While we often avoid thinking or talking about death, having open and honest conversations about mortality is essential to prepare for the end of life. To help others navigate this  challenging topic, Father Dave welcomes Dr. Stephen Doran to the show.  Dr. Doran is a permanent deacon and bioethicist for the Archdiocese of Omaha, and highlights hope in his book, “To Die Well: A Catholic Neurosurgeon’s Guide to the End of Life.”

A listener named Lenny asks Father Dave about the Church’s teaching of transubstantiation. “I went to Catholic High School, and we learned that God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient,” he begins. “[Regarding] transubstantiation, we understand that the priest is bringing God or Jesus into the host. My comment, or my ignorant question is, wasn’t he already there? Like if he’s omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent, isn't it already that way?”

As we enter into Ordinary Time, a listener Karen asks Father Dave about these weeks. “We just went over the liturgical calendar in RCIA, and I'm wondering why there are two ordinary time periods. It's confusing to go from one holy period, to Ordinary Time, to another holy period in such a short time toward the early part of the year,” she says. “I can understand the big Ordinary Time period, but the few short weeks thrown in elsewhere seem like a letdown to get ready for the next time.”

As the world navigates new developments in artificial intelligence, Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show and ethicist Dr. Charles Camosy. In his new article for The Pillar, Dr. Camosy explores the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence, and explains how AI is not necessarily something to fear. 

A listener named Terrie asks Father Dave about the vestments he wears at Mass. “I’ve recently watched the livestream during the week from St. Paul the Apostle, and I noticed that your vestment is not as decorative as the other priests who have celebrated Mass during the week,” he says. “Do you all have your own vestments to wear?”

Recently, the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released a new declaration titled “Fiducia Supplicans” which, in part, states that any same-sex or unmarried couple can receive a blessing from a priest or deacon under certain conditions. Father Dave explains this news and clarifies some misconceptions about what it means.

Father Dave welcomes back New York Times bestselling author and broadcaster Raymond Arroyo to discuss a new project: a Christmas album! Raymond sings along with jazz band The NOLA Players on the new album, “Christmas Merry & Bright.”

As Christmas quickly approaches, a listener named Rachel asks, “Why is Advent so short this year? It feels like we only get three weeks.”

As we journey through Advent, who better to help us prepare for Christ’s birth than the man who plays Jesus on “The Chosen”? Father Dave welcomes Catholic actor Jonathan Roumie, who stars in the highly popular TV series about the life and ministry of Jesus. He is also a prominent voice on the Hallow prayer and meditation app, where you can hear him and Liam Neeson in the “Advent Pray25 with C.S. Lewis” prayer challenge.

Father Dave and Associate Director of Busted Halo Ministries Father Evan Cummings welcome Catholic speaker and author Bobby Angel to discuss his new book, “Gaming and the Heroic Life: A Quest for Holiness in the Virtual World.”