Holy Rebels Podcast
The Holy Rebels Podcast is for spiritually literate, psychologically aware seekers who want a mature, grounded relationship with God.
Hosted by Nina Hirlaender, Franciscan Sister and mystical theology teacher, this show pulls the Western mystical tradition off the shelf and into the daily grind, with more grace and less spinning.
Each episode blends vivid storytelling with practical formation, so your spiritual life feels alive, connected, and unmistakably real. You will meet mystics like Mary Magdalene, Francis of Assisi, and Teresa of Avila, not as saints on pedestals, but as wise companions for real life.
Expect practices that sharpen discernment, strengthen intuition you can trust, and bring steadier decisions, deeper prayer, and more peace that holds up under pressure.
No fluff, plenty of heart.
www.HolyRebelsPodcast.com
Episodes
34 episodes
Yule: Threshold of Trust | Celtic Wheel of The Year
The old chapter closed. The new one hasn't opened. And the intelligent, productive part of you is getting restless — because it knows how to act and plan and figure things out. It does not know how to wait.In this eighth and final episod...
Samhain: Threshold of Shadow | Celtic Wheel of The Year
A flock of birds joined our drum circle inside a sea cave on the Cornish coast. What they unlocked in ten minutes had taken one woman years to carry alone.In this seventh episode of The Soul's Eight Thresholds of Transformation, Nina Hir...
Autumn Equinox: Threshold of Release | Celtic Wheel of The Year
There's a version of you that's already over. You can feel it in the quiet dread of playing a role that stopped fitting somewhere along the way. What you haven't done yet is give it a proper ending.In this sixth episode of The Soul's Eig...
Lammas: Threshold of Receiving | Celtic Wheel of The Year
You've spent decades showing up, giving, and getting it done. So why does actually enjoying what you've built feel like something you still need permission for?In this fifth episode of The Soul's Eight Thresholds of Transformation, Nina ...
Summer Solstice: Threshold of Radiance | Celtic Wheel of The Year
You've been the strong one for so long you've forgotten what it feels like to be held. And your body is starting to keep score. Sound familiar?In Episode 4 of The Soul's 8 Thresholds of Transformation, Nina Hirlaender OFS takes ...
Beltane: Threshold of Joy | Celtic Wheel of The Year
There's a waterfall hidden in the woods of Cornwall that makes grandmothers kick off their boots and dance on wet stones. Something about this place strips away the performance — and gives you permission you didn't know you needed.In epi...
Spring Equinox: Threshold of Choice | Celtic Wheel of The Year
You already know what needs to end. You've known for a while. You're just waiting for someone else to make it obvious—so you don't have to be the one to choose.In this second episode of The Soul's Eight Thresholds of Transformation
Imbolc: Threshold of Awakening | Celtic Wheel of The Year
There's a moment when you realize waiting has started to cost you something. The old pattern still works, technically. But something in your chest knows the window is closing.In this first episode of an eight-part series, Nina Hirlaender...
Advent Week 4 | Love You Don’t Have to Earn
Part 4 of a 4-week Advent series released every Sunday.There comes a point in the spiritual journey where effort quietly runs out.Where striving no longer works.Where something in you longs not for improvement, bu...
Advent Week 3 | Finding Joy You Can Trust
Part 3 of a 4-week Advent series released every SundayJoy is everywhere in the culture — sold, studied, optimized, hashtagged — and yet so many people feel flat, numb, or quietly exhausted instead of joyful. If you’ve eve...
Advent Week 2 | Peace When Life Won’t Slow Down
Part 2 of a 4-week Advent series released every Sunday.Life doesn’t slow down during the holidays just because you want it to. The emails keep coming, the world keeps moving, and your mind keeps spinning—even as something...
Advent Week 1 | Hope for an Uncertain Future
Part 1 of a 4-week Advent series released every Sunday.There’s a moment at the beginning of Advent when something in you finally exhales. A small but real sense of relief that you don’t have to be fully “ready” to begin again.
Mary Magdalene: Sacred Femininity and Redemption
In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the life and legacy of Mary Magdalene, one of history's most enigmatic and influential figures. Journey with us as we explore medieval tales of Mary's final years in the south of France, uncovering...
The Mystery of Mary Magdalene: Unveiling The True Story
Mary Magdalene is a woman shrouded in mystery and misinterpretation. We journey through the Gospels to unravel her true identity, exploring her profound roles and the symbolism she carries. Through careful examination of biblical texts, we shin...
Spiritual Desolation: 3 Reasons You Feel Distant From God
What should you do when you feel distant from God? In this episode, we dive deep into the concepts of Spiritual Desolation and the Discernment of Spirits as taught by Ignatius of Loyola. We explore the three main reasons why...
Discernment of Spirits: The Wisdom of Ignatius of Loyola
The mystical teachings of Ignatius of Loyola guide us through the complexities of our spiritual journey. Applying the principles of Discernment of Spirits will help you navigate the highs and lows of your spiritual life.
Do you dream of walking the Camino?
If you've ever felt called to walk the Camino, this is for you! Imagine packing your bags and taking a break to connect with yourself on a deeply personal level.. The Camino offers a unique opportunity to do so. This mini-episode is your invita...
The Cosmic Christ and Teilhard de Chardin: Shaping the Future of Spirituality
In this deeply enriching episode, we explore the concepts of the Cosmic Christ, Teilhard de Chardin, and the Mystical Body of Christ, guiding listeners through a transcende...
Rising Above Adversity: The Eighth Beatitude
There's extraordinary power in sacrifice— the enduring light of hope that can emerge from the depths of darkness. In today's episode, we explore the heroic life of Maximilian Kolbe. A man who, in the face of indescribable evil, chose to embo...
Finding Peace in a Polarized World: The Seventh Beatitude
How can the pursuit of peace become not just a noble idea, but a radical act of courage? In this episode, we dive into the heart of peacemaking, inspired by the beautiful paradox of the seventh beatitude: "Blessed are the peacem...
Are You Being True To Yourself? The Sixth Beatitude
Are you being true to yourself? It’s a loaded question . . . and if the answer is “I’m not sure,” that’s normal. In your busy life, it’s easy —and completely human!—to feel pulled in dozens of different directions, from romantic relationship...
Why You Need to Forgive Them: The Fifth Beatitude
How can we extend forgiveness to those who've caused us pain? How do we resist the urge for revenge when we feel wronged? In this thought-provoking episode, we grapple with an often-overlooked virtue—mercy.We navigate the tricky bala...
Righteous Rebellion: The Fourth Beatitude
Injustice is all around us, from suffering in our own communities to tragic news stories from the complete other side of the world. Think about the last time you saw injustice or unfairness in your life. Maybe you saw a coworker being treate...
Blessed Are The Meek: The Third Beatitude's Plea For Spiritual Maturity
Mastering the art of self-control is essential to finding peace and happiness in life. In this episode, we explore the often-misunderstood virtue of "meekness", drawing inspiration from Mother Teresa, who often demonstrated composure under stre...
Blessed Are They That Mourn: The Second Beatitude Advises, “Do Not Be Afraid”
Grief is a non-linear journey. It requires courage and grace. In this thoughtful episode, Nina shares a personal story—she recounts a roadside accident and a heartbreak that resurfaced long-buried sorrow. Challenging experiences serve as a remi...