Jesuitical

We’re changing things up a bit today and bringing you a preview of a new podcast we’re enjoying and think you will, too. Where There’s a Will searches for the surprising places Shakespeare shows up outside the theater.Host Barry Edelstein, artistic director at one of the country’s leading Shakespeare theaters, and co-host, writer and director Em Weinstein, ask what is it about Shakespeare that’s given him a continuous afterlife in all sorts of unexpected ways? You’ll hear Shakespeare doing rehabilitative work in a maximum security prison, helping autistic kids to communicate, shaping religious observances, in the mouths of U.S. presidents, and even at the center of a deadly riot in New York City.Join Barry and Em as they uncover the ways Shakespeare endures in our modern society, and what that says about us. In this preview, Barry and Em take a deep dive into how Shakespeare informs contemporary religious practices and faith traditions, and explore one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays—The Winter's Tale. Hear more from Where There’s a Will: Finding Shakespeare here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many Christians, the prevalence of the religious imagery at the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol—crosses, rosary, a flag proclaiming “Trump Is My President—Jesus Is My Savior”—came as a shock. But not for this week’s guest, Brad Onishi, who joined (and eventually left) an evangelical church that combined the conservative politics and “God and country” faith embraced by many who sought to overturn the 2020 election that day. Brad is a co-host of the “Straight White American Jesus” podcast and the author of the new book, Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism – And What Comes Next. We discuss the history of white Christian nationalism, how Catholics and evangelicals became allies in our political and culture wars, and if there’s a non-toxic way to mix faith and politics.In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley mark the passing of Sister André, a French nun and oldest known person in the world, who died this week at the age of 118; the late Pope Benedict XVI’s custom-made cologne; and the future of the March for Life on its 50th anniversary.Links from the show:Sister André, a French nun and oldest known person in world, dies at age 118Pope Benedict Has Custom-Designed CologneThe March for Life has always had one message: End Roe v. Wade. What is its mission now?Podcast: The future of the March for Life now that Roe v. Wade is goneStraight White American Jesus podcastPreparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism--and What Comes, by Brad OnishiWhat’s on tap?Aperol SpritzMusic: City Girl by Flux Vortex Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There has been no shortage of commentary on the life of Pope Benedict XVI since his death on Dec. 31. But one aspect of Benedict’s legacy that many Americans miss is his contributions to Catholic social teaching. John Carr would know.John is the founder of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University and for 20 years served as director of the Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. John has more than five decades of experience working in the Catholic Church to help promote its public witness to justice. We talk to John about Pope Benedict, the perception of the church and politics as well as his personal and professional experience with the sexual abuse crisis.As you can probably tell from Ashley’s voice in the interview, we decided to give her vocal cords a rest. So you’ll hear an abbreviated version of the rest of the show. What’s on tapOrange FantaLinks from the show: Pope Benedict’s greatest disconnect from U.S. elites wasn’t about sex. It was over economic justice.I helped write the bishops’ first document on Catholics and voting. Here’s why I’m voting Biden, not Trump.Eight lessons to help us move forward from the sex abuse crisis.Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public LifeA timeline of Pope Benedict XVI’s life and papacy: From humble beginnings to historic resignationPope Benedict XVI, defender of orthodoxy defined by historic resignation, dies at 95 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ashley and Zac turn over the keys to their listeners. In their first ever mailbag episode, they answer listener-submitted questions on a range of topics, from what it's like being a professional Catholic in a parish, to what theological mystery they struggle with the most and who they cheered for in the World Cup. What's on tap?Rosso di Montalcino, combined with a great story!Note: This episode was recorded on Dec. 20, 2022. Early access to this episode was available to Patreon supporters. Join the community at: www.patreon.com/americamedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas drinks, Christmas carols, Christmas movies–it's the Jesuitical Christmas special! On today's festive episode, Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis are joined by two colleagues, Maggi Van Dorn, the host of America Media's podcast "Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols" and associate editor Jim McDermott, S.J., to discuss the making of "Hark!", the incredible history of the Ukrainian classic, "Carol of the Bells", and why carols are so meaningful year, after year, after year. They also channel Mr. Grinch and discuss their least favorite carols. Merry Christmas to all!The story of ‘Carol of the Bells,’ a Christmas classic born in UkraineDon't forget to follow Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols on your podcast app! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there a question you have about the Catholic Mass that you’ve always been too embarrassed to ask? Like: When we say, “Only say the word and my soul shall be healed,”...what’s “the word”? You’re in luck. This week, we’re talking to Father Dave Dwyer, the executive director of Busted Halo, a media outreach of the Paulist Fathers, and the author of the new book Mass Class: Your Questions Answered. Zac and Ashley ask Father Dave their own burning questions about the liturgy, what he would say to Catholics who lost their “Mass habit” during the pandemic and how to make sure Mass etiquette does not get in the way of true reverence.In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley talk with Carol Zimmerman, who has worked for Catholic News Service for 30 years reporting on education, health care and the Supreme Court. What will the church in the United States lose when the domestic operations of CNS close on Dec. 30?Finally, it’s your last chance to submit questions for Zac and Ashley mailbag episode! Post your questions on Twitter, Facebook, Patreon or to jesuitical@americamedia.org by Monday, Dec. 19.Links from the show:U.S. bishops announce Catholic News Service to cease domestic operations at year’s endCatholic News Service provides vital context that secular media misses. Shutting it down is a mistake.Mass Class: Your Questions Answered, by Father Dave DwyerWhat’s on tap?Pick your poison: Paloma or Negroni  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ashley and Zac are joined by Matt Maher. Matt is a nine-time-GRAMMY nominee and three-time-GMA Dove Award winning musician. His latest album is “The Stories I Tell Myself.” They talk to Matt about his connection with the hit TV show “The Chosen” and how the events of the past couple of years influenced his new album. They discuss how the pandemic affected his art, why he decided to write songs about racial justice and polarization and they get Matt’s take on the liturgy wars.During Signs of the Times, the hosts discuss new allegations of sexual abuse against a prominent Jesuit artist. Plus, how should we think about lifting Covid-19 protocols at Mass around the Communion cup and sign of peace?Links from the show:Prominent Jesuit artist restricted from ministry after allegations of sexually abusing women religiousU.S. dioceses begin to bring back Communion CupItaly's Catholic Church reintroduces handshakes during MassMatt Maher's tour dates and the new album, "The Stories I Tell Myself" What’s on tap?Thoroughbred Mule Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not every day your colleague gets to interview—and share a laugh with—Pope Francis. So this week we’re talking to Kerry Weber, an executive editor at America, who was one of five America editors who spent two hours speaking with the pope on Nov. 22. We ask Kerry what surprised her most about the Holy Father and what it was like to be a woman asking Francis about women’s ordination, a question considered by many to be off the table, within the walls of the Vatican.In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the appointment of a Chinese bishop to a diocese not recognized by the Holy See—and the Vatican’s unusually harsh response.And finally, stick around after the credits for a preview of America Media’s new season of its Advent podcast “Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols.”Links from the show:Exclusive: Pope Francis discusses Ukraine, U.S. bishops and moreBehind the scenes: What it’s like to interview Pope FrancisVatican statement suggests China violated agreement over appointment of bishopsChina vows more ‘friendly consensus’ after unusually harsh Vatican statementThe Catholic Church in China | A Short DocumentaryThe story of ‘Carol of the Bells,’ a Christmas classic born in UkraineWhat’s on tap?Champagne  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone! Jesuitical is taking a break for Thanksgiving, but if you’re looking for something new to try, we’d love to suggest “How God Works”, a podcast from PRX. "How God Works” is a rare combination of cutting edge science and ancient wisdom as psychology professor Dave DeSteno helps us grapple with some of life’s biggest questions.We're delighted to share with you this great episode about gratitude—and why every day should feel like Thanksgiving! If you like it, make sure to follow our friends at “How God Works” on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get podcasts!Follow "How God Works", wherever you listen to podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered why most Catholics practice their faith in a local parish church? Is it simply to attend Mass and participate in the sacraments? Is it to find a meaningful community? Is it just because their family has always attended there? With the church facing serious demographic challenges across the United States, and amid a rapidly shifting religious culture, the established parish model can no longer be taken for granted.In this fourth and final discussion on America Media’s new, groundbreaking documentary, “People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States,” Ashley and Zac, together with Jim McDermott, S.J., and Sebastian Gomes, try to answer the overarching and critical question in the face of the uncertain future of parish life: What’s the point?Watch “People of God: How Catholic Parish Life is Changing in the United States”Follow on your podcast app: Hark! The Stories Behind Our Favorite Christmas Carols, an all-new season releasing Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices