Good Distinctions

Good Distinctions is back! I’ve taken the last year or so off as I drafted my dissertation. It is now complete and awaiting feedback from my advisor… I’ll make sure to post when I’m DOCTOR Wright… but not yet. This episode is my first after a year off from recording. The podcast is OFF Airplane Mode! I will not be posting often, to be honest. I’m only seeking out interviews that really, truly inte...

Summary In this conversation, Teresa Yanaros shares her transformative journey from the New Age movement to Catholicism, detailing her experiences with the occult and the importance of understanding spiritual practices. She emphasizes the dangers of syncretism and the blending of beliefs in modern spirituality, advocating for a clear Christian worldview and the role of sacraments in healing and de...

In this episode of Good Distinctions, host Will Wright speaks with Sr. Allison Regina Gliot about her new book, 'Eli's Quiet Friend,' which addresses the needs of neurodivergent children, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Sister Allison shares insights into her religious order, the Daughters of St. Paul, and their mission to evangelize through media. The conversation explores the inspirat...

In this conversation, Will Wright and Jason Simon explore the themes of friendship, discipleship, and evangelization within the context of the Catholic faith. Jason shares insights from his experience as president of the Evangelical Catholic, emphasizing the importance of lay apostolate and the role of deep, intentional friendships in leading others to Christ. They discuss the urgency of building...

In this conversation, Dr. Marlon De La Torre shares his journey of faith and ministry, emphasizing the importance of suffering in the Christian life. He discusses his new book, which connects C.S. Lewis's 'Screwtape Letters' with the Catechism, providing practical insights into spiritual warfare and temptation. The discussion highlights the relevance of Lewis's work in understanding the battle bet...

In this episode of Good Distinctions, host Will Wright interviews Jonna Schuster, co-founder of Catholic Revival Ministries and author of 'Hearing God's Voice'. They discuss the importance of developing a two-way prayer life, overcoming doubts about hearing God, and the transformative power of community in spiritual growth. Jonna shares her journey of writing the book, the nature of prayer as comm...

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Joshua Mazarin, author of 'Led by the Immaculata', exploring the profound themes of Marian consecration, the role of Mary in the life of the Church, and her unique relationship with the Holy Spirit. Joshua shares his inspiration for writing the book, the theological foundations of Marian devotion, and how it serves as a practical guide for living out on...

In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Phillip Campbell, author of 'In Pursuit of Wisdom: Catholicism and Science Through the Ages.' They discuss the relationship between faith and reason, the scientific orientation of Christianity, the role of monasticism in scientific advancements, and the impact of the Enlightenment on the perception of faith and science. Campbell emphasizes the importanc...

In this conversation, Will Wright speaks with Fr. Lawrence Lew, OP about his book 'Entering Heaven on Earth: The Signs, Symbols, and Saints of Catholic Churches,' which explores the signs, symbols, and saints of Catholic churches. They discuss the importance of meditation in the Rosary, the significance of sacred architecture and art, and the role of beauty in worship and liturgy. Father Lew share...

In this engaging conversation, Belinda Terro Mooeny shares her journey as a Catholic author, emphasizing her mission to serve others through writing and prayer. She discusses her latest book, 'Pray With Us: A Saint For Every Day,' which encourages readers to connect with saints and seek their intercession. Belinda highlights the power of praying with saints, the importance of building relationship...

Summary In this conversation, Kate Capato, a sacred art painter, discusses her mission of beauty through art and collaboration with her husband. She explores the nature of art, the objective value of beauty, and the role of sacred art in communicating faith. The discussion delves into the importance of beauty in churches and practical steps for individuals to contribute to beautification efforts i...

Summary In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Father Dave Tomaszycki about his role in the Archdiocese of Detroit and his work compiling a new book by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen titled 'On the Demonic.' They discuss the themes of the book, including the nature of the demonic, the importance of the cross, and the current state of the Church. Father Dave shares insights on Fulton Sheen's lega...

I met Tim and Danny Reckart last year at the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative’s The Hour of the Laity Conference and we had a few fantastic conversations! I wanted to keep it going and so I invited the two to talk about art, filmmaking, story, and more. Enjoy! Who is Tim Reckart? Timothy Reckart is an Oscar-nominated writer, director, and animator, best known for directing The Star in 2017 and the Os...

Summary of the Episode In this episode of Good Distinctions, host Will Wright interviews Mike Aquilina, co-founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and author of the book 'Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins: 12 Ancient Cities and How They Were Evangelized'. Aquilina discusses his interest in the Fathers of the Church and his goal of providing an imaginative entry into the ancient world through...

Summary of the Episode In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Aurelio Porfiri, author of 'The Right Hand of the Lord is Exalted,' about Catholic traditionalism and its history from Vatican II to the present. They discuss the different types of traditionalism, the limitations of traditionalism, the state of the liturgy, and the need for a balanced approach to liturgical music. Porfiri emphasi...

Summary of the Episode Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes discusses his new book, Spiritual Masters, Living and Praying in the Catholic Tradition. He shares his journey from Boston to New Orleans and the unique Catholic culture in Louisiana. The book explores the teachings of spiritual masters throughout history and their relevance in today's world. Hughes emphasizes the importance of quiet time, u...

Summary of the Episode Father Mitch Pacwa, a Jesuit priest and biblical scholar, discusses his work at the Eternal Word Television Network and his new book on the book of Isaiah. He explains that Isaiah is often referred to as the Gospel of the Old Testament because it contains prophecies about the incarnation, the suffering of the Messiah, and the final judgment. Father Pacwa also discusses the i...

Summary of the Episode Dr. Richard DeClue, a professor of theology, discusses the Communio school of thought and the differences between the Communio and Concilium journals. He explains that the Communio school focuses on investigating the sources of theology, such as scripture and the church fathers, while the Concilium school adopts modern philosophies. Dr. DeClue also discusses the development...

It was a joy to sit down with Mark Brumley, the President of Ignatius Press to discuss this fantastic meditations book featuring the work of Pope Benedict XVI. Summary of the Episode In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Mark Brumley, the president of Ignatius Press, about a new book titled 'God is Ever New: Meditations on Life, Love, and Freedom' by Pope Benedict XVI. The book is a collect...

Summary of the Episode In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Fran Maier, author of 'True Confessions, Voices of Faith from a Life in the Church.' They discuss the process of writing the book, the candid interviews with bishops and other individuals in the Catholic Church, and the perception of the Church in the media. Maier emphasizes the importance of listening to the views of those who ar...

It was a real joy having Fr. Michael on the show. His book is fantastic - a real page-turner! I hope that you all read it! Summary of the Episode Father Michael Brisson, LC author of Death in Black and White , joins host Will Wright to discuss his novel and the inspiration behind it. Father Brisson shares his journey as a priest and how he found the time and motivation to write a book. They discus...

Summary of the Episode Dr. George Ceremuga comes back on the show and discusses his book 'My 50-Day Pentecost in the Holy Land' and his experiences traveling through Israel and the West Bank. He emphasizes the importance of leading with love and following the Creator Model of healthcare, which includes principles such as water is life, food is medicine, exercise, sleep, and love and forgiveness. D...

Summary of the Episode This conversation with Greg Schlueter covers various topics, including his personal life, his mission to help marriages and families live their nature in the Trinity, and his new book 'The Magnificent Piglets of Pigletsville'. The book is an allegory that addresses political and cultural issues in a safe and engaging way. It explores themes of becoming, belonging, and the ba...

Happy Feast of St. Benedict coming up on July 11! I’m excited to have had Fr. Robert Nixon back on the show as a repeat guest! What a wonderful priest and sharp intellect! Enjoy the conversation on St. Benedict! Summary In this episode, Father Robert Nixon, O.S.B. discusses the cross and medal of Saint Benedict, its origins, meaning, and power. He explains that the medal is a devotional object tha...

Summary of the Episode In this conversation, Will Wright interviews Meredith Hinds, a writer of Saint content for children. They discuss Hinds' book, 'Eucharistic Saints: 20 Stories of Devotion to Jesus,' and the importance of teaching children about the Eucharist. They also touch on the age of reason for receiving First Communion, the role of parents in teaching the faith, and the significance of...