Desert Streaming

Is Your Recovery Selfish? The Virtue You Might Be Ignoring

Andrew and Marco dive into a vital component of true freedom: the cardinal virtue of justice. They connect this virtue to real-life situations, showing that justice is not merely a lofty ideal but a guiding principle for everyday living.

Andrew emphasizes that chastity, at its core, is an expression of justice—a way of giving others what is rightfully due to them. He illustrates how justice can be practiced in concrete ways, especially in the pursuit of chastity and authentic self-gift within our sexual identity. Together, they relate this to both the marital and celibate vocations.

Andrew also explores the potential pitfall of recovery becoming overly self-centered and "unjust." While personal healing is essential, he reminds us that as social beings, our actions always have an effect on those around us. True recovery must be rooted in justice toward others.

Order your copy now at: Rediscovering Our Lost Fullness

The Surprising Power of Prudence

Andrew explores a powerful key to authentic human freedom: the cardinal virtue of prudence. He unpacks what might sound like a dry topic—just about making good decisions—but it’s so much more than that. Prudence is a human habit that empowers us to live in harmony with reality as it truly is.

Far from abstract theory, Andrew shows how this virtue can be lived out in deeply practical ways—especially in our journey toward becoming chaste, self-giving persons in our sexual identity.

Andrew goes deeper into how prudence brings balance to how we remember our past. Rather than staying in denial or getting stuck in despair, he invites us to see our story with clear, faithful eyes. This shift in perspective opens us up to deep healing and freedom.

Order now at: https://www.shopdesertstream.org/product-page/rediscovering-our-lost-fullness

Emotional Unchastity: Breaking Free from Making People Idols

In this enlightening episode, Andrew explores the vocation of celibacy through the lens of St. John Paul II, unpacking the core qualities of authentic celibacy. He helps distinguish it from misguided or confused motivations that can cloud the true meaning of this calling.

Andrew also dives into the issue of emotional unchastity—subtle yet dangerous in any relationship. He outlines key factors that contribute to emotional unchastity and offers practical insights on how to break free from the harmful tendency of turning others into idols.

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Christian feminism?

Don’t miss this insightful episode! Andrew takes us through his early seminary journey and explores the complex intersection of "biblical feminism," with both its gifts and limitations. He also shares how he encountered Christopher West and the profound insights of Pope St. John Paul II, particularly the pope's biblical anthropology, which highlights the extraordinary dignity of women.

In this episode, Andrew also expresses his deep appreciation for Pope St. Paul VI's groundbreaking encyclical on contraception. He argues that contraception has been a major catalyst for sexual confusion, as it separates the sexual act from the sacred gift of new life.

https://www.shopdesertstream.org/product-page/rediscovering-our-lost-fullness

How can homosexuality heal the Church?

Don’t miss this insightful episode! Andrew explores the significance of community and the importance of trusting church members with our hidden struggles. Reflecting on the early days of Desert Stream, he shares both the gifts and limitations of connecting with others who share similar vulnerabilities. By expanding the community beyond those experiencing same-sex attraction, he highlights how this shift created a healthier, more inclusive environment. This made for deeper healing experiences.

Andrew also offers his perspective on how the issue of homosexuality has divided the Church and the impact this division has had on pastoral care. He believes that when the Church embraces the healing of homosexuality, the transformative power of God's Kingdom will flow freely for all.

https://www.shopdesertstream.org/product-page/rediscovering-our-lost-fullness

Chastity and the Pursuit of Happiness

In this episode, Andrew and Marco discuss how to reclaim one's agency over sexual passions in a way that dignifies both self and others. Drawing on Karl Barth and the Catechism, they offer a framework for living rightly toward the opposite sex, which is key to true integration.

Andrew argues that chastity is essential for happiness, helping to navigate confusing desires and temptations. He also shares insights from Leanne Payne, offering a hopeful path to healing through surrendering obsessive thoughts and feelings to Jesus.

https://www.shopdesertstream.org/product-page/rediscovering-our-lost-fullness

Jesus lives in you.

This episode continues the "What is Chastity?" series, diving deeper into Andrew's journey as he explores the transformative power of the Real Meal. Drawing from his own experience, Andrew reflects on his confirmation as a Catholic, describing it as a challenging adventure. He speaks candidly about the stability and strength he found in the historic Church.

 

By tying the power of the Eucharist (the Real Meal) to his personal quest to becoming chaste, Andrew emphasizes how this Holy Communion is the bedrock of human integration.

https://www.shopdesertstream.org/product-page/rediscovering-our-lost-fullness

Don't run away from temptation. Learn how to walk through it.

Using Andrew's latest book, Rediscovering Our Lost Fullness as a guide, this series explores the true meaning of chastity. Andrew and Marco seek to demystify this virtue too often misunderstood and/or deemed archaic. Using their own stories and experiences, chastity comes alive as a virtue that heals and redeems what divides us.

 

https://www.shopdesertstream.org/product-page/rediscovering-our-lost-fullness

A psychologist pope? w/ Dr. Greg Bottaro

Check out this excellent conversation where Dr. Greg Bottaro expounds on the thinking of Pope St. John Paul II as laying the ground for sound therapy and healing.

You can check out the work of Dr. Greg at the Catholic Psych Institute: https://catholicpsych.com

Check out Dr. Greg Bottaro's podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@CatholicPsychInstitute

Let the IHOP-KC mess make us more whole

Check out Andrew's blog at: https://www.andrewcomiskey.com