Catholic Answers Live

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, join Cy Kellett, Chris Check, and Joe Heschmeyer for the always-entertaining “Flannel Panel,” where they dive into world events and moral issues through a Catholic lens. Topics include the ethics of war, the phrase “unconditional surrender,” nuclear weapons, and how Catholic just war teaching applies to modern conflicts. They also discuss the sonic boom from a recent SpaceX rocket launch, the moral challenges of technology, and reflections on recent Supreme Court decisions.

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Karlo Broussard answers a range of insightful questions about Scripture, Church teaching, and Catholic doctrine. He explains how Matthew 25 supports the Catholic view that good works are essential for salvation, addresses why the Church typically welcomes converts at the Easter Vigil, and points to biblical evidence for purgatory. Karlo also clarifies how annulments work, discusses the value of formal theological study versus self-education, and offers guidance on teaching the origins of Adam and Eve alongside Church teaching on evolution. Finally, he shares the Catholic perspective on the teachings of John MacArthur. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:49 – How does Matthew 25 support the Catholic view that good works play a role in salvation, in contrast to the Protestant view of faith alone? 12:30 – Why does the Catholic Church typically receive converts during one specific time of the year, such as at the Easter Vigil? 17:54 – Where can the doctrine of purgatory be found in Scripture? 31:02 – When an annulment is granted by the Church, is it effective immediately or does it apply retroactively to the original marriage date? 37:03 – For someone deepening their faith later in life, is it better to pursue formal theological education or engage in structured self-study? 44:10 – What is the Church’s teaching on the origins of Adam and Eve and how can it be effectively taught alongside the theory of evolution? 52:07 – What is the Catholic Church’s perspective on the teachings of Protestant pastor John MacArthur?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Karlo Broussard answers questions on Catholic doctrine, Church history, and theological distinctions. Why does the Church teach the difference between mortal and venial sin? What is the Catholic response to the idea of ordaining women in the Eastern Orthodox Church? Karlo also clarifies the requirements for conditional baptism and confirmation, explores the similarities and differences between Catholic and Lutheran views on justification, and discusses the traditional order of the sacraments in the Latin Rite. Plus, learn how the early Church understood purgatory and when belief in it began to fade. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 00:59 – Why does the Catholic Church teach the distinction between mortal and venial sin? 16:43 – If the Eastern Orthodox Church were to ordain women, would such ordinations be considered sacramentally valid? 21:49 – What are the conditions under which conditional baptism or confirmation may be granted, and why might one be approved while the other is not? 31:56 – What are the key differences and similarities between the Catholic and Lutheran views on justification? Are they closer than commonly believed? 46:45 – Is there any movement within the Latin Rite to restore the traditional sacramental order—Baptism, Confirmation, then Eucharist—especially for infants? 51:43 – When and why did belief in purgatory begin to decline, and how was it understood in the early Church?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Dr. Matthew Bunson of EWTN joins us to discuss the historic election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American Pope. Dr. Bunson shares behind-the-scenes insights from his front-row seat at the Vatican during the conclave, including the dramatic moment white smoke signaled a new pontiff. Learn how the voting process unfolded, why the election moved faster than expected, and how the Church and media reacted. Dr. Bunson also discusses his new book, Pope Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope, published by EWTN Publishing. From spiritual significance to journalistic intensity, this episode captures a powerful moment in Church history as experienced by a leading Catholic voice. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Fr. Paul Keller joins us to tackle a wide range of questions from Catholics seeking clarity and guidance. Can saints in Heaven and souls in purgatory communicate with us on earth? What can someone do to help a loved one return to the Catholic faith? For those new to the Church, Fr. Keller explains what to expect during Eucharistic adoration and how to participate with reverence. We also explore whether assurance of salvation is possible, especially during life’s trials. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father and the Son”? How can one support a vocation to the priesthood? Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 09:19 – What are the spiritual capabilities of the saints in Heaven and the souls in purgatory when it comes to communicating with people on earth? 20:31 – What guidance can be given to someone who wants to support a loved one in returning to active participation in the Catholic faith? 28:55 – What should someone new to the Church know about Eucharistic adoration—what to do during it, and any particular postures or gestures to observe? 34:13 – Can a person have any assurance of salvation, especially when facing life’s hardships and uncertainties? 42:49 – What does the phrase “proceeds from the Father and the Son” mean in the context of the Holy Spirit as stated in the Nicene Creed? 48:55 – How can someone support and encourage a family member who is discerning a vocation to the priesthood? 52:19 – What is meant by the term “Catholic guilt,” and how should it be understood within the context of the faith?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we explore key questions about Catholic doctrine and Scripture. Topics include the Church’s teaching on Purgatory, the meaning of “under the earth” in Scripture, and Pope St. John Paul II’s quote on free will and the greater good. Jimmy discusses who the Church Fathers are and how to read them, how doctrinal development fits with the end of public revelation, and biblical support for the resurrection of the dead and Christ’s second coming. He also addresses whether a priest can deny communion to someone kneeling and whether baptism removes both sin and attachment to sin. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – What is the Catholic teaching on Purgatory, and is there a “middle space” between Heaven and Hell for souls? 12:52 – In the verse “every knee shall bend… under the earth,” what does “under the earth” refer to—could it mean Hell? 20:49 – How should one understand Pope St. John Paul II’s quote: “The greater good is maintained when someone uses his freedom wrongly than when he is forced to do what is good”? 28:45 – Who are the Church Fathers, and how can someone begin reading them alongside Scripture for deeper understanding? 32:30 – How can the Church’s claim that public revelation has ceased be reconciled with the idea that doctrine continues to develop? 41:58 – What Bible verses support the Catholic teachings on the resurrection of the dead and the second coming of Christ? 49:26 – Is it within a priest’s authority to deny communion to someone who chooses to receive kneeling? 52:51 – Does the sacrament of baptism remove not only sin but also attachment to sin?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live,  Jimmy Akin and Cy discuss what someone in the annulment process must do before entering the Church through OCIA, and examine how Sola Scriptura and a priori syllogisms relate to Anglican apologetics. They explore how to discern messages from angels, and whether Spock’s sacrifice in Star Trek reflects John 15:13. Other questions include whether Martin Luther sought self-justification, and how to respond to criticisms of Catholic parish events like gambling nights. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:15 – What must someone do regarding their current marriage if they are in the annulment process, remarried, and preparing to enter the Church through OCIA? 15:25 – How does Sola Scriptura relate to a priori syllogisms in the context of Anglican apologetics? 23:07 – What is the proper way to discern signs and messages from angels according to Catholic teaching? 35:10 – In Star Trek, Spock sacrifices his life for Captain Pike. Is this an example of John 15:13 in action? 40:38 – Was Martin Luther ultimately motivated by a desire for self-justification? 47:49 – How should Catholics respond to criticism about past parish events like gambling or casino nights being seen as hypocritical?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Tim Staples answers questions about Catholic teaching and practice. Topics include the Church’s position on dividing ashes, relics, and organ donation, and the meaning of a line from the “Golden Arrow” prayer. A caller asks why some OCIA participants still struggle with Marian dogmas. We also explore whether Jesus had a middle or last name, what to do during Eucharistic adoration if the fire alarm goes off, and whether downloading copyrighted material is morally acceptable. Finally, he explains the Church’s view of The Mystical City of God by Mary of Ágreda. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 3:29 – What is the Church’s teaching on the dividing up and spreading of ashes as to the distribution of relics or organ donation? 19:44 – The “Golden Arrow” prayer has a line spoken from the Lord, which states, “Be careful to utilize this grace because I demand an account of it from you.” What is meant by this? 29:40 – My friend completed OCIA and still will not accept Marian dogmas. 40:35 – Did Jesus have a middle and last name? 43:44 – What to do during adoration if the fire alarm sounds? 45:29 – Is copyright morally binding. If I find a pdf / video / music online but cannot find it anywhere else, can I download it? 51:20 – Is the book Mystical City of God by Mary Jesus of Agreda Catholic?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, Adrian Lawson from the YouTube channel Sips with Serra, joins CY to discuss the growing appeal of the Catholic Church among young people—has the Church changed, or has the culture shifted? A caller enrolled in OCIA asks why we receive the Eucharist by eating it, and how that connects us to Christ’s sacrifice. They also address the Eucharistic Congress and recent protests surrounding it, offering a Catholic perspective on public witness and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 30:19 – What has changed to make the Catholic Church more appealing to young people? Has the church changed or American culture? 34:23 – I’m signed up for OCIA, and I am curious to why we eat the Eucharist as the mode of receiving and participating in Christ’s sacrifice? 47:10 – What are your thoughts on the Eucharistic congress and the disruptive protesters following it?

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, we explore faith-based approaches to addiction and healing with Scott Weeman, founder of, Catholics in Recovery. Listeners ask how to find Catholic support groups, whether addiction to spending money can destroy relationships, and if those with mental health diagnoses like schizoaffective disorder can benefit from Catholic recovery programs. We also discuss the role of the sacraments in healing, how to balance recovery with public speaking, and how to reach a college-age son struggling with marijuana use. Discover real-life stories of healing and how Catholics in Recovery supports those battling addiction through Catholic teaching and community. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 09:06 – I’ve been battling many addictions for decades. I’ve been desperate to find a Catholic support group. I’m in a group that is celebrating pride month so it’s not really for me. How can I get plugged in to Catholic in Recovery? 15:51 – Do you see a problem in addiction to spending money? In my opinion an addiction to money ruined my first marriage. 21:20 – I had traumas in relationships at age 17. Now I’m 64 and I’ve been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I’m being treated but not sure it’s enough. Could Catholic in Recovery have something for me? 29:04 – I came back to the Church last December and I’ve been in AA for years. This is the first time I’ve heard of Catholic in Recovery. Can you tell me more about it? 37:02 – How does someone get involved in Catholic in Recovery? I’ve been sober for a year and God has healed me so much through the sacraments. 43:26 – How do you manage your recovery and public speaking? I know that one of the AA principles is not speaking on behalf of AA. I’ve done public speaking and I’ve also crashed horribly in addiction. 51:29 – My son is into smoking marijuana. He gets very angry and will not listen. Any advice on how we try to reach him? He is a junior in college and lives with us.