
The Fire Up Podcast
By A Fire Up Ministries Podcast


What Should I Do if I Get Rejected?
How should a man respond if he gets rejected from a date? In this episode, Simon and Madeleine don't shy away from the truth that rejection hurts, yet they share some important things for the man and the woman to do to make the process for loving and easier to accept.
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Have you been blessed by the work of Fire Up Ministries, and would like to receive more exclusive support from us to grow in the virtue of chastity? Subscribe to the Fire Up Family for just $10 per month, and you will receive access to expert interviews, monthly trainings with Simon and Madeleine, free access to all our short courses and major discounts off all our coaching packages.
Your financial support also helps us in spreading the message of chastity and Theology of the Body around the world!

How Does a Man Deal With the Fear of Rejection?
Nobody wants to be rejected, we have an innate desire to be accepted, to be loved; but we have to acknowledge that it is something real. In this episode, Simon and Madeleine discuss how to encounter the fear, pain and discomfort of rejection, and how not to let it discourage us from initiating a date with sincerity and clarity.
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Have you been blessed by the work of Fire Up Ministries, and would like to receive more exclusive support from us to grow in the virtue of chastity? Subscribe to the Fire Up Family for just $10 per month, and you will receive access to expert interviews, monthly trainings with Simon and Madeleine, free access to all our short courses and major discounts off all our coaching packages.
Your financial support also helps us in spreading the message of chastity and Theology of the Body around the world!

Can I Divorce My Spouse if They Are Abusive?
How do I discern when enough is enough? In this episode, Simon and Madeleine discuss what a married person should do if they find themselves in a toxic or abusive relationship. If you or someone you know is experiencing great difficulty in their marriage or family life, this episode is for you.
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Have you been blessed by the work of Fire Up Ministries? Please prayerfully consider supporting the important work we do by becoming a member of the Fire Up Family. For a monthly gift of your choice, you help us spread the message of chastity around the world! https://fireupministries.com/support-us/

Can Catholics Use the Withdrawal Method?
Can Catholics use the withdrawal method? In this episode, Simon and Maddie discuss what the withdrawal method is, and why the Church teaches that it is by nature a contraceptive act.
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Have you been blessed by the work of Fire Up Ministries? Please prayerfully consider supporting the important work we do by becoming a member of the Fire Up Family. For a monthly gift of your choice, you help us spread the message of chastity around the world! https://fireupministries.com/support-us/

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!

Is It Ok to Use Contraception If You Want to Space Children?
In this episode, Simon and Madeleine share that the surprising answer to this question is - yes, you can space children in marriage, but not by using contraception. Listen as Simon and Madeleine share why the Church teaches contraception is gravely disordered and what natural methods can be used to space births if a grave reason to avoid a pregnancy occurs.
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Have you been blessed by Fire Up Ministries? Then consider supporting the important work we do by becoming a member of the Fire Up Family. For a monthly gift of your choice, you will enable us to continue doing this work full-time! https://fireup.kartra.com/page/zk8104
Related Resources : What is Natural Family Planning? (with Damon Owens) https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/Bi5MOu8aNvb

Is It OK to Masturbate Over My Partner?
In this episode, Simon and Madeleine team up again to discuss whether it would be OK for a young man to use his girlfriend as the stimulus for an act of masturbation. On the surface, this may seem like a more loving way to deal with strong sexual passions. However, Simon and Madeleine share that masturbation is an intrinsically disordered sexual act and that using the person you are dating is actually more harmful to you and them than using someone else. If this comes as a surprise, take a listen and see why we believe this to be true!
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Have you been blessed by Fire Up Ministries? Has the Fire Up Podcast helped you experience the love you always dreamed of? Then consider supporting the important work we do by becoming a member of the Fire Up Family. For a monthly gift of your choice, you will enable us to continue doing this work full-time! https://fireup.kartra.com/page/zk8104
Are you struggling with pornography? Maybe you have been fighting to break free for months or years with no success. Simon has been there and, by God’s grace, come out the other side. If you would like to work with Simon one-on-one and receive the tools to punch porn in the face for good, book a consultation call to see if coaching is right for you! https://fireup.kartra.com/page/EOW68

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

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.

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.

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.

I Will Is Not I Do
Simon and Maddie team up to discuss the 'marriage prep mindset' for engaged couples.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Should I Date Someone Who Looks at Porn?
In this episode, Madeleine discusses the common question: 'Should I date someone who looks at porn?'
Covenant Eyes - use promo code FREE for the first month free: https://www.covenanteyes.com/
Simon's break free from Porn coaching - https://fireup.kartra.com/page/EOW68
This podcast was sponsored by Mediatrix Migration Lawyers. For more information, click here.

What is Natural Family Planning?
In this episode, Simon and Madeleine chat with Damon Owens about Natural Family Planning.
Damon is the founder and executive director of joytob. This ministry is centred on proclaiming the joy of being made in the image and likeness of God. For more information on Damon and his ministry, visit his website.
In June 2020, Simon and Madeleine spoke at the Joyful Ever After Catholic Marriage Summit hosted by Damon Owens. To hear Simon and Madeleine's talk, as well other inspiring and informative talks on a variety of topics within marriage, click on this link.

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

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/

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.

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. 🔥

How to Actually Become Porn Free with Steve Pokorny
Is it really possible to become completely free from porn?
In this powerful interview, Simon sits down with Steve Pokorny of Freedom Coaching to talk about his personal journey, the mission behind Freedom Coaching, and the real, practical steps people take when they commit to lasting freedom.
If you or someone you know is struggling, this conversation offers real hope—and a clear path forward.
👉 Learn more about Freedom Coaching at: https://bit.ly/SteveFreedomCoaching

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. 🔥

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. 🔥

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. 🔥

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!

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!

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

Can We Pray to Saints? | Interview with Karlo Broussard
Can we really pray to the saints? Isn’t Jesus the only mediator? In this episode, Simon sits down with Catholic apologist Karlo Broussard to answer this common question and unpack the biblical and theological foundation behind the Church’s teaching on the intercession of the saints.
-----Learn more about Karlo Broussard at: karlobroussard.com📘 Check out his book: https://store.parousiamedia.com/the-saints-pray-for-you-how-the-christians-in-heaven-help-us-here-on-earth-karlo-broussard-catholic-answers-press-paperback/?searchid=127872Karlo Broussard is a staff apologist and speaker for Catholic Answers. He explains and defends the Catholic faith through seminars, courses, live radio, podcasts, books, articles and more!

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.

Lessons from St Joseph for Men
In this episode, Simon shares insights and lessons that he has learned from Saint Joseph on how to live out the Masculine Mission.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Fertility and Women's Health
In this episode, Madeleine interviews Dr Monique Ruberu, a Catholic Napro Technology trained Pro Life Ob/Gyn. She shares her knowledge and wisdom on Women's healthcare and fertility.
Dr Monique's passion for this topic is contagious as she shares about her upcoming plans to release an online course that gives everyone access to vital knowledge about Napro Technology and fertility.
Fertility Solved Online Course
Rising with Roses Conversion Story (available on Amazon)

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!

What to Expect in the Early Years of Marriage
In this episode, Simon and Madeleine interview Mike and Alicia Hernon, founders of The Messy Family Project.
Mike and Alicia give great advice on many topics from how to deal with two worlds coming together in the early stages of marriage to adjusting to a new baby! For more information on The Messy Family Project, visit their website.

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

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.

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!

Strategies to Overcoming Pornography (with Jason Evert)
In this episode Simon and Madeleine interview Jason Evert on the reality of pornography. They discuss the damaging effects of pornography and strategies to overcome it.
Jason Evert has spoken to over 1 million people about the virtue of Chastity! For more information on Jason and his ministry visit his website.

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.

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

Love Is Not Give And Take
In a relationship, shouldn't love be 50/50? In this video, Simon shares a powerful encounter with Antoun, a man who totally challenged his idea of love. Learn the secret that helped Antoun and his wife endure 53 years of faithful, marital love filled with both joy and suffering. If you’re ready to challenge your own views on love, this episode is for you.
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Struggling with harmful habits or addictive behaviors and looking for real freedom? Get the support and guidance you need to overcome them for good with our Sexual Freedom Mastermind.
Click the link to learn more and take the next step in your journey:
https://fireup.kartra.com/page/BreakFreeCoaching

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.

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.