Kresta in the Afternoon

In a recent speech, University of Dallas President Jonathan Sanford observed that “there’s a growing perception that universities aren’t worth it anymore… There seems to be a whole lot of politics going on. Does that mean there’s not much learning going on?” With skyrocketing tuition, many parents and students are asking that same question. How did colleges get here? Auguste Meyrat joins us.

American birth rates are at historic lows, but about five percent of American women have defied this “birth dearth” and bore five or more children. Why? Catherine Pakaluk has traveled the country to hear their stories and she joins us today.

Many of us enjoyed paczki and other treats on Fat Tuesday. Traditionally, this was a way for cooks to use up butter, sugar and other delicacies before the Lenten fast. But there are other foods traditionally enjoyed throughout Lent, and many of them have special symbolism. We talk more with Helen Hoffner.

We’ll soon know if the Vatican’s strategy to contain the German Synodal Way had any effect. The German bishops will meet from February 19 to 22 for their annual Spring Assembly, and the main question on the agenda is whether they will continue the process of establishing a Synodal Council. This has been explicitly forbidden by the Vatican, and would be an act of direct defiance against Pope Franci...

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Mark very briefly recounts Jesus’ temptation in the desert. From there, we hear the famous proclamation of the Gospel – the Kingdom of God is at hand. We unpack the reading with Peggy Stanton.

The question of gender identity is divisive, controversial and often painful. How should parents respond to sons and daughters desiring to change their gender? Will the Church remain free to teach that we are created Male and Female? What do the sciences say? We’ll explore these questions and more at our annual Familiaris Consortio conference on March 2. Keynote speaker Dr. Paul Hruz and host Joe...

In today’s Gospel, Christ tells us to anoint our head and wash our face when fasting, so that only the Father knows what we are doing. Does this contradict the act of putting ashes on our head? Al discusses this and much more in a special Ash Wednesday commentary.

Before they became Catholic, Dr Dave Anders and his wife had just one thing in common – their contempt for eachother. Today they are extremely happy together – thanks to their embrace of the Church’s teachings. Dave joins us with the story of how the Church saved his marriage – and possibly even his life.

The Book of Leviticus isn’t exactly the most exciting book in the Bible, and it’s one we often find ourselves skimming through or skipping altogether. But it’s in these verses that we find crucial details for the construction and use of the Tabernacle, which in turn deepens our understanding of the Gospel. Gary Anderson joins us with more.

Robin DiAngelo, author of the bestselling White Fragility, recently commented that Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is a perfect example of the concept of white supremacy, because everyone featured in the Creation of Adam is white. Seeing racism ingrained in a classic work of art is the kind of accusation that results from a belief that all our relationships are governed by who is – or is not – in po...

Most people are familiar with John Paul II’s iconic visits to Poland before the fall of the Soviet Union, when he stood as a powerful friend and ally for human rights. But not everyone know about his later visits, when he warned about the allure of shallow materialism and secular human values and reminded the now-free people that true freedom was a task and responsibility. What would JPII have to...

Lent is upon us once again. How can we help our kids understand the meaning of this liturgical season? Karen McClelland has lots of ideas for activities and books to help your kids grow in their faith and prepare for Christ’s sacrifice and Resurrection. She joins us.

When, as Christians, we’re asked for the source of one of our beliefs, we often point to the Scriptures. But how do we know this source is reliable? Lydia McGrew joins us with simple, yet concrete answers to the age-old question “Why should I believe what the Bible says about the life and teachings of Jesus?”

When we talk with listeners, one concern rises about the rest: how they can help their kids and grandkids keep the faith into adulthood. The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate has just concluded the Future Families Project, which analyzes data from Catholic adults to see what was different about the faith environment in which they were raised. Dr Greg Popcak joins us with more.

We are in the midst of National Marriage Week, with World Marriage Day being celebrated yesterday. Jason Negri and his wife Samantha have launched a new marriage ministry at Holy Spirit in Brighton and will be welcoming Mike and Alicia Hernon to speak on March 9. All married couples in the area are welcome, and Jason joins us with more.

Country star Toby Keith passed away on February 5 at the age of 62 following a battle with stomach cancer. His songs, which largely had a patriotic theme extolling the simple things in life, resonated with millions. He also had a strong personal faith that he leaned on during his darkest times. Al discusses.

When we look at the collapse of the Soviet Union, we can identify seven world leaders whose influence led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. Six of them have died in the decades since, but one remains: former Polish President Lech Walesa. We get to know this last hero of the Cold War with Paul Kengor.

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich is best known for her visions, detailed in the Dolorous Passion which would later inspire Mel Gibson’s blockbuster film. We get to know more about her life and spirituality with Scott Smith.

This week, Sage publications announced that it was retracting three studies that found that chemical abortions pose health risks. The announcement of the retraction has received a lot of attention, since the studies were used by a judge in 2023 to suspend FDA approval of mifepristone. Michael New joins us with more.

In this Sunday’s Gospel a leper approaches Jesus, who is moved with pity and heals him. We talk more about the healing power of Jesus with Peggy Stanton.

It’s the feast of Pius IX, the longest-serving pope in Church history. Among his many accomplishments, he helped to formalize the idea of Papal infallibility. We explore this teaching with Dr. Matthew Levering.

Understanding America’s past and the uniqueness of the American Experience in history is crucial to understanding America’s present and future. Unfortunately, most American students lack basic proficiency in understanding their own history. A new report from Arizona State’s Center for American Institutions helps us quantify the problem. Dr. Donald Critchlow joins us.

The Colorado legislature is considering a bill that would allow for people from out-of-state to come to Colorado to receive so-called “Death with Dignity.” Such a law brings with it many dangers, we talk more with Wes Smith.

Every day, the same Mass is celebrated all over the world. As members of the Church universal, we are united in the liturgy by hearing the same readings and reciting the same prayers. Daniel Markham went on a journey across the US to experience the Mass in every state. He shares his experience with us.

Pius IX was the longest-serving pope in church history, and his papacy ended with his death on this day in 1878. Al looks at the impact of his papacy, including the First Vatican Council, the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, and Papal Infallibility.