
Ignatius Press Podcast
Join us every Monday on the Ignatius Press podcast where we talk with our authors to get a behind the scenes look at our books, uncover the riches of our Catholic faith, and integrate the Gospel into our daily lives.
Latest episodes

Jun 16, 2025 • 50min
Dr. Nathaniel Blake: How the Sexual Revolution Hurt All of Us
Mature and Sensitive Topics Discussed in This Episode
Today, more than ever, we are suffering from the ramifications of the sexual revolution that began over 50 years ago. And in this episode, Dr. Nathaniel Blake joins Andrew Petiprin to discuss why the Church’s teachings on human sexuality are correct and why abandoning them has led people away from true human flourishing.
Dr. Blake addresses many of today’s hot button issues ranging from abortion, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, and transgenderism. He emphasizes that by embracing God’s mercy and returning to a traditional understanding of human sexuality will ultimately lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. If you enjoy this podcast, then make sure to pick up a copy of Dr. Blake’s new book “Victims of the Revolution: How the Sexual Liberation Hurt all of Us.”
Get Your Copy of the Victims of the Revolution Here: https://ignatius.com/victims-of-the-revolution-vtrp/
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Jun 9, 2025 • 17min
Michael O'Brien: How God Unexpectedly Called Him to be a Writer
Recently, we had the honor of sitting down with Michael O’Brien in person to discuss his novels, paintings, and history as an artist. Michael O’Brien is well-known as the author of best sellers such as “Father’s Tale,” “Fr. Elijah,” “Lighthouse,” and much more. Today’s episode is just the first of several episodes, where he shares his unexpected call to become a writer and what he believes the purpose and power of novels are in the modern world.
For those who have enjoyed Michael O’Brien’s books before, we highly recommend this episode; and stay tuned because we have some exciting announcements in the coming weeks . . . .
Get Your Copy of Michael O’Brien’s Novels Here: https://ignatius.com/authors/michael-d-obrien/
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Jun 4, 2025 • 48min
Curtis Mitch: How to Use the Ignatius Press Study Bible
Curtis Mitch, co-editor of the Ignatius Press Study Bible, shares his expertise on effectively using this comprehensive resource. He discusses its unique features that enhance understanding of the divine narrative across Scripture. Curtis offers practical tips for beginners feeling overwhelmed, emphasizing the importance of contextual readings and annotations. He also highlights how to enrich group studies and liturgical experiences by integrating the study Bible, making it a valuable tool for all Catholics seeking a deeper connection with their faith.

Jun 2, 2025 • 50min
Peter Kreeft: Converting from Calvinism to Catholicism
Dr. Peter Kreeft is a well-known Catholic figure who has helped many people convert to Catholicism and deepen their love and understanding of the faith. But few know that Dr. Kreeft himself is a convert to Catholicism. Raised Calvinist, Dr. Kreeft ended up becoming Catholic after attending Calvin College in Michigan, and in his new book “From Calvinist to Catholic,” Dr. Kreeft details his conversion story in his typical vivid and whimsical style.
Today, Andrew Petiprin, also a convert, is joined by Dr. Kreeft and the two discuss Dr. Kreeft’s youth, his process of conversion, and what drew him into full communion with the Catholic Church. They also discuss the relationship between Protestants and Catholics, and their hope that more Christians would enter more fully into the sacramental life of the Church.
This is a must-see episode, if you have read anything by Dr. Kreeft because it reveals a more personal side to one of the bright lights in the Church.
Get Your Copy of the “From Calvinist to Catholic”: https://ignatius.com/from-calvinist-to-catholic-fcch/

May 19, 2025 • 50min
Mike Pacer: Becoming a Man of Prayer
The current crisis of masculinity is rampant in our society, but few have responded to this cultural moment like Mike Pacer in his new book “Prayers for Catholic Men.” Instead of encouraging men to simply gut it out and take responsibility, Mike encourages men to fall on their knees, and he provides them with the resources to encounter God in a meaningful and profound way. “Prayers for Catholic Men” not only teaches men how to pray, but it provides many unique and personal prayers that men at any stage in their life will resonate with.
In this episode, Andrew Petiprin sits down with Mike Pacer to talk about the common struggles men encounter when praying and what resources they can use to strengthen their spiritual life.
Get Your Copy of “Prayers for Catholic Men”: https://ignatius.com/prayers-for-catholic-men-prcmp/
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May 12, 2025 • 54min
George Weigel: The Importance of Being an Intellectual and a Culture Warrior
The university is uniquely Catholic in its origin, and yet currently, higher level education on elite campuses is a “red-hot mess,” according to George Weigel. In this episode, Andrew Petiprin sits down with George Weigel to discuss academia and the intellectual life, not simply as a theoretical enterprise left for those who dwell in an ivory tower, but as driver of culture and social life. They discuss the role of the Church in academia, the scholarly legacy of Pope St. John Paul II, the importance fighting the culture war, and the troubles facing the Western civilization.
These topics are also the focus of Weigel’s most recent book “Pomp, Circumstance, and Unsolicited Advice: Commencement Addresses and University Lectures,” where he tells students that true academic learning is carrying on the great Catholic tradition.
Get Your Copy of “Pomp, Circumstance, and Unsolicited Advice”: https://ignatius.com/pomp-circumstance-and-unsolicited-advice-pcap/?searchid=2246581&search_query=pomp+circumstance
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May 5, 2025 • 46min
Francis Maier: Approaching the Conclave, What Does the Church Need Now?
This week, the Church will experience a papal conclave where cardinals all over the world will deliberate and elect the next pope. As we eagerly wait for their choice, Francis Maier joins Mark Brumley to discuss what kind of pope the Church needs today. He articulately argues that he must be both a man of simplicity and of strong intellect who embodies the strengths of the last several pontiffs. In short, the next pope must model himself after the first pope—Peter.
Maier discusses several challenges that the Church and the next pope faces today, but ultimately, he offers a message of hope and encouragement in these often-troubled times. He highlights the risk of focusing too much on the politics of the Church and stresses the importance of continued personal conversion, especially through the reception of Reconciliation and frequent hours of Eucharistic adoration.
As we begin this momentous week, Maier provides much needed clarity, wisdom, and encouragement.
Get Your Copy of Francis Maier’s book True Confessions Here: https://ignatius.com/true-confessions-tch/
Pope Francis Memoriam Page: https://ignatius.com/pope-francis/
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Apr 28, 2025 • 18min
George Weigel: The State of the Church and the Next Pope
As we continue to pray for Pope Francis, we also begin to look forward to the upcoming conclave, and who better to join Mark Brumley than George Weigel, author of The Next Pope. In this episode, Mark and George reflect on the current state of the Church both in the United States and around the world. They discuss the continued needs of the New Evangelization and missionary discipleship as well as a list of issues the next pope needs to address in his upcoming papacy.
George Weigel’s “The Next Pope”: https://ignatius.com/the-next-pope-nph/?searchid=2143206
Pope Francis Memoriam Page: https://ignatius.com/pope-francis/
SUBSCRIBE to our channel and never miss an episode of the Ignatius Press Podcast.
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Apr 23, 2025 • 32min
Special Edition of the IP Podcast: Reflecting on the Life and Works of Pope Francis
On Monday April 21, Pope Francis passed away. As the Church mourns his passing and prays for the repose of his soul, we begin to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis.
So, in this special edition of the Ignatius Press Podcast, Ben Eriksen sits down with Mark Brumely to discuss the life and works of Pope Francis. Mark begins by highlighting three lessons that we can learn from Pope Francis before explaining why he believes Pope Francis will likely be the last pope of Vatican II. He also argues to what degree a pope should be involved in politics and how we can best foster Christian unity as we look forward to a papal conclave. Mark’s balanced perspective on these topics is a welcome sight in these turbulent times.
Pope Francis Memoriam Page: https://ignatius.com/pope-francis/
Pope Francis’ “On Heaven and Earth”: https://ignatius.com/on-heaven-and-earth-oheh/
Pope Francis’ “Laudato Si”: https://ignatius.com/praise-be-to-you-laudato-si-pbtyh/
Pope Benedict’s “Faith and Politics”: https://ignatius.com/faith-and-politics-jrsw2p/
Pope Benedict’s “Teaching and Learning the Love of God”: https://ignatius.com/teaching-and-learning-the-love-of-god-jrsw1p/?searchid=0
George Weigel’s “The Next Pope”: https://ignatius.com/the-next-pope-nph/?searchid=2143206
SUBSCRIBE to our channel and never miss an episode of the Ignatius Press Podcast.
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Apr 14, 2025 • 37min
Fr. Fessio Reflects on the Life and Legacy of His Teacher Pope Benedict XVI
This week we not only celebrate Pope Benedict XVI’s birthday, but it is also the 20th anniversary of his election. Join Fr. Fessio as he gives a rare glimpse into the writings and teaching methods of a Pope who he believes will one day be declared a saint and doctor of the Church.
Fr. Fessio and Mark Brumley not only remember Cardinal Ratzinger’s election, but they discuss his role in writing the Catechism and directing the Church in the 21st century. Finally, they reflect on the mission of Ignatius Press, which is largely informed by Pope Benedict, and they speculate on what the future may hold for the Church in the coming years.
Get Your Copy of Pope Benedict XVI’s books at Ignatius.com: https://ignatius.com/authors/pope-benedict-xvi/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw--K_BhB5EiwAuwYoym__thMn8FCf9HVWDtHAx3Etl5PqUs_Ha130sdeXIJt3jVSieU4hbBoC9QMQAvD_BwE
Get Benedict XVI’s Spirit of the Liturgy: https://ignatius.com/the-spirit-of-the-liturgy-commemorative-edition-splcep/?searchid=2105105
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