The Shepherd's Pie
By Antony Barone Kolenc
This uplifting, ecumenical show uses engaging conversations and fun entertainment reviews to offer positive insights and media resources for families and youth leaders. We discuss current issues that impact young people at home, in school, and in the world today.
The Shepherd's PieApr 24, 2022
Book Clubs for Teens (#70)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with blogger and book reviewer Steven McEvoy about the importance of book clubs for teens, and we review How to Get Better Grades and Have More Fun, by Stephen Douglass.
The Impact of Mass Media on Kids (#69)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with filmmaker and bestselling author Bill Myers about the impact of movies and books on the development of our kids, and we review his Magnificent Mulligans book series.
Helping Kids Deal with Change (#68)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with spiritual director and author Kimberly Novak about ways to help kids handle change in their lives, and we review the teen book, A Single Bead, by Stephanie Engelman.
Helping Kids Find Their Identity in Christ (#67)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with Catholic school teacher and author C.D. "Chris" Smith about ways to encourage our youth to find their true identities in Christ, and we review the inspirational movie, Bright Ones.
Challenges & Blessings in Adoption (#66)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with adoptive mother and award-winning author Allison Gingras about the beauty and challenges in raising adopted children, and we review Adoption: Room for One More?, by Jamie Wolfe.
Social Challenges for Youth Today (#65)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with clinical counselor and school speaker Julane Fisher about the challenges facing kids today with school and social media, and we review her award-winning novels that affirm positive youth values and identities.
Developing Spirituality in Our Kids (#64)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with editor, author, and lecturer Gary Jansen about developing spiritual practices in little steps with our youth, and we review his award-winning family picture book, Remember Us With Smiles.
Building Virtue in Our Kids (#63)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with cathechist and educator Cathy Gilmore about how to build the virtues in our youth, and we review her Tiny Virtue Heroes book series.
Tips for Aspiring Teen Writers (#62)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews book-reviewer and blogger Carrie Schmidt about how teen writers can improve their craft and get published, and we review two children's picture books: Nana the Great Comes to Visit and Everyone Belongs.
The Grieving Daughters' Club (#61)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author and high-school teacher Andrea Bear about how families can deal with grief and the loss of a family member, and we review the series, Adventures with the Saints, by Maria Riley.
Keeping Faith with Disabled Children (#60)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with author and travel-blogger Denise Mercado about raising a disabled child while keeping faith in the family, and we review It Is Good To Be Here, by Christina Chase.
Faith from a Teen's Perspective (#59)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with Kate Waldyke, part of the YouTube duo, Catholic Mom and Daughter, about her take on faith from the perspective of a teenager today, and we review The Other Side of Beauty, by Leah Darrow.
Protecting Kids from Web Exploitation (#58)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with D. Rodney Brown, an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, about how to avoid child sex exploitation from predators on the internet, and we review the website that helps educate kids on web safety, NetSmartz.
Helping Teens Find Value in Lent (#57)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with Leslea Wahl, co-founder of CatholicTeenBooks.Com, to discuss how teens can engage in the Lenten Season, and we review the short story anthology for Lent, Ashes: Visible and Invisible.
Using Imagination to Teach History (#56)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with Marianne Hering, author of over 50 children's books, to discuss how imagination and fiction can be used to help kids learn history, and we review The Tree Street Kids series by Amanda Cleary Eastep.
Turning the Tide of Teen Atheism (#55)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with Bryan Mercier, a popular speaker with teens across the nation, about stemming the rise of atheism in our youth today, and we review his site, TheCatholicTruth.Org.
Teens Active in the Cause For Life (#54)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with Hannah Blosser, the teen president of a national homeschool chapter of Students for Life, about helping teens be more active in promoting a culture of life, and we review the pro-life movie, Unplanned.
A Writing Community for Teens (#53)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Dominic de Souza, the founder of Legend Fiction, about the importance for teens to have a writing community for self-expression and mentorship, and we review his site, Legend Fiction.
A Parent's Guide to Social Media (#52)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Evan Barber, a publisher at Axis, about the various social media platform challenges and opportunities for parents and teens today, and they review five of the Axis Guidebooks by Tyndale Kids.
Controversial Saints and Our Kids (#51)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews teacher and author Joseph Lewis about the best ways to speak with kids about controversial saints, and we review Joseph's YA novel, Miracle at the Mission.
Christmas Activities for Our Kids (#50)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author Mindy Baker about her picture book, Mouse's Christmas Gift, and about creative ways to bring Advent and Christmas to your family, and we review the children's book, Christmas Love Letters from God.
Speaking with Teens About Truth (#49)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews editor and author Mary Woods about her novel, Markmaker, and on speaking to teens about the importance of knowing truth and identifying falsehood, and we review Lois Lowry's novel, The Giver.
Speaking with Teens About Evil (#48)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews award-winning author Jill Willis about her YA novel, The Demons Among Us, and on speaking to teens about the existence of evil, and we review Sharon Rene's series, Defying Destiny.
Talking with Kids About Church Scandal (#47)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews award-winning Catholic author Ellen Gable about the best ways to speak with youth about church scandal, and we review Ellen's YA novel, Ella's Promise.
Using Animals to Teach Our Kids (#46)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews beloved Christian children's author Dandi Daley Mackall about using animals to help teach children valuable life lessons, and we review Dandi's Young Winnie series of horse gentler books.
Evangelizing Our Older Children (#45)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews teacher and award-winning author Jim Sano about ways to evangelize our children when they go off to college and beyond, and we review Mary Jo Thayer's YA novel, Close to the Soul.
Top Homeschooling Resources (#44)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews national homeschooling authority Cathy Duffy about the best homeschooling curricula and other resources available to families, and we review Cathy's latest release, 103 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum.
Ignatian Spirituality for Kids (#43)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews professional writer Claudia Cangilla McAdam about how kids and their imaginations can benefit through Ignatian Spirituality exercises, and we review The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare.
The Character Club (#42)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews teacher and author Allie Slocum about building character in kids through her experience and her children's series, The Character Club, and we review Resistance, by Jennifer Nielsen.
Media, Psychology, & Our Kids (#41)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews child psychologist and dystopian author Jacqueline Brown about the psychological impact of media on our youth, and we review The Green Ember series, by S.D. Smith.
Youth & Vocations (#40)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Benedictine oblate and Catholic author Julie Ash about the importance of presenting religious vocations to youth at a young age, and Jen and Kate Waldyke from Catholic Mom and Daughter review Miraculous!, by Kathryn Swegart.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Kindness, Empathy, & Youth (#39)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author and acquisitions editor Hope Bolinger about the importance of encouraging kindness and empathy in our youth, and Hope reviews one of her favorite middle grade novels, Legend of the Storm Sneezer, by Kristiana Sfirlea.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
A Christian Book Fair for Kids (#38)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews mother and entrepreneur Tiffany Fischer about her non-profit organization and the value of having books with Christian morals and values sold to students at Catholic and Christian schools, and Tiffany discusses some of her favorite books that she sells at her book fairs.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Considering Home Education (#37)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews homeschooling mother and librarian Georgiana Daniels about the challenges and opportunities when considering home education as an option for your family, and he reviews Practical Homeschooling Magazine.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Youth and the Arts (#36)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews actor and screenwriter Joseph Mauck about the importance of youth participation in the Arts, and the risks involved, and Steven McEvoy reviews Corinna Turner's YA anthology, A Saint in the Family.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Reading with Your Kids (#35)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews worldwide performer and award-winning podcaster Jed Doherty about the importance for families to read with their kids of all ages, and Jed discusses some of his favorite books for families to read together.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Reaching out to the Marginalized (#34)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Anne DeSantis about her ministry and her recent book regarding the importance of youth reaching out to the marginalized in their lives, and Jen and Kate Waldyke review the hit religious TV series, The Chosen.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
God's Purpose for Our Kids (#33)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews middle-school teacher and author M.H. Elrich about her fantasy series and about how we can help our kids find God's purpose for their lives, and Carrie Schmidt reviews Tara K. Ross's novel, Fade to White.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Marian Apparitions and Youth (#32)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author Theoni Bell about her middle-grade novel, The Woman in the Trees, and the story of Our Lady of Good Help, and he reviews the 2020 movie, Fatima.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Speaking with Teens about Privilege (#31)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews award-winning Christian author Matt Mikalatos about his Sunlit Lands YA series and about how to speak with teens regarding the issue of privilege, and Steven McEvoy reviews Susan Peek's novel, Saint Cloud of Gaul.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Speaking with Kids About Race (#30)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews attorney Keisha Russell about racial identity and how to speak with kids about race, and he reviews the race-relations movie, The Best of Enemies.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Christian Fiction Resources for Teens (#29)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews award-winning author Leslea Wahl about the website that she co-founded--CatholicTeenBooks.com--as well as the importance of Christian fiction for youth, and Leslea discusses some of her own YA writings.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Identity, Community, & Teens (#28)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author Sandra Fernandez-Rhoads about her Colliding Lines series of YA novels, which explore the role of teen identity and using gifts to strengthen the community, and guest reviewer Carrie Schmidt discusses the YA novel, My Hands Came Away Red, by Lisa McKay.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
The Impact of Technology on Youth (#27)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews systems architect and author Thomas Nastek about how technology's promise and pitfalls impact our youth, and he reviews Jacqueline Brown's new adult novel, The Light.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Parenting Advice from a Counselor (#26)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Dana Nygaard, a licensed professional counselor and author, about building strong marriages and raising healthy kids, and he reviews Carmela Martino's middle-grade novel, Rosa Sola.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Youth & Imagination (#25)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author Corinna Turner about her various fiction series and how to reach youth through imaginative, faith-based stories, and guest reviewer Steven McEvoy discusses Karina Fabian's series of stories, The Rescue Sisters.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Teaching Science to Kids (#24)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Brock Eastman, the creator of the Dr. Fizzlebop character, about fun and faith-based ways to teach science to kids, and he reviews the award-winning Christian audio-drama series, Adventures in Odyssey.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Signs, Symbols, & Kids (#23)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews catechist and award-winning author Amy Welborn about how parents and teachers can use religious signs and symbols to connect kids with the faith, and he reviews the middle-grade novel Saving Mount Rushmore, by Andrea Jo Rodgers.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Youth & Self-Worth (#22)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews homeschooling mom and author Candice Pedraza Yamnitz about self-worth in youth as seen through her Christian novel, Unbetrothed, and guest reviewer, Carrie Schmidt, discusses the middle-grade book The League and the Lantern, by Brian Wells.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Life Coaching & Teens (#21)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews professional life coach and award-winning author Lisa Mladinich about the benefits of life coaching for teens today, and he reviews the movie American Underdog, the life story of NFL quarterback Kurt Warner.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Teens & the Role of Women (#20)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Christian author Jess Corban about her fiction novel, A Gentle Tyranny, and about how teens should view the role of men and women in society today, and he reviews the movie Redeeming Love.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Dealing with Teacher Burnout (#19)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews teacher and author Amy Cattapan about faithful ways that teachers and parents can handle burnout, and he reviews the website CatholicTeenBooks.Com.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Youth & the Colors of Life (#18)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Maurice Prater about using colors, numbers, and letters to educate young children about the faith, and Jen and Kate Waldyke review the pro-life novel for teens, For Eden's Sake, by T.M. Gaouette.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Role-Play Games & Youth (#17)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews award-winning author and game-maker James Hannibal about using epic fantasy role-playing games to reach kids with the faith, and he reviews the Scripture memorization card game for kids: First Watch.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Teaching Kids About Money (#16)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews financial planner Dan Gallagher about innovative ways to teach kids about handling money, and he surveys three books about youth business, including Dave Ramsey's kit for teen entrepreneurs.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Outreach to College Students (#15)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews youth minister Bill Snyder about his outreach to college students, Patchwork Heart Ministry, and he reviews the hit Biblical series on the life of Jesus, The Chosen.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Tragedy, Grief, & Family (#14)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews teacher and author Kim Erickson about how families can deal with tragedy in a faithful and hopeful way, as she discusses the grieving process after the loss of her own child, and he reviews Michelle Buckman's award-winning novel about loss, "Rachel's Contrition."
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Winter & Advent and Youth (#13)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author eMarie about her winter book that teaches kids that God has a purpose for their lives, and guest reviewers Catholic Mom & Daughter review two kids books that are perfect for Advent.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Canadian Saints for Kids (#12)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author and blogger Bonnie Way about bringing the stories of the North American Martyrs to kids, and he reviews the children's picture book, "Mouse's Christmas Gift," by Mindy Baker.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Teaching Kids to Write Fiction (#11)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author and writing teacher M.L. Tarpley about how teaching kids to write fiction can help them both academically and emotionally, and he reviews the middle-grade novel, "Crusader King," by Susan Peek.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Teens & Common Ground (#10)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author and screenwriter Amanda Lauer about how teens can find common ground in conflict with those who are different from them, and he reviews the award-winning teen novel, "The Perfect Blindside," by Leslea Wahl.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Faith, Anxiety & Youth (#9)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author and editor Amanda Cleary Eastep about how anxiety in young people can be addressed through faith and fiction, and his guest reviewer Carrie Schmidt reviews the anxiety-focused teen novel, "Escape from the Everglades," by Tim Shoemaker.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Teens & Pro-Life Issues (#8)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews attorney Clarke Forsythe from Americans United for Life, a pro-life advocacy group, about the importance of the abortion issue to teens, and he reviews the pro-life movie, "October Baby."
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Of Arks & Beads (and Teens) (#7)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author and homeschooler Janeen Zaio about creative ways to translate history and theology to our youth, and he reviews the teen novel, "A Single Bead," by Stephanie Engelman.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Faith and Public High School (#6)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews attorney Mike Berry from the First Liberty Institute about legal issues involving teen expression of faith in public high school, and he reviews "God's Not Dead 2," a movie about a Christian teacher in a public high school who is put on trial for discussing Jesus in the classroom.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Cultural Heritage and Youth (#5)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews author and teacher Carmela Martino about the importance of culture and heritage to our youth, and he reviews the Lin Manuel Miranda movie-musical, "In the Heights."
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Christian Fiction for Youth (#4)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Carrie Schmidt, founder of the book-reviewing Christian blog, ReadingIsMySuperpower.Org, and he reviews the C.S. Lewis novel and movie, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
St. Joseph and Our Youth (#3)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Dennis McGeehan, a blogger and long-time catechist, and he speaks with guest reviewer, Steven McEvoy, about two novels about St. Joseph written by Corinna Turner.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Youth and Drama (The Good Kind) (#2)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Catherine Castle, an award-winning Christian author and playwright, and he reviews three Broadway plays on the touring circuit.
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design
Putting Youth Back Into Ministry (#1)
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc interviews Jennifer and Kate Waldyke of CatholicMomandDaughter, and he reviews A.J. Cattapan's middle-grade novel, "7 Riddles to Nowhere."
Credits: A.J. Kolenc, original music; Amina Kolenc, graphic design