Best Fr. Josh Johnson Podcasts (2025)

In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie McGrady shares her thoughts on the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. She delves into his background, career, and what we might expect in the pontificate ahead. Ultimately, she encourages us to let the new Holy Father introduce himself before we decide who he is as the 267th Pope. We would love it if you coul…

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S8E27 – AH – "Jack's Bookshelf: Wordsworth", After Hours with Dr. Carolyn Weber 48:56

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1M ago48:56

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Dr. Carolyn Weber returns to the show to peruse Jack's bookshelf and explore the poetry of William Wordsworth. [Show Notes]

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SPECIAL EPISODE: Remembering Pope Francis with Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP 43:00

1M ago43:00

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When plans to attend the canonization of Bl. Carlo Acutis shifted following the death of Pope Francis, Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, traveled to Rome to report for Our Sunday Visitor, while Katie Prejean McGrady stayed in the U.S. to cover events for CNN and SiriusXM. In this special episode of Ave Explores, Katie and Fr. Patrick reflect on the lif…

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S8E26 – AH – "Jack's Bookshelf: Aristotle", After Hours with Dr. Louis Markos 50:36

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Lewis was known for his Platonism, but what of Aristotle? Today, Matt sits down with returning guest Dr. Louis Markos to discuss the influence of this legendary Greek philosopher. [Show Notes]

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S8E25 – Perelandra – "Perelandra Retrospective" 56:07

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Since we've now finished all our Perelandra episodes, we thought we'd wrap-up with a book retrospective! [Show Notes]

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Easter Special: Fasting Beyond Lent 14:40

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In this special Easter episode, Fr. Josh answers a question about continuing the practice of fasting beyond Lent. He encourages us to reflect on our own fasting and prayer practices that can strengthen our spiritual life. Stay tuned for a new season of Ask Fr. Josh this fall! Snippet From the Show "Throughout the year, the Church invites us to reme…

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S8E24 – AH – "Mystical Perelandra", After Hours with Dr. James Como 47:39

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Dr. James Como returns to discuss his book "Mystical Perelandra" and the reluctant mysticism of C. S. Lewis. [Show Notes]

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S8E23 – AH – "Venusian Verse", After Hours with Dr. Don W. King 42:35

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Did you know that Perelandra was conceived first in verse? Did you know that Lewis' friend and poet, Ruth Pitter, converted the final chapter into poetry? In today's episode, Dr. Don W. King explains all... [Show Notes]

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Palm Sunday: Holy Week is a Dramatic Pause with Fr. John Nepil 43:23

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Join Fr. John Nepil, vice rector at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, as he explores the power of authenticity in faith and formation. He shares why “being normal” is essential—not only for preparing men for the priesthood but for all Catholics seeking to live and share their faith meaningfully. Fr. John also reflects on the significance of Holy…

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Is Self-Care Prideful? (With Dr. Brian Pedraza) 29:11

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How do we practice self-care without falling into vanity or pride? Dr. Brian Pedraza joins Fr. Josh to explore the sin of pride, the deadly vice at the root of all sin. Together, they answer a question about how to care for ourselves while staying humble. Snippet From the Show Humility allows the light of Christ to shine through us, while pride foc…

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Lenten Practices People "Hate" the Most 8:04

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Katie and Tommy discuss the most hated practices people “have” to do during Lent. Is it fasting? Extra prayers? Almsgiving? They dig into why these practices feel so hard—and why we often dread them—even when we know they’re supposed to help us grow. Plus, they share some personal stories, spiritual insights, and maybe even a few Lenten hot takes y…

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S8E22 – AH – "Jack and Gender", After Hours with Dr. Josh Herring 1:01:50

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Dr. Josh Herring, host of The Optimistic Cumudgeon, sits down with David to discuss Lewis' unique philosophy on gender, and how it appears throughout his written work. [Show Notes]

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Renewing Your Relationship with Jesus each Lent with Courtney Roach 49:50

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Courtney Roach, digital marketing manager for FOCUS and host of The Daily Nothings podcast, reflects on her journey to Catholicism and how her conversion ten years ago deepened her love for Jesus. She shares how Lent offers a renewed opportunity to grow in intimacy with the Lord. In this episode, Courtney discusses the power of authentic relationsh…

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Greed: How Much Money Should Catholics Have? (with Dr. Brian Pedraza) 29:46

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How much money should Catholics have? Dr. Brian Pedraza joins Fr. Josh to discuss the vice of greed and how Catholics should understand the gift of money in relation to their individual vocations and responsibilities. Together, they answer a question about building wealth while keeping in mind God’s call to stewardship and detachment. Please consid…

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S8E21 – AH – "The Great Dance", After Hours with Junius Johnson 53:58

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David chats with theologian Dr. Junius Johnson, unpacking some important ideas in the final chapter of "Perelandra". [Show Notes]

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Mercy is Waiting 9:42

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Katie and Tommy discuss the gift of going to confession during the Lenten season through the lens of the prodigal son. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/) Links: Get your copy of Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens Follo…

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4th Sunday of Lent: Finding Healing in Lent by Embracing God’s Love with Brya Hanan 43:04

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The wounds we carry can leave us feeling fractured, but God’s love has the power to restore and heal. In this episode, Brya Hanan—author and licensed marriage and family therapist—shares how Lent invites us to pause, reflect, and tend to the weeds in the garden of our hearts. Discover how embracing vulnerability before the Lord can open the door to…

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When the Noonday Devil Strikes (with Dr. Brian Pedraza) 23:40

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Have you noticed that busyness, laziness, or procrastination often hinder your efforts to pray? Dr. Brian Pedraza joins Fr. Josh to discuss the sin of acedia or sloth, also known as the "noonday devil". Together, they answer a question about the struggle of maintaining a consistent prayer routine in the face of sloth and explain how developing the …

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S8E20 – Perelandra – Chapter 17: "Blessed Be He" 56:49

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Ransom is swept up into The Great Dance... [Show Notes]

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3rd Sunday of Lent: Lent is Meant for Mercy with Fr. Josh Johnson 42:23

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At this middle point of the Lenten journey, Fr. Josh Johnson sits down with Katie to discuss the value of making a good confession in Lent, spending time praying about conversion and brokenness, and what it's like to hear confessions as a priest, in the confessional. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your …

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Clearing Out During Lent 7:47

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What is bearing fruit in our lives, what is draining us, and what do we need to change or fix when it comes to our relationship with Jesus? Katie and Tommy offer a practical activity to help evaluate things halfway through Lent. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Cath…

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Conquering Lust in an Oversexualized World (with Dr. Mario Sacasa) 31:24

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Do you feel discouraged trying to combat lust in your life? Dr. Mario Sacasa joins Fr. Josh to discuss the sin of lust. Together, they answer questions about strategies to avoid falling into lust and how parents can raise children with a healthy understanding of sexuality in an over-sexualized culture. Snippet From the Show "Avoiding the near occas…

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Vulnerability in Lent 7:07

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Katie and Tommy discuss how much we look at our phones, screens, and all sorts of distractions throughout our day, which means we are often unable to be seen by the Lord. Lent is a chance to be vulnerable, and allow ourselves to be seen by Jesus. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing prov…

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S8E19 – Perelandra – Chapter 16: "I have seen Ares and Aphrodite" 57:09

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Ransom speaks to the ruling angels of Mars and Venus. [Show Notes]

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2nd Sunday of Lent: Lent Demands Vulnerability with Oscar Rivera 50:38

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During Lent, when life feels busy, noisy, and overwhelming, making room for the Lord is more important than ever. In this episode of Ave Explores: Lent with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, Oscar Rivera, host of Ave Spotlight, explores how Lent challenges us to embrace vulnerability and authenticity—not just with God, but with others. When we resist th…

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Gluttony: Food Addiction vs. Overindulgence (with Dr. Mario Sacasa) 22:51

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What does the sin of gluttony exactly look like in our lives? Dr. Mario Sacasa and Fr. Josh delve into the vice of gluttony, exploring its definition, manifestations, and the psychological and spiritual dimensions associated with it. They discuss the difference between gluttony and food addiction, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's b…

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S8E18 – Perelandra – Chapter 15: "Ad Alta!" 50:32

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Ransom escapes his subterranean prison, and gets some much-needed R&R before ascending the mountain. [Show Notes]

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BONUS: Lenten Reflections for the Whole Family with Katie and Tommy McGrady | Enter Into Lent with Purpose 8:01

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Tommy and Katie McGrady talk about how we can fully enter into Lent with a willingness to let Jesus work on our hearts throughout these 40 days, and encourage listeners to find something they can commit to that will help them grow in a distinct way. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing p…

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1st Sunday of Lent: Jesus's Heart is Safe with Mari Pablo 39:32

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Being rooted in love is key to thriving in life and experiencing a fruitful Lent. In this episode of Ave Explores: Lent with Sr. Josephine Garett, CSFN, Mari Pablo shares how trusting in Jesus’s love and mercy—and seeking refuge in his Sacred Heart—has guided her through life’s challenges and the depths of her own heart. During Lent, as we intentio…

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Avoiding the Comparison Trap (with Dr. Mario Sacasa) 31:18

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In today's competitive society, it's easy to fall into the comparison trap. Dr. Mario Sacasa joins Fr. Josh to explore the sin of envy through the lens of evolutionary psychology and the teachings of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Together, they answer a question about how to find peace with the reality that others may be "better" than us in certain areas…

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Ash Wednesday: Don't Fear the Wilderness with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN 41:40

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In this powerful episode, Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, author of Wilderness Within, invites us to see Lent as more than a checklist of holy practices. Instead, it’s a season to step into the wilderness of our hearts, where God is ready to work, heal, and lead us to deeper hope in him. Discover how reevaluating relationships, paying attention to God…

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S8E17 – Perelandra – Chapter 14: "The Cave" 46:10

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Ransom's battle with the Un-man draws to an end, and our hero finds himself in disorienting darkness... [Show Notes]

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How Do We Let Go of Control? (with Sr. Josephine Garrett) 23:52

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Pride can mislead us into believing we are the center of everything and that we have complete control. Sr. Josephine Garret joins Fr. Josh to discuss the sin of pride and its various expressions in our lives. They answer a question about relinquishing control in life, particularly when things do not go as we desire. Snippet From the Show We are fi…

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Lent Teaser: Finding Fulfillment: Comedian Shayne Smith’s Journey to Catholicism Through Lent 51:34

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Comedian Shayne Smith had everything he thought would make him happy—success, wealth, and recognition—but still felt deeply unfulfilled. His search for meaning led him to a church, where he encountered Christ and Our Lady for the first time and embraced Catholicism. In this episode of Ave Explores, Shayne shares how his first Lent, spent journeying…

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S8E16 – Perelandra – Chapter 13: "Deliver Us from Evil" 54:19

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As the Un-man flees, Ransom follows in hot pursuit of his nemesis... [Show Notes]

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Navigating Attractions and Lust in Relationships (with Sr. Josephine Garrett) 29:02

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What do our attractions reveal? Sr. Josephine Garrett joins Fr. Josh to answer questions about navigating attractions we may experience outside of marriage and how to discern a relationship with someone who struggles with lust. Snippet From the Show Our attractions reveal the desires of our hearts, but they must always be examined to ensure they ar…

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S8E15 – Perelandra – Chapter 12: “Immortal Kombat” 51:58

4M ago51:58

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Ransom and the Un-man finally engage in combat! [Show Notes]

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When Does Anger Become Sinful? (with Sr. Josephine Garrett) 31:29

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We all experience anger for different reasons, but how do we prevent anger from turning into wrath? Sr. Josephine Garrett joins Fr. Josh to answer questions about dealing with anger, conflict, and unforgiveness in our families and communities. Snippet From the Show To prevent anger from becoming wrath, we need to invite Jesus into our experience of…