Conversatio: A Podcast by Belmont Abbey College

Dr. Mark Hansen and Dr. Clark Summers of Belmont Abbey College examine the operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power and what it reveals about Venezuela’s regime, narco-trafficking networks, and U.S. strategic aims. They discuss the military precision of the raid, the legal rationale behind it, and why the regime’s deeper structures may remain intact even after Maduro’s fall. The conversati...

Dr. Thomas Varacalli sits down with Michael Maibach, Distinguished Fellow at Save Our States and former Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Intel, to examine the origins and enduring purpose of the Electoral College.

Fr. Gregory Pine reflects—half playfully, half seriously—on the question: “Is it a sin to dominate conversation?” Starting with St. Augustine’s definition of sin and moving through natural law and the human call to communion, he argues that conversation isn’t just “talk,” but a real way we share life with one another. If you’ve ever wondered whether you talk too much (or how to draw others out wit...

Franciscan friar and Breaking in the Habit creator Fr. Casey Cole joins Belmont Abbey College’s Morgan Alemy to talk about evangelizing in today’s world—especially in a culture where many people have never met Jesus at all. They discuss the friars’ new ministry in Charlotte, the power of presence and relationship, and why a welcoming tone matters more than argument. From “ask us anything” street c...

Dr. Joe Wysocki, provost of Belmont Abbey College, sits down with Patrick Reilly, president of the Newman Guide, to discuss the renewal of Catholic education—from K–12 through graduate programs. Reilly shares his own journey, the origins of the Cardinal Newman Society, and why truly Catholic schools form students with joy, confidence, and inner peace. They also tackle the growing skepticism about...

Dr. Thomas Varicalli sits down with historian Dr. Wilford McClay—author of Land of Hope and professor at Hillsdale College for a wide-ranging Constitution Day conversation. They explore why America remains worth celebrating, how its founding ideals took root in a real people and place, and what citizens must know to sustain ordered liberty. Dr. McClay also shares insights from writing Land of Hope...

Attorney and author Kimberly Begg, president of the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women and author of Unbreakable: Saints Who Inspired Saints to Moral Courage, joins our host, a Belmont Abbey College criminal justice professor and attorney, to talk about forming courageous young women in a hostile culture. They discuss why so many college women hide their convictions, how mentorship an...

Writers John Troll and Ben Capitan join the Abbey Podcast to discuss the creation of their original play Passion’s End. This past Summer Ben and John performed their play as a part of the Adeodatus conference hosted at the Abbey. Their conversation spans their shared roots at Thomas Aquinas College, their creative partnership, and the role of theater in forming the human soul, they explore how sto...

Cardinal Gerhard Müller, former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, reflects on his vocation, his friendship with Pope Benedict XVI, and the challenges facing the Church today—from artificial intelligence to cultural confusion. Speaking with Abbot Placid Solari, the Cardinal offers a profound vision of faith and reason in harmony, the dignity of the human person, and the uni...

Belmont Abbey’s former men’s coach John Keating sits down with Ken Lolla and Robbie Church, two nationally renowned college soccer coaches who both got their start at Belmont Abbey College. Together they chat about leadership, culture, and life after the whistle. They revisit their Belmont Abbey years, share the rituals and habits that built winning programs, and reflect on legacy, faith, and rela...

Australian musician  Emma Fradd  joins host Morgan Alemy to share her journey of conversion, creativity, and calling. From grunge rock beginnings to writing faith-inspired indie music, she reflects on the challenges and joys of staying true to her craft and her Catholic faith. Discover how authenticity and artistry can meet in today’s music world.

Dr. Tom Varaicalli of the Honor's College talks with ADF’s John Bursch about preparing for high-stakes cases, the cultural and legal battles around life and gender policy, and the Constitution’s protection of religious exercise. They also discuss public opinion, tech and AI concerns, and the daily prayer habits that sustain a lawyer’s work.

Belmont Abbey Campus Minister Carmen Alexander and our guest Paul J. Kim discuss his journey of faith, the challenges of living as a young adult in a secular world, and the importance of community, sacraments, and personal growth.

Professor James Neff, of the Belmont Abbey Honors College, shares an original reflection on wisdom and foolishness and the Gospel of Luke.

In this episode of Conversatio, Dr. Joseph Wysocki welcomes Dr. Michael Foley—a professor in the Great Texts Program at Baylor University and a Catholic theologian known for his engaging work at the intersection of faith, culture, and education. Together, they explore what it means to be Augustinian in an age of confusion. Listen now!

Alec Bianco of the Circe Institute shares about how our fairy tales can heal our broken culture. Listen now!

In this new episode of Conversatio, Dr. Tom Varacalli welcomes Dr. Ryan Messmore from ICLE, to discuss the importance of Catholic teaching, and how many Catholic schools need to reclaim their Catholic identity. Listen Now!

In this episode of Conversatio, Emmett McGroarty of Belmont House sits down with Richard Graber, President of the Bradley Foundation. They discuss Graber’s path through politics and diplomacy, the mission and influence of the Bradley Foundation, and the shifting landscape of American conservatism. Listen now!

The Stations of the Cross is a devotion and reflection in which we walk alongside Jesus on His way to Calvary. By prayerfully participating in this meditation, we are able to clearly see through His passion and death the depths of God's love for mankind and the price He paid for our salvation. This presentation includes powerful meditations by Dr. Ronald Thomas, Associate Professor of Theology...

In this episode of Conversatio , Dr. Christine Boor welcomes Regan Long—Catholic speaker, best-selling author, and devoted mother of five—for a powerful conversation on parenting, faith, and the cultural challenges families face today. Together, they explore what it means to raise children grounded in truth in a society that is often contrary—and even hostile—to the Catholic faith.

In Episode 5 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Daniel Hutchinson speaks with Suly Chenkin, who shares her remarkable story of survival. At just 8 months old, Suly endured the Nazi invasion of Lithuania and the horrors of the Kovno Ghetto. Listen to her powerful tale of resilience and hope now!

In this new episode of Conversatio, Dr. Brad Frazier sits down with Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska to discuss his remarkable leadership journey, from commanding a nuclear submarine to serving as White House Military Aide and transitioning into healthcare. Together, they explore the importance of leading with love, building trust in high-stakes environments, and how moral principles and servant leadersh...

In this new episode of Conversatio, Dr. Tom Varacalli welcomes Jeremy Tate, CEO of Classic Learning Test (CLT), for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of standardized testing in the United States. Jeremy shares his perspective on how the CLT is providing an alternative to traditional testing methods, the impact of these changes on education, and the future of classical education in...

In the second episode of Conversatio this season, Dr. Thomas Varacalli sits down with Tom Carroll, Director and Founder of the Catholic Talent Project, to explore the current state of Catholic education in America. Tune in as they discuss the challenges, opportunities, and future of Catholic schools in today's society. Listen now!

In Conversatio's 6th season, Dr. Michael Watson and Dr. Siebert sit down to explore the intersection of healthcare, ethics, and economics. They dive into key issues like different healthcare systems and the role of Catholic teaching in shaping healthcare policy. Listen now!