Practicing Catholic Show

In this episode, we explore stories of faith, resilience, and transformation. Emily Sullivan shares her family’s journey through her mom’s battle with breast cancer, reflecting on how hope, grief, and God’s presence shaped their lives. Later, Joe Masek, founder of the Freedom Group, discusses practical steps for men seeking healing and freedom from porn addiction, highlighting how faith can restor...

As we look ahead to National Vocation Awareness Week, Archbishop Bernard Hebda joins Practicing Catholic to talk about the many ways God calls each of us to holiness. Then, co-hosts Leah Heselton and Fr. Tom Margeviciüs share their first conversation together on the heart of our worship — the Mass and the Eucharist — and how God continues to call and feed us through it. Like what you're hearin...

What does it mean to be a missionary today—and how does Natural Family Planning (NFP) reflect God’s vision for love and life? Bishop Kenney joins us to explore the Church’s call to mission for every baptized Catholic—not just overseas, but right here at home. Then we’re joined by Renee Oakes, FCP, DHS, Associate Director of Marriage Ministry for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. A seaso...

What does it mean to tell stories through the lens of faith—and what does quiet resistance look like in the face of evil? Journalist Dave Hrbacek shares how nearly 30 years at The Catholic Spirit have shaped his mission to glorify God through storytelling, even amid tragedy. Then, digital content producer Zach Jansen unpacks Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life , exploring its moral depth, poetic style...

In a world shaped by screens, how do we share the Gospel and protect the hearts and minds of the next generation? This episode explores both the opportunities and challenges of faith in the digital age. Mackenzie Hunter, creator of @acaffeinatedcatholic, shares how she brings the Catholic message to life on social media in ways that are creative, relatable, and grounded in truth. Then Catholic the...

What does it look like to trust God when the stakes are high, such as when caring for patients or protecting kids? This episode shares real stories of spiritual surrender, sacred calling and the peace that comes from letting go of control. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠  ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠  

What does holiness look like in today’s world? Archbishop Bernard Hebda explores the lives of newly canonized saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati—two powerful witnesses for young Catholics. Then, Pam Baker of Abria Pregnancy Resources shares how her team is offering life-affirming support to women and families in need Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us...

In this episode, Monsignor Martin Schlag discusses the enduring relevance of Catholic social teaching in today’s divided world, exploring themes of work, justice, and society in his upcoming lecture. Then, Paul Iovino from the Archdiocese’s Safe Environment office shares how Catholic schools and parishes are working to keep families safe following the recent tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School...

How can Mary’s faith inspire us to face fear and uncertainty with courage? Bishop Michael Izen shares powerful insights for families and disciples today. Plus, Pat Millea from the Martin Center for Integration offers hope and healing strategies for those coping with grief and trauma in our community. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practic...

In this episode, Archbishop Bernard Hebda reflects on the Archdiocese’s response to the tragic shooting at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis. Discover how faith, hope, and community provide comfort and leadership during times of grief and fear. The conversation addresses how to support children and families, improve safety, and find meaning in suffering through Catholic teaching. Plus,...

How do we hear—and respond to—God’s call in our lives? Archbishop Hebda reflects on saying “yes” to the Lord, even when fear and doubt stand in the way. Then, Dr. Kate Walsh Soucheray joins us with practical wisdom for weaving faith into family life as the back-to-school season begins. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  F...

Change is here—and it’s a good one. Meet our new hosts, Leah Heselton and Fr. Tom Margevicius, as they share their hopes, hearts, and a few surprises in this special transition episode. Get to know their vision, their faith, and what they’re bringing to the mic as they lead the conversation forward. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingca...

Before we move forward, we take a moment to look back. In this heartfelt segment, our former producers return to share favorite memories, lessons learned, and farewell messages as they pass the torch. It’s a tribute to the voices behind the scenes who helped shape the journey. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠...

We celebrate the voice that helped shape the heart of the show. In this special farewell conversation, longtime host Patrick Conley reflects on his journey, shares favorite moments, and opens up about what’s next. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠  

Who shapes a child’s faith? While parents play a central role, many young hearts are formed by a much wider circle: grandparents, godparents, mentors and spiritual elders. In this episode, Bishop Izen joins us to explore the quiet but powerful influence of these often-overlooked guides. As modern life pulls families apart, how can we rekindle their role in passing on the faith? Like what you're he...

What happens when a school is built around Christ—not just academics, but the formation of souls? In this episode, Dr. Gerlach, Headmaster of Chesterton Academy, joins us to reflect on a school year rooted in faith, virtue, and classical learning. From daily life in the classroom to the mission that shapes it all, we explore how Chesterton Academy is forming hearts and minds for Christ. Like what...

Sometimes, faith shows up in the most unexpected ways. For Marcus Roesler, a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe sparked a journey back to the Church—and eventually led him to his wife, Jenna. In this episode, Marcus shares how devotion, love, and a little divine timing shaped their relationship, their growing family, and the Catholic community they’re now building together. Like what you...

In a world chasing influence and recognition, what does it mean to live for an audience of One? Auxiliary Bishop Kevin Kenney joins us to explore how faith calls us into the unseen—where purpose is found not in applause, but in surrender. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠

While many enjoy the warmth of summer, others face heat, hunger, and hardship. Mike Rios-Keating of Catholic Charities Twin Cities joins us to share how their summer programs meet urgent needs, where help is needed most, and how local parishes and advocacy efforts bring hope to our neighbors. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholics...

Change is constant, but it often leaves us feeling unsteady. How can we find peace when life feels uncertain? As Catholics, we're invited to root ourselves in Christ, our steady anchor in every storm. Lacy Apfelbeck joins the show to explore how faith can ground us through seasons of change and lead us to lasting peace. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on socia...

The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis just marked 175 years, a milestone rich with faith, service, and resilience. Archbishop Bernard Hebda joins us to reflect on the Church’s legacy, the evolution of the Catholic community, and what lies ahead for the next generation. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebo...

Love often asks more of us than we expect, especially in family life. Katie Steiner and Allison Johnson join us to talk about the highs and lows of sacrificial love, how it’s shaped their motherhood, and what they've learned along the way. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠  

Last week, we heard the unforgettable story of Father Zachary Ochsenbauer’s ordination and the incredible woman who received his late mother’s heart. In Part 2, reporter Dave Hrbacek returns to reflect on the lasting impact of that moment, what it meant to the family, the readers, and to him personally. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @prac...

Fatherhood is one of the most powerful and impactful roles a man can have, shaping not only his own family but also reflecting deeper spiritual truths. Paul Wagner joins us to discuss what it means to be a father, not just in the everyday sense, but how we can mirror the love, guidance, and strength of our Heavenly Father in our own lives. Like what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, an...

Why does The Sound of Music still captivate hearts decades later? Join us and movie expert Zach Jansen as we explore the film’s enduring magic, its rich Catholic themes, and the powerful story of faith and vocation behind Maria’s journeyLike what you're hearing? Leave us a review, subscribe, and follow us on social media @practicingcatholicshow!  Facebook⁠⁠   ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠  ⁠YouTube⁠