Franciscan University Presents

Deacon Bob Rice, a professor of Catechetics at Franciscan University and author, shares insights on youth ministry. He emphasizes the power of personal connections, advocating for authentic relationships over traditional approaches. The conversation covers how youth culture influences faith engagement and the importance of mentorship. Rice also discusses the necessity of empathy when sharing the Gospel, especially amidst suffering, and highlights the role of prayer in nurturing spiritual thirst. His perspective encourages a relational, community-focused approach to youth ministry.

Join host Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Father Carter Griffin, Rector at the Saint John Paul II Seminary and author of Forming Families, Forming Saints, as they discuss the role of parents and family life in preparing us for our final destination.   Other Voices for this episode include: Dr. Ron Bolster Dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy Dr. Petroc Willey Professor of Theology and Catechetics Dr. William Keimig Deputy Director of the Catechetical Institute   Original Air Date: June 2025   Listen to more Franciscan University Presents episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and at Faith and Reason. 

Join host Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, panelists Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr. Shane Owens, and special guest Dr. Regis Martin, Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville and author of March to Martyrdom: Seven Letters on Sanctity From St. Ignatius of Antioch, as they discuss how the example of St. Ignatius of Antioch can inspire us to examine our lives. Other Voices for this episode are excerpts from Dr. Martin's book, read by the author. Original Air Date: May 2025   Listen to more Franciscan University Presents episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Join panelists Father Jonathan St. André, TOR, and Dr. Scott Hahn, host Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, and special guest Dr. Paul Kengor, Professor of Political Science at Grove City College and author of The Stigmatists: Their Gifts, Their Revelations, Their Warnings, as they discuss the saints who bore the wounds of Christ, and why this should get our attention. Other Voices for this episode include: Dr. James Matenaer Professor of History, Franciscan University of Steubenville Dr. Kyle McKenna Professor of Biology, Franciscan University of Steubenville Original Air Date: April 2025 Find talks from the Marked with the Wounds of Christ Conference from September 12-14, 2024, here.    Listen to more Franciscan University Presents episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Join Dr. Shane Owens, an Assistant Professor of Theology and author focused on St. Augustine, as he explores the heart and spiritual journey through Augustine's 'Confessions'. Discover how Augustine's insights on love contrast self-love with love for God. Learn about the transformative power of prayer and memory in shaping our identities and narratives. The conversation highlights the significance of friendship and divine guidance in personal growth, urging listeners to deepen their connection with God through introspection and storytelling.

Join panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, host Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, and special guest Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, associate professor in the Busch School of Business at the Catholic University of America and author of Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth, as they discuss why some women are open to having large families, despite cultural pressure. Other Voices from this episode include: Alicia Hernon Co-Founder, Messy Family Project & Mother of 10 Laura Doroski Parish Respect Life Ministry Coordinator & Mother of 6 Original Air Date: February 2025 Listen to more Franciscan University Presents episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Join panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, host Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, and special guest Dr. John Bergsma, Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville and Author of Jesus and Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor, as they discuss how we can enter into this Year of Jubilee and discover what God wants to offer each of us. ORIGINAL AIR DATE: January 2025 Other Voices for this episode include: Jean Robledo, Theology and Catechetics Major Sarah Gacka, History Major Katherine Saliga, Communication Arts and Classics Major   Listen to more Franciscan University Presents episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Join panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, host Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, and special guest Dr. Greg Bottaro, Catholic psychologist and founder of the CatholicPsych Institute, as they discuss difficult relationships and the contributions of John Paul II to modern psychology. Father Dave also had an entire series about mental health with Dr. Greg Bottaro on season 3 of In Focus, which you can find here.   Other Voices featured in this episode include: Vincent D'Antuono, Communication Arts major Laura Rodriguez, Marketing major John Fusco, Business Management and Theology major Isaac Desrosierss, Mechanical Engineering Major ORIGINAL AIR DATE: December 2024 Listen to more Franciscan University Presents episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Join panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and Host – and special guest – Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, President of Franciscan University of Steubenville and Host of the video series “My father’s Father“, as they discuss how human fatherhood reveals – but can never replace – the divine Fatherhood of God. Other Voices for this episode include: William McNamara, Communication Arts major Emma Grace Brierley, Marketing major Duran Lurie, Philosophy and Theology major   ORIGINAL AIR DATE: NOVEMBER 2024 Listen to more Franciscan University Presents episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Join Host Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn,, and special guest Mother Iliana, a nun of the Byzantine Catholic Christ the Bridegroom Monastery and author of the new book “The Light of His Eyes: Journeying From Self-Contempt to the Father’s Delight“, as they discuss how we know that our lives matter and that we are enough. ORIGINAL AIR DATE: OCTOBER 2024 Other Voices for this Episode include: Ally Lazo, Theology and Catechetics Major Isabella Severson, Nursing Major Joshua Costello, Manager of Guest Outreach and Satisfaction   Listen to more Franciscan University Presents episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.