Spe Salvi Institute Podcast

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa we sit down with Dr. Michael Hanby, philosopher and theologian at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute, to discuss his recent address: "Artificial Ignorance" — a powerful critique of the metaphysical and anthropological assumptions underlying artificial intelligence.

Why do baseball fans love “retro” parks—and what went wrong with the concrete donuts of the 1960s and '70s? In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa are joined by Professor of Architecture Philip Bess to explore the deeper connections between urban design, civic life, and the magic of baseball. They discuss his provocative and insightful book, City Baseball Magic: Plain Talk and Uncommon Sense About Cities and Baseball Parks, where Bess offers a powerful critique of modern stadium planning and makes the case for beauty, tradition, and neighborhood-centered design. Professor Bess also shares the story behind his visionary Armour Field plan, a proposal he presented in the late 1980s as an alternative to the new stadium the Chicago White Sox eventually built to replace historic Comiskey Park. More than just a ballpark, Armour Field was a proposal for a better kind of urbanism—one rooted in human scale, local character, and architectural meaning. Whether you're a baseball fan, an urbanist, or simply interested in the soul of American cities, this conversation offers a rich blend of sports, culture, architecture, and civic imagination. New copies of City Baseball Magic (1999 edition, at original price) are available from publisher Knothole Press on eBay through "TG Sports Enterprises" https://www.ebay.com/itm/256950044085 for $8.95 plus $4.65 shipping.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa are joined by ethicist and theologian Charlie Camosy to delve into his recent article, "A New Pope Leo Appears to Answer Tech’s New Anti-Human ‘Disruption’". We explore how Pope Leo XIV draws inspiration from Pope Leo XIII's response to the Industrial Revolution, addressing the challenges posed by today's AI-driven technological upheaval. Camosy discusses the Pope's concerns about the dehumanizing effects of artificial intelligence, the commodification of human life, and the erosion of authentic relationships. He emphasizes the Church's role in guiding society through these disruptions by reaffirming human dignity and promoting ethical considerations in technological advancements.

Georgia Gilholy, a writer for notable publications like The Critic and The Spectator, dives into the intertwined legacies of St. John Paul II and Robert Schuman. She discusses a new exhibition in Warsaw, highlighting their visions for a united Europe grounded in Christian heritage. The conversation touches on nationalism and identity, and how historical misunderstandings of migration still influence contemporary Europe. Gilholy calls for rekindling cultural and spiritual ties to tackle modern challenges, emphasizing unity amid diversity.

Dive into the fascinating election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope from Chicago, blending baseball fandom with a rich theological heritage. Discover the symbolism behind his name and its ties to Catholic Social Teaching. Explore his insights on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and how he might guide humanity through these modern dilemmas. The conversation also touches on the importance of authenticity in today's digital age and the hope he brings to the Church and community aspirations.

In this discussion, Nathan Pinkoski, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Renewing America, analyzes Pope Francis's unique managerial approach to Church governance. He critiques the emphasis on process over doctrine, suggesting it may sacrifice doctrinal clarity for strategic optics. Pinkoski dives into key themes like the restructuring of Vatican communications and the impact of managerialism on papal authority. He sheds light on how Francis's leadership style navigates the complexities of modern Catholicism, raising crucial questions about tradition and adaptability.

On this week’s episode of the "Spe Salvi Institute Podcast," Andrew and Bobby chat with Trevor Cribben Merrill (producer) and Sam Sorich (producer and director) to discuss their compelling new documentary, "Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard." We encourage listeners to view the documentary for content before listening to the podcast episode: https://youtu.be/L-vB1HaBsog?feature=shared  René Girard stands as one of the most insightful thinkers of the late 20th century, and Trevor and Sam illuminate precisely why Girard's ideas remain profoundly relevant today.

April 2, 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II. In commemoration of this great saint, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa reflect on his life and enduring legacy—particularly his engagement with Europe. They also explore the Christian Humanism expressed in his writings and its relevance for our time.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa sit down with Fr. Robert Imbelli to discuss his recent article in Catholic World Report, "Henri de Lubac: Pilgrim of Hope, Witness to Jesus Christ." Fr. Imbelli shares his experiences as a seminarian in Rome during Vatican II and reflects on its lasting legacy. We explore Henri de Lubac’s Christo-centric vision, the influence of Joachim of Fiore, Louis Bouyer’s insights on the mystical, and so much more. Join us for a rich conversation on theology, tradition, and the enduring impact of Vatican II.

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into Vice President JD Vance’s provocative speech at the 2025 Munich Security Conference, where he challenged Europe’s leaders on free speech, immigration, and internal threats—while sidestepping Ukraine and Russia. They unpack the significance of Vance’s concern about “the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America.” Plus, they explore how his Catholic faith and the concept of Ordo Amoris (the “order of love”) might shape his worldview, influencing his call for a reset in transatlantic relations.