Growing Hearts Podcast

In this episode of Growing Hearts, we explore what Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas has to say about artificial intelligence—and, more importantly, what it means for family life. For parents, this raises important questions about the habits we are forming in our children.  How do we teach them to use AI as a tool rather than a replacement for thinking? How do we encourage honesty, responsibility, wonder and creativity in a world where information and answers are always just a click away? 

Joining us are Martin Fitzgerald and Charbel Doumit, teachers at Redfield College, who unpack the key messages of Magnifica Humanitas and explore the role of parents and schools in helping young people navigate this rapidly changing world, sharing practical ideas for healthy boundaries around technology. 


Key Topics Discussed: 

How Pope Leo XIV's encyclical helps us reflect on the opportunities and challenges of this new technological age.
How technology can be a valuable tool when it is guided by wisdom and keeps human dignity at the center.
Why giving children opportunities to think, wonder, create and work things out for themselves is so important.
Forming children in honesty and responsibility: Helping young people use AI in ways that support genuine learning and allow them to take ownership of their work.
Practical ways families can create space for conversation, relationships, reflection, reading, prayer and time away from devices.
Helping children use AI wisely: Encouraging young people to ask good questions, think critically, check information and use AI to extend rather than replace their thinking. 

 

Join the Conversation 

AI is becoming part of everyday family and school life. How can we help our children navigate it without losing sight of what makes us human? 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Growing Hearts, leave a review, and share it with someone who might find encouragement in today's conversation. 

References: 

Arthur Brooks YouTube channel 

Brooks, Arthur. The meaning of your life: Finding purpose in an Age of Emptiness 

You can:  

Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast  


Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website  


Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  


Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

Family life isn't built on grand gestures - it's shaped by the small, ordinary moments we repeat every day. 

In this episode, we are joined by Elizabeth Leyden, mentor at Tangara School for Girls, wife, mum of two and former lawyer, to explore how simple family habits and routines become the foundation for lasting relationships, joyful homes and a living faith. 

Together they discuss why family dinners matter, how couples can create their own family culture, the importance of investing in marriage, and practical ways to make faith a natural part of everyday life. Elizabeth also shares how understanding each child's temperament, spending intentional one-on-one time, and embracing ordinary moments can have an extraordinary impact on family life. 

Whether you're raising toddlers, navigating busy family schedules, or simply looking for ways to be more intentional at home, this conversation offers practical encouragement to start small, stay consistent, and focus on what truly matters. 

Discussion Points:

Creating your family's unique style: building traditions and values together as a couple instead of simply copying your own upbringing. 


Making faith part of everyday life: practical ways to integrate prayer, church visits and conversations about God into daily family routines. 


Investing in marriage first: why a strong, united marriage provides the foundation for raising children with confidence and consistency. 


Helping children grow through responsibility and service: encouraging children to contribute at home, notice others' needs and develop a generous outlook. 


The importance of family rest and togetherness, rediscovering joy through shared meals, outdoor adventures, games and quality time without distractions. 


Starting small and staying consistent: simple, achievable habits that help families build lasting routines without striving for perfection. 



Join the Conversation 

What routines or traditions have helped your family grow closer? 

We'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, favorite family traditions, or practical habits that have made a difference in your home. 

Connect with us on social media or send us your questions and suggestions for future episodes. Your stories may inspire other families on their own journey of growing hearts. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Growing Hearts, leave a review, and share it with someone who might find encouragement in today's conversation. 

References: 

Online Postgraduate Studies in Marriage, Education and Family 

Parenting For Character, by Andrew Mullins 

 

You can:  

Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast  


Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website  


Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  


Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

What does it really mean to live a generous life—and why does it matter for our happiness? 

In this episode, we speak with Michael Mendieta, Chief Advancement Officer at the Pared Foundation and father of six, about how generosity, faith, and stepping out of our comfort zones are deeply connected to purpose and fulfilment. Drawing from his personal journey, work in philanthropy, and family life, Michael shares how a "giving spirit" isn't just about money - it's about how we live, love, and show up daily. From finding God in ordinary moments to building a culture of generosity at home, this conversation offers practical insights for families navigating busy, modern life. 

Discussion points:

Living generously, especially beyond comfort, leads to deeper fulfilment by aligning daily life with purpose and faith. 

Faith becomes real when it is lived in ordinary moments, where small intentional actions shape a meaningful relationship with God. 


The family is the primary place where generosity is learned through everyday acts like patience, presence, and sharing. 


Creating space for hospitality and shared time with others strengthens connection, joy, and a sense of belonging in busy modern life. 


True generosity is sustained by balance, where intentional rest allows individuals and families to keep giving without burnout. 


Join the Conversation 

What does generosity look like in your family right now? 


What's one small way you can step out of your comfort zone this week? 


How can you create more space for meaningful connection at home? 


When was the last time you invited someone into your everyday life? 


We'd love to hear from you—share your thoughts, stories, or family practices as we continue growing together. 

You can:  

Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast  


Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website  


Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  


Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

The university years bring new freedoms, new friendships, and often new challenges to living the faith. In this episode, Denis Setiyo shares practical insights on navigating faith during this important stage of life, from dealing with peer pressure and setbacks to building a personal relationship with God. Together, we explore how parents can continue to support their children through these transitions with prayer, example, and trust.
Discussion Points
Common faith challenges faced by university students
Why faith grows through both understanding and practice
Navigating peer pressure, independence, and personal responsibility
How parents can support young adults without trying to control them
The power of prayer and example in family life
Helping young people find their way back when they feel they've drifted from their faith
The role of spiritual direction, confession, and trusted mentors
Why vulnerability is often the first step towards growth
Sharing faith authentically in a university environment
Join the Conversation
What has helped your child stay connected to their faith during times of transition?
You can:  

Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast  


Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website  


Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  


Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes

What happens when children begin to spread their wings — moving from primary school to high school, into university, and eventually the workforce? How can parents support growing independence while helping young people stay grounded in their faith? 

In this episode of Growing Hearts, we speak with Denis Setiyo — healthcare professional, mentor, and old boy of Redfield College — about navigating life's major transitions and the role parents play in helping young people grow through seasons of change. Together we unpack some challenges young people face during these transitions, including growing responsibility, time management, freedom, and character growth. 

Denis shares practical habits that have helped him — fitness, faith, and family — and reflects on what can provide stability during seasons of growth and uncertainty. This episode offers practical wisdom for supporting young people as they navigate new stages of life, grow in responsibility, and take meaningful steps into adulthood with purpose and confidence. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

Parents' role in supporting independence through life transitions

The importance of trust and healthy dialogue

Letting children grow through responsibility

Living faith through changing seasons

Navigating the transition to university life



Join the Conversation 

Growing up involves increasing independence, responsibility, and confidence, while still feeling supported and connected at home. This episode invites us to reflect on how we can accompany young people through these transitions and help them build resilience, character, and faith in everyday life.
You can:  

Follow us on Instagram @growingheartspodcast  


Find out more about the Pared Foundation: visit our website  


Discover our schools by visiting: pared.edu.au/openday  


Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW so you don't miss out on any of our future episodes