Saints Speak: The LCA Podcast

LCA is in the middle of one of its busiest, most meaningful stretches of the year, and Brian and Patrick reveal why the momentum on campus feels different right now. From a whirlwind October packed with student travel, championship football, Grandparents' Days, Fall Fest, a middle school party, and Open House, to the launch of Scare Away Hunger and the third annual All Saints Day of Giving, this e...

Every child's journey begins somewhere, and for many, it starts with the nurturing embrace of early childhood education. In this episode of Saints Speak, we celebrate a milestone at Lakewood Catholic Academy: 40 years of early childhood education. What began as Holy Family Learning Center has grown into a home away from home, full of learning, love, and community.

In this episode of Saints Speak, we explore the inspiring life of Sr. Marian Durkin, CSA, a woman of courage, faith, and compassion, who has dedicated her life to serving others as a Sister of Charity of St. Augustine. Join Brian for a heartfelt conversation about history, faith, and the call to love in action.

Welcome to the 2026-27 school year and Season 3 of Saints Speak! This episode discusses the excitement of returning to school, the renovation of special spaces on campus, the importance of youth sports, some upcoming events at LCA, and much more. Brian and Patrick share their own back-to-school memories, while getting listeners amped up for the year ahead. Stay tuned all season long for special gu...

As the 2025-26 school year comes to a close, Brian and Patrick wrap up Season 2 of Saints Speak with two special student guests: Louisa from second grade and Teddy from seventh grade. Together, they talk Cavs playoffs excitement, favorite memories from the school year, and much more. Plus, Paula send us off into the summer with an especially meaningful prayer. Thanks for listening all season long,...

In this special Mother's Day episode of Saints Speak, Patrick and Brian sit down with Patrick's mom for a fun and heartfelt conversation. She shares stories from his childhood (yes, some you've never heard before), reflects on her journey through motherhood, and opens up about what it truly means to be a mom. And because it's May (aka "Maycember"), we're also looking ahead to the whirlwind of end-...

Episode 15 of Saints Speak brings us outdoors just in time for Earth Day! We're joined by Chief Planning and Design Officer for Cleveland Metroparks, LCA Parent and Board Member, Sean McDermott, who takes us behind the scenes of one of Northeast Ohio's greatest treasures. From the vision that shapes the park system to exciting projects on the horizon, we explore how the Metroparks continue to grow...

Brian and Patrick open Episode 14 of Saints Speak with a recap of the Spring Gala, Saints Just Wanna Have Fun, and a look ahead at upcoming events at LCA. They're then joined by Mike Fletcher, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal, and Meghann Campbell, Dean of Students, who bring both leadership and coaching experience to a conversation about youth sports. Together, they discuss the value of...

Brian and Patrick return for a quick episode of Saints Speak to highlight some exciting happenings at LCA. They preview the upcoming Celebration of the Arts Weekend, including the Saints Showcase theatre production and Visual Art Show, and talk about the Saints Just Wanna Have Fun! Spring Gala coming up on March 21. Then it's time for some fun with an '80s-themed "Finish the Lyric" game to close o...

In this episode of Saints Speak, Brian sits down with Craig Hassall, President and CEO of Playhouse Square, for an engaging conversation about his journey to Cleveland and the path that led him to the largest theatre district outside of New York. Craig shares his professional background, his passion for the arts, and why he's proud to call Cleveland home. It's a behind-the-scenes look at leadershi...

With the 2026 Winter Olympic Games underway, Saints Speak is honored to welcome LCA parent and two-time Winter Olympic athlete, Julie Koons. Julie competed in short-track speed skating at the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics, and she joins us to share what it was like racing on the world's biggest stage. From the discipline and sacrifice required to become an Olympian, to the lessons sports teach abo...

It's a Saints Speak snow day special! In Episode 10, we share updates on rescheduling school events after our snow days and talk about welcoming students back to school on Wednesday. Plus, Brian and Patrick lighten things up with a fun round of "Finish the Sentence: LCA Edition," where anything can happen. A mix of updates, laughs, and school spirit, just in time to head back to campus! Thanks for...

What really happens in the school clinic each day? In this episode of Saints Speak, we sit down with school nurse Jessica Hobbs to talk about life behind the clinic door. From funny and unforgettable student stories to the most common reasons students stop by, Nurse Hobbs shares what it’s like caring for our school community. She also offers practical tips for staying healthy during cold and flu s...

In this special Christmas episode of Saints Speak, we feature some of our favorite guests — our students! Allan, Emma, Chloe, and Noah join us, and we have so much fun laughing with them as they share favorite Christmas memories, family traditions, and what makes the season exciting for them. Their joy, humor, and excitement are contagious, and we hope it carries over to you as you listen and brin...

Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas; it is a season rich with meaning and opportunities for personal growth. In this podcast episode, LCA's Director of Mission and Ministry, Paula Fitzgerald, and Fr. Jim Martin engage in a heartfelt discussion about the significance of Advent, its transformative power, and how we can navigate this period of waiting with intention and grace. Fr. James...

In this episode of Saints Speak, we're joined by 4th grade Saints—Sadie, Sisely, JJ, and Massimo—who share their favorite family Thanksgiving traditions and reflect on what they're most grateful for as we enter the holiday season. Their heartfelt stories and thoughtful insights are sure to warm your heart as you prepare to welcome loved ones and gather together for Thanksgiving. From all of us at...

It's a first for the Saints Speak podcast! To celebrate our second-annual All Saints Day of Giving, we invited friends and families of LCA to tune in and watch the production of Saints Speak live and in real time. This week's special guest is Margie Wright-McGowan, Chair of LCA's Board of Directors. Margie shares her perspective on the history of our school, both as a parent and Board Member. You'...

In this episode, we're joined by Ed Gallagher, President and CEO of Beck Center for the Arts — one of Lakewood's cultural gems. Ed shares how Beck's classes, performances, and community programs invite kids and adults alike to explore their creativity. From painting and pottery to dance and drama, he explains why the arts are essential to development — and how a little creativity can uplift a comm...

At Lakewood Catholic Academy, parents play a vital role in shaping the student experience. In this episode, Brian and Patrick sit down with Brenna Warrell, Principal, and Jennifer Berardinelli, Vice President of Early Childhood Learning, to explore how the partnership between school and home strengthens our community. As administrative liaisons to the SSO, Brenna and Jennifer share how this dynami...

In this episode, nationally recognized author and parenting expert Michelle Icard joins us by phone to share practical insights on guiding children through the challenges of adolescence. From building stronger connections to helping kids develop independence, Michelle offers thoughtful strategies to support families during this pivotal stage. Brian and Patrick also bring you school news and highli...

Saints Speak is back for Season 2! We're kicking things off with none other than second grade teacher Mrs. Lauren Raffel (formerly Miss Lacey). She spills the tea on her summer wedding, joins Brian and Patrick in a round of High Five or Hard Pass, and even dives into the other big wedding buzz—Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. In case you didn't know, Mrs. Raffel is Taylor's biggest fan! Meanwhile, B...

In a blink, the 2024-25 school year and season one of the Saints Speak podcast is coming to a close! This past year has been jam-packed with accomplishments and activities, and next year will be no different. Principal, Brenna Warrell, and Assistant Principal, Mike Fletcher, join the podcast to reflect on the school year, their roles at LCA, and why it often feels like our school is a family. Epis...

Headmistress of LCA's House Program, Mrs. Nagy, joins Saints Speak to share a behind-the-scenes look at this fun and educational middle school leadership program at LCA. She also shares what she loves about being a fourth grade teacher. Brian and Patrick welcome Juliet and Lula to the podcast to share their fourth grade experiences and what they're looking forward to most about middle school. Epis...

The last month of the school year is here and it is jam-packed with happenings! Don't worry — Brian and Patrick review what you need to know for the first couple of weeks of the month we lovingly refer to as, "Maycember." Brian also shares his reflections on the passing of Pope Francis as we remember his impact on the Catholic Church. Episode #16 Features: Looking back on a restful but busy spring...

With just under two weeks until Easter, Fr. Patrick sits down with Brian and Patrick to discuss his Lenten journey and share reflections on what this liturgical season means to him. You'll also hear about the success of our 20th Anniversary Gala, a Celebration of the Arts weekend at LCA, and more. Be sure to join us at the end of April on Saints Speak when we'll outline everything you need to know...