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The Fire Up Podcast

The Fire Up Podcast

By A Fire Up Ministries Podcast

The mission of The Fire Up Podcast is to help every person experience the love they always dreamed of by sharing the Catholic Church’s teaching on authentic love and human sexuality. We discuss dating and relationships, overcoming pornography, marriage and family life and the Theology of the Body! To find out more, visit our website: www.fireupministries.com
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What Should I Do if I Get Rejected?

The Fire Up PodcastDec 19, 2025
00:00
34:27
What Should I Do if I Get Rejected?
Dec 19, 202534:27
How Does a Man Deal With the Fear of Rejection?
Dec 12, 202526:39
Can I Divorce My Spouse if They Are Abusive?
Dec 05, 202540:38
Can Catholics Use the Withdrawal Method?
Nov 28, 202539:36
Raising Fathers - with Robert Falzon

Raising Fathers - with Robert Falzon

Do you ever feel like your failing in your fatherhood? Simon certainly does. In this episode, Simon interviews Robert Falzon, Founder of MenAlive, to discuss the importance of fatherhood. As a young dad with 3 children, Simon has felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of fatherhood, as well as disappointed in his many failures to love his children well. Listen in, as Robert shares pearls of wisdom with a young dad who desperately wants to be a great father!

Nov 21, 202557:18
Is It Ok to Use Contraception If You Want to Space Children?
Nov 14, 202553:10
Is It OK to Masturbate Over My Partner?
Nov 07, 202554:30
Bright and Cheerful Homes with Angel Bueno

Bright and Cheerful Homes with Angel Bueno

In this episode, Simon interviews his good friend, Angel Bueno, as they discuss living the Christian life in today's world as a married person. 

Link to the One Soul podcast: https://anchor.fm/onesoulpodcast

Oct 31, 202558:59
Cheating in a Relationship - with Tomasz Juszack

Cheating in a Relationship - with Tomasz Juszack

In this episode, Simon and Tomasz discuss a topic that is vulnerable and raw - cheating in a relationship. Cheating, to his sorrow, was part of Tomasz’s story. If you have ever wondered how to handle cheating in a relationship, this will provide some hard-hitting, yet necessary advice.

Oct 24, 202501:15:56
Same-sex Attraction and Transgenderism

Same-sex Attraction and Transgenderism

In this episode, Simon sits down with Hudson Byblow to explore same-sex attraction and transgenderism in light of the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith.


Oct 17, 202501:13:43
The Key to Loving Your Spouse Well with Charbel Raish

The Key to Loving Your Spouse Well with Charbel Raish

Have you ever felt like you and your spouse are just 'missing' each other? No matter how hard you try, every expression of love seems to miss the mark. They don't seem to appreciate it or worse, reject it.

In this episode, Charbel Raish, husband and father of 8, shares the key he discovered seven years into marriage with Christine that transformed their relationship.

Oct 10, 202532:51
I Will Is Not I Do

I Will Is Not I Do

Simon and Maddie team up to discuss the 'marriage prep mindset' for engaged couples. 

Oct 03, 202538:48
Misfits in the Church

Misfits in the Church

Catholic singles know to hang out at church in order to find a future spouse. But what happens when the singleness drags on into their late twenties, thirties or even forties? They are too old for the youth group, and too old for the seniors Bingo group. They often feel like misfits in the Church who can't connect, because everyone their age is married with children.

In this podcast, Simon offers some words of encouragement and support that will make them feel right at home being active in their church community!

Sep 26, 202533:52
Affirming the Desires of the Feminine Heart

Affirming the Desires of the Feminine Heart

In this episode Madeleine speaks about the desires of The Feminine Heart. She encourages women to recognise that they were made for infinite love and to keep their standards high.



Sep 19, 202530:19
Is It Wrong to be Attracted to Multiple Men at the Same Time?

Is It Wrong to be Attracted to Multiple Men at the Same Time?

Attraction is part of being human—but what happens when you find yourself drawn to more than one person at once?

In this episode, Simon unpacks the deeper meaning of attraction, why it isn’t something to be ashamed of, and how to navigate these feelings in a way that leads to authentic love.

Sep 12, 202518:36
What do Men Want?

What do Men Want?

In this episode, Simon discusses the Desires of the Masculine Heart! This podcast will affirm the desires of the masculine heart and give women an insight into the yearnings of the masculine heart for respect and adventure. 

Sep 05, 202530:27
Should I Date Someone Who Looks at Porn?
Aug 29, 202530:04
What is Natural Family Planning?
Aug 22, 202553:19
What is the Feminine Genius?

What is the Feminine Genius?

In this episode Madeleine discusses what the Feminine Genius is and some practical ways it can be lived out. 


Mulieris Dignitatem - https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1988/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_19880815_mulieris-dignitatem.html

Peter Kreeft on Masculine and Feminine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX8hnuv_BjE 

Aug 14, 202534:37
The Eucharist in the Early Church with Joe Heschmeyer

The Eucharist in the Early Church with Joe Heschmeyer

In this episode, Simon is joined by Catholic apologist Joe Heschmeyer, author of The Early Church Was the Catholic Church. Together, they explore the faith of the first Christians, the Eucharist, the Mass, and why receiving the Body of Christ is not cannibalism. Their conversation offers a deeper look at how the earliest believers lived and understood their Catholic faith.


Get the book here: https://shop.catholic.com/the-early-church-was-the-catholic-church-softcover/

Aug 09, 202501:09:35
What Every Catholic Should Know About the Bible with Robert Haddad

What Every Catholic Should Know About the Bible with Robert Haddad

What is the Bible, really?In this episode, Simon sits down with Catholic speaker and apologist Robert Haddad to explore what the Bible is, where it came from, and why it matters. Whether you’re new to Scripture or have read it for years, this conversation will deepen your understanding of how the Bible was formed and the role the Church plays in preserving its truth.

Jul 29, 202501:24:11
Can Love Start in the Friendzone?

Can Love Start in the Friendzone?

What if the friendzone isn’t a dead end—but the starting point? In this episode, Simon offers a fresh take on friendship, love, and what it really means to build something that lasts. 🔥

Jul 10, 202509:03
How to Actually Become Porn Free with Steve Pokorny
Jul 03, 202501:04:23
Ladies, Are You Sending Mixed Signals?

Ladies, Are You Sending Mixed Signals?

How Can Women Be Friends With Guys Without Sending Mixed Signals?


Friendship between men and women is possible—but it requires intention, clarity, and sincerity. In this episode, Simon speaks to the ladies about how to foster authentic friendships with guys without leading them on or creating confusion.This is part two of a two-part conversation on building meaningful friendships with the opposite sex. 🔥

Jun 26, 202518:58
How Do You Build Friendships Without Confusion?

How Do You Build Friendships Without Confusion?

Friendship between men and women can be beautiful—but it can also get complicated if we’re not intentional. In this episode, Simon explores how to build authentic friendships with the opposite sex without confusion or mixed signals. Watch now to discover how respect, clarity, and creativity make all the difference. 🔥

Jun 19, 202517:18
Why You're Still Single (And Why That's Not a Bad Thing)

Why You're Still Single (And Why That's Not a Bad Thing)

Why am I still single? If you’ve ever wrestled with this question, you’re not alone. In this episode, Simon unpacks the beauty of singleness, reminding us that it's not a punishment—but a gift. God is deeply interested in your love life, and while the ache for love is real, only Jesus can truly satisfy it. This message will challenge and encourage you to see your singleness through a whole new lens. 🔥

Jun 12, 202526:44
What Makes a Marriage Work? (It Starts Before You Date!)

What Makes a Marriage Work? (It Starts Before You Date!)

A good marriage doesn’t start on the wedding day—it starts before you even meet your future spouse. In this episode, Simon shares why working on yourself, visualizing your future spouse, and preparing in prayer are key steps to building a strong and lasting marriage. If you want a marriage that thrives, it begins with you!

Jun 05, 202535:22
Is There a Better Way to Date?

Is There a Better Way to Date?

Are you lost when it comes to dating? In this episode, Simon shares what led him to create a step-by-step roadmap for Catholic men who want to pursue relationships with confidence, respect, and virtue. If you’ve ever asked yourself, ‘How do I go from singleness to the first date?’—this is where your journey begins!

May 29, 202516:01
Satan Wants to Break your Spirit!

Satan Wants to Break your Spirit!

In this episode Madeleine talks about how we need to be aware of how satan is stopping us from doing God's will. She gives some practicals of how we can arm ourselves against the work of satan in our life. 

Link to 'Spirit' scene - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kztqrjp2yw



May 15, 202536:39
Can We Pray to Saints? | Interview with Karlo Broussard
May 08, 202555:22
Marriage, Divorce and Annulment with Tim Staples

Marriage, Divorce and Annulment with Tim Staples

In this episode, Simon interviews Catholic Apologist Tim Staples on Marriage, Divorce and Annulments. 

Tim Staples is a convert to Catholicism and is the Director of Apologetics and Evangelisation at Catholic Answers. For more information on Catholic Answers or Tim Staples, visit the Catholic Answers website.

Apr 10, 202547:36
Lessons from St Joseph for Men
Apr 03, 202535:43
How to Argue with Love?

How to Argue with Love?

In this episode Simon and Madeleine discuss tools and strategies to argue in a way that will build intimacy, not destroy it. Join them for a lively discussion that is sure to increase the unity in your relationships while allowing you to respectfully express your needs and frustrations. 

Mar 27, 202539:39
What Does My Soul Cry Out For?

What Does My Soul Cry Out For?

Do you ever feel like something is missing in your life? Like there’s more to living than the emptiness or routine you’re experiencing? In this episode, Simon takes you on a journey to uncover the deepest longings of the human heart—the yearning for love, intimacy, and connection.

Mar 20, 202520:43
Can My Parents Force Me to Marry Someone?

Can My Parents Force Me to Marry Someone?

Should I be forced into an arranged marriage? Among some cultures, the idea of arranged marriage is still very common. Although we may not see it playing out to the same extent in Australia, the mentality is certainly here. In this video, Simon shares some important points to consider before agreeing to an arranged marriage or from dismissing it as foolish altogether.

Mar 13, 202522:24
The Power of Words

The Power of Words

In this episode, Simon and Madeleine discuss the power words have in transforming a relationship. They share practical insights and personal examples to highlight the positive effect of affirming words and the importance of being intentional about how you communicate. 

Feb 27, 202533:51
Do Catholics Worship Mary? with - Tim Staples

Do Catholics Worship Mary? with - Tim Staples

Do Catholics worship Mary? Does praying to saints take away from Christ’s role as the One Mediator? In this episode, Simon sits down with Catholic apologist Tim Staples to break down these common questions. Together, they explore why praying to Mary and the saints is not only biblical but also deepens our relationship with Christ.If you’ve ever wondered how saints can hear our prayers or if intercession contradicts God’s authority, this episode is for you!

Feb 13, 202556:28
Why Your Husband Isn’t Initiating (And How to Help)

Why Your Husband Isn’t Initiating (And How to Help)

How do I get my husband to initiate more?

In this episode, Simon reveals how Satan is hell-bent on encouraging men to become more passive and women to become more controlling, which is destructive to a healthy marriage. If you are a wife asking this question, find out how you could be a major reason why your husband is failing to initiate and what you can do to encourage him to initiate more!

Feb 06, 202520:27
Fertility and Women's Health
Jan 30, 202558:12
Don't Forget Your Story

Don't Forget Your Story

Doesn't romance and passion die after marriage? Only if you let it I say!  A key to ensuring your love continues to grow after marriage is for the couple to remember their love story. Here is a fun date idea that you can do with your spouse tonight that will inject some romance and passion into your marriage!

Jan 16, 202512:23
What to Expect in the Early Years of Marriage
Jan 09, 202549:21
Can I Sleep Around Now and Settle Down Later?

Can I Sleep Around Now and Settle Down Later?

What’s wrong with sleeping around until I meet the person I want to settle down with? In this video, Simon comes at this question from four different angles, showing the underlying problem with this mentality, the difference between love and lust, the kind of person you want to be and how your future spouse might feel about this promiscuous lifestyle.

Link to How to Date With Passion and Purpose course: https://fireup.kartra.com/page/Wq199

Jan 02, 202516:32
Praying with Art

Praying with Art

In this episode Simon and Madeleine discuss how art can enhance family prayer in the home. This podcast was sponsored by Kate Capato, founder of Visual Grace - www.visualgrace.org. Check out her amazing Sacred Art and fill your home with beauty! 

Challenge for the week:

Simon - Look for God's beauty in the small things

Madeleine - Set up a prayer space and have a look at the Visual Grace website


Show Notes: 

1. Sacred Artwork: Home, by Kate Capato - https://www.visualgrace.org/portfolio-item/home/

2. St Augustine, Confessions:

Late have I love You, O Beauty so ancient and so new; late have I loved You! For behold You were within me, and I outside. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more.

Dec 26, 202442:32
Is Being Too Good the Reason You're Still Single?

Is Being Too Good the Reason You're Still Single?

Is it possible to become such a catch, that you will be left on the shelf because you were too good for everyone? In this episode, Simon will share the importance of having high standards, how as a Christian you are never alone and the importance of living singleness with humility!

Dec 19, 202420:21
Strategies to Overcoming Pornography (with Jason Evert)
Dec 12, 202449:39
The Addictive Power of Explicit Content Explained

The Addictive Power of Explicit Content Explained

In this episode, Simon reveals how pornography affects the brain on a neurological level, exposing its addictive nature and the long-term changes it can cause.

Learn how consuming porn rewires the brain, similar to the effects of powerful drugs.

Dec 05, 202409:34
What Theology of the Body is NOT!

What Theology of the Body is NOT!

In this episode, Simon and Madeleine discuss Theology of the Body by addressing common misconceptions about it, why it was written as well as key themes explained throughout the writings. 

Challenge for the week
Simon - Receive ongoing formation in the Theology of the Body by becoming a
Fire Up Family member (committing to a minimum of $10 p/m) - 

Maddie - Listen to a talk by Christopher West on Theology of the Body. Here is a great starting video.

Show notes

Quotes to pray with:

  • 'The Theology of the Body is a “theological time bomb set to go off with dramatic consequences sometime in the third millennium of the Church…” - George Weigel

Scripture of the Week:

"I came so that they may have life and have it to the full." - Jn 10:10

Nov 28, 202433:56
Love Is Not Give And Take
Nov 27, 202415:13
Start Teaching Selfless Love to Your Child Today

Start Teaching Selfless Love to Your Child Today

When can I begin sharing the beauty of chastity and the Theology of the Body with my child?

In this episode, Simon will share some easy and practical ways to begin sharing the key principles of the Theology of the Body with your child, whether they are a toddler or in their late teens. It is never too early or too late to begin teaching them the importance of self-giving love.

Nov 21, 202428:39
Do You Hate Being Single?

Do You Hate Being Single?

In this episode Simon and Madeleine discuss the challenges of being single and what to do about it. You will discover, through this conversation that a time of singleness is a profound gift that can lead to the fulfilment of your desires. 


Scripture: 

‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ - Jeremiah 29:11


St Teresa of Avila Prayer - 

“May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”


Challenge: 

Simon: Get involved in an apostolate or ministry where you can serve others.

Madeleine: Go on a date with Jesus... spend some time in Eucharistic Adoration handing over your desires to God. 

Nov 15, 202435:52