Best Ave Maria University Podcasts (2025)

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Faith, Science, and the Redemptive Value of Suffering w/ Dr. Robert Redfield | Ep. 146 1:05:12

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4d ago1:05:12

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How can a Catholic scientist navigate the intersection of faith, medicine, and public health crises? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Robert Redfield, former CDC director and Catholic physician, to explore his journey from a scientific worldview to a deep Catholic faith, shaped by a transformative encounter with Pope John Paul II. They dis…

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Exploring the Catholic Spiritual Life w/ Fr Thomas Joseph White, O.P. | Ep. 145 59:25

11d ago59:25

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How can Catholics deepen their spiritual life through theology and contemplation? In this episode of the Catholic Theology Show, Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., Rector of the Angelicum in Rome, to discuss his book, Contemplation and the Cross: A Catholic Introduction to the Spiritual Life. The conversation address…

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Episode 169: The Universal Church and Urban Roots with Brandon Morel 34:19

12d ago34:19

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Ministry in New York City isn’t for the faint of heart but it's full of grace. Oscar and Brandon Morel talk about the power of cultural evangelization, the immigrant roots of Catholic New York, and how figures like Pierre Toussaint still inspire a gospel rooted in justice and joy. Plus, they explore the surprising harmony between the Church and hip…

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The Biblical Roots of the Jubilee Year w/ Dr. John Bergsma | Ep. 144 59:32

18d ago59:32

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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 | Ep. 143 57:45

25d ago57:45

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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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Episode 168: Bridging Culture and Christ with Mari Pablo 37:02

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In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of Ave Spotlight, host Oscar Rivera sits down with Mari Pablo to explore what it means to grow up bicultural and live out a faith shaped by both tradition and personal encounter. They unpack the beauty and challenges of cultural Catholicism, the need to move beyond fear-based faith, and the importance of healin…

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A Catholic Response to the Postmodern Crisis of Identity w/ Dr. Angela Franks | Ep. 142 55:12

1M 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 O.P. | Ep. 141 1:03:32

1M 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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Episode 167: High School Seniors Take Over Ave Spotlight 40:05

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On this episode, Oscar talks to high school seniors from public, private and Catholic Schools about their Catholic experience in each of their school settings. This conversation is not only eye opening but hopeful. These teens are not the future of the Church, but the **RIGHT NOW **of the Church. Justin Dery of Dery Music & Media donated his time, …

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How Aquinas Made Me Catholic w/ Dr. Francis Beckwith | Ep. 140 56:31

2M 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 | Ep. 139 55:51

2M 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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Episode 166: Beyond Labels: Rethinking Sexual Sin and Embracing God’s Pursuit with Kim Zember 35:25

2M ago35:25

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Oscar and Kim Zember have an honest conversation about how the Church often mishandles sexual sin—treating some sins as worse than others—and how this mindset drives people away from mercy. Kim shares her personal journey of faith and freedom, challenging listeners to stop ranking sins and start recognizing how fiercely Jesus is pursuing their hear…

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Faith, Politics, and Freedom of Speech w/ Michael Knowles | Ep. 138 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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Episode 165: Durable Motherhood and Divine Femininity with Pamela Rivera 37:06

2M ago37:06

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This episode’s guest isn’t just beloved by God—she’s my beloved! I sit down with my wife, Pamela Rivera, for an honest conversation on the strength, beauty, and resilience of motherhood. We talk about how true femininity isn’t a one-size-fits-all and how society is now rebelling against the very image it created. But God’s vision for womanhood is d…

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How to Recover Love and Friendship w/ Dr. Ray Guarendi | Ep. 137 58:56

2M ago58:56

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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 | Ep. 136 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 | Ep. 135 56:34

3M ago56:34

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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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Episode 164: Cold Matcha, Charisms, and the Call of the Holy Spirit with Jill Simons 44:21

3M ago44:21

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Oscar and Jill Simons have an honest conversation about the Holy Spirit in today’s modernist world. Together they explore the power of charisms—gifts from the Holy Spirit—and how they shape our mission as baptized people. This conversation challenges listeners to consider diving deeper into what it really means to walk with the Spirit. We would lov…

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Theology of the Body and Personal Growth w/ Matt Ingold | Ep. 134 57:46

3M ago57:46

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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 | Ep. 133 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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Episode 163: Last Week of Lent: Finish Strong with Oscar Rivera 21:02

3M ago21:02

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As we enter the final week of Lent, host Oscar Rivera reminds us that it’s not the time to dwell on any shortcomings in our almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. Instead, it’s a moment to refocus, recommit, and finish strong. Whether your Lent has gone exactly as planned or felt a bit off track, these last few days offer a powerful opportunity to embrac…

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After Stoicism: Boethius and Divine Providence w/ Dr. Thomas Ward | Ep. 132 59:01

3M ago59:01

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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 | Ep. 131 58:22

4M ago58:22

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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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Episode 162: Faithful Surrender: Adoption, Marriage, and Bold Prayers with Allison Gingras 29:29

4M ago29:29

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In this episode, Oscar sits down with Catholic author and media evangelist Allison Gingras to talk about marriage, family, and the boldness of saying "yes" when God calls you into the unexpected. Allison shares her powerful journey of surrender and trust, which led her all the way to China to adopt a specific child. We also explore the beauty of th…

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Augustine’s De Trinitate: Faith, Reason, and the Mystery of God w/ Dr. Gerald Boersma | Ep. 130 55:17

4M 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 | Ep. 129 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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Episode 161: From Struggles to Strength: Real Talk on Marriage and Faith feat. Mary Bruno 32:36

4M ago32:36

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In this episode, Oscar sits down with Mary Bruno to unpack the quirks, challenges, and joys of marriage. From humorous food debates to deep struggles with infertility and faith, they share raw and uplifting stories of love, loss, and transformation. Mary opens up about her journey through infertility, the adoption of her daughter, and the powerful …

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Crossing the Tiber: A Journey to Catholicism w/ Steve Ray | Ep. 128 59:51

4M ago59:51

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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 | Ep. 127 59:08

5M ago59:08

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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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Episode 160: Faith, Vulnerability, and the Messy Beauty of Married Life with Renzo and Monica Ortega of Two Become Family Podcast 41:27

5M ago41:27

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In this episode of Ave Spotlight, Oscar chats with Renzo and Monica Ortega—podcast hosts, authors, and speakers—for a candid and lively conversation about the beautiful, messy, and unexpected sides of married life. From navigating cultural differences to tackling faith struggles, they open up about what it really takes to build a strong, Christ-cen…

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Rediscovering Sin and Grace Through C.S. Lewis’ Perelandra w/ Joseph Pearce | Ep. 126 50:27

5M ago50:27

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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 | Ep. 125 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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Episode 159: Weights, Wisdom and Social Emotional Learning in Ministry featuring Rhyan Ramirez 43:35

5M ago43:35

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Join Oscar and Bro Rhy (Ryan Ramirez) as they dive into their personal stories, cultural traditions, and compare Olympic lifting with powerlifting. They explore the importance of social emotional learning (SEL) in ministry, how self-awareness and introspection help manage stress and emotions, and the role of faith in overcoming life’s challenges. T…

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How Can We Obey Church and State? w/ Pater Edmund Waldstein | Ep. 124 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 | Ep. 123 1:01:40

6M 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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Episode 158: Catholicism and Psychology: Faith, Emotions, and Mental Health with Greg Bottaro 44:00

6M ago44:00

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Join Oscar and Greg Bottaro, a Catholic psychologist and founder of the CatholicPsych Institute, for a thought-provoking discussion at the intersection of faith, science, and human vulnerability. In this episode, they explore the Catholic Church’s evolving perspective on the human person, the connection between faith and mental health, and how emot…

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Sharing the Catholic Faith with Generation Alpha w/ Ambrose Bean | Ep. 122 57:58

6M 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 | Ep. 121 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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Episode 157: SEEK25 and Memorizing Scripture with Jackie Angel 27:23

6M ago27:23

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Fresh off the Seek 25 Conference, Oscar and Jackie Angel unpack the power of large conferences that unite young people, spark friendships, and ignite encounters with Jesus. Jackie shares her journey with scripture—from opening her first Bible at eighteen years old to writing Memorize Scripture: Simple Steps to Pray, Ponder, and Practice God’s Word.…

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The Gospel in the Cosmos: Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis w/ Joseph Pearce | Ep. 120 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 | Ep. 119 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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Episode 156: Kickstart the New Year with Humility, Resilience, and Discipline with Alex Gotay 33:56

6M ago33:56

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Step into 2025 with renewed purpose! In this episode, Alex Gotay—Catholic speaker, Marine, and 4th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor—explores how resilience, humility, and discipline can transform your life. Drawing inspiration from the WWII film_ The Six Triple Eight_, Alex unpacks why resolutions often fail and how perseverance shapes charact…

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Why You Should Read Augustine’s Confessions Today w/ Fr. Kevin Grove | Ep. 118 56:48

7M ago56:48

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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 | Ep. 117 54:03

7M 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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Episode 155: Mary, Music, and Misunderstood Classics with Oscar Rivera 23:13

7M ago23:13

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Get ready to jingle all the way through this festive episode! Oscar’s counting down his top 5 Christmas jams, spilling the tea on the most misunderstood holiday classics, and tackling the ultimate Christmas debate: Did Mary Know? But it’s more than just the music—Oscar dives into Mary’s incredible role in the Christmas story, highlighting her stren…

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What Is Transhumanism and Why Is It Dangerous? w/ Dr. Steven Jensen | Ep. 116 53:45

7M ago53:45

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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 | Ep. 115 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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Episode 154: Embracing Mercy and Hope for the Jubilee Year with Joan Watson 28:51

7M ago28:51

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Join Oscar and Joan Watson, Catholic speaker, writer, and pilgrim formation manager at Verso Ministries, for an enlightening journey into the Jubilee year! Discover the rich symbolism of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica and its profound connection to God's boundless mercy. Joan shares powerful insights from her upcoming book, Opening the Holy …

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Recovering Faith amid the Crisis of Truth w/ Rusty Reno | Ep. 114 58:35

8M ago58:35

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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 | Ep. 113 52:50

8M ago52:50

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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…