In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld welcome Dr. Daniel Kemp for a thoughtful conversation at the crossroads of faith and science. Together, they explore how evolutionary theory can be understood in light of Catholic teaching, drawing on insights from Pope Benedict XVI’s In the Beginning and St. John Paul II’s reflections on evolution. They also discuss how DNA evidence and the fossil record support evolutionary theory, while addressing the common misunderstanding...
Jun 27, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld are joined by Dr. Daniel Kuebler, a biologist from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Together, they explore the complex but fruitful dialogue between faith and science, focusing on Dr. Kuebler’s work on evolutionary theory and its place within Catholic thought. The conversation also considers the limits and possibilities of academic debate—when it helps, when it hinders, and how we might approach difficult topics with both...
Jun 20, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 14
This week on Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett return to the mailbag with St. Jerome’s Parish in Hyattsville, Maryland for part two of their Q&A with their youth group. They dive into big questions like: Who goes to hell? Will we see loved ones in heaven? What happens at the end of time? With help from C.S. Lewis, St. Thomas Aquinas, and their own experience, they explore God’s justice and mercy, the danger of self-justification, and the beauty of eternal life as a journey of healing...
Jun 20, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In this lively episode of the Thinking Faith podcast, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett dive into some deep theological waters—guided by curious young minds from St. Jerome’s in Hyattsville, Maryland. What is purgatory really about? Can non-Christians be saved? Why do Catholics pray for the dead? With wisdom, wit, and a good dose of heart, our hosts explore these tough topics through the lens of Scripture, Catholic tradition, and reason—showing how God’s mercy is wider and deeper than we often imagine. ...
Jun 03, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld reflect on the surprise election of Pope Leo XIV and what his papacy could mean for the Church and the world. They explore his unique background, his thoughtful balance between tradition and innovation, and the qualities that make him a compelling spiritual leader. From social justice and church unity to the challenges of AI and global engagement, the hosts consider where this new pontificate might lead—drawing inspiration from...
Jun 03, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode of Thinking Faith, recorded just before the election of Pope Leo XIV, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld put on their Vatican-prognosticating hats to reflect on the passing of Pope Francis and wonder what might be on the minds of the Cardinals heading into the conclave. From thoughts on papal names (yes, they took a few stabs!) to the kind of leader the Church might need next, they provide a snapshot of their hopes, hunches, and theological musings — and you get the benefit...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this part two of two episodes, Deacon Eric and guests Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry discuss the vital role of mentorship and accompaniment in youth and young adult ministry within the Archdiocese of Regina. The conversation sheds light on a variety of programs, including diocesan events like the MyGen Youth Rally, Variety Night, and Youth Leadership Camps, aimed at creating opportunities for youth to encounter Jesus and grow within their fa...
May 06, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this part one of two episodes, Deacon Eric and guests Michelle Braden and Braden Kuntz from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry discuss the impact of Pope Francis' approach to youth ministry. Commemorating Pope Francis' passing, they explore his efforts to reach the most marginalized in the church, including young people, and highlight the significance of creating spaces for authentic spiritual engagement. The discussion underscores the evolving challenges and opportunities in youth ...
May 01, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode of Re-Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld dig back into the catalogue to revisit part two of their exploration of different theological perspectives on Jesus' suffering, redemption, and death on the cross. They discuss the historical views of Saint Anselm and Thomas Aquinas, examining the necessity of Jesus' death and the fittingness of the cross. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and the introduction of modern thinkers like René Girard and Bernard Lonerg...
Apr 30, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this first episode of 'Re-Thinking Faith,' Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett revisit a classic episode series on the cross and suffering from 2020. In this part one of two episodes, they'll examine the unique claims of Christianity, surrounding the Cross and salvation, discussing a variety of theological perspectives and metaphors used in Christian thought throughout history. They also provide insights into questions raised by listeners, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating diff...
Apr 17, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode of 'Thinking Faith,' hosts Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld converse with Amanda Achtman about her project 'Dying to Meet You,' centered around death, suffering, and cultural renewal. Amanda shares her journey from politics to her year-long blog on dying, exploring how suffering provides meaning in life. They discuss euthanasia's impact, the importance of facing death, and how personal stories can bring profound connections and healing. This week's discussion emphasizes the valu...
Apr 17, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld welcome Amanda Achtman to share her mission of preventing euthanasia and spreading hope. Amanda reflects on how her journey from Calgary to Ottawa, her personal experiences, and her grandfather’s influence shaped her vocation. She discusses the role of intergenerational bonds, her work educating dioceses on euthanasia, and her efforts to empower youth through the hope-filled witness of young saints like Blessed Carlo Acutis who...
Apr 01, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric is joined by Dr. David Kopriva, a vascular surgeon and advocate against medical assistance in dying (MAiD). They discuss the critical topic of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), its impact on healthcare professionals and individuals, and the broader ethical and religious implications. Dr. Kopriva shares personal stories and professional insights, illustrating the complexities and nuances surrounding end-of-life care. Together, they highlight the va...
Mar 25, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld tackle the very last of their Conquest Boys Club questions, discussing the challenges of evangelizing in a world shaped by modernism and postmodernism. They share practical insights on prayer, authentic Christian living, and cultural engagement. Plus, a lighthearted debate: is it ever okay to "punch a modernist"? (Spoiler: Love wins.) Tune in for wisdom, humour, and real-world faith! Find our faces on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gYRchdbdvZU?si=JXJJ1k7sKtpkjqUg...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Thinking Faith on video! Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld celebrate their first video podcast with a lively discussion. They tackle last few Conquest Boys Club questions including how to become Pope, and why the Latin Mass seems to appeal to young Catholics reflecting on balancing tradition with a vibrant faith community. Tune in for insight, humor, and heartfelt conversation! 00:21 Welcome to Thinking Faith 01:08 New Studio Excitement 02:19 Thank You to Our Supporters 06:04 The Infamous Basket...
Mar 11, 2025•55 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this conclusion to our three-part series with Dr. Brett Salkeld and Thomas Harmon, we examine the complexities of immigration policy, the virtue of prudence in Catholic social teaching, and the deacon’s role in personally serving those in need. The discussion explores how immigration policies impact family unity, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the tension between international and local solidarity. Through it all, we emphasize the need for nuanced, good-faith conversation...
Feb 25, 2025•40 min•Ep. 441
Join Dr. Brett Salkeld and Thomas Harmon as they continue their deep dive into Ordo Amoris—the "order of love." In this second installment of a three-part series, they explore how properly ordering our loves shapes our moral and spiritual lives, drawing on philosophy, theology, and real-world examples. Tune in for an engaging discussion on how love, rightly ordered, leads us closer to truth and authentic freedom.
Feb 18, 2025•47 min•Ep. 440
In this multi-part series, Dr. Brett Salkeld sits down with Thomas P. Harmon, Scanlan Foundation Chair and Professor of Theology, to explore how Thomas Aquinas’ Ordo Amoris—the order of love—can help us understand the moral dimensions of immigration policy. As the new U.S. administration introduces sweeping changes in outreach and border policies, this conversation examines how properly ordered love informs our responsibilities toward the stranger, the vulnerable, and the political community as ...
Feb 11, 2025•47 min•Ep. 439
In this final episode of our four-part series on Living in the Psalms with Deacon Eric Gurash, we examine the place of the Psalms in our Church and our spiritual lives and discuss various tools for making their rich poetry and timeless wisdom our own and truly living in the Psalms.
Feb 05, 2025•55 min•Ep. 438
Join Deacon Eric Gurash for part three of Living in the Psalms. This week, discover the over-arching theme of the Psalms and examine how to approach the Psalms from a personal, lived perspective. Deepen your understanding of how to see and hear the Psalms through the lens of metaphor, parallels and repetition and how these tools of Hebrew poetry can help connect the Psalms to our daily lives.
Jan 28, 2025•45 min•Ep. 437
Join Deacon Eric Gurash for part two of the four-part series Living in the Psalms. This week, discover how the five books of the Psalms weave together the story of salvation history, reflecting the experiences of Israel through times of exile, kingship, and restoration. Explore how these ancient prayers continue to shape our spiritual journey, offering hope, healing, and the assurance of God’s steadfast love.
Jan 21, 2025•37 min•Ep. 436
Join Deacon Eric Gurash for part one of the four-part series Living in the Psalms. The Psalms are unlike any other book of Scripture—neither history nor prophecy, gospel nor epistle—they are prayers, a unique school of prayer gifted to us by God. This week, discover how the Psalms teach us the language of prayer, revealing the heart of David, Israel, and, ultimately, our own hearts. Discover how these ancient prayers can transform your relationship with God, deepen your faith, and bring healing ...
Jan 14, 2025•37 min•Ep. 435
Deacon Eric Gurash discusses the challenges of the "January Blues," exploring the struggles many face during these cold, dark winter days. With a blend of compassion and practical wisdom, he shares faith-filled insights and simple self-care practices to help bring light and hope into the first month of the new year. Whether you're feeling weighed down by the season or looking for ways to start the year with a renewed sense of purpose, discover encouragement and practical tips for nurturing your ...
Jan 07, 2025•29 min•Ep. 434
From Archbishop Donald Bolen, and everyone at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina, Merry Christmas! This podcast is made possible, in part, through generous donations to our Archbishop's Appeal from listeners like you. Prayerfully consider offering your support today at https://archregina.sk.ca/grouppage/donate-archbishops-appeal/ .
Dec 24, 2024•6 min•Ep. 433
As we enter this Third Week of Advent, Deacon Eric reflects on the first gift of the season, the gift of hope as encountered through the lens of Luke’s Gospel. Join us as we explore the gritty, courageous nature of hope—not as naive optimism but as a radical response to life’s uncertainties. Drawing on insights from Scripture, spiritual writers, and the Advent tradition, we uncover how hope can inspire us to be active co-workers in God’s promise, even in the darkest moments. Light your Advent ca...
Dec 17, 2024•35 min•Ep. 432
This week on Thinking faith we dust off the stacks and pour through ancient tomes as we step into the fascinating world of history, records and storytelling with Rae Horseman, the Archivist for the Archdiocese of Regina. In this two-part series Rae shares captivating stories from the archives, explains how historical records shape our understanding of faith and community, and highlights the importance of preserving the legacy and stories of our local Church for future generations. This podcast i...
Dec 10, 2024•31 min•Ep. 431
This week on Thinking Faith we dust off the stacks and pour through ancient tomes as we step into the fascinating world of history, records and storytelling with Rae Horseman, the Archivist for the Archdiocese of Regina. In this two-part series, Rae shares captivating stories from the archives, explains how historical records shape our understanding of faith and community, and highlights the importance of preserving the legacy and stories of our local Church for future generations. This podcast ...
Dec 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 430
This week on Thinking Faith, we are pleased to conclude our series featuring our recent diocesan gathering with Fr. Raymond Lafontaine along with a few parting thoughts from our Archbishop DOnald Bolen. Fr. Raymond, a priest from the Archdiocese of Montreal, spent six months with the Archdiocese of Regina starting in May 2024. During his study leave, he visited countless parishes and groups, connecting with priests, pastoral staff, and lay leaders while observing and learning how we “walk togeth...
Nov 26, 2024•22 min•Ep. 429
This week on Thinking Faith, we are pleased to continue our series featuring our recent diocesan gathering with Fr. Raymond Lafontaine. Fr. Raymond, a priest from the Archdiocese of Montreal, spent six months with the Archdiocese of Regina starting in May 2024. During his study leave, he visited countless parishes and groups, connecting with priests, pastoral staff, and lay leaders while observing and learning how we “walk together” as a synodal church on mission. Most recently, he participated ...
Nov 19, 2024•46 min
This week on Thinking Faith, we are pleased to share a portion of our recent diocesan gathering with Fr. Raymond Lafontaine. Fr. Raymond, a priest from the Archdiocese of Montreal, spent six months with the Archdiocese of Regina starting in May 2024. During his study leave, he visited countless parishes and groups, connecting with priests, pastoral staff, and lay leaders while observing and learning how we “walk together” as a synodal church on mission. Most recently, he participated as a table ...
Nov 12, 2024•41 min•Ep. 427
