The Lighten Up Podcast with Hannah Crews

Sam Nunnally is the creator of It’s Okay to Be Catholic, where he helps people online understand Catholic teaching through Scripture, Church history, and the writings of the early Church Fathers. His mission is to make the Catholic faith approachable for anyone sincerely seeking truth, and today he is joining us to discuss why being Catholic IS okay!There’s a whole lotta misconceptions out there about the Catholic faith and Sam is here to encourage us and share the truth with us. As a former Protestant pastor, Sam addresses some of the biggest objections to Catholicism like prayer, sacrifice, and the Eucharist with compassion and sensitivity. CHECK OUT MORE OF SAM’S CONTENT: https://itsokaytobecatholic.org/https://www.instagram.com/itsokaytobecatholic/https://www.facebook.com/people/Its-Okay-to-be-Catholic/61575544535841/https://www.tiktok.com/@itsokaytobecatholict=ZT-90qb2EHt1Yr&r=1--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ALL MY PATREON "ELITE" MEMBERS GET ACCESS TO THE FULL EPISODE WITH SAM! UPGRADE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO HEAR THE REST:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membershipYou also get access to THE BOOK CLUB where we are currently reading JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST which you can get using the link below:https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asinCHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES:A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COSThttps://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-packFOLLOW ON SOCIALS TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP:Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HannahcrewsblogFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/Check us out on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088Chapters:0:00 How “It’s Okay to Be Catholic” started5:47 Discovering the early Church Fathers11:04 Why Catholic theology made more sense13:23 From Protestant pastor to Catholic16:26 Mary, feminine imagery, and the Trinity18:48 Authority, interpretation, and confession22:29 Why confession matters biblically and spiritually27:37 Prayer in Catholicism vs. Protestantism32:23 Prayer vs. worship35:41 What worship really means37:46 Why it’s okay to be Catholic38:11 What you don’t lose by becoming Catholic

Isn’t my shirt cute?! It’s from Santa Cruz - Elevated Catholic Apparel! Use promo code “Hannah15” for 15% off + free shipping! https://stcruz.co?sca_ref=11337915.TIlWY7IfAWKHLMost Protestants avoid exploring the deep history of Christianity because confronting its roots can feel like an identity crisis. And yet, the truth might be more sacred than you ever imagined. In this episode, I’m sharing some personal things I experienced as I wrestled with the decision to become Catholic. This episode isn't just a conversation; it's an invitation to challenge assumptions, shed pride, and consider whether rediscovering the original faith might be the missing piece in your spiritual journey. Whether you're curious or committed, you'll gain a new perspective on what it really means to follow Christ as the early Christians did… without the filters of centuries of misunderstanding. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’re interested in learning more about the early church JOIN MY BOOK CLUB and online community on PATREON! Click the link below and become an “ELITE” member:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membershipWe are currently reading JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST which you can get using the link below:https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asinCHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES:A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COSThttps://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-packFOLLOW ON SOCIALS TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP:Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HannahcrewsblogInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088Chapters:00:00 The Impact of Reformation and Denominational Splintering04:14 Misconceptions About Catholic Beliefs and Practices08:55 Letting Go of Familiar Traditions and Comfort Zones11:12 Overcoming the Fear of Being Wrong13:14 Encouragement for Protestants to Explore Catholicism

Anna Sutton, one of the co-host of The Catholic Everywoman Podcast, joins us to explore one of the most debated questions in modern Christianity: what is the role of women in the Church?🤔Anna shares her personal journey from a non-denominational evangelical upbringing to Catholicism, explaining how her conversion shaped her understanding of Scripture, the sacraments, Mary, and the papacy. We discuss the Southern Baptist Convention’s stance on women pastors, why so many Protestant women feel boxed in, and how the Catholic Church offers a different vision—one that honors women’s gifts without flattening them into a single role.FOREWARNING❗️we also get a little PG-13 and talk about motherhood, marriage, fertility, and Natural Family Planning in this episode. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about faith, womanhood, Church authority, or where truth is found, this episode offers an honest and encouraging conversation you won’t want to miss!CHECK OUT THE CATHOLIC EVERYWOMAN PODCAST:https://thecatholiceverywoman.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-catholic-everywoman/id1896056184https://www.youtube.com/@thecatholiceverywoman—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you’re interested in learning more about the early church JOIN MY BOOK CLUB and online community on PATREON! Click the link below and become an “ELITE” member:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membershipWe are currently reading JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST which you can get using the link below:https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asinCHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES:A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COSThttps://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-packFOLLOW ON SOCIALS TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP:Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HannahcrewsblogInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088Chapters00:00 Anna’s Catholic Conversion Story09:16 The Impact of the Sacraments on Marriage12:15 Why Only Men are Priests14:06 The SBC’s Controversial Statement on Women Preaching18:29 Roles for Women in the Catholic Church22:36 Wrestling with the Truth of Catholicism as a Protestant27:39 Choosing Catholicism Over Orthodoxy  33:00 Trust in Catholic Teachings36:09 Motherhood and Contraception40:52 Understanding Natural Family Planning 45:40 The Gift of Life and Children48:54 The Catholic Everywoman Podcast

So many people have reached out to me to ask, “what made you consider Catholicism in the first place?” So, here we go…In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing the timeline of events that made me start questioning EVERYTHING. What began with questions surrounding false 2020 election prophecies, accountability within modern Christianity, and Charlie Kirk’s devastating assassination ultimately led me to search for the roots of original Christianity.Whether you're Protestant, Catholic, or just simply a truth seeker like me, this episode offers an honest testimony about laying down long-held beliefs at the feet of Jesus.If you’re interested in learning more about the early church JOIN MY BOOK CLUB and online community on PATREON! Click the link below and become an “ELITE” member:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membershipWe are currently reading JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST which you can get using the link below:https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asinFOLLOW ON SOCIALS TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP:Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HannahcrewsblogInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088**This video contains music from Shutterstock, licensed by Splice video editing app.

Keith Nester, a Catholic author, speaker, and podcaster, shares his journey from anti-Catholic Evangelical pastor to full-time spokesperson and educator for the Catholic Faith through his ministry, Down to Earth. This episode tackles head-on common misconceptions that keep many from embracing church unity including papal authority, human infallibility, Mary’s Immaculate Conception and perpetual virginity, and the true meaning of worship.If you’ve found yourself asking, “Is the Catholic Church truly founded on Scripture?” or trying to navigate doubts about church authority and tradition, this is the honest, biblical journey you need to hear. The Convert's Guide to Roman Catholicism by Keith Nestor: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QVYYCC4Support Keith’s ministry: https://down2earthministry.org/Subscribe to Keith’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KeithNesterPray the Rosary with Keith: https://www.youtube.com/@RosaryCrewwithKeithNesterFollow Keith on social media: https://www.instagram.com/keithnester1/https://x.com/KeithNester1https://www.facebook.com/KeithNesterCatholic/----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interested in joining my BOOK CLUB and online community for Catholic Curious individuals? click the link below and become an “ELITE” member:https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membershipWe are currently reading through JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST - which you can purchase here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asinCHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES:A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COSThttps://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-packCONNECT WITH ME TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP:Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HannahcrewsblogMy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/The Lighten Up Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeAFollow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088FOR INQUIRIES ABOUT THE PODCAST, visit my website and fill out the form: https://www.hannahcrewsblog.com/podcastChapters:00:00 Journey from Protestantism to Catholicism04:32 The Role of Authority in Faith07:36 Understanding the Papacy10:32 The Historical Context of the Papacy14:43 The Historical Context of Catholicism19:09 Understanding the Papacy and Its Significance23:24 Papal Infallibility Explained29:14 Mary's Role in Catholic Doctrine34:07 The Nature of Sin and Salvation39:56 The Authority of the Church vs. Individual Interpretation49:51 The Church as the Pillar of Truth57:41 The Journey of Faith and Personal Sacrifice