Living Heartsongs: Journey with Mattie J.T. Stepanek to Hope & Peace
Exploring Mattie Stepanek, his concept of Heartsongs and how in our moments of love, suffering and faith we find hope and peace.
Mattie’s Guild launched Living Heartsongs Podcast in March 2026 to:
- Shed light on Mattie’s life – virtuous, humble; ordinary, extraordinary
- Share Mattie’s words for our everyday lives and spiritual lives
- Highlight hope in the presence of suffering
- Honor childlike faith without being childish
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Wednesday May 13, 2026
In this episode Kathy Dempsey and Maria Johnson explore Mattie's poetry on themes of peace and hope.
Monday May 04, 2026
Monday May 04, 2026
Kathy Dempsey and Maria Johnson are joined by guest Gina Clark, past Executive Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Maryland. Gina knew Mattie, and worked with him in the local Maryland MDA. She recalls several events from Mattie's life, including a dramatic medical emergency that involved a mad dash to provide a relic of Saint Andre Bessette, and a miracle!
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Kathy and Maria sit down with guest Kevin Reilly, a firefighter who knew Mattie, to share heartfelt memories of a joy-filled boy whose passion for life left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Monday Apr 06, 2026
Monday Apr 06, 2026
Kathy and Maria sit down with guest Kevin Reilly, a firefighter who knew Mattie, to share heartfelt memories of a joy-filled boy whose passion for life left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Monday Apr 06, 2026
Monday Apr 06, 2026
In this Holy Week episode, Kathy and Maria reflect on the profound beauty and spiritual depth of Mattie Stepanek’s poetry, which echoes Christ’s journey through suffering, love, and hope. His words invite us to enter more fully into the mystery of the Cross.
Monday Mar 23, 2026
Monday Mar 23, 2026
In this moving episode, Fr. Seith reflects on the remarkable virtues of Mattie Stepanek, highlighting his embrace of redemptive suffering and profound union with Christ on the Cross. Discover how Mattie’s witness continues to inspire a deeper understanding of suffering, hope, and holiness.
Monday Mar 16, 2026
Monday Mar 16, 2026
Cheryl Kerwin recalls the suffering that Mattie went through and observes how he aligned his suffering to Christ at Calvary.
Monday Mar 09, 2026
Monday Mar 09, 2026
Hosts Maria and Kathy explain Mattie's concept of Heartsongs and share thoughts on his joyful and playful spirit.
Monday Mar 02, 2026
Monday Mar 02, 2026
In this inaugural episode of Living Heartsongs, hosts Maria Johnson and Kathy Dempsey introduce themselves and share their encounters with Mattie's life and legacy. Also hear about Mattie’s life-threatening challenges in 2001 leading up to the poem he wrote, Hope for Life’s Journey.