Best Ave Maria University Podcasts (2025)

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The Biblical Roots of the Jubilee Year w/ Dr. John Bergsma 59:32

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5d ago59:32

59:32

What is the significance of the Jubilee Year in the Bible, and how does it relate to Jesus’s mission and the Catholic Church? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. John Bergsma, a Catholic theologian, author, and vice president of mission at the Saint Paul Center, to explore the biblical concept of the Jubilee Year. They discuss …

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Recovering Wonder in a Disenchanted Age w/ Dr. Kyle Washut 57:45

12d ago57:45

57:45

How can Catholics rediscover a sense of wonder in a world that feels disconnected from meaning? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Kyle Washut, president of Wyoming Catholic College, to discuss the importance of recovering an enchanted view of the universe. They explore how the Catholic intellectual tradition, rooted in Scripture and the nat…

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A Catholic Response to the Postmodern Crisis of Identity w/ Dr. Angela Franks 55:12

19d ago55:12

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How can faithful Catholics understand and navigate the modern crisis of identity? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Angela Franks, theologian, author, and professor at Saint John’s Seminary, to talk about issues relating to identity and the "empty self." During their conversation, they also discuss related themes such as the historic…

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Aquinas and the Truth of Faith w/ Fr. Michael Sherwin OP 1:03:32

25d ago1:03:32

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How can St. Thomas Aquinas help address the modern crisis of belief? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Fr. Michael Sherwin, O.P.,, a Dominican theologian and professor of theology at the Angelicum in Rome, to explore how Aquinas’ teachings can respond to contemporary challenges in faith. They discuss the nature of belief in Jesus Christ, t…

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How Aquinas Made Me Catholic w/ Dr. Francis Beckwith 56:31

1M ago56:31

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How does St. Thomas Aquinas shape a return to Catholic faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with Dr. Francis Beckwith, author of Never Doubt Thomas: The Catholic Aquinas as Evangelical and Protestant, about his journey back to Catholicism. They discuss Aquinas’s influence, justification, and engaging evangelical perspectives. Resources: Annun…

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Jordan Peterson, the Bible, and the Search for Meaning w/ Dr. Christopher Kaczor 55:51

1M ago55:51

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How can Catholics engage with Jordan Peterson’s ideas while remaining rooted in the faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with Dr. Christopher Kaczor, Catholic philosopher, author, and Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University, about his book Jordan Peterson, God, and Christianity: The Search for a Meaningful Life. They explore ho…

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Faith, Politics, and Freedom of Speech w/ Michael Knowles 50:16

2M ago50:16

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What does it mean to return to Catholicism and live out its truths in a political and cultural context? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Michael Knowles, host of The Daily Wire's The Michael Knowles Show and a prominent Catholic commentator, to explore his reversion to the Catholic faith after a decade of atheism. They discuss how readi…

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How to Recover Love and Friendship w/ Dr. Ray Guarendi 58:56

2M ago58:56

58:56

How can Catholics build meaningful relationships in an era of increasing loneliness and isolation? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Ray Guarendi, a clinical psychologist, Catholic author, and speaker, to explore practical approaches to fostering love and friendship. They discuss strategies for being present to others, balancing acce…

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Saintly Friends: Mother Teresa and John Paul II w/ Patrick Novecosky 56:21

2M ago56:21

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What can we learn from the extraordinary friendship between Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Patrick Novecosky, an award-winning author and speaker and the founder of NovaMedia, to discuss his upcoming book on two of the greatest modern-day saints. They discuss how both saints overcame profound persona…

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Why Theology Needs Jesus w/ Adam Van Wart 56:34

2M ago56:34

56:34

How does Jesus Christ transform the way we think about God? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Adam Van Wart, Associate Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, to discuss how the Incarnation makes God concretely present in human history, overcoming the human tendency to idolatry. Dr. Van Wart also explains how suffering acquire…

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Theology of the Body and Personal Growth w/ Matt Ingold 57:46

2M ago57:46

57:46

How can Catholics integrate personal development practices with authentic faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Matt Ingold, co-founder of Metanoia Catholic, about “baptizing” secular life coaching with Catholic theology. They discuss John Paul II’s Theology of the Body as a foundation for understanding human growth, the non-competitive …

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Why Theology Needs Metaphysical Realism w/ Dr. Steven Long 1:04:36

3M ago1:04:36

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Why is philosophy essential for understanding Catholic theology? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais interviews Dr. Steven Long, well-known theologian and Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, about the relationship between philosophy and theology in the Catholic tradition. They discuss how the abandonment of realist philosophy has undermined th…

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After Stoicism: Boethius and Divine Providence w/ Dr. Thomas Ward 59:01

3M ago59:01

59:01

How can ancient wisdom help us find consolation and freedom in our distracted modern world? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Thomas Ward, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University, to discuss his book, After Stoicism: The Last Words of the Last Roman Philosopher. The work examines St. Severinus Boethius’ Consolation of …

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Aquinas and the Bible w/ Dr. Jason Paone 58:22

3M ago58:22

58:22

How did Thomas Aquinas read and interpret the Bible? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Jason Paone, editor of Word on Fire Academic, to discuss two new books exploring Aquinas’ commentaries on the New and Old Testaments. They examine Aquinas’ deeply Christocentric approach to Scripture, his understanding of the Bible through God’s pl…

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Augustine’s De Trinitate: Faith, Reason, and the Mystery of God w/ Dr. Gerald Boersma 55:17

3M ago55:17

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How can Christians come to recognize the mystery of the Trinity as intelligible? In this conversation, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Gerald Boersma, Professor of Theology and Director of the Theology M.A. Program at Ave Maria University, to explore Augustine’s De Trinitate. They discuss how it defends orthodox Trinitarian doctrine, pres…

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Jekyll & Hyde in Modern Life: Overcoming Our Divided Selves w/ Dr. Daniel Davy 59:44

4M ago59:44

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How can we heal the split between who we present ourselves to be and who we really are? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with Dr. Daniel Davy, Professor of History and Dean of Faculty at Ave Maria University, about Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and its relevance to modern life. They explore how th…

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Crossing the Tiber: A Journey to Catholicism w/ Steve Ray 59:51

4M ago59:51

59:51

How can Catholics better understand the historical and biblical foundations of their faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais interviews Catholic convert Steve Ray about his journey to Catholicism. They discuss his book Crossing the Tiber and explore his insights from leading pilgrimages, illuminating connections between biblical sites, and Catholic tr…

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Can Marketing Be Catholic? w/ Neil Watson 59:08

4M ago59:08

59:08

How can Catholics integrate their faith with modern business practices, particularly in marketing? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais interviews Neil Watson, adjunct professor of business and Director of Marketing at Ave Maria University, about the intersection of Catholic social teaching and business ethics. Watson explores how the Church's teachings o…

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Rediscovering Sin and Grace Through C.S. Lewis’ Perelandra w/ Joseph Pearce 50:27

4M ago50:27

50:27

How can C.S. Lewis’Perelandrahelp us rethink the Genesis story and its relevance to the modern world? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Joseph Pearce, frequent guest and Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University, explore the next book in C.S. Lewis’ space trilogy,Perelandra - a retelling of Genesis that illuminates free will, sin, an…

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Chastity and Mercy in a Secular World w/ Bishop Erik Varden 55:34

5M ago55:34

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How do welive chastely in a world consumed by distractions, desires, and secular notions of fulfillment? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim explore chastity as a path to personal integration and spiritual renewal. Drawing from Bishop Varden’s bookChastity: Reconciliation of the Senses, they discuss cultural misconcept…

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How Can We Obey Church and State? w/ Pater Edmund Waldstein 56:55

5M ago56:55

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How do humility and obedience shape our relationship with authority, community, and God? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Pater Edmund Waldstein, a Cistercian monk and theologian, explore the role of humility and obedience in our relationship with authority, the church, and the common good. They discuss the balance between individual dignity and c…

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Grief, Trauma, and the Hope of Faith w/ Julia Sadusky 1:01:40

5M ago1:01:40

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How can Catholics navigate grief and trauma while holding onto hope and faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Dr. Julia Sadusky, a licensed psychologist and Ave Maria University alumna,explore the complexities of grief, ambiguous losses, and trauma. They discuss the healing power of connection, routine, and faith, offering practical advice and r…

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Sharing the Catholic Faith with Generation Alpha w/ Ambrose Bean 57:58

5M ago57:58

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How can today’s youth rediscover faith amidst a culture of secularism and distraction? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Ambrose Bean, Ave Maria University alumnus, BA and MA in Theology, teacher, and author of Catholic Revival: A Rallying Cry to the Rising Generation in the Church. They discuss the personal nature of faith, the joy of k…

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How To Stay Faithful as a Catholic Theologian w/ Fr. Joseph Fessio 47:42

6M ago47:42

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How can Catholics navigate modern theological challenges while staying true to the Church's tradition? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Fr. Joseph Fessio, founder of Ignatius Press, about the enduring relevance of Catholic theology in addressing modern challenges. They discuss the influence of theologians like Ratzinger, von Balthasar, and…

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The Gospel in the Cosmos: Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis w/ Joseph Pearce 54:55

6M ago54:55

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How can we recover a vision of the cosmos as a place filled with divine wonder and purpose? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais welcomes Joseph Pearce, Visiting Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University, to explore C.S. Lewis’s Out of the Silent Planet. Together, they discuss his vision of a cosmos filled with divine wonder and order. They examine …

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The Bible in an Hour w/ Jeff Cavins 1:00:26

6M ago1:00:26

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How does understanding the overarching story of Scripture deepen our faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Jeff Cavins, creator of the Great Adventure Bible Study and co-host of the incredibly popular Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Michael Schmitz, about understanding the Bible’s overarching narrative. They discuss how the Bible Timeli…

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Why You Should Read Augustine’s Confessions Today w/ Fr. Kevin Grove 56:48

6M ago56:48

56:48

What can St. Augustine teach us about grace, memory, and our search for identity in a restless world? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Fr. Kevin Grove, a Holy Cross priest and theology professor at Notre Dame, to discuss Augustine’s timeless insights. They explore themes from Confessions, including grace, the whole Christ, and recoverin…

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Are There Good Reasons to Have Children Today? w/ Dr. Catherine Ruth Pakaluk 54:03

6M ago54:03

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How can Catholics uncover the profound meaning and purpose found in family life and childbearing? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Dr. Catherine Ruth Pakaluk about her book Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth. They discuss the meaning and purpose found in family life, the challenges of modern parenting, and the pr…

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What Is Transhumanism and Why Is It Dangerous? w/ Dr. Steven Jensen 53:45

7M ago53:45

53:45

How should Catholics respond to the false promises of transhumanism? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Dr. Steven Jensen, professor of philosophy at the University of St. Thomas, examine transhumanism as a modern form of eugenics. They discuss the distinction between healing and enhancement, the dangers of rejecting human nature as a gift, and how …

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How Catholics Should Approach Psychology w/ Dr. Julia Sadusky 54:58

7M ago54:58

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How can Catholics approach the study of Psychology through the lens of faith and the dignity of the human person? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined again by Dr. Julia Sadusky, Catholic author, speaker, licensed psychologist, and alumna of Ave Maria University, to discuss the relationship between the Catholic faith and the field of Psychology …

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Recovering Faith amid the Crisis of Truth w/ Rusty Reno 58:35

7M ago58:35

58:35

Description: What does it mean to live in a society that no longer believes in truth, and how can Christians respond to this crisis? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Rusty Reno, editor of First Things magazine, about the crisis of modernity and its rejection of truth and tradition. They explore how this cultural shift impacts Christianity …

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The Development of Doctrine in Catholic Theology w/ Fr. Guy Mansini 52:50

7M ago52:50

52:50

How does Catholic doctrine mature in expression while remaining true to revelation? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Fr. Guy Mansini, S.T.D., Max Seckler Chair of Theology at Ave Maria University, about how the articulation of Catholic teachings develops over time while remaining true to revelation. They explore the roles of language, phil…

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God's Mercy, Human Sexuality, and the Theology of the Body w/ Bill Donaghy 44:47

8M ago44:47

44:47

How should Catholics approach relationships with others, with ourselves, and with God in a culture saturated with confusion about sexuality? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Bill Donaghy from the Theology of the Body Institute to explore St. John Paul II's work, The Theology of the Body. They discuss how this teaching offers clarity on …

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What Happens After We Die? w/ Dr. James Papandrea 50:26

8M ago50:26

50:26

How can we recover a robust understanding of heaven and maintain confidence in reaching it? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Jim Papandrea, author and professor of Church History and Historical Theology, to explore the Christian understanding of the afterlife. Drawing from early Church Fathers and his book What Really Happens After …

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Reclaiming Authentic Masculinity w/ Brett Powell 55:39

8M ago55:39

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How can men today find direction, strength, and purpose in a culture that leaves them uncertain of their role? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Brett Powell discuss Life Compass workshops, which help men identify their God-given purpose, overcome passivity, and nurture meaningful relationships. This conversation provides practical insights and fai…

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The Four Loves of C.S. Lewis w/ David Bates 54:03

8M ago54:03

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How can the different types of love inform us about our humanity and relationships? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with David Bates, host of the Pints with Jack podcast, to discuss C.S. Lewis' The Four Loves, a profound reflection on the nature of affection, friendship, eros, and charity. They delve into the unique qualities and dangers of…

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Can Philosophy Help Us Evangelize? w/ Fr. James Brent, O.P. 56:41

9M ago56:41

56:41

How do philosophy and theology work together to reveal the truth about reality? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais and Fr. James Brent, O.P. discuss the importance of an integrated approach to philosophy and theology, explaining how sound philosophy prepares us for faith. During their conversation, they explore themes from Aquinas and John Paul II, intr…

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St. Augustine and Political Utopias w/ Dr. Marc Guerra 1:00:14

9M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

How does Catholic theology provide a unique response to the modern tensions between utopianism and dystopianism? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Dr. Marc Guerra, alumnus of Ave Maria's Ph.D. in Theology program (2007), and Provost & Senior V.P. for Academic Affairs at Assumption University (Worcester, MA), about the Catholic approach to u…

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Catholics in Exile w/ Dr. Scott Hahn 55:08

9M ago55:08

55:08

In a world where many feel disconnected and adrift, how can Catholics find guidance and purpose? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Scott Hahn, renowned Catholic theologian and author, to discuss Dr. Hahn's latest book, Catholics in Exile: Biblical Wisdom for the Journey Home. Throughout their conversation, they explore the roles of f…

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Understanding the Gospel in a Digital World w/ Dr. Edward Sri 55:13

9M ago55:13

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How can we stay faithful amidst distraction? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Edward Sri, Vice President of Formation at FOCUS, to talk about how Catholics can live out their faith in the technological society of today. They explore five key elements of the Gospel and practical ways to grow spiritually. These include detaching from …

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Is Christianity Reasonable? w/ Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. 54:24

9M ago54:24

54:24

How does Christianity stand up to modern philosophical and scientific inquiry? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais talks with Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., rector of the Angelicum, about his new book, "Principles of Catholic Theology, Book 2, On the Rational Credibility of Christianity." They discuss how faith and reason work together, how Chr…

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The Martyrs of Florida: A Hidden History w/ Dr. Andrew Dinan 48:45

10M ago48:45

48:45

What can we learn from the untold stories of the martyrs of Florida? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Dr. Andrew Dinan, professor of Classics and Early Christian Literature at Ave Maria University, about the untold stories of the martyrs who brought the Catholic faith to Florida. They discuss the history of Spanish missionaries, Native Ame…

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Success through Virtuous Leadership w/ Dave Durand 56:03

10M ago56:03

56:03

How do virtue and honest communication contribute to success in business and personal life? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dave Durand, trustee of Ave Maria University and co-founder and executive chairman of Best Version Media, to discuss how virtue contributes to successful leadership and personal fulfillment. Their conversation als…

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Why We Need Catholic Education w/ Dr. Dan Guernsey 53:49

10M ago53:49

53:49

What makes Catholic education unique and essential in today's world? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Dan Guernsey, associate professor and founding director of the Master of Education in Catholic School Leadership at Ave Maria University. They discuss the critical role of Catholic education to form the whole person—mind, body, and sp…

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Sin and Virtue in Athletics w/ Joe Patterson 51:36

10M ago51:36

51:36

How can athletes and coaches navigate the challenges of pride, greed, envy, and other vices within the context of sports? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Joe Patterson, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Ave Maria University. They discuss how the seven deadly sins manifest in the world of athletics, as well as explore how virt…

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Prayer as Spiritual Therapy according to St. Bernard of Clairvaux w/ Dr. Matthew McWhorter 50:23

11M ago50:23

50:23

How can modern Catholics utilize meditation to deepen their faith and improve mental wellness and clarity? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais hosts Dr. Matthew McWhorter, Professor of Theology at Divine Mercy University, for a discussion on the integration of meditation within Catholic practice. An alumnus of Ave Maria University’s Ph.D. program in theo…

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Restoring the Kingdom: The Catholic Church and the Bible w/ Dr. John Bergsma 55:36

11M ago55:36

55:36

How does reading the Bible through the lens of Catholic theology enrich our faith and comprehension of scripture? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais welcomes back Dr. John Bergsma, a professor of Catholic theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, to explore the profound connections between the Davidic Kingdom of the Old Testament and the Cath…

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Trusting the Gospels: Responding to Biblical Critics w/ Dr. Matthew Ramage 50:53

11M ago50:53

50:53

How can contemporary Christians trust the authenticity and historical accuracy of the Gospels? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Matthew Ramage, professor of theology at Benedictine College, to explore the reliability of the Gospel narratives. Dr. Ramage discusses the interplay between historical facts and theological interpretation,…

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The Catholic Calling to Environmental Stewardship w/ Dr. Samuel Shephard 49:48

11M ago49:48

49:48

How can Catholics embrace environmental stewardship within the framework of their faith? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Samuel Shephard, a noted Catholic ecologist and professor of biology at Ave Maria University, to discuss the principles of stewardship. Throughout their conversation, they explore the Catholic Church's perspectiv…

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AI and Faith: The Relation Between Human Rationality and Computing w/ Dr. Saverio Perugini 53:37

12M ago53:37

53:37

How does artificial intelligence (AI) relate to Catholic teachings and human understanding? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Saverio Perugini, professor of computer science at Ave Maria University, to discuss the relationship between AI, computing, and the Catholic faith. They explore the ethical, philosophical, and technological impl…