Great podcast. I’ve been listening for 3 months and I have gotten so much out of these. There are revelations that Mother Natalia or Father have that I’ve never heard before and really make me stop and think. I do miss when there was goodbyes and love yous after the blessing. It would also be cool to go into the history of some of our favorite phrases and blessings and prayers because lots of us cradle Catholics learn things without learning first the meaning of them. Love listening to all of the reflections, though, and it helps so much to hear mother Natalia and Father talking and goofing off when it’s been a long/hard day, or while I’m working. I think this podcast is very spirit-led (new favorite phrase thanks to mn&f) and I know it will bring thousands of people to Christ or closer to Him. Love you all.

I love this podcast. It is my go-to when cooking. It’s interesting and spiritually insightful, and that alone makes it worth listening to. But Fr Michael and Mother Natalia are also just super fun! That’s what makes it a joy.

This show is such a refreshing antidote to the poison and partisanship of modern secular society.

You all need to know that God sent me to your show tonight even tho I’ve even heard of this podcast before. At my morning prayers today i was depressed and desolate over having yet again fallen to the sin of pride the day before. With a contrite heart i pleaded that jesus would grant me the graces i need to master my pride but also the grace to forgive myself which is a big struggle for me, hence the depression . I then muddled thru my day and found great relief in my night readings, prayers and rosary. I usually listen to a Catholic podcast or gospel reading to help me wind down and sleep when I came upon this wonderful site . Every topic you shared was like God opening my eyes and ears to His great love and goodness - as Father described, i could see our Lord smiling and rolling his eyes and saying, see I heard you - just listen, this is what you need right now. He is so good indeed and I offer praise and thanksgiving for all of you ! I am a forever fan!!

I can’t even begin to explain how amazing and helpful this podcast is. I just found this over the summer (2024) and have been listening from the beginning (so I’m still listening to Fr. Michael and “Sister” Natalia). I think I’ve been more catechized in the past couple months than in my Catholic upbringing. There’s just so much goodness in this! And the banter!! Do NOT stop the banter! I laugh; I cry; I learn; I grow. I have been telling everyone about this. You have to listen to this!

I’ve been a listener for close to a year. Just finished the newest episode, “God‘s work in others” and it was SO GOOD! They put words to the magnanimity and profound intimacy with Jesus that is intrinsic to every vocation; whether marriage, single life, or religious life. I am a Roman Catholic, but love so many things about the richness of the eastern tradition. But my absolute favorite part of every episode is father Michael’s blessing at the end. There was one episode his closing prayer was this: “May the Lord bless you and keep you, may he make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May he lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” … spoken with such a tender, father’s heart. And now I pray that over my son every. single. night. A must listen for anyone wanting to learn more about the profound beauty of the Catholic faith.

Roman Catholic here but this Byzantine Catholic podcast is a hidden gem. Beware..it is absolutely addicting. I listen to episodes over and over. It is funny, joyful, but deeply spiritual. Mother Natalia is a gentle soul with a huge laugh…usually at Fr Michael’s expense. She is young and attractive but her large eyes grow so serious when she shares her insights from prayer during her monastic life at Christ the Bridegroom monastery. Her frustration with her pride and “ awkwardness” add to her charm. Fr Michael is the priest we would all love to have as spiritual director, confessor and best friend. He is a delightful mix of brains, humor, kindness and deep holiness. He speaks rapidly in contrast to Mother’s more contemplative pace. But his deep love for God is ever apparent. I especially love the blessings he gives at the end of each episode. I love learning the Byzantine traditions and their prayers are so beautiful that I am looking some up online and adding to my own prayer time I have fallen in love with these two for enriching my own faith so much. I highly recommend you visit their delightful podcast. Try 3 random episodes, and I bet you will be subscribing. They are like entertainment on a channel from heaven. 😉 Love you Mother Natalia and Father Michael! ❤️Patricia

I can’t get enough of these episodes. The first time I listened to Mother Natalia in Pints with Aquinas I felt like I could relate to someone for the first time. Together with Father Michael, your points of view bring balance to each topic. It has blessed me tremendously. And as a young Protestant looking to become Catholic this has shown me the meaning of real relationship with Jesus more than anything I’ve been taught in the past. Thank you for your obedience Father Michael and Mother Natalia!

This podcast is an oasis of reverence and joy. Mother Natalia and Father Michael focus their discussions on their love for Christ and his Church.

As a Ukrainian Catholic currently attending a west seminary(as per my archbishop), this podcast has been a great resource!

I love listening to this podcast. Father Michael and Mother Natalia are such beautiful people. I’ve learned so much about the Eastern traditions of the church through these episodes, and they’ve inspired my own spiritual journey & growth. Also, I agree that the banter is fun because it shows their personalities and makes them so relatable.

Thank you for this wonderful podcast. It makes me think and reflect on God and my relationship with him and others. I am not a banter hater; I think the opening banter is refreshing and makes me feel like I am listening to a conversation with friends. Thank you.

This podcast has helped me to become a better person, wife, mother, and spiritual daughter. Thank you to everyone who helps make this podcast possible!

So much wisdom and love are dished out in this podcast- Everyone needs to listen to WHAT GOD IS NOT

It is clear that the Holy Spirit is working through everyone involved in this podcast. If you are looking for a new way to see God alive and actively working in our world then give this podcast a listen.

This podcast has helped me to explore the Catholic faith as a new Convert.

I’ve learned a lot about our Eastern Catholic brethren from this podcast. Also very funny!

Mother Natalia and Father Michael are wonderful. They share the faith in a very genuine, charitable, and compelling way. Can’t wait to listen each week.

I love this podcast but all the interrupting detracts from how good it is

Have learned a great deal from Father Michael and Mother Natalia. Both are very personable. Been listener for at least a few years.

One of the most enjoyable podcast available. Fun and informative.

Only negative thing to say about this podcast is that it only comes out once a week.

Thank you for your silly and informational podcast. Your friendship with each other, Jesus and the Catholic faith is contagious and encouraging. I’ve learned about saints, different prayers, ways to live more holy and that we all aren’t perfect- and that’s okay!

Love this podcast! 5 stars!

Just heard you on Matt Fradd’s podcast!! And can’t wait to learn more from you two! God bless you for your yes to God!

I’m listening from the very beginning and loving Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia’s perspectives. As someone new to the Byzantine world, I’m benefiting a lot.

I don’t like podcasts at all, but this one is like nothing else out there. My new ministry in the middle of nowhere involves a lot of driving and “What God is not” became my regular companion. It makes me praise God so many time, it’s almost like my prayer. Did I use some of your thoughts in my homilies? Maybe. God bless you, Father Mike and Mother Natalia (and Father Nathan!).

My very favorite podcast. Fr. Mike and Mother Natalia are wonderful and inspiring. I love their banter and they deep, far ranging conversation.

I’ve been listening for about 2 years now, and this is one of the only podcasts I consistently listen to. I’ve introduced it to my friends and they’ve all become addicted too. What I appreciate the most is that MN and FM don’t (pardon) put on “scholarly airs” and their theology isn’t esoteric. Some theology podcasts can feel like that. I love how it’s really just them talking about their lives and they seamlessly weave in theology and God and their prayers into everything. It feels like listening to a bunch of holy friends. I like how real they are and how clear and understandable everything is. I’m in the Latin Rite but I resonate so much with the Eastern understanding/theology, so each week is a gem. #notabanterhater

I am a Roman Catholic who is greatly enjoying learning about the eastern church and growing deeper in faith. I love the relationship of these 2 religious striving towards holiness, banter and all.

Mother Natalia, I feel you were talking to me on your reflection over Romans. My you always have the Peace you desire and the love of those that need it the most. Thanks for giving us you!

I love this podcast! Father Michael and Mother Natalia offer a wonderfully conversational podcast. They share so much of themselves, that it feels like I’ve known them for a couple of years, even though I’ve never met them. They share with us the depth and beauty of the Eastern Church in such a way that it spurs me along in my live as a Roman Catholic.

Uniquely wise n witty.. Life-changing!

One of my favorite podcasts to listen to. Mother Natalia and Father Michael have a beautiful way of providing spiritual wisdom. Their personalities shine through the episodes and they are a joy to listen to.

Mother Natalia & Fr. Michael are so candid, grounded, and inspiring! They are open with struggles and insights on all things faith and living oriented towards Christ. Truly a podcast I look forward to!

The love that Fr. Michael and Sister Natalia have for the world is reflected in the love they show to all, especially each other. This show is very spiritually fulfilling, entertaining and educational. It is the spiritual guidance on a down to earth level that makes it a podcast to look forward to! !Vivat Jesus! Carlos

I loved to listen to Mother Natalia and Fr. Micheal. Truly inspiring and fun!!! Their laughter fills my heart.

I always have something to think more deeply about after listening to this podcast. Thank you Mother Natalia and Father Michael!

Great widow and fun conversation. Makes me feel like I’m physically present and part of the conversation.

OK maybe they zoom into a podcast, but either way, they consistently demonstrate how we can better love each other. Listening in to their podcast is insight into something extremely unique- their dedication to their vows to God, their relationship with each other despite vast differences in roles and personality, their Byzantine Catholicism, etc. They humanize celibate priesthood and monasticism, which have often felt too other worldly and too far from reality me. The show is one reminder that we can live lives dedicated to God, love our neighbors, learn from each other through theological differences, and still live in the 21st century. I especially enjoy Mother Natalia’s sincere insights and Fr Michael’s humanity. I was baptized a Roman Catholic, but raised a nondenominational Protestant (and still identify here), then went seeking the better church fit while attending Anglican/Episcopal services through marriage, and while I still have seeking to do, it’s been a blessing to listen in. Thank you both.

I find they have many long conversations and their intelligence on God is enjoyable. However, I feel like many of their podcasts are very vague and generalized. There is not much detail or continued discussion. Such as, saying their thoughts and facts - they always seem to stop short. They often times say “never mind” or “I won’t say that” or “I’ll stop there” or “I’m not going to discuss that today”. That’s not very insightful or thoughtful when lots of people are listening intently. The thoughts seem to be cut short very often which can be frustrating, often. But other than that, I enjoy the small talk they provide. I hope they eventfully steer away from the small talk and go into more depth down the road

I heard about "What God is Not" as a fan of "Catholic Stuff you should know" and now I'm a faithful listener of both. So much Grace and goodness pours out of the relationship between Fr and Mother and the fruit of their lives is evident in their conversation. I'm Roman but I'm excited to worship at a Divine Liturgy at some point soon

I only have good things to say about this podcast! They treat complex topics with thoughtfulness, nuance, and a genuine love. It is a deeply human, personal look at the realities of the Christian life.

Love this podcast. Thought provoking. Nice to get a Byzantine perspective and Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia are knowledgeable, thoughtful and fun to listen to.

Love this podcast!!! from an Orthodox <3

Fr. Michael and Mother Natalia are such a great pair of spiritual guides and witnesses to the ways in which God draws us toward Himself. As a Benedictine Oblate I continuously find this podcast spiritually refreshing. Keep up the great work you two are doing in God’s love. Peace be with you both and among your communities 🙏!

Thank you!!!!!

I love listening to and look forward to new episodes of this podcast. A must listen to podcast for any Catholics.

This podcast is brings to light the truth that all Christians are called to an intimate union with God, with two very real guests who do not sugar coat the Faith. It inspires me to pray more and be a better man if God.

I’m a Roman Catholic and found this podcast from Mother Natalia’s interview with Matt Fradd on Pints with Aquinas. I just watched it yesterday and listened to two episodes of this podcast today. Learning about the eastern tradition and saints is so interesting. Mother Natalia and Father Michael are both beautiful. Their episode on ontology nearly brought me to tears. I really appreciate what they had to share and the eastern prayers are so beautiful. Looking forward to listening to more