Friday, December 13, 2019

Authentic Renewal, Demonic Exorcism, & Spiritual Direction (Guest: Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR)

Fr. Glenn is one of the eight founding members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, founded in the spring of 1987. The apostolic mission of the Community is to save the materially poor, especially the destitute and homeless. Presently, the Community has over 120 members and 15 friaries around the world. Father Glenn Sudano is from Brooklyn, and briefly pursued a career in television before entering the Capuchins in 1978 with the encouragement of Father Groeschel.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Reflecting on the Life of Ven. Patrick Peyton, "the Rosary Priest" (Guest: Fr. Willy Raymond, CSC)

Fr. Willy Raymond, C.S.C. is President of Holy Cross Family Ministries. He entered Holy Cross Fathers in 1964. He earned a Bachelors in Philosophy from Stonehill College in 1967 and a Masters in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. In addition to English, Father Willy is conversant in French and Spanish. He's a native of Old Town, Maine and one of 12 children. He remains a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, even though he has served as Chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He talks to us about Venerable Patrick Peyton.

Friday, November 22, 2019

How to Deal with Issues Facing Women Athletes Today (Guests: Samantha Kelley & Angela Schnieders)

Samatha Kelley, the president of Fierce Athlete, and one of her board members, Angela Schnieders, spoke about the challenges of being a female athlete today, and how to deal with those issues. They are both former athletes and have appeared on EWTN's Women of Grace.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Catholic Gentleman (Guest: Sam Guzman)

Sam Guzman is the founder and editor of the Catholic Gentleman. He is the husband of a beautiful woman and the father of four precious children. He lives in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. He is an author, blogger, and occasional poet, and my work has appeared in such publications as Catholic Exchange, Aleteia, Truth and Charity Forum, Jesus the Imagination, and The Christian Science Monitor. Sam is a frequent guest on EWTN, Magnificat Radio, Radio Maria and other media outlets. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University. His first book, also titled The Catholic Gentleman, is forthcoming from Ignatius Press. Above all, He is  a Catholic, and I strive to be a faithful son of the Church. Sam also happen to: shave with an old fashioned safety razor, smoke a pipe, love a good stout, have been known to write poetisry,  an amateur bibliophile, loves leather, owns three antique typewriters, occasionally collect fountain pens, and attend the Latin mass.

Rethinking Pauline Theology (Guest: Dr. Michael Barber)

Michael Patrick Barber is Associate Professor of Scripture and Theology at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology (Denver, CO). In addition to teaching, academic research, publishing, and participating in scholarly conferences (Society of Biblical Literature, Catholic Biblical Association), he also gives popular-level presentations at Catholic conferences and parish events around the United States. He lives in Aurora, CO, with his wife Kimberly and their six children.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

"Hope", the First Docudrama about Our Lady of Knock, Ireland (Guest: Campbell Miller)

Campbell Miller, the talented director and film maker behind, “Hope”, the very first docudrama about the apparitions of Our Lady of Knock in Ireland. Campbell currently works for EWTN in Ireland.



Laying the Basic Foundations of Virtue & Manhood (Guest: Fr. Carter Griffin)

Fr. Carter Griffin is the Rector of Saint John Paul II Seminary in Washington, DC. He is a graduate of Princeton University, a former Naval Officer, and author of the new book Why Celibacy? Reclaiming the Fatherhood of the Priest published by Emmaus Road.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Christ Figures in Science Fiction & Superhero Films (Guest: Dr.Jim Papandrea)

When cultures such as ours toss Jesus out one door, He comes in albeit disguised through another. That's why author Jim Papandrea turned to Star Wars, Star Trek, The Matrix, Terminator, Spider-Man, Batman, Dr. Who, and half-a-dozen other modern shows, discovering in each one powerful images of Christ and salvation.

Jim Papandrea is a teacher, author, speaker, and musician. He is a Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Garrett-Evangelical Seminary (on the campus of Northwestern University) in Evanston. IL.  In the second half of the show we talk about some early Church history and controversies.  Although we fainled to mention it, the Blessed Virgin Mary's virginity is taught in early creedal statements, teachings of the church fathers and various council teachings.  The Second Council of Constantinople (an Ecumenical Council) and the Lateran Synod in 649 during Pope Martin's reign were some of the early teachings of the Church on Mary as Ever-Virgin.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Experiencing Same-Sex Attraction within the Catholic Church (Guest: Avera Maria Santo)

Avera Maria Santo speaks and writes on homosexuality and Catholicism at the young age of 22. She travels the country sharing her story, giving a tangible and joyful witness to the goodness, truth, and beauty of the Church’s teachings. Avera blogs at Inside My Holy of Holies: http://couragegulfcoast.wixsite.com/blog

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Are you happy? (Guest: Dr. Jennifer Frey)

Are you happy?  Dr. Jennifer Frey discusses the connection between virtue and happiness according to Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas.  Dr. Frey also discusses the importance of literature in teaching the virtues.  We also discuss the role of the theological virtues and happiness.  Dr. Frey is currently an assistant professor in the philosophy department at the University of South Carolina. Her research lies at the intersection of philosophy of action, ethics, and meta-ethics. Dr. Frey co-edited a book titled, Self-Transcendence and Virtue, which was part of the work she did as co-principal investigator on a major three year research project, titled "Virtue, Happiness, and Meaning of Life."

How to Build a Confidence of Faith (Guest: Dr. Sean Innerst)

Dr. Sean Innerst is a professor at St. John Vianney Seminary and the Augustine Institute in Denver, CO.  He spoke with us about St. Agustine's method of evangelization and catechesis through the telling of the story of salvation history.  In that story, we can see God's love for his lost children.  Dr. Innerst also had some great insights on Mary at the foot of the cross.

Two Religious Sisters Work to Reach Out to College Students (Guests: Sr. Rita Clare Yoches & Sr. Sarah Rose Dent)

Sr. Rita Clare Yoches, TOR & Sr. Sarah Rose Dent, TOR talk to us about the work in reaching our to college students in their apostolate as Franciscan TOR Sisters.

Responding to the Current Trends of Sexuality, Feminism, & Gender Ideology. (Guest: Timmerie Millington Geagea)

Timmerie Millington Geagea is a radio host and Catholic speaker.  She speaks on various theological issues and is an expert at responding to current trends of sexuality, feminism, and gender ideology. She co-hosts "Trending with Timmerie". Prior to this, Timmerie worked for five years as the Director of Education & Outreach at Life Choices pregnancy counseling center in San Diego. She holds a Masters Degree in Biblical Theology and Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Media with an emphasis in the New Evangelization from John Paul the Great Catholic University. Her diverse professional background includes public relations consulting for nonprofits at the national level.  She spoke with us on the blog about a full range of issues dealing with the sexual revolution.

Monday, June 24, 2019

Insights into Evangelization, Friendship, and the Challenges of Ministry (Guest: Chris Padgett)

Chris Padgett has been doing ministry for over 20 years. He is an author, musician, teacher, and motivational speaker. Padgett has been married to his high school sweetheart for over 25 years and has nine children. He has also appeared on television and radio and has been a regular speaker and entertainer at Steubenville youth conferences. For the last several years, Chris was an adjunct professor of theology at Franciscan University and currently teaches at Catholic Distance University.  Chris spoke to us about how to evangelize, friendships, the challenges of being married and in ministry, cooperating with the Holy Spirit, ministry to men, and Mary as co-redemptrix.  I love his insights.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

The Sacraments: Discovering the Treasures of Divine Life (Guest: Fr. Matthew Kauth)

Fr. Matthew Kauth is a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte, NC. Having completed his STB at Catholic University, Fr. Kauth was ordained in the Jubilee of our Lord 2000. He served as a parochial vicar, administrator, and pastor for a total of six years before being sent to Rome for a license and doctorate in Moral Theology. He obtained the doctorate in 2012 and was appointed chaplain of a high school while teaching at Belmont Abbey College. In 2014, he spearheaded a commission to study the possibility of starting a college seminary in the Charlotte Diocese in cooperation with the College. In 2016, St. Joseph College Seminary was established and Fr. Kauth became its first Rector, a position in which he continues to serve today. 

Monday, May 20, 2019

How a POW Overcame Hatred for His Captors (Guest: Captain Guy Gruters)

Guy Gruters is a retired Air Force Captain who was shot down twice in Vietnam. He was captured after his second crash and imprisoned for over five years as POW.  He shares with us about that experience and how he overcame his hatred toward his captors through prayer and his relationship with God. He also shares about his spiritual life today and his daily practices.

Friday, May 17, 2019

Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse

Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse is the founder of the Ruth Institute, a global non-profit organization that defends the family at home and in the public square and equips others to do the same.  She spoke with us about the effects and principles behind the sexual revolution, and what we can do to push back against it.  She makes reasoned arguments about why there is a better way for the next generation in moving forward.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Hannah Brockhaus

Hannah Brockhaus writes for Catholic News Agency / EWTN News from Rome covering the Vatican and Pope Francis.

Friday, March 22, 2019

Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga

In 1994 the world looked on in disbelief and horror as Rwanda erupted in violent bloodshed. All across the landlocked African country, militant Hutus rose up to exterminate the Tutsi population, including women and young children. One hundred days later, a million bodies littered fields, streets, and even churches.

Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide while losing more than 80 of his family members and 45,000 of his parishioners in the killings. In the aftermath, Fr. Ubald experienced a renewed sense of purpose as a minister of reconciliation and a healing evangelist in his homeland and around the world. He offers 5 spiritual principles that can help those traumatized by the past to experience healing and peace in Christ.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Cary Solomon & Chuck Konzelman

Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman, are the Hollywood writers and producers behind God’s Not Dead and the film, Unplanned. Solomon and Konzelman are Catholics who believe the Lord is at work in Hollywood and modern technology is supporting a growing parallel industry of Christian film-making.


Jason Craig

Jason Craig writes, works, and hosts on-farm retreats at St. Joseph’s Farm. He is also the co-founder of and VP of program for Fraternus, a leading apostolate for Catholic mentoring, and is Senior Contributor for Those Catholic Men. Craig holds a Masters in Theology from the Augustine Institute and is the author of a forthcoming book on rites of passage. He writes and speaks about Catholic mentoring, masculinity, culture, and only occasionally goes on a tear about his family inventing bourbon. All adventures are alongside his high-school sweetheart Katie and their five children.

Sr. Margie Cheong

Sister Margie Cheong has devoted herself to providing the best opportunities for education to the poor children of our world. Born on 1963 in Milyang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, she found her vocation at an early age and eventually joined the Sisters of Mary when she was 22 years old. In 1991, Sr. Margie served as the local superior to our Girlstown in Chalco, Mexico for 17 years. In 2008, she became the director of the Sisters of Mary schools in Korea. Currently she is serving the Sisters of Mary in the Latin American community as a support for the Sisters' of Mary well-being. 



Sr. Margie enjoys watching flowers, drawing each moment to remember, and keeping a journal whenever her time allows it. She has published two books, ‘The Foolish Heart’ (2014) and ‘The Art Diary’ (2017), and held several exhibitions with her drawings in Korea.

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Anna Carter

Anna Carter is the co-founder of Eden Invitation, a movement celebrating personal integration and promoting solidarity beyond the LGBT paradigm. Through small groups, retreats, and online resources, Eden Invitation provides millennials with community and conversation focused on sexual identity. Anna’s tenacious faith in Jesus predated her own experience of same-sex desires. Her passion for catechesis and evangelization led her to the Franciscan University of Steubenville, NET Ministries, and the high school classroom. Anna now writes, speaks, and directs the work of Eden Invitation.

Fr. Donald Haggerty

Fr. Donald Haggerty, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York currently serving at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, has been a Professor of Moral Theology at St. Joseph's Seminary in New York and Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Maryland. He has a long association as a spiritual director for Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity. He is the author of the books Contemplative Hunger and Contemplative Provocations.

Peter Wiberg

Peter Wiberg talks to Fr. Mark about his apostate in Sweden, a country with a population of 10 million but where less than 1% attend Mass.

Monday, March 11, 2019

Kevin Cotter


Kevin Cotter is the Executive Director of Programming at Amazing Parish. He previously served with FOCUS for 11 years as a missionary and Sr. Director of Curriculum. He’s the author of numerous FOCUS resources and five books, including Dating Detox with his wife Lisa and his newest release, Called: Becoming a Disciple in a Post-Christian World. He lives with his family in Denver, Colorado.

Fr. Brett Brannen

Fr. Brett Brannen is pastor of the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Savannah, Georgia. We sat down together and had a wonderful discussion on the priesthood and some of the practicalities of being a priest.  He is the author of a book published in August 2014, "A Priest in the Family: A Guide to Parents whose Sons are Considering Priesthood." He also authored "To Save a Thousand Souls," which he wrote to assist men considering a vocation to the priesthood. Fr. Brett provides parish missions and retreats to seminarians, priests, and religious orders, appears on EWTN and has an audio series on how to discern a priestly vocation.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Dr. Carrie Gress

Dr. Carrie Gress speaks to us about her book, The Marian Option, and her upcoming book on the Anti-Marian spirit in the world.  She describes for us how Mary is especially a model for women today and is a solution for the challenges we face in the culture today. 

Carrie Gress has a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of America. She is the editor at Helena Daily, a faculty member at Pontifex University and a member of the International Marian Association.

Dr. Gress is a regular blogger at The National Catholic Register, has written for numerous publications, and is a regular guest on EWTN.

Dr. Gress has lived and worked professionally in Washington, D.C. and Rome, Italy and her work has been translated into nine languages.

A homeschooling mother of four, Dr. Gress and her family live in Virginia.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Antigua

This video is of the Cathedral in Panama City, Our Lady of Antigua.  Is was recently renovated after being closed for seven years.  We were fortunate enough to get a great tour of the Cathedral.

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Fr. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B.

Father Augustine Wetta, O.S.B. is a monk of Saint Louis Abbey and a teacher at the Saint Louis Priory School, where he also coaches rugby and serves as chaplain. He runs “Monk Camp” during the summers for the youth and recently wrote a book, "Humility Rules."

He gave us this talk at an EWTN employee retreat. Father speaks about saints who were considered failures in life. It is liberating to hear how the saints did not live by the standards of this world. Very moving!

Friday, January 18, 2019

Fr. Thomas Acklin, O.S.B.

Fr. Thomas Acklin, OSB, is a Benedictine monk of St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He earned an MA in philosophy at Duquesne University as well as an STD in theology and a PhD in religious studies at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium where he specialized in psychology of religion. He is a psychoanalyst as well as a spiritual director and has been a professor at St. Vincent Seminary where he also served as rector.

Father gave us our community retreat this year. This podcast is one of the conferences he gave us. It is the best talk on the cross that I have ever heard:



This is a talk on prayer by Father: