Friar Time

Today on Friar Time, we hear directly from a voice we don’t listen to enough. Not an expert, not a politician, and not a commentator—but a young man named Chris Berrios, a 17-year-old high school senior. A lot is said about young people today, but very little is actually heard from them. When Chris and his peers talk about the future, what excites them—and what genuinely scares them? Is there some...

Today on Friar Time, we explore an issue that affects nearly 80% of Americans, yet remains a topic many are afraid to face. Join us alongside David O'Brien, OFS, CFA, and Chief Financial Officer of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to learn practical and approachable strategies on how to get out of debt. For some, debt feels like a quiet burden. For others, it can feel completely overwhe...

On this episode of FRIAR TIME, we welcome Fr. James Bok, OFM, for a deeply moving and raw conversation about faith in the midst of tragedy: Finding God in the Storm. As a Franciscan Friar who walked directly into the devastation left by Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa in Jamaica, Fr. James brings us firsthand stories of survival, heartbreak, and resilience. Behind every headline, there are faces, fea...

On this episode of FRIAR TIME, we welcome Bro. Jimmy Kernan, OFM, for a deep and meaningful conversation about Science & Religion: Can They Coexist? As a Franciscan Friar and a Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy at Siena University, Bro. Jimmy is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the chapel. Join us as we explore whether faith and reason are destined to clash or i...

On this episode of FRIAR TIME , we welcome Fr. Jim Sabak, OFM, for a powerful conversation about Resilience: Winning, Losing, and Everything In Between . As the Director of the Master’s in Theological Studies Program at the Franciscan School of Theology in San Diego, CA, Fr. Jim is uniquely qualified to share how our personal narratives and beliefs help us navigate adversity. Join us as we explore...

On this episode of FRIAR TIME, Fr. Jay Woods, OFM, LMSW joins us for a powerful discussion about Breaking Addiction. Fr. Jay invites us behind the velvet curtain of Broadway: a world of bright lights, standing ovations, beauty, and relentless perfection. It is a world that dazzles and inspires, yet can quietly break the soul. Fr. Jay once lived there. Night after night, he dressed the stars and he...

On this episode, FRIAR TIME welcomes Rev. Elias D. Mallon, SA, STL, PhD, for a timely and essential discussion about the Middle East. While we originally planned to discuss "Resilience" today, current events have led us to prioritize this expert view on a region in need of peace and understanding. Rev. Elias is a Catholic priest and member of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement with o...

On this episode, FRIAR TIME takes the show on the road to California! Join Fr. David Convertino, OFM, as he welcomes his biological brother, T.J. Convertino , and Grey’s Anatomy Executive Producer and Director, Linda Klein, for a wonderful conversation about Pets. Across the United States, nearly two-thirds of households share their homes with at least one pet. While Americans spend over 140 billi...

Today on FRIAR TIME , Dr. Jack Drescher returns for a timely and important conversation on understanding mental illness . More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness — so why does stigma still surround it? Why do so many people struggle in silence? And how can we, as a society and as a Church, respond better? In this episode, Dr. Drescher and I explore: • Common miscon...

It’s the FRIAR TIME season 3 premiere!  Join me and Fr. Bryan Massingale for a conversation about Nationalism. Across our nation and our churches, we’re hearing Christian language used in ways that divide us rather than heal us, exclude some rather than welcome all, and harden hearts rather than soften them. What happens when loyalty to race, culture, or political identity begins to rival our loya...

Today on FRIAR TIME , Bro. Paul O’Keeffe, OFM, and I bravely enter The Battle Against Loneliness . During this especially meaningful episode, we will ask questions such as:  In this time of instant communications and virtual relationships, why are we so lonely?   Can we find each other again through faith, friendship, and the example of Christ? Bro. Paul and I hope you’ll tune in, as our discussio...

Today, FRIAR TIME attempts to harness and better understand The Power of Digital Presence . Join me and our special guest, Franciscan Friar and YouTube personality with thousands of followers, Fr. Casey Cole, OFM, as we explore how social media shapes our culture, influences what we believe, and how we treat each other. Is it possible to lift people up in a space that rewards putting people down?...

Today, FRIAR TIME tackles an experience that sadly affects us all, Living with Cancer . In our second foray into this emotional topic, Bro. William Herbst, OFM, and I will discuss what it’s like to receive a diagnosis, to feel like you want to give up, and to be angry with God.   If you can relate to these feelings, tune in to this special episode of FRIAR TIME to remember that you’re not alone an...

If St. Francis were alive today, what would make him weep and give him hope?   Today on FRIAR TIME , we’re travelling to Rome to pose that question to Bro. Massimo Fusarelli, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor. Since being elected the 121st successor to St. Francis of Assisi in July of 2021, Bro. Massimo has made difficult decisions on sensitive topics and seen injustices experienced by...

Today on FRIAR TIME , we’re discussing an issue that’s political, medical, and extremely personal, as it’s about people trying to find peace in who they are. I hope you’ll join me and Dr. Jack Drescher for Understanding our Transgender Community .   Across our country, legislation is being introduced, challenged, and defended. Families, doctors, and religious leaders are caught in a storm of quest...

Are you married, divorced, remarried, or wondering if you still have a place in the Catholic Church?   If so, today’s the day to tune in to FRIAR TIME for a discussion on one of the most beautiful and challenging commitments a person can make in the Catholic Church—and what happens when that commitment is broken.   Join me and Fr. John Coughlin, OFM, for a conversation on Law, Love, and Faith: Div...

Today on FRIAR TIME, explore a topic that touches every single one of us, from the moment we wake up and check our phones, to how we work, pray, and even rest. On this extremely relevant episode, Fr. Kevin Mullen, a returning guest who is a Doctor of Moral Theology, will join me for a discussion about Technology.   Is technology changing us for the better, or are we losing something along the way?...

Today, FRIAR TIME will discuss a topic that has a direct, all hours of the day impact on our lives, Healthcare .  Joining the discussion will be a professional with expert insights derived from inside knowledge, Connie Neeson. Connie is a Healthcare Insurance Agent who strives to be a beacon of calm and compassion inside a national healthcare system that can be confusing, frustrating, and heartbre...

Albert Einstein once said, "Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind."    Today, FRIAR TIME will unite these two distinct ways of understanding the world as we explore a subject that has global implications, Climate Change .   Join me and Br. Jimmy Kernan as we discuss the impacts our changing climate has on our environment, and what we can do to stem the tide...

Today, FRIAR TIME offers a revealing look at something that’s unavoidable, universal, and always top of mind, aging.   Join me and Amy Stewart-Wilmarth, a Registered Nurse and Health Coach, for Aging and How We Think About It .   Is aging something that’s beyond our control?    Do our personal attitudes about aging affect our happiness?   Amy will answer these questions and offer unique perspectiv...

Today, FRIAR TIME will explore a complex issue with many perspectives and societal impacts, Immigration .   Can a country uphold its laws and its compassion? Is there room in our politics for mercy?   Join me and Fr. Julian Jagudilla, a friar who has spent years working with the Migrant Center at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi to help newly arrived migrants and asylum seekers in New York City...

It’s the Season 2 premiere of FRIAR TIME ! This season, we’ll explore compelling and controversial issues and welcome guests with expertise in a variety of fields.   But today is the day we unveil our new set to our viewing audience.   We can’t wait for you to see our new set!   And we’re even more excited about our subject and special guest for our Season 2 premiere episode, the State of the Worl...

My guest for this compelling FRIAR TIME will be Bro. Michael Perry, a Franciscan friar who attended the Papal Funeral, knew firsthand the spirit and heart of Pope Francis, and has insights into the makeup and mindset of the cardinal electors.  Join us for this special edition of FRIAR TIME and let’s get talking!  Thanks for Tuning In! This podcast is hosted by Fr. David Covertino, OFM. Sign up to...

You may be familiar with a fictional character from TV called “Debbie Downer,” someone who, no matter what positive things are said to her, brings down the mood and conversation by sharing one of her bad personal experiences.   Many of us have people in our lives who bring us down.  Join us today, March 8, for the FRIAR TIME Season Finale. Fr. Jim Saback will talk about having a positive view of l...

On February 15, watch a powerful episode of Friar Time that examines an emblematic sign of the times, homelessness. In 2024, more than 771,000 people were homeless in the U.S., including families with young children living on the dangerous streets of our cities and towns. You’ve likely seen this major problem firsthand—maybe even close enough to be asked for help? If so, I’m sure the encounter stu...