
Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)
Ask Fr. Josh is the podcast where I hear you out and do my best to help you navigate the tricky times in life when our Catholic Faith doesn’t give you an easy “fill-in-the blank” answer. On this show, we’ll listen to one another, problem solve together, and ultimately entrust everything to our Lord. If this is your first time tuning in, here’s how the show goes: Each episode, I'll address three to four of your questions. I’ll cover everything from Catholic teaching to moral dilemmas to relationship advice. I'm not perfect, and I can’t guarantee that my advice is going to make things easy, but I'll do my best to share what I've learned during my time as a priest, pastor, and friend.
Send me your questions at ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
Latest episodes

Feb 6, 2025 • 29min
Why Do I Feel Sadness When Others Succeed? ( with Sr. Josephine Garrett)
Sister Josephine Garrett, an author and counselor specializing in mental health, joins Fr. Josh to discuss the intricate feelings of sadness that arise when others succeed. They explore the sin of envy, its irrational roots, and the profound effects it has on our spirituality. The conversation emphasizes the importance of patience, humility, and prayer in overcoming envious thoughts. Sister Josephine shares insights on navigating emotions and the gradual nature of spiritual growth, reminding listeners to embrace their feelings with joy and reliance on God's love.

Jan 30, 2025 • 32min
How Do We Overcome Deeply Rooted Vices?
Father Mark Mary, a CFR priest known for his compassionate approach to faith, joins Father Josh to tackle the challenge of overcoming deep-rooted vices. They discuss the importance of experiencing God's love amidst imperfections. The conversation dives into practical strategies for inviting Jesus into struggles like anger and lust. They emphasize community support in spiritual growth and reflect on a heartfelt prayer that encourages healing and connection. It's a powerful reminder that holiness can thrive alongside personal battles.

Jan 23, 2025 • 29min
How Should We Prioritize Different Devotions?
Finding time for the various devotions the Catholic faith offers—such as the rosary, adoration, daily Mass, and reading Scripture—can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this discussion, Fr. Mark-Mary joins Fr. Josh to help us understand how to prioritize these devotions as we build our prayer lives.
Snippet From the Show
Jesus is pleased with our desire to spend time with him no matter how many devotions we are able to fit into our day.
Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh
Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
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Nov 28, 2024 • 23min
Should We Receive Holy Communion on the Tongue or in the Hand?
Are you receiving the Eucharist on the tongue or in the hand? Is one way better? Fr. Josh Johnson provides clarity on this misconception based on information from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and reassures us that the church allows Catholics to receive Communion both ways.
Snippet From the Show
Both are good, both are true, both are beautiful.
Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh
Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Nov 21, 2024 • 39min
Healing and Hope Amidst Pornography and Masturbation Addiction (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio, an expert on Catholic teaching and women’s issues, joins Fr. Josh Johnson to explore the deep impacts of pornography and masturbation on relationships. They discuss the journey of healing through prayer and personal reflection, emphasizing the power of faith and community in overcoming struggles. The conversation also delves into the contrasting views of St. Pope John Paul II and Margaret Sanger on women's freedom, advocating for compassionate dialogue around women's health and fertility. Through personal stories, they highlight the importance of redefining masculinity and embracing virtues.

Nov 14, 2024 • 21min
What Does God Think of Divorce?
Divorce is a difficult topic. Fr. Josh Johnson shares sympathy and advice based on Catholic teaching for anyone struggling in this season. We are reminded that throughout the hardest times, Jesus is inviting us to join Him on the cross. He is calling us to bless those who curse us, pray for those who hurt us, and forgive those who do not apologize.
Snippet From the Show
Nothing is impossible for God.
Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh
Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Nov 7, 2024 • 30min
The Truth About IVF (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio, a bioethics expert, joins to discuss the ethical implications of in vitro fertilization (IVF). They tackle the question of why IVF may be considered wrong, emphasizing human dignity and the moral complexities surrounding embryo treatment. The conversation delves into personal experiences with infertility, nurturing hope amidst challenges, and understanding the technological possibilities versus moral permissibility. It's an insightful, sensitive dialogue that navigates a deeply emotional topic.

Oct 31, 2024 • 22min
Do I Need to Go to Mass In-Person Every Week?
Going to Mass in-person can be hard. Can we make our lives easier by streaming Sunday Mass from home? Fr. Josh Johnson explains that going to Mass is not about what we can get out of it, but what we are offering to God. God deserves our worship, and we are invited to show up as we are. Fr. Josh also shares helpful tips on how to prepare for Mass to enrich our experience and dive deeper into the scriptures.
Snippet From the Show
Give God what he is due.
Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh
Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
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Oct 24, 2024 • 30min
Natural Family Planning: What It Is and What It Isn’t (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
Fr. Josh Johnson and Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio discuss the many facets of Natural Family Planning (NFP) and share resources if this is something that you are learning or struggling with. There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to fertility awareness methods. There are many approved methods depending on your personality, season of life, etc. While looking at the potential challenges of any method, we must keep our hearts close to Jesus and His mercy. Without His love, we can do nothing.
Snippet From the Show
We are all on the same team… I want to encourage you to not give up. There are resources and people who are trained, and their job is to help you.
Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh
Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
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Oct 17, 2024 • 22min
Suffering: How Can We Carry Our Cross Like Jesus?
Is there a right way to suffer? Should we be suffering in silence or bringing others into our pain? Fr. Josh Johnson reminds us to start by crying out to the Lord in prayer. God can show us if it is time to keep our suffering close to our heart or share our suffering with others and ask for help. Allow Jesus to show you how this suffering can glorify Him.
Snippet From the Show
When we allow others to know that we are suffering, we give them the opportunity to be drawn in through our suffering to a closer intimacy with Jesus.
Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh
Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)