What would you do if your spouse, only 49 years old, was given a terminal diagnosis?

When doctors told Toni her husband would only live a few years if he didn't get a heart transplant, her world fell apart. Desperate for hope, she turned to prayer—pleading, bold, unwavering prayer. And then, on Christmas Eve in South Texas, something miraculous happened.

In this episode of The Bad Catholic Podcast, Toni shares the incredible story of how God answered her prayers with an undeniable sign: snow in a place where it never snows. Together, we explore the power of prayer, what it means to truly surrender to God’s will, and how moments of crisis can lead to extraordinary faith.

The story comes from A Christmas Miracle, a chapter in Bending Palms, the mother-daughter memoir Toni co-wrote with Trisha. Set to release on Amazon on December 23, 2024, the book shares inspiring stories of faith, resilience, and God’s grace.

You can download the chapter for free at https://trishaespinoza.com/christmas-miracle.

Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.

In this episode of The Bad Catholic Podcast, Trisha shares a deeply personal and vulnerable experience: her first confession in over 30 years. Nervous and unsure of what to expect, she opens up about the emotions leading up to the moment and her disappointment when she didn’t feel the release or connection she anticipated afterward. Joined by her dad, Deacon David, they explore the purpose and power of the sacrament of confession, the importance of preparation, and how God’s grace often works in unexpected ways. Whether you’ve been to confession recently or are hesitant to go, this episode offers an honest and heartfelt look at the complexities of reconciliation and faith.

00:00 Introduction to The Bad Catholic Podcast

01:02 Confession Experience: Nervous Beginnings

01:21 Facing the Priest: Overcoming Anxiety

02:38 The Act of Confession: Expectations vs. Reality

05:42 Understanding Reconciliation and Its Importance

07:41 Steps to a Good Confession

12:29 The Role of Community in Faith

16:51 Sacraments: Connecting the Supernatural and the Physical

22:03 Daily Examination of Conscience

23:49 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.

What’s an annulment, and why does it matter? Trisha dives into one of the most misunderstood aspects of Catholic marriage with her father, Deacon David. They break down what an annulment really means, why it’s not just “Catholic divorce,” and how the Church views marriage as a lifelong sacrament. From surprising real-life stories to insights on faith, healing, and second chances, this episode sheds light on why annulments are more than just paperwork—they’re a path to reconciliation and spiritual freedom. Plus, learn why delaying your annulment could cost you more than time. Tune in to laugh, learn, and maybe even start your own process!

Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.

In this heartfelt episode of The Bad Catholic Podcast, Trisha and her mom, Toni, open up about their personal journeys through grief and the challenges their family is facing. Toni reflects on the recent loss of her brother Emilio, who passed away just a month before this episode was recorded. Still grappling with that fresh wound, Toni reveals she hasn’t yet fully processed the grief from losing her other brother, Joe, two years earlier.

Together, Toni and Trisha explore what it means to grieve while holding onto faith, even when the pain feels overwhelming. With raw honesty, they discuss the messy, unpredictable nature of grief and how it's changed their relationships—with each other, within their family, and with God.

This episode offers a vulnerable, hopeful conversation for anyone struggling with loss and searching for grace in the hardest moments. Join us as we uncover how to keep faith alive, even when the road feels impossible.

Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.

In this episode of Bad Catholic, Trisha shares how she started reading the Bible on a whim after an unexpected moment at a bookstore—right where God placed it, front and center. Now she’s wondering, “Am I doing this right?” She brings these questions to her dad, Deacon David, and together they explore how Catholics can approach scripture with curiosity and faith.

David dives into the Bible’s rich, layered history and what it means to read scripture as a Catholic—not just as a literal story, but as a guide to discovering God’s presence in every chapter and in everyday life. They tackle questions about which books to start with, how to interpret confusing passages, and the meaning behind some memorable Bible stories (why did Pharaoh wait to get rid of those frogs, anyway?).

With humor and heart, Trish and David invite you into a relatable conversation that captures the journey of finding God in both scripture and life’s little moments. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting out, this episode encourages you to see the Bible—and the world—through eyes wide open to grace.

Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about us at badcatholicpodcast.com or visit us on Instagram @badcatholicpodcast. We'd love to see you there.