Evangelization & Culture Podcast

In this discussion, Caroline Kurt, a Senior English major at Hillsdale College and an insightful contributor to The Collegian, sheds light on the challenges faced by Catholic students today. She explores how family faith and early formation shaped her own beliefs, even through personal struggles like her mother's illness. Caroline emphasizes the vital role of free speech and the search for meaning among students, critiquing the factors that lead many to drift from their faith. With a hopeful perspective, she advocates for Catholicism's relevance and the importance of nurturing a vibrant campus community.

Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, is a Holy Cross priest and chaplain for the Notre Dame football team. He discusses the journey of becoming team chaplain and shares his growth influenced by Catholic education. Fr. Nate emphasizes the integration of faith in athletics, highlighting rituals on game day. He provides insights on resilience through Bo Bauer's 'no bad days' motto and stresses the importance of community in rekindling faith for college students. His reflections on supporting players through loss emphasize their identity beyond football.

George Jacobson, a Catholic college student and digital evangelist, dives into the power of youth-led evangelization. He shares his journey from Catholic schooling and daily rosary practice to founding the Marian Militia. George discusses how social media reintroduces devotions like the rosary and addresses the challenges facing young Catholics today. He emphasizes the importance of engaging content and personal connection in spreading faith, while also reflecting on influential mentors and the impact of monumental events like the National Eucharistic Congress.

Join Dr. Christopher Kaczor, a philosophy professor and MacIntyre expert, as he shares insights on the influential philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre. They discuss MacIntyre's transformative spiritual journey toward Catholicism and his critiques of modern ethics. Kaczor highlights MacIntyre's revival of virtue ethics and the vital role of narratives in shaping moral identity. With humor and wisdom, they explore the interconnectedness of faith and philosophy, emphasizing mentorship and the deeper understanding of ethics in today's world.

Meet Katy Carl, a talented editor and author known for her short story collection, 'Fragile Objects.' She shares insights on the vital role of storytelling in expressing complex ideas, blending faith and literature. Katy discusses the writer's journey, including the balance between talent and hard work, and explores the moral depth found in literature. The conversation touches on personal experiences during the pandemic and critiques contemporary trends in art. Finally, Katy advocates for meaningful literature through her new imprint, aiming to cultivate a moral imagination.

Fr. Thomas Joseph White, a Dominican priest and rector at the Angelicum in Rome, engages in a profound discussion about peace, identity, and the transformative power of the Cross. He delves into contemplation as a path to God, navigating modern distractions and spiritual depth. The intricate nature of the Trinity and Christ’s sacrifice is examined, alongside the journey from doubt to faith. Fr. White emphasizes the significance of suffering, Mary’s role, and the interplay of justice and mercy, offering a rich tapestry of spiritual insights.

Join historian Timothy Ryback, co-founder of the Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation, as he sheds light on Hitler's complex rise to power. Ryback delves into Hitler's early years and the tumultuous Weimar Republic, where economic despair fueled extremism. He analyzes captivating oratory and manipulative tactics that bamboozled contemporaries. With reflections on democracy's fragility, Ryback emphasizes crucial lessons on civic engagement, making this discussion both a historical exploration and a timely warning.

Bishop Robert Barron, Bishop of Winona and Rochester and founder of Word on Fire, dives deep into the essence of beauty. He discusses beauty's role as a transcendent truth rather than mere subjective taste, drawing from philosophical insights of Thomas Aquinas. The conversation weaves through personal experiences with art and faith, illustrating how beauty can transform lives and evoke deeper connections to the divine. They explore the interplay between beauty, truth, and goodness, prompting listeners to reconsider their understanding of beauty's impact on spirituality.

In this engaging discussion, Ignat Solzhenitsyn—a renowned conductor, pianist, and son of Nobel laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn—dives deep into his father's profound insights on faith and morality. He reflects on the legacy of Aleksandr’s courageous stand against Soviet tyranny and the power of truth in literature. Topics include the urgent need for purpose in a secular world, the balance between hope and evil, and how true freedom is rooted in moral choice. Ignat emphasizes the importance of individual activism in confronting today’s societal challenges.

In his autobiographical book, Derek Ruth explains, "During my time in heaven, Jesus gave me a choice, but I had no idea what the choice would entail. I believed I would come back to earth and continue living like I had been for the first twelve years of my life. I had no idea the trials and tribulations I would face in order to regain my life. And it has not been easy, but I would make the sale choice. I would choose this life." Join me and Derek Ruth, with the help of his father Royce and his mother Jennifer, as we discuss The Eight-Minute Flight on the Evangelization & Culture Podcast.  Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the Evangelization & Culture Podcast biweekly on WordOnFire.org, on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can get more content like this in the quarterly print journal of the Word on Fire Institute, Evangelization & Culture.