Best Deacon Mike Hayes Podcasts (2025)

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What Happens Now That Pope Francis Has Died? 25:52

4d ago25:52

25:52

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Pope Francis died on Easter Monday after celebrating Easter one last time on this side of the veil before going home to the Father. We reflect on his legacy and discuss what happens next for the Catholic Church during this time of transition. Both hosts received the news early in the morning and took time…

1
How Does Holy Week Make Us Holy? 20:47

12d ago20:47

20:47

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Holy Week stands as more than a commemoration—it's an invitation to personal transformation through entering deeply into Christ's Paschal mystery, experiencing both suffering and resurrection in our own lives. • Entering fully into the liturgies of the Triduum rather than taking a minimalist approach • Th…

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What's Up with Catholic Sisters? 27:08

19d ago27:08

27:08

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Guests: Women's Religious Archives Collaborative Sr. Susan Durkin, OSU, Executive Director Sarah Lubelski, Lead Archivist Catholic Sisters have shaped American society through education, healthcare, and social services since 1727, yet their stories remain largely untold outside their communities. The Wome…

1
When Did Eucharistic Adoration Begin? 28:18

26d ago28:18

28:18

Send us a text How did the practice of Eucharistic Adoration begin? This question launches us into a fascinating journey through Church history, tracing the development of this profound devotional practice from its earliest roots to modern expressions. The story begins in the early Church, where consecrated hosts were first "reposed" for the sick a…

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What's the Fuss About Carlo Acutis? 23:31

1M ago23:31

23:31

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Guests: Logan Feldkamp, Youth Minister at St. Christopher and Emily Ahlin, Diocesan Archivist. Carlo Acutis represents something revolutionary in Catholic sainthood as a relatable millennial teen known for his extraordinary love of Jesus despite his ordinary appearance in jeans and sneakers. Born in Londo…

1
Can Sickness Be a Gift? 34:52

1M ago34:52

34:52

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Father Damian and Deacon Mike explore the paradoxical blessing that illness and suffering can bring to our spiritual lives through personal stories of vulnerability and transformation. • Deacon Mike shares his recent experience with influenza A and how forced rest allowed him to reevaluate his priorities …

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Is Racism STILL a Sin? 30:28

2M ago30:28

30:28

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Racism remains a destructive and persistent evil infecting our nation despite many promising strides toward equality and justice. It is still a sin that divides many. What does church teaching tells us about racism and how does faith offer solutions to this complex issue. Some highlights: • Racism arises …

1
What Does God Want Me to Give Up for Lent? 29:50

2M ago29:50

29:50

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing This episode highlights the intersection of Lent and personal transformation. We discuss how understanding the true meaning of Lent can enrich our spiritual journey beyond traditional fasting. - Importance of relationship during Lent - Historical context of Shrove Tuesday - Our motivations for giving thin…

1
Why Are Gen Z Women Leaving the church? 34:27

2M ago34:27

34:27

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Exploring the complex reasons behind the decline of church attendance among Gen Z women, this episode sheds light on their unique experiences and perspectives. The guests, Kate and Natialie, students at Walsh Jesuit High School, both articulate and reflective, provide meaningful insights into faith, commu…

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Is Pope Francis Dying? 27:46

2M ago27:46

27:46

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing The episode addresses the health concerns surrounding Pope Francis and emphasizes the importance of prayer for him during this challenging time. We delve into topics such as the nature of his illness, memories of previous popes, the significance of the conclave, and the implications of loving one's enemie…

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If My Phone is Causing Me To Sin...Should I Throw It Out? 25:50

3M ago25:50

25:50

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Navigating a world dominated by smartphones poses challenges to spiritual integrity and mental health. The episode addresses the risks associated with gambling and pornography, encouraging accountability and healthy habits in the digital age. • Overview of the impact of smartphones on faith • Discussion o…

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What Did the Catholic Vice President Say? 27:09

3M ago27:09

27:09

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing The episode explores the Catholic principle of Ordo Amoris, discussing the balance between love for family and love for strangers, especially in context to immigration and Vice-President Vance's recent comments. We reflect on Augustine and Aquinas' teachings, the Vice President's comments, and real-life i…

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Are All Young Adult Conferences the Same? 24:40

3M ago24:40

24:40

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing The episode explores the distinctiveness of the Ignite Conference for young adults, highlighting its focus on identity, community, and mission. Through the experiences of the hosts and guests, listeners are encouraged to invite others to join and participate in this transformative journey. Ignite Conferen…

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Is Exodus 90 Worth My Time? 27:24

3M ago27:24

27:24

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Exodus 90 and Magnify 90 offer spiritual programs focused on deepening one’s relationship with God through prayer, self-denial, and community. • Exploring the essential pillars of Exodus 90 • The role of prayer and sacraments in spiritual growth • Understanding self-denial and asceticism as necessary prac…

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What is An Indulgence and Why Should I Want One? 27:57

3M ago27:57

27:57

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing This episode unpacks the concept of indulgences within the context of modern spirituality, highlighting their importance in the healing process of sin. Fr Damian, Deacon Mike and Mary Fugate discuss the relationship between guilt, temporal punishment, and practical pathways to obtain indulgences, reinforc…

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What's the Jubilee Year All About? 18:25

4M ago18:25

18:25

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing This podcast episode intimately explores the significance of the Jubilee Year, focusing on its rich history, spiritual practices, and the call to embrace hope in our lives. Listeners engage with discussions on pilgrimage sites, the requirements for receiving indulgences, and the powerful reflections on id…

1
What Was Great About 2024? 18:58

4M ago18:58

18:58

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Join us in exploring the highlights of a transformative 2024. Deacon Mike Hayes, alongside Father Damian Ference, share the significant milestones that have shaped their journeys within the church. From Deacon Mike's ordination on May 4th, to Father Damian's transition from living at the seminary to livin…

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What Are the Best Christmas Carols? 28:00

4M ago28:00

28:00

Send us a text SPONSOR: Briefcase Marketing Ever wondered what Christmas Carols truly captures the spirit of Christmas for different people? Join us for a heartwarming discussion with our guest Jackie Brauser, as we explore the magic of both secular and sacred holiday tunes. Secular Songs Jackie's List It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: B…

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What is a Pastoral Letter? With Bishop Edward Malesic 16:17

4M ago16:17

16:17

Send us a text Sponsored by: Briefcase Marketing Join us for an enlightening conversation where Bishop Ed Malesic of the Diocese of Cleveland unpacks the profound purpose and influence of pastoral letters in the church and speaks about his first Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of Cleveland: A Flourishing Apostolic Church. Have you ever wondered how …

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What was the Cathedrals Tour? 15:09

5M ago15:09

15:09

Send us a text Sponsored by: Briefcase Marketing What if cathedrals could become the perfect stage for modern worship music? During the Cathedrals Tour with Matt Maher and Sarah Kroger, we experienced just that, attending an awe-inspiring evening in Cleveland. Check out one highlight from the event on Instagram (@dmproductionshq) The Cathedral of S…

1
How to Avoid Materialism and Consumerism During the Holidays 24:21

5M ago24:21

24:21

Send us a text Sponsored by Briefcase Marketing What if the holidays were less about the gifts under the tree and more about the gifts of the heart? Join us as we explore this thought with Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference, who take us through the richness of family traditions along with not rushing towards Christmas in favor of celebrati…

1
Is it REALLY the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? 24:19

5M ago24:19

24:19

Send us a text Is the holiday season truly the "most wonderful time of the year," or does it come with its own set of challenges? Deacon Mike Hayes and Fr. Damian Ference are joined by Terri Yohman, Director of Marriage and Family Ministries to open up the raw and often overlooked emotions of grief and loss that can surface during the holidays. We …

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Is There a Gospel According to Ted Lasso? 31:16

5M ago31:16

31:16

Send us a text Apple TV's Ted Lasso has much to teach us about humility and social etiquette? This episode takes us through the surprising and delightful ways Ted Lasso echoes many life lessons. We reflect on FD's seminary days, where they uncovered the nuances of social graces, and how Ted Lasso's curious nature rather than judgmental outlook infl…

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Is It OK to Be A Man? 31:56

6M ago31:56

31:56

Send us a text Is it okay to be a man in today's world? Join us as we disucss "Professor G's" thoughts on "aspirational masculinity" and how it stands in stark contrast to the often criticized "toxic masculinity." We explore the perceptions young men face, feeling sidelined in political and social realms, while celebrating their distinct attributes…

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Is Voting Third Party a Waste of a Vote? 24:54

6M ago24:54

24:54

Send us a text Is voting third party a wasted effort, or does it hold the potential to reshape the political landscape? Join us as we navigate this perennial debate on Election Day, where one of us casted his vote for Peter Sonsky from the American Solidarity Party, sparking a lively discussion on third-party voting. We consider how these votes can…

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What Shouldn't a Catholic Wear for Halloween? 29:37

6M ago29:37

29:37

Send us a text Ever wondered what your Halloween costume says about your values and faith? Join us e as we explore Halloween costume selection through a Catholic lens, focusing on virtues, self-respect, and intentionality. We tackle the fine line between the difference in costumes like a "traditional nurse" and a "sexy nurse," and how choices refle…

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What If I Can't Find Godparents for My Baby's Baptism? 26:06

6M ago26:06

26:06

Send us a text Choosing godparents is a momentous decision filled with both responsibility and prayerful discernment. We'll explore this essential question with insights from Deacon Mike Hayes, Father Damian Ference, and Christy Cabaniss, who share their wisdom on selecting role models who will be more than just names on a certificate. From conside…

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Should you Root, Root, Root for the Home Team? Or the Team Where You Live Now? 21:43

6M ago21:43

21:43

Send us a text Choosing between your heart and your home can be quite the conundrum, especially when it comes to sports. Deacon Mike is torn between rooting for the Cleveland Guardians and his hometown New York Mets as they advance in the playoffs. Father Damian Ference gives us some insights on his hometown pride. Should childhood allegiances last…

1
What Did Pope Francis Really Say About Other Religions? 29:22

7M ago29:22

29:22

Send us a text Join us in a compelling exploration of Pope Francis's recent remarks to Singaporean youth, where we, Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference, unpack the essence of interfaith dialogue. This episode promises to clear the air on any misconceptions, emphasizing that the Pope respects the distinctiveness of each faith while championi…

1
What Role Does the Laity Have to Play in the Homily? 35:32

7M ago35:32

35:32

Send us a text How does the laity influence the homily? We dive deep into the essential role of the laity, drawing from pivotal documents like "Fulfilled in Your Hearing," "Preaching the Mystery of Faith," and "Evangelii Gaudium." We emphasize the preacher's responsibility to connect scripture with the lived experiences of their audience, ensuring …

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Is TikTok Responsible for Someone's Death? 19:59

7M ago19:59

19:59

Send us a text Who is truly responsible when tragedy strikes due to online content? Join Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference as they tackle the heartbreaking case of a 10-year-old girl who lost her life after attempting a dangerous "blackout challenge" she saw on TikTok. We dissect the moral and ethical implications for content creators and…

1
Why Does Pope Francis Want Us to Read Literature? 28:04

7M ago28:04

28:04

Send us a text Can literature enrich your spirit and humanity? Pope Francis thinks so, and in this episode, we explore his profound letter on the subject. Join us as we uncover how literature can be a powerful tool for all Catholics, not just those in priestly formation, to deepen their spirituality amidst our screen-dominated culture. Through pers…

1
What's Not Working In Ministry Today? 24:59

8M ago24:59

24:59

Send us a text Ever wondered how cultural shifts impact the way we minister in contemporary society? Join us as we explore this and much more with Dr. Matthew Carey Jordan, the newly appointed Vice President of Academic Affairs at Borromeo Seminary and St. Mary's Seminary and Graduate School of Theology. Dr. Jordan shares his compelling journey fro…

1
Is There a Relation Between War and Contraception 22:13

8M ago22:13

22:13

Send us a text What is the link between war and contraception, and why might these be considered the most profitable investments in today's world? Join Father Damian Ference, Deacon Mike Hayes, and Maria Wancata as they explore Pope Francis's provocative remarks made during a recent conference in Italy. We dissect the Holy Father's bold view, delvi…

1
What Makes for a Good Vacation? 36:03

8M ago36:03

36:03

Send us a text What makes for a good vacation? The excitement of exploring unfamiliar cities? Savoring the thrill of live music performances? Join Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference as they share their unique vacation styles, blending city adventures with serene relaxation. Hear Deacon Mike recount how he and his wife found common ground i…

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Is Softball a Good Tool for Evangelization? 29:09

8M ago29:09

29:09

Send us a text Hear about Faith on the Field, How a Young Adult Softball League is Transforming Community in Cleveland. Can a simple game of softball truly transform the way we engage with our faith and community? Join us as Deacon Mike Hayes, Emily Ahlin, and Logan Feldkamp reveal how their young adult softball league is not just a game but a powe…

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Can You Get Teenagers to Stay Quiet and Stay Off Their Phone for 24 Hours? 34:03

9M ago34:03

34:03

Send us a text Could you navigate a day without your phone in solitude to find your true purpose as a child of God? Join us as we dive into an engaging discussion with Mary Kate Glow, a dynamic theology teacher at Walsh Jesuit High School. Mary Kate reveals her innovative approach to guiding students on their spiritual journeys, inspired by an eye-…

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How do Christians of Different Denominations Work Better Together? 27:40

9M ago27:40

27:40

Send us a text Ever wondered how Christians from different denominations can come together in unity? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Deacon Mike Hayes, Fr. Damian Ference, and Dr. Megan Lowes-Bolin as we share our experiences from The Fest—a vibrant mix of Catholics and evangelicals celebrating together. Discover how Deacon Mike felt …

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Are We Supposed to Bow at the Name of Jesus? 28:35

9M ago28:35

28:35

Send us a text What significance does bowing hold in the liturgy, and is it a practice that's still alive in our modern services? Join Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference as they uncover the historical roots and current observance of bowing at the name of Jesus. They navigate through the intricacies outlined in the General Instruction of th…

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What Was the Highlight of the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis? 33:11

9M ago33:11

33:11

Send us a text Ever wondered what it’s like to attend the National Eucharistic Congress? Join Deacon Mike Hayes, Fr. Damian Ference, and Christy Cabaniss as they recount their physically demanding yet spiritually uplifting experiences at this impactful event. Walk with us through the streets of Indianapolis, share in the profound moments of Euchari…

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What are 50,000 People Doing in Indianapolis? Recorded on Site 25:10

9M ago25:10

25:10

Send us a text Editor's Note: Recorded on 7/17/24. There is a slight volume drop on this episode so please adjust your volume. Ever wondered what it takes to organize an event for 50,000 people? Join us as we sit down with Father Damian Ference and Paul Jarzymbowski, Associate Director for the Laity at the United States Conference of Catholic Bisho…

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How do our diocesan media productions affect people’s faith? 31:56

10M ago31:56

31:56

Send us a text Can faith and media truly intersect to create powerful narratives of healing? Join us on "Question of Faith" as we unpack the emotional journey of Christy in our award-winning multimedia series. With psychiatric nurse practitioner Maureen offering her invaluable insights, we explore the complex mental health repercussions of reproduc…

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What is the National Eucharistic Congress? 29:58

10M ago29:58

29:58

Send us a text What happens when the Catholic Church calls for a rekindled devotion to the Eucharist amidst the challenges of a post-pandemic world? Join Deacon Mike Hayes, Fr. Damian Ference, and special guest Christy Cabaniss as they explore this profound question by diving into the National Eucharistic Congress and the past few years of the Nati…

1
What Were 900 People Doing at Akron's Minor League BallPark? 27:37

10M ago27:37

27:37

Send us a text The Catholic community in Akron and beyond came together to celebrate faith and unity at a bilingual Mass in Akron's Canal Park, commemorating the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Despite weather setbacks in the past, this event was a resounding success with over 900 attendees. We highlight the importance of this celebration for the…

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Someone Came Out To Me...Now What Do I Do? 25:47

10M ago25:47

25:47

Send us a text What if the way you respond when someone comes out to you could be a turning point in both their life and yours? In today's episode of "Question of Faith," we unpack the delicate art of responding with empathy and genuine love when someone shares intimate information. Deacon Mike Hayes, Father Damian Ference, and Maria Wancata bring …

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How Can I Create Time for God This Summer? 29:37

11M ago29:37

29:37

Send us a text How can you carve out more time for God this summer? Uncover practical tips from Father Damian, Deacon Mike, and special guest Hortensia Rodriguez that will help you disconnect from the constant buzz of technology and focus on your spiritual growth. Register for our Ballpark Mass Father Damian shares his retreat experience of turning…

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What is an XLT (Exalt)? 27:45

11M ago27:45

27:45

Send us a text Join Deacon Mike and Fr. Eric Garris, Vocation Director for the diocese of Cleveland, as they dive into the particulars around "XLT" in the Catholic faith—an inspiring blend of prayer, praise, and adoration that has captivated young hearts and minds. They unravel the evolution of both Life Teen and new practices in Eucharistic Adorat…

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What's the Hardest Thing You've Ever Had to Preach About? 26:52

11M ago26:52

26:52

Send us a text Trigger Warning: The Episode contains references to Suicide and Sudden Death. What happens when faith leaders are faced with challenging moments on which they must preach? Join us on this heartfelt episode of "Question of Faith" as Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference open up about the profound and often difficult experiences …

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Why Are These Guys Still Talking About the Eclipse? 27:07

11M ago27:07

27:07

Send us a text Gazing up at the sky, the moment the sun hid behind the moon, something shifted within us—a connection that went beyond a scientifc phenomenon into a moment of prayer. Deacon Mike, Father Damian and Father Eric Garris unpack this celestial spectacle they shared together in Cleveland, and its profound effect on each of them. Aligning …

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Who is shadowing in the Diocese this week? 23:46

12M ago23:46

23:46

Send us a text Meet Gianna Koser, not your everyday teenager, but a Catholic whose soulful testament to spirituality and heritage has earned her the Christus Vivit National Youth Award. In a heartfelt conversation, she shares her aspirations, the cultural tapestry of her Slovenian and Lebanese lineage, and how these threads weave into the fabric of…

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