Real Living cover art

Real Living

Real Living

By: Mary Lou Nemecek and Lavinia Spirito
Listen for free

About this listen

After almost two decades of conducting a weekly scripture study and developing a companion radio show, Real Living, Mary Lou Nemecek and Lavinia Spirito challenges and encourages you to engage your everyday life with a Catholic mindfulness and awareness.Copyright 2026 Real Living Christianity Spirituality World
Episodes
  • Who Are We To Judge?
    Jan 27 2026

    In this episode of Real Living, hosts Lavenia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek delve into the complex topic of judgment and non-judgmentalism within society and Christianity. They discuss the often misconstrued statements of past popes, the balance between calling out sin and practicing love, and the scriptural guidance on making moral judgments. The conversation also touches on the cultural shift towards moral relativism, the importance of personal testimony, and the central Christian duty of lovingly guiding others while introspectively addressing one's own faults. The hosts emphasize that love and prudence should form the basis of any discernment or judgment.

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Halloween 2
    Oct 30 2025

    In this episode of Real Living, Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek delve into the historical, pagan, and modern secular aspects of Halloween. They discuss the Protestant skepticism around the holiday, its Celtic roots, and the Catholic traditions surrounding All Hallows' Eve, All Saints, and All Souls' Day. The episode also touches on the evolution of Halloween customs, from ancient practices to contemporary commercial influences, emphasizing the importance of retaining the spiritual significance of the holiday in the Christian context.

    Time Topic

    00:00 Introduction to Halloween Discussion

    00:31 Historical and Religious Context of Halloween

    03:00 Customs and Traditions of Halloween

    04:21 Modern Interpretations and Commercialization

    05:39 Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

    08:00 Cultural Variations and Historical Evolution

    11:43 The Spiritual Significance of Halloween

    17:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Halloween 1
    Oct 28 2025

    In this episode of Real Living, hosts Lavinia Spirito and Mary Lou Nemecek dive into the history and significance of Halloween by examining it from three perspectives: Christian, Pagan, and secular. They discuss Halloween's origins, from its roots in the Christian tradition as All Hallows' Eve to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The hosts also touch on modern secular traditions and compare cultural observances across regions. Additionally, they explore the concept of purgatory and how it ties into All Saints' and All Souls' Days.

    Time Topic

    00:00 Introduction to Halloween Discussion

    00:32 Christian Perspective on Halloween

    01:55 Pagan Origins and Traditions

    02:19 Secular Celebrations and Modern Fun

    03:30 Historical Evolution of Halloween

    06:14 Praying for the Souls in Purgatory

    11:35 Cultural Differences in Halloween Celebrations

    15:12 Celtic Traditions and Samhain

    17:55 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
No reviews yet