Evangelization & Culture Podcast

What would happen if a brilliant philosopher penned influential works that undermine the religious and moral underpinnings of society only to replace them with utility and appetite? It doesn’t end well. Join Tod and Professor Aaron Alexander Zubia as we dive into his new book, The Political Thought of David Hume. 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.

Join Professor Flagg Taylor as he delves into Václav Havel's powerful essays that challenged Communist oppression. Explore the evolution of totalitarian societies and the importance of dissent in resisting oppressive regimes. Unpack the nuances of authoritarian vs totalitarian regimes and the risks of conformity and dissent in such systems.

Sal Di Stefano, a fitness trainer and author, dives into the myths plaguing the fitness industry, arguing that embracing true health is an act of rebellion. He shares his journey from self-doubt to empowerment, emphasizing a balanced and sustainable approach to fitness. Sal advocates for common sense over quick fixes, the importance of self-discipline, and the need for honesty in health discussions. He also explores the profound connections between mind, body, and soul, urging listeners to cultivate a genuine relationship with their health.

The year was 1984 when a sixteen-year-old Mike Piazza had a visitor come to watch him hit baseballs in the batting cage his father crafted at their Phoenixville, PA home. The keen-eyed and deeply impressed visitor was none other than Ted Williams, the greatest baseball hitter of all time. Join me and Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza as we explore his life in baseball and his Catholic faith. 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.  

Join Joseph Pearce, an internationally acclaimed author and visiting professor at Ave Maria University, as he explores the intricate dance between goodness, beauty, and the flaws of humanity throughout Catholic history. Discover the vital role of saints and art in deepening faith, the archetypes of pilgrims and the proud, and the challenges of historical writing. Pearce emphasizes the need for historical awareness to combat modern relativism and showcases the resilience of the Church through the ages, urging a richer engagement with the past.

Paul Rose, Founder of SingTheHours.org, discusses the transformative power of singing the Liturgy of the Hours. Topics include the significance of singing Psalms as a form of worship, the historical practice of communal prayer, the unity of music and prayer, Gregorian chant as a unifying tradition, and the challenges and joys of spiritual journeys.

What does it take to be named Adolf Hitler’s “Enemy Number One”? According to the life of Catholic philosopher Dietrich von Hildebrand—the man the Nazis hated—it takes uncommon courage, conviction, and clarity. Join me and John Henry Crosby, the president and founder of The Hildebrand Project, as we discuss Hildebrand’s gripping memoirs, My Battle Against Hitler.  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.

“In almost all of [Seneca’s] tragedies,” sixteenth century playwright Giambattisa Giraldi Cinthio confessed, “he surpassed . . . all the Greeks who ever wrote—in wisdom, in gravity, in decorum, in majesty, and in memorable aphorism.” And yet no one seems to remember him. Who was this ingenious ancient Roman thinker and writer? Join me and celebrated poet Dana Gioia as we discuss Seneca’s The Madness of Hercules and why Seneca is still supremely relevant today. 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.

Uncover the origins of Adolf Hitler in 1923 amidst French occupation and economic turmoil, leading to the infamous Beer Hall Putsch. Explore the political radicalism, hyperinflation, and tensions in post-World War I Germany that set the stage for Hitler's rise to power. Delve into the rise of anti-Semitic sentiments and learn valuable lessons from studying the complexities of human nature and political decisions during this critical period.

How did a young, passionate politico rise to accompany Richard Nixon into the Oval Office only to find himself convicted and imprisoned for false statements about political dirty tricks? Join Tod and former Deputy Assistant to the President, Dwight Chapin, as we explore his rise and fall and the lessons learned about the complexity of human nature in his gripping memoir, The President’s Man. Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the Evangelization & Culture Podcast biweekly on WordOnFire.org, on YouTube, or on your favorite podcast hosting platform. You can get more content like this in the quarterly print journal of the Word on Fire Institute, Evangelization & Culture.