow us on social media: "Youth for Truth" IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthfortruthshow/ "Qurbana Media" IG: https://www.instagram.com/qurbanamedia/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@qurbana.media 🗞️ Sign-Up for our newsletter: https://www.qurbanamedia.org/newsletter  

Our guests Stella and Jennifer get real about self-image, gossip, and what it feels like to constantly be seen and judged. Framed through the story of Mother Mary, they talk about the pressure to fit certain expectations—especially within the Chaldean community—and how that pressure can wear on your mental health. They open up to Fr. Simon about their own experiences, what’s helped them cope, and why having genuine friendships and a steady sense of faith matters so much. If you’ve ever felt the weight of other people’s opinions, this episode will feel like a much-needed conversation with friends. Also, there may or may not be a Drake vs. Kendrick debate...

Fr. Simon and our guests dig into the cultural pull toward revenge—and what it looks like to respond instead with a Christian mindset. Our guests, Nathan and Donovan, are college students and they share what they’ve learned from navigating the “tough guy” persona, managing ego, and finding a healthy balance between competitiveness and humility. The conversation widens to explore the deeper themes of forgiveness and mercy, drawing on the example of Jesus Christ and various Scriptural teachings. We also reflect on Leo Skepi’s unfiltered reactions as he journeys through the Bible for the first time. Our producer Andrew shares a look at family reconciliation through a touching moment from "Home Alone," highlighting the power of humility and forgiveness—especially during the Christmas season.

We’re talking all things manifesting, “signs from God,” and whether these trends are actually helpful or just… a little chaotic. Our guests, siblings Matthew and Mary, bring their real-life stories, questions, and thoughtful takes. We react to viral manifestation videos and break down why it hits so hard with the youth — and where it might be steering people off course. We get into that tricky mix of confidence, ambition, and faith, and what it actually looks like to chase your goals without removing God’s will. And yes — Matthew brought his chamoy-infused, freeze-dried candy creations, which we all get to try!

Welcome to the debut episode of the Youth for Truth Podcast! On this first one, Fr. Simon Esshaki is joined by a couple young men to talk about true friendship, drawing from their experiences and looking at how an ancient thinker like Aristotle defines it. They discuss the balance of having fun while maintaining Christian life, the impact of social media, and what 'hanging out' looks like for them. They also look at the popular TV show 'Friends' and how it shaped millennials' views on relationships. And as with every Qurbana Media show, we try some amazing food at the end!