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 ed…

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 respons…

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,…

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 abo…

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 …

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…

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 repla…

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 …

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 alternati…

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 -Homesc…

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 …

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 diffe…

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 Pea…

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 woundedn…

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…

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. Supp…

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, s…

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 dis…

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 Fult…

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 Augu…

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 Chris…

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 g…

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 imaginat…

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 mea…

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…

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 lif…

“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…

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 …

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 rem…

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…

There are a lot of important lessons in today's episode. Frist, Michael learns why he needs to read the preface. More importantly, Dr. Paul Chaloux—adjunct professor of theology at the Catholic University of America—shares with us the ways we can see suffering in the light of our Christian faith. It's an engaging question and conversation that we w…

September 12, 2021 marks the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri, the greatest poet of Western Christianity. While Dante has had a profound impact on art over the centuries, Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz has undertaken an ambitious project to sculpt Dante's magnum opus, The Divine Comedy. Mr. Schmalz is the artist behind the famo…

The family is proclaimed to be The Domestic Church or, as St. John Paul II said, the building blocks of society. The family's role in God's providence is so great that it can often come under attack. In our confused and chaotic age, how can parents protect their family and raise a saintly household? Today's guest, Kathleen Beckman, returns to the C…

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen died over forty years ago. However, his work remains as influential and inspiring it was when he was alive (if not more so!). What keeps people coming back to the televangelist and bishop after so many decades? Examining his work on the sacraments, Michael is joined by Al Smith, the founder and director of the Archbishop …

The Catholic Exchange Podcast is honored to welcome back long-time contributor and author Fr. Edward Looney as our guest host. In today's episode, Fr. Edward Looney interview's author Anthony DeStefano about his latest illustrated book, Our Lady's Wardrobe. Mr. DeStefano is the author of A Travel Guide to Heaven, The Grumpy Old Ox, and is a frequen…

Catholic Social Teaching has a rich intellectual and spiritual tradition. However, despite the modern dialogue surrounding surrounding social justice, Catholic Social Teaching can get lost in forgetfulness and misinterpretation. Laura Zambrana, MDiv joins us to give a brief yet thorough introduction to the richness and depths of Catholic Social Tea…

Longtime Catholic Exchange contributors and frequent podcast guests Fr. Edward Looney and Jeannie Ewing discuss Mrs Ewing’s much read article, “St. Joseph: Our Patron Saint of a Happy & Holy Death.” In this conversation, Jeannie discusses ways that St. Joseph’s example and support can help us to become better people in our faith, familial, and pers…

While we begin to wonder what our Post-COVID world may look like, now is a perfect time to acquire new and lasting habits for holiness. If you're not sure where to start making these habits, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR brings 800 years of the Franciscan tradition within the reach of laity. Today's episode of the CE Podcast discusses how we can take the…

After a year of frustration and uncertainty, more people are able to return to Mass at their local parish. For many, this upcoming Easter weekend will feel like a homecoming of sorts after being physically absent during the last Paschal season. If you are among these pilgrims who can now come home, now is a great time to learn the art of meditating…

Michael talks with Jason Shanks of the OSV Institute about OSV Innovation Talks and our approach to evangelizing our neighbors and, ultimately, our culture. We have a short but direct conversation about how we have (or haven't) approached the New Evangelization and what apostolates can do to bring more souls to the Church. To learn more about OSV I…

Check out our full show notes and resources here: https://catholicexchange.com/st-therese-of-lisieux-against-the-plague-suzie-andres It's probably goes without saying that the past year has been difficult for most of us. We've had to endure a pandemic, rioting, a contentious election, and an economic crisis. Yet, we as Catholics have an incredible …

When you think of spiritual warfare, you're likely thinking of the classic horror films. But spiritual warfare is something all of us are called to and that includes the whole family. Best-selling author and CE contributor Kathleen Beckman joins us an unusual but important topic. Kathleen Beckman's latest book, Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare: St…

Today, Michael is joined by CE contributor R. Jared Staudt, whose work discusses the theological value of culture and beauty and how they can help evangelize the world. R. Jared Staudt, PhD is Associate Superintendent for Mission and Formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and Visiting Associate Professor for the Augustine Institute. He is author of…

Beginning with a brief story from the life of 18th century English Bishop Richard Challoner, Michael begins a discussion about the long, treasured history of Catholic Catechisms. Today's guest Aaron Seng of Tradivox is undertaking the work of collecting, publishing, and finally digitizing catechisms that reach back to centuries, many by saints and …

It's election day! The citizens of the United States will cast their ballots today after a long, strange, and frustrating election season. While many websites and channels will be covering the breaking news with analysis and predictions, Michael and returning guest Derek Rotty want to look to how we live our faith post 2020, no matter who wins the …

Note from Michael: I apologize for the audio quality on my part. It's an issue we're working on. But, Simone has some great things to share and her audio quality is great. So, enjoy and we'll have cleaner audio next week. (Cheers, MJL) Chances are, you didn't get to experience Lent or Easter in any kind of community. Many churches were closed durin…

Holy Week means accompanying Christ through His Passion. This has become an even greater challenge while many of us are sheltering in place amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. But the promise of redemption through Christ's resurrection still call to us. Today, we are joined by liturgist and Liturgy Guys podcast host Christopher Carstens to discuss how we…

The Christian life is rough, even in the best of times. During a pandemic, it can be especially difficult to enter that narrow way. Long-time teacher and spiritual director Dan Burke joins us to discuss this and other themes of his book, Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits (https://bit.ly/3dC1hZ2). Mr. Burke is the author of numerous b…

If you need to figure out how to be truly happy, you can't get a better guide than St. Thomas Aquinas. In today's episode, Michael welcomes Dr. Kevin vost to discuss what the Angelic Doctor taught about the good life and what we can do to live more at peace (hint: it involves Jesus). Check out our links below: 12 Life Lessons from St. Thomas Aquina…

2020 is the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX declaring St. Joseph the “Patron of the Universal Church.” Many saints and laity have indeed found a friend in St. Joseph, including editor and host, Michael. To take a deeper dive into St. Joseph, friend of the show Fr. Donald Calloway is back to discuss his latest book, Consecration to St. Joseph. Som…