Technology offers countless ways to share the message of faith, and for longtime friends Annabel Kaye and Catherine Buckley, a podcast felt like the right place to start.

The two launched “The Lovely Light Podcast” in the summer of 2024 with teenage girls in mind. As avid podcast listeners themselves, they noticed something missing.

“We love listening to podcasts, but so many of them are made by adults,” Buckley said. “We thought it would be more relatable for teenage girls if other teenage girls were talking about faith. We hope it inspires them to keep growing closer to God.”

Kaye and Buckley grew up in Jacksonville and met in pre-kindergarten at Holy Family Catholic Church and School. Over the years, their friendship deepened alongside their faith as they stayed involved in parish life, youth group and the sacraments.

“Growing up together through all the different stages of life and receiving the sacraments together has been really special,” Buckley said. “It helps to have someone who’s striving to grow in faith at the same time you are.”

Each episode of the podcast blends prayer and conversation. The girls might reflect on a Scripture passage, highlight a saint or talk through everyday topics like school, friendships and navigating life as teenagers.

“We relate everything back to our own experiences as high school students and just let the conversation flow,” Kaye said. “We try to see where the Holy Spirit takes it.”

Kaye is a senior at Stanton College Preparatory School, while Buckley is a senior at Bishop Kenny High School. Buckley said the conversations often end up being as meaningful for them as they are for listeners.

“After every episode, I feel like I’ve grown stronger and closer to God,” she said. “We’re not hiding our faith. We’re sharing it.”

Kaye said she has even heard from parents who discovered the podcast and then encouraged their children to listen.

“These are really formative years,” Kaye said. “There’s so much pressure in high school with college decisions and figuring out what you’re going to do with your life. Having strong friendships and a Catholic community makes it easier to stay grounded and hold each other accountable in faith.”

The podcast’s name also came out of prayer and reflection.

“We knew we wanted the word ‘light’ in the name,” Kaye said. “There’s a passage in First John that talks about God being the light of the world, and that’s what we want to bring through the podcast. The world can feel really dark and overwhelming, and we hope this helps people find light in their own lives.”

Certain episodes have stood out for each of them. Buckley pointed to a conversation about being ambassadors for Christ, rather than just for brands or trends.

For Kaye, an episode about using one’s gifts for God resonated most with listeners.

“When people hear ‘using your gifts for God,’ they often think of preaching,” she said. “That’s beautiful, but you can also glorify God through your talents, whether that’s singing, playing a sport or anything else you love.”

Looking ahead, the friends hope to launch a second season this spring or summer, with topics shifting from high school life to preparing for college and the next chapter ahead.

“The Lovely Light Podcast” is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The duo also shares content on Instagram and TikTok @thelovelylightpodcast.