Frank Friar Fridays

Sort of a little break from the normal program to remember a devoted parishioner and friend of St. Tom's.  

September 30 was the birthday of my mother AND father.  Today's podcast is a reflection on them.  

I offer some reflections on the events of September 11, 2001 and the challenges they present.  Here's a link to another podcast I mention in the broadcast.  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-bit-of-optimism/id1515385282?i=1000527216316

Remembering events on the occasion of my 50th high school reunion.  

I'm out of quarantine and ready to finish my account of my trip to Africa.  

I've test positive.  No episode this week.

Hear about my trip to Kenya - my first to Africa - and my safari experiences.  

Prayer simply must be a part of our life if we hope to grow spiritually.  There are many forms.  Jim and I talk about that need we all have to take care of ourselves and how prayer is a vital way to do that.  

Jim McElroy talks about his own experience with centering prayer as an acolyte of Fr. Thomas Keating.  If you're interested in centering prayer or know someone in recovery that might be helped by this ancient form of prayer of the Catholic Church, you won't want to miss this fascinating conversation with Jim McElroy.  

The last segment of our three-part interview with nationally syndicated speaker and best-selling author Dr. Walt Larimore.  

Part two of this amazing interview with Dr. Walt Larimore who gives us valuable insights on what it means to be truly, totally healthy.  

We begin a three-part series with Dr. Walt Larimore, physician and author of more than 40 books, including the best seller Fit Over 50.  Dr. Walt has appeared on many 360 with Anderson Cooper, Good Morning America, and many other news broadcasts based on his medical expertise and engaging conversation.  

The conclusion to our interview with award-winning novelist and teacher Gary Schmidt.

Listen to author Gary Schmidt provide some fascinating insights to his writing, inspiration and motivation.

Award-winning author - (National Book Award finalist and Newberry prize winner) - former Yankees (now Mets fan) - teacher - medievalist - UofI grad - what more can I say?  A great storyteller.  Listen to the first of our three-part interview with this fascinating man.

Listen to part two of our conversation with author, composer, singer, spiritual director, Steve Givens, as he discusses his personal experience with chemotherapy and a usually fatal disease.  

I talk with Steve Givens who has written widely on spiritual direction and his own battle with a rare disease.  

Stories of best friends.  

"We are what we eat." - St. Augustine.  Oh my goodness!!  Do I look like gelato and no one has mentioned it??

An interview from Houston where Dominican friar Br. Greg Dunn will profess his solemn vows on May 28.  Hear how this young man, who once aspired to be a shortstop in the major leagues, journeyed to become a vowed religious.  

Part two of our conversation with seminarian Mark Hellinger

We begin a break from our format and have an interview with seminarian Mark Hellinger

More memorable moments from my time at St. Tom's and Purdue.

Some of my most memorable moments at St. Tom's - Part I

How we began St. Tom's mission trips to Titanyen, Haiti.