Dr. Alex Lessard joins the podcast to discuss the organization Adeodatus , "an educational nonprofit organized to support the ongoing renewal of Catholic liberal education through conferences, community-building, publication, consulting, and due diligence." Dr. Lessard touches upon: The importance of the liberal arts and the role of the Church in education The whole-person approach to education vs. the utilitarian modern model The true purpose of learning: the ascent to wisdom and knowledge of G...
Jun 16, 2023•30 min
Catholic Exchange contributor Mary Beth Bracy resolved on Divine Mercy Sunday to be "married to Jesus Christ immortal." She joins the podcast to share about her vocation as a Consecrated Virgin in the world. Mary Beth sheds light on: Saints who were consecrated virgins and the role of this vocation in the early Church Her resolutions, daily responsibilities, and prayer routine The community aspect of consecrated virginity, and role in parish life Maintaining her perpetual Eucharistic adoration c...
May 19, 2023•20 min
Author Marlene Watkins joins the podcast to discuss her recent book Everyday Miracles of Lourdes: Twenty Extraordinary Experiences Along the Way to the Grotto . Marlene covers: The ministry and mission of the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers How Marlene's life was forever changed by her first trip to Lourdes The 70 approved, documented miracles of Lourdes, plus the 7800+ testimonies of healings How Our Lady of Lourdes continues to provide medical healings to this day, as...
May 12, 2023•33 min
Catholic historian and writer Elena Maria Vidal sets the record straight on the oft-maligned Catholic Queen of France and martyr of the Revolution. While candidly acknowledging the queen's faults, Elena's work paints a portrait of Marie Antoinette in all her complexity. Drawing from her years of research, Elena discusses: Popular misconceptions about the queen, then and now The origin of the "let them eat cake" rumor What modern TV series and movies get wrong Marie Antoinette's strong Catholic f...
Apr 28, 2023•47 min
Fr. Michael Rennier joins the podcast to discuss his new book The Forgotten Language: How Recovering the Poetics of the Mass Will Change Our Lives . Father Michael discusses: His conversion story: from Pentecostal student, to Episcopal priest, to Catholic priest How the transcendence and wonder of the Mass played a role in his conversion Combatting pride and surrendering to God's will Why beauty challenges us, as opposed to sentimental gratification How beauty, as an "encounter with eternity," c...
Apr 21, 2023•31 min
Catholic therapist and author Bob Schuchts joins the podcast to discuss the latest edition of his classic book Be Healed: A Guide to Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life . Bob addresses: Emotional pain and the Seven Deadly Sins Lessons from decades as a therapist and the work of the John Paul II Healing Center Forgiveness and healing within the family Jesus as the Physician of Souls and the saints as our guides Support the show...
Apr 14, 2023•21 min
Longtime culture-warrior and conservative author Bill Donohue joins the podcast to discuss his new book War on Virtue: How the Ruling Class Is Killing the American Dream . Bill shares his opinions on: The "vital virtues" that are prerequisites to success Why Hollywood's depravity is a coordinated effort to corrupt hearts and minds Wokeism as a replacement religion How average American Catholics can protect themselves and their children in the culture war Support the show...
Mar 24, 2023•22 min
In this episode, Kristen speaks with Archduke Eduard Habsburg, Hungarian Ambassador to the Holy See, about his forthcoming book The Habsburg Way. Eduard outlines seven rules for a holy and happy life, including: Get Married (and have lots of children) Be Catholic (and practice your faith) Believe in the Empire (and subsidiarity) Die Well (and have a memorable funeral!) We discuss several noteworthy figures from his ancestry, and how each of these principles guided both their public and private l...
Mar 17, 2023•31 min
In this episode, Catholic actress, speaker, and author of Pure Power Nicole Abisinio joins us to discuss her background and current work in Catholic filmmaking. Nicole opens up about: Her background in Hollywood and her dramatic conversion to Catholicism How she spreads the Gospel message in the filmmaking industry Pureflix, the wholesome alternative to Netflix Her newly released project, The Advocate, spreading awareness about human trafficking The spiritual warfare battles that surround us eve...
Jan 09, 2023•34 min
Phillip Campbell is a Catholic author, teacher, publisher, and regular contributor to Catholic Exchange . Join us as we discuss: -The writing process from idea to execution -The future of Catholic literature -How to instill a love of reading in your children -How living in the digital age changes how we read and reduces reading comprehension -Homeschooling options for Catholic families Links: Phillip's latest book Wounds of Love , a story about Padre Pio for young adults The Church and the Dark ...
Nov 30, 2022•38 min
This episode features Scott Weeman, founder of Catholic in Recovery , to discuss his latest book, The Catholic in Recovery Workbook . Topics include: Scott's incredible story of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction His ministry and faith-based approach to healing How the cross of addiction can open doors to grace How the devil exploits wounds to entrap souls in sin Practical steps for Catholics struggling with addiction Support the show...
Nov 14, 2022•26 min
In this episode, Kristen speaks with Fr. Jeffrey Kirby about his new book A Journey to Mount Carmel: A Nine-Day Preparation for Investiture in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady . Topics include: Who should wear the brown scapular? What does the devotion entail? What are Our Lady's promises to those who wear the scapular with devotion? What is the difference between the brown scapular and other scapulars? How does the preparation for investiture mirror the baptismal promises? How can we wear the sca...
Nov 09, 2022•23 min
Today, October 7, is the feast of Our Lady of Victory, commemorating the Catholic victory at the 1571 Battle of Lepanto through the faithful's recitation of the Rosary. In that spirit, CE editor Kristen Van Uden is joined by editor Al Smith to discuss two of Archbishop Fulton Sheen's seminal works on war: A Declaration of Dependence and War and Peace . Topics include: -Why atheism is at the root of the evils of totalitarianism -What constitutes a just war -Why Bp. Sheen believed the differences ...
Oct 07, 2022•39 min
Kristen is joined by Kimberly Perez, M.S., LMHC, Catholic Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the founder of Divine Mercy Healing & Counseling Center in Fort Myers, Florida, to discuss the relationship between the Faith and mental health. Topics include: Embracing our inherent worthiness as children of God The relationship between sin and woundedness Problems with the secular approach to mental health How to discern whether an ailment is primarily spiritual or psychological Healing through ...
Sep 16, 2022•50 min
Kristen speaks with Fr. Edward Looney about his latest book How They Love Mary , available now from Sophia Institute Press . Topics covered include: -little known saints and devotions to Our Lady -how all devotions to Mary point to her Son -how to discern the particular ways Mary is calling you to honor her Support the show...
Sep 01, 2022•25 min
Today we speak with Annette Bergeon of Endow (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women). We discuss how living the Faith in community is the antidote to today's social media-obsessed secular culture. Endow has recently released a new series for teens focused on faith-based dignity, friendship, and leadership. Learn more at EndowGroups.org. Support the show
Jul 27, 2022•25 min
This is a fun one. You might not give much thought to the virtue of prudence. However, prudence is the virtue that allows you to take control of your life and choose the other virtues. Today we welcome Fr. Gregory Pine, a Dominican and doctoral student as well as author of the new book Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly . We tackle the big, small, and scary questions about prudence and how you can grow in this overlooked virtue. Check out Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly to learn...
Feb 23, 2022•29 min
You can find our show notes and resources at https://catholicexchange.com/how-we-can-walk-with-mary-in-lent-feat-fr-edward-looney ( http://bit.ly/2GQBEEX ). It's hard to believe, but the beginning of Lent is quickly approaching. In hopes that we can make this Lent bear great spiritual fruits, long-time CE author Fr. Edward Looney joins Michael to discuss how Mary can help us through our Lenten journey. By examining the life of Mary and the words she has given us at her apparitions, Fr. Looney sh...
Feb 22, 2022•35 min
An interview with Al Smith, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Mission Society of Canada. In today's episode, we discuss Fulton J. Sheen and his approach to love, the greatest commandment. While love gets confused in our culture, Ven Sheen offers a comprehensive view of love and how we can love more deeply. You can purchase The Greatest Commandment: A Fulton Sheen Anthology on Love at your local Catholic bookstore or online through Sophia Institute Press . You can also find the previous anthologies, The...
Feb 11, 2022•35 min
While our technology gives us access to tools and information beyond our imagination, it often feels like our phones are a distraction. More than helpful, our phones can be a source of angst and confusion. As Catholic Christians, though, we often have found a way to use new technology to deepen our faith. The Amen app is one such tool from the Augustine Institute. Bringing together prayer, meditations, scriptures, and scholarship, Amen is possibly the most comprehensive Catholic app available. T...
Feb 06, 2022•27 min
Throughout the world, over 200 million Christians face extreme persecution and violence. Even if they can escape the religious persecution in their home nation, they face further trials throughout their refugee and relocation, if they even get such an opportunity. Longtime CE contributor Casey Chalk joins us to discuss the plight of the brave Christians who face such trials in Muslim nations and the places they flee to. As detailed in his new book, The Persecuted , Mr. Chalk has had a chance to ...
Jan 17, 2022•23 min
How blessed our life becomes when we draw close to the Holy Spirit, responding with all of our love to the Divine Person whose very name is Love. — Sr. Mary Ann Fatula, O.P., Drawing Close to the Holy Spirit: Keys to a Transformed Life and Joyful Heart . In the Trinitarian life of the Church, we often hear about the Holy Spirit and know him as our guest, protector, and beloved gift. However, in our daily lives, we often forget about the love and work of the Holy Spirit. In today's episode, profe...
Jan 07, 2022•38 min
Zhang Jian is a master artist of interior glass painting. He celebrated Christmas as a child before the Communist Revolution overturned his simple and beautiful world. But he never forgot the sights, smells, good cheer, and happy anticipation of that joyous season. In her latest book, Christmas Blossoms , Priscilla Smith McCaffrey tells the imaginative story of Jian and the final Christmas ornament he feels called to create after Midnight Mass. Complemented by stunning art, Christmas Blossoms te...
Dec 18, 2021•36 min
Continuing our small series on great children's books for Christmas, Michael welcomes prolific author Anthony DeStefano. In today's episode, we discuss the process of writing children's books as well as the influences that make Mr. DeStefano a passionate storyteller. His latest books, The Beggar and the Bluebird and Joseph's Donkey , explore the meaning and depth of the Nativity of Christ in two imaginative tales set ages apart. Joseph's Donkey tells the story of the Holy Family through the eyes...
Dec 14, 2021•28 min
Cold, cranky, and restless—one winter’s night, the young daughter of a Bethlehem innkeeper is awoken by the crowded, comfortless condition of her family’s sleeping loft. Recalling the young couple that was staying in the stable, she rises from her bed to bring them some fire for warmth. There the young Seraphina finds the newborn Babe asleep in the manger. Her encounter with the child on a chilly night will change her life forever in this imaginative retelling of the Nativity. Claudia Cangilla M...
Dec 10, 2021•28 min
Advent begins in just about two weeks. As well as marking the beginning of our Christmas preparations, the First Sunday of Advent is also the beginning of the new liturgical year. Following the liturgical cycle can lead to many spiritual treasures. The feasts and seasons make match the natural rhythm of life while drawings us into the spiritual life. Yet, so much is forgotten and it is difficult to recover these traditions in our age of noise. Even as Christmas decorations go up, many of us have...
Nov 15, 2021•37 min
“The faith given to me in baptism suggests to me surely: by yourself you will do nothing, but if you have God as the center of all your action, then you will reach the goal.” — Pier Giorgio Frassati Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati died in 1925 at the age of 24. However, Bl. Frassati's faith, humor, and charity continue to have a great impact on souls throughout the world. In today's episode of Catholic Exchange, Michael welcomes Christine M. Wohar, the founder of FrassatiUSA and author of Finding ...
Nov 09, 2021•1 hr 6 min
Today's short episode is guest hosted by Fr. Edward Looney who interviews Prof Roberto De Mattei, author of the new book Saint Pius V: The Legendary Pope Who Excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I, Standardized the Mass, and Defeated the Ottoman Empire . We discuss the legacy of Pope Pius V, a saintly figure who encouraged devotion to the rosary while he changed the history of Western Civilization. Support the show...
Oct 09, 2021•18 min
Today, Michael welcomes back Dr. Paul Chaloux, who appeared on our previous episode “ A Catholic Answer to Suffering. ” Today, Dr. Chaloux addresses some arguments he made in his popular article, “ 40 Years Later: Revisiting When Bad Things Happen to Good People .” While the book When Bad Things Happen to Good People has sold millions of copies and remains popular, the Catholic Church has been discussing this very question of generations. In our episode, we discuss the ways Catholics understand ...
Oct 03, 2021•1 hr 7 min
Today we welcome Jeff Cavins, whose love of Scripture brought him back to the Catholic Church. Jeff Cavins is the creator of the celebrated Great Adventure® Bible Timeline study series which has empowered generations of Catholics to understand the Bible’s central “story of salvation.” Jeff has been a leading Catholic evangelist, author, and podcast host for decades, and is particularly well known having hosted EWTN’s “Life on the Rock” TV show for six years. Jeff’s best-selling books and Bible s...
Sep 23, 2021•27 min
