
Catholic Theology Show
Presented by Ave Maria University, Dr. Michael Dauphinais, Chair and Professor of Theology, sits down with colleagues and friends to discuss Catholic theology. Ave Maria is a Catholic University located in Southwest Florida. This Catholic podcast covers themes such as the value of a Catholic higher education, religious liberty, how to pray, the philosophies of Thomas Aquinas and more!
Latest episodes

Nov 14, 2023 • 53min
Understanding the Angels w/ Dr. Mark Miravalle
God and His holy angels exist but so does Satan – how can this be? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Mark Miravalle, Chair of Mariology at Ave Maria University and Franciscan University of Steubenville, for a brief exploration of angelology. Their conversation clarifies what we can believe about angels and demons amid today’s confusing extremes of empiricism and the occult, and what authentic doctrine on the angels can teach us about the created order.Resources:Catch the previous Catholic Theology Show episode with Dr. Miravalle: Why Do We Need Marian Consecration?
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Nov 7, 2023 • 53min
Aiming for Virtue and Athletic Victory w/ Alan Webb
Is there a connection between perseverance on the playing field and in the spiritual life? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais shares a conversation with Alan Webb, Ave Maria University’s track & field coach and former American record holder for fastest mile. Drawing on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and of creation, Coach Webb shares how “the logic of sports is the logic of life” as we rely on Christ’s grace to strive towards discipline and excellence.
Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

Oct 31, 2023 • 55min
Walker Percy and the Crisis of Meaning w/ Dr. Justin Bonanno
Have we irrecoverably lost the true meanings of words and symbols? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Justin Bonanno, assistant professor of Communications at Ave Maria University, for a conversation about his new book, Walker Percy and the Crisis of Meaning. Dr. Bonanno shares how Percy’s creative and philosophical inquiry into the dilemmas of human existence intends to reestablish wonder by revivifying language and symbols.Resources:Walker Percy and the Crisis of Meaning by Justin N. BonannoRead the first 30 pages of Dr. Bonanno’s book on Google Books hereLost in the Cosmos: The Last Self-Help Book by Walker PercyThe Message in the Bottle by Walker PercySignposts in a Strange Land by Walker Percy
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Oct 24, 2023 • 54min
Suffering in Theology of the Body w/ Fr. Joseph Lugalambi
Is it possible to view suffering as a meaningful gift? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Fr. Joseph Lugalambi, adjunct professor of theology at Ave Maria University. Fr. Joseph explains how our bodies—which are made for a communion of persons—have the capacity to suffer in a way that elevates us to a mystical union with God.Resources:Related episode: Is Theology of the Body Still Relevant? with Dr. Michael WaldsteinFrom the Catholic Theology Show Archives: Love in Recovery | Healing Women from Sexual Addictions with Rachael Killackey
Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

Oct 17, 2023 • 55min
The Sacraments w/ Dr. Roger Nutt
Why are the sacraments so prominent in Catholicism? Today, Dr. Roger Nutt, provost and professor of theology at Ave Maria University, returns to the show to converse with Dr. Dauphinais. Dr. Nutt elaborates on how the visible rites of the seven sacraments continually mediate Christ’s closeness and communion with us. In his book, General Principles of Sacramental Theology, Dr. Nutt delves into the seven sacraments as the divinely willed path to communion and friendship with God and humanity.Resources:General Principles of Sacramental Theology by Roger Nutt (Catholic Theology Show listeners receive 20% off at CUA press with code CT10)Listen to Dr. Nutt’s first episode on the Catholic Theology Show: Why the Church Needs Catholic UniversitiesEpisode 10 with Dr. Nutt: To Die Is Gain | All About Anointing of the SickAlso with Dr. Nutt: Season 1, Episode 15 The Legacy of Pope Benedict XVICOMING SOON: Dr. Roger Nutt’s free short course in The Pursuit of Wisdom series. See all available courses here.
Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

Oct 10, 2023 • 53min
Can We Prove God Exists? w/ Dr. Joseph Trabbic
Can natural reason show us the existence of God? Today, Dr. Dauphinais converses with Dr. Joseph Trabbic, professor of philosophy at Ave Maria University, to discuss Aquinas’s 5 ways and proofs for God’s existence. Together they show how faith, revelation, and natural reason strengthen our faith in God as Creator.Resources:Read Dr. Joseph Trabbic’s articles on The Catholic World Report
Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

Oct 3, 2023 • 59min
What is Fundamental Theology? w/ Fr. Guy Mansini
How does Theology clarify God’s voice in revelation? Today, Dr. Dauphinais converses with Fr. Guy Mansini, Benedictine priest and Max Seckler Chair of Theology at Ave Maria University. Fr. Mansini discusses how the complicated relationship between faith and philosophy maintains the clarity and simplicity of theology. In his book, Fundamental Theology, Fr. Mansini expounds upon the voice of God, how man hears it, and how it influences his beliefs.Resources:Fundamental Theology by Fr. Guy Mansini (Catholic Theology Show listeners receive 20% off at CUA press with code CT10)Catch our prior episode with Fr. Mansini: Episode 13 Why Should We Care About Ecclesiology?
Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

Sep 26, 2023 • 57min
Healing Women from Sexual Addictions w/ Rachael Killackey
If both men and women struggle with sexual sin, is healing possible? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Rachael Killackey, alumna of Ave Maria University, as well as founder and executive director of Magdala Ministries. Rachael speaks about a woman's ability to recover love and worth amid the shame and isolation of pornography addictions.Resources:Learn more about Magdala MinistriesLove in Recovery by Rachael KillackeyFrom the Catholic Theology Show Archives: Is Theology of the Body Still Relevant? featuring Dr. Michael Waldstein
Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

Sep 19, 2023 • 53min
Encountering Christ in Secular Society w/ Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone
Can a Catholic education shape the secular political world? Today, Dr. Michael Dauphinais speaks with Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of the Archdiocese of San Francisco about the central pillars of a Catholic education, principles that lead to deeper communion among the faithful, and effect change in contemporary society.Resources:Check out the Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Worship
Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!

Sep 12, 2023 • 56min
The Last Battle and How to Die Well | Into Narnia with C. S. Lewis
How can we live in a way that prepares us for death? In this seventh and final episode of the “Into Narnia with C. S. Lewis” miniseries, Dr. Dauphinais speaks about the theme of recovering moral wisdom in the modern age by looking at The Last Battle—the closing Narnia novel—and The Abolition of Man.Resources:Catch the previous episode of “Into Narnia with C.S. Lewis”: The Magician’s Nephew and Strength in Suffering
Help support this podcast and Our Lady's University by joining the Annunciation Circle!Get more information about Ave Maria University!