Best MN Catholic Conference Podcasts (2025)

1
Catholic in America 12:42

4M ago12:42

12:42

Hey Bridge Builder listeners, Jason Adkins here. As the executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, I am so grateful to everyone who has tuned into these podcast episodes over the years. Now, that the Bridge Builder has come to an end, I want to introduce you to a new podcast venture, "Catholic in America." Catholic in America is a pod…

1
Sports Gambling is a Bad Bet for Minnesota 10:40

1y ago10:40

10:40

Jason Adkins, Executive Director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, joins Real Presence Radio to discuss the Minnesota Child Tax Credit and the tax relief it provides to so many Minnesotan families. He also provides an update on harms of sports gambling. Listen to MCC weekly on Real Presence Radio from now through May. Subscribe to our YouTube b…

1
It's Not All Doom and Gloom, but Your Catholic Advocacy is Needed! 10:31

1y ago10:31

10:31

Jason Adkins, Executive Director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, joins Real Presence Radio to provide an update on the efforts to restore religious protections in the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and he shares an update on the status of the physician-assisted suicide bill.Listen to MCC weekly on Real Presence Radio from now through May. Subscr…

1
Maggee Hangge on Real Presence Radio 2/20/24 10:41

1y ago10:41

10:41

Maggee Hangge joins Real Presence Radio for a weekly update on the Minnesota Legislative Session, discussing proposed laws and how Catholics can engage in faithful citizenship.By Minnesota Catholic Conference

1
Jason Adkins on Real Presence Radio 2/14/24 9:18

1y ago9:18

9:18

Jason Adkins joins Real Presence Radio for a weekly update on the Minnesota Legislative Session, discussing proposed laws and how Catholics can engage in faithful citizenship.By Minnesota Catholic Conference

1
Rachel Moriarty & Jared Spears on a new economics - welcoming the future and building for it 30:00

3y ago30:00

30:00

In today's episode, we talk with Rachel Moriarty and Jared Spears from the Schumacher Center to discuss a new economics - welcoming the future and building for it.By Minnesota Catholic Conference

1
R. Khari Brown and Ronald Brown on Social Justice in the Church 30:00

3y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking with R. Khari Brown and Ronald Brown on what Americans hear about social justice at church - and what do they do about it.By Minnesota Catholic Conference

1
Rev. Dr. John Senior on the Calling to Public Service 30:00

3y ago30:00

30:00

In this week's episode, we're speaking with Reverent Dr. John Senior the Director of the Art of Ministry, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Religious Leadership, and Director of the Collaborative for Religious Leadership at Wake Forest University’s School of Divinity.We are speaking with Dr. Senior about his book, "A theology of Politic…

1
Dr. Glenn Hubbard on the Walls and Bridges in a Dynamic Economy 30:00

3y ago30:00

30:00

This week we're talking with, Dr. Glenn Hubbard a professor of finance and economics at Columbia Business School. He about his book, “The Bridge and The Wall” which just became available on January 25th.He argues in the book in favor of economic policies based on building bridges of preparation and adaptation rather than walls of protection and exc…

1
Jason Bedrick on the Rhetoric of School Choice Opponents & The Benefits of School Choice Programs 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

This week we speak with Jason Bedrick, Director of Policy at EdChoice a non-profit committed to understanding and pursuing a K–12 education system that empowers every family to choose the schooling environment that fits their children’s needs best. We're speaking with him about a recent report he authored, "Who's afraid of school choice?" It examin…

1
Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie on Dobbs & the Science of the Unborn Child 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

In this week's episode, we speak with Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie of The Catholic Association about the brief she submitted in the Supreme Court Case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, what the science of the unborn child tells us, and how this should impact our laws.This week's action item:Pray for your elected officials. Visit MNCatholic.…

1
Danielle Brown on Confronting Racism as a Task of Evangelization 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

This week we are speaking with Danielle Brown. associate director of the USCCB's Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. We're examining the call to evangelize and the ways in which the Church's decisions are impacting those efforts for communities and individuals of color. We also examine how this ties in with efforts to combat the sin of racism, and we …

1
Dr. James Stoner on Vaccination, the Law, and the Common Good 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

In this week's episode, we speak with Dr. James Stoner, a political science professor at Louisiana State University, about his recent article, "Vaccination, the Law, and the Common Good". We examine what historical Supreme Court rulings that have set precedent mean in today's landscape of vaccine mandates.In this week's action item we have details …

1
Dr. Ulrich Lehner on Thinking Better and Unlocking the Power of Reason 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

This week we speak with Dr. Ulrich Lehner a professor in the Theology Department at the University of Notre Dame where he specializes in the history of Christianity about his book, "Think Better: Unlocking the Power of Reason." We delve into how people can begin to think better when society has become ever more divided and has seemingly lost the ab…

1
Fr. Carter Griffin on Catholic Apologetics and Responding to the World's Tough Questions 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

We're speaking about how to approach answering the world's tough questions on sensitive political issues through the lens of Catholic apologetics. We speak with Fr. Carter Griffin the rector of the St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C. for his insights published in his new book "Cross-Examined: Catholic Responses to the World's Questions."T…

1
Dr. Daniel Di Salvo on The Trouble with Police Unions 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

This week we're speaking with Dr. Daniel Di Salvo of the Manhattan Institute. He is also a professor of political science in the Colin Powell School at the City College of New York–CUNY.His scholarship focuses on American political parties, elections, labor unions, state government, and public policy. He holds a Ph.D. in politics from the Universit…

1
Dr. Mary Hirschfeld on Aquinas and the Market: Toward a Humane Economy 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

This week we're talking about the intersection of theology and the economy. We speak with, Dr. Mary Hirschfeld, a professor of economics and theology at Villanova University and Author of Aquinas and the Market: Toward a Humane Economy.This week's action item examines the meaning of Advent and how we can make use of this time to build relationships…

1
Dr. Kirk Doran & Brian Boyd on Theology & Economics and the Need for Pro-Productivity Reforms 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

We have two guests on this week’s show. Dr. Kirk Doran an associate economics professor at Notre Dame and Brian Boyd a doctoral student at Notre Dame.We’ll be discussing how pro-productivity reforms to the labor market could create better wages, why it all matters from a theological standpoint, and what improving human flourishing amidst it all loo…

1
Dr. John Cavadini on the Influences of Saints Francis & Augustine on Laudato Si' 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

This week we’re joined by Dr. John Cavadini a theology professor at the University of Notre Dame to discuss his reflections on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ and the influences of St. Francis and St. Augustine on that document.This week's action item: Join or start a small group using the Minnesota, Our Common Home resources to delve into the…

1
Zena Hitz on the Goals of Education 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

This week we're talking with, Zena Hitz, a tutor at St. John’s College and author of “Lost in Thought”. We’ll be talking about the state of education and get her thoughts on learning for the sake of learning.This week's action item: Continue to keep respect life issues at the forefront beyond October. Register for a Nov. 18th webinar discussing ass…

1
Ed Condon on the Role of Catholic Journalism & The Withdrawal from Afghanistan 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

This week we speak with Ed Condon, Co-Founder, and Editor of The Pillar a Catholic news and analysis site. He reflects on the role of Catholic Journalism and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the failed nation-building attempt there.This week's action item: How you can get alerts about when your legislators are holding town hall meetings in …

1
R.J. Snell on the Totalizing of Politics and Practical Steps to Help End the Chaos 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

This week we're joined by R.J. Snell, Editor-in-Chief of Public Discourse and Director of Academic Programs at the Witherspoon Institute to discuss his recent article, "Lost in the Chaos: The Danger of Total Politics" and his practical tips on how to help end political chaos.In our action item, we're discussing getting involved in local decision-ma…

1
Patrick Brown on pro-family economics & what working-class parents really want 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

This week we’re joined by Patrick Brown of the Ethics and Public Policy Center. He recently wrote a piece for The New York Times entitled, “Why Working-Class Parents Don’t Buy What D.C. Is Selling.” He'll discuss what pro-family economic policies should focus on and what working-class parents across the country are saying about current policy propo…

1
Dr. Joseph Capizzi On Human Ecology and the Challenges Posed by Big Tech and the Security State 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

In this week's episode, we speak with Dr. Joseph Capizzi, about human ecology. We dig into what that is and how things like big tech and the emerging security state are impacting it. Dr. Capizzi is the Executive Director of the Institute for Human Ecology at Catholic University. In this week's action items, we examine what you can do to help promot…

1
Dr. Scott Hahn on the Necessity of Bringing Faith Into Public Life 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about the debate over whether religion is simply a private matter or is it public and what the implications are for religious freedom and the future of civilization. In our mailbag segment we answer a question about caring for people at the end of life.And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on …

1
Peter Mommsen on Ecumenism, the Bruderhof Community, and Plough Quarterly Magazine 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about living in truth and working ecumenically.In our mailbag segment we answer a question about a ruling in a Texas court and what it means for DACA recipients here in Minnesota and across the country.And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. In…

1
Teresa Collett on The Supreme Court & the Future of Abortion 30:00

3+ y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re delving further in depth on an abortion case out of Mississippi going before the U.S. Supreme Court, “Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization” and what it could mean for the unborn and their mothers across the nation and here in Minnesota. In our mailbag segment we answer a question about taxpayer funding of abortion.A…

1
Emily Albrecht on Effectively Dialoguing about Abortion 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about pro-life apologetics. How you can start to have real dialogue with people who believe women should have a right to abortion. In our mailbag segment, we answer a question about an upcoming supreme court case that could provide protections against abortion to the unborn as early as 15-weeks gestation.And of cour…

1
Pater Edmund Waldstein on "The Lords of Nature" 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about new medical technologies, such as gene editing, and the ability technology gives us to mold our bodies at will. We discuss the principles needed for discerning the use of such technologies.In our mailbag segment we answer a question about peacetime states of emergency and the role of government.And of course, …

1
Dr. Carl Trueman Expounds on the Deeper Causes of the Sexual Revolution 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about the rise in people thinking of themselves not in terms of our physical being but instead placing primary importance on their interior being. What impacts does it have on society if one’s thoughts and feelings define one’s humanity and can the Christians bring a more stable understanding?In our mailbag segment …

1
Gregory Caridi on How to Correct Bishops Correctly 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about the correct way to correct a bishop. Social media has enabled people to openly and widely air their grievances about Church hierarchy, but did you know that Canon Law actually gives us the principles of how to correct our Church leaders?In our mailbag segment, we answer a question about Church teaching and wha…

1
Carter Snead on How the Body Should Inform Public Policy 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about bioethics in public policy and what should be considered when it comes to policies impacting the human body.In our mailbag segment we answer a question about special legislative sessions and why they seem to be so commonplace.And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to …

1
Dr. Todd Hartch on How to Build America Anew Through Finding the True, Good, and Beautiful 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about America in crisis and how focusing on truth, beauty, and goodness can help revitalize our country.In our mailbag segment we answer a question about the relationship between our government leaders and Church leaders.And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your fa…

1
Dr. Robert George on the Necessity of Critical Thinking Amid Today's Group Think Culture 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode, we’re talking about thinking for yourself and what a lack of critical thinking says about the current state and future of American politics.In our mailbag segment, we answer a question about meeting the needs of parents who want more opportunities to choose the right school for their child’s needs.And of course, we want to leave…

1
Grace Olmstead on Recovering the Legacy of the Places We've Left Behind 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about our roots – the places we come from – and why so many people end up needing to uproot themselves to pursue education or careers. Could changes to public policy help enliven communities facing “brain drain”? In our mailbag segment we answer a question about advocacy efforts and policy priorities now that our re…

1
Dr. Darel Paul on How Elites Brought America to Same-Sex Marriage 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about elites and the challenges that their ideologies pose for proponents of marriage and the family.In our mailbag segment we answer a question about building relationships with Members of Congress without ever going to D.C.And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put you…

1
Dr. Andrew Jones on What History can Teach Us About How the Church can Engage with Liberal Democracy 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about the Church and the State and what history can teach us about how the Church can engage with liberal democracy. We're speaking with Dr. Andrew Jones of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and author of "Before Church and State" and "The Two Cities: A history of Christian Politics." See below for links to …

1
The Role of Catholic Higher Ed. in Creating Thought Leaders & Influencing the Public Square 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the role of Catholic higher education in providing thought leadership that is confident, comprehensive, steady, and humble and what impact this can have on the public square.In our mailbag segment we answer a question from a new listener who is eager to learn more about advocating for life and dignity.And of …

1
Shawn Peterson on the Progress of School Choice Efforts Across the Nation 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about the landscape of school choice legislation across our country and how COVID has made that need more clear.In our mailbag segment we answer a question about how Catholic education is being supported in Minnesota. In our bricklayer segment, we have an opportunity to be a public witness to the faith and pray for …

1
Scott Richert On Why For Christians The Ends Do Not Justify The Means 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about why for Christians the end result of something – no matter how good it is – is not justified by the way someone gets to that result. In our mailbag segment we answer a question about an effort by the government to place a new fee on local churches.And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on…

1
Louis Brown On Catholicism, Medical Ethics, and Healthcare Policy 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about medical ethics and how it pertains to COVID-19 and other emerging bio-medical issues and how as Catholics we can apply our faith to decisions being made on these issues when it comes to policy.In our mailbag segment we answer a question about marijuana and what the church teaches when it comes to policies to r…

1
Gunnar Gundersen On The Dead End of Counter-Cultural Catholicism 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about advocating in the public square and whether we are called to be “counter-cultural”.In our mailbag segment we answer a question about legislative efforts to decriminalize poverty.And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put your faith into action. In our bricklayer se…

1
Tom Holland On the Role Of Christianity in the Western Mind 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about the transformative role of Christianity in the development of the Western mind and its enduring impact on science, secularism, and even atheism.In our mailbag segment we answer a question about building up the City of God.And of course, we want to leave you with some practical tips on how you can start to put …

1
Erika Bachiochi on the Equality Act and True Equality 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In today’s episode we’re talking about the demand for equality from a Catholic perspective and how legislation such as the Equality Act play into the conversation about true equality.In our mailbag segment we answer a question about a bill that would provide undocumented immigrants the opportunity to become licensed drivers in Minnesota.In our bric…

1
Catholics At The Capitol: Mayor Mike Franklin On Government Affairs 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In this episode, we have another one of our great Catholics at the Capitol features in which we talk with a Catholic who is living out their call to faithful citizenship right here in Minnesota. We’ll be speaking with Mike Franklin, the new Mayor of Jordan Minnesota – a great small town in Scott County on the Minnesota River. Mike knows many sides …

1
Sr. Mary Bede On Cloistered Religious Sisters And The Common Good 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In this episode, we discus the role of cloistered religious sisters in promoting the common good in the public arena. We are joined by Sr. Mary Bede of the Cistercian Order. The sisters live a cloistered life following the Rule of St. Benedict. The motto of Benedictine monasticism “Ora et Labora” or “Prayer and Work” sets the rhythm of their daily …

1
Joe Towalski On Media, Journalism, And Seeking The Truth 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In this episode we’re talking about the media, journalism, seeking to know and share the truth. We’ll be talking with one of our great Catholic communicators from the Diocese of St. Cloud about the role of Catholic media in forming and informing faithful citizens. We are joined by Joe Towalski. Joe is the Editor of The Central Minnesota Catholic ma…

1
Alejandra Chavez Rivas On DACA And Immigration 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In this episode we speak with Alejandra Chavez Rivas, a Minnesota mom and DACA recipient, about her own journey with the immigration system and what’s being done here in Minnesota to try to provide immigrants with access to some of the basic needs to provide for their families. Alejandra is a Catholic mom and a parishioner here in the Archdiocese o…

1
Mary Rice Hasson On The Importance Of Catholic Education 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In this episode we’re discussing why parents should pull their kids out of public schools. We are joined by Mary Rice Hasson co-author of Get Out Now: Why You Should Pull Your Child From Public School Before It’s Too Late. She is joining us from Washington DC where she is the Kate O’Beirne Fellow in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy …

1
Bishop John Quinn On What It Means To Be A Faithful Citizen 30:00

4y ago30:00

30:00

In this episode we are very excited to be joined by one of our great Minnesota Bishops. We’ll be talking about what it means to be a faithful citizen and live out the faith in the public arena. Bishop John Quinn will give us his perspective and reflect on his time as shepherd of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. We are joined on the line by Bishop J…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

MN Catholic Conference Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen