Michael welcomes Haley Stewart, author of The Grace of Enough: Pursuing Less and Living More in a Throwaway Culture, to discuss her latest book and how we can begin to detach from our contemporary obsession with more Links: The Grace of Enough is available from Ave Maria Press: https://www.avemariapress.com/product/1-59471-817-2/The-Grace-of-Enough/#description_tab Find Haley at Carrots for Michaelmas: https://www.carrotsformichaelmas.com/ Support the show...
Feb 01, 2019•22 min
To celebrate All Hallow's Eve and the Month of the Holy Souls, Michael welcomes historian and author Tom McDonald. It can be hard to think of saints having any opinions on ghostly apparitions or haunting dreams. However, as Tom makes clear, saints from Augustine to Thomas Aquinas shared their thoughts on the possibility of seeing spirits as well as their own experiences. Are they the souls of purgatory, angels, or devils? We'll discuss that as well as the new pop phenomenons surrounding Hallowee...
Oct 31, 2018•1 hr 7 min
Marcel Van was a mystic who died at a camp in Northern Vietnam. Before his death, he had visions and mystical conversations with St. Therese of Lisieux and Jesus. While his cause for beatification was opened in 1997, not many people have heard of him in the West. Suzie Andres joins us to talk about the many spiritual gems that Marcel's conversations offer us. If you are looking for a new brother in your spiritual life, today's episode will cover how even our little ways are made larger through G...
Aug 02, 2018•1 hr 2 min
The Mass is the source and summit of all our lives, but it doesn't mean it's always simple and easy to comprehend. If you have ever asked questions about the Mass and the Liturgy, join Michael and Christopher Carstens to discuss how you can get more out of Mass and learn to have a joyful devotion to each part of the liturgy. Catholic Exchange is supported by you, our listeners. Please help us in our Spring fundraising drive by visiting: https://catholicexchange.com/donate Support the show...
Jun 01, 2018•30 min
Author Tyler Blanski joins us to discuss his conversion and his latest book, An Immovable Feast . Michael and Tyler each reflect on the joys and challenges of converting to the Church. We also discuss how conversion is a daily task that is, in many ways, the story of our daily turning to God in love. Check out Tyler's new book at: https://amzn.to/2IhWVpT Support our work and find our links at CatholicExchange.com Support the show...
May 14, 2018•46 min
Kathleen Beckman joins the podcast to discuss the power of prayer, the little way to praying like a saint, and even how gratitude can be used in spiritual warfare. Check out Kathleen's articles and books at CatholicExchange.com Support the show
May 04, 2018•27 min
We here at CE have a great love and devotion to St. Joseph. So it is that we're excited to welcome popular speaker, author, and pilgrimage leader, Fr. Donald Calloway who gives us many reasons to love St. Joseph. In this episode, you'll learn about the spiritual gems of seeking St. Joseph's assistance, how the saint's silence can be an example for us, and why St. Joseph is called "the terror of demons." Check out Fr. Calloway's latest book, St. Joseph Gems at https://www.fathercalloway.com/books...
Apr 27, 2018•31 min
Many youth leave the Church, despite the great work done by youth ministers and parish volunteers all across the world. What can we do to bring our youth back and keep them in the faith? Author Everett Fritz joins us to talk about how building young disciples up means a personal connection. Join us for some interesting conversation as we also dive into some questions from the readers. Go to http://everettfritz.com/ to learn more about Mr. Fritz and his work. Also, be sure to check out the origin...
Apr 18, 2018•38 min
Michael shares one particular interest with author and theologian R. Jared Staudt: they both have a passion for beer and its impact on culture. Today, both Michael and Dr. Staudt welcome Easter by discussing the joys of great beer and the revival of Catholic beer culture in the US and Europe. We talk about the possible Hebrew word for beer as well as how monks have been brewing the finest beer for centuries. So, pour yourself a Trappist ale and join us for this lighthearted but informative conve...
Apr 04, 2018•32 min
Michael is joined by two great professors from the Honors College of Belmont Abbey College to discuss the importance of reading great books. We discuss many of the modern problems in discourse and how the great books of history and our Catholic culture address it. Whether you're looking for a possible college program to reacquire the intellectual tradition of the West, or just want some reading encouragement, give us a listen. Honors College Website: http://belmontabbeycollege.edu/academics/hono...
Mar 16, 2018•29 min
Sarah is the author of several books and countless articles about Mary. As a fellow convert, she and Michael talk about the different ways people come to Mary. They also talk about how Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette provide each of us with a model of love and virtue. This is the perfect podcast to listen to while you continue your Lenten journey image: By GO69 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons (https://goo.gl/EMHy39) Support...
Feb 26, 2018•21 min
We took a short holiday break, but we're back! In the first interview of 2018, Michael sits down with Jeannie Ewing, a frequent guest and writer at CatholicExchange.com. Our focus is on the spirituality of waiting and how you can use long moments to dig deep into your spiritual life while also learning more about yourself and what God might be preparing you for. Go to our website to learn more. Support the show
Jan 26, 2018•28 min
Michael welcomes Dr. Jim Papandrea onto the CE Podcast for a lighthearted but critical examination of Star Wars just in time for the latest installment of the epic space opera franchise. With their love of theology and sci-fi, Michael and Jim discuss the Christian imagery that is used throughout the saga. Support the show
Dec 15, 2017•41 min
Michael presents the first episode of our Advent podcast series. Reading from the 17th century theologian Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, we explore how the promise of Christ's birth was given to the Old Testament patriarchs. This is part of our series to offer small bits of audio to help you reflect on this season. Text for the meditation available at: http://catholicexchange.com/jesus-promised-patriarchs-advent-meditation. Support the show
Dec 12, 2017•8 min
You might be seeing the Magi, the three wise men, in every Nativity set around your town. But who are they, and how do we know about them? Fr. Dwight Longenecker joins the CE podcast to talk about the mystery of the Magi. Support the show
Dec 04, 2017•23 min
Michael is joined by Fr. Looney to discuss how we can find a Marian heart this Advent. Like Mary, we patiently wait and contemplate our Lord, but how do we become more like Her? Tune in and learn how you can pray, wait, and love with the same holy passion of Mother Mary. Click, subscribe and donate at CatholicExchange.comFind Fr. Looney at EdwardLooney.com Support the show
Nov 23, 2017•26 min
Today, Michael is pleased to welcome Dan Burke, president of the Avila Foundation and SpiritualDirection.com to talk about how to pray the contemplative rosary. Using St. Theresa of Avila and Pope St. John Paul II, Dan shows how you can engage your whole mind into praying the rosary and really kick-start your prayer life. Support the show
Nov 10, 2017•23 min
How do you even begin to talk about Catholicism with an agnostic, an atheist, or just a curious soul? It can seem daunting at first, but author Brandon Vogt has a few ideas gleaned from his own conversion experience and his ongoing discussions with atheists. Join us today to talk about conversion, beauty, and some great books that showcase the joy and wonder of the Catholic faith. Catholic Exchange is supported Sophia Institute Press and our listeners. If you can support us for even $5 a month t...
Oct 19, 2017•26 min
Today, we talk about the problem of loneliness, something that can affect both your spiritual and physical health. Dr. Kevin Vost shows how science and faith show us the effects and cures for loneliness. While we talk about the theory, Dr. Vost also offers some fantastic practical steps we can take today. Support the show
Sep 21, 2017•26 min
Are you increasingly frustrated and perplexed in this age of technology? While you might be reading this on a your phone, maybe you've noticed that our technology can unite us but, more often, seems to make us more isolated and anxious. Professor Christopher O. Blum has been considering our digital age in light of the Catholic tradition and he has brought together his analysis and advice in his new book, "A Mind at Peace: Reclaiming an Ordered Soul in the Age of Distraction."CE is supported by S...
Sep 14, 2017•18 min
Shane Kapler returns to the podcast to talk with Michael about his new book and how you can intersperse the Divine Mercy Chaplet with the rosary to bring new life into your daily prayer. Shane is the best-selling author of several books on prayer and the liturgy and is a frequent guest to Catholic Exchange. To learn more about Shane visit his website: http://www.explainingchristianity.com/index.htmlPlease consider supporting CE with your donation. $5 a month can enable us to release more episode...
Sep 07, 2017•25 min
We are celebrating the centennial anniversary of when Mary appeared to three children in Fatima and changed the world. Our Lady of Fatima has inspired conversions, devotions, and is believed to be behind many miracles. After so many years, why has our Lady of Fatima been so inspirational and what does she have to still teach us? Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle joins Michael Lichens to kick off a new season of the Catholic Exchange podcast to discuss Our Lady of Fatima and how she still desires to ins...
Aug 31, 2017•33 min
With the release of Rod Dreher's anticipated "The Benedict Option," many Catholics are having a conversation about how best to raise their families and form healthy communities. What may surprise many is that such a project has been underway in the Catholic world for decades. Today, Michael welcome back Sam Guzman of the Catholic Gentleman to discuss his family life in a growing village around Clear Creek Abbey in Oklahoma and what such a community might look like. If you are wondering how to ra...
Apr 18, 2017•30 min
On the new season of the Catholic Exchange Podcast, host Michael J. Lichens starts off by discussing the awkward questions of dating, marriage, and sex. Joining him are the hosts of the Fishers of Men podcast, Lara Sumera and Mary Ashley Burton. Lara and Mary are two actors, producers, and creative workers who have decided to tackle some of the hardest questions about how it is that one can be single, seek a relationship, all while maintaining their faith in a place like Los Angeles. Today's epi...
Mar 23, 2017•57 min
Today, Michael is pleased to welcome Patrick Coffin, the long-time host of Catholic Answers Live as he undertakes a new adventure in broadcasting. Patrick has a host of knowledge to share, from how to develop a great memory to how to get a lot of work done, and he's eager to share it all. Join him and Michael as we discuss the ways we can use his new platform to re-invigorate the culture. Support the show
Oct 07, 2016•28 min
Today Michael is pleased to welcome back David Clayton, the artist, iconographer, and professor at Pontifex University. David discusses the importance of beauty and why it's necessary to cultivate an appreciation of art, theology, and liturgy. Today's episode promises to be an intriguing one for anybody who wants to learn to identify and appreciate the beautiful things in God's creation. Support the show
Sep 30, 2016•29 min
The late Cardinal Egan was known as an energetic and charismatic defender of the faith throughout his priesthood as well as when serving as the Archbishop of New York. Known for his stances on matters of faith, his public appearances, and his ability to talk to anyone, Cardinal Egan has left behind a legacy that includes more than a few insights and stories. Today Michael is pleased to welcome Dr. Joseph McAleer, an editor to Cardinal Egan who has helped to collect some of the late Cardinal's be...
Sep 08, 2016•24 min
Prayer is difficult at times, but the Church provides outstanding examples and aides for us to learn how to take our prayer life to the next level to find that great intimacy with Christ. Today Michael is joined by Dr. Anthony Lilles who uses examples of the saints to show us how we can learn to pray through difficulty, business, and distraction to find union with God. Support the show
Aug 30, 2016•26 min
Michael is joined by Kevin Hartigan, Catholic Relief Services Regional Director for Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia to discuss the current situation in the Middle East, namely the many people who are displaced by the growing conflict in Syria and Northern Iraq. Mr. Hartigan shares what the Catholic Church is doing for those in the most terrible need and how, even in the most brutal of places, the light of Christ shines in the darkness. Support the show...
Aug 23, 2016•29 min
Michael is pleased to welcome back author and frequent guest Dr. Kevin Vost to the Catholic Exchange Podcast. In July, Kevin celebrates the tenth anniversary of MEMORIZE THE FAITH (https://goo.gl/ajIhWi), a book that has helped countless people memorize innumerable facts about their faith. Kevin introduces us to the method he's developed, based on St Thomas Aquinas, and shares how one young boy had even managed to memorize all the popes. Support the show...
Jul 20, 2016•23 min
