Catholic Conversations with TCA: TCA Podcast

Ep. 374 Mark Rienzi on Pope Leo's Message to Becket, Dr. Gregory Popcak on Forgiveness & 70K Rosaries for Fulton Sheen

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:15:27 GMT

This week on the show, Becket Fund President Mark Rienzi joins Ashley McGuire to discuss a deeply moving letter sent by Pope Leo himself ahead of the firm's 2026 Canterbury Medal Gala. Then, Catholic psychologist Dr. Gregory Popcak breaks down a viral moment on forgiveness from the Holy Father’s trip to Spain and shares his BeDADitudes for being an awesome dad this Father's Day. Finally, Monsignor Roger Landry details the incredible effort to coordinate 70,000 Rosaries for Fulton Sheen’s upcoming beatification—and how women religious have already pledged 50K of them! Tune in every Saturday at 7 AM and 5 PM ET on EWTN Radio.

Ep. 373 Fran Maier Talks Pope Leo's AI Document & Beauty of Down Syndrome PLUS Pope Leo's Favorite Book

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:55:11 GMT

Fran Maier joins to share his favorite parts of Pope Leo's new AI encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas,' and we also mark the 100th birthday of Jerome Lejeune as the First Things editor shares intimate details about what he has learned raising a child with Down syndrome. Rebecca Dougherty also joins discussing Pope Leo's favorite book, 'The Practice of the Presence of God,' and why every Catholic should join her and Father Gregory Pine to delve into it this summer. Msgr. Roger Landry also marks the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart this June. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ep. 372 Msgr. Jason Gray on Fulton Sheen's Upcoming Beatification & Paolo Carozza Unpacks Pope Leo's AI Encyclical

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:51:25 GMT

We continue to sift through Pope Leo's 'Magnifica Humanitas' with Professor Paolo Carozza of Notre Dame's Law School. Also serving as chair of the Meta Oversight Board, Carozza explained why he thinks the encyclical is "a profound and prophetic document," and why there is a need now to "develop a new politics" for the "whole persons and for all persons," as the Holy Father wrote. As we look ahead to the beatification of soon-to-be-Blessed Fulton Sheen, Msgr. Jason Gray joins, executive director of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, to share insights about his life of virtue, and all the step-by-step documentation that is collected and vetted when preparing a cause for sainthood, including details about the many possible miracles that are being explored. With big news from the Vatican this week. Msgr. Roger Landry shares his moments with Pope Leo, and reacts to the big news of Montse Alvarado being appointed to the position of Prefect of Dicastery for Communication, the first laywoman to ever hold that position.

Ep. 371 Dr. Fernanda Psihas on Pope Leo's AI Document & the Feminine Genius & Rob Greving Talks the Lost Art of Courtesy

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 28 May 2026 12:25:45 GMT

With the release of Pope Leo's highly anticipated encyclical on artificial intelligence, Dr. Fernanda Psihas, considers the document under the lens of the feminine genius as we look to the Blessed Mother for guidance to be 'weavers of hope' as the Holy Father urges us all to do. As a scientist and physicist, she found Pope Leo's words to be very unifying especially when bridging the gap between science and faith. As the Holy Father also emphasized the importance of speech and how that shapes the culture, we talk with Rob Greving about the 'Apostolate of Courtesy' and why we must work to bring back manners in this digital age where saying hello has become a novelty. Greving points to the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales, who says "our everyday lives of getting dressed, getting the kids out," is a "good opportunity for acquiring the true and solid virtues . . . a continual martyrdom." Msgr. Roger Landry also prepares our hearts for Holy Trinity Sunday, saying it's the most important lesson of the Catholic faith, "because it's who God is." Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

EP 370 Sam Brownback on China's War on Faith & Father Robert Spitzer on Pope Leo XIV's Encyclical

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 21 May 2026 03:25:41 GMT

As Catholics around the world await Pope Leo XIV's encyclical on AI coming out early next week, Father Robert Spitzer joins to discuss what we might expect from the document especially as it pertains to the dangers of artificial intelligence and the impact this new digital arena is having on the economy. As creator of his own AI tools, the EWTN host also discusses why theologically sound AI concepts must be developed to combat the secular nature of so many mainstream options that have led to depression and even death among teens. On the heels of the White House administration's trip to China, former ambassador-at-large of international religious freedom Sam Brownback joins to discuss his new book and the many grievances of the Chinese Communist Party. He also sheds light on the fate of Jimmy Lai and so many other faithful that are being held on trumped-up charges. Msgr. Roger Landry also joins as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost Sunday. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ep. 369 Katie Prejean McGrady Talks Pope Leo XIV & Leah Libresco Sargeant on 'The Family Plan'

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 14 May 2026 20:30:14 GMT

As we mark 1 year of a Leonine papacy, Katie Prejean McGrady joins to reflect on the accessibility of Pope Leo XIV and what it was like to MC an event with the Holy Father and 5 teens who asked about mental health, prayer life, and AI. We also look ahead to his upcoming encyclical and the lens of joy he might bring to the topic of humanity while delving into the dangers of artificial intelligence. Leah Libresco Sargeant discusses the latest baby news with #4 on the way for the Vance's and why the family plan is always subject to change. She also touches on the Supporting Newborn Parents Act and why it's a big win for growing families. Msgr. Roger Landry points our hearts to the Ascension as we look to the Gospel this Sunday. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ep. 368 Margarita Mooney Clayton on When Mary Calls & Celebrating Pope Leo's First Year

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:34:47 GMT

With a new book released just this week, Margarita Mooney Clayton discusses 'When Mary Calls: Surprising Encounters with the Mother of God,' a theological exploration weaving in 7 encounters with Mary who "acts as a bridge... a living spiritual mother who guides individuals through danger, loss, and spiritual renewal, ultimately leading them closer to God." As Pope Leo XIV marks one year as the Vicar of Christ, Vatican insider Edward Pentin and TCA chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry discuss the biggest moments of the year. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio.

Ep. 367 George Weigel on JPII & Antisemitism plus the Becket Fund’s Fight for Catholic Schools

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:24:22 GMT

As we enter into the Marian month of May, papal biographer George Weigel discusses Pope John Paul II's love for the Blessed Mother and he also touches on some of the current ills of society today including the recent rise in antisemitism and the Catholic Church in Germany's moves to ordain women to the priesthood. The Becket Fund's Nicholas Reaves also joins as the Supreme Court is set to hear a case about whether Colorado can continue excluding Catholic families and preschools from the state’s “universal” preschool program because of their faith. Msgr. Roger Landry marks the feast of St. Joseph the Worker and gives us a glimpse into the upcoming beatification of soon-to-be-saint Fulton Sheen from Peoria, Illinois.. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ep. 366 Godsplaining Fr. Joseph Anthony Kress on Revival & Leigh Snead on Infertility Awareness

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:52:11 GMT

With so many young adults flocking to Mass and pondering Catholicism, Dominican Father Joseph Anthony Kress discusses his days serving as chaplain at UVA and what he is witnessing in NYC where hundreds are coming to Mass weekly looking for answers and faith. He also shares a pivotal moment in his life during a trip to Lourdes that led to his vocation as a Dominican, and his work as promoter of the Rosary. Marking National Infertility Awareness Week, TCA fellow and Catholic author Leigh Snead discusses her book, Infertile but Fruitful. Msgr. Roger Landry also shares his thoughts as we mark one year since the passing of Pope Francis, looking at his ministry of mercy. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ep. 365 Msgr. Roger Landry Calls on Trump to Apologize to Pope Leo & Maddy Kearns Talks Antisemitism & Other Sins of Speech

Betsy Fentress — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:49:05 GMT

TCA chaplain Msgr. Roger Landry joins Ashley McGuire to discuss the recent rhetoric from President Trump attacking Pope Leo, and the need for prayer in this divisive moment. He also talks about the Pope's Apostolic journey to Africa while the Holy Father walks in the footsteps of St. Augustine. Madeleine Kearns joins in discussing her recent piece in the Free Press assessing this trend where self-identified Catholic influencers twist Church teaching to justify antisemitism, slander and other 'sins of speech.' Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Msgr. Roger Landry on Soon-to-be-Saint Fulton Sheen & Father Leo Talks Social Media Evangelizing!

Betsy Fentress — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:30:25 GMT

With a date now set for the beatification of the Venerable Fulton Sheen, Msgr. Roger Landry discusses the amazing impact Sheen had on so many. EWTN's Father Leo Patalinghug joins to discuss the intersection between feeding the faithful physically and spirtually thorugh his Plating Grace ministry. He also discusses what happened when he invited some 'Catholic-curious' social media influencers on pilgrimage in Baltimore! We also learn about a new movie on Christian unity coming to theaters this May called 'That They May Be One' with producer Adriana Gonzalez. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ep. 363 Fr. Patrick van der Vorst: Holy Week Thru Christian Art & Msgr. Roger Landry Talks Triduum

Betsy Fentress — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:14:33 GMT

As we mark Holy Week, Father Patrick van der Vorst walks us through the art of Fra Angelico, Michelangelo, and other legendary artists who inspire us with their vivid scenes especially during this season as we contemplate the Passion of our Lord. Msgr. Roger Landry shares all the ways we as Catholics can enrich our spiritual lives during this last week of Lent, by taking part in the Lord's Supper, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday liturgies. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ep. 362 Father Gregory Pine on 'Training Your Tongue' & Lisa Hendey on New Animated Chime Travelers

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:22:04 GMT

Out with a new book on how to "train your tongue and grow beyond the sins of speech," Godsplaining co-host Father Gregory Pine discusses how the idea of the book was borne out of contemplating confessions he had heard. Steeped in Thomistic thought, the Dominican priest points out that “The tongue … is the most refined of bodily instruments through which we cultivate communion with each other." With a new animated series out now shaped by her beloved children's book series, Lisa Hendey shares how excited she is to see stories of saints now being brought to life for kids and families especially during this month of St. Joseph. And Msgr. Roger Landry helps us ready our hearts for Holy Week. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ep. 361 John Scheinfeld Talks New Movie, Baseball: Beyond Belief & Kate Ashbrook on Down Syndrome Awareness Day

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:54:21 GMT

With baseball season officially underway, we talk with John Scheinfeld about his new film, BaseballL Beyond Belief, that explores the compelling depths of how baseball and faith intertwine in powerful and surprising ways. As we mark Down Syndrome Awareness day this weekend, Kate Ashbrook, founder of A Purposeful Day, discusses her important work of helping young adults with special needs reach their God-given potential. With all the solemnities during this Lenten season, Msgr. Roger Landry reminds us of what we can learn from St. Patrick, St. Joseph, and the Annunciation next week! Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ep. 360 The Digital Detox Everyone Should Do This Lent & 7 Keys to Trusting God

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:51:11 GMT

As we are in the thick of Lent, Andrew Laubacher joins from Humanality discussing his Digital Detox program that is changing lives across the nation by bringing his expertise to high schoolers and college kids on the real dangers of the digital world. Sifting through Neil Postman, Jonathan Haidt, even BF Skinner, Laubacher offers a very real look at the harm being done by smartphones and ways we can reclaim our humanity now. Scripture scholar Melissa Overmyer also joins giving a glimpse into her new book, Living the Blessed Life: Seven Keys to Trusting God and Embracing Joy. Msgr. Roger Landry also reminds us of this weekend's 24 hours for the Lord, as we are called to confession and adoration this Lent. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ep. 359 Mark Riebling on Pope Pius XII's Secret War on Hitler & Charles Camosy on Assisted Suicide

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:24:04 GMT

With the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius' birthday, author Mark Riebling takes us into the role that the Pope played in not just ending the war, but to "eliminate Nazism by removing Hitler." With NY recently signing assisted suicide into law, Charles Camosy joins offering his Catholic plan for "resisting physician-assisted killing." Msgr. Roger Landry joins from his Nigerian missions trip giving us a glimpse into how the Iran war is affecting Catholics there. And we also take on the viral social media post from a 'pro-natalist' that says having 9 kids while running a business is "irresponsible." Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Mary Eberstadt on the Catholic Response to Antisemitism & Lenten Lessons from Ben Sasse

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:03:40 GMT

With a surge of antisemitism growing among young Catholics, Catholic author and commentator Mary Eberstadt discusses why soon-to-be-Blessed Fulton Sheen always said: to be antisemitic is to be anti-Christian, and the role social media plays in this rampant rise we are seeing. As Ben Sasse gave us all a master class in the art of dying well, the TCA team discusses his wisdom and why we must all try to 'redeem the time' especially this Lent. And Msgr. Roger Landry checks in with us from across the world in Nigeria as he highlights the devotion Catholics have to making it to Mass despite the ongoing violence. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

Ep. 357 Bishop of Kyiv Marks 4 Years of Ukraine Crisis & Dr. Lydia Dugdale on the Lost Art of Dying

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:20:20 GMT

As we mark 4 years since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the bishop of Kyiv, Bishop Vitaliy Kryvytskyi joins to discuss the plight of the faithful in Kiev, surviving the cold winter months with no electricity, and clinging to Christ amid such harsh conditions. Calling it "a war against civilians," the bishop of Kyiv–Zhytomyr also works tirelessly to create summer camps for children to retain some semblance of life amid the ongoing destruction of war, and is also sounding the alarm on the missing children of his country. As New York just signed assisted suicide into law, Dr. Lydia Dugdale joins to discuss "The Lost Art of Dying" and why we are called to live within the lens of our own mortality, and how we might bring this lost art back today especially within this culture of death. And as we round out our first week of Lent, Msgr. Roger Landry reminds us that we are called to be brave this Lent when it comes to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio.

Ep. 356 Bill McGurn Talks Jimmy Lai's Fate & Faith and Msgr. Landry on Blessed-to-Be Fulton Sheen

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:49:11 GMT

This week, Bill McGurn of the Wall Street Journal joins to discuss the fate of Jimmy Lai and what might be done to bring the 'champion of freedom' home to his family. We also discuss his journey to the Catholic faith and McGurn's own role as godfather. Marking National Marriage Week, Leigh Snead discusses Springs in the Desert with founder Ann Koshute, working to help couples across the country struggling with infertility. And with the big news of Fulton Sheen being beatified, Msgr. Roger Landry shares candid details about the soon-to-be blessed who has touched the hearts of millions.

Ep. 355 Father Patrick Hyde on QB Mendoza's Faith & Dr. Popcak on Mental Health in the Pews

Betsy Fentress — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:28:09 GMT

With the Super Bowl kicking off this weekend, we sit down with Father Patrick Hyde, Catholic chaplain at Indiana University to discuss the remarkable faith of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, and the recent uptick of so many college students eager to learn about Catholicism. With Bishop Michael Burbidge's pastoral letter on mental health, we talk with Dr. Greg Popcak about how to combat depression and loneliness within our homes and parish communities. And as the Archdiocese of New York says goodbye to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Msgr. Roger Landry pays tribute to the shepherd of Manhattan that he has known for over 30 years. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!