Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward

Netflix is bringing Little House on the Prairie back to television—but what should longtime fans expect? In this interview, we discuss Netflix's upcoming reboot of Little House on the Prairie, including: Why the series is based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's original books rather than the classic Michael Landon television adaptation. Whether longtime fans are likely to embrace—or reject—the new version...

In 1873, a devastating yellow fever epidemic swept through Shreveport, Louisiana. As thousands fled the city, five Catholic priests made the extraordinary decision to stay behind. One after another, each knowingly entered the fever wards to care for the sick, administer the sacraments, and accompany the dying—fully aware that doing so would almost certainly cost them their own lives. In this episo...

Who was Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga, and why do so many people believe they encountered a saint? In this episode of Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward, I speak with Katesy and Amy about the remarkable life and ministry of Fr. Ubald, often called the spiritual father of Rwanda. In our conversation, we discuss: Who Fr. Ubald was and his ministry in Rwanda. Why the Rwandan government feared him and how he esca...

Fr. Edward Looney welcomes Kathy Dempsey to discuss the remarkable life and legacy of Mattie Stepanek, a young poet, peace ambassador, and inspirational figure whose life touched millions. Though Mattie died at just fourteen years old, his message of hope, peace, and love captured the attention of some of the most influential people in America, including Oprah Winfrey, Larry King, and Jimmy Carter...

Why would a Catholic priest buy a school bus and drive it himself? In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney introduces listeners to Fr. Charles R. Carroll, a beloved West Virginia priest whose extraordinary ministry left a lasting impression on generations of Catholics. Fr. Carroll served one parish, six mission churches, a Catholic school, and several mission territories from 1933 until 1980. In places...

Who was Ruth Pakaluk? A wife, mother, Harvard graduate, pro-life leader, and faithful Catholic whose inspiring life is now being examined by the Church as a possible future saint. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Meghan Tallarita, Vice Postulator for the Cause of Ruth Pakaluk, about the remarkable life and legacy of this extraordinary woman. Meghan shares how she became involved with...

Abbot Bradley R. Vanden Branden, O. Praem., was elected the eighth abbot of St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, WI on January 15, 2026, and received his abbatial blessing on April 18, 2026. In what may be his first longform sit-down interview outside of print media, Abbot Brad joins Fr. Edward for a wide-ranging conversation about his vocational discernment, Norbertine spirituality, and the mission of t...

Fr. Edward sits down with Brian O’Neel, founder of the website dedicated to locating the burial places of saints, blesseds, and holy men and women, to explore a question many Catholics have never thought to ask: Where are the saints buried—and how can I find them? Brian shares how his passion for the saints led him to document their tombs and create a resource for pilgrims seeking these sacred pla...

Fr. Edward sits down with Catholic speaker and author Greg Willits to explore the life and spirituality of one of the Church’s greatest Marian saints, St. Louis de Montfort—a figure Greg warmly calls “our dear friend Montfort.” While many know St. Louis de Montfort for True Devotion to Mary, this conversation turns to a lesser-known but deeply powerful work: Love of Eternal Wisdom, the saint’s fir...

Years ago, Lisa Hendey created her beloved multi-volume series Chime Travelers. Today, that vision has expanded beyond the page into a new episodic video series. In this conversation, Lisa joins Fr. Edward Looney to discuss both formats—who they’re for, how they differ, and how they complement one another. What age group are the books intended for? Who is the video series best suited for? And what...

Fr. Edward sits down with film producer and entrepreneur Chevonne O'Shaughnessy for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the movie and television industry. As the force behind ACI On the Go and producer of the new Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries series, Chevonne offers insight into what it takes to bring meaningful, family-friendly stories to the screen. In this conversation, they explore how Chevon...

Fr. Edward Looney has long admired Vinny Flynn, having first encountered his books many years ago. In this episode, he finally has the opportunity to sit down with him to discuss his latest work, A Year with Divine Mercy. Vinny begins by sharing how he developed a close relationship with the Marians of the Immaculate Conception and his deep connection to the message of Divine Mercy. The conversati...

Why would someone spend their time cleaning graves of complete strangers? In this episode, Fr. Edward sits down with Allyson—better known as the “Crzy Cemetery Lady”—who has captured attention online for restoring forgotten headstones and uncovering the stories of the people buried beneath them. She shares how it all began, what draws her to cemeteries, and why these places are far more meaningful...

Fr. Edward Looney looks ahead to a meaningful trip to New York, where he will visit the Parish Visitors of the Immaculate and pray at the tomb of the Servant of God Mother Tallon. Along the way, he will also honor the memory of his priest mentor, Fr. Fred Miller, whose buried in the religious order's cemetery. In this episode, Fr. Edward speaks with Mother Maria Catherine, whom he met through the...

Dr. George Ellis is a surgeon by profession—but his creative pursuits have led him into the world of independent film through his company, Coronado Beach Productions. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Ellis joins Fr. Edward to explore the intersection of vocation and creativity. Together, they discuss what it’s like to navigate two very different worlds—medicine and filmmaking—while pursuing mean...

Trig Rosseau joins Fr. Edward Looney to discuss the world of Christian hip hop and the mission behind Holy Culture Radio, the station dedicated to faith-centered hip hop that can be heard on SiriusXM. In this conversation, they explore the place of hip hop within Christian evangelization and how artists are using the genre to proclaim the Gospel. Fr. Edward asks questions many listeners may have:...

In this episode, I sit down with Stephen P. White to discuss a major new national study on Catholic priesthood published in Rebuilding Trust: The State of the Catholic Priesthood in the United States. What is the real state of the Catholic priesthood in America today? Are priests flourishing—or barely surviving? How has the abuse crisis shaped their ministry and morale? Is there truly a disconnect...

What if Jesus is the greatest leadership model of all time—and modern leadership theory has been overlooking Him? Fr. Daniel Brandenburg, LC joins Fr. Edward to discuss how his academic study of leadership led him to a surprising realization: at Catholic institutions, Jesus was rarely studied as a leadership model at all. Yet no leader has shaped history more profoundly. In this conversation, Fr....

What do priests and funeral directors have in common? According to Bishop Robert Barron, “The priest goes where most don’t want to go”—and the same could be said of funeral directors. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney sits down with funeral director Victor Sweeney for a candid and thoughtful conversation about death, funerals, and what lies beyond this life. Fr. Edward shares stories from death c...

Fr. Edward Looney welcomes author Anthony DeStefano back to the podcast to discuss his new children’s book, Your Valentine, which reclaims the true Christian meaning of Valentine’s Day. Anthony shares the real story of St. Valentine—a 3rd-century priest and martyr whose witness to Christian marriage and sacrificial love reminds us that love is stronger than death. They explore how Valentine’s Day...

Devotions in the Church often rise and fall in popularity, but some are providentially renewed for a particular moment in history. In this episode, Fr. Edward Looney and Fr. Lawrence Carney explore the devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus—its origins, spiritual depth, and relevance today. Fr. Edward shares how he was first introduced to the Holy Face devotion after leaving seminary in 2008 and how i...

In this conversation, Fr. Edward Looney speaks with actor and filmmaker David Henrie about his new EWTN+ series, Seeking Beauty, a show that invites viewers to rediscover the meaning of beauty through art, history, and faith. David shares his understanding of beauty as something deeply misunderstood in today’s culture, and explains the purpose behind Seeking Beauty, which he describes as something...

Fr. Edward Looney interviews Fr. Rich Kunst, the priest and curator of the Vatican Unveiled exhibit currently on display at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Part of the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Vatican Unveiled features rare Catholic artifacts, Vatican documents, relics of saints, papal items, and historical manuscripts — all drawn from Fr. Rich’s person...

Fr. Edward Looney speaks with Michael Lichens, spokesperson for a new book by Wincenty Laszewski, published by Sophia Institute Press, which examines the apparitions of Jesus to mystics and visionaries throughout history. The conversation explores how apparitions of Jesus brought hope to people imprisoned or sent to work camps, especially through the witness of Maria Teresa Carloni. Together, they...

Fr. Edward Looney speaks with John Krueger about Gen Z and the surprising resurgence of Catholic faith and devotion among young people today — what John calls America’s Catholic Comeback. John shares his own testimony of returning to the practice of the faith and how a Newman Center community helped draw him back. The conversation explores how the digital landscape and social media are aiding evan...